Well. What a nice break. We promised ourselves last winter that we would do something like this.

I started looking at Panama City (nice beaches and parks) but the temperatures weren't high enough this time of year. So, going south on the Gulf side of the state map led us to Ft. Myers. Mid-seventies, sunny, etc. - oh yeah.

Southwest Air got us down there and back and Enterprise had a nice little Sebring convertible while we were there. Pretty cool putting the top down in February!

We went to Marco Island, Everglades National Park and toured Thomas Edisons summer home. Edisons home was really interesting - the property had hundreds upon hundreds of different species of Ficus.

Apparently Mr. Edison was researching commercial sources of latex (rubber) in conjunction with his best friends Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone. He had a lab on his property and everything! Interestingly, he found the highest latex concentration in the weed known as "goldenrod" (12% w/w). He then proceeded to breed a monster goldenrod variety that grew to 12 feet in height. Pretty amazing guy.

His home and property are a worthwhile visit if you are ever in the Ft. Meyers area.