Cortez, FL

Cortez is just on the eastside of the Gulf Intracoastal from Anna Maria Island/Bradenton Beach. The RV Park we stayed at, Holiday Cove, was great for several reasons: it was only a 3/4 mile run to the beach; our site backed up to a canal; and lots of different birds liked to roost in the Australian Pines along the canal. Ok, and their WIFI was fast and steady.
Here's our view of the canal. We could've paddled from here out to the bay and then onto the Gulf. Time just didn't allow for that on this visit.

There were several nests that Blue Herons were making. It was interesting to watch the males go out and collect the large sticks, and the females place them in preparation for their nesting season.

I think these mature brown pelicans are so pretty with their white and yellow heads.

An overly friendly squirrel decided to come for a visit. We were initially shocked when he stayed on the step when Andy exited the RV, but I was even more surprised when he jumped up onto the screen door. Do you think he's used to being hand-fed????



Our friends, Jim and Chris, came to visit one day. They're currently working at a Thousand Trails park in Zolfo Springs - about 60 miles east of here. We all hopped on our bikes and biked to the beach. We ate lunch at a restaurant with outdoor seating with views of the Gulf and watched dolphins jump out of the water while we dined. From there we just pedaled around town and then ended with a beer on the outside deck of a bar overlooking the Intracoastal.
Here's our crowd posing in front of our lunch-spot with a view.
On our bike ride we came across some sand sculptures. Most had started to deteriorate, but this Pirate Ship was in perfect condition still - look at the details on this.
Here's the rest of the pirate ship.
You can read more their visit at jimandchris.com.