Best Bets for Winter 2015: Kids Strike it Rich on Sanibel

Sanibel Island is a tropical retreat that both adults and kids love.

You never have to plan a moment of your time on Island.

Discovery awaits in every corner.  Nature abounds.  And your curiosity only need to take you as far as the beach or into Ding Darling to satisfy your family's needs for bird watching and exploring.  Certainly the water activities in our beautiful sparkling Gulf will also entertain and thrill every member of the family.

But if your children need something a bit extra or you hit a rainy day, rest assured that the Island will not disappoint.

There are the ongoing activities and exhibits  in places like C.R.O.W., the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation, the Bailey Museum and the Sanibel Sea School.  Classes, instruction, and educational exhibits are a daily menu at these wonderful venues.  They have become famous for all that they offer.

But there are also hidden treasures on the Island that are well worth the exploration.

The award winning Sanibel Island Library has a full roster of mind stimulants for kids from infancy to grammar school.  There are a lap sit program for babies every Wednesday, book exploration days every Thursday at 10 and craft days every Thursday at 11.  Monday host the Terrific Two's program and , of course, there is a full range of books and other special reading materials available for kids of all ages.

The atmosphere of the library's youth area is happy and relaxed with appropriately-sized furniture and book shelves, a special storybook doll house and even a row boat, the S.L.Readmore, to further stimulate a child's imagination. The youth collection includes preschool board books, picture books, beginning readers, and a wide range of fiction and non-fiction books. Reference materials, including children's encyclopedias and dictionaries, are also available. You will also find a unique parenting collection for adults with information on growth, development, and children's literature.

And, you do not even have to go to the library to find enchantment.  A Phone Line Story Time is part of the Just Read, Florida! initiative. Each month a toll-free number is available for children to call to hear favorite stories read to them.

Sanibel Noted Again: Best Beach to escape Winter!

With all the accolades and acclaims that our tiny island receives, it is difficult to keep track of the many causes for applauses.

But just in time for high season, Sanibel has once again been noted for its unique character, charm and appeal.

The online travel guide, smartertravel.com, just  named 10 beaches through out the country , including the U.S. Virgin Islands, as the best beaches to escape the winter blues.

And Sanibel Island is the first up of the ten named.

Of course the Island is a bit warmer than most of those on the list, and no doubt that gives it even more desirability.

But equally compelling is the description of the Island and its charms. 

Noting that "This roughly 12-mile-long, hammock-shaped island off of Florida's southwest coast is one of the best places in the country for collecting shells. It's east-west orientation acts like a huge shelf on which shells from the Gulf accumulate—especially on the beach on the south side of the island. "  The article also comments on the views and other niceties to be found.

But even a glowing testimony to Sanibel can not in one brief article mention all the very special options available.

The miles of biking trails, the number of birds to be sighted, the multiple dining experiences to be had and the cultural activities that abound in winter set us apart from the rest.

For an Island devoted to the preservation and adoration of nature, Sanibel has been able to blend every comfort and convenience into a stay.

Jerry's market will do your shopping for you and deliver it to your door, as will Bailey's market.  You can find a pet sitter for your pooch on the Island and a baby sitter for your kid as well.  There are activities for children and adults at the Sanibel Island Sea School, and possibly the best shell museum in the world for every one.

We would need a few pages to detail the extraordinary number of things you can see and do on Sanibel Island.  Shelling is certainly one of the most popular, but only one of many delightful activities.

Escape the winter blues with a stay on Sanibel!

There is Music in the Air on Sanibel

There are so many beautiful sounds on Sanibel Island.

Whip-poor-wills sing you to sleep.

Osprey and raptors fill the skies with their hunting and warning screeches.

The Gulf rolls into shore with a constant slap of gentle wave.

And then there are the sounds made by humans.

Children shrieking with joy, adults laughing, oboes playing.  Oboes?

Well, not just oboes, but a wide variety of instruments fill our halls , particularly during high season, and most brilliantly at Big Arts.  Sometimes the musical instruments are joined by the voice organ , too.

For example, on January 14, The brilliant pianist Andrew Armstrong will scale the heights and plum the depths of Wolfgang Mozart's Piano Concerto in A major, a rich and emotionally complex work at the Schein Performance Hall

Then on January 18,  The Merling Trio performs at the Phillips Gallery.  The Merling Trio  has been hailed as a brilliantly distinguished group endowed with remarkable gifts of communication, magnificent precision, and an impeccable blend of sound.       

 The Amphion String Quartet will fill the Schein Hall on January 22.  Hailed for its “precision, assertiveness, and vigor” (The New York Times) and its “gripping intensity” and “suspenseful and virtuoso playing” (San Francisco Classical Voice), the Amphion String Quartet is a winner of the 2011 Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition..

