There is no oil on Sanibel Island, and none is predicted. That is the good news, and we are happy for it and want to spread the word. Sanibel is so special a place that any despoiling of its habitat is not acceptable, and most likely not restorable to its original "condition". When man made structures are torn down, they can be re-built. The rejuvenation of nature takes much longer when it works, and some times it does not work at all.
But there is much of Florida in the northern panhandle and vicinity, as well as in Louisiana and Alabama that should also be protected and preserved. The BP oil disaster has affected every Gulf state – and beyond. Fisheries have been devastated, tourism to the area has plummeted, wildlife refuges and marshes have been fouled with oil, toxic tar has washed onto beaches, and thousands of dolphins, sea turtles, herons, pelicans, and countless other bird and wildlife species were coated in oil, facing slow and agonizing deaths.
And, despite the recent announcements that the oil has disappeared, as many suspected, that is really not the case. A recent study suggests that nearly 80% of the oil released by the Deepwater Horizon offshore disaster remains under the sea. That means that millions of barrels are still poisoning sea turtles, fouling the coasts of northern Florida and the contiguous states and threatening the survival of endangered marine life like sperm whales and bluefin tuna.
This is also not acceptable.
This blog generally accents the positive, and does not advocate particular positions,however, in the name of environmental protection we must take a stand now.
We are suggesting that our readers, their families, friends and colleagues become defenders of wild life and wild life habitat. We urge everyone to contact their senators to pass the Clean Energy Jobs and Oil Accountability Act (S. 3663), legislation to preserve vital habitat for sea turtles and other wildlife and improve oversight and accountability to prevent the next offshore oil disaster. If passed, the Senate bill would improve offshore drilling management and crisis response and finally guarantee funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund – an important tool for preserving and restoring habitat for Gulf wildlife and other animals.
We urge everyone to support the Gulf of Mexico in every way they can, and we have written this message to focus on what needs to be done, publishing this post advertisement free to keep our intention in tack.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
Sanibel in Song: Lyrics to Live By
It is difficult to listen to almost any Jimmy Buffet song about Islands, harbors, boating and the laid back life of a beach devotee without thinking about Sanibel. Most of JB's music carry Sanibel in its harmony.
And, of course, there are the songs of Danny Morgan, who is a local entertainer, often compared to Jimmy Buffet. But where there may only be a couple of songs directly related to Sanibel and Captiva out of the JB song book, Morgan has created dozens of titles that directly relate to the Island. Songs like "Sanibel Samba", "Sanibel Sunset" and "Captiva Moon" are unmistakeably planted in the sands of our two beautiful barrier islands.
But despite the world wide appeal to folks of Jimmy Buffet persuasion (most often called parrotheads) and the tremendous popularity of Danny Morgan on and around the Islands of Sanibel and Captiva, there may not be a song composed that resonates more clearly and touchingly with the topicality and peace of Sanibel than that which was sung by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.
The title of the song, simply stated, is Sanibel.
And the simplicity of the title may well be deliberate. There is no other Sanibel, no need to add Island, or Florida or any other qualifying term. Sanibel is Sanibel period.
But the sweet sound of the song and the key words used in its composition, take the listener directly to the Island.
Terms like
Angels of the water, sirens of the sea
Whispering their sweet love songs
Calling out to me
bring the romance of the island to life.
And the clarification of this line
Going to leave this town forever
And go where I'll never
Need an overcoat no more
certainly reminds the listener of one of the many reasons to love and come to the island.
But it's the familiar refrain that wraps up the song most profoundly and touchingly
Ooh lalalala, every night and every day
Sitting by the gulf coast just a thousand miles away,
Where they cry...
Ooh lalalala, on an island I will dwell
Starlit nights in paradise on the isle of Sanibel
Yes, starlit nights in paradise are certainly Sanibel!
And, of course, there are the songs of Danny Morgan, who is a local entertainer, often compared to Jimmy Buffet. But where there may only be a couple of songs directly related to Sanibel and Captiva out of the JB song book, Morgan has created dozens of titles that directly relate to the Island. Songs like "Sanibel Samba", "Sanibel Sunset" and "Captiva Moon" are unmistakeably planted in the sands of our two beautiful barrier islands.
