Dark & Rainy Sanibel Afternoon

The low temperature for the early morning was 64. It was partly sunny this morning and it did make it up to 70 for a while. If you wanted to spend time on the beach today, you had to do it this morning, because this afternoon we had another hard rain.

Making a trip from Tarpon Bay Rd, then all the way down Periwinkle Way to Causeway Blvd, around 3 this afternoon, was an annoying and time consuming ordeal. Before going half that distance, it started raining. There were lots of bikers on the paths, and they were hurrying to get to their destinations, even though they were already soaked. It's pretty scary when they dart out in front of you, or go rushing through an intersection without stopping first or even looking. Pedestrians and bikers do have the right of way here, but there are some rules that go along with that. I'm really amazed that there aren't more accidents. Especially when the traffic is this heavy, during the busy season. I've noticed that it has been gradually increasing again for the last couple of weeks. It's wise to avoid Periwinkle from around 3:15 until 6:00 or a little after. If you plan to go out for dinner now, it's much more pleasant if you go early, or you may have a long wait.

Making a trip across the Sanibel Causeway this afternoon in a drenching rain. Almost everyone was driving with lights on because it was pretty dark.



A biker on the right, having a, not so pleasant adventure! When we got to the next causeway island a man, on a white scooter, was pulling over because it was raining so hard he probably couldn't see.

I don't know why a couple of the trees look like they have snow on them. I can assure you that they don't. It actually stayed pretty warm today, mid to upper 60's.

I think all the new trees must be loving this rain!

Yes, it's another biker! He's getting splashed by every vehicle that passes. I noticed that he kept getting further away from the traffic, not that it made much difference. Hmmm, I wonder if anyone has invented a cover that you can put over yourself and the bike.

Coming back to the island a short time later, the sky was a little lighter, but it was still raining, just not pouring down.

On the first causeway island, I saw a big truck with lots of flashing lights. My first thought....Snowplow Man! But no, couldn't be!

At the time of this posting, 11 PM, we've had 0.65" of rain. Considering weather in other places, I can handle that. Sorry, but I hope the cold and snow stays up north. :)

If you are here on the island now, this notice from the City of Sanibel might be useful information:

Blind Pass Beach to be Tilled
Monday Afternoon February 8th

As a requirement of the State Department of Environmental Protection permit for the beach renourishment completed at Blind Pass Beach this past summer, the beach must be tilled by tractor prior to the start of sea turtle nesting season. This work is done to ensure that the beach is not overly compacted and is of the appropriate compression to enable female sea turtles to excavate nest chambers in the beach sand to lay their eggs.

The tractor is scheduled to start work in the late afternoon of Monday, February 8. The work is anticipated to be completed in approximately 4 hours, extending into the early evening.

This work is being done by contractor hired by lee County as part of the Blind Pass Opening Project. The work must be done this time of the year to avoid any interference with shorebird nesting season, which start February 15 and runs until July. It is recommended that on Monday Beachgoers choose a different location for their afternoon and evening beach visits. Both Turner Beach on Captiva and Bowman s Beach on Sanibel will be unaffected by the work and would be good alternatives. We apologize for any inconvenience and your patience is appreciated while this required work is being completed.

EVENTS AT SANIBEL THIS WEEKEND:

Saturday, February 6th, 2010
9 a.m. – 9 p.m. – Trunk & Sidewalk Sales

Periwinkle Place, 2075 Periwinkle Way

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. – A Silver Chest Antiques Show

Sanibel Community Association, 2173 Periwinkle Way

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Centre Place Grand Opening

Community Housing & Resources, Inc., 1500 Centre Street

Sunday, February 7th, 2010
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Sanibel Island Farmer’s Market

Tahitian Gardens, 1975 Periwinkle Way

This open air market features 30 vendors including baked goods, live plants, honey, pasta, cheese, sausages, fresh fish, fresh produce, and organic veggies.

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. – A Silver Chest Antiques Show
Sanibel Community Association, 2173 Periwinkle Way