Legend of the Sand Dollar

Sand dollars, dried.
Beautiful pile of sand dollars.

I love this poem. It really gives you so much info in a lovely way. Just to be clear, I didn’t write it! We made this poem into beautiful bookmarks for my nephew and his bride’s Florida wedding reception; guests took them home as a sunny reminder. (Ask me how we made place card holders from seashells and a Dremel tool!)

The Legend of the Sand Dollar

There’s a lovely little legend

That I would like to tell,

Of the birth and death of Jesus

Found in this lovely shell.

If you examine it closely

You’ll see that you find here

Four nail holes and a fifth one

Made by a Roman’s spear.

On one side the Easter Lily,

Its center is the star

That appeared unto the shepherds

And led them from afar.

The Christmas Poinsettia

Etched on the other side

Reminds us of His birthday

Our happy Christmastide.

Now break the center open

And here will release

The five white doves awaiting

To spread Good Will and Peace.

This simple little symbol

Christ left for you and me,

To help us spread His Gospel

Through all eternity.

Bookmarks made from the Sand Dollar Legend poem.
Bookmarks made from the Sand Dollar Legend poem.

Above is a photo of the bookmarks that we made for the wedding. I got a hole punch from Michael’s Crafts (it’s a Martha Stewart item), that makes a cutout of a sand dollar (or starfish, depending on your view). We glued it onto sparkly paper stock, also purchased at Michael’s. A little hot glue and we were in business. They are so pretty in person.

Double Rainbow and an Imperial Venus

Double rainbow

The one good thing about rain and thunderstorms is that they produce shells like crazy, AND rainbows. This double rainbow made its appearance as we were shelling at low tide at Blind Pass. Pretty, right? (That’s my niece, Kaitlyn, making the funny face as she didn’t know I was taking the photo!)

Here are a few of our finds:

fighting conchs
Fighting conchs by the handful

While those fighting conchs are nice (and empty!), here is my favorite: an imperial venus.

Imperial Venus
Imperial Venus

I’m going to do a post on these elusive shells (at least here on Sanibel, imperial venus clam shells are elusive)! This one is super pretty, and glossy, as it must be newly empty. Ever found anything good under a rainbow?

Fun Facts About Sand Dollars

Sand dollars, dried.
Sand dollars, dried.

I love sand dollars. I have been lucky enough to find several washed up on the shore of Sanibel and Captiva over the years, nearly white from being faded by the sun. I’ve also found lots and lots of LIVE ones, which are ILLEGAL to keep in Lee County, Florida. Do you know how to tell the difference?

First, here are some fun facts about these beautiful and mystic animals:

  • Sand dollars are members of the Phylum Echinodermata family (in Greek that means “spiny skin.”
  • When a sand dollar dies and its spines fall off, its skeletal remains (the sand dollar you find on shore) is called a “test.”
  • Sand dollars move along the bottom of the sea by using their spines (tiny hairs called CILIA). Unlike their other relative, the star fish, that moves by using the tubes on its feet.
  • Over 600 sand dollars can live in one square yard.
  • The life span of a sand dollar is six to 10 years.
  • Sand dollars have a mouth with five “teeth” that can pulverize/chew tiny plants and animals.
  • The mouth of a sand dollar is called an “Aristotle’s lantern.” (If you’ve ever shaken a dried sand dollar and heard things rattling inside, it’s the five teeth – also known as the five doves in the Legend of the Sand Dollar!)
  • In calm water, sand dollars stand up. They lie flat in rough waters. (How cool would it be to see an entire ‘army’ of sand dollars standing on end, only partially buried?)
Sand dollar found on the shore.
Sand dollar found on the shore.

Is the sand dollar alive or dead?

MOVEMENT: Place the sand dollar in your palm. Look at its spines (the little hairs that cover the animal, called CILIA). If they’re moving, it’s alive.

YELLOW STAIN: Hold the sand dollar in your hand for a minute, if it stains your skin yellow, it’s alive. (That substance is called echinochrome. It is harmless to humans.)

HAIRY OR SMOOTH? Dead sand dollars are smooth and free of their spines/hairs. If it’s hairy, let it bury – place it in the water.

COLOR: Sand dollars fade to gray or white when they die.  When alive, they can be dark brown to purplish-reddish.

