Everyone thanks the Merel children who generously decorated the Ocean’s Reach guests and Guest Services with multi colored, shaped beads to celebrate Fat Tuesday on Sanibel!

I continued my walk and arrived at the Southwest Florida Museum of History. It was not open, however having visited the site before I can say it is well worth a visit. As the museum is not open on Sunday, it will have to become your excursion for another day of the week.

The Southwest Museum of History is housed in a restored train depot and has a plethora of exciting features. There are many artifacts displayed that show the history of the Fort Myers area from the Paleo-Indian time to Spanish explorers and the earliest Florida settlers. They also have on display a 1925 private Pullman railroad car which is the longest and the last one built. It is fabulous to see and is still one of the most favorite exhibits. There is also a replica of a Florida Cracker house that you will be able to peek into. According to the museum, the name “Cracker” came from the noise the whips made as the cattle were herded.

Starting January 16th and running through June 19th, 2010 the museum is thrilled to have on display TUTANKHAMUN: Wonderful Things from the Pharaoh’s Tomb Exhibit, that I am sure you will not want to miss.

Don’t Forget to check back next Sunday for more “Sunday Excursions with Andy”!

Who ever said golf was not a dangerous sport never played at the Dunes Country Club on Sanibel. Pictured is Dree’ Fausnau, a top ranked junior golfer from Orlando, getting reading to hit her tee shot on the 6th hole. Brister DeCell is standing between her and the alligator for obvious reasons.

Andy

Guest often come into the guest services area at Ocean’s Reach and ask where is the best place to see an alligator. I often tell them on the fairways of the local golf courses. Located on the 6th and 17th fairways of the Dunes Country Club were these 10 to 12 foot gators.

The shore birds of Sanibel enjoying early morning! Notice how they are facing into the morning breeze acting almost the same as a wind vane would. Did you know that by watching the birds, you can tell which direction the wind is coming from? This is because they come in for a landing facing “into” the wind are all set for take-off still into” the wind (such as an airplane does). Also, if they face into the wind, it helps them retain body heat because by facing the opposite way, the wind will ruffle their feathers. If it’s a warm, windless day, birds will sit any which way they choose. The winds simply flow over the contour of their bodies, but if the bird is turned the opposite direction with its tail facing the wind, it ruffles their feathers and they are off balance.

What a lucky couple! This beautiful banner was placed outside Sue and Gary’s honeymoon suite at Ocean’s Reach. Someone really paid attention to details!

We were also told that the windows were barricaded just prior to the wedding ceremony so that the bride could not see the wedding set-up on the beach.

Stay tuned in for more upcoming photos from the Cooper’s lovely wedding at Ocean’s Reach on Sanibel Island!

Very Interesting…but who do you suppose this is!

After looking at the Beach News today, I decided to send some of my favorite photos, too! Here are my favorite Sanibel/Ocean’s Reach photos — and three of my favorite Polaroid manipulations from the Ocean’s Reach area. I have a different beach chair one, for every year!

Margie R. Bodas

How about setting up your chair by giving us a call or book online!

A good healthy beach walk does more than leave footprints in the sand. It gives us a healthy body and a peaceful mind, and it appears as if at least one four-legged friend was benefiting also.

Thought I’d share just a bit of Fall with those of you who don’t get north often. The sun is out and the colors are almost brilliant!