An Owner at Ocean’s Reach, who lives in Rhode Island, shared these pictures taken in front of her office last week. Looks like a lot of water. Everyone at ocean’s Reach and beyond are hoping that the waters are receding quickly for all those in the area.

There is a lot of work involved before and after the fun. Owner Bob G. has just taken his boat out of the water and is scraping the barnacles off the bottom in preparation for storage until next fall. Bob’s boat is docked at Sanibel Marina–about two miles from Ocean’s Reach.

A day of golfing was planned and the destination was Ave Maria in Naples, FL. This is a wonderful area where not only is golf available, but touring the town is very interesting. The Oratory in the center of town was very enjoyable. This building was constructed from a design that was inspired by the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. Lunch was enjoyed at Queen Mary’s Pub and browsing in a nearby shop proved fruitful. All of this was very easily within walking distance. The golf course was a five minute drive from the center of town and has been rated as one of the top 50 lady friendly courses in the United States. It was a wonderful day to play golf and a good time was had. The day was topped off with dinner at Randy’s Fish Market on our return trip to Ocean’s Reach.

The pictures shown are of Ava Maria, and also of Ocean’s Reach owners, Dick and Louise and Sam and Ann.

Ann Bumgarner

Good morning,

As requested here is my photo of my morning metal detecting finds. Most interesting is the Mercedes Benz 500SL hot wheels car, the silver bead, and the little sliver heart with “Love” on it. The $2.44 will go towards donuts or batteries, whichever is required first! Who would wean their child on a Mercedes Benz hot wheels car? Why develop such expensive tastes so early in life? If you have any familiarity with Casa Ybel, tell me what the large blue coin next the car is used for. I think it might be worth a drink at their bar? I found about a dozen beer cans as well, but they weren’t included in the photo.

I also found a nice Florida walking stick this morning near the shell washing station. I noticed that two white dots starting appearing next to its thorax when I collected her. She was trying to spray me with a white substance that can spray about a foot from the creature to poison attackers. Andy reports they might be harmful to humans… and he is right. The poison they can spray can cause great pain in your eyes for up to 5 days and might require a doctor’s visit. At 30 degrees the muscles that make this work just didn’t this morning… thank goodness. Here is a picture and an article if you are curious. I will experiment with some Plexiglas to shield me the next time I find one.

http://okeechobee.ifas.ufl.edu/News%20columns/Walkingstick.htm

-Andy (4D1)

This is Claus’ grandchildren from Sweden! From the smiles on their faces, it looks as if it must have been a good game…congratulations!

Here are a few more photos from our chartered fishing trip. They were taken while fishing 2 1/2 hours off shore on the Theresa Marie, captained by Dick Cain. We caught grouper, snapper and one tuna. Son Chris provided delicious meals from this catch. Some of the fish were grilled in the Grove at Ocean’s Reach, some were broiled and others were baked. All were enjoyed.

Sam

Coming soon!

Recently,while reuniting at Ocean’s Reach with siblings and their families,the Gaasruds sat down with Dru to share family remembrances. They have spent 30 years of family vacations staying at Ocean’s Reach on Sanibel. Catch their story on an upcoming video which will be presented on the Ocean’s Reach web site.

Videographer is Eric Taubert, and be assured, we will post a link here as soon as it is ready for viewing.

A shady spot to work, catch up with friends far away or post a blog comment. Our beach front pool is only steps from the sparkling gulf waters and your Sanibel cottage condo at Ocean’s Reach. Our wireless, high speed internet access is complimentary from your condo, lanai and pool!

Hi

Having grown up in the Boston area and suffering through many long winters that never seemed to end until June, two rites of spring while living up north were the start of the Red Sox spring training and the Masters Golf Tournament. This year I was fortunate to have tickets to the Tuesday practice round at Augusta. The course was everything and more than what I imagined. Not a weed to be seen and the beauty of the dogwoods, rododendrums and azaleas were spectacular. The day was cool and windy, however it did not deter my enthusiasm to walk the entire course twice and leave the gift store in a much poorer condition than when I entered.

Pictured is Gary Player on the 9th hole, Phil on the 10th tee box and Tiger on the practice putting green. I am pictured with the signature 13th hole in the background.

Andy

Condo chefs and good friends, Abbie and Sarah, created a great spread of delicious food for the Hamilton family staying at Ocean’s Reach this week. On the menu was “really good” fresh pasta bought at Sanibel’s Farmer’s Market topped with a homemade tomato sauce and then topped with bites of grilled chicken (from The Grove at Ocean’s Reach). You might have seen these two (you couldn’t miss them in their adorable aprons) scrambling through the corridors looking for an extra salt shaker to season the sauce!
Thanks Abbie and Sarah for the cute photo and a tempting recipe idea!