Three couples of us from Upriver boated to Pink Shell Resort at Fort Myers Beach.
It was a great place to spend the New Year's Eve Weekend.
In case there is any doubt, the sign on the right tells us that '"You are here -- in Paradise." The two pictures on the left are the resort Marina. Us and a few other boats -- maybe you can guess which one is ours. (Keep in mind that our dock at home is only 30 feet long. Some of these boats would take up our whole canal.)
Pink Shell is a beautiful resort hotel, with a couple of places to eat, swimming pools, spas and the whole usual resort amenities. It is on the trolley line, so it was easy to go to the town of Fort Myers Beach, which we did one afternoon and evening.
We had fun visiting with our friends, eating, drinking, walking, and watching the fireworks display at midnight New Year's Eve. But my favorite pictures are of the quiet times at the beautiful beach.
I think this is a Black Bellied Plover in winter plumage.
New Year's morning walk. A good start for the year.
Ring-billed Gull
Sunset at the beach.
Good advice (at a driveway in the resort complex.)
Thank you to the generous hosts of each of these sharing opportunities: ALL SEASONS (Jesh) ; MOSAIC MONDAY (Maggie) ; NATURE NOTES (Michelle) ; OUR WORLD on Tuesday (Lady Fi, Sylvia, Sandy, Arija, and Gattina); WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY (Stewart); WATERY WEDNESDAY (Gemma) ; SIGNS SIGNS (Leslie); SKYWATCH FRIDAY (Yogi, Sandy, Sylvia); SCENIC WEEKENDS (Gemma); SATURDAY CRITTERS (Eileen); and RATHER B' BIRDING (Annie).
Missing the ocean, flowers and greenery
Posted by: Joe Todd | March 17, 2017 at 08:11 AM
Gorgeous photos Sallie!
Posted by: Patrick Tillett | January 31, 2017 at 12:15 PM
Your walk on the 1st is my idea of the perfect way to start the new year! Looks like you are living a dream life. The Black-bellied Plover is gorgeous!
Posted by: Carol Carson | January 15, 2017 at 09:24 AM
Best STOP sign ever.
Just like the 'Breathe' timer I saw somewhere.
Gorgeous views.
Have a Happy Day, Sallie!
Peace :)
Posted by: GreenComotion | January 15, 2017 at 08:40 AM
Hi Sallie! Thanks much for all your comments! And scrolling through this post again reminds me of how much I miss that area. Lots of traffic in your area, too? We're inundated. I think everybody north of the Florida borders has decided to move or visit down this way! Yikes!
Posted by: Lowell | January 15, 2017 at 04:22 AM
Sallie....I'm here to send my thanks again, for you contributing this blog for all the birders at I'd Rather B Birdin' this weekend!
Enjoy the bird life around you!!
Posted by: Anni @ I'd Rather B Birdin' | January 15, 2017 at 02:21 AM
What beautiful sunset images! I can almost smell the ocean!
Posted by: Linda, Shenandoah Valley | January 14, 2017 at 08:07 PM
I think I've hinted at it before, but you capture the old Florida, the real Florida. You show the beauty that is there.
Posted by: Nan | January 14, 2017 at 07:11 PM
You make me wish I was there, Sallie!
Posted by: RedPat | January 14, 2017 at 05:02 PM
Wow, lots of beautiful pics and so much fun. Love the bird shots too.
Posted by: Judy | January 14, 2017 at 11:54 AM
I love this post. Yes, stop and smell the ocean while you can.
Posted by: Dianne | January 14, 2017 at 07:35 AM
Hello, Sallie! Florida is a paradise for me. I love the birds, the beaches and the warm weather. Wonderful photos and mosaic.
Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend!
Posted by: Eileen | January 14, 2017 at 02:48 AM
No jokes, You are here -- in Paradise.
Especially the chance to smell the ocean.
Posted by: rainfield | January 14, 2017 at 01:49 AM
Divine sky shots and love the photo collage ~
Wishing you a Happy Weekend ~ ^_^
Posted by: artmusedog and carol | January 13, 2017 at 02:51 PM
Wonderful images of Fort Myers. We plan a few days at Sanibel after Easter, with our granddaughters ( and their parents). We have done this for 4 of the past 5 years.
Posted by: Ken Schneider | January 13, 2017 at 12:51 PM
Hi Sallie, great-looking peaceful resort. I love the stop sign. I also love your plover and gull photos. I popped over here from Skywatch Friday. I'm going to follow you from now on. Greetings Jo (South Africa)
Posted by: Jo Hedges | January 12, 2017 at 11:45 PM
Looks like a beautiful location, and I love your photos!
