When you saw the title of this post, did you think about sun, tourists, and Disney World?  While those things certainly are identified with Florida, that’s not the Florida that I experienced almost 2 months ago.

Those of you who know me will not be surprised to learn that just going over the Sunshine Skyway was exciting!  I wish Donna could have stopped the car but for some reason she didn’t think the Florida troopers would appreciate that too much 🙂  I do love a bridge and I’d have loved to have been on the bike!

My welcoming committee!

My three day visit was jam packed! In fact, we rarely stopped exploring.  A brief, early morning visit to the beach …

… was followed by a stop at the Sarasota Farmer’s Market.

  Is this not the perfect view for lunch and a cold beer?

We spent time at the Myakka River State Park and it was during our time there that I KNEW I needed a zoom lens!  Visitors to Myakka can enjoy “the land in its natural state, a piece of the REAL FLORIDA”.

The Birds! The Gators!  The Trees!

“Myakka protects one of the state’s most diverse natural areas. The Myakka River, designated as a Florida Wild and Scenic River, flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing from a boardwalk that stretches out over the Upper Myakka Lake, then take to the treetops with a stroll along the canopy walkway”

And then there’s the Canopy Walk!

76 feet high, the walkway offers an incredible view over the park.  It was a bit hazy that day, but you’ll still be able to appreciate the vista.

The Airboat tour brought us up close and personal to the gators and other wildlife.

On our last evening, we took a long leisurely walk around the neighborhood, admiring the trees, flowers, and the sunset.

It was a wonderful 3 day getaway, one that ended far too quickly.  I’m already looking forward to next year and time with my dear friends!