Sanibel Captiva Island Message Board

[saustin43]

I always say I'm going to do a trip report, and then I get lazy. This time I am going to try to post each day. . .

Who: Me - Sue, my daughter - Stacy, my granddaughter, Shelby. (The three S's.) I mention this for RC.

We drove to St. Louis Friday evening and stayed in a hotel by the airport.

Sat. morning we took the hotel shuttle to the airport and boarded SWA at 10:00 a.m. and arrived a RSW at 1:30 p.m. YEA!

I called Tom, from Sensible Car Rental, as soon as we landed and he picked us up within 5 minutes of getting our luggage. He drove us to his office where we filled out papers and from there we had a short 15-minute drive to Sanibel.

As always, my heart got very happy as we went over the causeway. Stacy was driving and I could fill my eyes and soul with all the wonderful sights, smells and sounds of the ocean. Shelby was in the back seat and she was also grinning from ear to ear.

Our first stop is always Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce on the right at the end of the causeway. To save time, (we weren’t yet on relaxed island time) I was in charge of picking up the newest magazine, Stacy was in charge of brochures on any new adventures & tide charts, and Shelby was in charge of menus. We were in and out quickly!

Our next stop is always Schnapper’s Hots – Shelby’s favorite. We got hot dogs, fries, and drinks. Oh, and also an order of buffalo wings. Then we headed for the condo. It is like coming home when we pull into Ocean’s Reach. We enjoyed the ocean view while eating our dogs.

After we ate we checked in with Dru and Andy at the Ocean’s Reach office and toured the new butterfly garden and shell washing station. We then got around to unloading our car (we travel very light). After a quick walk on the beach and some pool time we went to Jerry’s and stocked the kitchen.

It was an early to bed night for all of us.

[Beth]

Have a wonderful time! I can't wait to hear more!

[penguinmoon]

I'm smiling, as so far your "schedule" is much like mine: Chamber of Commerce, followed by Schnappers. It's a ritual I enjoy every time (and will be doing so in a couple of days, as I'm be heading to the airport myself in about 48 hours!)

Looking forward to hearing more!

[saustin43]

Sunday, July 11, 2010 (Stacy’s turn)

We slept in. Usually we eat our first breakfast on island at Lighthouse Café, but decided it being Sunday; it might be more crowded than usually. We’ll save it for tomorrow morning. Also, Shelby (she’s 17) woke with a bad migraine. We sent her back to bed with medicine, dark room, and cold wash clothe. Poor baby.

The beach is not overly crowded, but still, fairly full. My plane seatmate changed her family’s vacation plans at the last minute. They were supposed to go to Gulf Shores, but because of the oil spill decided to try Sanibel on the recommendation of a friend. So I’m wondering how many more have changed plans, and are first timers to Sanibel.

It’s been a very lazy day. Either Mom or I have stayed in the condo in case Shelby needs anything. It’s been a gorgeous day! Thankfully, around 4:00PM, Shelby finally felt well enough to roll out of bed. We then decided to go to Bailey’s and look for ideas for a wedding gift. My cousin was married here last month, and we thought a gift from Sanibel would be appropriate.

We ordered pizza from Schnapper’s Hots. We had never gotten a pizza from there before, before we’ve always ordered from Island Pizza. They both are very good, but Schnapper’s veggie pizza was $8 cheaper. (Personally, I think I preferred Schnapper’s Hots. If I’m remembering correctly, not as greasy)

After dinner, Shelby felt well enough for a walk. We took a short stroll on the beach. Shelby likes to look for tiny shells, under ¼”, usually smaller. In the 30 minutes we were looking, she found Banded Tulip, Horse Conch, Lightning Whelk, Olive, Florida Fighting Conch, Gulf Oyster Drill and a Florida Cone. My first find this year was a Nutmeg and Banded Tulip (my 2 favorites!) lying together in the surf.

Again, we went to bed early.

[saustin43]

I had an exciting early morning walk on the beach! There are fresh turtle tracks in front of Ocean's Reach! Unfortunately, it is a false crawl. . . While I stood there trying to figure out the tracks, the volunteer turtle checker from SCCF came by and explained it to me. He flagged and photographed the crawl tracks. It is very exciting, but also very sad that the turtle didn't stay on the beach and lay her eggs. Maybe she was confused by the sand sculpture in her way.

Sue

[Snowbird]

Sue, glad you got to see the tracks. I've never seen them. But you are probably right about the sand sculpture. People love to build them or to dig really deep holes but then don't think of the consequences--such as false crawls, or even people walking the beach at night and falling into the holes. Please, people, enjoy the beach and build all the castles you want and dig all the holes you want but when you leave the beach, level the castles and fill in the holes. These turtles are suffering enough because of the oil spill. Let's don't make it any worse for them. Ok, I'm done ranting.

BTW, hope you have a great vacation Sue.

[saustin43]

Monday, July 12, 2010 (Shelby’s turn)

Woke up with camera in face.
Nana strikes again.

Light House Café for breakfast.
Apparently the earlier you go the less people.


Found and fought with a folding cabana from our storage closet.
It won.
Went and bought an umbrella for the beach.

The three of us attempted flying a kite on the beach.
Finally it took flight.
For five minutes.

Ate leftover pizza for lunch.
Set up umbrella and chairs on beach.

Day 3, still NO cake!
That will end soon!
Went on a cake hunt at Blue Giraffe.


Had light dinner
Went shelling.
Cake fast ended.
Coconut Layer Cake.
Chocolate Fantasy Fudge Cake.

[kathynorth]

Shelby, this sounds like my kind of day!

[Beth]

I especially liked the cake hunt!

