And So Paradise Welcomed Us

I hope I remember the feelings of excitement I had when driving over the bridge from Fort Myers to Sanibel Island. I swear I have never grinned like that before in my short 22 years of life!

I have to confess that the times I have driven onto Captiva in the past, I have either been extremely young...or asleep! So this time was special.

We stopped to get some supplies before arriving and I asked Callum how he felt (being a Captiva Virgin, he did not know what to expect). The answer I received... "It just better warrant your whoop whoops and your insecent ramblings!" You see, Callum is a partying kind of guy; it takes a lot for him to exude any kind of excitement without either a vodka in hand, or some rock blasting!

However, give the guy his dues, he was more than pleasantly surprised when after 3,500 miles, we arrived at Jensen's. In fact, there was even a smile...

Clambering out of the car, with our feet being met by those Captiva shells - I was once again in Paradise. Beside myself with that excitement, we found the Jensen's office (much easier than those Route 10 motels, Nancy and I had argued over!)... Very well sign posted - well done, boys!

Having never met a Jensen brother, I was elated when one of the clan, Dave, instantly recognised me (must be that British charm!) and welcomed us right in to the bosom of the resort!

Casting my memory back - long before I usually care to rememeber, my first Captiva trip; I saw my mum, dad, brother and I walking out on the pier in front of me; my dad pretending to throw me in to the water... as you can imagine, whinging quickly followed... but memories of a great holiday!

So, Dave tells us we're staying on the 'Gulf Side' (and I love him a little more for this! As, by now you may have guessed, I'm partial to a good sunset!) And also, while I'm rabbiting on - for those of you that don't know, Captiva is on the west coast of Florida, the Gulf side (On the West) of the Island housing the marvelous sunset theatre shows and the first of the two Jensen's locations... and then the marina side on the east, which houses the Jensen's cottages. So off we go to settle in...

I open the door to the 'Post Office Sweet' (Pun intended!) and let out a little cry of joy. 3,500 miles seems like nothing for this little piece of heaven.

..."I love you very much, Callum - but I'm not top and taling with you!" One bed - huge living room; Callum quickly opts for the plush sofa and stops an argument over the most beautiful bed before one even starts.

He has also reached nirvana - a television; patio and freezer for his vodka - he is more than set. He's now starting to understand my gushes of excitment! So in my rush to take everything in, I had to ring home to gloat. My mum is beside herself with jealousy, so I say goodbye and ring the father. Tired from a long week in the office, he too is envious of my said geography; I once again bid my farewells and almost circle myself for the next thing to do.

The beach. Thirty paces and we're there. Callum now fully understands and is in the sea before he hears my next bout of cries.

...For our welcome party had surfaced - a dolphin, just ahead of him in the surf. For what more could anybody want, I do ask you?! This place is, quite honestly, a modest slice of perfection.

And as I write this now, the sun has just disappeared into the sea and the sky is lit with it's fading embers - painting it with the richest of pinks, reds and oranges; the beach is getting dark, there's not a soul around, and I couldn't and never have been more at peace with this beautiful world.