Fakahatchee

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park was our destination today.  Along the Tamiami Trail (route 41) east of Naples, the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk has lots to see - ancient cypresses, alligators, bromeliads and a wide variety of flora and fauna. Along the way to the park we met Ron Hughes from Ohio.  A pleasant fellow, his car now bears the impression of our trailer receiver. He rear ended us going about 5 - 10 mph so there was no damage to our car and just an impression of our receiver on his.

Impression of our receiver on Ron's bumper.

Not a scratch on our bumper.

My favorite sighting of the day was a Barred Owl. Since it was still afternoon he was fast asleep. We saw him on our way out by the side of the trail and again on our return. On our return, he had had enough of people viewing him so he had turned his head completely to the back as only owls can do.

Quite a large bird - about 2' from branch to top of his head.

This growth on the cypress tree is called a "knee",  perhaps to help it breathe.

Nest of a Bald Eagle.

Another favorite was seeing the work of the Strangler Fig. 

After visiting Big Cypress we drove into Naples, and, at Suzanne's suggestion, we went out on the Naples Pier to view the sunset.

Sunset from the Naples Pier.