Antics of a last swim

Well night swimming in Florida is a great idea. Marcus had a final swim, we tried to test the night sites on the canera... it sort of worked....

Customs Check our Luggage on the Way Home!



Some one is happy to see us back..... Barney :)

How to Spot a Tourist in Florida

In Florida you would think a soft top would be ideal, open air, sun on your face, wind in your hair.... sounds perfect.

Well, we worked out that apart from those that enjoyed baking in the hot sun, boiling with no real gain from their airconditioning and tourists everyone rides around in large cars, 4x4s or huge pick up trucks.

This pic is for my Mum, we thought of you when we saw a PT Cruiser soft top on the way to the house on our 1st day.

Floridians are boat mad!

Well why not.... you have amazing weather, lots of water all around and loads of places to go to on your boat.

Sailing, fishing, or just racing around the place, sunning yourself or enjoying a picnic.

If you live on Boca Grande or one of the islands a boat is a must, having to cross the toll bridge with the snow birds and tourists must be soooo dull! lol!

The Floridians store boats in wracks and can launch or land a boat of most sizes and types on the whole in a matter of under a minute. Watching a slipway can be fascinating, seeing the comings and goings of varios types of boats.

Just imagine being abled to tie your boat to the jetty of your favourite restaurant, go in for a bite to eat and then travel home over the waves. If you can do this I recommend the Fisheries for an easy going place to go.

Eddison & Ford Winter Estates

We visited the Winter estastes of 2 important men in history. Eddison the inventor of over 400 paintents including the light bulb and Ford the inventor of the first mass produced motor car.

The estates were hit by the hurricanes 4 years ago, but they have been able to save and replant much of the gardens.

The houses are still being restored after being found to be ravaged by termites (traditional building used a lot of wood in Florida homes.)

An interesting beautiful place to visit if you are in the area. With the 2nd largest banyan tree in the world.

Florida Sunset

I never understood why the Americans were fascinated by sunsets.

Now I know!

These pictures are taken on the Englewood Beech. Which is meant to be one of the best beaches in Florida

The house in Florida

4 bedrooms, a huge family room, well equipt kitchen, pool, triple garage, airconditioning (essential!) and lots more. On a double plot on Rotonda.

We stayed with Tanya & Peter (Marcus's parents while we were in Florida.

The house they are renting at the moment for their trips to Florida is gorgeous. Brillianlt furnished, spacious and with the best pool I have seen in a private house.

The Ringling Museum

We visited the Ringling Museum and house. Which was orginally home of the very successful couple who ran the Ringling Circus in the USA. They bought the estate along with a huge amount of real estate after enjoying the winter climate that Florida experiences (goos weather!).

The gardens included a gorgeous rose garden, a huge mangrove given to the Ringlings by Eddison and an amazing Italian villacosting two million dollars to complete and furnish (in the 1920's).

2 weeks passes very quickly when you are having fun!

Back in cool (cold) Britannia!

We have been back a week already and the sun has shon most days. It makes it almost bareable being back at work!

I promise the photos will be on here shortly, just been doing the garden, sorting the house out and mainly sleeping for the last week. Jet lag and lack of sleep on the flights back seem to have caught up with both of us.

Already planning next year's holiday, hopefully with Andy & Kelly.

We arrived on Sunday to an amazing heat, gorgeos sunshne and the upgrade to a four by four. The air conditioning is a god send and the scenes in Florida are amazing. (I will aim to load various photos while I am here and more when I get home.

The house is in a place called Rotonda it is located across 2 plots and has 2 double bedrooms, 2 twin bedrooms (ensiutes to most), a goregeous pool, amazing tv and surround sound system and a huge garage. The house is brilliantly equipt with sun loungers, a huge table in the lani (spelling not inc.!) and a trully homely feel.

Florida is amazing, the weather has been hot for 2 days and then it has rained today. But, not UK rain, the humidity has gone, but the temperature is still there.

Ellinton outlet centre is fantastic and the service every where has been outstanding. UK service providers, stores and restaurants should take note.

We have had a swim in the pool every day (lowest temperature has been 80 degrees), we have tasted amazing chines takeaway, italian to die for and still more amazing foods to come. (If you ever go to Ellinton try a smoothie from the food court... delicious!)

MP3 loaded and ready to go...

We have now loaded most of my recent music collection on to my MP3 and I am ready and raring to go.

Florida is now just hours away.

Wishing you Were Here....

Between 87 and 67 degrees F & sunny