Posted by: Peter B | January 12, 2017 at 07:29 PM
New Year's out on the water...sounds like paradise :)
Posted by: Lesley | January 12, 2017 at 05:43 PM
Love how that sign indicates how far from the cold places. That beautiful beach sure looks like paradise to me. What a delightful way to welcome the new year.
Posted by: Gaelyn | January 12, 2017 at 05:35 PM
I love all of the beach pictures, especially the birds. I grew up near the ocean in Jacksonville Beach. I miss being able to smell that salt air every day!
Posted by: Lois | January 12, 2017 at 05:12 PM
What a beautiful way to greet the new year.
Posted by: a spirit of simplicity | January 12, 2017 at 03:40 PM
Hello, Sallie dear! You're right: it's for sure the paradise, in there! So, it must be such a wonderful place to welcome in the new year! I love your findings at the shore and all the images with the sunset and gulls... We have, finally, the white winter that we hoped to have it. Actually, lots of snow...lol..... :)
So, I dream now to have a cosy place like in your travel pictures... Well, many thanks for these wonderful moments shared with us! Have a very lovely weekend!
Posted by: Alexa T | January 12, 2017 at 01:26 PM
I'm back again for the 2nd time...
Okay, you've gone and done it now...I've been looking for the Stop and Smell the Ocean [wanting one with a suction cup for my car window...lol]
It's beautiful here in TX today...how 'bout Florida? I'm thinking the same as here?
Posted by: Hootin' Anni | January 12, 2017 at 12:57 PM
These warm the cockles of my heart!!!!
Posted by: JennJilks | January 11, 2017 at 03:12 PM
You are so right! If Terry and I ever head south we want to go to New Orleans. I could live there year round I think.
Linda
Posted by: Linda | January 11, 2017 at 02:22 PM
...and stop and enjoy those things that surround you!
Posted by: tom the backroads traveller | January 11, 2017 at 02:09 PM
Great pics. Great sign.
Posted by: Jim | January 11, 2017 at 12:55 PM
Oh what a wonderful way to start the new year! I loved your beautiful photos!
Posted by: Marie-OR | January 11, 2017 at 09:58 AM
Paradise indeed, you certainly are living my motto! Life is an adventure.
Posted by: LindyLouMac | January 11, 2017 at 03:37 AM
You have made an excellent start to the year. walking along the beach and smelling the ocean. Ahh.
Posted by: fun60 | January 11, 2017 at 02:01 AM
Florida looks really good right now - an escape from the cold
Have a wonderful day!
Posted by: Lea | January 11, 2017 at 12:36 AM
What a lovely place & a great beach. I really like the colourful direction signs & the Stop & Smell The Ocean sign too.
Posted by: Tony McGurk | January 10, 2017 at 09:43 PM
Our sunrises and sunsets are very beautiful too, but i laughed at the sign! We are far from the ocean, only to inland bays, but i can relate well to the smell of the seas, we must all not only sell the roses but the seas too!
Posted by: Andrea | January 10, 2017 at 07:36 PM
Wow, it sounds the good life, Sallie! A combination of quiet walks as well as time with friends:) For ALL SEASONS' sake, I thank you much for the neat things in nature:) Great details! That it may be a joyful year for you:)
Posted by: https://artworksfromjeshstg.wordpress.com/2016/09/28/santa-barbara-and-sorts/ | January 10, 2017 at 07:03 PM
Looks wonderful. But, as with any journey, who you travel with can be more important than your destination... so next time I'll try to go along!! Love, your sis
Posted by: mary jo burns | January 10, 2017 at 05:06 PM
Nice pictures ... the one I like most is the Stop sign ! Such a great advice ;-)
Posted by: Namaki | January 10, 2017 at 02:51 PM
We have the Plovers here too. They have no black on their belly right now. I enjoy your photos of the sunset and the water and boats. I think you live in a paradise as it is so cold and windy here on my island.
Posted by: islandrambles | January 10, 2017 at 01:28 PM
I love the sunset pictures. It`s been a long while since I was at the ocean. Thanks for the visual reminders. Sylvia D.
Posted by: Sylvia D. | January 10, 2017 at 10:25 AM
I thought I lived in paradise. But it's cold here and I can't smell the ocean! Only the woodstove.
Posted by: Colleen@ LOOSELEAFNOTES | January 10, 2017 at 09:57 AM
beauty in every corner, warm and inspiring. the beach is home to me!! i LOVE that sign!!