Live sand dollar in the water. See its hairy edges?
Live sand dollar in the water. See its hairy edges?

I have the best luck finding sand dollars early in the morning – the early bird definitely gets the washed-ashore sand dollar. Also, try the out-islands, like Cayo Costa. Happy hunting!

 

 

 

 

Beachview Cottages on Sanibel

View of Beachview Cottages
View of Beachview Cottages

A colorful cottage right on the sand, steps from the Gulf of Mexico. What more could you ask for on Sanibel? Beachview Cottages have exactly what I want when I’m looking for accommodations on the beach – location and good rates. We stayed in one of their smaller units but it was still plenty big. It had a full kitchen, dining room table, separate living area with couch and a bedroom (no door, just a tall wall separating it from the rest of the unit) with two full beds.

Summer rates are good, and they have internet specials so be sure to check out their website (link attached above). Their current special is “When you reserve a room for 3 nights or more from April 10, 2016 through August 31, 2016, we’ll give you a 4th night free on select cottages!” Now, that’s a deal, folks! Did I mention that they’re pet-friendly? Yes, they are! See their exclusions and rules on their site.

Each unit has its own parking space(s) and their location on West Gulf Drive is excellent – away from the condo crowds of East Gulf Drive. (Nothing against East Gulf…I love that side, too, but I am a little partial to less people on the beach.)

Anyhow, I hope you’ll check it out. This place is owned by ‘Tween Waters Resort & Spa and their sister resort is also right next door, West Wind Inn. All good places.

 

Little Palm Island: Luxury in the Lower Keys

Little Palm Island is luxury at every turn.
Little Palm Island is luxury at every turn.

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa in the Lower Keys is so spectacular, you’ll be pinching yourself over and over to be sure you’re not dreaming. It’s like going to the Pacific Islands — but don’t need a passport and it’s a whole lot closer! (Although you will have to take a boat or a seaplane to get there as it’s several miles offshore.)

Little Palm Island bugalow
Living area of a Little Palm Island bungalow.

This private island resort owned by Noble House sits on 5.5 acres in the Atlantic, off Little Torch Key at about Mile Marker 28.5. You can drive and leave your car at their welcome center, where a motor yacht will whisk you to the island while keeping you dry. Dolphins love to play in the wake of the boat, which is a really nice welcome. Another nice welcome is your Gumpy Slumber cocktail that you’re given upon arrival. Ohh, it’s so good!

Bedroom of a Little Palm Island bungalow.
Bedroom of a Little Palm Island bungalow.

Little Palm Island is totally private, only 30 stand-alone bungalows are available and each offers the ideal blend of comfort and opulence. If you’ve never showered under the stars, you will want to try it at your bungalow. Mosquito netting drapes the beds in pure romance, and there are no phones or TVs to distract you from anything. There is also a no-cellphone rule in public areas. If you’re looking to disconnect, this resort is your answered prayer. One more thing, no one under 16 is allowed on island. Hello, babysitter? (AKA grandma.)

There is one restaurant onsite that will serve all your meals and you can even dine with your feet in the sand. Key deer sometimes come wandering through, right by your table, or right by your pool chaise lounger. These are tiny deer about the size of a dog, and they’re only found in the Lower Keys. They just add another coolness factor that you can’t find anywhere else.

Dine with your feet in the sand at Little Palm Island.
All new meaning to oceanside dining at Little Palm Island.

While you’re here, you can take out kayaks, Boston Whaler skiffs, book a dive trip to Looe Key (amazing!), play giant chess, relax in the sun, nap in the shade, take an astronomy class, swim in the lagoon-style pool, and just enjoy the peacefulness of your privileged surroundings. I almost forgot to mention the onsite spa. It’s small but good things come in small packages.

Luxury and privacy isn’t cheap, but it is worth it. It’s in a word, unforgettable. And you never know who might see here, after all, presidents and movie stars tend to frequent its secluded shores.

 

 

True Tulip in Tavernier

Big true tulip found in Tavernier.
Big true tulip found in Tavernier.

I took a drive to the Keys to get my feet-in-the-water fix and I’m so glad I did. While wading in the very shallow water at the Wild Bird Center, I found this beauty.

back of tulip

It’s the largest one I’ve ever found in the Keys. There were plenty of mini shells like the one below right next to shore, too. Love the black and white coloring!

black and white auger
Black and white auger from the Florida Keys.

