Sanibel Island, Day 6

All too soon our wonderful trip was drawing to a close.  But I had one more surprise waiting for me.  Our last day was the only day I actually overslept and wasn’t up before the sun.  When I awoke and realized the sun was already rising, I jumped out of bed, threw on my shorts, grabbed my camera and dashed out to the beach.  As I headed toward the shoreline, I noticed a couple walking towards me.  I started to fumble with my camera and something about the woman made me turn and give her a second glance.  I think we both recognized each other at the same time!  It was another blogger friend, Tootie from: 

http://sanibeltoots.blogspot.com/

I was so excited to see her.  We’ve been talking to each other through her blog and on FB for the longest time, but we had never met in person.  Tootie’s blog is one of the very first blog’s I started to read and I have been following her turtle walks and stories about life on Sanibel with great interest.  Be sure to visit her blog and read about her turtle walks, see her adorable new puppy and follow the exploits of Pinkerton as she travels around the island.  Tootie was gracious enough to take a picture with me and never mentioned my bed head and totally unkempt appearance.  Thanks Tootie and it was such a treat to meet you!

After a few last sunrise shots....

I dragged my toes up to the condo and before long we were crossing the causeway via the sad lane.  It’s our tradition that we stop at one of the causeway islands and get out for one last look at the lighthouse....

snap a few pictures....

and then find one last shell which we stick in our pockets for the flight home.  That one last shell is sort of our promise to ourselves that we will return the next year.

Once we got to the airport we discovered that our flight had been delayed for 2 hours.  I could have kicked myself for not checking on that before we left for Ft. Myers.  We could have spent 2 extra hours on the island at the beach.  We kept ourselves occupied by eating and people watching. 

Plus, our delay meant that we got to spend 2 extra hours with Wendy and Katy, who were leaving on a separate plane.  At any rate, it all worked out for the best because we got to wave goodbye to them just minutes before we boarded our own plane for Chicago.

So another annual trip to Sanibel draws to a close.  We are so thankful for this time that we get to spend together, making memories that will last a lifetime.  I hope you enjoyed my trip report.  I actually got a note from a friend that said she so loved our pictures that she and her husband have already booked their own trip to Sanibel.  I hope they fall in love with this special place like we have.  In the meantime, we are already planning NEXT year’s trip!