Day 30 on Captiva

The day began early with our weekly trip to the Farmers Market for our fix of more tomatoes and other produce items.  Al bought me a beautiful flower bouquet.  The market was even busier than the past few weeks with more tourists than locals this Sunday. 

 

We had breakfast at one of our favorite spots, Sanibel Café with unique  table arrangements of Fossilized Seashells under glass.   Below is the table where we sat. 

We were lucky  to be seated almost at once on this busy Sunday morning.

I had Eggs Benedict served with Grilled Parmesan Tomatoes and Al had Lox and Bagel Platter.  We made a brief stop at Bailey's for some provisions and headed back to the beach  with sunny skies.   I finished another book NAKED GREED by Stuart Woods.  An easy read but a lot of violence and sex.

 

Tonight I prepared Steamed Mussels with a light Italian sauce of Roma Tomatoes, scallions, garlic, basil, and wine.   This was served over pasta with Arugula salad and Italian Bread.  Dessert was Tiramisu from Bailey's Bakery. 

 

Al tried a new to him California wine -Edna Valley Vineyard Merlot 2013.   The wine is described as "aromas of cocoa powder, anise and black cherry, complemented by hints of leather and humidor. Fine tannins and a bright acidity create a rich, balanced mouth  feel."   Or another review says "The palate offers a complex combination of flavors—mocha, espresso, blackberry and anise."

 

Day 30 on Captiva

Today begins  our last 2 weeks here on Captiva!  Time has gone so fast.  It has been a good time to be here since we have had the worst winter of snow and cold temperatures back home.

We went to the Farmers' Market in Sanibel early and parked in the theater parking lot since the library lot was full.  We bought our usual produce- tomatoes, lettuce, red pepper, radishes, strawberries and some scallops and triple tail fish at the seafood booth.  We also bought a bouquet of Yellow Spider Mums.....wanted some  alstroemeria but did not have.

 

We stopped for breakfast at Sanibel café and to our surprise, they were not busy at all, not like the usual Sunday morning crowd.  Al ordered the  Café Sampler – Two eggs, two slices of bacon and two pancakes (sorry, no substitutions) but they let him substitute sausage for bacon.   I had Salmon with Cheese and Onion Quiche of the day with parmesan tomatoes ....the quiche was a bit overcooked.

 

We made a quick stop at DDWR and took a short walk out on the Indigo Trail just to the Observation Tower.  I was hoping to see the Mangrove Cuckoo again but no such luck.   We did see a Tri-colored Heron and a pair of  Blue-winged teals feeding.  I think they were the same ones we saw on a earlier trip.

  

Scene from Observation Tower

 

 

We spent a couple hours at the beach in the afternoon....

perfect sunny weather  with a cool tropical breeze.

 

Al grilled some delicious Scallops and I served with lemon orzo and caprese salad. 

We enjoyed with glasses of wine.  Al even took a photo of dinner to share.