Hailed as “a fresh young voice of great promise” by Musical America and praised for the “gleaming richness” of her voice by The New York Times, rising American soprano Emalie Savoy is becoming widely recognized for both the lyrical beauty of her instrument and the unique interpretive depth she brings to her performances.  She will perform at the Schien Hall on January 25.

Hailed by The New Yorker as “vibrant” and “superb,” Third Coast Percussion, playing at Schein on February 5,  explores and expands the extraordinary sonic possibilities of the percussion repertoire, delivering exciting performances for audiences of all kinds. Since its formation in 2005, Third Coast Percussion has gained national attention with concerts and recordings that meld the energy of rock music with the precision and nuance of classical chamber works.

Love is in the air as the Island and Big Arts  salute St. Valentine's Day and all things amorous. Mozart’s Serenade Under the Stars begins the Big Arts celebration, followed by the “heart on your sleeve” music of Giuseppei Verdi. Elgar’s wistful work for solo violin and orchestra gives the concert its name, and will feature Jillian Prescott Music Award-winner Stephanie van Duijn.  Again at the Schein Performance Hall, February 11.

And there is more in store.  If you love music, winter on Sanibel will hit high notes for you and your family.

Playing Soon at the Sanibel Herb Strauss Theater

With the passage of Thanksgiving, we realize that winter season is upon us.

Snowbirds are coming back.

Restaurants are  filling up.

Breezes are blowing in.

And rare birds can be seen again.

Culture vultures , in particular, will have a great high season on the Island.

Big Arts is in full swing, and the Herb Strauss theater has a variety of wonderful options for everyone.

Whether you like your culture sung or danced or just plain talked, there are choices galore.

Tomorrow night concludes a most lively run of Divas.  Divas will perform songs made famous by all the biggest and most successful female stars of yesterday and today, with a good dose of laughter, too. A show like no other, emceed by Bobby Logue, Divas feature the stunning voices of the most talented female vocalists to have ever graced the Strauss stage. The entertainment ranges from show tunes and popular songs to opera. This finale will be a night of song and laughs you will surely never forget!

From December 19 to December 31, Sanibel visitors and residents will be treated to a spectacular series of performances. And there is no better place to be this holiday than at the BIG ARTS Holiday Spectacular! It is a one-of-a-kind celebration to share with family, friends, and loved ones. The radiant Strauss Theater is decked out for the season, and the on-stage talent shine like never before in a breathtaking holiday show that transforms the stage into a glistening winter wonderland! Come on down and share in the joy with all your holiday favorites.

From January 6 to 10 and 13 to 17, a more dramatic side of Big Arts will be on display.  Freud’s Last Session,   a serious play, imagines what happens when legendary psychoanalyst Dr. Sigmund Freud invites the rising young scholar and author C.S. Lewis to his home in London. On the day England enters World War II, Freud and Lewis clash about love, sex, the existence of God, and the meaning of life, just weeks before Freud takes his own life. Freud’s Last Session is a deeply touching play filled with humor and explores the minds, hearts, and souls of two brilliant men addressing the greatest questions of all time.

And more theater treats begin on January 23 through February 21, a lighter side of theatre can be viewed in The Fourth Wall.  

Peggy has redecorated the living room and her husband, Roger, can’t stand it. Peggy’s usually exquisite taste was overcome by a mysterious lapse that caused her to redo the room as if it were a stage set. Everything faces one wall, the “fourth wall,” which she’s left bare and which is really the audience. Everyone who enters the room begins to behave as if they were acting in a play— or even a musical when occasionally someone feels the urge to sing a Cole Porter tune! Roger calls on friends to try to end the theatrics, but Peggy sets out to break the fourth wall in order to connect with her feelings. Laughs, loves, and more tunes ensue in A.R. Gurney’s charming comedy!

 

 

Of course there is more, but we thought we would whet your appetite and follow up later with more offerings.

 

Plain and simple, no matter when you come over the next few months, Sanibel's Herb Strauss Theatre has a special treat in store for you!

 

Getting around Sanibel: Let us count the Ways

How difficult is it to travel a 12 mile long tropical island?

When it comes to Sanibel, it is as easy as one could imagine.

With no street lights and few stop signs, going "the distance" by car is quite simple, and nearly fool proof when it comes to getting lost.  No matter what direction you head in, when you come to the water, you know you have reached the end of your path.

The same holds true for biking the island.  And the safe, flat surfaces of the 25 miles of Sanibel bike paths are among the reasons the Island has once again garnered an award.  The national Bike Friendly Community program has now given the island its "silver status" recognition.  Only three other cities in the state of Florida hold the title. And Sanibel celebrated with opening up a new bike trail.

But if you don't want to drive the island, and prefer not to rent a bike to see it, we have a cute and colorful trolley at your call.

