Gramma Dot’s at Sanibel Marina
Things improved after we left Captiva. We became afloat again at about 2.30 in the afternoon on the high tide, and had a good passage in smooth waters with the sun shining, all the way to Sanibel. We were met by the marina owner, Tom, and he and Robert, the chap whose boat we were berthed next to, couldn’t have been more friendly and helpful. The marina is very nicely landscaped with lots of flowering hibiscus, and it has a good restaurant, Gramma Dot’s, where we had a very good fish dinner. In the morning, we got up to find a complimentary newspaper and two blueberry muffins outside the door of the boat. I just love American customer service.
The guide book says that the best way to get round Sanibel is by bike, so despite the fact that I don’t have a very good track record with two-wheeled vehicles, and I hadn’t been on a bicycle for about twenty years, we set off in search of Billy’s Rentals. I normally don’t go anywhere without the appropriate one-inch Ordnance Survey map, but clearly that isn’t possible in the US, and we had only a vague tourist leaflet as an indication of where Billy’s might be, relative to the marina. A helpful fellow boater told us it was ‘about a mile down the road’ but I’m coming to the conclusion that some Americans aren’t very good at judging walking distances, possibly because they don’t walk anywhere very often. (Only joking, American readers!) We walked on for some considerable time, and at least a good two miles, before we found Billy’s.
We needn’t have worried that by the time we got there, the bikes might have all been taken. There were thousands of them, with many different kinds of varying complexity to choose from. As Florida is flat, Ian decided that the simple, no gears, brake-by-pedalling-backwards type would be appropriate for someone of my cycling capabilities.
Proof
Our objective was JN ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge, where you can follow a 5-mile trail through the sanctuary.
Roseate spoonbill and Tri-coloured heron
Roseate spoonbills
Egrets
Ibis
The trail also took us round a midden – debris of shells left by The Calusa Indians who inhabited south-western Florida for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans in the 16th century.
We had a look at the beach too.
Tarpon Bay Beach, Sanibel
Yesterday we left Sanibel for Fort Myers, on the estuary of the Caloosahatchee River, and saw this trip boat along the way.
Here’s the view from our mooring at Fort Myers City Marina.
Fort Myers from our mooring
talesfromtheamericanwaterways 
That sounds a bit more like it Jane, get on that beach! And the birds look beautiful x
We went to Captiva and Sanibel a few years ago for 10 days with the boys and it was amazing, we loved it. I remember the sudden thunderstorms that lasted a short time but were really vicious! Also the sea was the warmest one we had ever been in, it was almost like a bath. I’m loving reading all your news…. keep it coming! 😀 x
We’ve been having cool cloudy mornings and hot sunny afternoons Lesley -no rain since we left St Petersburg a week ago, it’s lovely! x
And here we are in Washington with snow flurries and the temp about to fall again! haha! Want to trade?! Enjoy Ft. Myers.
Fred we’ve had a great couple of days in Ft Myers 🙂
I will pass on the fact to my father that he missed the Edison/Ford homes and museums. Joann and I are really enjoying the trip with you and Ian!! Watch out for Pirates!! haha!
You didn’t tell me about the pirates Fred! I have a mean pirate costume at home:D Ian thinks he saw an alligator today!
It’s not fair! It’s not fair! It’s not fair! You two are basking in the warm sun, drinking wine in neat restaurants and we are putting another log on the woodstove with 13 in. of snow on the ground. I’m going to make some whoopie pies to cheer myself up and have a glass of wine too. haha Kidding aside – you enjoy every min. of it. You earned it. May I add my brother and sister-in-law to your blog? Jane, they really want to follow along with you also in the event that they get to do likewise someday. Keep the fun coming! Joann
You’ll have to explain what a whoopie pie is Joann, it sounds rather naughty! Yes, glad to have Gene and Holly following the blog 🙂 You all keep safe in that snow xx
What’s up, just wanted to mention, I liked this article.
It was practical. Keep on posting!