Chokoloskee Island

It seems as though every other place on Chokoloskee Island, just off the southern tip of Florida, was for sale.  Economic hard times have hit the tourist industry with a heavy hammer.  We arrived in gale force winds and worries of frost.  Flowers were in bloom so everyone was scurrying about covering their favorite blooms.

   Steady 25 mile an hour winds from the west called for large blocks to hold the covers in place.

       This orange plant produced tiny white flowers.  I have no idea of its name. 

                                                  Same leaf but red with same white flower.

Hold on to your hats, the wind is gusting to 45mph.

                                                                    Glory in the morning.

                                                               One nail wasn't enough.  

        "Better Homes And Gardens" December's centerfold.

                                                                    Hurricane remains.

Leaving the island we  headed east on highway 41.  This is also called "Alligator Alley" and we weren't disappointed.  Cool mornings bring the big fellows into the sun along side of the highway.  If you ever get the chance to ride along this road, do so.  For countless miles we were given a show of all kinds of large birds(Egrets-Blue and White Herons, Sand Hill Cranes, Kingfishers, Cranes)  sunning with wings outstretched and flying to and from new locations.  With their raucous calls and the great number of them it sort of felt like a moment out of Jurassic Park. Truly, multiple thousands were all along this stretch of the road.  A real gift for the Snowbirds.

We're in Florida City this morning, gateway to the Florida Keys.