Offering a free pick up and return, our turquoise and yellow minibus makes dozens of stops where you can get off and shop, eat or simply look.  Operating on a Monday to Friday basis, you do call and schedule your pick up.

One of the nicest ways to see the island is by water.  And the island has many options open for those inclined to make the Gulf, bay and estuaries their sight seeing path.  You can rent your own boat, you can kayak or canoe and you can hire a boat and captain and take one of several tours that will take you around Sanibel..... or to neighboring islands. One of the best kayaking trails is Commodore Creek Trail. It  is a 2.5 kayaking trail located in J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

While we like all the options above, we prefer going on your own special power.

And your two legs can carry you far on such a small isle.

You need not see the Island all at once, but view it in smaller bites.

For example , The Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) offers a trail on their property that is a nice appetizer for a larger island meal of walking.

SCCF has 4 miles of trails at the Nature Center on Sanibel-Captiva Road, a .6-mile trail in the Periwinkle/Blue Skies Preserves on Periwinkle Way and two short (around 500 feet) trails on the Bob Wigley Preserve that are open to the public. There are also trails in the Sanibel Gardens Preserve, managed by SCCF and the City of Sanibel, which are accessible from Island Inn Road. 

And there are several nice options for walking within Ding Darling.
 
There are three trails that can be accessed from Wildlife Drive. The 4 mile, round-trip Indigo Trail leaves from the Education Center parking lot and ends at the cross-dike, which extends from the Drive. Along the trail, visitors often spot wildlife such as alligators, night herons, and white ibis. The Wulfert Keys Trail off the Drive is a 1/4 mile trail leading to a view of Pine Island Sound. The Shell Mound Trail is a 1/4 mile, universally accessible, interpretive boardwalk. The vegetation along the trail sustained a lot of damage in 2004 from Hurricane Charley, but visitors can still learn about the ancient Calusa Indian and the native vegetation while reading interpretive panels along the boardwalk.

The Bailey Tract is located off Tarpon Bay Rd. This 100 acre parcel is a unique area of the refuge with its interior wetland where freshwater plants and wildlife dominate. The trails can be accessed by walking or biking at any time.

But for the best lay of the entire island by foot, there is an excellent map showing various legs that can be walked on this link: http://www.mapmywalk.com/us/sanibel-fl/

Lots of things Happening at Sanibel's Bowman's Beach

Many visitors to Sanibel Island know of Bowman's Beach on the far west end because it does have great shelling.

For those not able to walk to the beach, it provides ample parking at a reasonable cost.

And for the family desiring clean and convenient facilities, Bowman's offers those as well.

So there are several reasons already present to choose this public beach.

And now there will be more.

Sanibel Island, famed for beaches and bike paths, soon will extend the latter asset to Bowman's Beach.

City leaders recently learned they’d scored a $200,000 matching grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection to help build a special half-mile-long, shared-use path to Bowman’s Beach Park.

Shared-use paths are off-limits to motor vehicles. They typically are paved, are wider than sidewalks and used by cyclists, pedestrians, dog-walkers, and people using wheelchairs and other forms of mobility assistance.

This new segment will take people across Sanibel-Captiva Road on a new crosswalk, and then onto a paved path that will parallel Bowman’s Beach Road before veering west, and ending near the park’s restrooms, playground and picnic area.

Patti Sousa, who serves on the Sanibel Bicycle Club’s board of directors, is delighted.
During busy times, Bowman’s Beach Road is crowded with drivers, pedestrians, cyclists “and kids on skateboards,” Sousa said, adding: “It’s quite narrow. There’s no wiggle room — no room for error.”

The path is but one enhancement scheduled for Bowman’s: With help from county bed tax dollars, a boardwalk and lookout in the park’s bayou area and a shade structure for its ADA-accessible Gulf observation deck also will go up in the year ahead. This should enhance the appeal of Bowman’s, already a contender for most-popular Sanibel beach.

According to the city of Sanibel website, the island already has more shared-use path — nearly 23 miles — than it does beachfront — 15.5 miles.

Bowman’s path is part of a master plan city leaders created in collaboration with the bicycle club, in 2009. The city began building its first bicycle and pedestrian-friendly path along the main artery — Periwinkle Way — in the mid-1970s.

In 2010, Sanibel became the first Southwest Florida community to be designated a “Bicycle Friendly Community” by the League of American Bicyclists.

Adding to the bicycle paths “isn’t just for vacationers, it’s also great for the residents,” said Billy Kirkland, Sanibel resident and the owner of Billy’s Rentals, one of the island’s major rental-bike suppliers.

A shell by any other name: Sanibel's best finds

We have written about the enticement of shells on Sanibel Island on other blog posts.

The diversity and abundance bring people here from far away places.

Sanibel is on the top tier of shelling destinations in the world.

But we want to drill down a little bit on this piece.

