Some of you may remember that when I went out west last summer, I took along a special traveling companion. Hondo (aka John Wayne) went along with me on my trip following the Oregon Trail. He was a natural for that trip. He had the trail knowledge and instincts to help guide me along the Oregon Trail. He even made it into a few of my blog posts and videos.

J. Dawg with Hondo (aka John Wayne) along the Oregon Trail in June 2017.

Since that trip, Hondo’s been bunking full-time in my RV. He usually hangs out on a ledge behind the sofa. In the past year, he’s made every trip with me, never once complaining about anything.

Hondo’s one of those strong silent type of guys. He doesn’t say much or get in the way so it’s easy to overlook him. I was feeling a little guilty that I’ve been neglecting him and figured Hondo needed to get out and stretch his legs.

If Hondo had his way, his idea for getting out would be to go on a cattle drive or to head out looking for little Debbie. But I was able to talk him into taking a short trip over to Fort Myers Beach and see the sights. Hondo’s not much of a beach guy, but we spent a recent day visiting some spots.

Here’s some pictures of Hondo out an about at Fort Myers Beach.

Hondo finally made it out of the RV and got some FL sun at the RV park. Said t felt good to finally get out and stretch his legs.

Hondo getting his first look at the beach. “Too many pilgrims.” was his comment when he saw all the people. Hondo’s not much of a beach guy.

This was more of his type of place. Hondo wanted some whiskey but the Shamrock only serves beer. That was good enough as we were both “parched” from being out in the hot weather.

I took Hondo to the church I attend down on the beach. I was going to bring him in and introduce him to Pastor Jeanne but he balked. He said – “Put an Amen to it, J. Dawg. Lets move on.”

Hondo is a natural ladies man and this place caught his eye. The girls at the local Hooters enjoyed having him visit. Hondo said it was best saloon he’s been in east of the Pecos.

Hondo at the Fort Myers Beach Library. When I asked him if he wanted to go in he said “Keep it moving Pilgrim, we’re burnin daylight!”.

Hondo about to visit the historic Mermaid Lounge – a FMB landmark since the 1950’s. It’s sort of a biker bar and can sometimes look a little scary. But Hondo was “packing” and no one bothered him.

Hondo at the top of the Lani Kai Resort with the beach and pier in the background. I heard him say “Whoa” and he wasn’t talking to his horse.

As we made our way back over the Sky Bridge, Hondo wanted to pose for one last picture. I detected a slight smile on his face. I could tell he enjoyed getting out.

And that was Hondo at Fort Myers Beach. It wasn’t his usual territory to be trekking around at. He’s more at home out west. But he had a good time and enjoyed getting out. “Thanks for the tour, pilgrim. Especially enjoyed the owls at that Hooters saloon.”

I didn’t see it happen, but I wasn’t surprised. While Hondo was at the Mermaid Lounge, he met a friend. I guess there was instant chemistry and he gave her his number and address. She swam over the RV park a couple of days later. For the time being, she’s also bunking in the RV. It’s vintage Hondo. He often ended his movies with a pretty woman.

P.S. You may surmise that I’m a huge John Wayne fan. I carry about a dozen DVD’s along with me in my RV and most of them are John Wayne movies. Watching the Duke never gets old.