The Tenacity of the Sanibel Sea Turtle

We do not often suggest that our readers and rental guests look at videos on line.

We realize that people do not have sufficient time to view them and are often hesitant to click on unknown links.

But this video created on Sanibel of just one tiny logger head sea turtle tells a great BIG story.  It shows a newly hatched turtle make its way from the nest to the sea, a daunting journey and it does feel that way to the viewer.  At least it did to us.  The hatchling may not have been that far away, but it feels like millions of miles in the video.

Watching a baby sea turtle  struggle out of the nest and make its way to the water is an emotional experience. Everything from footprints to driftwood and crabs are obstacles, though this gauntlet is important for its survival. Birds, raccoons, and fish are just a few of the predators these vulnerable creatures face; some experts say only one out of a thousand will survive to adulthood under natural conditions.

After an adult female sea turtle nests, she returns to the sea, leaving her nest and the eggs within it to develop on their own. The development time varies among different species and is influenced by environmental conditions such as the temperature of the sand. The developing hatchlings do not have sex chromosomes so their gender is determined by the temperature within the nest. 

Whether hatchlings are male or female depends on the temperature where they are in the nest, known as the “pivotal temperature." The temperature varies slightly among species, ranging between roughly 83-85 degrees Fahrenheit (28-29 degrees Celsius), at which embryos within a nest develop into a mix of males and females. Temperatures above this range produce females and colder temperatures produce males.

After 45 to 70 days (depending on the species), the hatchlings begin to pip, or break out of their eggs, using a small temporary tooth located on their snout.  This special function is called a caruncle. Once out of their eggs, they will remain in the nest for a number of days. During this time they will absorb their yolk, which is attached by an umbilical to their abdomen. This yolk will provide them the much-needed energy for their first few days while they make their way from the nest to offshore waters. 

The hatchlings begin their climb out of the nest in a coordinated effort. Once near the surface, they will often remain there until the temperature of the sand cools, usually indicating nighttime, when they are less likely to be eaten by predators or overheat. Once the baby turtles emerge from the nest, they use cues to find the water including the slope of the beach, the white crests of the waves, and the natural light of the ocean horizon. 

If the hatchlings successfully make it down the beach and reach the surf, they begin what is called a “swimming frenzy” which may last for several days and varies in intensity and duration among species. The swimming frenzy gets the hatchlings away from dangerous near shore waters where predation is high. Once hatchlings enter the water, their "lost years" begin and their whereabouts will be unknown for as long as a decade. When they have reached approximately the size of a dinner plate, the juvenile turtles will return to coastal areas where they will forage and continue to mature.

It's a harrowing tale from start to finish, but guaranteed if you see the efforts made, it will make your morning commute look like a piece of cake!

A Sparkling Birthday on Sparkling Sanibel

Although we are a bit late with our greetings, we did want to extend a happy anniversary wish.

Lily & Co. Jewelers just celebrated eight years as America's "Coolest Jewelry Store" with the opening of its certified pre-owned Rolex Watch Boutique, the latest "Sea the Islands" collection, and a glass-encased design center planned for a September 1 opening.

According  to co-owner Dan Schulyer: "It has been a thrilling journey since we opened our doors in July 2006," said Schuyler, co-owner with Sanibel realtor Karen Bell. True to Island pet friendly attitude, the firm is named after Bell's dog who is pictured in many of their special promotions. "We are grateful for the success of the past eight years. It is due to our jewelry designer partnerships, faithful guests and Sanibel-Captiva residents, who have continually supported us throughout these eight years. They have made us who are today."

Co-owner Sanibel realtor Karen Bell and Schulyer have worked hard to make this island gem stand out.  Voted "Coolest Jewelry Store" in the nation by INSTORE magazine. Today, it has garnered national recognition as a "5 Designer Retailer" awarded by Jewelers Circular Keystone (JCK), as well as named a "5 Star Store." It earned the "Top Dog Award" from the 2011 Smart Show in Chicago. Locally, it has received "Best of the Islands" for seven consecutive years.