But despite the world wide appeal to folks of Jimmy Buffet persuasion (most often called parrotheads) and the tremendous popularity of Danny Morgan on and around the Islands of Sanibel and Captiva, there may not be a song composed that resonates more clearly and touchingly with the topicality and peace of Sanibel than that which was sung by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.
The title of the song, simply stated, is Sanibel.
And the simplicity of the title may well be deliberate. There is no other Sanibel, no need to add Island, or Florida or any other qualifying term. Sanibel is Sanibel period.
But the sweet sound of the song and the key words used in its composition, take the listener directly to the Island.
Terms like
Angels of the water, sirens of the sea
Whispering their sweet love songs
Calling out to me
bring the romance of the island to life.
And the clarification of this line
Going to leave this town forever
And go where I'll never
Need an overcoat no more
certainly reminds the listener of one of the many reasons to love and come to the island.
But it's the familiar refrain that wraps up the song most profoundly and touchingly
Ooh lalalala, every night and every day
Sitting by the gulf coast just a thousand miles away,
Where they cry...
Ooh lalalala, on an island I will dwell
Starlit nights in paradise on the isle of Sanibel
Yes, starlit nights in paradise are certainly Sanibel!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Sanibel's Gramma Dot's: The Closest You Can Get to Eating On Board
One of many attractive points about Sanibel Island is that there are numerous restaurants on Sanibel and Captiva.
Another is that the restaurants are quite different from one another.
There is the outrageously different Bubble Room.
The elegantly distinctive Thistle Lodge.
The family fun of the Hungry Heron.
And many lovely spots from Matzaluna to Traders, all quite distinguishable in decor and menu from one another. There is something special about all of them.
But Gramma Dot's stands out from the rest as dining there feels more like being on a ship than eating on dry land.
It's proximity to the water, the near by boats docked just outside the large windows, the sparkling clean ambiance and the white and blue decor create a ship like experience from the moment you walk into the place.
Serving lunch and dinner seven days a week, Gramma Dot's prides itself on offering the freshest sea food on the Island.
But it also offers, if one takes a moment to explore the history, a very interesting background on its namesake.
Born at the turn of the century, Gramma Dot (Dorothy Stearns) was a women ahead of her time. Dot loved an adventure. As a teenager, she traveled the world by ship with her family.
She rode camels in Egypt, rode horses and played billiards in the Wild West. She was an avid sailor who loved the sea and logged many hours exploring Long Island’s Great South Bay.
In the late 50’s, her sea explorations brought her to Sanibel. In 1963, by then a widow, she moved alone to Sanibel --a sleepy little island where most people didn’t wear shoes; and when people passed in cars, they always waved.
Gramma Dot was a woman of many talents with a zest for life. She was a ballroom dancer, published author, painter and an amazingly creative maker of “shell-things”. She was loved dearly by all her friends and family for her energy, creativity, and positive attitude.
Gramma Dot, an inspiration to generations of heirs, was a gentle, gracious lady, a giant of a lady within the family of Irelands. The restaurant was named after Gramma Dot by her son Myton Ireland.
And ok, I've got to admit it. The history of Gramma is as endearing and as intriguing as the restaurant and food it serves. Don't you agree?
Another is that the restaurants are quite different from one another.
There is the outrageously different Bubble Room.
The elegantly distinctive Thistle Lodge.
The family fun of the Hungry Heron.
And many lovely spots from Matzaluna to Traders, all quite distinguishable in decor and menu from one another. There is something special about all of them.
But Gramma Dot's stands out from the rest as dining there feels more like being on a ship than eating on dry land.
It's proximity to the water, the near by boats docked just outside the large windows, the sparkling clean ambiance and the white and blue decor create a ship like experience from the moment you walk into the place.
Serving lunch and dinner seven days a week, Gramma Dot's prides itself on offering the freshest sea food on the Island.
But it also offers, if one takes a moment to explore the history, a very interesting background on its namesake.
Born at the turn of the century, Gramma Dot (Dorothy Stearns) was a women ahead of her time. Dot loved an adventure. As a teenager, she traveled the world by ship with her family.
