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
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
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.
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.
Friday, August 8, 2014
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!
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!
Thursday, July 31, 2014
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.
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!
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!
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
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!
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!
Sunday, July 13, 2014
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!
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!
Saturday, July 5, 2014
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!
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!
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