CAPTIVA - STILL CAPTIVATING - MARCH 19

Despite all the development, and the $6 charge to cross the causeway for entry to Sanibel then Captiva Islands, Captiva still retains a tropical charm. Many of the huge private homes are largely unseen from the one road, only the lush tropical gardens and palmed driveways give one a glimpse into these special places. Parking is difficult and at a premium, so limits the number of visitors. The shell beaches are legend but at this time of year, virtually unavailable for any but the early risers who must get to the island just after dawn to get parking at the few public beach areas. Many families and visitors bike everywhere, with bike paths the whole way across both islands.

  We had a lovely late lunch overlooking a marina with two ospreys guarding the entry.

Later, trying to get off the island, we ran into what looked like a one-hour traffic jam, so retreated to walk for another hour around Bailey Tract, a lovely wildlife area, befoe tackling the traffic jam again. For people holidaying on these islands, you are basically stuck there for the duration, becuse driving on and off must be a lot more frustrating than getting on and off Vancouver Island, unless you go by boat.