Schuyler and Bell are veterans in business: Bell in real estate, Schuyler in the jewelry industry. He started in the industry at age 17. The store on Tarpon Bay in Sanibel has had many lives.  It is a former schoolhouse, doctor's office and bank that opened in 1915 as church owned by the Florida Baptist Convention of Jacksonville. Bell handled the re-design of the building that had sat vacant, Schuyler the merchandise, he said. The company carries some 25 lines of jewelry.

A side benefit to the community has been Lily & Co.'s charitable work. The firm last year gave some $260,000 of in-kind donations, including its hosting of several large fund-raisers. The Animal Rescue Center in Fort Myers is a focus of the firm's donations. The most recent funder for the shelter raised $13,000. "Because of our friends and guests," Schuyler said, "we been allowed to give back a tremendous amount. Life is not always about money, it's about trying to live full circle, to build something to be proud of."

And so we wish Lily and all the humans involved, a very, very  bright future!

Modest Prices and Great Food Make These Sanibel/Captiva Restaurants Stand Out

There are dozens of places to eat on Sanibel, making choices difficult to make.

But if you are a family vacationing or a couple on a budget, the choices narrow down.

And if you want a high taste value with a low price tag, the options are even more limited.

But we are here and happy to tell you that mouth watering food is within your reach.

Take, for example, the new Doc Ford's located on Captiva is a nice complement to the Doc Ford's on Sanibel.  The same casual atmosphere and affordability can be found at  both, but the Captiva eatery has an entirely different menu with some very interesting options.

We were impressed that so many gluten free alternatives exist.  And we had an appetizer of a scrumptious black bean "dip"  that was truly large enough for three and substantial enough to qualify as an entrée. 

The location for the Captiva Doc Ford's at South Seas Plantation was a good choice.  The off the beaten path location gives the big front deck, cooled by overhead fans, a nice island-y feel.  The interior is simple but comfortable.  And this is definitely a spot where one can walk away with both a full stomach and full wallet.  A great place for couples, friends, and families.

On the far east end of Sanibel, a very nice option for breakfast can be found at the Lighthouse Café.  It is a calm place with a cool price, translated most affordable.  Eggs in a wide variety of styles dominate the menu and the hot cakes are delicious as well.   A red sauce frittata and two sea food frittatas are among the unique offerings in this family friendly, budget friendly café.  Lunch is also available, but breakfast has a very wide window with the service beginning at 7 a.m. and lasting until 3 p.m.  A great stop for before or after the beach.

Mid Island The Island Cow also offers a mind boggling breakfast menu with a very reasonable price tag.  But both lunch and dinner can be found at the Island Cow, and it is a favorite of families traveling with hungry kids.  Housed in a cute and colorful cottage, Island Cow offers both indoor and outdoor dining.    

Please let us know if you have a favorite restaurant on Sanibel or Captiva that is both easy on the belly and the pocketbook!

The Joys of Hurricane Season on Sanibel

Yes, it's that time of year again.

We have reached those months when we are on alert for tropical storms and hurricanes skirting , passing through or actually visiting our beautiful barrier island.

And even though they rarely hit , the fact that they might, does have an impact.

Oh, it can be annoying on a day like today where the sun is in and out and we are wondering when and if it will make up its mind as to what it wants to be.

But so far today there has been no rain, just the threat of it.

And that is what hurricane season is like.  Will we get one or will we not?

But whether we do or we don't, the nice thing about summer weather is that it is fairly predictable.

You can put away your sweaters and jackets.  A cool day in summer may mean dropping down to 82 degrees.  There are no great swings in temperatures now as there can be in high season.

Generally, you can count on rains in the late afternoon and early evening, so don't leave home without your umbrella.  And do expect to see some outstanding electrical storms from time to time, as well as a greening up of the landscaping that you rarely see in winter time.

You can also count on having the beach largely to yourself, seeing more dolphins and manatees patrolling the waters, more pelicans swooping in for some fish, and more shore birds doing their beach blanket bingo walks along the water's edge.

You know that restaurant you can never get in to in high season?  Bet you can get in there now, and even feel totally un-pressured to eat leisurely and enjoy your meal more.

Your favorite condo may not always be available when the crowds invade the island, but you have a much better chance to book it now.

And like the condo costs, the tags on vacation rental homes is generally half priced in summer months.

