Some Warmth For You

Yes, enough of the cold.  Time to look at a few warm scenes, even if you are currently being blessed with a bit of temperate weather.

I've seen frosted northerners wearing Sanibel Island T-shirts for many years, but never understood the appeal, other than the obvious fact that any point in Florida is well south of the popsicle line.  So when Rich and Theresa said, "Hey, let's drive over to Sanibel," I said, "Huh?  What'd you say?"

I really can't hear.  But whenever Mary slaps my head, I follow.  Wouldn't you?

The gulf side of Sanibel is a 12 mile long beach.
This is the northeast end, with the old ugly lighthouse.
No New Englander would ever build such a thing.

But some of the locals like it.

It's a great place to go after a day of fishing.

Most tourists care a lot more about the beach,
and want to get their pictures taken there.

Sanibel lives up to its reputation as the Shell Island.
If shells are your thing, it's worth shelling out to go there.

Looking around the northeastern tip of the island back at the bridge
that allowed our land craft to get here.

Any part of the island that faces the gulf
is a great beach to walk on.

You'll find lots of interesting stuff between your feet.

And you can do the "Sanibel Stoop,"
nicely demonstrated by this young man.

Since the island is on the Gulf of Mexico side, I suspect the surf is rarely high,
and the water is usually warm.
Great place for little ones.

But some just can't leave their city toys behind.

The day we were there, abalone shells covered the beach.
I am reminded of the Led Zeppelin song about them.
"Abalone, abalone, payin' your bills..."

The way they catch the sun is beautiful.

As are the weeds.

With all the condos close to the water,
where are all the people?

Who cares where the people are?
I need to trim my toenails.

But first, a closer look at the mother of pearl
abalone shell.

A star, a shell, a beach.

Mary models seashells by the seashore.

More of the stash.

Scallops.  One with barnacles.

I picked up the one on top to admire its beauty
when it bit me.
I jumped and exclaimed,
"Bastard!  I hope a bird gets you."

Shellfish and pasta?

Perhaps this bird will avenge my pinched finger.
No, I'll have to wait for another.

Bird 1, scallop 0.
Take that, you nasty shellfish!
Thank you, shorebird!
I will continue to feed your brethren in the north country
and dine very similarly to you.

Never saw this swirly backbone plant before.

The Sandpiper has seen the plant many times.

More great shells.

There are layers of the beach formed with differing shell and sand content.
Not the Grand Canyon, but the nice layering nonetheless.

Some people know how to relax.

If I did not think that I'd potentially be handcuffed
and thrown into a squad car for being too close,
I would have joined him.

So many shells, just under the surface of the water.
Another reason to join the little boy.

Again...where is everybody?

People paddling.
Does it matter what craft is being used?
Just off the warm beach, I think not.

Signs, signs, everywhere signs.
Did they thing we'd look up the ordinances immediately?

Yup.  That's where we were.
I think you should go there, too.

After a long hard day at the beach,
we headed to adjoining Captiva Island and the Mucky Duck.

The Mucky Duck is a fine pub.
Though this shot includes the essence,
it doesn't provide a hint of the expansive dining room
or the tasty food.

Regardless of the quality of the libations,
the location of the pub was stellar.

Quick now...which way does a Mucky Duck look?

You're right.  A fabulous western view.

You have to wonder if Texas is burning
when you watch the sun set from the Gulf coast of Florida.

That's it.  A great time on Sanibel Island and neighboring Captiva.  A great place for frozen northerners to thaw out for a while.  So great that Mary is making reservations for us to be there next year.  

I never thought I'd see the day when I'd forsake the snow for the warmth of the Alligator (but with sunny dispositions) State.  Maybe just for a little while.  But isn't that how addictions begin?