And certainly a closer look compels us to laud one of the tiniest shells on Sanibel.  The Angulate Wentletrap shell is a diminutive beauty.

It is so small that a child's outstretched  hand can (gently)  hold several Wentletraps with space between them. 

Once the home of sea snails, these beautiful spirals have a name of foreign origin.   The common name wentletraps is derived from the Dutch word wenteltrap, denoting a spiral staircase. This refers to the striking form and sculpture of the shells of the mollusks in this genus, and to a lesser extent, the whole family.

Because of their size, the wentletraps often go unnoticed and uncollected on shell abundant Sanibel. Every tide that hits Sanibel is like the upending of a treasure chest. In the morning, the blindingly white beaches of our island off Florida's Gulf coast twinkle with the bounty deposited overnight: a kaleidoscopic shimmer of seashells, in quantities that almost obscure the sand, in sizes from the too small to notice to the big enough to trip over, in such colors that you start to suspect mollusks, as a species, of being outrageous showoffs.

It's impossible to develop a comprehensive familiarity with this trove in just a few days, but you can learn enough to tell your wentletraps from your semeles, arks and cockles. But when on the beach and doing the Sanibel Stoop, you need to tread carefully, as many of these baubles have sharp spikes, and be even warier about picking things up, as quite a few of them are still inhabited by their original owners, or by hermit crabs, the squatters of the deep. There is manifold competition for Sanibel's daily jackpot. The beach is an all-you-can-eat buffet for assorted wader birds, and a motherlode for shell collectors.

After a few days on Sanibel, though, you can understand the single-mindedness of the shell collectors, and even their reasons for being up this early.

And we are willing to bet, the next time you want a memorable vacation you will be among the collectors.

Sanibel Island Competes for top Spot for Birding

Those of us who love birds have long  noted not just the variety of birds on Sanibel, but the easy access and observation of our birds.

More than 245 species of birds call the island home, with the majority of them residing in and around the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

And most are very visible from safe roads and without aids.

The Roseate Spoonbill , the icon of Sanibel, stands out like cotton candy at a fair ground.  Pink and fluffy and often in clusters both in the water and up in the trees, at two feet tall the Roseate is just one of our many , many birds that requires no binoculars to spot.

And many of our birds are large, comfortable with sightseers, close enough to photograph and most entertaining in their behavior.

Walk the paths near the bayous and you will see Herons, Egrets and White Pelicans in abundance.  Walk the beach and Piping Plovers, Brown Pelicans and several different varieties of gulls will keep you company.

Our Ibis are everywhere and readily identifiable because of their special long curved beaks.

The scree of osprey, hawks and eagles will alert you to their presence allowing you to see them before you hear them.

And now, it appears that birding is ramping up to make Sanibel as desirable a destination to watch birds as it is to collect shells. Sanibel is among 20 other destinations across the country in the running to claim the title, "Best Birdwatching Destination in the USA." The public poll is being conducted by USA Today.

And though we have never done a feather to feather comparison with our competition, we are willing to bet that some of the contenders require special licenses, added equipment and birding aids in order to see the winged residents of these areas.

So we are encouraging every one we know to vote for Sanibel as the top birding destination in the country.  You only need to click here http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-birdwatching/sanibel-island-fla/  daily to register your agreement that Sanibel is , indeed, for the birds!

The History of Shelling on Sanibel Island

There is the short history of shelling on Sanibel.  It can be summed up in the often repeated phrase that the Island ranks in the top 3 world destinations for great shelling.

For many, that is all they know and all they need to know.

The proof, as they say, is in the pudding. 

Walk the walk on Sanibel, the beach walk that is, and in the majority of cases; you will be greeted with a variety of sea shells.

But the nuances of the shelling history are as compelling as the experience of shelling.

How did the first inhabitants of Sanibel use shells for their subsistence? What were the events that occurred in European society that led to the interest in collecting shells? Who collected them and how did that lead to their use by mainstream society? Of the many expeditions that sailed to the New World, shells were among were among the items brought back to Europe.

The island is situated at a special place in the Gulf of Mexico - it has an east/west alignment. From the south comes a prevailing wind and strong currents that cause this eleven mile-long, 3 mile-wide island to become a scoop for seashells.

Seashells have created an economy for Sanibel's residents since the time of the Calusa Indians and are highly integrated into the culture and the economy of Sanibel. As many as 20-30,000 visitors come to Sanibel and its neighbor island Captiva each week at peak season, drawn by the desire to walk Sanibel's beaches and its shells. Nearly 15,000 seasonal visitors travel to Sanibel in escape of the cold winter weather in the northern regions, including Canada.

