Just What I Need; a New Hobbie

      Keith and I had a nice Christmas week.  We drove from Sanibel to Stuart (a little over 3 hours) on Christmas Eve and spent the holiday with his parents, older brother, and his brother's wife.  It was great to see everyone again as it had been a year since the last time we were together.  We exchanged some gifts and of course, ate too much; but it was still fun.  The drive was quite interesting.  It took us around the north side of Lake Okeechobee.  Let me tell you, that is some of God's country.  It is wide open farm lands with citrus and sugar cane fields for miles.

Sugar Cane as seen out the Jeep window

They were burning off some of the sugar cane

Sugar cane is grown commercially in southern Florida around the Lake Okeechobee area.  It is used to produce crystal or "white" sugar.  The organic material in the soil around Lake Okeechobee and the lake's warming effect make this area good for growing sugar cane.  About 70-75% of Florida's sugar cane is grown here.  Sugar cane ranks third in Florida's agricultural economy with nursery/greenhouse and citrus being the top two ag industries.  The cane is typically harvested from October through mid April.  Cane fields are burned just prior to harvesting.  This requires a permit and must be done during daylight hours.  Burning removes and reduces the biomass or trash such as leaves etc. on the plant and makes harvesting easier, cheaper, and more efficient if the cane is burned first.  Once the cane stalks are harvested and processed at the refinery, white crystal sugar is the most important product.  An average sugar cane stalk can yield about 0.3 pound of sugar.

This view is more of the scenic road leading across the middle of the state as we drove to Stuart.

     Even though my in-laws tried to stage an intervention of my shelling addiction over Christmas, you know this did not work.  By 8 AM on Dec. 26th in 40 something degrees; I was back out on the beach here in Sanibel.

Beach access here I come

Ahhhhhhh morning on the beach with a lightening whelk

One of my fine, feathered friends searching for breakfast

I will give you a shell update on an upcoming post.  I really want to introduce y'all to one of my new favorite places and hobby.  I took an "alcohol inks" painting class at the local craft/quilting shop called Three Crafty Ladies the week after we arrived in Sanibel.  Well that just opened up a Pandora's box of fun, new projects for me.

The craft/quilt shop (my new favorite place aside from the beach)

Here I am at class with all our supplies

We made two painted shells and two painted tiles.  These were my shells and tiles.

Two painted shells

One of my tiles.  This one is abstract to say the least

This is my sea horse tile.  The background is painted with the alcohol ink and the sea horse and coral is stamped.

The painting was fun, but not something that seemed realistic to be doing on the boat.  However during the course of the class, I was talking with the instructor and found out about a product that they carry that can be used for decoupage.  My over-active mind started spinning, and I thought about trying it to make shell art.  So I purchased a small bottle, and started playing around with some clam shells.  Oh the fun I have had.

This is my boat work-space (aka the galley table).

Here are some of my first trial pieces.  I have found I can use fabric scraps as well as paper to decoupage on the shells.

I have had so much fun playing around with this.  There are several different things I would like to try with the adhesive glue product I bought.  This could prove to be as addictive as shelling.  I will keep everyone up to date on what I come up with over the next several weeks. 

I Must Be in Heaven

      As many of you know I love fabrics and quilting.  I also love searching for sea shells.  Well I have hit the "jack pot" here on Sanibel Island.  There is a lovely quilt/fabric/craft shop here on the island.  I have already taken a class there and purchased some fabric.  More about that in a future post.  Let me tell you about shelling on Sanibel and show you some of the nifty "beach bling" I have found since being on the island.  

     Now you must understand, Sanibel is well known as one of the best places for finding sea shells in the USA.  So shelling here is somewhat like an olympic sport.  Both residents and visitors down here take shelling to a new level. Many have dedicated shell bags made of strong mesh in different colors for collecting sea shells  (I used an old oyster bag all summer on Ocracoke).  Many also carry a sifter on a stick.  This is a small thing that looks like a miniature spaghetti strainer attached to a stick so they can dip it into shells along the waters edge and the fine sand goes through leaving them with shells to look through and collect (I just bend over and use my hands).  

Here is a picture of one example of the many shell sifters out there.  There are many versions.