Posted by: Debbie | January 10, 2017 at 09:17 AM
Looks fantastic - great photos!
Posted by: riitta k | January 10, 2017 at 08:51 AM
Oh my, It all looks so warm and inviting. That sign is just superb. It must make people smile as well as actually stop what they are doing for a moment and enjoy their surroundings. Nice work with the Black-bellied Plover - we call the same species Grey Plover.
Posted by: Phil | January 10, 2017 at 02:39 AM
The beach photos are gorgeous!
Posted by: Marleen | January 10, 2017 at 01:43 AM
What a lovely sunny spot, does it get mega busy in the Summer?
Posted by: Amy | January 09, 2017 at 10:57 PM
Wow - fabulous photos - and a great start to your new year. Loved the shore bird.
Posted by: JoAnn Bayne | January 09, 2017 at 09:19 PM
What a wonderful place to begin the new year! I'd have a good time collecting shells form that beach and watching the sun set!
Posted by: Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti | January 09, 2017 at 09:06 PM
What a wonderful place to welcome in the new year!
Posted by: Lady Fi | January 09, 2017 at 09:03 PM
A beautiful way to begin the New Year, Sallie - walking on the beach is always beautiful. The plover is such a delicate looking bird. I like the message on that stop sign!
Posted by: Lorrie | January 09, 2017 at 04:30 PM
New Years on the beach - perfect!
Posted by: Al | January 09, 2017 at 04:24 PM
Indeed a wonderful, delightful and fun place ~ great shots! thanks ^_^
Wishing you a Happy Week ahead ~ ^_^
Posted by: artmusedog and carol | January 09, 2017 at 04:22 PM
Wonderful!
K
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
Posted by: Kay L. Davies | January 09, 2017 at 04:18 PM
Sallie, I just love your photos! I feel as if I am right there! And I have seen some black ringed gulls here in Montreal, too, I just didn't know what they were called...so thank you for this. I love the 'Stop and smell the ocean' sign. I love the ocean...the sounds, the smell, everything! Thank you so much for sharing, and I hope that 2017 will be wonderful for you. :)
Posted by: Linda | January 09, 2017 at 02:32 PM
I like the STOP AND SMELL THE OCEAN sign. I think I'm going to make one of my beach photos a postcard with those words.
Posted by: Photo Cache | January 09, 2017 at 02:27 PM
looks like a lovely place to stop and smell the ocean!
Happy New Year!
Posted by: craftygreenpoet | January 09, 2017 at 01:11 PM
I'm amazed more and more at the stunning creatures and places you always show us, thank you, darling, precious, cherished Sallie !
Hope your New Year is off to a good start,
I'm sending blessings of joy on your coming days,
be a sweetie !
Xx Dany
Posted by: Daniela | January 09, 2017 at 08:50 AM
It all looks so inviting from up North here ~ Wonderful photos ~
Wishing you a Happy Week ahead ~ ^_^
Posted by: artmusedog and carol | January 09, 2017 at 08:25 AM
It's been a long time since we've been in that area, but you've whetted my appetite for seeing it again. I see so many familiar scenes. When we lived in Ft. Lauderdale, we'd head across Alligator Alley quite often. I really miss Sanibel. We've ridden every inch of that island on our bikes! So glad you're back having a good time and I thank you for your kind comments!
Posted by: Lowell | January 09, 2017 at 07:57 AM
they're all great ! i don't know which one i like most :-)
Posted by: ak-ut | January 09, 2017 at 07:56 AM
It really looks like a paradise (although I haven't been there yet) what a beautiful place to celebrate the New Year !
Posted by: Gattina | January 09, 2017 at 07:05 AM
Enjoyed seeing your collection of pictures:)
Posted by: weekend-windup | January 09, 2017 at 06:23 AM
Gorgeous images, Sallie! I love especially the bird photos and the beach collage... and of course the wonderful STOP sign. An excellent advice!
Thank you for sharing. Have a lovely time there!
Posted by: Sara - My Woodland Garden | January 09, 2017 at 05:36 AM
Oh, those heart-melting sunsets are spectacular and a beautifully peaceful close to the day. Also, like the signage. A good reminder to savor the roses or ocean or whatever other lovely thing of nature comes along the way!
Posted by: Penelope Postcards | January 09, 2017 at 05:27 AM
How beautiful, and what a grand start to the new year. Love your beach mosaic with shells and little foot prints - it brings everything together beautifully. I liked your reference (on my blog)to a magic carpet ride .....if only! Wishing you a fun week!
