Naples, Florida
Located on the southeastern coast of Florida, Naples is a beachfront paradise that’s sandwiched by the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the Everglades to the east.
Sunrise
Although Naples is located in the west and the sun doesn’t come up over the ocean the sky is still filled with a myriad of colors on a daily basis. I captured this picture in the backyard of my sisters house. The calm air of the morning provides the perfect chance to get a mirror like reflection from the water. The low clouds reflect enough light in the early morning prior to sunrise to capture some amazing pictures without the sun blowing out the colors.
The Naples Preserve
In the heart of the Naples is a small (9.5 acre) yet important nature preserve for the Gopher Tortoise. The Naples Preserve and Hedges Family Eco-Center located on the corner of US41 North and Fleischmann Boulevard has a free and accessible 0.4 mi (0.6km) walking trail that winds through two different Florida upland habitats: Pine Flatwoods and Oak-Rosemary Scrub. This is the best opportunity you’ll have to see a Gopher Tortoise in Naples and a nice change from the hustle and bustle of 5th Ave.
Tropical Climate
Naples is on the northern most point of the tropical climate zone. In the US, only southern Florida and Hawaii are located in the tropical climate between the Tropic of Cancer (northern hemisphere) and Tropic of Capricorn (southern hemisphere). This zone includes every location on earth that has a subsolar point (sun is located directly above at least once per year). As with most tropical climates, there are two main seasons, the dry season (winter and spring) and the wet season (summer and fall) when most of the annual rainfall occurs. This phenomenon leads to a lush tropical ecosystem filled with flora and fauna. The image on the right is of healthy mangroves in the Gordon River Greenway Park.
Brown Pelican (Pelecanus Occidentalis)
Pelicans are on this list because they’re prevalent in Naples but also because I find them fascinating. Their size coupled with the way they glide just barely above the ocean surface mirroring the curves of the wave then dive from heights of up to 60ft (18m) to catch their prey are impressive feats to watch.
They frequent inland and coastal waterways where fish are plentiful. They catch them by diving at steep angles from 60-90 degrees at heights of up to 60m. They also rotate their body slightly to the left when diving to reduce impact on their esophagus and trachea located on their right side. As they enter the water they open their bill to scoop fish and surrounding water. Once they surface they tip their bill to drain the water before swallowing the remaining fish. In shallow coastal waters they often hunt in groups slapping their wings on the waters surface to corral schools of fish before taking turns diving. This pelican was resting by itself at the Naples City Dock.
Naples Botanical Garden - Night Lights in the Garden
The mission of the garden is to develop and conserve collections and habitats representative of the flora and cultures between the 26th latitudes (the tropics). The garden is a 170 acre collection of flora and fauna from all around the world. There are themed gardens with plants from various eco systems around the globe like the Kapnick Brazilian Garden, Kapnick Caribbean Garden and the Lee Asian Garden to name a few.
The picture shown is from a special annual event called Night Lights in the Garden that runs from November to January. The garden is lit up with colorful lighting allowing visits at night including events and concerts from the Water Garden. The newly added Orchid Garden is not to be missed. A visit during the day or at night will provide an educational experience with a strong visual appeal. This picture is of the Kapnick Brazilian Garden just as you enter the exhibit looking across the pond.
Lowdermilk Beach Sunset
The beach is part of Lowdermilk Park which is one of the few parks directly on the beaches of Naples that offers public parking (to visitors). The park includes the beach, a duck pond, two children's playgrounds, two sand volleyball courts, picnic tables and a cafe. The Beach Cafe is open from 9am to sunset in the winter and 9am-6pm in the summer and offers a variety of food as well as rental of beach chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, bodyboards and paddle boards.
The beach is located in the northern half of Naples just south of Doctors Pass Inlet. It extends just under a mile north to Doctors Pass and as far south as the tip Naples in Port Royal. Since the beach (like all Naples beaches) faces West, sunsets are often spectacular. I took this picture from the park to capture the silhouette of the palm trees in the picture. I’m a sucker for a good sunset!
Naples Pier Sunset
Naples Pier is located at the heart of the city at the west end of 12th Ave South with public parking just a short walk from the beach. The pier includes restrooms, showers and a concession stand that’s open the same hours as Lowdermilk Park 9am-sunset in the winter and 9am-6pm in the summer. Fishing is common on the pier but visitors also enjoy watching fish from the pier, watching pelicans dive, normal sightings of dolphins and sunsets like this one.
The beach here stretches for miles in either direction filled with soft, white gulf sand and warm tropical waters. The water averages 68F (20C) at it’s coldest in January and February and 87F (31C) at it’s warmest in August.
Sunrise over the water
Muscovy Duck
Spider Web at Gordon River Greenway Park
Osprey at Gordon River Greenway Park
Brown Anole
Airplant at Gordon River Greenway Park
Spiderweb without spider at Gordon River Greenway Park