This is Sanibel Island at daybreak...and this where we could be found every morning trying to get first chance at the oceans offerings from the last high tide. The sea in this part of the world is most generous with her gifts and we could find more shells in a morning than I would ever be able to find at my NC beach all summer and of a greater variety.A tropical paradise, and right here in the US...who would have known? I had never heard of 
Sanibel Island and for those of you who haven't either...it is located on the Gulf Coast of Florida - right out from Ft. Myers. Not only is it a shellseeker's paradise but the traffic must give the right of way to all runners, walkers and bikers and rarely is the speed limit set at above 25mph.
Over 6000 acres of Sanibel Island is devoted to the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Preserve. This refuge provides a place for approximately 291 species of birds, over 50 types of reptiles and amphibians and at least 32 different mammals. You can walk, drive or bicycle through the refuge and see different sights each time that you do. 
On our first trip through, we came upon THIS lady, almost hidden in the camouflage provided by the grass and weeds. Of course, a park ranger was nearby warning people about the crocodile. This particular one is further north than she should be and there are no male crocodiles in the area. The refuge officials have taken her to Tampa to mate on one ocassion, but she merely ignored her new boyfriend and returned to Ding Darling on her own. Unfortunately, the male alligators at the refuge are sometimes attracted to her "beauty" and when one attempts to woo this lady she simply kills them. It is a fascinating place and a trip through "Ding" is a must, and don't forget your camera.(with a zoom lense)
Sanibel is also the home of the Bailey Shell Museum, where one can find the largest variety of shells - some of them world class - and from all over the world.
So escape to Sanibel Island for some relaxation, shelling, fishing, or whatever suits your fancy.
Cross the bridge toCaptiva IslandGo Back to Other Times