Posted by: Ruby | January 09, 2017 at 05:13 AM
A wonderful walk by the beach and all the lovely find on the beach. Gorgeous sunsets!
Posted by: Nancy Chan | January 09, 2017 at 05:13 AM
What a lovely way to celebrate the New Year! Love the sign ... good advice, too! Happy New Year and Happy Monday!
Posted by: Snap | January 09, 2017 at 05:05 AM
Hello Sallie, I love the beach images and the beautiful sunset. Cute Plover! What a great way to bring in the New Year! Happy Monday, enjoy your day and new week ahead!
Posted by: Eileen | January 09, 2017 at 04:50 AM
Dearest Sallie; How wonderful you had such great New Year's Eve☆☆☆ Yes, GORGEOUS sunset scene and the advice from the Sign♪
I LOVE the birdies as well; Especially from the wonderful New Year's morning walk♡♡♡
Thank you SO much for your sweet and kind comments and so sorry for my absence. I had a bit busy New year but had a great start like you did♪
Sending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan to my Dear friend in America, xoxo Miyako*
Posted by: orchid(Japan) | January 09, 2017 at 04:47 AM
We have a tradition of walking on the beach on NYD, you can't get the new year off to a better start in my opinion. Have fun in Paradise you lucky people and always remember to STOP and smell the ocean, such great advice!
Happy Mosaic Monday.
Posted by: Maggie | January 09, 2017 at 04:43 AM
love the signs that reminds you of where you are and what to do. :) So beautiful place and your shots shows it.
Posted by: NatureFootstep | January 09, 2017 at 01:31 AM
Hi Sallie, that is such a beautiful place and I am sure it was a great place to visit with friends and celebrate the new year. I think I would enjoy the birds and the beautiful beach the best of all.
Posted by: Mick | January 09, 2017 at 12:48 AM
Looks a fantastic New Year walk.
Posted by: Debbie @ Travel Intent | January 08, 2017 at 11:49 PM
I love beach scenes, no matter what part of the world they are from! These are great shots, Sallie and a perfect way to welcome the new year!
Posted by: bettyl - NZ | January 08, 2017 at 11:21 PM
Beautiful place. This is truly paradise.
Posted by: Rajesh | January 08, 2017 at 10:29 PM
What a lovely way to see in the New Year. The walk a wonderful way to start. Unfortunately Florida airport had a bad start to the year. We in Australia cannot believe he would be allowed to carry a gun on an airplane even in his stowed luggage. In fact we find it hard to believe that anyone can own a gun.
Posted by: diane | January 08, 2017 at 09:27 PM
Oh, I think you have a lovely way of life,Sallie. The best of all worlds, here there and everywhere. Great photos, - thanks for sharing those lovely birds and beaches and boats when we are all snowed in!!
Posted by: Hildred Finch | January 08, 2017 at 08:15 PM
Wow, what a great way to spend the New Years.
Posted by: Yogi | January 08, 2017 at 06:28 PM
Hmmm, warm. Okay it's not so bad since I'm inside with the heater up to 70. Cheers, Sallie!
Posted by: Su-sieee! Mac | January 08, 2017 at 06:20 PM
BOY wish I was there...freezing my buns off up here in SC right now! Awesome beach photos...the shells and the birds, the Plover shot is terrific!!
Posted by: Sondra-SC | January 08, 2017 at 05:26 PM
Magnificent! and I can almost smell the ocean, Sallie. What a great spot to be for the new year.
Posted by: Penny | January 08, 2017 at 04:44 PM
I like the signpost's and your sunsets are fabulous.
Posted by: Felicia | January 08, 2017 at 04:40 PM
Wow...nothing could be better than ringing the new year like this!
Posted by: Hootin' anni | January 08, 2017 at 03:07 PM
Looks like a great way to start the year for sure.
Posted by: ellen b | January 08, 2017 at 02:28 PM
Perfect! And I'm so glad the weather's been so nice this winter...until this weekend! haha! Cold and windy here today. But at least we have lots of sunshine! Hugs!
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | January 08, 2017 at 12:45 PM
What a lovely way to bring in the New Year with gulls and plovers and beautiful sunsets!!
Posted by: Florence | January 08, 2017 at 12:36 PM
Happy New Year! This resort does look perfect for a winter break and you certainly seem to have had a great time from the photos.
Posted by: Hazel | January 08, 2017 at 11:03 AM