March 24, 2016
Days 44, 45, 46, 47, 48
Bridge Traffic … the first day that we tried going to Sanibel Island we were coming from Fort Meyers in the early afternoon. We waited in bumper to bumper traffic so long that we finally turned around.
The next time we left around 9:30 a.m. We had planned to go earlier but had waited for a thunder and heavy rain storm to pass. Traffic was considerably lighter. It might also have helped that the skies were overcast and they were forecasting more rain in the afternoon. Our first stop was the Visitors Center, where we were pleasantly surprised to find the trail head for Shipley’s Trail to Pond Apple Park. We didn’t make it to the Pond the tour guides were to slow (see slideshow below). Next stop was Bowman’s Beach Park. It was a good thing we got there early, because parking was limited. We picked up a late lunch at Jerry’s Foods which is tourist attraction in itself, as well as, Restaurant, Deli, Shops, Spa, etc. The center courtyard is a beautiful tropical garden, housing an exotic bird collection. We had a delicious picnic at Causeway Island Park. After lunch I gave E T her first swim lesson. She loves the water, but will only go in up to her belly. I had this notion that if I was in the water, I could cox her. What I’ve been waiting for, is water that is warm enough and clear enough for my liking. Today was the day. I got more than my belly wet, but not E T. Next Time 🙂
Sanibel Island gets Five Stars for Pet Friendly. All the beaches, many restaurants, most hiking trails and the 20 plus miles of paved all purpose trails welcome well behaved dogs on an 8ft or less leash.
My main reason for wanting to tackle the traffic back to Sanibel was the JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. This is a totally awesome place for anyone with any amount of interest in wildlife viewing. We were not able to enjoy the indoor Visitor/Education Center, because we had E T with us. The only places in the park that she isn’t welcome are inside buildings, on the tram and by the water (alligators). We totally enjoy the outdoor Education Center, as well as, the 2 mile Indigo hiking trail and the 4 mile Wildlife Drive. David and I both agree, we would love to come back again on a Friday, when they close Wildlife Drive to motor vehicles and only allow bicyclists and hikers. also, the kayaking looked great. Our time on the Wildlife Education Boardwalk and Observation Tower was spectacular. The kids would love all the Poop on the boardwalk railings (see slideshow).
I FINALLY got to see a Roseate Spoonbill! A Ranger had told us that one had not been spotted in over two weeks. She came out to see us!!! This slideshow is all about JN “Ding” Darling … snakes included!!!
Lastly, a few Hot Hazy Overcast quick stops. David drove around the parking LOTS looking for spaces while I ran and got a couple of peeks of the Sanibel Lighthouse and Lighthouse Beach. The weather did not keep the beach lovers away. This is a lovely island, but while we were here there was too much traffic, not enough parking and way too many people. We tried to get lunch at a couple of pet friendly restaurants, Schapper’s Hots (we could not get into the parking lot) and Cip’s Place (the wait was over a half hour). Next Time! So we had another picnic 🙂