Another advantage of hurricane season is the diversity of people who visit the Island.  Seniors still flock here though there are probably more families with children on summer holiday now.  And if you sit on the beach and listen closely, you will most likely hear half a dozen languages being spoken as our summer families come from far and wide.

So "hurricane" season is a great time to see Sanibel...for the first time or the fiftieth time.  Come and see for yourself!

Water, Water everywhere.....But how do you get there? Sanibel Secrets Exposed.

It is no secret that Sanibel Island is an island, and by definition, surrounded by water.

Yet, if you are not staying at a Gulf front condo, you may be perplexed as to how you access the beaches on Sanibel.

So this is going to be a primer on where you can find the beach accesses and what you will find when you get there, as well as what to avoid. 

First, not all beaches are equal on Sanibel.

Some are better for nature viewing, some better for shelling, some better for swimming, some better for convenience to places to go for a snack. So please keep your highest priorities in mind when choosing the beach where you will spend the day.

Blind Pass Beach is a great place to start, especially if you are a shell collector. Located between Sanibel and Captiva, it is one of the most visible beaches and has easy access, assuming you can find a parking spot in close proximity.   The pass has been open for some while now with parking on both the Sanibel and Captiva sides. Both have very limited spaces and the Sanibel sides has many spots reserved for residents with certain passes only. Be aware, these lots are patrolled, so be sure you have your pre-paid parking tag showing, especially around noon and sunsets. You will get a ticket! Both sides are outstanding sunset locations. Also, as a very popular fishing spot, watch out for what gets attracted by the bait. Sharks like to hang out by passes, especially in the evening if the tides are changing.

Light House Beach is on the opposite end of Sanibel, furthest east and closest to the causeway.  This beach runs east west and collects shells from both the Gulf and San Carlos Bay area so you can get a wider selection. This public access beach is very popular with locals and day trippers as well as visitors. There are some dangerous rip tides in the area, so be careful if you walk out, but the water is shallow and warm for the most part and shelling is fair to great depending on the winds. The pier is a very popular fishing spot and the Lighthouse is a special and scenic backdrop. There is a walking trail. The beach is a good spot for miniature shells and has a big parking lot. This is the one beach lot that has 24 hours parking fees, so no matter when you stop, be sure to buy a pass,  and it is patrolled. Also, Lighthouse Beach is the best on island viewing spot for viewing the July 4th fireworks for both Sanibel and Ft Myers Beach. Wear Deep Woods Off!!!!!!!!

Bowman's Beach, again back on the West End, is a public beach with all the good and maybe not so good that implies.  Located mid way between the Causeway entrance to Sanibel and Captiva Island, Bowman's Beach used to be one of the less visited beaches, but the word is out and it's become bust much of the year. With over 200 parking spaces, it also has the largest capacity. There are picnic facilities and restrooms, but they are a long walk from the beach near the parking area. Many of the pines that had lined the beach and shaded the parking area are now gone, but Bowman's was a wide beach until winter storms narrowed it substantially. There is only limited development in the area, so there are fewer people looking for shells - usually. When you hit the beach, turn right and keep walking away from any crowd. Despite the beach crowds on some days, you can find lots of seclusion. Some folks even take advantage of the privacy of some areas of this beach to do a little topless or nude sunbathing. The police actively discourage this as it is against the law. Sanibel/Captiva beaches are very modest places.

Algier's Beach Sanibel (Gulfside City Park) is a mid-island beach off Casa Ybel and Algier's and not visited as much as others. There are picnic tables off the beach and a good sized parking lot. Access is just a short walk over a boardwalk from the lot to the beach. This area of the beach has rather limited condo development so it is much less crowded than the Tarpon Bay Beach area just a short distance away. It is worth finding this beach a little off the usual tourist path.

There are other island beaches, of course, but we'll let you find them on your own and let us know what you think!

Five Good Reasons to Leash Your Pooch on Sanibel

Yes, it's true.

We love animals on Sanibel.

Whether they fly, or swim, whether they walk on all fours, whether they are domestic pets or residents of the nature preserve, we love them.

Tail waggers, aka dogs and pooches,  are especially loved on our little barrier island.

We welcome them in many pet friendly rentals.

We welcome them on our beaches. 

And we also protect them requiring that rental guests keep these special travelers close, do not allow them to play where the alligators lay, and asking that they be on flea and tick prevention.

