Four Days on Sanibel Island

We left Kim and Kathy’s house with bright sunshine and very warm weather. We continued along the Intracoastal Waterway until it ended at Sanibel Island and merged with the Gulf of Mexico. Just like when the Illinois River converged with the Mississippi River, I was expecting a very dramatic sight but again it looked like a large body of water with an island in the middle of it. However the color of the water was edging toward the blue green that we were so anxious to see.

We arrived in Sanibel Marina amid HUGE boats and even larger homes. We docked next to Grandma Dots legendary restaurant and as soon as we got settled, we made a fast beeline to have an early dinner there. I had the coconut shrimp, one of their specialty dishes and it was plentiful and wonderful. Mark had one of the biggest hamburgers that I have ever seen with homemade potato chips, another of their specialties.

After dark, we decided to go in search of ice cream and the beach. Within two miles we found both but I am not sure which was more refreshing on that very hot and humid evening. It was fantastic to stroll along the beach with only the stars and moon to illuminate our way.

We had only planned to stay on Sanibel Island for two days but the winds picked up and a small craft advisory was issued with seas of 5-7 feet. I think we were very lucky in that the weather allowed us to explore the island more thoroughly than we had originally planned. For the next three days we walked the beach several more times, ate at some great but casual places, hiked and biked to the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Each evening we would return to the boat absolutely exhausted but so glad that the weather gave us the opportunity to really see Sanibel Island. Of all the places that we have been to so far in Florida, this island is by far the most family friendly location with its many small inns, affordable restaurants and wonderful beach.

I did find something I wanted to purchase while on the island but Captain Mark just shook his head and said "Maybe on our next visit"...



Hours on the water: 5.5
Nautical miles traveled: 39
Number of locks: 0
Time spent waiting at locks: 0
Next Destination: Marco Island
What we're listening to: The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards
What we watched: NCAA Basketball
Lesson for the day: The weather delay proved to be our good luck
Obligatory knitting report: Carol Anderson Tunic Sweater for me