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.
No comments:
Post a Comment