First Trip to Sanibel Island

Wednesday Jan. 4

Up, and following a nice breakfast, decide to head over to Sanibel Island and check it out. Heather (my landlord) has been saving take out menus for me in a little cigar box, so I pick one of the "Lighthouse Cafe," and decide this will be my lunch place. I go across the big 5 mile bridge/causeway and my $6 bridge toll registers on my Sunpass. First stop in the Lighthouse, and at 1 p.m. the place is pretty busy (but still tame by usual standards according to a couple of the locals I speak with). I order a Grouper sandwich, blackened, with fries and bleu cheese slaw. The Grouper sandwich is delicious, and I 'm quite certain the fish was swimming in the ocean 24 hours prior to me eating it. The platter and an ice tea come to $17, and a I leave a $3 tip.

I ask a local couple about a bike rental, and they recommend "Billy's Rentals," so I head over there next, and they set me up with a nice "Beach Cruiser" (big seat, high rise handle bars, coaster breeaks, single speed) for $5 for 2 hours. I think this is a pretty good deal, and I proceed to tool around the island on dedicate bike trails. What great fun! The highlight for me is a sign that reads: "$500 fine for feeding the alligators." They don't need to worry about me. If I even spot one, I'm heading the bike in the opposite direction.

I make about 1.5 circles on the island, and it's simply a gorgeous day. The trail stays on an inner loop of the island, so I never really get to see the ocean, but it's just fine. I return the bike around 3:45. My first date has an idea she wants to see me again, but at the last minute her furnace blows up or something, so no second date for us, at least for now.

I return to the condo. I found a nice T-Bone at the Walmart market, and prepare it on the little electric grill that Heather (my landlord) has on her small patio. I have that with a baked potato and a salad. All very delicious.

Expenses today: $20 lunch, $5 bike rental, total $25

Bruce