[saustin43]

OMG! On my early morning sunrise beach walk I saw an alligator in the ocean! It was very close to shore and 5 to 7' long. I stopped to see what a man was photographing and he and I stood and watched for 20 minutes or more. I think I will swim in the pool today. . .

[CTinCT]

See this thread: http://forum.bestofsanibelcaptiva.com/viewtopic.php?t=2101

BTW, probably not Wilma II, the new croc, since she was over 8 feet long at release (and would look longer - anyone hear of reported sightings since her release?)

[Susan in MS]

Loved reading about your trip. Makes me long to see and feel the ocean....not the alligator though, lol.

[saustin43]

Correction (or not). . . My daughter, Stacy, estimates the alligator to be 4 - 5' long, not the 5 + feet that I guessed. As of mid-morning he was still there and people were in the ocean nearby. One idiot was trying to touch him!

I'm going now to check the situation. . . .

[Snowbird]

Please, if you see it again, warn people to keep their distance! Any alligator, anywhere, is dangerous! Apparently they do go into the ocean to get rid of mites.

[saustin43]

I called Sanibel police this morning.

[saustin43]

The rest of the day went more calmly. After the alligator event we went to Noah’s Ark Thrift Shop. If you have never been, you don’t know what you are missing. It is Tuesday and Friday, behind Saint Michael and all Angels Church. It opens at 9:30 a.m. and the parking lot is full. We only bought one item – a cute Abercrombie & Fitch top for Shelby - $3.00.

Several years ago when we still drove Missouri to Sanibel I bought quite a lot of stuff there. One thing I remember was a large glass base lamp filled with golf balls. The plan was to remove the golf balls and replace with sea shells. When we got home I sat the lamp on the checkout counter of my antiques shop and promptly tripped on the cord, knocking it to the floor. Golf balls and glass went flying and it made a loud bang. People ran for cover! Hauled it all the way home safely and then I broke it.

Lunch was at Cantina Captiva and we approved. I have read mixed reviews, but we had good food and good service. To- go- boxes, plus take out desserts for dinner tonight.

Another great day.

[RC]

Sue,
Its me the S GUY We just rolled into Portland and I pulled out the laptop to my surprise there you were!!! Glad your filing trip reports sounds like you are all having a good time and an aligator on the beach oh my We're headed to the Pacific coast tomorrow. I'll be checking in on you from time to time enjoy your week.

[saustin43]

Hi RC, I hoped you would see that I am doing a trip report. Actually, I am rotating days with my daughter and granddaughter. The three S's.

We are having a great time. Of Course!

[saustin43]

Wednesday, July 14, 2010 (Stacy’s turn)

I can’t believe this is “hump day”, we are half way through our vacation. . .

Sue slipping in here-“I started my day with my usual walk east into the sunrise. Walked for a while with a nice woman who is a volunteer walker with Sanibel/Captive Conservation Foundation’s turtle checking program. As we passed an abandoned up-side-down beach chair in front of Gulfside Park I remarked how annoyed it made me, and that it had been there for several days. (On my way back I picked it up and carried it to our condo storage unit!)”

We are having a calm, relaxing day. No big plans. We called for reservations for the Sanibel Thriller. Both morning and afternoon excursions are sold out today! I’m glad they are doing well. We have reservations for tomorrow afternoon. We really enjoyed it last summer and I’m sure we will again.

This morning we did a little shopping up and down Periwinkle. Mom bought Christmas cards and Shelby bought a necklace. Mom is hunting for a wedding present for my cousin

We are eating lunch out of the refrigerator.

Shelby and I braved the ocean for a while this afternoon. Didn't see any gators, and believe me, we were looking.

All three of us are readers. Sue is reading the latest Janet Evanovich book. Sizzling Sixteen Pure beach reading trash! She’s enjoying it.

I’m reading Insatiable by Meg Cabot.

Shelby is reading The Juliet Club by Suzanne Harper

Rain! Finally! We had a nice shower, but now it is extremely humid, and no wind what-so-ever.

I hate to admit this, but Shelby's vote was for Schnapper's Hots...not that she's spoiled or anything, we had dinner from there.

ETA: I haven't mentioned this, but last year when we were here the beaches and the shallow water were covered in brown kelpy stuff(I know, not technical). This year the beaches are very clean, as is the water.

[Beth]

The calm and relaxing days are always my favorite. You probably won't see the alligator again. In all the years I have been going to Sanibel, I have only seen gators twice on the beach. The first time, one was walking down Beach Access 4 on West Gulf. Apparently that one must have come quite often because the neighbors had given him the name Old Joe. I'm enjoying your posts,keep writing! I'll be down in September. Can't wait!

[Daisy]

I love your report. Enjoy the rest of your week. Not much longer now and my toes will be in Sanibel Sand. 15 more days!!!!

[jamie704]

Great report! Thanks for sharing especially for those of us longing to be in Sanibel and will not be going until next summer...............

[saustin43]

Here's a link to our Sanibel Pictures We will update when we have time.

We really appreciate the replies we have received.

[RC]

Sue, I wish I could trade spots with you! Our day in Newport OR started at 50 degrees with wind blowin about 30. The rugged beauty of the coast up here is enough to take your breath away and if not the view the cold water certainly will. No getting in the water up here unless your nuts or got a wet suit. You and the wife have the same reading interest she reads all of Janet Evanovich's books. Keep up the post were enjoying checking in on you from time to time. We were just sitting by the fire place going over our Captiva pictures from this year with my son. Fire in JULY imagine that!

[saustin43]

50* in July in OR! Yesterday I heard the heat index was 115* in MO. Which would you rather have? I don't mind the heat when I'm on the beach on Sanibel, but it seems really hot in landlocked MO.

Today is Shelby's turn for trip reporting. She will post later. Teaser - we did have quite an adventure. . .