 I figured I had to get an edge somehow if I was going to compete.  So the other day I got up at 4:30AM with my flash light and makeshift shell bag and headed to the beach.  I know what you are thinking....she's nuts, certifiable, totally gone off the deep end.   Well folks, I was not the only one on the beach.  I actually did this two days in a row because there was a larger than normal low tide during the new moon. The beach was lit up like a Christmas tree with numerous people and their flash lights.  So I am not alone in my affliction.  It actually was kind of cool being out there at dark.  Many of the sea creatures along the shore were alive.  I saw starfish, live whelks, crabs, fish, and cockles.  It was pretty tough getting pictures with the flash light and my phone but here are a couple.

One of many star fish I saw early in the morning.  This is under about 6 inches of water.

 This was a live sand dollar partially buried in the sand on the surf line (it is actually in knee deep water).

Once the sun came up it was much easier.

Morning on the beach.  Ahhhh heaven.  This was one of my lightening whelk shells.

This little calico crab looked like he had not had his morning coffee yet.

This little octopus was only about the size of my hand, but he unfortunately was deceased.

I have also done some beach walks during the daylight hours as well.  I did two mega beach walks of about 5 miles each this past week.  Here are some of the treasures I found.  It has been fun finding different kinds of shells than what I normally find on Ocracoke.

I found these three banded tulip shells and an alphabet cone shell (a very cherished find) all on the same beach walk.

Here Pengi displays some of my tiny but very cute shells.  One of my favorite is the nutmegs in the lower right of the picture.  I just think they are adorable.  Hope to find more this winter.

And these are a few of the more medium sized shells I found.  There are multiple paper figs on the front left.  Also a bunch of different sized fighting conchs and several lightening whelks.  Three olives and one cockle in the back left.

Here is a little closer look at two of the paper figs.  They are very thin shells and fragile, so it was awesome to find several still whole.

The fighting conchs are a dime a dozen.  I had to stop picking them up.  But some of these have some really nice coloring.

This is a picture of a lightening whelk on the left and a pear whelk on the right.

I wanted to give everyone a sample of some of the things I am finding on the beach.  After winter storms there are supposedly tons of shells on the beach, but the weather so far has been very quiet and settled.  (The first time I've even been on a boat and was wishing for stormy weather)  It has still been a blast.  Stay tuned as in future blogs I will give you more shell information but for now enjoy these pictures.  After this winter I may need to complete the "shellaholic" 10 step program.

Sanibel Island

      So we are finally on Sanibel Island.  It would seem we have a thing for staying on islands.  Being in the Exuma Islands of the Bahamas last winter, then Ocracoke Island for the summer, and now back on another island for this winter you might think we are island obsessed.  Well I guess there could be worse things. 

      I explained where Ocracoke was when we got on island there, so it would only be fitting that I explain where Sanibel is located.  Just like Ocracoke, Sanibel is considered a barrier island.  This means it is essentially a sand bar off the west coast of Florida.  It is in the Gulf of Mexico near Fort Myers.  The island is approximately 13 miles long and only 3 miles wide at its widest part.  This size is strikingly similar to Ocracoke.   Unlike Ocracoke however, Sanibel is not as far out into the water.  Being only 2-3 miles off the coast, there is a causeway bridge connecting Sanibel to the mainland.  This makes travel to the island much more convenient and it is a huge travel and vacation destination.

    There are approximately 7,000 full time residents on the island, however, during Jan.-May, thousands of visitors flock to its beaches.  There are numerous rental properties, restaurants and shops on the island.  It is much more populated and has more amenities than Ocracoke which can be good and bad.  I have a feeling after Christmas is over this island may get very busy for the remaining winter season.

     After arriving at the Sanibel Marina last Saturday December 5th, Keith and I took Sunday to clean up the boat and get situated at our spot in the marina.  Our Jeep was also on its way from NC.

Jeep on the trailer thanks to our friend Brad Hanks

Here is a view of Southern Style at her spot at the end of the dock in Sanibel Marina

And this is looking from the boat out to the parking lot.  The Jeep had arrived and you can just make out its red color at the blue roofed gazebo.

