The Art of Beach Relaxation

By Christiane Francin

When I first moved to Nokomis in 1989, I enjoyed the beach almost everyday, walking on the powdery sand and swimming in the warm, crystal blue water. I was thrilled by the soft, illuminating colors of an early morning sunrise and the drama of the magnificent, vibrant sunsets in the evening. My camera, like a best friend, was always by my side. Today, even though my days are busier, I still enjoy the seashore and make it a priority to remember how fortunate I am to live so close to this amazing playground called the beach!

The Grande Dame of Eco-Tourism

     

Growing up in Boca Grande before the causeway existed, Marian Schneider mastered the navigational skills to ferry herself back and forth to school in her own wooden boat. A deep love of the water was fostered by her father who outfitted young Marian with a skiff and a fishing pole before a bicycle. It’s no wonder that today this Florida native holds a Master Captain’s License certified by the United States Coast Guard, is the first lady member of the Boca Grande Fishing Guides Association; and, since 1989, has operated the oldest kayak and touring center in Charlotte County.

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What are your plans for Saturday morning? Why not take a fun trip to the open-air Venice Farmer’s Market (VFM) on the island? Buying locally grown food is a great way to go green and get healthier. The market offers a bountiful selection of fresh produce grown locally and picked just before presentation, such as beautiful vegetables and fruits at their ripest peak. Squeeze one of the packages of baked bread and you will see just how fresh it is! A scrumptious variety of homemade pies, cakes, and crepes also awaits you, along with jars of nature’s amazing honey, different cuts of meat and fresh seafood.A recent addition to the VFM is Chef Steve Wahle’s menu of meals he has specially prepared using fresh vendor items. The delicious food is prepackaged for you to take home and enjoy at your leisure.

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One of the amazing experiences in Southwest Florida is having a pair of sandhill cranes cross your path! These wonderful large feathered friends, belonging to one of the oldest existing bird species in the world, always receive the right-of-way, and let you know it by slowly walking across a road or golf course in front of you, regardless of your timetable. These birds do not seem to be bothered by the presence of humans, so you are able to observe them at a close distance.

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The legend of the “Bluebird of Happiness” has deep roots that go back centuries. Native cultures around the world embrace similar myths and beliefs about the bluebird as an accepted symbol of cheerfulness, prosperity, good health, and new birth.

Building sandcastles on the beach is a favorite activity for children and adults alike. Quite often, while walking on our beautiful beaches, you will come across a playful attempt at sand art from a creative child or one made by a true sand-sculpture artist. Some may be huge mounds of sand in the shape of a fish with sculpted fins and scales overlaid with sea shells, while others look like accurate representations of castles surrounded by moats with bridges made of sea grass, and turrets with flags made from bird feathers. From simple designs to the most ornate sand art, people of all ages enjoy this creative recreation.