She rode camels in Egypt, rode horses and played billiards in the Wild West. She was an avid sailor who loved the sea and logged many hours exploring Long Island’s Great South Bay.
In the late 50’s, her sea explorations brought her to Sanibel. In 1963, by then a widow, she moved alone to Sanibel --a sleepy little island where most people didn’t wear shoes; and when people passed in cars, they always waved.
Gramma Dot was a woman of many talents with a zest for life. She was a ballroom dancer, published author, painter and an amazingly creative maker of “shell-things”. She was loved dearly by all her friends and family for her energy, creativity, and positive attitude.
Gramma Dot, an inspiration to generations of heirs, was a gentle, gracious lady, a giant of a lady within the family of Irelands. The restaurant was named after Gramma Dot by her son Myton Ireland.
And ok, I've got to admit it. The history of Gramma is as endearing and as intriguing as the restaurant and food it serves. Don't you agree?
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Five Reasons to Visit Sanibel This September
Contrary to popular belief, September can be a beautiful month on the Island of Sanibel.
And this September promises to be a particularly beautiful month.
While Sanibel has not been affected by the Gulf oil spill, and the scientific projection has been that there is a less than 1 percent chance it will be, the greater concern has always been whether the spill could be stopped and the oil removed.
It seems promising that the well has been plugged at this point and reports are that the oil is largely gone.
So come September, there should be a collective sigh of relief that the Gulf has a better chance as we go forward. The optimism will surely be felt on Sanibel, helping to make a vacation even more enjoyable.
But that is only one reason to holiday this September, though a significant one at that.
September is, in almost any year, a transitional month. Summer visitors are gone. Fall visitors have not yet arrived. It is a month in which you can feel like a pioneer on the Island, blazing your own path. No waiting for tables at the most popular restaurants and you can linger for hours over a meal. The bike paths will be bikeless, the waterways way open and even the fabulous local grocery stores will not have the crowds of people wandering the isles.
Because of the quieter, less traveled and less touristed aspect of September vacationing, the nature viewing can often be superb. With most of the Island being a nature preserve, Sanibel is always "for the birds"....armadillo, bobcats and the rest. But not having that many people around makes sighting them easier.
And there are always great sales in the stores in September. Many stores attempt to clean out inventory to make way for new items. Check out places such as clothing stores to see what's on the discounted racks and you'll find plenty to choose from.
And, because September can be stormy, it generally is a month with fewer demands for accommodations. So the greater supply often results in reduced vacation rental and hotel prices. In fact, because the weather can be sunny as well as rainy, wise travelers might want to negotiate a longer than weekly stay and be more assured of having good weather for some, if not all, of their vacation time.
But if you should see some stormy weather, that in and of itself is quite an experience. The rains and winds can create a spectacular environment. So that may in and of itself be a sixth good reason to visit Sanibel in September!
And this September promises to be a particularly beautiful month.
While Sanibel has not been affected by the Gulf oil spill, and the scientific projection has been that there is a less than 1 percent chance it will be, the greater concern has always been whether the spill could be stopped and the oil removed.
It seems promising that the well has been plugged at this point and reports are that the oil is largely gone.
So come September, there should be a collective sigh of relief that the Gulf has a better chance as we go forward. The optimism will surely be felt on Sanibel, helping to make a vacation even more enjoyable.
But that is only one reason to holiday this September, though a significant one at that.
September is, in almost any year, a transitional month. Summer visitors are gone. Fall visitors have not yet arrived. It is a month in which you can feel like a pioneer on the Island, blazing your own path. No waiting for tables at the most popular restaurants and you can linger for hours over a meal. The bike paths will be bikeless, the waterways way open and even the fabulous local grocery stores will not have the crowds of people wandering the isles.
Because of the quieter, less traveled and less touristed aspect of September vacationing, the nature viewing can often be superb. With most of the Island being a nature preserve, Sanibel is always "for the birds"....armadillo, bobcats and the rest. But not having that many people around makes sighting them easier.
