Funky Vehicles

 I come across interesting vehicles.

This is an odd one, but I am originally from the Boston area, so I liked the Celtics hat on the front.

Nice paint job.  And rattan seats!

Spare tires can be pretty boring, but this guy put it to good use.

This belongs to a friend in my community.  He has another car for bigger trips, but he is a non-golfer so he uses this Moke to get around the community the way many of us use golf carts.

If you think I am running out of things to post from Naples,  you're right.  Posts from Connecticut begin tomorrow.

Naples Grande

 Naples Grande is an ultra high end hotel on the Gulf of Mexico in Naples.  It is closed for upgrades and renovations through the rest of 2026.  

Out for a Ride

 

Lucky dog.  Or lazy dog.

Coastland Center

 Coastland Center Mall is an older mall in Naples.  It has been struggling for years.

Some restaurants have been built as outbuildings in recent years.  Uncle Julio's was a Mexican restaurant that did well for a few years.  (I love the mural wall.)  Sadly, it closed for good a month ago. 

Trail Boulevard

 Naples residents and visitors drive up and down US Route 41 -- the Tamiami Trail -- all the time.  

Drivers on 41 who look to the east as they pass Pelican Bay see some pretty attractive houses on s road that runs parallel to 41.  On a recent day, I pulled off the highway to take a closer look at those houses.

Some of those houses are quite big, expensive and attractive.

But, the constant road noise is unbearably loud.  With so many other attractive places in Naples, I really can't understand why anyone would make the choice to live there.

Naples UCC

 

Naples United Church of Christ is a big Protestant church on Seagate Drive in Naples.  It looks so much like the Protestant churches in New England.

HE's Afraid of ME?

 

I see and photograph alligators all the time.

I keep a respectful distance.  

Most of the time I am in my golf cart, staying a careful distance away.  The images make it look as if I was very close, but that is a result of a long lens and heavy cropping.  

If I creep too close, the alligators quickly dive into the water.  But, yesterday I was ready and had my camera up while the cart got closer and the alligator made its dash for the water.