1381 November 11, 2026 Fred And Jen In Port Charlotte

I started my day walking loops around the giant casino parking lot.  This is not the Everglades but it was a good safe place to walk AND there were NO mosquitoes!

We traveled from Miami across the state of Florida on 75 otherwise known as Alligator Alley.  We hadn’t been on this road in years.  The cool thing about riding here is that there are rest areas and recreation areas where you can get out and see the birds and gators in the canals.  We stopped at the Big Cypress Rest Area and there was a trailhead there for the Florida National Scenic Trail.  You can go through the 10-foot gate and enter Big Cypress Preserve.  You can hike north or south on the trail for lots and lots of miles.  There are camping areas spread out along the way.  Keep in mind that the 10-foot fence is to keep wildlife like deer and gators and panthers and black bears from wandering onto 75.  Did I mention that there are snakes in Florida?   The sign also states that hikers will be walking through water and will get their feet wet.  What an exciting adventure it would be to backpack through this area!  Route 75 is also designed with wildlife corridors that pass under the highway to allow animals to move to new hunting or mating grounds.

We arrived in Port Charlotte in early afternoon.  We are staying at Harbor Lakes RV Resort where my Uncle Fred and Aunt Jen live.  We spent the afternoon visiting and catching up.  This is the view from their lanai.

We were treated to a golf cart ride to The Bean where we had a nice dinner.  Kenny Rose provided the comedy/live music for the evening.  We had a really nice time!

Thanks to all the US Veterans, especially our friends and loved ones.  We appreciate your service!