And there are always great sales in the stores in September. Many stores attempt to clean out inventory to make way for new items. Check out places such as clothing stores to see what's on the discounted racks and you'll find plenty to choose from.
And, because September can be stormy, it generally is a month with fewer demands for accommodations. So the greater supply often results in reduced vacation rental and hotel prices. In fact, because the weather can be sunny as well as rainy, wise travelers might want to negotiate a longer than weekly stay and be more assured of having good weather for some, if not all, of their vacation time.
But if you should see some stormy weather, that in and of itself is quite an experience. The rains and winds can create a spectacular environment. So that may in and of itself be a sixth good reason to visit Sanibel in September!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Knowledge of Dolphins Helps Spur Interest on Sanibel
The Sanibel Sea School (one of our favorite organizations on the Island!), recently held a "Dolphin Week" for visiting families.
As it's name implies, the School focuses on educational aspects in its offerings, and the Dolphin Week was no different. In this case, the Dolphin Week was a collaborative affair with several island organizations and businesses contributing various items and services. And, of course, the Dolphins made a major contribution as well.
The week began at Buttonwood Beach, where the students (and teachers) were divided into pods to compete in the Dolphin Olympics. Campers raced through an obstacle course, played tug of war, and tried to untangle human knots. They improved their teamwork skills and learned that dolphins form alliances and cooperate in complicated ways to hunt and catch fish.
They also learned that Dolphins use echolocation to understand the world around them. Dolphins are able to send sound waves through the water and visualize their surroundings based on the resounding echoes. Echolocation allows dolphins to see in a more complex way than humans – in addition to determining the shape, size, and texture of objects, they are able to sense internal structures. A Dolphin can use echolocation to tell if a woman swimming in the ocean is pregnant.
To gain a better understanding of this ability, the Sea Schoolers played echo games to practice their own sonar skills, and realized that echolocation is not always as simple as it seems.
But perhaps the most exciting moment of the week came when the Schoolers went looking for Dophin. And, not surprisingly, found an active pod doing some flips and stunts in the water.
Now, there are many ways to see Dolphin on Sanibel with several cruises and boat rides boasting of the sightings that they will show you.
But how much more fun it must have been to know a little more about these amazing creatures before ever seeing them!
As it's name implies, the School focuses on educational aspects in its offerings, and the Dolphin Week was no different. In this case, the Dolphin Week was a collaborative affair with several island organizations and businesses contributing various items and services. And, of course, the Dolphins made a major contribution as well.
The week began at Buttonwood Beach, where the students (and teachers) were divided into pods to compete in the Dolphin Olympics. Campers raced through an obstacle course, played tug of war, and tried to untangle human knots. They improved their teamwork skills and learned that dolphins form alliances and cooperate in complicated ways to hunt and catch fish.
They also learned that Dolphins use echolocation to understand the world around them. Dolphins are able to send sound waves through the water and visualize their surroundings based on the resounding echoes. Echolocation allows dolphins to see in a more complex way than humans – in addition to determining the shape, size, and texture of objects, they are able to sense internal structures. A Dolphin can use echolocation to tell if a woman swimming in the ocean is pregnant.
To gain a better understanding of this ability, the Sea Schoolers played echo games to practice their own sonar skills, and realized that echolocation is not always as simple as it seems.
But perhaps the most exciting moment of the week came when the Schoolers went looking for Dophin. And, not surprisingly, found an active pod doing some flips and stunts in the water.
Now, there are many ways to see Dolphin on Sanibel with several cruises and boat rides boasting of the sightings that they will show you.
But how much more fun it must have been to know a little more about these amazing creatures before ever seeing them!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
The best seat for the best sound and light show: Sanibel's summer storms are awesome!
Most people come to Sanibel Island for the sun and/or shells. The pristine beaches, nature viewing and turquoise calm waters of the Gulf draw visitors from around the world. But those who visit in summer months, right into September, are in for a unique attraction best experienced on this 12 mile spit of land in the middle of the water.
Florida is known as the lightning capital of the world, and for good reason. Lightning bolts are as common on late afternoon summer landscapes as are Palm Trees, and, quite honestly, just as pretty.
