Day #272: From last evening I beat Mike at cribbage. Mike and I were up at 6:30 A.M. for coffee, grapefruit, mini lemon poppy seed muffins and ginger cookies. The two of us started the day with some small boat jobs and paperwork. We reviewed the weather deciding to leave on Thursday but when I called Roland Martin Marina and Resort Friday night was not available so reservations there were made for Saturday night. Roland Martin Marina is in Clewiston, FL which is right before Lake Okeechobee. I then called Port Labelle Marina making reservations for Friday night so we will be in Fort Myers until Friday morning. Mike and I decided to wait to see what the weather looks like as we get a bit closer before making any futher reservations. At 9:30 A.M. the two of us walked 1.3 miles to Edison and Ford Winter Estates which contains a historical museum and 21 acre botanical garden on the adjacent sites of the winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford beside the Caloosahatchee River. Mike and I decided to do the audio tour so we were given audio player and map. There were 20 sites which were marked 1-20 when the two of us got to the particular site we would type in the number and hit the green button the audio player would talk about that particular part of the tour. After touring the estates, museum and botanical gardens we headed over to Edison Ford Marina near the estates to see Mike S. from "Dash Away" who is a gold looper working on his platinum loop. The last time that the two of us saw Mike S. was in Demopolis, AL. The three of us talked for a bit before Mike and I headed to the Publix for grapefruit. The two of us then headed back to the "Parrot Bay". At 12:30 P.M. it was time for lunch onboard the boat. Mike and I then headed up to the flying bridge to read books as it was cooler. During the afternoon the winds picked up and clouds rolled in so it was beautiful for the two of us to sit up on the flying bridge. At 5:00 P.M. it was time for some navigation review and blogging. After dinner it was time for reading and relaxation.
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Thomas Alva Edison. "From his first visit to his last stay in Fort Myers in 1931, Edison created a remarkable estate that included areas for his research, as well as family and social activities. His love of Florida included pastimes like fishing, boating, reading, trips to town, and exploring the tropical estates that Edison affectionately referred to as his "Eden". 
Audio player for the audio tour of the estates. 
"Original pier the Edison Pier was the first structure to be built after Edison acquired the property in 1885 as a way to transport building materials to the property. A boathouse, benches and pavilion made this area a favorite spot for the Edison family to enjoy fishing, boating and entertaining." 
Giant Dioon 
The Coconut Grove 
Edison Pool Complex 
Edison Family Home "Seminole Lodge" 
Inside the Seminole Lodge. 
Lights in the Seminole Lodge. 
The front of the Edison Family Home Seminole Lodge. 
"The Edison family created the Friendship Walk as a way to pay tribute to their friends and relatives A total of 50 stones comprise the Walk, though some have been removed for conservation over the decades."  Walkway from the Main House to the Guest House. 
Edison Guest House. "Edison initially sold this house to his friend and business partner, Ezra Gilliland. Edison re-acquired the home in 1906 and remolded it for use as a Guest House. Among the many guests that visited were Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone and President-elect Herbert Hoover. 
Henry Ford 
Henry Ford's Winter Estate. "Henry Ford purchased the home in 1916 providing him the opportunity to vacation with his mentor and friend, Thomas Edison." 
1921 Ford Model T Square Cab Pickup Truck 
"The Biggar Family added this building to the property after purchasing the home from Henry Ford in 1947 antique vehicles from the Edison Ford collection are on display." 
Mysore Fig Tree  "Ford Cottage Shoppe was originally used as Ford's garage and caretaker's residence. Unique gifts and refreshments are available here." 
Mina Miller Edison in the Garden Shoppe. "Old fashion plants, seeds, herbs and garden items, like those from the Edison Ford gardens."  "Historical documents reveal the banyan was planted as a sapling on the Edison property around 1927. It is one of the largest banyans in the continental United States, with a canopy which covers almost one acre of land."  Edison Botanical Research Laboratory and Machine Shop  Chemical Processing Area  "Edison Ford Museum includes many galleries interpreting the lives and innovations of Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and their families." 
"In the museum you can experience exhibits of Edison inventions, see Ford automobiles and participate in hands-on science activities and view special exhibits reflecting history, science and the arts." 
Mike and I stopped at The Marina at Edison Ford to see Mike S. on "Dash Away".
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