This view is looking toward the dock office and restaurant beside the dock office

The final view is looking back out the small entrance channel for the marina out onto San Carlos Bay.  It will be dredged in a few days and thank goodness, as we barely squeaked through when we arrived.  It is very shallow right now as you can see the sand bar to the right.

Within the first day or two I had to make a quick beach run looking for shells.  Sanibel Island is well known to be an excellent place for shelling.  So on the Monday after our arrival, off I went.

Views of some of the beach access points

Lighthouse beach is at the southeastern end of the island.

Looking back toward the lighthouse with Fort Myers in the background across the water

Sanibel Lighthouse all decked out for Christmas

I also spent some time on Bowman Beach which is about 2/3 of the way toward the northwest end of the island.  The walk from the parking area to the beach is longer and crosses  a bridge.  Keith dropped me off while he went golfing.

It has only been a week and we are really getting settled on the island.  In addition to the car arriving, we ordered two new foldable bikes.  Our old bikes had finally given it up in Ocracoke, so it was time for new.  Keith also got us a resident parking pass for the Jeep and memberships to the Sanibel Recreation Center where we can play tennis.  So I think we have accomplished quite a bit in just a week.  I must say I have been very excited about the shells I am finding, but that may have to wait until next weeks post, as I want to see what else I may find this coming week.  Storms and strong winds really help push up shells, however, we have had very settled weather since our arrival.  That is OK, though.  I still think the shelling will be a ton of fun.  Check in next week to see what I find.  I will also start posting some information about the restaurants we try and some of the other activities around the island as our winter progresses.

Our Trip South for the Winter

 The Saturday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 28th) Southern Style left Wrightsville Beach heading south.  Our final destination for the winter will be Sanibel Island which is on the west coast of Florida.  We left at the crack of dawn and cruised out Masonboro Inlet pointing our bow toward Charleston, SC for our first stop-over 180 miles away.  The trip was smooth and uneventful as the ocean was completely flat with seas less than 1 foot.  We were grateful for the excellent weather and flat seas.  

After a quick overnight in Charleston we left even earlier Sunday, November 29th heading 240 miles south to St. Augustine, FL.  The forecast for Sunday was supposed to be much rougher than the previous day to Charleston ( seas projected 3 to 4 feet early and building throughout the day).  Our only hope was to get going early and try to avoid the rough seas expected to build near Charleston.  So it was at 6AM and pretty much completely dark when we pulled off the dock.  We wanted to chug out of Charleston Harbor while still dark, then go wheels up once we got to the ocean and could see.  

By the time we were out of the harbor and in the ocean it was just beginning to show some light in the east and we hit the gas.  Conditions Sunday were more nautical.  The morning seas were generally 3-4 with occasional 6 footers.  At least it was a following sea (waves coming from behind us).  As some of the larger waves would catch us from behind, Southern Style would surf down them hitting speeds in excess of 28 mph.  Normally we cruise at about 20mph.  It did feel odd riding down some of those large waves and a bit unnerving as well.

Water spraying at our bow from the waves

By noon the seas began to improve and the remainder of the ride to St. Augustine was quite pleasant.  We arrived at 4PM and topped up the fuel tank.  On Monday we ended up taking a down day due to possible weather.  It was supposed to blow over 30 knots with guests in excess of 50 knots with some heavy thunderstorms.  As it turned out, the weather was not as bad as predicted.  We probably should have just moved on, but no big deal to take a break for a day.  By Tuesday we were back on the water at 6:15AM this time cruising down the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) at a more leisurely 10 mph.  

St. Augustine Lighthouse Tuesday morning as we prepared to leave

Sunrise in St. Augustine

Tuesday took us through the Daytona Beach area

We also passed Ponce Inlet Lighthouse

The trip along the ICW was very nice.  It was pretty cold and windy Tuesday and Wednesday, so there were not many boats out.  It made for a nice quiet trip.  Our destination Tuesday was New Smyrna Beach.  We stayed overnight and left early Wednesday morning  December 2nd heading to Melbourne, FL.  Again a good day on the ICW and we got to try out a different marina and restaurant in Melbourne.

