Return to Siesta Bay, Ft. Myers - January 2019

Lake in Siesta Bay RV Resort at Sunset

Annual Cooking Baking

Happy 2019!  Turns out we were fortunate to get a spot in Siesta Bay RV Resort for January due to a cancellation.

We really like this location, so we cancelled the reservation we had for January in Bonita, just south of here, and will stay here for the month instead.  We returned to Ft. Myers on January 4th, after 3 weeks in Michigan for the holidays.

Three Granddaughters!

We appreciated the mild winter weather while we were in Michigan this year.  Hardly no snow and lots of good times with family and friends, including family Christmas celebrations, annual New Years Eve with friends, and a big baby shower for Beth and Kevin.

Kevin & Beth - Baby Shower

Returning to the FL sunshine and warmth was very nice though, and we will make the best of the time here before we gladly leave for Maryland at the end of the month for baby time.  We have already made a reservation to stay at Siesta Bay for three months next winter.

Historic information - Bunche Beach

While here we have made a point of visiting some nearby areas we haven't been to previously.  This includes "Historic Bunche Beach" which is just down the road from us and an easy bike ride.  This beach is on the mainland looking across the bay to Estero Island and Sanibel Island.  A small county park with a visitor's building, kayak rentals, etc.  (Interesting history - you can click on picture to make it bigger to read).

Jim & Sylvan - Siesta Key near Sarasota

We also traveled north of here about 90 miles to visit Siesta Key near Sarasota (not to be confused with Siesta Bay RV Resort - similar name but different locations).

Friends Sylvan and Sharon are visiting Siesta Key from North Carolina for several weeks and we enjoyed a nice visit with them as well as Sharon's sister Tiby and husband David who winter here from Chicago.

Siesta Key is consistently named one of the top beaches in the United States and it's easy to see why.  There is a very wide beach area with white powder sand.  Siesta Key has a small downtown area with restaurants and shops.  We did not venture into nearby Sarasota, but am told this has even more to offer for the seasonal snowbirds.

We also checked out Pine Island; Florida's largest island, located north of Sanibel Island and west from the City of Cape Coral.  There is no vehicle access to Pine Island from Sanibel Island, however, it's a pretty easy 45 minute drive from our location.  Pine Island is pretty remote and natural and appears to be a great location to get away from it all especially if you own a boat. We saw a few small restaurants/bars and shops, but did not see amenities like you would find on Sanibel Island

Nauti Parrot Dock Bar - Ft. Myers

Back in the Fort Myers Beach area, we discovered a couple more local restaurants we like, include the Nauti Parrot Dock Bar,  Citrola's Italian Restaurant, and Schnitzel House (nice variety, huh?). 

Jim has used this time to do some RV maintenance, including changing the anit-freeze and oil, battery maintenance, and roof caulking; all preventative.  We had no issues with the RV being "stored" for the 3 weeks we were gone.  We placed a large container of "damp-rid" in the RV to help with any humidity, but it did not seem to be a problem this time of year.

I am all set up and working remotely at my tax and accounting job.  Very happy with the internet connection through the Verizon Jetpack hotspot.  Pretty sure the cell booster is working to provide a stronger signal.  It seems strange to be able to log in and do my old job from different locations, but love it!

Always looking ahead and making plans for the rest of the year, knowing it is subject to change.  We plan on staying in Maryland February and March; then returning to the Florida panhandle for April.  We will then start our way north stopping in North Carolina and Maryland before arriving in Michigan sometime in May.  We hope to make a trip to Colorado the month of June and then spend much of the summer back in Michigan.  Our elusive Maine and northeast trip is back on the calendar for late September/early October.  Followed by another stop in Maryland and North Carolina; we expect to be back in Florida around mid November for the winter.

Darren, Cheryl, Ellie

Dan, Jim, Megan, Anna, Deb, Christie

Ellie & Beth

Kevin & Beth - Baby Shower

I wanted to share a few more family pictures from the holidays and baby shower.  It was so nice having our family all together; can't wait for the new addition to the family.






 We appreciated all the family and friends who attended the baby shower during the hectic holiday week, especially sister-in-law Linda who traveled from northern Michigan and Beth's friend Sara from TN.


Many thanks to everyone for your love and support.

Florida Siesta

November Morning leaving MI

Time to slow down and relax here in southwest Florida after a couple of busy months.

Siesta Bay RV Resort

We escaped the cold just in time as it was snowing in Michigan the day we left.   We are now near Ft. Myers Beach at Siesta Bay RV Resort.

Birthday girl

After our late October-early November visit to Michigan and time in North Carolina to enjoy Ellie's 1st birthday, we headed south from NC and arrived in Ft. Myers after an overnight stay near Jacksonville.  We noticed we must have beat the big "snowbird" push as the traffic has been good and the park is not full yet.  I'm sure that will be changing soon.

Siesta Bay RV Resort is located near one of our favorite Florida destinations, Estero Island, Ft. Myers Beach.  The RV park is located about 4 miles from the bridge to Estero Island and about 3 miles from the causeway to Sanibel Island. 

