CAPTIVA

 Cory and I explored Naples, Miami and southern Florida 13 years ago.  While there, we set off to explore a location I had watched in a movie credit:  GI Jane.  The SERE training was filmed in this exotic location called...Captiva!  

What we found was this desolate, under-developed paradise that we swore we'd return to as soon as we could.

Four kids and 13 years later, we arrived!  

 My kids always tease me about lingering around to always read the movie credits, but I've tripped across a few interesting bits from doing so! 

 Captiva is a barrier island located on the southern Gulf coast of Florida.

Captiva had predictably changed a great deal.  It had developed..a LOT.  It was Easter weekend and there were more people on the beach and in the streets than we expected.  A LOT more.

Still lovely, still wild in terms of marine life.

 This guy (a Heron?) flew right up to us seeking a fish handout from the fishing family adjacent to us.  They tossed their catch to him rather than toss it back into the Gulf.  

  

We did not see any, but there is a healthy population of Manatees that hang around Captiva.  I think we would need to rent some kayaks to find them.

 

I snapped the photo above as we drove across from the mainland.  This is actually a photo of Sanibel, the larger, better known island en route to Captiva. 

 The Floridian Gulf of Mexico is a great way to catch sunsets.

 Swimming out to greet the dolphins. 

Growing up in suburbia, I recall the summer ice cream man and his funny truck that played songs beckoning all of us to run home for cash and run back out before he drove off.  Joey makes beach stops!

Cute cottage inn where we stayed.

 We stayed at the Captiva Island Inn. The lower level of this pink cottage was our place - a 2BR that sleeps eight.  

A great location about 200 steps from the beach and right in the heart of the only tiny village on the island.

 Chillin' with a Ginger Beer!

All week he wanted to climb a palm tree for a coconut.  This was as far as he got.

 Paddleboarding was awesome!!!  A pod of about five dolphins swam around us in a close circle.  We saw a shark, too.  Truly one of the most magnificent experiences of my life.  So glad to share it with the three older kids.

 

 Night life consists of mellow live island music as we read books on our private patio at the Inn.

 Dripping with fresh fruit.

It was a lovely stop and we can't wait to get back!

Ciao!