LaBelle

From Moore Haven we traveled on through hill and  dale, lock and bridge to reach one of my favorite places to visit, LaBelle.  It is a small, old town that has managed to not succumb to the modern need to modernize in order to compete.  "We're quite nice as we are, thank you" is the apparent attitude.  There is tremendous pride among the people and we have never felt anything but welcome.  Oh, did I mention they provide free docks with free water and electricity for visitors? What's not to like?

Darryl captured this picture from the deck as we heeled under the Port Mayaca Bridge.

Darryl on the foredeck in a lock.

Finally able to sail.

The golden glow of sunset is real.  No filter here.

A beautiful hibiscus.

A frog on the side of one of the locks.

Lots of boats out here bigger than ours!

We started doing this in New England.  We would take the stickers
handed out to identify us as paid visitors and put them on our aft wall.
A memory of some great visits.

This fountain was part of

This lovely rivereside estate.

Ancient water oaks line  the old streets of LaBelle.

The town library is large and well appointed.  It is conveniently close
to the free city docks and provides free wifi for travelers.

A must-stop place for us, the coffee shop.  This is a community fixture with great coffee.

The redevelopment authority operates out of a small house.  The carport
area is a gathering for whoever wants to stop by for a quiet place to read,
chat with friends or find out what's happening around town.

Another favorite spot is the Fourney Diner at the junction of two
main roads.  Good food and good service with interesting bits
of decor to keep you wondering.

The city docks are well maintained and the folks you meet can
 be worth the trip.

The sign features one of their oaks.

An early steam rotary engine was developed by a local inventor well
before Wankel.

Shady, oak lined street.

Bits of whimsical paintings were on many of the buildings, houses,sidewalks and benches.

This is the wall of a local electrical contractor.

The honey here is famous.  The owner explained the artist is trying
to paint 50,000 bees on public buildings to bring to the public's attention
the dire state of our honey bees.  If we lose this pollinator to overuse of
pesticides and loss of habitat we lose a lot of crops.

Unique mailbox.