Siesta Bay Resort

As November and December are not yet "peak" season, we got a very reasonable rate for the month we will be here.  The majority of the park is permanently placed modular and mobile homes, with maybe 20% RV spots.

Siesta Bay RV Resort

Great amenities with full hookups, club house with swimming pools, tennis, shuffleboard and pickle ball courts, exercise facility, etc.

There is a walking/biking path out on the main road and good shopping and restaurant options nearby  This may be a location we will come back to next winter for a longer stay.

Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grill, FMB

Doc's Beach House, Bonita Springs

It took me a few days to switch gears from our busy travel time to this slower pace here in Florida.  We are enjoying visiting some our favorite beach spots and restaurants.

Our time here is also providing some additional reduced activity time for Jim's injury.  His ankle and leg have continued to heal nicely and he got a good report from the doctor he saw in Michigan.  Still wearing either the boot or ankle support for a several more weeks, but can put full weight on it and more importantly, he can drive!  One more recheck in December when we are in Michigan and a couple more months of careful walking, he can expect a full recovery.

1st Place winner - tribute to California firefighters

Ft. Myers Beach is host to the Annual American Sandsculpting Championship every November.

Dancer sculpture

We went to the 32nd Annual installment and were very impressed.  This is a 10 day event with both professional and amateur competitions.

Sculpture under construction

We were so impressed with the amount of work and level of detail that goes into these sculptures.  The California firefighters tribute was definitely the favorite.

They block off a section of the beach (toward the southern end of Estero Island near Wyndham Garden hotel) for this event and bring in vendors, live music, and hold sand sculpting demonstrations.  Very nicely done, but with limited parking, they offer free shuttle bus service from Lover's Key State Park located south of the venue.

Beach erosion at FMB Pier & Pier Side Grill

Pier Side Grill

We couldn't help but notice the effect Hurricane Michael had on certain areas of the beach, including the area near the pier at Time Square on Estero Island.  Several years ago while we were here on vacation, we saw a beach restoration effort that greatly expanded the beach area.  Now it appears it is needed again as the beach is eroded up to the sea wall at Pier Side Grill.  However, we did NOT notice any of the "red tide" effects that have been in the news recently.

Embrace Change

Florida residency update:  Upon arrival in Florida, we needed to take care of a little business.  We got our Florida drivers licenses in what turned out to be a very quick and easy process.  Armed with the required documents, including our vehicle registrations that we had previously switched to Florida, it was a simple process to surrender our Michigan drivers license and obtain the Florida version.  After paying the approximately $50 fee each, we left with the new licenses in hand good for 8 years.  We were also able to take care of our Florida voters registration while we were there.  So we will be voting (likely absentee) in the wacky State of Florida in future elections.

Planning ahead:  Siesta Bay RV Resort has also provided a storage spot for the RV when we fly to Michigan for Christmas. The most economical storage yet, as they are only charging us $42 total to store the RV for three weeks.  When we return to southwest Florida, we have a reservation for the month of January at a park in Bonita Springs, just south of Ft. Myers.  The 1st of February we will travel to Maryland with the RV for a stay near Beth and Kevin for the arrival of their baby (very exciting!). Sometime in March we are planning on returning to Florida, perhaps Lakeland and the panhandle for the rest of March and April.

Looking forward to having our whole family together in Michigan for Christmas.  Happy Holidays! 

Not to be Stopped - Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Page AZ, Bryce & Zion National Parks

Zion National Park - Emerald Pools Trail

With crutches and knee scooter in tow, we did not let an injury stop us (Jim's broken ankle/leg)  We left Salt Lake City as planned and arrived in Las Vegas, NV after an overnight in Cedar City, UT.  An easy drive south on I-15.

Uncle Duane, Aunt Lou - Las Vegas

Plans here in Las Vegas included visiting Jim's Uncle Duane and Aunt Lou who have lived in Las Vegas for many years.  Nice to see them both and appreciated the short tour around their area that included a visit to the NHL Las Vegas Golden Knights practice facility.

Lake Mead near Boulder City, NV

 A couple days later, with the RV parked safely in an RV Park, we picked Jim's sister Karen and husband Anderson up at the Las Vegas airport and began our planned vacation (by car) with them that included Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion National Parks, Page, AZ, and of course, Las Vegas.  

Grand Canyon South Rim

Grand Canyon South Rim

Starting off at the Grand Canyon, we stayed two nights at the Maswik Lodge inside the park.  Caught a little off guard by the chilly weather, but made the best of it and explored the canyon from numerous vantage points.

Lower Antelope Canyon

Lower Antelope Canyon

From the Grand Canyon we traveled north to Page, AZ for a couple of days.  Lots to see here, including Glen Canyon Dam, Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend and a new favorite, Antelope Canyon.

Lower Antelope Canyon

Our guide helped us get some great shots. Since there are a lot of stairs (some more like ladders), Jim could not maneuver the canyon.  We will just have to make a return visit.

We toured the lower Antelope Canyon.  The canyon is on Navajo property and there is no public access.  You must purchase a guided tour through one of their tour companies to see either the Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon.