 

No matter where they come from, tourists of all ages spend their time learning about the island's history at the Sanibel Historical Museum, learning about the diverse wildlife that inhabits the island at the J.N. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, or the ecology of the most famous island inhabitants, mollusks, during their visit to the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. Visitors also enjoy the art of local artists in many cozy little boutiques and shops that sell wind chimes, jewelry, lamps, paperweights, decorative boxes and ornaments.

 

 And of course, conversations in these shops are usually centered around shelling. They provide a good stopping point between a day's activities, and a good place to catch up on island news and the tide report!

Home, home on the Golf Course: Seriously, Coyotes are roaming our Sanibel Links

Many people come to Sanibel for vacation.

Some love it so much they decide to stay.

That includes four legged as well as two legged critters.

We have had bears and other beautiful creatures not native to the our islands find their way over.

Some have had to be relocated for their own safety.

Now, among our confirmed residents on Sanibel Island, are coyotes.  No doubt, they will become permanent fixtures on the Island.

First reported in 2011, more have been sighted , particularly on our golf courses.

Coyotes expanded their range into Florida in the late 1970s. They are omnivorous, with the majority of their diet in Florida being small mammals, such as mice, rats and rabbits. However, they are opportunistic and have been known to eat everything from garbage to fruit and vegetables, dead fish and wildlife, birds, livestock, small pets and even sea turtle eggs.

They are most active near dawn and dusk and are normally extremely shy and stay clear of humans. Coyotes are not generally a threat to human safety.

Recommendations for limiting coyote interactions include:
-Store trash in a secure area until morning of pickup
-Bring pet food or any other potential food source inside
-Keep pets indoors or attended at all times
-Always keep pets, especially small dogs or cats, on a leash when walking

The Sanibel Natural Resources Department and the City's partners at the J.N. "Ding" Darling Refuge and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation have been closely monitoring the coyote population and keeping track of reports.

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation has been using metal screening to cover sea turtle nests in areas that have high coyote activity. This screening makes it difficult for coyotes to dig up nests and still allows turtle hatchlings to crawl out to the water.

Though it is unlikely you will see one of our special residents, count yourself lucky if you do!

Sanibel's CROW reports on Gus the Gopher Tortoise

Although we might be tempted to say all animals are created equal, the truth is that they are not.

On Sanibel we value all animals, but various species are more valuable than others.

Like wolves in the wilderness that are a keystone species---- effecting the environment more than many other animals---- tortoises are index or indicator species.    An indicator species is any biological species that defines a trait or characteristic of the environment.  For example, a species may delineate an ecoregion or indicate an environmental conditions such as a disease outbreak, pollution, species competition or climate change.

 

As in any food web, removing certain flora or fauna out of the equation can adversely affect the survival of that ecosystem. According to Sanibel's Center for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), the gopher tortoise is especially important because the burrows, which are dug by the tortoises, also provide homes for other animals, such as indigo snakes, gopher frogs, mice, foxes, skunks, opossums, rabbits, quail, armadillos, burrowing owls, snakes, lizards, frogs, toads and other invertebrates. Gopher tortoise burrows are home to about 250 species of animals at one time or another. Some species share the burrows with the tortoises and others utilize abandoned burrows. Since the burrows are used by so many species, removing the tortoises from the local habitat would leave many animals without homes.

 

So the arrival of an injured or sick tortoise at CROW is of great importance in terms of Sanibel's environment. 

 

Gus, the tortoise,  had been a patient at CROW since December 6, 2013. He came to the clinic after being hit by a car in Lehigh Acres. Gus's shell had major cracks and he was dragging his left leg. Originally, CROW staff members didn't think he would be able to be released due to the severity of his injuries. "He had to have his shell repaired. He also needed medications for his pain, medications for the inflammation from the original accident and antibiotics to prevent any infections. It was a lot of wound care and then physical therapy," said Dr. Heather Barron, CROW's hospital director. "Gus was with us for a long time."

 

But as anxious as everyone was about Gus's rehabilitation , they were jubilant at his healing and release on August 25.  Gus had been a very special patient, and had finally healed enough to be transported back to his natural habitat with the assistance of David Mason, a senior environmental scientist with Boylan Environmental Consultants. Mason picked Gus up from Specialized Veterinary Services in Fort Myers before driving out to the area of Lehigh Acres where Gus was originally discovered. Before Mason released Gus, he scouted the area to ensure the adult gopher turtle would be able to readapt to the environment, including digging a "starter burrow" for Gus. "The release went really well," Mason said. "It was a pretty typical release. This guy went straight for the burrow, which is really nice. I always like to do what I call the 'soft release,' digging at least a two-foot burrow. That way he has immediate shelter, shade and protection, rather than throw him on the site and let him fend for himself. Their own burrows can take up to three days to build."

 

So Gus is free and the world is a better place!

It's Snook season on Sanibel!

If you have ever tasted Snook, you know it is fish worth catching.

