Executing Plan B
One goal of the trip was to sight see on Marco Island and find a place to do sunset pictures that evening, so after the Rookery Bay ELC we set our sights on getting over to the island. The drive over the bridge showcased a spectacular view of the blue Gulf waters, grand buildings and marinas. After that I wasn’t so impressed. We went in search of a beach, just a place to hit the water and unwind. Soon after arriving at that idea we passed a giant flashing sign that read “Spring break – police on beach” that didn’t sound inviting.
The buildings were jammed together and parking was non-existent. After a half hour of navigating the overwhelming traffic I was ready to go. We never found the public beach and upon reaching the mainland side of the bridge I found myself breathing a literal sigh of relief to be off the island.
So much for Marco Island…
There was still an hour and a half till check-in at the campground and I was in the mood for something low-key. Maybe I’m becoming jaded or the laid back east coast has me spoiled, but I just can’t take the hustle and bustle like I used to. I had read about a tiny park with a boardwalk that we could stop at on our way back to camp.
Briggs Nature Center -
mmm, pretty pictures and i love that tortoise.
I’m glad it let me take its picture
thanks!!
I love Marco Island! I’ve gone with my sister 3 times, but not in years, I miss it!
It was pretty, I wish we could have found the beach…
That is a little gem of a park
It was
Small but neat!
I know just how you feel! I enjoy visiting the west coast of Florida, but always breathe a sigh of relief when I return to our more relaxed area of the state.
You’ve given me ideas of two more wildlife areas to visit … should we visit Naples again (and I think we probably will). I have to say, I’ve always found Marco Island to be a bit disappointment, even the much-mentioned Tarpon Bay. I can imagine that heaving crowds wouldn’t do too much for the place in my eyes either
Without knowing the island, it was just overwhelming. Plus we were tired, so that didn’t help
The wildlife areas are small, but they were really interesting.
I’m with you – I had a similar reaction to Sanibel, not so much that it was hustle & bustle, but just too many people, when the whole idea (for me) was to enjoy the land & water. Looks like you found a good place though! (Love the turtle!)
Yeah, so many people… I just wanted to see the beach. Next time we are going straight to Naples. I liked the vibe there better.