DAY 25 - 5 April

Our last morning on Sanibel. Once again we breakfasted at Over Easy Cafe - nice people, healthy breakfast. We are nearly becoming regulars. This morning we got to sit at the counter and chat to some locals. They told us about the hurricane. One of the servers told ys they were instructed to shoot their dogs. She would not do it and stayed behind to weather the storm. Her neighbours shot their’s. It must have been horrific. They told us about the storm surge just wiping parts of the island out. The couple sat next to us have a condo but they were not there. The causeway was gone so they had to hire a boat to get back to see how things were. The boat could not get close and had to sort of throw them out. Amazingly they rebuilt some sort of causeway in 2 weeks!

I would like to learn more about it and did wonder if there is a photographer who has recorded stuff and would do a presentation.

After breakfast we went to visit our Osprey family for the last time. The refuge was closed yesterday and we did wonder whether the chicks may have flown the nest. But no, they are still there. They are huge, just as big as their mum. She was calling for her mate but he did not come. She flew off to a nearby tree and we did wonder whether she was trying to get them to come to her. It was like watching a soap opera. We stayed for 2 hours but he did not return. Either he is not a very good hunter or he was taking some time off. We had to leave in the end. I am presuming he came back some time. I have never spent so long watching one family of birds, and in 90 degree heat. I may have to rejoin the Nature Group!

Picture of leaving Sanibel (the causeway is nearly 11 miles). Doubt we will be back. Our next stop is just outside Naples. We were going to spend two days there and then two days nearer into Miami. However, we have decided to stay here for the last four nights. Lovely hotel with every facility - apart from a safe that is. I thought we just had a room but it turns out to be a suite (more like an apartment). Very comfy for a few days and within easy reach of Naples, Marco Island, Big Cypress and the Everglades. Lots to investigate.