It is made all the more desirable by the fact that you can not walk into your grocery outlet or fish market and buy Snook. No commercial harvest or sale of Snook is permitted.
 
Snook are proportionately very thick through the shoulders, and their fillets represent a higher portion of total weight than most other fish. The fillets are mild yet flavorful and are ranked at the top of nearly everyone’s list of favorite fish.

Making this beautiful creature even more allusive is the fact that there is a limit on not only how many Snook you can catch, but when and where you can catch them. 

A great many kinds of fish are protected by conservation laws that may include licenses, daily bag limits, possession limits, minimum and maximum size limits, permitting and other legal requirements. Many different jurisdictions and agencies are involved in managing the fisheries—at least a half-dozen in Florida alone, to say nothing of other countries—and their regulations sometimes conflict.

At the June 2013 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) meeting, Commissioners voted to let the recreational harvest of Snook in Gulf of Mexico waters reopen to harvest September 1 after being closed since January  2010. Gulf waters were closed to harvest due to a 2010 cold kill that negatively impacted Snook. But it is Snook season on Sanibel Island right now.   

Snook is managed by two regions in Florida: Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Regulations apply in state and adjacent federal waters.  Snook can be found in the warm, tropical waters of the Atlantic and Gulf Coast of the Southern Peninsula of Florida. In Southwest Florida, Snook can be found around mangrove pockets, piers, passes, inlets and sandbars. Our favorite local Snook fishing spots include the Sanibel Fishing Pier and the causeway.

Snook are one of the best for all-around fighting ability.The fight is usually featured by several long runs and a few jumps. Small Snook leap high in the manner of Ladyfish, while the really big females manage to clear only about half their bodies. Snook also are past masters at utilizing shoreline roots or any other obstructions to their advantage.

So if you are thinking of Sanibel and thinking of Snook, why wait?  The game is on!

What's Happening at the Sanibel Historical Village? A lot!

Like everything on Sanibel, our historical village is non intrusive, non sprawling and chock full of interesting things.  And it is an icon of preservation and stored memories.

Just driving up to the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village makes one think of taking a trip back in time. Tucked away neatly down a winding island road and nestled within the protection of surrounding native trees and vegetation, even the entrance to the property gives a feel for what life must have been like a hundred years ago on Sanibel. The atmosphere outside is quiet and pristine — the type of quiet that will cause hushed voices simply out of respect for the peaceful feeling of the place.
 

Upon entering the site, the first historical building that visitors encounter is the Rutland House. Built in 1913, it was the first building to be relocated to the village, which happened in 1984 at the founding of the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village. The Rutland House contains a small visitor center where guests meet the volunteer docents, sign a guestbook, and pay their entrance fee before continuing their journey into the island’s past. Once inside the village, visitors can explore eight historical buildings that range in date from 1896 to 1927.

 

 “Everything here is from the 1890s to the 1940s,” said museum manager Emilie Alfino, “or we don’t accept it. The oldest building is the schoolhouse, which was built in 1896.”  

 

Used for many years as a local theater, the old school building was eventually donated and brought to the village where volunteers restored it. “When they brought it here and started taking off the sheetrock,” Alfino said, “they found the original blackboard.” The original school bell was also returned to the building to finish off the return to authenticity.

 

The next oldest building in the village is the Burnap Cottage, which was built in 1898. Used first as a homestead and later as a church, fishing retreat, and cottage, the building was donated in 1998 and soon restored to its original look and feel. Like the other buildings in the village, the Burnap Cottage has maintained its historical charm and warmness. Restoration has been carefully done to ensure that visitors will experience a realistic return to a simpler era. 

 

Another visitor favorite in the village is the Morning Glories Cottage. This house was originally shipped to the island as a prefabricated, kit home in 1925. Over 30,000 pieces had to be put together, but the result was a cozy little home that 89 years later still makes visitors want to spend the night. 

Recently, Morning Glories received a necessary update. “Morning Glories has a brand new porch,” said Alfino. “The supports were no longer safe, but we kept the original floor.” With period furniture and décor, Morning Glories Cottage is truly a visit to the past. As history buffs so often say, “You can just feel the history.”

 

No village is complete without a general store, and the Old Bailey General Store, built in 1927, has just as much to offer today’s customer as it did in its heyday. Aside from the antiques that are only for display, the store sells various modern treasures in its Old Village Gift Shop, where visitors can peruse and buy handmade gifts to take back home. 

 

Lest visitors think that not much “new” happens at a historical museum, Alfino is quick to point out the latest additions and happenings. The most recent building donation has been the Shore Haven house, which sits right next to the Rutland house and will eventually serve as a new visitor center. Originally built in 1924, over the years the building has been updated too much to allow for a historic restoration. “We can’t use it as a historic house except for the outside,” Alfino said, “which is being restored to its original look.”

