A common event on the islands: waiting to be called for breakfast at the Lighthouse Cafe. It’s worth it.

Our tour of Sanibel yesterday started with a few backroad accesses to beaches, followed by a rather exquisite ice cream at the Dairy Queen. We didn’t actually go there for the ice cream: it was to see a golden eagle’s nest out back. We saw the eagle, but could not get a close enough picture of it. Lots of vultures too. Then proceeded to Dixie Beach Road, which was a quiet and delightful backwater down to the bay: some very expensive properties there. We continued down a narrow lane which ran right alongside the bay and took a few pictures: beautiful spot – almost nobody around, bay on one side and wildlife refuge on the other.

Back on Periwinkle Way we called at an Antiques Shop, which is the American name for all kinds of bric a brac and curios. Fascinating: even I, a determined non-shopper, didn’t mind being in there. Following this we ventured down Tarpon Bay Road to the marina and by chance (to make up the numbers) went on a trip round the bay. This turned out to be a surprisingly cool experience, and Dot and Barb accepted offered blankets! Back on shore it was pretty warm again, and there was a nice little shop…

In the evening we went to Dolce Vita again. Probably the best food on the island, but quite rich, as were most of the patrons. Piano accompaniment.

Played bridge, but we were all rather tired, and so abandoned it quite soon.

This morning felt a bit queasy, so had an early bath. Others didn’t sleep well, so it was after 9.30 before we walked up the beach and round to Starbucks for breakfast. I had a pomegranate frappucino, which also includes peach juice and green tea. Delicious. Chocolate chip cookie too. Consumed it all on the dock: Pine Island Sound dead calm. Manatees around, but haven’t seen dolphins for a while.

Back at the house worked out what we’d bought for Customs purposes: could have been worse, and well within limit. Did a little bit of packing while Dot and Barb went on to beach. Now as I write they are off on to Sanibel to have their nails done and to do a little shopping. Our last day in Florida!