March 14-19, 2010 - Aunt Dessie and Cousin Joe visit Naples, FL

Robert's Aunt Dessie and Cousin Joe live near Decatur, Georgia. We looked forward to their visit as they are very entertaining people and they love to share nature adventures. Dessie is Robert's favorite aunt. He has many fond childhood memories of summer trips to his aunt's home near Disneyland.

Aunt Dessie was 88 at the time of this visit. Besides her wit and sense of humor, Dessie is known for her fitness. She goes to aquatic fitness almost every day, plus she walks upwards of three miles a day. When Dessie walks, she does not stroll. I challenge a person half her age to maintain her pace. I'd estimate that Dessie probably walks at least an 17-18 minute mile, which is stepping out pretty good.

Cousin Joe is also an entertaining guest. He is extremely well read and knowledgeable on a wide variety of topics. Since two of his interests are history and nature, it is a lot of fun to share adventures with Joe.

The first day we took Dessie and Joe on one of our favorite walks to Clam Pass Beach via a very scenic boardwalk through the mangroves.

Robert and Aunt Dessie at the beach.



The second day we went to Corkscrew Swamp, an Audubon sanctuary. We have always enjoyed a trip to Corkscrew. Along the 2.5 mile boardwalk, are several different environments found in the natural Florida swamp.

Aunt Dessie, Cousin Joe and Glee in front of the Corkscrew Swamp vsitors' center.

Aunt Dessie on the boardwalk path

Great egret stalking gracefully

The cypress swamp with beautiful bromeliads

 Some Corkscrew Swamp scenes

 Little blue heron in Lettuce Lake

Black crown night heron on the bank near Lettuce Lake

Aunt Dessie relaxing at the visitor center after our wonderful walk.

On the last day of the visit, we took a ride out to Shark Valley, with a stop at the Big Cypress visitor center. Overlooking the deck at the Big Cypress visitor center, we have always seen HUGE alligators.

Aunt Dessie and Cousin Joe on the hunt for that big gator

Like this one, maybe?

Once out at Shark Valley, we saw many other alligators, plus some nifty birds, like this tri-color heron.

Male anhinga, drying out his wings after a fishing expedition

In full breeding plumage, this male anhinga has a wacko appearance, but the female anhinga probably is saying "hubba hubba"

Female anhinga, spearing a fish.

Green heron on lily pads

All too soon, our visit with Aunt Dessie and Cousin Joe came to an end. We look forward to other adventures with them soon.