Created 3-Oct-22
Modified 3-Oct-22
This Gallery begins in a local nature park one block from the beach front in Ft. Lauderdale. This is where Pam and I waited before surprising Ryan and Jen on the occasion of his proposal to Jenn on Ft. Lauderdale Beach (Check the preceding gallery for a full accounting of that event). It was our first introduction to Samson, their new Rottweiler puppy (Ryan has wanted a puppy every year since his 6th birthday and decided he had waited long enough) and it was also our 12th Wedding Anniversary. Another surprise was Ryan's friend, Sahil, who flew down from Boston to witness the surprise proposal.
From Ft. Lauderdale we headed across Alligator Alley to Naples, FL. Pam was disappointed that she didn't see any Alligators along the way. I told her the tourists has scared them away.
Naples holds many memories for me. My parents lived there from 1980 to 2001--first at 770 Park Shore Drive and then at the Glenview (a full time care facility). I can remember when Pelican Bay really referred to Pelicans. At the time Rt. 41 was so full of Pelicans that one had to drive slowly to give them time to fly before hitting them with the car. Since that time Naples has grown exponentially and much of their habitat has been built upon.
After visiting my parent's former home at 770 Park Shore Drive we went to the Naples Pier. Its difficult to believe that within a few weeks this famous landmark would be totally destroyed by hurricane Ian.
After walking the dog at a local park, we went to The Glenview where we took a short walk on the berm.
The gallery ends with an approaching thunderstorm as we drive north to Ft. Myers on Rt. 41. -- a preview of things to come. The hurricane would completely cover this section of Rt. 41.
© Robert Peek Photography