Old Florida Festival - Seminoles and Settlers

Last weekend the 27th Old Florida Festival was held on the campus of the

Collier County Museums in Naples.

Seminoles were a loose knit band of Native Americans, primarily Creek Indians and blacks. 

Seminoles in Florida engaged in a series of lengthy 19th century battles with the federal

government, resulting in many being resettled in Oklahoma in 1842.

Another Seminole.

More Seminoles.

Lunch.

Two settlers.

Conquistador.

Naples Beach and Golf Club

The Naples Beach and Golf Club occupies a prime location between U.S. Route 41 and the Gulf of Mexico.  It has been here for the last 75 years.  The family that owns it is said to be shopping it to new owners.  Great location on the beach, golf course underwent a major renovation 

over the summer, but the hotel building could use some modernization.

Wood Storks

I came across 10-12 wood storks on the 17th hole of my golf course, so, after finishing, 

I hurried back to the house to pick up a camera with a telephoto lens.

Wood storks are big white wading birds with long beaks and gnarly necks and heads.

They were categorized until 2014 as "endangered" but are now categorized as "threatened."

 They spend some time in my North Naples community, but seeing 10-12 at once is uncommon.

Yesterday there were fewer wood storks, and they were joined by roseate spoonbills.

Beautiful birds.

A Calusa Potter

A Calusa potter makes pots with a coiling technique.

Marco Island Historical Museum

A Calusa Shaman and His Apprentice

The Marco Island Historical Museum is a bit of a giggle, since "Historical" doesn't fit well with a city developed almost exclusively after 1960.  

Many of the exhibits are devoted to the Calusas, local Native Americans extinguished in the mid 1700s by famine, pestilence and settlers' rifles.  A shaman -- spiritual leader -- pays tribute to the gods with a daily offering.  His young apprentice assists in the ceremony.

Naples Pier, Again

How about a simple photo of the Naples Pier from a different angle and with few people?

Playing in the Leaves

Susie sent me a photo of red-cheeked Willa playing in the leaves in Connecticut yesterday.
It is much better than the post I was planning for today.

I will be back in West Hartford next Tuesday for Thanksgiving.