Lola

Posy (po-zee), n., pl -sies. 1. A flower, nosegay, or bouquet.
2. Archaic. A brief verse or sentimental phrase, especially one inscribed on a trinket or ring.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

A glimpse of old Florida

Cayo Costa State Park is like a little piece of heaven.   Cayo Costa translates to “key by the coast”, and the locals pronounce it Kay-yah Coss-tah.  The park is located on the Gulf coast, due west of Ft. Meyers and directly north of Captiva and Sanibel Islands.  If you like, you can visit the Park’s website or these YouTube selections.

Frankly, it’s not the perfect destination for everyone.  The park offers a few “primitive” cabins and campsites, primitive being  the operative word…there is no electricity (except at the ranger station), so you can forget about air conditioning!
Not exactly The Waldorf.  The park is accessible only by boat or ferry, so you can’t just zip out to a store if you forget something.  You have to bring everything you might need:  food, drinking water, ice, plenty of bug repellent, cocktails…and even shade.

For those who don’t mind roughing it, Cayo, in my opinion, is some of the best atmosphere Florida has to offer, the quickly-disappearing  “real” Florida, the way it used to be.  Our last trip was in July of 2009, and boy is it hot in July!   But there is always a breeze along its nine-miles of secluded beach.   
The island and its surroundings are home to all manner of birds and sea life, including families of dolphins, who feed in the shallows near the lagoons and just off the beach.
When you’re ready to get back to civilization and a well deserved hot shower, you can pack up, catch the tram to the dock and make a stop at Cabbage Key.  This little spot is a private island that has sweet cottages and a small inn with all the amenities:
I’ll leave you with a shot of our favorite Cayo Costa activity…..
sunset on the beach
Note to self:  get back to Cayo soon!

27 comments:

  1. Wow....sounds like the kind of place my husband and I would love to visit!!! I am an avid birder too, and this would be my type of place. Hubby lived in Florida for a bit growing up, as his Dad was Air Force. What a gem of a place to go. Thanks for sharing!

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  2. Cayo sounds like a great place to visit. I love the thought of a quiet time no tv,computer..... Just us with some good fun family time. :)

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  3. gorgeous shots! Love the last one the best, I love it when the sky gets like that... just makes you want to burst inside...
    I hope you're having a lovely weekend XX

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  4. Now that's the Florida I love! The "real" Florida. Hubby's brother lives in St. Pete and we have a friend there that always takes us on a "real" Florida excursion when we are down on our annual pilgrimage. He has mentioned Cabbage Key and Cayo Costa many times...I think 2011 just might be the year we go there! Thanks so much for sharing, Linda! I'm getting hubby to come read your post!

    XOXO,

    Cyndi

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  5. AMIGA GRACIAS POR TUS VISITAS Y COMENTARIOS EN MI BLOG!!! TE LO AGRADEZCO DE TODO CORAZÓN!
    VEO QUE TAMBIÉN SOS DE ACUARIO! CUMPLO AÑOS EL 22 DE ENERO Y VOS???
    LA TRADUCCIÓN NO ES MUY BUENA, PERO NOS ENTENDEMOS BASTANTE!!
    UN BESO Y HASTA PRONTO!!!

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  6. Ah that sunset is to die for! I don't know much about Florida - can find it on a map but that is all ( except what I read in novels! ), so all that you tell us is new and interesting. That's the beauty of blogging. We learn about all these interesting places where people LIVE not just stuff that we can't identify with.
    Cheers
    Helen

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  7. Wow that's so pretty. My guy's gran lives down in florida so I know we'll be paying a visit or two there some day so i'll have to keep these magic places in mind away from all the big tourist attractions.

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  8. Posey...Guess what? After Palace review ....We are putting you on the favorites list...

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  9. Hi thanks for stopping by the blog and glad you like the burning dinner quip lol...my son used to come in and ask what l had burn't for dinner tonight when he was growing up...ooops
    Great holiday destination you have there bit of wilderness works for me
    Hugs Suz x

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  10. Hello Linda,
    Many thanks for your kind comments on my blog, you are always motivating me to post more and more!
    Ok, I’ll write a post about my trip, I hope it is fun for you.
    Nice description of Cayo Costa, and nice photos too. It makes me feel like flying there just now!
    But for now I’m back to work so, let’s wait for our next holidays…
    Have a nice week
    Hugs
    Merchy

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  11. This must be a wonderful place to visit. I've been in Florida 12 years ago. It was a great vacation, hot, the Keys and FUN!
    Hope your week is off to a great start, happy happy Monday. xxx

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  12. Hmmm, might have to go there sometime and take a bunch of yarn! Who needs a shower when you have the ocean....uhhhh, me?

    Cindy

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  13. Have a most wonderful afternoon and evening, Linda. I'm off to grab another cup of {late} evening tea .^_^.
    xxx

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  14. Good Evening Linda,
    Its so nice to be able to fly across the world without even leaving my chair, and packing suitcases! I just love it.
    One minute I'm in Australia, the next I'm with you, and guess what it doesn't cost me much either! ha.ha.
    Internet connection and thats all! Wonderful.
    Wonderful post Linda, gorgeous photos, thanks so much for telling us about your part of the world!
    Hugs Suex

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  15. Thanks for the link on Mrs TWins.
    But that was where I saw it first of all. I had some more of the same yarn arrive this morning, so I'll crack on with it now.,
    Thanks Posy Linda!

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  16. Hello Linda
    Thankyou for your kind comments on my blog. I've never really fancied Florida much before but these photos look tempting, is the weather nice in Spring? (I have enough hot weather in my life!)The beaches look stunning.
    Louise x

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  17. Oh Florida looks great. And your photo placements are such fun!

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  18. Wow! Cayo Costa looks like my kind of holiday! I would love to watch out for birds there and just sit doing some beading etc!
    Glad that you had a nice time!
    Lucy xx

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  19. Lovely shots. Beautiful place!

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  20. Wonderful place to visit.
    Beautiful photos.
    Hugs

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  21. Hi Linda! Looks and sounds like a lovely way to spend some time! I really enjoyed your pictures, especially the last one...how gorgeous! xo

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  22. Hi Linda!! Thank you sooooo much for the lovely words on my blog!!! Your sweet words make my birthday so more fun and joyfull!!!
    You have a pretty name and a charming blog!!! Be sure I will be here soon!!!
    Lots of JOY for you, dear Linda!!
    Bela.

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  23. Hi Linda,
    You're such a faithful visitor of my blog. Pfieuw, I can't compare to you in doing that. Know I appreciate it a lot, also all your nice comments!!
    Till soon, xxx

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  24. Sweet Linda,

    beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing with us.

    I have a present for you at my blog, please look here: http://meggi1908.blogspot.com/2010/08/ich-wurde-ausgezeichnet.html

    Send you many smiles and hugs,
    Annika

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  25. Beautiful photographs, I have not been to Florida in some time since my move from England. It looks seemingly delicious. Must go back soon too!

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  26. Muy lindo tu viaje a Florida, fuí una vez las playas son bellísimas.
    Muy lindas tus mantas a crochet.
    Saludos desde Venezuela.

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  27. Hello dear Linda,
    How are you doing? As I can see you are enjoying Summer holidays in Cayo Costa, Florida. What a beautiful state might be Florida and Cayo Costa seems to be a place with a very refreshing vibe. I hope to hear from you and your adventures when you get back.
    Wishing you a great time there dear friend.
    Kisses!

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