 

All this attention to detail makes the Village a very special place.

Do you know your snakes? A primer for Sanibel Sightings!

With all its verdant topicality and abundant nature Sanibel is home to hundreds of creatures.

Our little barrier island is only 12 miles long, but every inch is packed with flora and fauna.

And yes, we do have snakes, several varieties of snakes.

Most are totally benign and other than the harmless black racer, it is unlikely you will encounter many, if any at all, of our fine slithering friends.

But you should know what each  looks like, especially so for those that can be harmful to humans and domestic pets.

There are 4 venomous snakes found in Southwest Florida. They consist of the eastern diamondback rattlesnake , dusky pygmy rattlesnake, Florida cottonmouth and the eastern coral snake.

Historically, only two of these snake species have been documented on Sanibel and Captiva Islands (eastern diamondback rattlesnake, eastern coral snake).

Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are large snakes and can reach over 5' in length.  They are a diamond pattern of grey, beige and white and occur on the mainland as well as barrier islands throughout Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. They have been documented from Sanibel, Captiva, North Captiva, Cayo Costa and Gasparilla Island as well as the Keys. They are in the family Viperidae, which makes them pit vipers. The word pit viper refers to the loreal pits on the side of head that enable them to sense heat from their prey (small mammals and birds). They are hide and ambush predators which means that they hide themselves and wait for small mammals such as rats, rabbits and birds to pass by. They strike (bite) the animal with lightning speed and wait for the animal to die from envenomation. They are able to to follow the path of the dying animal with their loreal pits and finally swallow the animal after it is found.

The eastern coral snake is a very obvious snake. It has black, red and yellow (or white) bands that run 360 degrees around the snake. It is rarely over three feet long. There are two mimic snakes in Lee county that could be misidentified as coral snakes, but neither of them are extant on Sanibel. They are the scarlet kingsnake  and the scarlet snake .  The old  rhyme for identifying coral snakes in the United States is as follows: Red on black, friend of Jack, red on yellow, kill a fellow". Basically, if the yellow/white bands separate all of the red and black bands, then it is a coral snake. If  any of the red bands touch any of the black bands, then it is nonvenomous. This formula is only true for coral snakes in the United States. In Central and South America, coral snake coloration is inconsistent with this rhyme.

But while we feel knowledge is the best defense in avoiding a snake bite, the truth is that avoiding their habitats will be a safer bet.  Walking through dense brush and wet lands is best left to the special Fish and Wild life people, and with 24 miles of paths that are paved, it is easy to avoid the wild habitats.  In addition, both the diamond back and coral snakes are non aggressive and would just as soon avoid you!

Nothing Fishy about Sanibel's New Fish House

So you've been to Sanibel Island before and have taken the kids to The Bubble Room, The Mucky Duck, Matzaluna and The Island Cow.  Maybe you've even hit The Blue Giraffe.

Or perhaps you are planning a month long stay in one of our vacation rental houses and need more options for the family.

Well, we've got a nice surprise for you, a genuine delight.

The new addition, called The Fish House, offers a very nice alternative to our great choices.

Colorful inside and out, The Fish House, provides both ample parking and a nicety rarely found in Sanibel eateries.  A pull up covered entrance where passengers can enter the restaurant without getting drenched in a storm.  This advantage is best appreciated when experienced.  The Island can get some pretty heavy down pours at night, almost always at the exact time you are headed to dinner!

Also a bit different and a very nice aspect to eating is the expansive seating in the restaurant.  So many rooms and places to sit helps to give each family a feeling of privacy and to cut down on noise when the restaurant may be booming.

There are both tables and booths and little hideaways as well as larger spaces to dine.

The theme throughout The Fish House is , appropriately, all things of the sea.  Mermaids, boats, fish in bright colors adorn the colorful interior.

And while the sea food options are numerous, including Shrimp, Calamari, Clams, Crabs, Tuna and Grouper among the many, many choices; one is not limited to eating the delicious delights found in the water.

There are also options  with chicken,  pulled pork and pasta as well as dozens of sides that do not include fish.

The Fish House is moderately priced, which is also a special attraction for the family looking for an affordable night out.

Sanibel Island: I've Looked at Clouds from Both Sides Now

Those of us of a certain age, remember well the sweet lyrics of Joni Mitchell's popular song, Both Sides Now.

And all of us at any age probably think we know clouds even though Mitchell's words deny that is possible.

But any one interested in beautiful , unique and ever changing cloud formations must come and visit Sanibel Island.

On any given day, the skies are inspiring.

Our clouds can be white and fluffy hovering over the island like bleached cotton candy ready to be plucked from the sky, a perfect background to our tropical vegetation.

They can be spread out, low in the sky, and ever transforming in color.  Our sunsets are punctuated by these low lying, dream like images which can be pink, purple, orange or a combination of all at dusk.  They are all special.

