Paradise Healing

Another trip down Life's Highway.  This year our path was altered by the fact that I'm now retired and maintaining a schedule is no longer required.  It feels so good to be free at last.  There were no Beach Angels with us on this trip, and not our usual visit with Paradise, mainly because Paradise is currently recovering from hurricane Ian.  

We did stop in to check on her (Paradise) and see how she was doing. We were not prepared to see what we saw. It's been 8 months since Hurricane Ian landed in Paradise.  While the people of this small community have done alot of work to clear much of the debris, the damage done is still very evident today. As you drive across the island, you can now see buildings that you never knew existed before. In the past, those structures would have been concealed in a thick blanket of tropical vegetation, which is now gone.  While some vegetation is staging a comeback, the Category 4 winds of Ian and the saltwater surge has taken a toll on the less tolerant. 

I remember the old Captiva before Hurricane Charlie (2004) the canopy along Captiva Drive was so heavy in some portions of the road it was like driving your vehicle through a tunnel. After Charlie, just a small portion of that canopy remained on a small section of road that was on an S turn right before you hit the Tween Waters Stretch. Today that canopy is gone too.  For many the Beach, Shells and pristine waters around the island is what made them fall in love with Paradise.  For me, my first drive through that tunnel of vegetation on Captiva made me realize I was in a special place.

Canopy of Vegetation on Captiva Drive pre hurricane Ian

We were very conflicted about making the stop.  While I'm not a property owner, I have been coming here over 25 years, and we feel connected to this place. A few businesses are back open. We felt like a short stop to help support those that were trying to put their lives back together was in order.

We have spent the bulk of our vacations renting houses on Captiva.  One community we have stayed at most often is Captiva Shores.  Located on the stretch of road just past Tween Waters it is an area that was easy to access the gulf and the bay.

Captiva Shores pre Hurricane Ian

Captiva Shores today 8 months after Ian

So lunch and some shopping was in order and then a brief stop on the beach before heading further south.  The Mucky Duck was open and busy and operating like they haven't missed a step.  The inside was like we remembered it, for some reason mother nature spared the little duck.

The Mucky Duck

    

There's a new sound on the islands today.  The sound of circular saws, hammers and the beeping sound of construction vehicles backing up in the distance.  The sound of progress and Paradise healing.  I would have expected much more construction to be taking place, but the reality is that many are still in a waiting mode.  Waiting on Insurance companies, Permitting and Contractors.  There is still much to do.

I know for many they long for the day once again when the saws and hammers will go silent and Paradise takes over in orchestrating the harmony of nature and the sounds of the day.

A brief stop at the beach before Life's Highway leads us to the Keys.  We stopped at Turner Beach before leaving Captiva.  The area of Turner Beach on the Captiva side and Blind Pass Beach on the Sanibel side are noticeably different today.  This area once resembled more of an old Florida style with small quaint beach cottages, which unfortunately many did not survive.

Turner Beach looking towards Blind Pass

Blind Pass Beach area

Area Known as Santiva  leaving Sanibel and crossing onto Captiva

For those of us who have grown to love Paradise it's difficult to view the destruction dealt to the area by hurricane Ian while there are still hurdles ahead, healing has begun.  

Speaking with the shop owners that are open, they are grateful for the support.  It seems like every day another business is getting that much closer to re-opening.   The community has developed the Motto “Sanibel/Captiva Strong”. While Ian may have changed the landscape and forced Paradise to Bend, in no way is she broken. 

My opening parlay for this year's blog may have started out on a bit of a down note, we leave Sanibel and Captiva with hope and promise for Paradise's continued healing.  This is a resilient little community that has the support of many whom have fallen in love with Paradise.  

We are headed down the highway to the Florida Keys!  I'll do my best to pick up the vibe as we explore some new areas down Life's highway.  Stay tune, share with your friends, and we welcome your comments.