Alarmingly Beautiful Beaches

Sanibel Island. . .we'll get there soon!

Ok. . .I know I left off at the point when I was getting chased out of Collier Seminole State Park by the mosquitoes, but I need to back up for a moment.  So, after watching the storm at the boat ramp, I headed back to my tent and settled in for the night.  Well, I thought I was settled for the night anyway.  As I was starting to doze off to sleep, suddenly, I was jarred wide awake by my car alarm.  I scrambled to get my keys and attempted to use the remote to turn it off.  (This was especially odd since I was the only person in the entire tent camping area.)  The remote didn’t work at first, but then the terribly loud honking finally ceased.  For a moment, then it stated again and I had to start my car to get it to turn off.  Again, I settled into my tent, this time actually falling asleep, until, again, my car started alarming me.  This happened two to three more times throughout the night (luckily, I was the only person in the tent camping area).  It happened several more times while I was taking down my tent and packing up my stuff in the morning.  It even happened while I was in the ranger station checking out in the morning (really. . .I apologized and the guy just said, “Oh.  It sounds like you have a kid in there or something.”).  While driving away, I was concerned about how long I would be allowed to continue camping if my car insisted on alarming everyone every few hours.  Fortunately, my drive was long enough to allow me to keep thinking, and I realized that the key fob may have gotten too wet during the course of my travels.  I confirmed my suspicions after changing the battery and solving the problem.  I am pleased to report that my car has not gotten worked up to the point of being alarmed since!

Shells on Sanibel Island

After solving my very loud problem, I drove to Sanibel Island.  It turns out that it is one of the best places to collect seashells in the world!  The beach is completely covered with them!  Even parts that you think are gravel, is actually made of shells!  It was also my introduction to the Gulf of Mexico.  I must say, I am quite a fan!  The water was a lovely light blue and blissfully warm!  I just sat in the water, letting the slight waves crash over me for over an hour!  Then, (at first out of sense of obligation really), I started to walk along the beach and look at the shells.  Well, the sense of obligation quickly evaporated as each shell I picked up was more intricate and unexpectedly beautiful than the last!  I gathered a handful of shells by the end of my stroll.  I was able to eliminate them down to two that I kept as souvenirs. 

My favorite finds on Sanibel Island

Prehistoric looking
bird at Lake Kissimmee
State Park

After putting my shells safely with the shark teeth I found on Cumberland Island, I started heading north (and slightly east).  I got a site at Kissimmee Lake State Park.  As is my custom after setting up camp, I headed for the nearest body of water.  I sat by the lake and saw many, quite strange and prehistoric looking birds fly by.  As is my other custom, I also watched the sun set.  It never fails to amaze me how beautiful that event is! 

Beautiful sunset at Lake Kissimmee State Park

St. George Island
State Park 

In the morning, I decided to spend most of the day driving, so I could get into the panhandle portion of Florida.  I ended up on St. George Island.  The state park takes up most of the east end of the island.  It was lovely to be on a wild, island beach in the Gulf of Mexico.  Well, it was until it started raining rather hard and I realized I hadn’t put the fly on my tent.  After putting the fly on, waiting for the rain to stop, and mopping up the puddles in my tent, I headed back to the beach.  I walked along the shore and watched the sun set over the island.  There really is nothing quite as calming and relaxing as being alone with your thoughts amongst breathtakingly beautiful nature!              

Sunset on St. George Island