The Number One Reason to Vacation on Sanibel in 2012: WINTER

Please understand we are not trying to rub any salt into wounds.

We just offer this blog topic as food for thought.

This winter has been an especially brutal one with at one time or another snow in every state except for one: Florida.

Right now as we write this entry, it is what we consider a "cold" day on Sanibel Island. it is only 57 degrees at the moment with a high of 69 expected. For us, this is, indeed, winter weather. But the sun is shining, the sky is mostly blue, the trees and grass are completely green.

So let's compare, shall we:

• In and around Detroit, Michigan plenty of snow on the ground with more predicted and a current high of 27 degrees.
• In and around New York City, 26 degrees with snow predicted
• In and around Minneapolis, 26 degrees with snow predicted
• In and around most of the country....cold, cold, cold and plenty of snow (and ice)

And what does the difference in temperature mean for a vacation on Sanibel over winter?

Well, even cold days give way to warm ones, and you might anticipate a swim in a heated pool, or at least a walk on the beach. There, you can gather sea shells, watch dolphin frolicking in the waters, observe pelicans fly and dive for their dinner, perhaps even be approached by a friendly egret or heron who may be looking to "beg" their dinner from you.

You don't need to dig out your car to go out to eat. Just jump in and start it up and head to your favorite restaurant on the Island where you will be assured a friendly face and satisfying meal. And when you are done, no need to sit in a freezing cold car, shivering all the way home. Just start and drive.

Is bundling up in winter a burden? You bet it is. Just putting on the layers is a nuisance, then unlayering and then layering again. Here, on a "cold" day, you can wear a sweater or jacket over your shorts and be pretty comfortable. On most days, your shorts and a top are sufficient, yes, even in winter. Quite a good deal, no?

Do you get SAD (seasonal affective disorder) when the weather is gray and gloomy? Even on our cold days there is generally plenty of sunshine. Do you get cabin fever when snow and ice limit your outings? Even on a cold day a lovely walk or bike ride is right out your door. Do you get tired of having every door and window shut so that your precious (and costly) heat does not escape? Even on a cold day on Sanibel, it is sunny enough during the day to open up your condo or house and let the fresh air in.

OK, you probably get the point by now. If you are thinking of coming to Sanibel in the winter of 2012, your thoughts are definitely in the right place. But because January through April are high season, when most visitors travel, now is the time to put those thoughts into action. Research and reserve your place in Sanibel today!