Blog#33- Sanibel Island

This morning Brian was up before light and out to bird in George’s garden and around his property. Amelia slept.

Not reassuring

I finished drying our clothes and repacked mine into my plastic drawers, and we headed west.

We passed through Fort Myers and continued on to Sanibel Island.  The “Best Shelling Beach in The US”.  We wanted the big shells, so Amelia googled where to go. We found a parking spot and Amelia and I changed into our swimsuits in the parking lot/car, then went directly to the water. Brian went directly to the beach birds.

On a previous trip here with all three of my kids, we found tons of shells and my children discovered that they could find bigger, better and perfect ones out in the water.  They used their toes to find them.  The problem then was that most of them were alive.  We learned to look carefully, because it only takes one to ruin your car.

Competition on

Having had this education, the three of us took to the water. Brian changed into his swim trunks on the beach.  He has a strong body image and no qualms about his own nudity. Years ago, I was pointing out to Titi that she and Brian both have a lack of self consciousness. She said without any conceit, just matter-of-factly, “Well, yes. We’re beautiful people”.

I envy them that total comfort with their bodies.

We did find shells, but not monsters. When Hanorah(my cousin’s daughter), came here with us, she pulled up a trophy. I suggested to her that since I had planned the trip, it would be only right that she give me that huge whelk shell. She declined.

Selfish cow. I don’t know where she learned her manners…

The water was amazing. The birds were everywhere. Amelia was nearly pooped on by one flying close overhead.

She was chasing them. I was so happy to not be crapped on

Brian’s method of shell hunting in the water was to dive and blindly grab handfuls of sand, then sift through them above water. Brian has no toes to speak of, somewhat like a Hobbit. His method was working fairly well-he was keeping up with Amelia-until he grabbed a shell and cut his finger. A decent cut that forced him out of the water.

Amelia got chilled, so she was out of the water as well. She needed to empty her swimsuit again anyway.

No pockets

Lillies. I stayed in until they said I had to come out. It was such a perfect aftenoon with people I know and love. There’s no place like family, for good or for bad.

Hmmmm. Something about him reminds me of my brothers

Sanibel Island

We continued on to Captiva Island and went to Jensen’s Marina.  It is a small harbour that I had been to before, looking for manatees. Brian’s mom’s family name is Jensen, so I wanted to buy him a T-shirt there. While I picked out his shirt,(It read, Jensen’s Marina-we’re all here cause we’re not all there), Brian went and washed his cut finger. Being a Clever Amercian Woman, I had super glue in the car. He glued the cut, and we went to the harbour.

The manatees were there, looking like giant baked potatoes under the water.  At first, Amelia had to convince me that I was not looking at an underwater rock.  When the rock stuck a nose out of the water, I started to believe.  As it is each time I see them, I was captivated.  Maybe that’s where Captiva got it’s name.

Potato with a nose

Reddish egret

We turned back to Sanibel and made a stop at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, taking the auto tour slowly through.  First thing we saw was a large otter crossing the road up ahead-but too far ahead to get there in time to get a photo. There were many birds, lizards, and one dead baby turtle that had gotten into the road. Sad.

Brian using his macro lens on the golden orb spider at Ding Darling

Amelia adjusting the web for her dad’s photo

We needed to check-in to our next Airbnb, so we left the islands and went back to Fort Myers, to the historic downtown area.  Our place was wonderful, as was our hostess, Judith.  When we stayed in Fort Myers on a prior trip, the town didn’t impress me.  This experience certainly changed that tune.  The old town is gorgeous–spotlessly clean, well lit, old brick buildings.  We had a superb dinner in old town, where our waitress was a doll.

I wonder what a small house in Fort Myers goes for…

Last night with family, and I am already feeling a bit blue. But it won’t be so long this time until I see them again, as well as my son, Derek and Cece, his lady.  I miss them all.  Hopefully, I will get to see my oldest daughter, Kayla, and my 4 year old granddaughter on my trip home.

Outside our Airbnb in the backyard

For now, I will enjoy the time I have with them thats here.

Judith’s backyard

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Judith’s pool