Royal Lipizzan Stallions

 

 

 

 

The Royal Lipizzan Stallions of Austria are among the oldest breeds of horses.Their story can be traced back to the Romans, whose cavalry horses in Spain were crossed with Arabians. The Lipizzans are also one of the rarest breeds with only a few hundred existing at any given time.

Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions

 

 

 

 

We spent a wonderful afternoon at the Herrmann Lipizzan Farm near Myakka City, Fl. This is their winter training area. Colonel Ottomar Herrimann brought his Lipizzans to the USA in the 1960's and the tradition is continued by his daughter, Gabriella.

Leaving Tampa

 

 

 

 

Couple photos of our last night at Seascapes at MacDill AFB and the Skyway Bridge as we head on our next leg of the trip to Bradenton, FL.

MacDill AFB Scenes

 

 

 

 

Sunset and moom rise on the beach at Seascapes Beach Club on MacDill. Also,"Duck Billed" pink birds near our RV site on the golf course.

Key West Wrap Up Photos

 

 

 

 

Just a few last pictures of our Key West hangouts and photo of our last night in Key West and a great dinner with Ned and Linda Evans.

Ybor City Historic Latin Quarter

 

 

 

 

Known as Tampa's Latin Quarter for over a century. Founded by Vicente Martinez Ybor as a cigar manufacturing center. Ybor City is one of only two National Historic Landmark Districts in FL. Red brick buildings, wrought iron balconies and narrow brick streets give it an old-world charm that reminded us of New Orleans. There are lots of activities in Ybor one being "dog" day at one of the pubs and beer tasting at the Tampa Brewery. If your in the Tampa area be sure to check it out!!!

A Saturday Afternoon Sightseeing in Tampa

 

 

 

 

The weather was beautiful and there was lots to see. Hit the Ybor City Saturday Market at Centennial Park, which had many interesting booths. Were able to buy some of the famous Plant City strawberrys.

Reunion in Fort Myers

 

We enjoyed getting together with Ted's childhood friend, Bob Cody & wife, Nan, to catch up on old times. Frank and Karen Trull also know the Codys, so the conversation was lively......

Fort Myers, FL Winter Home of Thomas Edison & Henry Ford

 

 

 

 

Jan and Ted with the Edison's, Thomas and Mina. Thomas married Mina in 1886.The Edison family enjoyed leisurely stays here until 1947, when Mina deeded Seminole Lodge, on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River, to the City of Fort Myers for $1.
The Banyan Tree in the photos was given to Edison by Harvey Firestone as a four foot tree in 1925. This amazing tree is now over an acre in diameter and the 2nd largest in the world. This type of tree produces a white milky sap/latex that can be used to create rubber. Edison, Ford & Firestone worked together in 1927 to form the Edison Botanic Research Corp to support their endeavor of producing & manufacturing a quick growing, domestic source of natural rubber.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates Ft. Myers, FL

 

 

 

 

Thomas Edison purchased the property, where he built his winter home, Seminole Lodge, in 1885. Edison's good friend,Henry Ford, bought the property next door in 1916.