One of many dolphin friends that came by Southern Style as we cruised the ICW to Melbourne

Sunset in Melbourne on Wednesday night

View from the pilot house window departing Melbourne Marina the next morning

From Melbourne we cruised to Stuart, FL on Thursday December 3rd.  Here we overnighted at Sailfish Marina.  We were extremely fortunate to catch up and have dinner with some dear friends, Jeff and Barbara Harris, who are from NYC but have a home in Jensen Beach, FL.  We had a wonderful meal at the Boathouse in Stuart.  Always such a treat to catch up with good friends.

Friday December 4th we cut through the middle of the state and crossed Lake Okeechobee.  We had to traverse two locks to get up to the level of the lake.  Once on the lake it was a pretty smooth crossing with light wind.  Unfortunately, it was really overcast all day, but only a brief sprinkle of rain.

Getting ready to lock up to lake level

Coming out of the Port Mayaca Lock

Lake Okeechobee was formed some 6,000 years ago when the ancient sea that covered much of Florida receded.  The lake was salt water at that time when first formed (like a big puddle left after the ocean receded).   Over time rainwater replaced the saltwater, and now it is the second largest freshwater lake totally contained within US boarders.   

The word Okeechobee comes from the Seminole's and means "Big Water".  The lake is about 37 miles long and 30 miles across.  Waterways connect the lake to both the east and west Florida coasts making it a passageway for boats to travel from one coast to the other without having to go around the southern tip of Florida.  The depth however averages only about 10-12 feet.  There is abundant wildlife in and around the lake including many bird species, reptiles (yes alligators) and amphibians.  It is known for its bass, crappie, and bluegill.  Agriculture around the lake includes sugarcane, citrus fruits, and rice.  Recently increasing pollution has plagued the lake.  Algae blooms and high levels of phosphorus in the water are problematic.

We actually saw a large alligator after coming off Lake Okeechobee near Clewiston.  It was along the edge of the lake, but I was not fast enough to get my camera for a picture.  We continued along the edge of the lake and then through the Moore Haven Lock which dropped us down several feet.  The public docks in Moore Haven, FL was our overnight stop on Friday.

Southern Style docked at the Moore Haven Public Docks

Our finish line was in sight, so at 6:30AM sharp on Saturday December 5th we pulled off the dock at Moore Haven with the goal of making our final destination in Sanibel.  There were two more locks to traverse on our final day.  This would then lead us into the Fort Myers Florida area and ultimately to Sanibel Island.  The sun finally came back out for the last leg of our trip.

Approaching Ortona Lock

The lock walls closing behind us.

It was a pleasant and uneventful trip through the last several locks and into Fort Myers.  We were told the entrance to the Sanibel Marina was very shallow so we did not want to arrive at low tide.  We tentatively planned a on 3:00 pm arrival as high tide was at 5:50 pm.  With the pretty day we thought this would work out well.  We were coming out into the bay that is between Fort Myers and Sanibel when we saw what looked like an enormous bank of fog.

View behind us looking toward Fort Myers

View in front of us where we should be able to see Sanibel Island.  Where the heck is the island.  The thing is 10 miles long, it shouldn't be that hard to spot.

What the heck?  Well shut the front door!  It was sunny and 73 degrees with a nice 12 mph breeze.  Why is there fog?  As many of you know we hate fog!!!!  This can NOT be happening.  But oh it was happening alright.  

We creeped along focusing out ahead of us and watching the radar for any sign of the island (or other boats).  Luckily we only had about 2-3 miles to go.  Just as we got about an eighth of a mile from the island the fog lightened up just enough for us to see another boat heading into what appeared to be the entrance channel to the marina.  As we got slightly closer we could see that it was in fact the marina.  Thank goodness.  In we went before the fog rolled back in.  We squeaked over the shallow marina entrance with 0.3 feet reading on our depth sounder.  Finally, we were in our winter destination.  It was just that last 30 minutes of our trip that was a bit stressful.  

We are so excited to be here and ready to explore what there is to do around the island.  It will take us a day or two to get the boat cleaned up, laundry and dishes cleaned and our "stuff" put away after a busy week of traveling.  Hopefully next weeks post will have some interesting information about the island.  Hint: this is supposedly some of the best sea shelling beaches in the US (might not be good for my shell addiction).  Stay tuned.