Day 40 Captiva 2019

Thursday, Mar 14
We were out early at 7 for to see the 7:30 sunrise...we drove to the nearby Castaways Marina but was  not a good spot to see the sunrise so we headed to DDWR where we got a good view of the sun rising just as we entered the drive.

We continued our drive not seeing many birds but there were a lot of photographers waiting for more white pelicans.  Saw several roseate spoonbills. This will be the last trip to DDRW for this trip.

While we were at the pool this afternoon, the flock of Ibis returned for another visit.  One Ibis was brave enough to come to the pool for a drink.   It was a very hot day in the 80's so we guess they were lookin for a cool spot to hang out.

The Ibis were not the only ones looking for a cool spot:

We went to Doc Ford's on Captiva for an early dinner at 5.  Of course we started with a dozen fresh oysters on the half shell. Al ordered a new item on the menu- Steak Salad Chimichurri-marinated steak, asparagus, and red onions, over mixed greens tossed in chimichurri vinaigrette and topped with avocado and bleu cheese crumbles with dressing on the side. Very Good!  I ordered the appetizer of Calamari and we combined our orders.   Very good dinner.  Would order this again but the calamari salad is still my favorite item on the menu.

We arrived back at the cottage in time to walk across the street for the sunset.

Day 19 Captiva 2019

Thursday, Feb 21
We were up very early this morning.  I took a walk on the beach at 7pm as the sun came up.

 Looking back from the beach at the sun coming up.

Early Birds on the beach

Spotted this Pileated Woodpecker on way back to cottage.

 Eagle was an early riser too.  This was at 8:00.

Joined Al on the porch for coffee and pastries.  We had egg salad sandwiches with chips and iced tea for lunch.  Spent the afternoon reading and relaxing at the pool.  Had drinks at 4:30 with liver pate made with leftover chicken livers served with toast and radish slices.
Al grilled steak with peppers, onions, and mushrooms that we enjoyed with French fries.

Day 20 Captiva

First Light at the Cottage

To view the video, click on the link at the bottom of the email to go to blog.Then click on the arrow.

Every morning we are awaken by the sounds of what we called the "Alarm Bird".  The video above was recorded at 6:45  just as the sun was rising at 6:57.  Listen for the bird.

  We took a morning beach walk about 10 am and it was very quiet.....no birds or people to speak of.   It was a beautiful morning with white puffy clouds in the sky and several boats in the water.

After breakfast we went to Sanibel and did some window shopping at Periwinkle Place and I bought a tank top at Fresh Produce.  We then bought some groceries at Bailey's and headed home to the pool.

While we away, Edguardo and Norma were here to houseclean.  

Took this picture of the 2 young eagles:

Tonight for dinner, Grill Master Al made his specialty grilled scallops. I added lemon butter sauce and  sides of couscous and salad.  The scallops from Bailey's were both fresh and delicious. Wish I had a picture to share. 

Day 13 Captiva

I took a walk at 6:45 down to the bridge at Blind Pass to catch the sunrise....I arrived there just as the first fishermen of the morning were setting up their poles.   The morning was a bit cool and buggy.  I made these shots of the bay and pelicans arriving .....

The sun began rising .....

This was made when I walked over to the rocks by the beach:

The pelicans were just arriving:

And this gull said good morning:

Returned to the cottage and had coffee and pastries with Al on the porch.

After having lunch of bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches, we spent the afternoon at the pool.  Another beautiful day on the island.  The weather continued to be perfect!   Tonight we had "Taco Night"  since we found taco shells and seasonings in the pantry.....just had to add beef  and we had all the fresh ingredients including lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, peppers, black olives,  and sour cream.  Fun meal served with beers. 

Day 24 on Captiva

Sunrise on the Bay

This morning began with a sunrise watch from the dock.  Armed with coffee and cameras we went to the dock before 7AM to capture the glorious sunrise and what a lovely one we had with a sky of clouds  and the sea of  water reflecting the rays.

What a beautiful way to begin the day!

I then headed down to the beach and collected a few shells.

 

We then decided to check out what was happening at Ding Darling and found the White Pelicans congregating  at the usual  places on the mud flats but first we spotted this Roseate Spoonbill.

 

 

Al was able to capture the pelicans flying in to join the group. 

 

 

 

A Wood Stork was feeding in front of the second group of pelicans.

 

 

 We saw a lot of Cormorants along with the pelicans.

 

 

We had a late breakfast of Bacon and Eggs with toast and juice.  Then we went to the pool for awhile but moved to the beach where the cool breeze was more enjoyable that the heat of the pool.

 

For dinner,  Al grilled Pompano to perfection and served simply with Lime Slices.  This went nicely with French Fries and a Green Salad.  Along with glasses of wine.