Friday's Mass Frivolity On Sanibel

First of all, I have to point out that I have a friend who lives in West Virginia and everytime she's planning to come here, (This Saturday!) she wishes a front will go through, so she will have good shelling when she arrives. SO...I am sure I can blame today's rain, wind, and dropping temperature on her! Today's high was 65 and a low of 55. We have had wind out of the NNW with gusts up to 20 mph. The low tonight is now forecast to be around 38. (Yes, a perfect plan for her shelling pleasure.:0)

Now on the good side of that, shells were rolling in and causing some mass frivolity on an area of west gulf beach today. When I arrived at Resident Access 5, there were some shells scattered in either direction I looked, but there was one area where a pile of shells had been left. I think the photos I took will explain how much fun was being had, in that area.

I dug for quite a while in piles and found a few nice shells I wanted, like a small fan, some augers & cerinths, a tiny horseconch and a few other tiny ones. I watched the incoming waves, but really didn't see much coming in, at that time. There were a lot of shells that were covered with sand too, so by digging through it, you could probably find nice ones. I think it was one of those days that you needed to dress warm and plan to spend the day. There is no doubt that some great shells could be found.

I didn't last for a long time, especially after getting my backside wet (again) while squatting to make a video. You'd think I'd learn, wouldn't you? Wrong! I had a great time, just watching other people having such fun, and I went home with a handfull of shells.

















To watch video in High Quality go to YouTube.


To view in HD go to YouTube.

Tranquil Sanibel Thursday

This was a perfect day for a bike ride. The route today was wonderful and completely different than the one I went on a couple of days ago, except it was a long one too. But, this ride was totally tranquil.

Near the end of Bailey Road there is a very lightly traveled street called Bay Drive. A large part of the Drive is lined on one side by the Bay Drive Preserve and on the other side, the Dunes Preserve Tract G. There are also many beautiful homes along the bay shore and on a canal.

It's a nice shady ride.

There are places to peek out and see the bay.
The water was very clear.

Groups of pelicans feeding.

View of the causeway.

Days like today, make me appreciate the efforts that have and still are put forth by many, to protect our tropical environment. I truly enjoyed looking at the plant life, mangroves, and trees, while I wondered what the name of some of them were. I watched as the brown pelicans dove for fish, gulped them down, then rested as they bobbed up and down on the waves; felt bad for startling a little marsh bunny and for making a tiny lizard scurry across the road for fear of being run over; saw osprey and sea gulls fly overhead, listened to a doves call and other bird sounds.





Oranges nearly ripe.

The Bay Drive Preserve sign bears the names of the donors. The first portion of 7.30acres was given for conservation land in 1976 by Harvey and LaVerne Gigstad. Another portion of 2.30 acres was donated by Robert L. and Ruth E. Dormer, in 1986. To see where the preserves are located, there is a very good map on the SCCF website. You can click on the area you want to see to make it larger. The Dunes Preserve Tract G, consisting of 4.28 acres on the opposite side of the road, was donated by the Mariner Corp in 1984.

This preserve is between Bay Drive and the Bay.

When I got back to Bailey Road, I rode to the end of it and parked the bike. I walked a little on the beach. I found a few pink tellins and one purplish tagleus.

The first pink tellin I found had the tip broken off. :-( But, I was lucky to find any, because I had seen four other people walk over this area ahead of me.





. I helped a tiny starfish back into the water.


There was a fishing boat very close to the shore with a couple of men fishing, one of them caught a fish and released it, as gulls and terns flew around them.

You can see where rough water from the hurricanes washed out a part of this street along the bay, and it is now closed.



Just a few minutes later, I noticed that a fisherman standing on shore had caught a Royal Tern in his line. The boat captain yelled instructions to him, how to untangle it, but he was having quite a problem holding the bird still and get it loose at the same time. Someone had to help him because the line was wrapped around the bird’s neck several times, and it was biting his fingers as he worked with it. In a just a short time the bird was set free.