We also have regulations that protect our native animals from possible mishaps that could be created by a wandering dog.  There are strict requirements about leashing, and with several good reasons:

1. IT PROTECTS SANIBEL’S SEA TURTLES! Wildlife has a place too. Don’t let your best friend become nature’s enemy. An unattended dog can dig up a sea turtle nest in the blink of an eye! With as few as one in 1,000 eggs reaching adulthood, the destruction of only a few nests can have a devastating effect on our sea turtle population.

2. IT PROTECTS SANIBEL’S SHOREBIRDS! Sanibel’s beaches serve as nesting grounds for shorebirds, including threatened least terns and snowy plovers. An unleashed dog can destroy a colony of beach nesting birds in minutes.

3. IT PROTECTS SENSITIVE BEACH DUNE VEGETATION! In addition to providing wildlife habitat, native beach dune vegetation protects the beach from erosion and aids in the protection of structures from wind and wave energy. Foot (and paw!) traffic can easily damage this unique plant community.

4. IT’S THE RESPONSIBLE THING TO DO! It is often the actions of just a few irresponsible people that cause local governments to ban dogs from a popular area. By keeping your dog on a leash and making sure to ALWAYS "scoop the poop", you can help keep Sanibel’s beaches "dog- friendly".

5. IT’S THE LAW! Section 10-62 of the Sanibel Code states that it is unlawful for the owner of any dog to permit such dog to be at large (without a leash) in or on any public right-of-way, beach, or other public property, or upon any private property without the consent of the owner of such property. A leash must be no more than eight (8) feet in length. Sanibel’s laws also require cleaning up dog waste as dog waste poses additional hazards to people, water quality and wildlife habitat.

So let's keep it simple and keep it safe.  Keep Fido on a leash, for everyone's sake!

Earth Day on Sanibel: Gone but not forgotten

Of national events that tie into the core mission of Sanibel Island, probably nothing comes closer than Earth Day.

Last Saturday,  J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge  celebrated the 44th anniversary of Earth Day in partnership with “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society – Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) and Tarpon Bay Explorers. The first 200 visitors received a free up cycled tee shirt bag, courtesy of DDWS. Throughout the day, visitors met and greeted refuge educator Bagzilla, so named because Bagzilla was costumed in a year’s worth of an average person’s disposable bag consumption. There were free bike rentals and Wildlife Drive admission for bikers and hikers to encourage visitors to get outdoors and get active.

Events included ongoing earth crafts in the Education Center Classroom, a guided hike along Indigo Trail with a naturalist,  narrated refuge tram tours, reading in the Refuge with stories about Sea Turtles and Manatee and some useful information on how to turn trash into masterpieces of art.

There was a lot more going on, of course, but the question might be asked why are we focused on an event that has taken place, and one that is celebrated around the world?

Well, it's always nice to revisit pleasant times in beautiful places, but looking at the fundamental reasons for establishing an Earth Day, we have to conclude that there is a special bond between our little tropical island and the mission of Earth Day.

And the bond needs to be remembered. 

The first Earth Day family had participants and celebrants in two thousand colleges and universities, roughly ten thousand primary and secondary schools, and hundreds of communities across the United States. More importantly, it "brought 20 million Americans out into the spring sunshine for peaceful demonstrations in favor of environmental reform."It now is observed in 192 countries, and coordinated by the nonprofit Earth Day Network chaired by the first Earth Day 1970 organizer Denis Hayes, according to whom Earth Day is now "the largest secular holiday in the world, celebrated by more than a billion people every year." Environmental groups have sought to make Earth Day into a day of action which changes human behavior and provokes policy changes.

And while Sanibel is one tiny spot on Earth that has followed in this tradition, it could be considered one of the best.

We on Sanibel love and enjoy our outdoor living, whether it be on the beach, in the Preserve or just on our common streets.  We cherish the earth and protect our island from dangers in a way few communities have or are able to do.

For an island our size, we have a large variety of well established groups that educate the public about the four legged, winged and water creatures that share their home with us.

And , above all else, we recognize that we are the late comers to the Island.  The natural residents were here first, and it is those "natives" we feel have a territorial imperative , not us.