Ding Darling

Yesterday we loaded our bikes and took off for the wilds of Ding Darling park on Sanibel Island. This lovely island is a much desired visit as the bumper to bumper bridge traffic proved. The toll was $6 to enjoy the 3 mph crossing and the most expensive part of the trip as my lifetime senior pass covered the park admittance. One of the perks of being an old fogey.

 The ranger was looking at me when he showed us a map with a shortcut back should we elect to not bike the entire 7 mile route. We did see the sign "Cross Dike" while riding by, but were past it when I realized it was referring to the short-cut, and not a warning sign.

 We joined some bird-watchers at a lookout and when I unzipped De Anne's backpack to retrieve the camera the zipper sound caused the group of serious bird-watchers to turn towards me with shaming looks. I waited a few moments for their attention to return to the flock and surreptitiously took this picture.

I completed the full 7 mile ride, or as De Anne would characterize it - a warm up. 

Time to find a beach! Unfortunately, millions (ever so slight an exaggeration) of others had the same idea before us. We retreated back to our place where the beach is across the street. 

Today is a high, high tide and a picture from 2:30 pm to prove it. Note our porch almost at sea level. De Anne is finishing the cleanup on her kayak. Tomorrow's tide might be a bit higher.

Estero bay

After a whole week of wearing windbreakers and socks we are warm again! It is spring break in Fort Myers Beach, but we are on the quiet end. Bowditch Point park is just a couple blocks away,

The front of Matanzas Pass:

Our dock is well protected:

As those acquainted with this blog understand this is a happy De Anne, setting out to tour the bay:

This sky banner is geared for the spring breakers.... I think....

2 and a half dogs

We arrived back in the cold, upper 48 States and spent a few days at De Linda and Lisa's house in Atlanta. De Anne was a big hit with their furry pack.

This week was a brief visit to Mexico Beach for a few chores and visiting with friends left behind seven months ago. If they would just install an ocean in Indiana we might visit those left behind seven years ago. But now, on to Fort Myers Beach where I can put on my crabby old man attitude and mix with the spring break kids.

We did get in a bike ride along Windmark Beach.

Bacardi

The storm passed and after two months we finally did the Bacardi tour. A bus ride, ferry across San Juan bay, and a cab ride put us at the welcome center where $30 got us a tour, and 2 glasses emblazoned with the appropriate logo from the largest privately owned spirit distiller. Our tour guide said over 500 family members worked for the company.

The entrance to the museum.

Our tour guide displaying the various renditions of this molasses based elixir.

Returning on the ferry past the US Coast Guard station.

Tomorrow concludes our island escape from winter, Our upcoming agenda: a few days in Atlanta, a week in Mexico Beach, and then a month in Fort Myers Beach.

Storm

Today was earmarked for a trip to the Bacardi factory; however, a storm discouraged that plan. We sat around with our books and listened to the windows rattle.

Note the empty beach and windblown trees. It was so bad Aquaman (see previous entry) did not not come down for his day long soak.