Catching sunsets on this trip has been tricky at best. In fact, it has almost been impossible due to heavy late afternoon thunderstorms. It’s been hot, hot, hot and that is a sure sign that thunderstorms will roll in. After yesterday’s storms, I grabbed the camera and headed down to the dock just in time to photograph this beautiful scene. A typical sunset scene in not so typical southwest Florida.

Thomas Edison (the man who invented the light bulb among many other things) purchased 13 acres of land along the Caloosahatchee River in Ft. Myers in 1885. How did he get this far south? Tour guides at his winter retreat say he was seeking a refuge from the harsh winters in New Jersey. A year after he bought the property, he and his new bride, Mina, visited the area. Two homes were constructed on the property—one was the Edison’s main retreat cottage and the second one (next door) was for friends and family. The pier in this photo was the first thing built at Seminole Lodge. Nearly all the home’s contents were delivered by boat to this pier. Early photos also show a summer house located at the end of the pier where family and friends gathered to enjoy cool ocean breezes.

This has been one of those trip where there seems to be animals everywhere—up close and personal animals. This Macaw kept trying to draw me in closer, but I knew better than to get too close. These birds have a bad repetition; they bite!

And the Flamingos are just drop-dead gorgeous, but they won’t hold still. I thought for sure taking their picture would be a snap. That was not the case. They are busy, busy birds. Like some people I know.

This is a young giraffe and he is a little silly guy, too, as proven in the photo below.

Doesn’t he look like someone you know. I don’t know who—but someone.

Mom had more sense. She would not come out into the hot sun! But she was quite willing to stand at the doorway and let me take her photo. “Hi, Mom!”

I realized when I took this photo that I really don’t have to go to Yosemite National Park to photo a Grizzly! I only need to hang out in the right places.

Finally, Mr. Tortoise seemed the saddest sort of fellow. But there was something so sweet and gentle about him. I know better than to let my guard down around wild animals. So, I stopped short of giving this guy a great big hug.

Ok, I promise to stop posting photos of alligators. This little guy spotted me from across the pond! Wonder what he was thinking?! Probably something very southern like “Gator bait!”

Storms at the beach are so relaxing and after they are gone, the sunsets are glorious.

I’m not kidding. I asked this alligator, “Do you remember Annie?” And . . .

He opened his eyes! I had this strange feeling that he did. I almost freaked out! . . . Then he winked and said . . .

“I remember you, too!” Oh, memories! Maybe, some are better left out or forgotten!

Still watching! You can bet this is one gaze that I thought about for the rest of the day and well into the evening.