Does this bench look familiar? We told you it was a great place to stop by and that is what this family has done. The Flermoen family from Grand Rapids, MI have found the perfect place for a Sanibel read!

As you head out to do some shelling or even as you meander around the grounds of Ocean’s Reach, take a few minutes to sit on this loverly bench overlooking the Gulf and reflect on your thoughts. I’m sure you will agree, it is the most delightful place!

Vote for Captiva in ASBPA’s Best of the Best Restored Beaches Award!

Voting started on March 30 for the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) contest to select the “Best of the Best Restored Beaches” in the last 10 years. Currently, Captiva is running third in the voting behind Corpus Christi, TX and Navarre Beach, FL and just ahead of Hilton Head, SC. If you have already voted, vote again! You may vote once each day through April 27.

After you cast your vote, the latest tally is displayed. To vote for Captiva’s project, follow the instructions below.

1. Click on this link.  This will take you to ASBPA’s website.

2. On the ASBPA website, click on the highlighted words Vote Now through April 27 for the “2012 Best of the Best Restored Beaches! that appear just below the logo that looks like the one above.

3. Read about the contest and then click on Community Beaches. Captiva’s project is in this category.

4. Put your pointer on the button next to Captiva Island, Florida in the list of projects that appears at the bottom of the screen and click. A dot will  appear within the button.

5. Click on Vote. You are done. View the latest voting results. Don’t forget to vote again tomorrow. And the next day…and the next…etc.

You may vote once each day through April 27. You can vote for one and only one beach within each category. Anyone and everyone is eligible to vote.The voting will result in the selection of one Best Restored Beach within each category.

VOTE FOR CAPTIVA’S BEACH ONCE EACH DAY THROUGH APRIL 27, 2012!

We think one of the most perfect places to read at Ocean’s Reach, is sitting beside the pool. So grab your favorite book, select a comfy chair and let the refreshing breezes float past you.

If you are undecided as to what you would like to read, a stop at the Sanibel Island Bookshop would be in order. They will gladly help you pick out a bestseller or let you browse freely for as long as you want.

Give us a “Thumbs Up” on your favorite read of the week!

Shhh…another business is spa wned on Sanibel. It’s quiet, alluring and provides a private, personal healing experience.
S Spa is your place “away from it all” for undivided, individualized attention by owner Sherri Kropp who applies firming facials, complete body exfoliations and masks as well as premier pedicures and manicures. Manicures, $25. Pedicures , $30. Facials start at $100 and use Sjal skin rejuvenation products.
S Spa is located in Bailey’s Center. Appointments 239-233-7061.

This is for you Paige, from all of us at Ocean’s Reach!

Our good friend Don Payne has shared a touching story with us that we are sure you will all enjoy. Thank you Don for the story and for the beauty behind it!

“For many years I have been working with cancer survivors going through treatment. As as cancer survivor myself, I’m very aware how important support and encouragement is.

One twelve-year-old girl from Okemos, MI always has “Just Believe” on the bottom of her email progress updates. Her name is Paige Duren, and I had a sign made that I took pictures of on our drive down to Sanibel from Michigan. I hung it from fast food signs, hotel signs, restaurant signs, with people holding it up etc. I mailed her a picture each day.

I took many pictures of “her” verse on Sanibel. Below, is my favorite. I asked some folks from Quebec, Canada, if I could take a picture with the sign on the back of their chairs. They were most accommodating and we had a good laugh as I told them to be sure to smile.

I also wrote a poem for each picture I sent her. Below the picture is the poem that went with it.

Best regards

Don Payne”

Wandering down the beach
On a bright sunny day
I spotted three old folks
In chairs along the way
They were very friendly
We had a nice talk
They came from Quebec
You know they didn’t walk
And there on the chair backs
They proudly hung your sign
Just a reminder -
We know you’ll be fine !

JUST BELIEVE

April has been a guest at Ocean’s Reach and is a good friend of two of our favorite guests, Faye and Penny. They are both avid shell seekers and travel from Jupiter, Florida 3 – 4 times a year to unwind and share girl time. They brought April with them about a year ago which is how we all now know April. She is an accomplished vocalist and award winning actress. One of her best friends writes to us:

I would like to share with you a performance by a dear friend, April Woodall.
This is a three tissue song, so have them ready. I hope your speakers do her voice justice. April, you’re the best.

Wishing you much success.
Your Shelling Sister,
Faye

Following is a video of April performing at the 2012 Carbonell Awards held on April 2, 2012 at the Broward Center for the Performing​ Arts. April Woodall performs “Climb Every Mountain” from The Sound of Music, Maltz Jupiter Theatre

Ocean’s Reach feels so fortunate to have such wonderful, nice and talented guests including our new friend April. Turn up your speakers and enjoy our friend April!!

Shelling along Sanibel Island soon will be featured on the CBS Sunday Morning show. Earlier this month, Emmy Award-winning TV journalist Bill Geist filmed the segment in conjunction with Shellabration! 2012. The highly-rated national program has scheduled the segment to air in April. Keep your eyes open for Ocean’s Reach or Bill, shelling for a Junonia on our beach next door.

The above text is a copy of previous post but we now have an update for you! We just heard that the Sanibel/Shell story should be airing this Sunday, April 22nd on CBS Sunday Morning. We don’t know exactly when the segment will air, but the show is on 9 – 10:30am (EST) and Bill Geist’s pieces usually run towards the last half hour of the show. The disclaimer is that this is TV, and anything can happen -so it is confirmed to the best of our abilities.

“Water fountain for dogs and their humans at bicycle Welcome Center”

Nearing completion!  The new bicycle pavilion will include a comprehensive map depicting the entirety of bike paths throughout Sanibel; information on nature areas worthy of tour (courtesy of the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation); details pertinent to the history of the pavilion site as well as other significant landmarks on the island (courtesy of the Sanibel Museum & Historic Village); a bike rack for parking (donated by Billy’s Bike Rentals); white benches (donated by the Lion’s Club); and a water fountain, which is always refreshing to bicyclers of all ages and species.

You will not recognize the Periwinkle site in between “She Sells Sea Shells” and “Huxters”.  The added landscaping fills in the once barren land site so beautifully. Plan your bicycle trip to the Welcome Center.  It is only approx. 1 3/4 miles from Ocean’s Reach.

At least once per year I always make a point to walk through the Six Mile Cypress Slough, located in Fort Myers on Six Mile Highway, just past the Minnesota Twins Spring Training Stadium.

This is a natural animal corridor that offers a 1.2 mile long boardwalk that meanders through the 2,200 acre wetland area. As you walk, it is possible to  see alligators, wild pigs, otters, and during the dry season (October to June), there are birds like herons and egrets to see as they flock to the flag ponds. there is a photo blind and two observation towers that are available to help you get terrific views and great photo shots! Definitely a place to take in when you are visiting us on Sanibel!