That’s Right! The Ocean’s Reach Osprey babies have arrived! Tune in and watch them on the Osprey Cam. We were notified by a viewer yesterday morning that she had spotted them and sure enough, they are here!

We feel so lucky to have this beautiful pair back for the fourth year in a row, and now to be ale to watch them live anytime of the day. The female laid the first egg on Christmas day, the second egg on the 26th and then finally a third. Now we have babies to watch! Tune in and feel the thrill!!

It is with a great deal of sadness that I share with you the passing of a very special friend of Ocean’s Reach, Manny Toyos of Coral Gables, Florida. Manny, along with his adopted brother and best friend Herman Irizarry, patriarchs of a large group of family and friends, called Ocean’s Reach their home away from home. Pictured is just part of the group taken last summer, along with a picture of Manny and Herman.

From all of your friends at Ocean’s Reach, our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Toyos family.
Andy

The Sanibel Steakhouse on Periwinkle Way is now open for lunch!

The popular steak and seafood restaurant will be a welcome addition to the repertoire of other island lunchtime favorites Doc Fords, Lazy Flamingo, Cip’s Place, Corner Grill and others.

Many of our guests take a break from the sunny beach by shopping and lunching with others in the middle of the day. Others enjoy the outdoors all day long and refresh themselves with a unique dining experience in the evening. Take your pick or mix it up!!

On Thursday, January 19th, Ocean’s Reach hosted 30 staff and volunteer guest service representatives of the Sanibel Chamber of Commerce. We all met in the Grove for a brief presentation before giving them a tour of the complex.
Our own Lisa Williams, who works at the Chamber two days per week, led the tour. We were told by the Chamber that of all the complexes that they visited ours was rated at the top!
They toured the Grove, the shell cleaning station, viewed the Osprey nest, our new web cams, the grounds, the units and the proximity to the beach of every unit, and gave us rave reviews, listing our complex as best on the island!

Taking a 3 1/2 mile walk from Ocean’s Reach to the Sanibel Lighthouse is a cake walk when you can rest your legs half way along on this beach bench. Look for this long, innovative bench constructed in front of the A frame condos.

Hi Ocean’s Reach!

I wanted to say how much we enjoy our trips to Sanibel and Ocean’s Reach. We were there in mid-December and it was our fourth visit. On our first morning beach walk this year, we came across what I believe to be a Snowy Plover (photo attached). I always wanted to see this threatened bird and was thrilled to have the chance during this visit. Let’s hope the nesting season goes well for them this year. I just love all the access to wildlife Ocean’s Reach has to offer. My favorite thing to do is rent a bike and ride through the Bailey Tract looking for cool birds. I’m setting my sights for Sanibel Gardens on our next visit!

Sincerely,

Jill Spealman
Glen Ellyn, IL

The birding tours every Thursday morning at Ocean’s Reach have been a huge success. Guest meet at the Grove and then head to the Ding Darling Wildlife Preserve. The next trip will be held this coming Thursday, the 26th. Walt, an informative Park Ranger, conducts the tours and everyone that has attended raves about his knowledge and the enjoyment they experienced while on the trip!

Remember to call the office or stop by and make your return reservations for the next January outing! January is “Birding Month” at Ocean’s Reach!

Brothers from up north, just arriving for an Ocean’s Reach vacation, wanted to share with us a photo to show just what we are missing on Sanibel! Great to have you here, but think we will stay comfortable for the time being here in the warm sunshine! Brrrrr!!!!!

They write to us:

My brother, Jim from Minneapolis, and I are with the group that arrived on Saturday at Ocean’s Reach. On Friday, Jim sent me this picture of his son Justin, who commuted to work Friday on his bike at 11 degrees below zero. This gives new meaning to the term SNOWBIRD!

Larry Schuetz

Last week the Isaacson family from Michigan enjoyed grilling and eating in our grove area. If you are visiting at Ocean’s Reach, this is a lunch spot you might really enjoy. There are three gas grills available for testing your culinary skills and at night it is pleasantly lit for your convenience. The Grove is also a fun place to sit and relax over your lunch or dinner, as frequently the birds and butterflies will stop by to visit.

What a beautiful sunset in front of Ocean’s Reach! Above are several photos taken by Leigh Schade who was a guest at Ocean’s Reach over the Thanksgiving holidays. The sequence of the photos is amazing and almost as good as being here. Thanks to Leigh for the contribution! We love it when you are able to share your Sanibel vacation memories on our blog. Thanks!