Blog

Make it snappy

Graham — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 07:19:39 +0000

Barbara Weibel’s Hole In The Donut travels have brought her back to the area, with a visit to Babcock Wilderness Adventures.

Barbara reports on being transported into another world as she travelled around the wilderness area in an old, typically U.S. schoolbus with a distinctive camouflage livery.

She writes: ‘We crossed a bridge flooded with three-feet of water and descended to Telegraph Cypress Swamp, named for telegraph lines that had to be routed around the swamp.

‘Again the road disappeared beneath gently flowing tea-colored water. In this dense, dank forest hundreds of cypress knees poked through the water and alligator eyes followed our every move.

‘On a speck of higher ground we disembarked and walked along an elevated boardwalk, examining frilly ferns and delicate toadstools that crept up red-barked trees. At the end of the boardwalk, a maze led to a wildlife enclosure containing two endangered Florida cougars.

‘When the others returned to the bus I hung back. In reverent silence I surveyed the scene before me, astonished that a swamp was one of the most exquisitely beautiful places I have ever seen.’

You can read Barbara’s full review here.

For the full range of Barbara’s travel experiences and wonderful pictures from around the world visit Hole In The Donut.

Visit beautiful Manasota Beach

Graham — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 06:33:13 +0000

Just had an email from the great people at the beach seeker’s website Uptake Beach.

They are reporting on the superb sand, sea and scenery at Manasota Key thanks to travel writer and photographer Barbara Weibel on her site Hole In The Donut Travel.

Barbara reports: ‘Manasota Beach is separated from the road by a wide sea-oats and sea grape studded dune.

Just two people can be seen on an endless stretch of sand at Manasota Beach

‘Beachgoers follow sandy paths through vegetation to the crest, where they are treated to a spectacular view of pristine sands and clear blue water.

‘The few private homes here are tucked well back into the dune and can hardly be seen from the beach. Amenities include rest rooms, large and small picnic shelters, ample free parking, and lifeguards are on duty year round. On the Intracoastal side of the park a boat ramp and docking facilities are available.

‘The 620 foot dock continues as a boardwalk winding through the mangroves that line the shore of Lemon Bay.’

This fine area of beauty is situated about half an hour from you holiday villa.

Photo credit Barbara Weibel

Laughter in Port Charlotte

Graham — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:12:56 +0000

Congratulations to Visani’s Comedy Club, Port Charlotte, which makes Florida Monthly’s best of 2009 list.

The venue offers comedy every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Meals available too, including Italian entrees and Black Angus steaks.

Best of Florida Awards

Englewood in at No. 2

Graham — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:06:58 +0000

Englewood hits No. 2 spot on TripAdvisor

Pay attention, please

Graham — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 22:37:10 +0000

Wouldn't it be great if all in-flight safety messages were delivered with such feeling as this.

Full marks to Thomson.

Visit Englewood

Graham — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 21:56:53 +0000

Englewood is a beautiful area just half an hour drive from your villa.

The visitflorida.com site has some great images provided by visitors, with plenty of information.

Visit the page by clicking here.

There’s a beautiful beach where you can enjoy fabulous sunsets, great fishing, and there are some quality restaurants.

There is a video of Englewood beach here.

Speed warning

Graham — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:40:22 +0000

Watch out, the cops are about!

Port Charlotte Sun reports that beginning Monday, 29 June, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office will increase traffic enforcement at the following locations:

Speed enforcement:

U.S. 41 to Edgewater Drive, Charlotte Harbor.
McCall Road from the Myakka River Bridge to Spinnaker Boulevard, Englewood.

Traffic light enforcement:

McCall Road and Oriole Boulevard, Englewood.
U.S. 41 and Olean Boulevard, Port Charlotte.