Day 30: It’s official, I’ve been traveling for 1 month. I have a few more days to enjoy the sun and the warmth before I head to Tennessee for Christmas. I now understand why people leave the dreary north in the winter and head to Florida. I don’t want to leave, the sun, warm temperatures and ocean make me happy. Hmm.
I awake from a fairly comfortable sleep at the Neptune Inn in Fort Meyers Beach. A dog barking throughout the night kept on waking me up, however. I felt like Elaine from Seinfeld when that little mangy mutt, keeps her up at night with its incessant barking. At least the bed was comfortable. I brought my Tempur Pedic pillow with me on my journey. It’s the best pillow I’ve ever owned.
For breakfast I have my super food shake and a few nuts and dried fruit from Trader Joe’s, then get ready to go to the beach.
A tiny pink house being devoured by hotels on Fort Meyers Beach
I survey the beach and put my stuff down away from people and walk towards the quiet area. This is residential, with a few hotels mixed in. I chill at the beach for a few hours until my stomach is asking to be fed. I walk along the beach towards the pier in search of food. This time the beach is crowded especially with college kids and families. I’m not a fan of crowds, especially at the beach. That’s probably why I enjoy solo traveling and being alone. Don’t get me wrong I love being social when I choose too but I love my solitude even more.
I find another restaurant/bar on the beach with outdoor seating called Gulfshore Grill. I sit outside with views of the beach and order a burger and a couple of strawberry daiquiris which is my favorite summertime drinks. The crushed ice, strawberries and rum-yum. The food and drinks are decent. The atmosphere is beach casual which I like.
After lunch I head back to my towel. I’m contemplating jumping into the ocean, but the brown churned up water doesn’t look appealing. The Gulf waves are almost non-existent unlike its blue wavy cousin on the east side of Florida. Fort Meyers Beach is okay but it littered with lots of ugly dated hotels. The best things it has going for it are the outdoor eateries, the powdery grey sand and the sunsets. As I watch the sun set on the ocean’s horizon a calmness settles over me. Sunsets are captivating to the soul. The natural beauty unfolds before our eyes creating a masterpiece.
Days 31. It’s December 20, 2014 and I am heading to Sanibel Island for a few days.The night before I look up beaches and find Bowman Beach. It reminds me of Plum Island Reserve in Plum Island, MA. After checking out of the Neptune Inn I drive to Bowman Beach for the day. There is a cost to park $3/hour which seems steep, Parking info at Bowman’s Beach. But, it’s well worth the money. It’s about a 1/4 mile walk to the beach from the parking lot and there are many trails so make note where you go and come from. The path leads over a river where a variety of wildlife resides and through a grove of trees which opens to a beautiful beach.
Path leading to the beach
Tall grasses, white powdery sand, teal blue water and miles of beach await you. Now this is my kind of beach. I head to the right and find a perfect quiet spot. It’s an amazing beach with tons of shells, so bring a bag if you want to collect some. I feel like a kid in a candy store, there are so many beautiful shells-heaven.
Shells, shells, and more shells
Around 4pm I pack up my beach gear and head for the quaint beachfront hotel, Island Inn which I found on TripAdvisor. I like how it feels as though it’s been there for a long time. Apparently it has, since 1895. It has tennis courts, shuffleboard, horseshoes, volleyball and a heated swimming pool. Best of all it’s on a beautiful beach with tons of shells.
My room has an island feel to it, painted a soft yellow with white trim and cream color furniture. There is a screen porch overlooking the grounds and beach. I love how they arrange the towels-quite adorable. Very nice. Now this is a room that is enjoyable to stay in. After checking out the grounds, I shower and have dinner at their restaurant, Traditions. I sit at the bar and have dinner. It’s a formal restaurant where the waiters (no waitresses) are in full uniform. I feel like I’m in Paris. I order the Mozzarella & Tomato salad which is divine followed by Grilled Mignon of Beef. The Mignon melts in my mouth and has a wonderful flavor. The food is delicious. What a wonderful way to end the day.
Towel arrangement
My hotel room at Island Inn
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