If you can pronounce Chokoloskee Florida, then you need to come down to see it!
We took an unexpected trip to Chokoloskee, Florida Sunday to retrieve a camera that had been left behind by my husband after his 9 day Everglades Wilderness Trip (more on that in another post). For what gas is going for these days, you have to wonder about the wisdom in making the 2 hour trip (each way) but we really wanted the memory card because it had photos of the trip.... the camera was easily replaceable but not the pics!
And, since my husband and I both love car trips and to explore different areas.... I grabbed my purse and camera and off we were!
Chokoloskee is about 50 miles south of Naples, FL and is known for its fishing. The island and surrounding area are dotted with fishing guides and snow-birds in for the season and wanting to catch some big fish!
As you enter Chokoloskee, first passing through Everglades City, you are greeted with colorful Bougainvillea on both sides of the road.
On the recommendation of one of the guides we had lunch at Havana Cafe. We were outside with absolutely perfect weather...hot with a nice breeze; and were lucky because it was the last day it would be open for the season.
You see, the 2000 Census has Chokoloskee as Pop. 404! Many of the seasonal residents as well as businesses will close and return this fall.
There are RV parks and various rentals that house snow-birds who head here to fish and relax, then like others in Florida, head back up north for the summer.
Here's the pleasant surprise that met us when we checked out the Chokoloskee Mall and Post Office. I saw loaves of bread sitting on a stand and I thought it might be homemade bread for sale. A retiree standing near by told me it was free to anyone and there all season. Rather than throw them out, Publix (Florida's grocery chain) brings bread and cake that they can no longer sell but is still fresh, and leaves them for whoever wants it. He said he hadn't bought a loaf of bread all season!
What a nice gesture!
Hope you enjoy some of my photos:
This is in Everglades City, but they are crab pots and the marker buoys... all ready for lobster season later this year. The person with their mouth full of a yummy Cuban Sandwich was my "chauffeur" Larry.
