Hello all,

Just a quick note to say we've arrived at a beautiful, primative island that hopefully will be all we anticipate it being. Natural beauty, pristine beaches, wildlife watching & opportunities for hiking. This state park is gorgeous, almost Bahamas-like in it's low landscape but with Jurrassiac Park-like scenery. I expect a dinosaur to jump out at any time. And, the beaches, ahhhhh...9 miles of pure white sands unmared by development! As well, this island (and Sanibel & Captiva) are know to be THE best places for shelling in the WORLD!! I can't believe we're here. I adore shelling & beachcombing! It's said that more than 300 species of shell-life are in the area! I am psyched! We got the lay of the land today & tomorrow we'll go out in earnest. Our anchorage is very protected in these breezy winds & seas. 5-7' out on the Gulf! Yikes! But here, very nice. Not sure where we'll be Christmas Day...maybe here??? We are very close to Cabbage Key, an island noted for being the inspiration for Jimmy Buffett's Cheeseburger in Paradise!! So, we'll dinghy over there to see the place, said to be another example of the REAL Florida. Will write soon with PHOTOS! So, loved ones, stand by. Much love to you during this festive season.