Tuesday - Cool, Breezy Day, But Sunny!

It was in the upper 40's when we got up - Ken at 5:30 and me around 6:45.  After doing his reading, Ken loaded our bikes on Ernie's truck for today's adventure!  Then he met Ernie for their morning walk.

I got ready, did my stretches, reading, and then prepped for breakfast.  I also talked to my sister, mother, and dad.  At 9:30 Ernie, Noela, Ken and I left for a trip to Myakka State Park about a 35 minute drive from the CG.  It is a great place to ride bike and do some hiking, but today it was a bit chilly.  We did see lots of alligators and birds while biking and hiking in the park. 

Myakka State Park is a great place to ride bike!

Love the canopy of trees and the Spanish moss!

1st alligator spotting at the Park!  Looks like tire tread!

Just got ready to soak up some sun....

,,,,,and take a nap!

So quiet and peaceful!

Limpkin - the one that eats apple snails!

We had packed our lunches and found a picnic table in the sun to eat.  The canopy trail is a great one where you climb a tower and go over a swinging bridge.  We had also walked out to a viewing area where we saw about 18 alligators lined up on the shore warming themselves in the sunshine.  Nearby were lots of limpkins, buzzards and a hawk!  One of our rare sightings was the beautiful glossy ibis!

A flock of limpkins!

All lined up for sunning!

The buzzards are checking out the situation!

So many colors on the glossy ibis!

Okay, he may not be beautiful but he sure is unique!

Quite a gathering!

Nice paths to walk in the Park!

I love seeing all the palm trees, live oaks, and Spanish moss!

The very Happy Snowbirds!

Crossing the suspension bridge!

The last alligator we saw before leaving the park.  He looks
like he is smiling.  Must be a happy dream!

We loaded our bikes and were on our way back to the CG by 2:30.  Ken and I changed and by 4:15 we were on our way to have pizza with Burt and Pat, church friends and fellow workers at the Food Bank, at Bocca Lupo in Port Charlotte.  We had a great time visiting and enjoying the delicious pizza made in their coal oven.  Then we went to their nearby condo to teach them Hand and Foot, a game they have been wanting to learn.  They were a fast "study" and we had a fun time together.  She treated us to fresh fruit and brownies.  Unfortunately, the men were the winners.  We are hoping to visit Burt and Pat at their home in Kennebunk, Maine this summer or fall.

This sign gets updated daily!

Playing Hand and Foot in Burt and Pat's Condo!  They
are such a wonderful couple!

Back to Wilbur by 10:30 and it was off to bed after a fun-filled day.  I had spent a lot of time talking with my mother and father and the staff at Masonic Village where they live trying to arrange transportation for my dad to his great-granddaughter's wedding reception on March 25th.  He is on an electric wheelchair and has no strength in his legs, so we can't take him in a car.  Hopefully the home will be able to transport him on a regular wheelchair so he can be a part of the festivities!