TWEEN WATERS

 

Last week we traveled by boat to Tween Waters Marina Resort on beautiful Captiva Island.    There were four boats  and one couple who traveled by car and met us at the resort.   It was another great middle-of-the-week long weekend.

 

 

 

We arrived at the Marina on Tuesday and had a little bit of rain and wind on that day -- but the rest of the "weekend" the weather was blue sky beautiful,  although a little cooler than usual for April here.     (Our friend took this picture as we left the Marina going home on Thursday.)

Bill and I didn't mind the slightly  cooler weather at all because we don't yet have an air conditioner on our boat.  The weather was perfect for us ... we slept well with the light wave action rocking us to sleep both nights.  (Bill said he had to get up in the middle of the first night to re-tie the lines because the boat was bouncing.  I barely noticed!)

  

 

 

Tween Waters is a lovely resort -- marina, hotel, cottages, three different restaurants, a large swimming pool -- and as seen above, beautiful landscaping.   The sign is a little wobbly though -- and that's the way it looks, not the fault of the photographer.

   

 

 Great white Egret

This was not specifically a birding trip -- but we saw a lot of lovely ones anyway.   I always try to take advantage of every  accidental birding opportunity.

 

 

A couple pictures of the Marina dock and the 'crow's nest' which is a great place to sit with morning coffee or evening wine and look over the Bay.

 

 

 Great Blue Heron 

Another frequent visitor to the marina area.

 

 

The whole group at lunch at the Green Flash Restaurant.  This is not one of the restaurants at the resort, but about a mile and a half down the road.  The couple who drove ferried us to and from (a couple of trips each way) because the road between the two is narrow and busy -- definitely not walkable.    (Thanks to our waiter and our friend on whose phone he took the picture.)

 

  

 Brown Pelicans

 

 

 

The beach  at Tween Waters.

Beach-combing by day, sunset watching by evening, eating in between, and all with great company!   

 

Life is good.

   

Osprey with prey 

 

 

I think we actually saw the Green Flash -- (or at least my camera did)!!

 

 

 

Linking this week to OUR WORLD on Tuesday; ALL SEASONS; MOSAIC MONDAY; NATURE NOTES; THROUGH MY LENS; FLORAL BLISS; WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY;  WEDNESDAY AROUND THE WORLD; SIGNS SIGNS; THANKFUL THURSDAY;  SKYWATCH FRIDAY; FLORAL FRIDAY FOTOS; SATURDAY CRITTERS; and RATHER B'BIRDING.  

Thank you to all the hosts.

 

Comments

[Joe Todd]

We recently had to evacuate Myrtle Beach because of the hurricane but had the chance to stop at a couple interesting places on the way home.

[Jeanna]

Don't know if you'll get to read this since I'm backtracking today, but wanted to ask if you've ever experienced lens damage taking photos of the sun down there.

[Hootin’Anni]

Life's perfect times!! What a joy coming along with you to the resort.

I'm sending my thanks to you for sharing your blog photos with us bird lovers this weekend. It's our privilege to visit you from I'd Rather B Birdin'!!

[Marie-OR]

What fun! And what a beautiful place! Gorgeous shots. Have a great weekend!

[DeniseinVA]

These photos make me want to visit Florida again sooner rather than later. I love that state, the water, the boats, the wildlife, the flowers. Lovely photo of all of you too.

[LaVoice]

What a nice and enjoyable outing. However, I am not fond of water activity. Thank you for your visit and comment. You are lucky getting so many comments. If I got that many, would think something went wrong.

[Eileen]

Hello, beautiful images from Florida. I love the hibiscus blooms. The pelicans are one of my favorite birds, but the herons and egrets are lovely too. Gorgeous sky captures. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Thanks also for the comment on my post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend!

[Karen]

Oh, lots of lovely bird photos! Looks like you are enjoying life on the water.

Thank you for commenting on my recent blog posts.

CHEERS!

[Sharon]

Those birds, especially the egret, are beautiful. How fun to look for them. I thought the green flash was a myth until the first time I actually saw one. It's so fast, it would be hard to capture it with a camera. But I do believe that you saw it!

[Kelleyn Rothaermel]

I think you know how to enjoy life! Have a great weekend!

[Jim, Sydney, Australia]

Great sky shot.

[Judy Biggerstaff]

Love your boating pics. I always love pics of herons. We spent a week on Captiva years ago and loved it. We didn’t own a boat at that time but now we boat on Kentucky Lake. I can tell you had s great time at Tween.

[Michelle]

This all looks so wonderful! The sun, the water, boats, and people wearing shorts! lol Not something I've seen in a while. Thanks for linking up today. Have a great weekend!

[A ShutterBug Explores]

Love the green flash! Awesome photos!

Happy Weekend to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

[Peter B.]

That's pretty cool. I do see a little green/yellow in that sunset. I've looked for the green flash many times but have never seen it!

[Magical Mystical Teacher]

I have one word to describe all the photos you've shared: peaceful.