The next part of the ride was all the way around Sand Castle Road. In one of the lakes by the Dunes Golf Course, an alligator was floating in the water.


Then to put a proper finish to my afternoon; just as I rode into the driveway and got off my bike, I was startled by something flying over me. As I looked up, I saw the underside of an Eagle going over and watched it land right here, in a tree.

I think the only things I left out, were the two times I nearly fell over; but I think I’ll spare you the details of those mishaps. :-)

Wednesday Wave Action

The weather was wonderful again today. I have a few photos and a video from Resident Access #1, West Gulf Drive. There were a few people out enjoying the evening. There was some pretty good wave action going on, but not many shells at all.

Just before leaving, I saw a boat approaching in the shallow water, not far from the beach. I kept watching, thinking it would get caught on a sandbar. When it was straight in front of me, I could see crab traps stacked in the back of the boat. I didn't see them pull any up or toss any out, so I'm not sure what they were doing. But, I do think they had a problem getting stuck, because I saw the boat stop and it turned toward the beach, then someone was leaning over the side with what looked like a pole. Soon they began moving again. This is the first time I've ever seen a boat of that type, in so close to shore. That whole thing caused another one of those 'Hmmmm' moments. I've seen many crab traps washed up on the beach, following bad weather and high seas. So....are they looking for lost traps, or do they have them in water that shallow? I always thought they were in deeper water with a float attached so that they were easily found. I guess that means I have to do some reading. Sometimes, I wish I wasn't so darned curious!









Went to dinner tonight at Cheeburger Cheeburger. The food was great, as usual. The problem with going there is that their onion rings are way too good, and I eat way too much.

If any of you are looking for a new business, you might want to check it out. They are offering prime franchise areas and they are going fast.



Here's a peek at the Sanibel sky as we left Cheeburger.

Turtle Tracks Tuesday

It was an enjoyable day, with the temperature reaching 80 this afternoon. The cool, light wind made it perfect. So, it seemed like a perfect time to go for a bicycle ride. Sanibel has over twenty miles of great bike paths that wander the island, so why not?

I haven't been riding for quite a while, so that explains the title of my post. After going 5 or 6 miles, my legs weren't very steady when I got off the bike. I loved being out in the sun, seeing things that you miss when in a car. The island has lots and lots of cute mailboxes that I love to look at, along with all the colorful blooms.

One thing that was really different, was seeing a snowy egret riding on the hood of someone's car. Two little ladies pulled up at a four way stop, coming from the causeway, with the bird just standing there. It didn't get off when they stopped, so they just drove slowly, on up the street. Yes, it was one of those things that make you go, Hmmmmm.....

Monday Sunset

Today was super nice, actually got up to 78! This evening I went to access #7 on West Gulf Drive. As I walked the path out to the beach, the cooling evening air made me think of Fall weather in the mid-west. About that time, I smelled something cooking on a grill, that made me really hungry! :-) Seems like that happens to me a lot.

Just before leaving the path, I could see the sun setting through the trees. There were a few people around. One lady was walking in the water, holding a drink in her hand and watching the sunset. Another couple were sitting in their beach chairs, doing the same. One man standing in the water, was fishing, while other people walked past on their evening stroll.

I took a couple of photos, then walked for a while. The pelicans were very entertaining as they were having their dinner. There must have been a lot of fish this evening because the pelicans were diving in, one after the other. I think they are so comical to watch as they crash, head first, into the water. I'm sure they had a good view because the water was pretty clear. Just a few feet out in the water, it was so clear that I could see a slight drop off in the sand, where some small shells had accumulated. There were hardly any on the beach and I went home without picking up even one. The sunset and pelican show was plenty of enjoyment for one evening anyway.

Sunset Sunday

Today was another wonderful winter day on Sanibel. It is warming up once again. :-) The high today was 76 and tomorrow it's supposed to be 78. It is getting chilly again; as the sun goes down it's 63 and may drop as low as 50 during the night. For me, this is perfect weather.

