Average Monthly Temps
- July - 91 / 74
- August - 91 / 74
- Sept - 90 / 74
The forecast is for great weather!
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Did You Know?
The double octagon design of the
Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum
was inspired by the "Sailors' Valentine"? |
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Fun Tip
Are you craving a taste of the islands or know someone
who is?
Mermaid Kitchen & Cake Factory will ship their famous cakes directly to you overnight!
Call 239-472-1242 for
information. |
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Shelling
Tips
Q: Where's the best place to look for shells?
A: The often neglected high tide mark or 'trash line'. Carefully move aside the seaweed and don't forget to give it a shake! |
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| Speak
Out! What specific
topics would you like to see covered in future editions?
Send us your suggestions
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Island Happenings |
Queen of the Night
If you have ever driven down West Gulf Drive around midnight during the full or new moon, you might have seen the
wonder - columns of ghostly white flowers, huge and shimmering in the moonlight, stretching to the top of the palms.
It is an event that bonds horticulturists and insomniacs: The yearly flowering of the Night Blooming Cereus.
An unassuming snake-like cactus vine by day, after dark it becomes a thing of beauty. The flowers are so sensitive to
light that a flashlight aimed directly will cause it to close.
The blooms spring out of fuzzy buds that are several inches long so quickly you can actually see them move. The
spectacular display starts in the evening and lasts only a few hours. Full bloom is around midnight. By morning, the
remnants resemble pinkish, drooping heads of flamingos. When fully open the flowers are 10 - 12 inches across,
roughly the size of a dinner plate, with a strong vanilla scent.
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The cactus, a desert native, was a popular exotic in south Florida during the early part of the 20th Century, and some
old-time Floridians have fond memories of Cereus Parties, when neighbors would come over and the kids sit out in
their pajamas, waiting for the dramatic bloom. The Cereus is scattered around Sanibel, creeping up trees and growing
wild, but is in danger of being stomped out since it is ugly most of the year and can weaken the tree it is climbing.
Bloom time is in the summer, but not the same time every year. You have to keep an eye on the blossoms. When they
are standing straight out from the vine and look ready to pop....bloom will be that night. Fortunately, not all the
blossoms open that first night, so if you miss the main event you have one or two days after to see at least a few.
This hit or miss just adds to the mystery of these incredible flowers that most people aren't even aware of.
If you want to try to see the Cereus, look on the palm trees in front of Casa Ybel Resort just west of the pond out
front.
From the Forum
Our interactive Message Forum has become a VERY popular section - many folks wake up to it
daily, logging on to see what's new in their favorite vacation spot and taking a little armchair trip to the islands
over coffee. Come 'Dream' with us at BestofSanibelCaptiva.com!
A quote from a very satisfied visitor!
"...this was my first trip ever, I was excited and couldn’t wait to see
what all of you posters were so excited about. I couldn't stand not experiencing the islands I had spent so much time
reading about. This seemed like the perfect time to do so and I am SO glad I did!"
Flying Teeth!
One of the most frequent questions on the Forum is about No-see-ums. What are they? and
How do I avoid them?
No-see-ums, also known as "sand fleas/flies" are very tiny (can't see um!) gnats that are sensitive to temperature
and humidity. Locals refer to them tongue-in-cheek as "Flying Teeth", but they don't really bite. When they land on
you, they secrete an oil that causes an itchy reaction and a small welt that resembles a mosquito bite.
Anywhere there is still air, there can be No-see-ums but they are much more noticeable in the evenings when the
sea breezes die down. A trick is to watch the palm fronds - if they're moving it's probably safe to be out....the
little buggers are so small they get blown away!
How do you avoid them?
~ Stay out of wood chips and mulch where they live.
~ Avoid scented products of all kinds: lotions, aftershaves and perfumes. This may be why, as many have noted, women
seem to attract them more than men.
~ The best way to protect yourself is to use a insect spray that contains DEET or Picaridin. They have been proven to
be equally effective, although Picaridin doesn't leave an oily residue on your skin.
Many people swear by Avon's Skin-So-Soft. The theory is that it creates an oily barrier between you and the bug. You
need to reapply it frequently and be prepared for any flying bug around to be stuck in the oil.
If you do get 'bit', remember what Mom told you and try not to scratch! This just rubs the oil into your skin and
prolongs your itch.
Simple soap and water to remove the oil works well as does rubbing an ice cube over the bite. If the itch is really
driving you buggy, dab Benedryl Cream or rubbing alcohol on the area.
Our best advice? Don't be overly concerned about them. They're annoying but no more so than a mosquito and definitely
not worth missing Paradise for!
Miss the sound of the shells jingling in the surf?
We have the latest air fare deals,
non-stop flights from your city
and the perfect home away from home!
Sanibel & Captiva Islands are waiting for YOU!
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