2006-Early Winter Getaway to Ft Myers Beach

We used our timeshare for a one bedroom with full kitchen. Our room was very clean and nicely furnished. The kitchens are well equipped. We had a wonderful view of the Gulf. Based on the week were we at Island Towers I noticed that the other guest were a bit older. A decent sized pool is located out back surrounded by a large patio overlooking the Gulf. Lounge chairs and shuffleboard is also located on the back patio. In the front of the resort on the second floor is a patio with numerous tables and chairs, a small bar and two gas grills for outdoor grilling. Publix (grocery store) is located right across the street. We were located near the center of the island. We took the Trolley to Times Square area for .25 one way. The Trolley stops are located about every 3-4 blocks. The Trolley runs about every hour. This is a very quiet resort, perfect for R&R. We were able to take many day adventures to Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, and The Everglades for a Airboat ride.

We were able to sit outside overlooking the beach and the pier. I ordered fried clams, they were very good, everyone else had burgers, which they said were good as well. The only disadvantage was the seagulls. But hey, you are at the beach... what do you expect?!

Our adventure started at the Everlades City Visitor Station, from there we turned off Alligator Alley and we were on our adventure into the unknown... Hopefully the alligators aren't hungry. We traveled down a side road until we reached our destination, Everglades Airboat Tours. We had reservations, so we checked in, we were told that Captain Bill would be taking us into the mangroves. As we stepped outside we saw three airboats lined up, which one was our ride? We boarded out craft and we were off. Captain Bill told us about the mangroves and the Everglades. We entered a large area surrounded with mangroves, like a little bay area. Look! What's that on the shore? An alligator! He took us to several area where we spotted gator after gator. He was very informative and answered all of our questions. He even pulled on out of the water for us. At the end of our adventure we got to hold a live gator. Yes, I did it. The tour lasted about 1 hour. You could take longer or shorted ones, look for coupons online or in the many travel guides located through out the area.

We took a drive over the causeway, which is a toll road, to the islands of Sanibel and Captiva. We started at the tip of Sanibel Island at the Sanibel Lighthouse. You have to pay to park. Don't forget your sunscreen, a towel, and some water. Pack a small cooler for a picnic lunch. This is a great place for some shelling. We drove to the other end of the island then continued on to the tip of Captiva Island for some shelling there. On the way back we stopped at the shops.