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!

In order to help us all with long range trip plans, Arthur Frommer has just listed his favorite top ten vacation destinations in the world and Sanibel Island is his #1 favorite!!!

Someone left their mark on the beach in front of Ocean’s Reach! What would your mark look like if you could leave one? Lots of beautiful nature on the beach to spark your creativity!

A yearly tradition with the January Ocean’s Reach gang is to visit the Cracker Box Restaurant. It is located on McGregor Boulevard across from the Sanibel Outlet Stores. It is a family run business where Jim, the owner, has been entertaining guests with his country music for the past 50 years. Everything about the place is right out of a Charles Kuralt travelogue.

Pictured are owners Dru Doyle and Chuck and Barb Bryden. Old friends having a good time!

Our three Hong Kong Orchid trees are creating a beautiful carpet of petals on our grounds. The leaf of the Hong Kong Orchid tree is similar to the shape of a heart or a butterfly, and is sometimes 7 to 10 inches long. Many people refer to the leaf as the “clever leaf” and regard it as a symbol of cleverness, which is why some use a leaf as a bookmark in hopes that it will bring good luck to their studies. So if you happen to see one of these unusual leaves on the ground, pick it up and slip it in your book. You just never know!

This past Thursday morning, Ocean’s Reach bird enthusiasts had the chance to experience Sanibel’s special winter visitors with our own Walt McNairy, resident bird expert. The day was a bit crisp, but bright and beautifully clear – optimal for birding. We started at The Grove at Ocean’s Reach, then loaded up for a drive over to J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge to really get started. Birds, birds, birds everywhere!! We logged 20 different species at the very first pond we visited! Our final count was at least 35 varieties. Walt was full of all kinds of great avian information and fielded all “birdy” questions so knowledgeably. He introduced us all to another great way to enjoy the incredible beauty of Sanibel! Ocean’s Reach will sponsor this trip every Thursday morning at 8:30 am till the end of January. Be sure to join us!

The Ahadi tennis playing family, stay here every year and enjoy playing on our newly refurbished tennis court at Ocean’s Reach daily. As you can see from the extension of the body on the serve, they are a highly skilled family of players.

A new beachfront live streaming video cam will let you experience the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico any time you wish. Not nearly as good as being there, the camera will stream pictures from earliest dawn to past sunset.

See happy vacationers sunning or shelling on the beach. Check on day-breaking sunrises. Enjoy spectacular sunsets. If you’ve stayed at Ocean’s Reach beachfront condominiums, the pictures will bring back treasured memories. And if you’re looking for a secluded vacation spot for a quiet getaway, or one with enough activities for a great family vacation, Ocean’s Reach is the place.

Known for its shelling beaches, Sanibel Island is a sanctuary island, boasting the J. N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge where more than 300 bird species are reported annually. One of the top ten birding destinations in the country, Sanibel provides sanctuary for birds and humans, with more than 70% of the island in sanctuary or preserve land.

Click on the camera link often and give yourself a virtual beach front vacation any time you feel the need.