Though the Sunshine state has a flat topography and does not offer spectacular views (as in Grand Canyon) in other ways, the electrical storms on and around Sanibel are awesome.
They provide a sound and light show not to be seen in most of the other states and they do have a pattern that is fairly predictable so one can make ready for the performance.
Somewhere between 4 and 6 p.m. from June to October, the clouds roll in, the sky darkens to deep gray bordering on black and thunder can be heard rolling at a distance. Because there are no mountains and barely any hills to obscure the view, the show can be seen (and heard) from miles and miles away. And a unique feature of these gala events is the chiaroscuro of shadow and light that they present. The sky can be nearly pitch black, but rays of sunshine will be breaking through highlighting and making buildings appear "lit" in orange or yellow florescence. It is quite a sight!
These phenomenal storms are memories in the making, and worth every dime spent in travel to Sanibel Island or almost anywhere in the state of Florida. And the seat for the show on Sanibel is particularly wonderful when the show starts as with no high rise buildings or other lighting distractions, those flashes just stand right out, dazzling the beholder.
And if you have found the water in the pool at your vacation rental a bit too luke warm for your taste, the secondary benefit of the afternoon "visitor" is the cooling off the heavy rains bring with them----- refreshing the pool with every visit.
But caution should be taken with each passing of a new storm. Mother nature can be deadly and you need to abide by her rules.
Here are some simple guidelines to help make your summer stay on Sanibel and the area as safe as can be during lightning storms:
Follow the 30/30 rule. If the time between seeing the flash of lightning and hearing the thunder is less than 30 seconds, take shelter. You are in a strike zone.
Immediately get away from pools, lakes and other bodies of water.
Get off the beach.
Never use a tree as a shelter.
Avoid standing near tall objects.
Keep away from metal objects including bikes, golf carts, umbrellas, fencing, machinery, etc.
Get indoors if at all possible or get in a hard-topped vehicle.
Remain in a shelter for 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning.
We do hear of people who have had narrow escapes from tropical electrical storms and that should not be. Look up at the sky and if you see the sun giving way to dark clouds, it's time to head to safety!
Florida is known as the lightning capital of the world, and for good reason. Lightning bolts are as common on late afternoon summer landscapes as are Palm Trees, and, quite honestly, just as pretty.
Though the Sunshine state has a flat topography and does not offer spectacular views (as in Grand Canyon) in other ways, the electrical storms on and around Sanibel are awesome.
They provide a sound and light show not to be seen in most of the other states and they do have a pattern that is fairly predictable so one can make ready for the performance.
Somewhere between 4 and 6 p.m. from June to October, the clouds roll in, the sky darkens to deep gray bordering on black and thunder can be heard rolling at a distance. Because there are no mountains and barely any hills to obscure the view, the show can be seen (and heard) from miles and miles away. And a unique feature of these gala events is the chiaroscuro of shadow and light that they present. The sky can be nearly pitch black, but rays of sunshine will be breaking through highlighting and making buildings appear "lit" in orange or yellow florescence. It is quite a sight!
These phenomenal storms are memories in the making, and worth every dime spent in travel to Sanibel Island or almost anywhere in the state of Florida. And the seat for the show on Sanibel is particularly wonderful when the show starts as with no high rise buildings or other lighting distractions, those flashes just stand right out, dazzling the beholder.
And if you have found the water in the pool at your vacation rental a bit too luke warm for your taste, the secondary benefit of the afternoon "visitor" is the cooling off the heavy rains bring with them----- refreshing the pool with every visit.
But caution should be taken with each passing of a new storm. Mother nature can be deadly and you need to abide by her rules.
Here are some simple guidelines to help make your summer stay on Sanibel and the area as safe as can be during lightning storms:
Follow the 30/30 rule. If the time between seeing the flash of lightning and hearing the thunder is less than 30 seconds, take shelter. You are in a strike zone.
Immediately get away from pools, lakes and other bodies of water.
Get off the beach.
Never use a tree as a shelter.
Avoid standing near tall objects.
Keep away from metal objects including bikes, golf carts, umbrellas, fencing, machinery, etc.
Get indoors if at all possible or get in a hard-topped vehicle.