Lying on the beach is always enhanced with cloud watching.  We watch to make sure the clouds do not bunch up too closely and threaten storms.  We watch to see how our many birds fly past them becoming part of the canvas.  We watch to avoid looking at our own watches as the clouds help to tell the time. 

There is beauty throughout the world.

And while we regret that our islands do not offer hills and mountains, we do offer some of the most amazing clouds to be seen anywhere.  They keep our gaze entertained and our hopes up.

Now we challenge you in your next cloud observation on our tropical island to think of what you are seeing ......and not to have this refrain echoing in your mind:

 Rows and flows of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons everywhere
I've looked at clouds that way

Gumbo Limbo trees get a new “skin” on Sanibel

Ten years ago, Hurricane Charley hit Sanibel and Captiva Islands and left behind life long impressions,  but far fewer trees.

But the residents of Sanibel jumped right in to replace all the lost flora and now , for the most part,  the Islands look as they did before Charley.  The Australian Pines are largely gone, but all the sturdy tropical vegetation is back.

So it was very distressing when  an "attack" was made on our Gumbo Limbo trees in the Ding Darling Nature Preserve, not by Mother Nature but by human  beings.

Gumbo limbos are native island trees nicknamed “tourist trees” because their red, peeling bark resembles sunburnt tourists. The gumbo limbo’s soft, smooth bark is also more susceptible to vandals destructively carving their identity or affections into the vulnerable trees.

We do not take such behavior lightly on the Island, and are alarmed that such graffiti invites more of the same. 

These arrogant actions not only result in scarring these beautiful trees and exposing them to greater harm and disease but they also ruin the natural wilderness experience many of our visitors come here to seek." Toni Westland, the US Fish & Wildlife Service supervisory ranger assigned to the refuge, echoed the sentiments. "It just makes me sick to see these beautiful trees defaced," Westland said. "The culprits need to realize that they are vandalizing federal property on federal lands, which is a punishable offense."

Because we take our trees seriously on Sanibel,  we were happy to see a good Samaritan step up to bat and come up with a plan to discourage "decorating" our Gumbo Limbos.

Landscaper Robert Walton with Grounds By Green Ways on Sanibel Island has donated his expertise, time, and materials to mask and mend gumbo limbo trees along the Calusa Shell Mound Trail at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, trees that have been compromised by graffiti vandalism.

A few weeks ago, Walton showed refuge interns how to wrap seven damaged trees with special biodegradable, corn-based landscape fabric that is rated to last 10 years.  "Rob has advised us to cover the graffiti with landscape fabric to protect the trees from disease and allow the scarred trees to heal faster, " said Westland.

We thank Mr. Walton and all who have come to the rescue of our Gumbo Limbos.

 

 

  










 

Safe Biking on Sanibel Island

An iconic view of Sanibel, no matter where you are on Island, are  the bikers gliding effortlessly past our tropical vegetation, the sun on their shoulders and wind in their hair.

It's a very inviting vision as biking is a great exercise and a great way to see the Island.

And, Sanibel is known for its 25 miles of bike trails so many visitors have biking in mind when they come for vacation.

Despite the compelling reasons to bike and the relative safety of biking on our little tropical island; there are from time to time accidents on two wheels.

While largely safe for most visitors and residents aboard a bicycle, Sanibel surveys gathered for the year show that riders between the ages of 51 though 65 are more prone to injuries, chiefly due to falling, a report issued by the city shows. A few related injuries have been caused by car/bike run-ins, bike on bike, or a cyclist running into an object like a tree or a dog. No bicycle-related fatalities were reported through June. The typical situation for an injury, according to the city, is a lone rider or small gaggle of middle-aged bikers pedaling a path. Older bicyclists aren't always as nimble as they were as kids, city officials suggest.

What often happens is that riders in a group will swing towards one another, to hear directions, to chat, to share the elegance of the island's natural beauty. Unfortunately, some swing too far, colliding. Others fall navigating, boarding, dismounting a bike, negotiating curves and crossing paths, even checking a cell phone. Because many teens and young adults use bicycles as a means to commute or play, they are less likely to get injured, experts agree. In all, 11 riders to date in Sanibel have been injured.

Anyone considering a bike vacation should first rent. There's balance, things to practice if (you're) not used to riding.  City Manager Judie Zimomra said the community has spent nearly $1 million in recent years to smooth, widen, or otherwise make safe the miles of bike/pedestrian paths in Sanibel. She recommends practicing before rushing on to a trail that in season is as congested as Periwinkle Way. "The old saying about never forgetting how to ride a bike may not necessarily be true," she said. 

But biking is a special way to spend time on Sanibel so a few precautions and a little practice will help make it smooth and safe vacationing!

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!