Wednesday, 12 March
The Journey from Bradenton to Pine Island
The journey from Linger Lodge RV Park in Bradenton to Fort Myers/Pine Island KOA Holiday took us about 1 hour and 30 minutes, covering around 60 miles. We started by heading south on I-75 South and taking Exit 161 CR768/Punta Gorda. We stopped at a Walmart with a large parking lot and stocked up on some food and camping supplies. We then took Burnt Store Road onto Pine Island and Stringfellow Road to the campground.
The route became more coastal as we approached Pine Island, which had beautiful palm-tree-lined roads and water views. But we also saw the devastation caused by previous hurricanes over the past three years. In September 2022, Hurricane Ian made landfall near Fort Myers as a powerful Category 4 storm. It caused catastrophic damage, including massive storm surges and widespread power outages. The storm left a lasting impact on the region, with extensive rebuilding efforts following its destruction. More recently, in October 2024, Hurricane Milton struck the area as a Category 3 storm. It brought severe flooding, wind damage, and tornadoes, leading to additional devastation in Fort Myers.
Fort Myers/Pine Island KOA Holiday, FL
Fort Myers/Pine Island KOA Holiday was a large campground with 140 sites. We had site 338 which featured full hookups, a level concrete pad and patio, and a brand new picnic table. We had a view of the three man-made ponds but no shade. We were directly across from one of the several bathroom facilities. The park was only half full, which a local told me was unusual this time of year.
We quickly set up our camper and rode our bikes to the pool. The pool was refreshingly cold, and the hot tub was nice and hot. About 30 minutes after we arrived, a four-piece band started up and played sing-a-long favorites.
Afterwards, we returned, took some showers, and cooked hamburgers on the grill. We enjoyed dinner sitting out on the picnic table before retiring into the camper for the evening.
Thursday, 13 March
Edison and Ford Winter Estates
We left around 7:40 a.m. for the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, Florida. Though the estates were only 26 miles away and did not open until 9:00 a.m., we left early to account for unpredictable traffic. As it turned out, we arrived by 8:40 a.m.
These historic homes once belonged to two of America’s most famous inventors and industrialists, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. At the entrance, a large flower and plant store welcomed visitors. Our Caravan was met by two guides who divided us into groups for a guided tour of both estates.
Edison’s Estate – Seminole Lodge
Thomas Edison first visited Fort Myers in 1885 and was captivated by the warm climate and natural beauty. He purchased land along the Caloosahatchee River and built Seminole Lodge, a stunning winter retreat. The estate includes a main house, guest house, caretaker’s cottage, and a laboratory where Edison conducted experiments, particularly on plant-based rubber alternatives. The property is surrounded by lush tropical gardens, including a famous banyan tree gifted by Harvey Firestone.
Our tour began at the caretaker’s cabin, followed by the pool area, the moon garden (where his original laboratory once stood), and the river shore, where his large pier was once located. Finally, we arrived at the main house. Though we could not enter, the large windows were open, allowing us to peer inside and see most ground-floor rooms. As we walked around the estate, the guide pointed out various items of interest inside and throughout the gardens.
Ford’s Estate – The Mangoes
Next, we walked over to Henry Ford’s estate, located next door. Ford, a close friend of Edison, purchased the property in 1916 and named it The Mangoes, inspired by the numerous fruit trees on the grounds. His home, a classic Craftsman-style bungalow, served as a winter retreat where he and Edison could collaborate and enjoy time away from their businesses. The estate also features a garage that once housed Ford’s early automobiles.
Exploring the Museum
After the guided tour, we were free to explore the other attractions on the property. First, we relaxed on a bench near the shoreline, enjoying the tranquil water views.
We then visited the museum, which housed an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits related to Edison, Ford, and their groundbreaking work. We explored Edison’s phonographs, light bulbs, motion picture equipment, and Ford’s early automobiles and industrial innovations. The museum also showcased personal letters, documents, and memorabilia, highlighting the deep friendship and business collaborations between Edison, Ford, and Firestone. One of the most fascinating exhibits detailed the Edison Botanic Research Corporation, where the three men worked together to develop a domestic source of rubber.
Edison’s Laboratory
We then walked through Edison’s botanical research laboratory, built in the 1920s as part of his mission to discover a plant-based alternative to natural rubber, which was crucial for the automobile industry. The laboratory remains intact, featuring original equipment, glassware, and chemical processing tools. Edison tested over 17,000 different plant species, ultimately identifying goldenrod as a potential rubber source. Today, this lab is designated as a National Historic Chemical Landmark, preserving a key part of Edison’s legacy.
Afternoon by the Shoreline
After exploring the estates, we met some of our group at a bakery kiosk, where we sat and chatted for a while. Lisa and I then grabbed our packed lunches and found another bench by the shoreline, where we enjoyed a relaxing meal while admiring the waterfront views.
Later, we took another stroll through the gardens and shoreline, eventually visiting Edison’s Caretaker Cabin, which featured an exhibit on fishing in Florida.
By mid-afternoon, we returned to the campground, stopping for gas and taking a detour through St. James City at the southern tip of Pine Island before returning to our camper.
Staff Dinner
That evening at 5:00 p.m., the Caravan staff hosted a dinner in Clubhouse #1, serving pulled pork, coleslaw, baked beans, and chips. Before dinner, each table was asked to choose a favorite song—only to discover we had to perform it before being allowed to eat! Our group, having guessed what was coming, cleverly selected “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” We placed 4th out of 5.
After dinner, the wagonmaster reviewed the itinerary for the next several days, which included a jump to a campground near Miami the next morning. Dessert followed, and we enjoyed delicious strawberry shortcake before wrapping up the evening.
Since we had an early departure at 7:00 a.m., we returned to our camper, packed as much as possible, and settled in for the night.
Friday, 14 March
We had to leave the campground by 7:15 a.m. and headed toward Miami with a few stops along the way.