Some kids may grown up singing "Twinkle, twinkle, little star", but ever since I can remember, my refrain has been more like "Twinkle, twinkle, little shell!" I have had a lifelong interest in shells, so when I read that my favorite group travel supplier---Road Scholar (
www.roadscholar.org )---had a program on Sanibel Island that fit in with open dates on my calendar, I was eager to sign up! The program had the title "Beautiful Sanibel Island and the SW Florida Coast #20899.
Although I have not traveled much in Florida, I have perused enough travel magazines to know that Sanibel Island is one of the few geographic locations that has a "body position" named after it! It is called the "Sanibel Stoop", and is illustrated in this photo. The name derives from the often-seen posture of people along the beaches of Sanibel Island. They are "stooping" over to pick up/examine some of the myriad of seashells that are to be found on the beaches of Sanibel Island.
I
was out before sunrise at the beach, located just steps from my hotel room, and quickly saw that there were dozens of folks already out combing the beaches for seashell treasures. They were SERIOUS shellers, as evidenced by their use of flashlights to examine every inch of sand. Each shell picked up has to be examined closely before putting it in your bag, because it is ILLEGAL to gather up the shells that still have a live critter in them. They are to be returned to where you found them. You can check out the islands' website (
www.sanibel-captiva.org ) to find out additional shell collecting guidelines.
Each morning of the program, my pre-daylight beach stroll would have me ending up in the lovely restaurant of our resort, where I could enjoy the sun rising over the Gulf of Mexico horizon. The lodging for this Road Scholar program was the beachside property called Sundial Resort (
www.Sundialresort.com ) and was an absolutely WONDERFUL place to spend the first full week in January of 2015!
According to the trained conchologist who gave a presentation on "How to shell" on Sanibel Island, this resort's location was where the most seashells were being found, during this time of year. As seen in this photo, some collectors use a specially-designed "scoop net" to bring up sealife for closer examination.
I observed that not all of the beach visitors were interested in mollusks. Some folks were also trying their luck at surf fishing. The sun shining on the beach highlights the reason very few people go barefoot on this particular beach. It is absolutely COVERED in seashells! Those shiny spots in the photo are not pebbles!
I mentioned earlier that I was able to see the sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico every morning, and likewise, I was able to enjoy the sunset over the water every evening. This is because Sanibel Island is a barrier island that lies almost perpendicular to the Florida mainland, instead of parallel to the mainland, as is usually the case for barrier islands. It is this perpendicular alignment that makes the shelling here so phenomenal. The beaches are exposed to more wave action/tide changes/currents that many other Gulf of Mexico barrier islands. Another thing that makes strolling the beaches of Sanibel Island so peaceful is the prohibition of high rise condominiums along the shoreline.
The Sundial Resort had many guest amenities, including use of beach chairs, beach umbrellas, beach towels, tennis courts, bicycles, and KAYAKS! I was delighted to get the opportunity to do some ocean kayaking in the afternoons when our Road Scholar activities were complete for the day.
After kayaking, there was usually time to do some sunset photography along the picturesque beach. Sanibel is usually ranked in the "Top Ten" Florida beaches list, and I definitely understand why!
Our Road Scholar participants posed for a group photo on the lobby staircase at the Sundial Resort. It was fascinating to get to spend time with such great folks from all over the USA! Although we were strangers when we arrived on Sunday, we had made many new friends by the time the program ended on Friday!
All of our breakfast meals were at the Sundial Resort, but for most of the meals beyond that, we tried a variety of delightful restaurants located around the island. I had wonderful meals at each and every one of them! Plus, since there was a refrigerator in my resort condo, I could ask for a leftover box to take home some of the ample portion sizes we were offered! The young lady in this photo without sunglasses, was our leader for the week, Julie Cardenas. She did a FANTASTIC job, and I hope to be able to attend some of the other Road Scholar programs she leads, that include kayaking adventures!
A highlight of the program for me was visiting the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum (
www.shellmuseum.org ). They have an extensive collection of shells from all over the world, and they are organized in a way that is very pleasing to the eye, as well as educational.
I can assure you this is the biggest "gastropod" I have ever had the privilege to hold in my hands!
Our Road Scholar group was treated to a special program at the museum where we viewed a video about shells, and then were allowed to touch examples of specimens we had seen on the video.
The following photos and comments, are my version of the phrase "Mussel Memory", versus the physical fitness definition of "Muscle Memory"!
I have given a lot of thought as to why this kid who was born, and grew up in, "land locked" Arkansas, was so intrigued by shells. I have traced it back to this very helmet shell (shown in the photograph), that belonged to my grandparents, who lived in Locust, Arkansas. One of their sons lived on the California coast, and probably brought back the helmet shell to his parents on one of his return visits to Arkansas. This photo shows my grandparents, with me in the center, and I am pretty sure that I am holding that beloved helmet shell. When I was a child, that shell was like nothing I had ever seen before, and when they told me to hold it up to my ear to hear the sound of the ocean, it seemed to have magical properties! I am thankful that helmet shell survived their move from Locust, into the big city of Harrison, and that I am still "keeping it in the family" today!