Lake Powell, Page, AZ

Horseshoe Bend, Page, AZ

Glen Canyon Dan - Lake Powell

Horseshoe bend is a popular tourist spot; about a 1/2 mile hike to the canyon from the parking lot where you can see how the Colorado River carved a horseshoe shape through the rock. This spot is operated by the National Park Service and currently there is no entry fee.

The Glen Canyon Dam is just outside of Page, AZ and backs up the Colorado River to form Lake Powell, upstream from the Grand Canyon.  There is a visitors center located on the west side of the dam along Hwy 89.

The Lake Powell National Recreation Area is run by the National Parks Service with a small admission fee.  This is a popular boating vacation spot.  We saw numerous house boats on the lake; looks like a great way to vacation.  There is a nice campground near the lake that will accommodate the RV; we will have to check it out for a stay sometime.

Inspiration Point, Bryce Canyon National Park

From Page we headed a little father north and made a quick visit to Bryce Canyon National Park.  It's amazing how much the landscape and vistas change from park to park.  Bryce, is the beginning of the "Grand Staircase" - defined as a series of plateaus and rock layers that descend from Bryce Canyon through Zion Canyon and south toward the Grand Canyon.

Coming out of Bryce Canyon we passed through Red Canyon with vibrant red rocks.  Located in the Dixie National Forest along Hwy 89.
Moving on to Zion National Park, approximately 75 mile drive from Bryce NP to Zion NP.

The Narrows, Zion National Park

We saved a real gem for last, Zion National Park.  If you ask Jim, he will tell you that this Park is his favorite.

Majestic mountain views, it's also know as an oasis in the desert with the Virgin River running through it providing enough water to support trees and other vegetation. 

In Zion, we did a lot of walking (or scooting in Jim's case), enjoying the Lower Emerald Pool Trail as well as the Narrows Trail along the River.


The paved portion of the Narrows Trail ends one mile in, along the river.  The rest of the "trail" through the narrow canyon is accessed by walking through the river and is very popular due to the spectacular views.  Jim and I would like to so this section of the trail someday.

Desert Pearl Inn, Springdale, UT

Virgin River, Zion National Park

We splurged a little and stayed at the very nice Desert Pearl Inn located in the town Springdale, just outside the west entrance to the park.  After a couple of days at Zion, it was a short drive back to Las Vegas.

Conservatory - Bellagio Hotel

Conservatory-Bellagio

We decided to head right to the Las Vegas strip and high on the list to see was the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio. Decorated for Fall, the display is titled "Falling Asleep" inspired by the mythology of the goddess of harvest.

The whole display is made of natural items, flowers, seeds, etc.  Similar to the Rose Bowl Parade creations.

Hoover Dam

We also visited New York New York Casino & Hotel  and experimented a little on the slot machines.  Jim even won a little, so we cashed out and called it a day on the gambling.

By-Pass Bridge-Hover Dam

A quick trip south of Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam concluded the sightseeing with Karen and Anderson.

Lake Mead near Boulder City, AZ

A nice visitor center depicts the history and building of the dam on the Colorado River, forming Lake Mead. An engineering marvel and one of the seven man-made wonders of the world.  Downstream from the Grand Canyon, it's all about water management not only for Lake Mead, but as the river flows through southern California providing this valuable resource.

The day after Karen and Anderson flew back to MI, we headed out on our cross country trek.  Over 2,200 miles to get to North Carolina from Las Vegas.

Winslow, AZ

Winslow, AZ

We decided to travel I-40 cross country this time since we have plans to fly to Michigan at the end of October.  Could not resist a stop in Winslow, AZ (Standing on a Corner).  Historic Route 66 runs close to I-40 here.  A fun spot with a tribute to Glenn Frey and The Eagles.  Eagles music being playing nonstop!

With our trip to Michigan, Jim will follow up with a doctor on his ankle and we will spend some time with granddaughters Anna and Megan while Dan and Christie are out of town on business.  It will be nice to have this extra Michigan time before we head back to NC and FL in November.

Some other notes from the road:

While we had the RV parked in Las Vegas, we hired a service that works in the park we stayed at to have the RV washed and waxed.  Looks great; happy to have that done.

While driving across New Mexico I made note of several places to put on the list to visit in the future:  Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park and White Sands National Park in southern New Mexico.

Flying objects:  On I-40 in New Mexico a car passed us that was loaded down for travel, including items strapped to the roof the the car.  Just after they passed us, a large tote flew off the roof of the car into the roadway.  Lucky for me it smashed into pieces and contents went flying.  Looked like mostly clothes, so no damage done when I ran over several small items.

Police escort:  We got off I-40 in Oklahoma to get gas, took a wrong turn to get back on the freeway and found ourselves on a narrow road with no place to turn around.  Stopping for a minute to look at options, a County Sheriff came by and knew we were in need of some assistance.  He offered to escort us the "back way" and led us back on I-40.  We thanked him - he said it happens often at that spot.

Lower Antelope Canyon - in awe!

Driving cross country was a little grueling, especially in the short amount of time we took to do it.  However, the drive just inspired more ideas of where we would like to visit in the future and couldn't help being in awe of the vastness and diverse areas we traveled through.  So much to see in this beautiful country.

I guess they call that wanderlust!