“A Room with a Real View”

This beautiful shot was sent to us by longtime guest Guillermo D. — affectionately known around these parts as “Billy” — from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

He calls it “A Room with a Real View” and says “This picture makes me come back to Ocean’s Reach … year after year!!!”

We can certainly echo the sentiment, and can’t wait to see Billy and his family again soon!  » Read more

Meteorites on Sanibel

One of the most fascinating people we know — Andy K from Fairport NY, whose family has owned a condo here for several decades — wowed us again after his most recent trip down here earlier this month.    
 
He sent us this photo, along with the following description:
 

“This is the first of the meteorite photos my brother has shared off his electron scanning microscope.   » Read more

Finding a Seahorse

We loved hearing from longtime guest Dorothy P. from Elk Ridge, Maryland, who wrote:

“Here is a picture of my granddaughters on Sanibel. My granddaughter found this seahorse floating on the water in front of Ocean’s Reach. We could not believe the size of this seahorse. It measured approximately 3 to 4 inches. We showed it to several people on the beach and then returned it to the water.”
 » Read more

Happy Hour Holiday Shopping

If you’ll be on the island this week, be sure to head over to Ding Darling for their 5th annual “Happy Hour Holiday Shopping” event on Wednesday, Nov 29 in the Visitor & Education Center. The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) will keep the store open two extra hours after the center closes, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

The Refuge Nature Store staff has stocked special holiday gift items,  » Read more

When Change was on the Way

Completed in May 1963, the Sanibel Causeway took the place of a ferry that had been in operation since 1904.

While you’re on the Holiday Luminary Trail this year, stop by the Sanibel Historical Village where they will celebrate “A Sanibel ’60s Christmas, Change is on the Way” from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, December 1.

“You can’t look back on Sanibel in the ’60s without focusing on the biggest change the island has ever seen — the causeway,” said executive director Emilie Alfino.  » Read more

“Our Favorite Walk”

We were delighted to receive this photo from Dan F. and Mary D., who made their annual trip to Ocean’s Reach last week from their home in Galesburg, IL.

They called it “Our Favorite Walk” and we can certainly understand why. By visiting us in the fall every year, they know that some of Mother Nature’s most beautful vistas — as well as some of her most beautiful weather —  » Read more

Honorable Mention

We recently heard from guest Allen Sparks from Cordova, Tennnessee, who delighted us with a copy of his gorgeous photo of a Reddish Egret that won an honorable mention in this year’s “Ding” Darling Days Amateur Nature Photography Contest.

He wrote:

“Thanks so much for your hospitality! It was a great trip and I look forward to visiting Sanibel and Ocean’s Reach again soon.  » Read more

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