This last Sunday, I visited the Koreshan State Historic Site in Estero. It is easy to get to from the corner of US 41 and Corkscrew Road–less than a 45 minute drive from Sanibel.
For a vehicle fee of $5.00, I spent an amazing afternoon visiting restored buildings from the 1890’s, an art collection and walking the beautiful grounds and trailways alongside the Estero River. What I had previously thought was a historic marker on undeveloped land turned into an almost 4 hour visit. It is definitely worth several trips as musical concerts are held every Sunday afternoon in the Art Hall. You can also sit and watch the kayakers and canoers racing down the River. There is also an introductory video to watch in the Founders House.
Dr. Teed and his small legion of followers left the privileged south side of Chicago and became a vital part of the Estero community. The last remaining relatives of the community bequeathed the property to the sate of Florida. Florida has done an excellent job of maintaining the community, educating the visitors with a wealth of docents and also providing camp and recreational facilities on the property.
I know you will be wonderfully surprised to learn more about this communal society and the wonderful assets they left behind.
Thank you for letting me share with my Ocean’s Reach friends and family a picture of the Goertemillers taken over the Christmas holiday in 1976 at Ocean’s Reach—Dru, Lyn, Kurt, Mother and Dad. I remember this trip to Sanibel and those tee shirts Mother made as if it were yesterday.
This is a very special photo to me as it is one of our family’s first of many visits to OR (when OR was just two years old) as guests –and later owners– and a loving tribute to my mother who passed away recently and to my dad who today celebrates 58 years of marriage to my mother! Sanibel was my parent’s favorite family destination spot throughout the years and continues to be the ultimate relaxation spot for my dad.
My siblings and I miss my mother more and more each day as memories resurface, needs go unspoken and the reality of her absence sets in. She was the epicenter of our extended families, a very pretty woman (as you can see), creative and fun loving. We never made an important decision without her!
Thanks, Mother and Dad, for introducing all of us kids to Ocean’s Reach and Sanibel when we were snowbound in the Buckeye state and for the values passed along of hard work, good financial management and the dreams and rewards of condo ownership on a sunny, warm beach that we are fortunate to experience today.
My dad, brother and sister also want to thank the owners, staff and winter guests at Ocean’s Reach who reached out overwhelmingly to us during my mother’s illness and death with their kindness and caring.
BIG ARTS BIG SECRET fundraiser was held on January 24th on Sanibel and this year consisted of a totally unique form of art sale. The big secret was that none of the guests would know who had created each of the 8 X 10 artworks until the end of the evening.
There was also a live performance by the incredible artist Jonas Gerard, who created a fabulous work of art as viewers watched. This colorful masterpiece later was auctioned off for the sum of $5000. Jonas also donated several other pieces of art, as did the other Island favorites, Ikki and Polly Matsumoto, and Myra Roberts.
This year’s fundraiser was a wonderful success and enjoyed by all. Definitely a “must attend” for next year! To learn more about BIG ARTS campus, their history, class schedules, and upcoming events, got to BIGARTS.org.
Take a look at owners Sam Bumgarner, Andy and Bill Kinsman and Andy, manager of Ocean’s Reach, as they prepare to kayak on and around Sanibel Island. For those who are unaware, in addition to the Gulf of Mexico, there are miles and miles of blue water trails to explore in the bay and bayous of Sanibel Island. The following pictures are in Dinkins Bayou and Clam Bayou. This was a weather perfect day, clear as a bell–not a cloud in the sky– and temperatures in the low 70’s!
The group left Ocean’s Reach at 3 p.m. by car,and arrived at Clam Bayou behind Auntie Agnes’ house by 3:30 p.m. and kayaked with their two Ocean’s Reach kayaks for over two hours. This is an incredible way to explore Sanibel and see areas unaccessible by car, foot or bike. It allows you to see some beautiful real estate property and natural habitats like you can’t imagine. It was amazingly quiet and peaceful as the kayakers paddled without noise, whimper or splashing. The only splashing was mullets jumping in and out of the water. What an amazing sight to see so close up. Osprey dove in and out of the water right in front of them also, while catching their dinner. After, they would soar back up in the air with a fish in their mouth big enough for dinner for two!
The outing was thoroughly enjoyed by the group, although Andy was a little sore following his upper body workout. But remember, Andy,this is so much better than being in an enclosed gymnasium pushing weights!
If one decides to leave the Island and head to downtown Fort Myers there are many things to do. Saturday at Centennial Park in downtown Fort Myers the Celtic Festival was held. Music, food and lots of interesting company.
Bicycles can be rented at Ocean’s Reach and purchased from Billy’s Bicycles (on the island). I’m riding my new bike to Captiva. It is a good thing I was looking straight ahead. I never leave home without my helmet.
If you have never had the opportunity to study the delightful butterflies we all see in our gardens, then you should take the time to visit the new business which just opened in downtown Ft. Myers on Fowler Street in the river district. It is an ecco friendly butterfly garden called Butterfly Estates which is home to many varieties of butterflies. There is a wonderful dining area that serves both breakfast and lunch which you can enjoy while being surrounded by these lovely, gentle creatures. There is also a ecco friendly gift store on the premises along with an ice cream shop and a fudge shop. This is an absolutely beautiful experience, and our thanks to the Butterfly Estates for making this experience available to all.
The Periwinkle Park and Camp Ground located on Sanibel Island is a must see for all visitors. It offers the wonderful opportunity to many who would prefer to get back to nature, by providing camping facilities, for the short term visit, a place to park your camper or motor home for the winter months, or even the chance to own a permanent place in the park. The owner is a naturalist who loves to raise birds,which he sells or keeps. If you have ever been lucky enough to visit Jerry’s Supermarket on Sanibel, then you know the birds we speak of. They are magnificent creatures to watch and take a little of the stress out of grocery shopping. Every morning at about 9:30 a lady who is an avid bird enthusiast also, arrives to feed the birds, all the while giving a wonderful discertation on the traits of each bird and their personalities.There are other beautiful creatures to meet also including the interesting Lemurs. So for a fun and informational tour, stop by some morning and meet some members of the community.
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