Deidre and Ron – Page 2 – The Long West Coast Summer Trip.

Visiting some old florida History.

Ted Smallwood Store.

The Ted Smallwood Store, located in Chokoloskee, Florida, holds a rich history as a significant trading post in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Established in 1906 by Ted Smallwood, the store provided a vital link between the remote Ten Thousand Islands and the outside world, offering essential supplies, purchasing local produce, and serving as a hub for the Seminole Indians and early settlers. This historic establishment provides a window into the past, showcasing the unique blend of cultures and lifestyles that shaped the region’s development. Today, the Ted Smallwood Store stands as a museum, preserving its legacy and offering visitors a glimpse into an important chapter of Florida’s history.

In 1910, Edgar J. Watson purchased the Smallwood Store from Ted Smallwood, seeking a fresh start after a turbulent past. However, Watson’s arrival in the local community was met with suspicion and unease. The tension culminated in a violent encounter on October 24, 1910, when Watson was fatally shot on the porch of the Smallwood Store. The circumstances surrounding his death remain shrouded in mystery, with various accounts and theories circulating to this day, contributing to the enduring folklore of the region.

The killing of Edgar Watson at the Ted Smallwood Store reverberated across the Chokoloskee community, sparking intrigue and speculation that continue to captivate historians and visitors alike. The unresolved nature of the incident has woven a compelling narrative into the fabric of Florida’s history, fostering a sense of enduring fascination with the enigmatic figure of Edgar Watson and the events that unfolded on that fateful day in 1910. The legacy of this pivotal moment endures as a haunting reminder of the complexities and contradictions that characterize the annals of the Smallwood Store and the storied past of Chokoloskee, Florida.

Our “im born here” Captain has it on good sources that Watson was a SOB who killed people left and right and pulled his double barrel shotgun first , his bullets were wet, it misfored and the townspeople then as a group killed him !

quit the story !!

see you soon

Gator Hunting , with a camera!

Loop Road, Big Cypress State park, Everglades, Florida

A 20 mile dirt road leads through the unspoiled part of Big Cypress, Aligators sunning on the side of the road, statues maybe. sure feels like it untill you get too close. They are fast, not agressive, thats us trying to get too close !

The Everglades today is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including alligators, a variety of bird species such as herons, egrets, and the rare snail kite, as well as the endangered Florida panther. Visitors can also spot dolphins, manatees, and a rich tapestry of marine life in the waters surrounding this unique ecosystem. The Everglades continues to be a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking to observe an abundance of wildlife in their natural habitat.

A relaxing couple of hours with Captain”I was born here” to navigate the Baron River and get a glimpse of the thousand Islands wildlife refuge. Many dolphins, great calm water and mangrove islands. A great place to get lost in !

Everglades City, located in Collier County, Florida, has a rich and varied history. The area was originally inhabited by the Calusa Native American tribe, who thrived in the region’s abundant natural resources. In the late 1800s, the town was established and became a hub for the Southwest Florida’s frontier.

It played a significant role in the construction of the Tamiami Trail, which was completed in 1928, connecting Tampa to Miami and opening up the Everglades region for development. During the early to mid-20th century, Everglades City was a thriving hub for the fishing and stone crab industries.

Notably, the city also gained notoriety as a center for the illegal activities of the infamous “Outlaws” during the 1970s, including smuggling and drug operations.

The rich history of Everglades City is interwoven with the unique ecosystem of the Everglades, making it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Back Tomorrow.

Shaking down the RV

Crucial before starting a long trip!

After each long trip in an RV ,things are broken ! So after paying a kings ransom to the RV shop we hope all is well again and ready for the next trip. We include oil changes for the Engine as well as for the Generator. We have them check the sliderooms and levelers, airbags and many more systems. Won’t bother you with these. So after all that we make a short trip to check if repairs are done correctly and everything works as it should . Driving your house on bumpy roads for 6000 + miles takes a toll!

We choose to go a long weekend to Everglades Isles RV Park. A beautiful little Rv park in the middle of the Everglades. We face a working marina across the channel where fishing boats drop off their stonecrab pots everyday. Tourists on airboats visit the gators and speed across the river of grass. Shaking down is a tough job but someone has got to do it!!😇