[nancy chan]

A wonderful time with great company and beautiful surroundings.

[Photo Cache]

Lovely group pictures.

My SIGNS, SIGNS

[Eileen]

Hello, the resort looks like a nice place to take your boat. I miss all the Florida birds. The pelicans are one of my favorites, but I love the osprey, egrets and herons too. Gorgeous sunset! Happy Thursday, enjoy your day and weekend!

[Craft Candidate - Kahden talon väkeä]

Hello Sallie! Nice pictures once again!
https://kahdentalonvakea.blogspot.fi/

[MaryBeth Schwartz]

Tween Waters---such a neat name. Looks like a lot of fun
MB

[betty - NZ]

I am so happy to see the birds and great scenery that you share. It's amazing what you can find to photograph when you just look around :) I tried to comment on your earlier post about the Coral Castle but couldn't--I've seen several articles on it and I like to think that she was impressed by his work, but then I'm a hopeless romantic!

[Colleen LOOSELEAFNOTES]

Perfect! The boating life and the hibiscus is delicious. I
don't think I've ever seen a green flash. For real? I've tried.

[Jim, Sydney, Australia]

Great shots.

[RedPat]

That is such a beautiful area, Sallie! I was there for an afternoon years ago and loved it so to stay there for a few days would be wonderful!

[FIndlay Wilde]

I hope you have lots of great adventures in your boat. Really like the Osprey picture.

[Lady Fi]

Those pelicans and that beach - so very inviting!

[Kay L. Davies]

Hi Sallie — Thanks for your comments re Nero Wolfe. It almost seems we know one another already. Which podunk town in Eastern Washington did you mean? I grew up in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley (note spelling difference) before my dad moved us to the wet west coast. After I spent my working life there, I hurt so much I had to move to a drier climate...first the BC interior, and then out here to southeastern Alberta, where the deer and the antelope play. (Not many antelope left, however, so sad. I should look into that for my blog.)
Have fun re-reading Nero Wolfe. I'm also going to seek him out at the local library or online.
Cheers, neighbour!
Kay

[David Gascoigne]

Those Brown Pelicans look absolutely stunning in their nuptial plumage. I have to get up in the middle of the night too but it’s not to tie off the lines!

[Little Wandering Wren]

Hey, mid-week long weekends - I love that idea! Looks a lovely trip, amazing sunsets, being rocked to sleep aboard the boat, friends, and fun. Yes, a lovely life's good post for sure.
Happy days.
Wren x

[riitta k]

Stunning photos - I can hear the sea birds and smell the sea. Have a great week.

[Angie]

I don't know why, but it caught me by surprise that you slept at the marina ... I am not a boat person, so I guess I didn't realize that's just what you do!

You all look so happy, and I am happy for you!

I miss pelicans from the time we lived in Florida. I will never forget how they look when they come up from a dive and the flap is bursting with water ....

Have a lovely week!

[Kay L. Davies]

There's no sleeping pill quite like the gentle rocking of a boat!
Your bird photos are wonderful, I'm glad the opportunities presented themselves!
Kay
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

[Hazel]

What a lovely island for a short break so near to home! The photos are lovely to see.

[Barb]

I really enjoyed your photos, Sallie - we're having a blizzard here! I feel like a broken record. I'll soon be taking those watery sun shots. Yippee! Let's keep enjoying life.

[Sylvia D.]

Sallie, I love the concept of a middle of the week long weekend. Tuesday to Thursday 3 days with less hussle and bussle. Loved th large birds and great to have friends to share a meal. Thanks for sharing and have a great week. Sylvia D.

[Annie]

I think you are living int he most beautiful country I know !

[phil]

"Beach-combing by day, sunset watching by evening, eating in between, and all with great company". You summed up just what I was thinking about your near-idyllic existence. Sent to sleep by the gentle rocking of the water sound just wonderful. And the only downsides those alligators and that not very good Floridian wine.

[Gattina]

What a wonderful excursion ! I love your picture of the sunset !

[Fun60]

Life is good. I couldn't agree more. Love your midweek weekends and that sunset wow!

[Betty Crow]

For not being a birding trip, you sure found a lot of awesome subjects. Looks like a fun trip! Happy Monday!

[Carol]

This is my kind of post. Love the hibiscus blooms, pelicans, and other coastal birds. The sea view is wonderful.

[jesh StG]

Yes, that's the 4th grand daughter - I have one more - only 2 grand sons. Peach is quick in undnerstanding, good her little sis is strong physically, so Peach won't rule over her:)

[Hildred Finch]

Beautiful pictures and such wonderful comradeship. Nice to think of you enjoying this, - such a lovely way of life!

[Margy]

We have our 24' boat up at the cabin this winter. Tying up is free so we thought we would give it a try. Usually we put it on a trailer and take it to the open hangar at our airport for storage under a roof. In May it will go back in the ocean so we can go on cruises on in BC. We have several nice marinas we can visit, but most often we stay out at anchor. I enjoy that as long as there isn't a lot of wind. - Margy

[Michelle Banks]

I love this...I should mail myself down until the flooding and snow stop here...Thank you for sharing some warmth with NN...Michelle

[Lavender Dreamer]

Life is good indeed! We need to go on a little FL getaway to another destination. It's been too long. Love that wobbly sign and the happy group pic too! What fun!

