Sunny Naples.

2-9-14 NAPLES, FLORIDA: We’re on a short break from the ice and snow, visiting Carol and Ken in warm, Gulf-side Naples. With afternoon temps in the eighties it’s shorts and tees, Crocs and sunscreen weather. Yesterday we started at the farmers’ market, walking their dog Oliver through the maze of other dogs of all sizes and breeds. The market has a nice selection of edibles and crafts.

After leaving Oliver at home, we went to the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. We have been there on other visits and are glad to re-visit. The Sanctuary is a large wetland with an old growth bald cypress forest. The trees, being deciduous, are leafless this time of year. They are covered with epiphytes, Spanish moss and strangler figs. The forest floor, mostly standing water, is covered with ferns, palms, water plants, cypress knees and wildflowers, there is no empty space. The boardwalk loop through the swamp is a bit over two miles long and passes through different variations of the ecosystem.

We saw lizards, alligators and lots of birds as well as birdwatchers and photographers with gigantic, long lenses and tripods.


Ubiquitous hibiscus.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.

Great Egret with green 'lores' above the bill. It's a sexual signal.

Anhinga drying out after a dive.

Gator.

Little Blue Heron.