The fascination with the helmet shell, was the reason my eighth grade science project was all about mollusks! ( FYI-- Gastropods are the "single shell" specimens, and pelecypods are the "double shell" specimens). You can see the delight in my face because of the First Place ribbon I won! That early success in the marine sciences ( along with the Lloyd Bridges' Sea Hunt television series ) is probably one of the reasons I started out my college career, majoring in Marine Biology! If you know me, you know that I did not become a marine biologist, and my goals/dreams have seen many revisions. Thinking back about all the trials/tribulations/triumphs that have happened in my life since this photo was taken when I was 12 years old, I am reminded of one of my First Place 4 Health (
www.FirstPlace4Health.com ) memory verses that says: "Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish, in your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back." Isaiah 38:17 . So even though my vocation did not turn out to be a Marine Biologist, it was still fun to be a "wannabe" marine biologist during my week on beautiful Sanibel Island----it gave me "MILES OF SMILES"!! Tricia
Although all the boats shown in this photo can be classified as leisure/recreation water craft, there was a time in the history of Amelia Island that its Fernandina Harbor was considered North America's busiest seaport, with more than 500 ships sailing in and out daily! During the earliest part of USA history, Amelia Island was one of America's most sought after, and fought over, pieces of real estate. It was crucial as a shipping stronghold---and thus, for global power plays, because it had the South's deepest natural harbor. Amelia Island is a part of the Sea Islands chain, that stretches along the East Coast of the United States, from South Carolina to Florida. It is the southernmost of the Sea Islands, and the northernmost of the barrier islands of Florida's Atlantic Coast. It is 13 miles long and 4 miles wide. 
Back when the harbor was at its shipping zenith, a molded kayak like the one in this photo, made of synthetic materials, had not even been invented! This boat was on display in the harbor, because it was one of the prizes for the fishing tournament that was taking place when I visited. 
The annual Amelia Island Redfish Spot Tournament is open to all anglers fishing from powered boat,, kayak, canoe, shore, bridge, pier, etc. (This is the first time I have read about a tournament with such liberal entry requirements!) 
As I observed the fish being weighed and measured at the end of the tournament, I was reminded of the bass fishing tournament weigh-outs I have seen in the Ozarks. Sometimes the weigh outs are even televised!
Even though the fishing tournament entry requirements are liberal, they have left out one category that probably has a higher percentage of fish catches that humans---waterfowl---like the ones shown in the photo!
Seeing the assortment of flags flying on the front of the popular Florida House Inn lodging establishment, is a reminder to say that Amelia Island has had several flags flown over it, since 1562: France, Great Britain, Republic of Florida, Green Cross of Florida, Mexico, Confederate States of America, and the USA It is the only municipality in USA to have flown eight different national flags. 
It is nice to know that Amelia Island has numerous dining establishments, many with outdoor eating areas, so one can enjoy the fresh air, and pleasant surroundings. 
In the South, houses were usually built with porches, so that, at a time before air conditioning, residents could sit on the outside of their residences, to visit and enjoy cool beverages in the hot and humid climate. 
Early seacoast settlers used the plentiful shells in a myriad of ways, including making a type of mortar to build their houses and streets. In the photo shown, a craftsman made a colorful "curtain" of seashells!
Fernandina Beach's historic downtown main street is full of eclectic and independent shops, that stretch from the harbor, through downtown, and around Centre Street. 
The Palace Saloon on Centre Street was originally constructed as a haberdashery in 1878. Then, Louis Hirth bought was called the Prescott Building in 1903, and replaced the shoes with booze. It claims to be Florida's oldest bar. Hirth's friend, Adolphus Bush, founder of Anheuser-Bush, came from St. Louis, to help design the forty-foot-long bar for the saloon.
I was mesmerized by the bright yellow color of this blooming plant seen on Amelia Island. Perhaps the invitation by Privateer Louis-Michel Aury around 1817, for residents to "unite in throwing off the Spanish yoke", was his attempt to create a "bright spot" in the island's history. However, his reign over the island only lasted a few months. Considering Wikipedia referenced Aury's quote of the phrase about a "yoke", I am using this blog as a visual aid to help me learn one of my First Place 4 Health ( www.FirstPlace4Health.com ) memory verses that also has the word "yoke" in it: "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1
This photo of St. Michael Catholic Church on Amelia Island, is a reminder to say that Jesus' parable about "The Good Samaritan" was illustrated here during the Civil War. Enslaved Africans were attracted to the Union lines here, because during the Civil War, Union Forces restored federal control in 1862. By 1863, there were 1200 freedmen and their children, and 200 whites, living on the island. In 1862, the Secretary of War, Edward M. Stanton appealed to northern abolitionists for aid in caring for the thousands of freedmen, who camped near Union areas. The Freemans' Relief Association raised funds to pay the salaries for two teachers, hired to provide assistance and education to the newly freed slaves. 
This photo shows just a tiny stretch of Amelia Island's 13 miles of beaches. It is a beachcomber's paradise! Fernandina Beach is the northernmost city on Florida's Atlantic coast, and is considered part of Greater Jacksonville. 