[gillena]

Lovely lovely mosaics, i am familiar with the white egrets here.

Happy Monday

much love..

[Debbie]

what a great picture to end a post with, so beautiful and peaceful! i am not sure i understood the green flash concept but i am happy you saw it! and it looks like you have a nice group of friends, for an outing and dining!!

love the images of the herons and egrets, 2 of my favorite big birds!!

[Maggie]

Didn't you all have far too much fun!! What a wonderful way to spend your retirement, good friends, good fun, good times! Love the pelican shot, wish I could see them when I go down to the sea.

[Sondra Walli]

Once again a beautiful boat ride and Marina you saw lots of great things and had lots of good friends along I can see

[Penelope Puddlisms]

I’ve never met a pelican personally. It would be a rare sighting on the west coast so it’s nice to see them through your photographs. They seem as plentiful as seagulls in Florida. The sunset is spectacular. People I know who have traveled to this neck of the woods say they’re like nothing anywhere else. Retirement is looking fabulous, by the way, as it should. Thanks as always for sharing your world and your travels. A gentle rocking of a boat at sea seems far sweeter than sitting in a rocking chair.

[Lea @ Lea's Menagerie]

Great photos of a wonderful get-together with friends!

[Bob Bushell]

Hi Sallie, you have done so beautiful birds, they are superb.

[Amy]

Theres something about Hibiscus flowers that feel so Summery and bright and cheery.

[ann]

Thanks for visiting the Garden Spot. I love seeing all of you bird photographs and the beautiful waters. You look so relaxed and having a very good time.

[mick]

It looka like a fun trip away for everyone. I especially like the colors of the hibiscus and also the lovely clear photos of the pelicans.

[ellen b]

The great blue is special. Love those pelicans, too. Looks like a fun group to enjoy a meal with. That Osprey is very cool. Great shots. You do live a full life dear Sallie!

[Yogi]

I am totally jealous. It looks like a great time for everybody!

[Su-sieee! Mac]

I see a green flash. At least I think so, and if so then I finally saw the green flash. The blue heron looked like it had a tough flight. lol Life is good, I agree. Isn't that what it's all about, to finally get back to that grand old age of 5 before school? Cheers, Sallie!
The View from the Top of the Ladder

[Al]

That looks beautiful, especially the sunset. Sunsets over water are not something I see very often where I live!

[Gaelyn]

Growing up with boats I rather miss the rocking to sleep at the dock. Got some great birding opps.

[jesh StG]

Great to be able to say that "life is good!" The brown pelicans, and the flowers in your collage - so beautiful! Interesting that you mention the feeling of the rocking of the boat - it stayed with me for the longest time as a five year old, when my family traveled from Indonesia to the Netherlands! Many thanks for sharing this delightful middle-of-the-week long weekend:):) Have a marvelous week!

[Jeanna]

Beautiful sunsets, marina and bird photos. I had to laugh when you said you don't mind cooler weather cuz I'm looking out the window at my lawn furniture (cheap chairs and milk crates) covered in snow!
Cool osprey shot, looks like it got a mouse.
I'd never heard of the green flash phenom, see old dogs can learn new stuff.

[Florence]

What lovely photos! The sunset is marvelous but my favorite is the osprey. Maybe it was the rocking of the boat that made you sleep so well but the fresh air, sunshine, good friends and good food surely helped too. Glad you had such a good time!

[William Kendall]

Beautiful shots! The heron is my favourite.

[Lisa]

Looks and sounds lovely! I would love to sleep on a boat, being gently rocked to sleep :)

[Lowell]

You're having way too much fun! And now you're making me a little jealous and nostalgic at the same time. When we lived in Ft. Lauderdale, we were often at Sanibel and we often rode our bikes out to Captiva and I'm sure I remember Tween Waters although we never stopped in to say hello. Seriously, I'm very happy that the two of you are having good times ... the years go by so fast and I'm finding it's more difficult to have fun even when I want to do so! :) I also enjoyed your photos - you do an excellent job not only telling us about what you're doing but also showing us what you're doing! Keep up the good work!

[Kelleyn Rothaermel]

That sunset is incredible! Now we are all jealous of you! Lucky you!

[A ShutterBug Explores]

Wonderful nature photography ~ !

Lovely memories of Captiva and staying the Tween Waters!

Namaste,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

[Anni @ I'd Rather B Birdin']

Hi Sallie...to answer your question about the water treatment refuge in Port A - Yes, it was BADLY damaged during the hurricane. I hasn't been opened since August 2017 [no boardwalk, no observation decks...most trees gone, etc.] Charlie's Pasture boardwalk [both south and north] are no longer open. It'll be YEARS before any repair work can be done.