I haven’t seen a black and white auger, but it sure looks like an auger to me. It had a tiny crab in it so back in the water it went.

Speaking of crabs, after wading, I drove home and when I went looking for my tulip shell in my backseat, it wasn’t there. Say what? Then I spied it, under my seat. It had crawled away! Yep, there was a stinkin’ hermit crab hiding REALLY GOOD in that big tulip.

meet crazy joe

Since I wasn’t near the beach, I ran him to my saltwater fish tank. Looks like we have a new family member. We named him Crazy Joe, from the character in the kids’ movie, Shark Tale. I put other big shells in the tank for when he needs to trade up.

 

Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum

junonia wheel
Wheel of Junonias – all sizes imaginable

Ok shellers, if you haven’t been to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, you simply must visit! It’s not the same museum you visited years ago, it has so many new additions and it’s full of world record seashells and SO much more.

One of my favorite new things is the Tank Talks. They now have marine biologists on staff that will introduce you to the world of shells like you’ve never known. It is so educational and fascinating. Tank Talks are free with your admission and happen daily.

National Shell Museum sign

Another new item is their daily beach walks. Sign up in advance and take a walk on the beach with a marine biologist. How great is that? You’ll meet up right near the Island Inn on Sanibel and you’ll get an amazing hands-on learning experience. Prices are currently $10 adults / $7 children. Plus, you’ll get half-off admission to the Shell Museum.

There are many intriguing exhibits inside the museum as well – and there is something for ALL ages. Yes, they have a special kids’ area too.

Interior shot of the center of the museum.
Interior shot of the center of the museum.

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Children 4 and under: FREE
Youth 5-17: $5.00
Adults 18+: $11.00

(Closed Thanksgiving Day. Open Noon to 4 on New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day & Christmas Day.)

Now, go to shell!

 

Great Beach Shoes – FitKicks

 

FitKicks US make great beach shoes/
FitKicks US make great beach shoes

I walk a lot of beaches, for a lot of miles. I really don’t like to wear shoes because the sand always gathers inside and makes it painful and difficult to walk. So, why bother? I kept trying different styles, and then I found them – FitKicks.

The sand didn’t gather on the inside, they are lightweight yet strong enough to walk over mounds of shells (like in Sanibel), and they come in a variety of colors. Oh, and FitKicks are only about $20!

Beach shoes from FitKicks US in flower print.
Beach shoes from FitKicks US in flower print.

Score! Try these beach shoes! You can use them for yoga, errands, exercise, around the house, whatever. I love them – and for $20, I really love them. Machine washable, air dry. They also come in women’s, men’s and children sizes.

Bottom of the FitKicks shoes are flexible yet sturdy.
Bottom of the FitKicks shoes are flexible yet sturdy.

Sanibel Sunsets

Bikes at Sunset

One of my favorite events is watching the sunset on the beaches of Sanibel or Captiva. This one was taken from the Access 5 point on Sanibel on West Gulf Drive.

In the winter, I find it much more enjoyable to take in a sunset as there are no bugs. As soon as it begins to warm up, the no-see-ums will suck the life right out of you! They are less prevalent near the water, so run! The only thing that helps is clothing – wear a long sleeved t-shirt…and pray they bite someone else! There are a few products that my family likes, Skin So Soft from Avon and a no-see-um spray available at Bailey’s General Store on Periwinkle and Tarpon Bay Road.

In the end, the sunset is worth a few bug bites.

A Gift From The Sea – Broken Junonia

junonia 3

It counts! It’s broken and beat up, but it’s a junonia! Yay! I was on West Gulf Drive, right behind the Caribe Beach Resort at 11am on a Tuesday. I was gathering a bunch of yellow cockle shells for my mom who I’d just found out was going in for surgery. Before I drove home to the east coast, I wanted to find her favorite shells and bring them to her. So, while I was up at the high tide line gathering cockles, I uncovered this beauty!

I feel it was a gift and this shell will forever remind me of my mom. By the way, her surgery went fine and she is recovering nicely.

yellow cockles

These are the yellow cockles I collected for her. So cheery, don’t you think?