Hey There!

And the award to the lamest  beach blogger is....... ME!   Unfortunately I haven't been able to get to the beach as much as I used to.  Thanks for reading and I'm looking forward to catching up with you beach bloggers!
Here's a few pictures from Sanibel last week

I was really happy with my treasures last week!

 Happy Shelling!
Stephanie

Barefoot Beach: Learning Center

In the parking lot

Trip to Barefoot beach- awesome!! We actually took the time to stop and take a look around in the learning center. The friends of Barefoot Beach Preserve have got it going on!

I had to toss some in!

The pond is amazing- this picture doesn't do it justice

                                                

Mom's Birthday Surprise

Great weekend!  My dad, sister & I surprised my mom with 2 nights on Sanibel. Since we live in Ft.Myers she is always over there anyways- her main shelling beach is Algiers/Gulf Side beach. But it was fun to go somewhere new!

The birthday girl

Dad fishing

We booked her at Shalimar which is on West Gulf Drive. We spent the day with her yesterday and really enjoyed it.

When the tide started going out we were treated to more live olive shells than I've ever seen! My video skills are hurting but here's what I captured.

This was next door- how cute is that?!

I feel so fortunate to live in such a great part of this country- SW Florida has so much to do!
Have a great week- wherever you are!
Stephanie

Grounded!

So here I am posting on the blog and receive a text from my friend Amanda who is on Fort Myers Beach right now with a friend who witnessed this boat washing up. She said the guys wouldn't put down their beers to save it! Wish I would have been there- that is hilarious! 

Lovers Key

I wish Lover's Key had camping! How great would that be to shell, ride the trails, kayak, shell, have a picnic, shell.....    You get my drift. Florida State Parks really do a great job! I'm hoping to become one of the Friends of Lovers Key this year. Then I'll have an excuse to go more often!

Sandcastle Mere & Jim made

Meredith heading to the beach

We went on July 3rd- so the beaches were pretty crowded. We were just coming off like a week of rain & clouds so hitting the beach was a must. So glad we went.

Good things come in pairs!

It's been a while since I've found so many olives!

Did I mention my husband came? He started a rock collection(or something) :)

My heart shaped rock!

Shadowbox display table

 Pictures coming tomorrow of my trip to Barefoot Beach & Lover's Key!!
Hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend!   


You may remember when I mentioned my dad making  tables for local stores around SW Florida for displaying shells. Pictures are on my blog from May 19.
He changed the design so that the legs are removable which allows him to ship them. If you are interested in taking a look- they are on Etsy.
  
http://www.etsy.com/listing/77162737/shadowbox-display-table-truly-unique?ref=af_you_favitem

They will also be available thru my fb page:
 
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Khakifish-Signs/125607974171776

2 days until SUMMER BREAK!!!!

Hey everyone. Most districts are probably out for summer already- We've got 2 more days. Even though the summer is going to be a quick 6 weeks (Lee county school district is insane & changing our schedules) I'm planning to hit the beach more this summer than ever before. I'm looking forward to making new memories and having new adventures with my daughter who is 11.  I would say my son too, but he's turning 16 on Friday- he's not too excited about going to the beach with us. haha
Anyways- be sure to check back as the summer goes on to see what I've discovered in SW Florida-2011.
Have a great week!

Peace River Trip

We spent Saturday at the Peace River looking for shark's teeth. If you haven't been it's a really unique(and a little strange) trip.  You have to have the right tools: sifters and shovels- And I would recommend a chair. Especially since my husband insisted we bring some- I said I didn't need it. Although he kept asking me if I wanted one- I kept saying no.Well, he brought one for himself. Although the kids and I used it more than he could.  I had to finally break down at the river and admit he was right I was wrong- I hate that! :)
We park at Brownville Park Campgrounds. It's East off of 17, past Arcadia.

Water level at about a ft. so perfect for digging

Canoes are available to rent

 This is what we found. Some shark teeth, fossilized bones & wood.

 Now don't get me wrong I really had fun with this However- I'm way too beachy to be in that river. I'll do it again if the kids want, but normally you'll find me on the white sand with the salty air!
Have a great week!
Stephanie

Little Hickory Island

Summer break is almost here for Lee County. I've got 10 days until the kids are out of school. I have to get in some quiet beach-time before then! Went to Little Hickory yesterday.

I wasn't finding too many keepers until I got to the second jetty area. Big shell pile! yay me!

Lots of worm shells & jingles

These will go great in my "shell top" collection

                                             Beautiful day at the beach!

Khakifish Signs

 Good news in Ft.Myers with Khakifish Signs! Key West Traders is now carrying my signs on their website. Along with the signs they have a great selection of t-shirts and other beach gear!
If you haven't seen my signs, just click on my fb link or etsy link.
If you don't see something you like, just let me know because I also personalize the signs. 
Have a great week-

Times Square- FMB

Times Square: Food/Drinks/The Pier/The Beach. What else do you need? It's all here.

www.piersidegrill.com

Plaka Restaurant- Greek Food

 

 

It's always fun to walk out on the pier. The shop has drinks and snacks if you need anything.

FMB Pier

Tucked away in the shade: Umbrella Drinks! Cheers!!

Fort Myers Beach- In the library

I stopped in the library on Ft.Myers Beach just because I had never been in before. On the second floor, in the back corner they have all the old Beach Bulletins. I snapped a few pictures out of one until I got a not-so-friendly-look from some guy trying to read. (I'll admit it, my camera is a little noisy!) I did leave soon after ! :)

Look at these prices!

Most Modern on the Beach! How funny.

I'm going to have to find out if they still do this

Fort Myers Beach/ Part 1

The is the best parking lot- right by the beach

I spent a few hours the other day walking around Ft.Myers Beach. It's really a fun & quirky kind of place. I don't really go there often because it's not so great for shelling. But for restaurants/bars & shopping, it's cool.













Have you ever walked up to the top of the bridge? I did it! I was really freaked out though and would not recommend it! I'll stick to driving it from now on.

View from the the top

We're never far from fresh seafood!

I  like older homes with some character. Not the big tacky mansions.

Perfect! And walking distance to the beach.

One day I'm sure these old cottages will be torn down- either hurricanes or developers- but I think they are really great.