Vacationing in Naples, Florida ~The Beach

Just returned from our vacation in sunny Naples, Florida!

Naples is in the southwest part of the state, known as Florida's Paradise Coast.

And paradise, it was!

We went to the beach every day to soak in the warm rays of the sun,

hoping they'd penetrate all the way down to our winter-weary bones.

The gentle lapping of those Gulf waves was entrancing, both to watch and to hear.

I loved to close my eyes and try to shut out all other sounds but the waves. So relaxing!

A highlight for me was our long walks.

 Bird watching was a pleasant past time; we were surprised to see such a variety of shore birds.

 We enjoyed watching cormorants and pelicans dive in for fish.

A few evenings we were treated to a glorious sunset over the gulf.
This post, first in my Naples, Florida series, shares beach photos from our beautiful vacation.

 Royal Tern

 Naples Pier in the distance.

 My proud American senses tingled when we spotted a
Bald Eagle overhead, the first I'd ever seen so close in the wild!

 Lots of dolphins to be seen.

(This photographer is sorry she hadn't been quick enough 

to capture more of them with her camera!)

 It was a delight to watch these adorable Sanderlings

dart back and forth on the shore!

 A graceful Snowy Egret. Love their wispy frills.

Brown Pelicans. (Cue the Jurassic Park theme.)

Willets

The happy, relaxed, vacationing couple!

Enjoy more about Naples in these posts:
 Naples, FL ~Tin City
Naples, FL ~Naples Botanical Garden
Naples, FL ~Naples Soap Company
Naples, FL ~Out & About
Clam Pass