I had a relaxing day and then drove out to the nearest causeway island to watch the sunset. I couldn't believe how many others were there. Cars were lined up on both sides of the island and people were standing at the water's edge, with cameras in hand. At the same time, a small plane was circling overhead. It made me wonder how the sunset looked from that vantage point. I imagine it would be a beautiful sight.









Tonight the plan is to go to a movie at the Island Cinema. It recently changed owners. From information I've read; the Bacik family bought the theater after selling their interest in Royal Shell Vacations. The family has completely gutted the old theater and after the five month renovation, re-opened in November with two auditoriums that each feature 60 soft, extra-wide, leather-like rocking seats, new digital projector, nine surround-sound speakers, three ceiling fans, new air-conditioning, new flooring, restrooms, new concession stand and last but not least, first-run movies. The theater is located in Bailey's Shopping Center, at 535 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel, FL. (239) 472-1701.

If you haven't had the opportunity to check it out yet, you may want to give it a try on your next visit. Prices are $9.75 for adult evening shows, $8 for adult matinees and $7.50 for children and seniors. Everything I've heard so far has been very positive. I'll let you know more, after tonight.

Sanibel Thriller

Some of you asked about prices for the Sanibel Thriller Tour. Below, is an email from Elizabeth Ireland:



Tootie,

The blog about the Sanibel Thriller is great!! Thanks so much.

Our current tour is a 1-1/2 hour narrated tour that circumnavigates both the islands of Sanibel & Captiva & Dolphin Watch. We provide a historical narration of the islands and the surrounding area, while the Captains looks for pods of dolphin. Once we find them, we slow the boat down and let the dolphin entertain us.

It is $38/adult (plus tax) and $25/child (3-12) (plus tax). If you would like to join us, please call for reservations.

We hope you are able to visit us.


Elizabeth Ireland

Sanibel Thriller

(239) 472-2328
www.sanibelthriller.com

Sanibel Saturday Thrill

I've been reading and hearing so much lately about 'The Sanibel Thriller', and I just happened to see it speeding past the beach area where I was on Thursday, so I drove over to the Sanibel Marina yesterday to check it out.



The Sanibel Marina is located near the lighthouse at 634 N Yachtsman Drive, Sanibel, FL, just a half mile from the causeway, on the southern tip of Sanibel Island, FL. Since 1985,the marina has been owned and operated by Myton Ireland who is a Licensed Merchant Marine Officer. The marina has 90 slips for boats up to 120'. It is also home to Gramma Dot’s Seaside Saloon and Ireland Yacht Sales.

Gramma Dot's offers a lunch and dinner menu seven days a week, from 11:30 to 8, where you can dine dockside. The seaside saloon offers a full line of fresh seafood, salads, sandwiches and more.


Among the marinas offerings are sight seeing, charters, professional guides and more. Their latest addition is a thrilling cruise aboard the aptly named, Sanibel Thriller. Cruise the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Pine Island Sound, circumnavigating the shores of both Sanibel and Captiva Islands. During the narrated tour you will see wildlife such as dolphins and exotic birds. The Sanibel Thriller offers other trips to Boca Grande, Cayo Costa State Park, and Naples for shelling, shopping, exploring, or lunch. Reservations are required (239) 472-2328O, open daily: 7 am until 5 pm.


The Sanibel Thriller is a beautiful, new, fast, safe, diesel powered 55' motor yacht, that might be a new adventure you will want to experience on your next visit to Sanibel. The current tour is a 1-1/2 hour narrated tour that circumnavigates both the islands of Sanibel & Captiva & Dolphin Watch. It provides a historical narration of the islands and the surrounding area, while the Captains look for pods of dolphin. Once they are found, they slow the boat down and let the dolphin do the entertaining. It is $38/adult (plus tax) and $25/child (3-12) (plus tax).

I found this video on UTube. It shows dolphins in the wake of the Thriller, off Sanibel Island.