Bullet Points – By Bill Hall

NAV-A-GATOR

The Nav-A-Gator is a biker-friendly bar and grill located at 9700 SW Riverview Circle, Arcadia FL (out Kings Hwy from Port Charlotte). There are games to play and bands to enjoy, plus good food, including gator bites, conch fritters, shrimp, fish, steaks, and sandwiches, plus an array of cold adult beverages. There is also, a full-service marina. It is located in the Peace River Reserve. After a great meal, it is a good time to enjoy nature on the river. Airboats and kayak tours are available, as well as my favorite, a quiet and leisurely cruise on the Calusa Queen, with Captain Trey. This pontoon boat cruises along the Peace River, exploring the wildlife and history of the area. Long after a hurricane in the area, you will usually find the wrecks of boats, which sought sanctuary in this quiet area, only to have the storm follow them. There are the remnants of a prior settlement related to phosphate mining, and some rather huge modern homes along the way. Captain Trey knows the area very well and besides telling historical facts, he can maneuver close to the abundant wildlife.

The Peace River is a freshwater river flowing 106 miles into the Charlotte Harbor, in southwest Florida. As it is a shallow, slow-flowing river, it attracted wildlife in the distant past, as it does today. Therefore, fossils are abundant, especially sharks teeth, including the much-coveted (and HUGE) Megalodon teeth. Nav-A-Gator has a fossil museum and can tell you where it is best to search. In addition, fossils of Mammoths, Dire Wolves, Glyptodonts, Horses, and Giant Ground Sloths, are found. Bear in mind, sharks’ teeth are fair game, but searching for animal fossils requires a $5 fossil permit, from the state. The nearby Venice Beach is known as the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World” and I can vouch for the teeth just lying on the surface of the sand. Besides, the ladies will love shopping in this beautiful little town. Back to the Calusa Queen, if you see me onboard, watch out! This is one of my nearly blind, 103year old, mother-in-law’s favorite activities when we come down. Captain Trey occasionally lets her drive! Ride Safe and Have Fun!! Cooper