Remain in a shelter for 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning.
We do hear of people who have had narrow escapes from tropical electrical storms and that should not be. Look up at the sky and if you see the sun giving way to dark clouds, it's time to head to safety!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Sanibel and Off Island: Viva La Difference!
In the previous post we talked about one destination off Sanibel Island, the beautiful city of Naples.
But regardless of whether your off island sojourn is Naples or another destination, you are bound to observe some very distinct differences between the Island and main land.
How do they differ?
Let me count the ways.
The Island, by definition is finite. It is 12 miles long and 5 miles wide. Go longer or wider and you are in the water!
Of course, the land outside the Island is almost infinite. You can drive off Island for miles and miles. Forida itself is very large. "The Sunshine State" is the 2nd-largest state (after Georgia) east of the Mississippi River, and ranks 22nd in size among the 50 states.
But much more than size distinguishes Sanibel from the miles and miles of towns just across the causeway.
Drive the roads of Sanibel, and you will not encounter one traffic light. Nope, not one. You can't go very far off island without hitting a traffic light. It does make a profound difference in your driving experience.
Even in the quiet areas on the mainland, you will hear the ubiquitous siren of an ambulance or EMS vehicle several times a day. I don't think I have heard a siren on Sanibel more than once or twice in all the months I have spent on Island. Sanibel has a hushed tone, day and night.
The tall buildings that line the major roads off island can be seen from miles away. No building is taller than a palm tree on Sanibel. The vistas are uniformly green from almost anywhere on the Island.
Restaurants of all kinds exist on and off Island. There are many choices where ever you are. One distinction, however, is the absence of fast food eateries on the Island. Other than the Island's Dairy Queen, the big name fast food chains do not exist on Sanibel. All the restaurants are independently owned with a unique style in decor and often unique menus as well.
But perhaps the greatest difference between on and off Island is the pace.
Cars whiz by on mainland. Cars slow down on Island. But, you will not see many cars in most months on Sanibel. Instead you will see people biking and walking and strolling. The Island mentality takes hold immediately and you just slow down your pace and ratchet up your enjoyment of the simple things. Watch an egret in flight. Stop and eat an ice cream. Take in a beach sunset. You have all the time in the world on the Island of Sanibel!
But regardless of whether your off island sojourn is Naples or another destination, you are bound to observe some very distinct differences between the Island and main land.
How do they differ?
Let me count the ways.
The Island, by definition is finite. It is 12 miles long and 5 miles wide. Go longer or wider and you are in the water!
Of course, the land outside the Island is almost infinite. You can drive off Island for miles and miles. Forida itself is very large. "The Sunshine State" is the 2nd-largest state (after Georgia) east of the Mississippi River, and ranks 22nd in size among the 50 states.
But much more than size distinguishes Sanibel from the miles and miles of towns just across the causeway.
Drive the roads of Sanibel, and you will not encounter one traffic light. Nope, not one. You can't go very far off island without hitting a traffic light. It does make a profound difference in your driving experience.
Even in the quiet areas on the mainland, you will hear the ubiquitous siren of an ambulance or EMS vehicle several times a day. I don't think I have heard a siren on Sanibel more than once or twice in all the months I have spent on Island. Sanibel has a hushed tone, day and night.
The tall buildings that line the major roads off island can be seen from miles away. No building is taller than a palm tree on Sanibel. The vistas are uniformly green from almost anywhere on the Island.
Restaurants of all kinds exist on and off Island. There are many choices where ever you are. One distinction, however, is the absence of fast food eateries on the Island. Other than the Island's Dairy Queen, the big name fast food chains do not exist on Sanibel. All the restaurants are independently owned with a unique style in decor and often unique menus as well.
But perhaps the greatest difference between on and off Island is the pace.
Cars whiz by on mainland. Cars slow down on Island. But, you will not see many cars in most months on Sanibel. Instead you will see people biking and walking and strolling. The Island mentality takes hold immediately and you just slow down your pace and ratchet up your enjoyment of the simple things. Watch an egret in flight. Stop and eat an ice cream. Take in a beach sunset. You have all the time in the world on the Island of Sanibel!
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