Considering Amelia Island's history of subjugation and occupation by various rulers, this small child's exuberance is one that can be shared by all of us that enjoy the freedom we are given in the USA! You can start planning your own trip to this enchanting island by visiting their tourism website at www.AmeliaIsland.com . This visit gave me "MILES OF FREEDOM SMILES"!! Tricia
For years I have been reading about group tours that included a visit to Jekyll Island, so when I read that Road Scholar ( 
The 
The Victorian turret is the symbol of the Jekyll Island Club, and is an icon that is well known by seasoned travelers. You can learn more about its architecture and history, by visiting the websites at 
The strands of gently waving Spanish moss that is so abundant in this area of the South, seemed to form a curtain that was playing peek-a-boo with the rounded sun porch. 
There is only one thing better than a white wicker rocker on a wide Georgia veranda, and that is a DOZEN white wicker rockers on a wide Georgia veranda!
The lunch we had at the Jekyll Island Club exceeded my expectations with the elegant place settings, delicious food, and charming wait staff!
I was delighted our group was assigned to the "Federal Reserve" room, because I had been reading about the link between the Jekyll Island Club, and the Federal Reserve. The abbreviated version of the story says the Federal Reserve system has its roots here, because of a clandestine meeting in 1907 where leaders in the U.S. banking industry ( posing as duck hunters) met with the Secretary of the Treasury. Their meetings at the hotel led to a plan which called for a centralized banking structure for the country. The meetings were prompted by a virulent economic panic that caused a run on banks in 1907. The dining room walls were adorned with photos of those banking leaders of the last century, plus a current photo of Alan Greenspan and Ben Bernecki in the same room where we were currently enjoying lunch!
After lunch, our group took a short walk to the nearby Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is a combination museum, educational facility, gift shop, and turtle hospital/rehab center that provides a total immersion into the life of a turtle!
It allows you to see the environment through the eyes of a turtle!
As a way to encourage visitors to learn a turtle's entire life cycle, each person is given a long, blank "turtle passport" as they begin their tour. Then after you visit each station, you go to the designated stamper, and get your "passport" stamped to show that you have visited that station. At the end of the visit, you have a nice souvenir to show what you learned!
One area inside the center is a type of "turtle surgery unit" where trained medical personnel can be seen (on the other side of a glass viewing window) examining and treating injured turtles that are brought to their facility. 
In a separate building adjacent to the "surgical center", is a facility that might be compared to a "rehab center" for injured turtles, after their initial examination. The building has numerous "turtle swimming pools" where the animals undergo hydrotherapy, under the watchful eye of their caretakers. Regular talks are given by the staff to the visitors lined up beside the tanks, so that they can get acquainted with the situations and treatment plans that each of the turtles is receiving. 
Just like in a human hospital, if the patient census is high, it may be necessary to have a roommate---or in this case, a poolmate--- in order to accommodate all the patients. 
After a visit to the Turtle Center, there is still LOTS of Jekyll Island to explore! This photo shows some of the ways this can be done---horse drawn wagon, white covered carriage, or a "fairy tale" pumpkin-shaped carriage. There are also bicycles to rent, and trolleys pulled by motorized vehicles. As a Georgia state park, the majority of Jekyll Island (65%) will always remain by law, undeveloped. It is the smallest of Georgia's barrier island, and was purchased by the state of Georgia in 1947. One of the reasons it wound up in the hands of the state is because during World War II, there was a threat of enemy submarines just off the coast, so the U.S. government ordered the evacuation of the island. Its numerous buildings were already on a downhill slide, but during its abandonment brought on by the war, the demise continued. After the state purchased the property, the Jekyll Island Authority was formed to operate it. 
When Jekyll Island was thriving at its grandest (between 1888-1928), wealthy northern families built their winter homes (or "cottages", as they called them) on the island. This collage shows some of those homes. They have been refurbished, and are available for tours. In fact, some of them can be rented out as lodging, as part of the Jekyll Island Club's historic accommodations. Not surprisingly, the hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the entire area is designated as a National Historic Landmark. Since the Jekyll Island Club was described as the "richest, most exclusive, and most inaccessible club in the world", I felt fortunate to get to tread in the footsteps of some of its famous members. Those members included the families of Rockefeller, Pulitzer, Vanderbilt, Macy, Goodyear, Aster, Morgan and Gould!
Some of the smaller cottages have been converted to boutiques that sell items made in Georgia, souvenirs, specialty foods, and garden decor.
Our tour included a visit to Faith Chapel, which is built in the form of an early colonial meeting house. This stained glass window near the entrance is signed by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Most stained glass windows have a "theme", and the theme of this one is called "David Sets Singers Before The Lord", and is based on the Bible passage of 2 Chronicles 20:21. Our guide told us the interesting story of its "double meaning", in that it was commissioned as a memorial to Jekyll Island Club President, Frederick Gilbert Bourne. Since Bourne was head of the SINGER Sewing Machine Company, a theme with the word "singer" in it seemed appropriate! One thing for sure, this visit to Jekyll Island made my heart sing, and gave me "MILES OF SMILES"!! Tricia