Sometimes you just have to go to a destination wedding. Especially after two years of Covid cancelling weddings. Knowing that this wedding of a good friend’s son would be mainly held outside, gave us the impetus to throw caution a bit aside to go and celebrate a happy occasion.
I will not write about the wedding and festivities, except to say It was wonderful and we were so happy to be there to celebrate!
But we also enjoyed the wonderful weather and beauty of Sanibel and Captiva Islands and the South Seas Resort. We had a wonderful room with a view of both the entrance to the marina and to the ocean. Every morning I woke up happy to look out my window. We loved walking the grounds and relaxing.
For me the best part was going to visit the manatees that took over a slip in the marina. I visited the marina twice a day to just watch them float. I was not the only one who found it relaxing and peaceful and magical.
Standing outside on my balcony, I often saw a dolphin swimming by. I tried to get photos, but never actually got him jumping out of the water. My mind still sees it. The glorious sunrise outside our room was enchanting. This is a vacation spot that I would love to revisit. And to have the same room!
We did not spend all of our time at the resort. I love exploring and museums! There was one museum I just had to see, The Bailey-Mathews National Shell Museum on Sanibel Island, which opened in 1995. The Great Hall of Shells is really a great hall filled with shells of all types. The artwork made from shells surprised me. Seeing live mollusks walk in their shells was also exciting for me. I have seen shells, but I have never seen one moving in real life!
I learned why Sanibel and Captiva Islands are known for the shells that come ashore. The islands are in an arc shape that catches the waves and so the shells bringing them on to the shore. I finally woke up early enough to go shell hunting one morning before the crowds. Most of the shells were quite small, but then, just as we were ready to go, the waves brought me a lovely treasure. And yes, just as I learned at the museum, I made sure it was a dead shell with nothing inside.
My husband and I enjoyed our time there, learning about shells; talking to the volunteers; and even touching a live mollusk.
My other excitement going to the Museum is that I finally got a photograph of my all time favorite road sign. We had noticed it when we first drove to the resort. But I did not have my phone ready to take a photo. We passed a similar sign heading out to the museum as well. On the way back from the museum I was ready! I had my phone out and started taking pictures before I actually saw the sign. It worked. I captured the sign that warned us about “Low flying Owls.” To be honest, we never saw any low flying owls, but the sign was worth it. It gave me a Harry Potter magical feeling and added to the enchantment of the islands. Just whose owls are flying so low and what messages are they bringing.
Although we did eat several meals at the resort, which were delicious, we also ventured off site to try some local restaurants. The Bubble Room, with its bakery/ice cream parlor and its gift shop, was a wonderful venue with both good food and fun places to explore. I felt like I was inside a kaleidoscope. The gift shop was great fun as well with its vintage antiques and gifts. I had to buy a t-shirt! If you go, save room for desserts. The cakes are delicious.
Other favorite restaurants, included the Mucky Duck where we ate outside by the beach and the Cantina Captiva with its dollar bills adorning the walls and ceiling (yes we added one!). The food at both of these was good, not special, but the atmosphere made them enjoyable.
I would not mind spending a week or more on Captiva Island. The four nights there just gave us a taste of the island life. I have a good feeling that we will be back on these captivating islands.
zicharonot 