On the Waterfront
We had a room booked in Matlacha for 2023, but Hurricane Ian devastated this lively little town and everything around it. We were getting a little nervous when Helene and then Milton headed that way before this trip, but luck was on their side – and also on ours.
To start at the beginning of this series, visit Southeast to Sunshine
From Bok Tower Gardens, an outing from our replacement accommodations in 2023.
Angler’s Inn is Open for Business!
With a major renovation after Hurricane Ian, and a minor one after Milton, Angler’s Inn was the perfect spot for our four-night stay. Although it was pretty small, it was very efficient and cozy, with brightly-colored walls and furnishings, and the best lanai of the entire trip!
Our room in this four-unit motel had a small kitchenette with (technically) the essentials to cook. While we did have a little something for breakfast and warmed up leftovers, we left the cooking to a couple of really good restaurants!
We coulda borrowed bikes or a kayak to explore the island or the waters of Matlacha Pass. We woulda really appreciated the warmth of the fire pit had it been chilly while we were there. Instead we enjoyed our morning coffee with the birds and took a few drives and walks out to explore – making this the perfect stay.
The Blue Dog Bar and Grill
Our eight-hour drive from Panama City was brutal, with lots of traffic and slowdowns almost the entire way. Luckily it was only about a block to the Blue Dog for an absolutely fabulous dinner and a beer! The she-crab stuffed flounder looked good to me, and Jim ordered the Mahi with rum butter and toasted coconut. Although he’s usually not a fan of coconut, he did nothing but rave about his meal! And we both enjoyed Hazifys which were brewed in Palm City, FL. I’m getting hungry (and thirsty) just thinking about that meal!
“[Our] commitment to quality is unmatched as we source from local fishermen, local brewers and Florida farmers in order to highlight the quality of ingredients available on Pine Island and SW Florida.”
“The white boots (locally called ‘Pine Island Reeboks’) that ‘Blue’ wears on our logo [just below] are a nod to the rich past and current fishing history of Pine Island and Matlacha. These boots are worn by commercial fishermen all along the Gulf Coast from Texas to Florida.” ~ READ MORE
Yes, We’re that Old!
On our first morning, I got up quite early for vacation and snuck out as quietly as I could to the screened-in porch to check out the wildlife. Very comfy chairs were just what the doctor ordered after yesterday’s long and brutal drive. First thing I noticed was an osprey (see video below) high atop a dead tree and a nesting platform to his left. He was definitely keeping an eye on that platform and later we saw his girlfriend on there too!
I wasn’t sure if she was laying eggs, sitting on eggs, or keeping an eye on the little ones, so I called google into action. It turns out two to four eggs are usually laid in late April (one at a time, a few days apart). Since it’s February, it’s probably nest-building time. That was later confirmed – when we saw our guy flying sticks over to the platform.
For a great video of a beautiful osprey breakfast, click here.
“Osprey pairs can construct their nests in as few as 7 to 10 days. The male typically gathers most of the nesting material, while the female arranges and builds the nest… and females collect most of the material for the nest lining.” ~ READ MORE
A Little Variety
The last photo below is a female Anhinga. “Females/immatures have a pale head, neck, and breast and a dark belly. Note its long S-shaped neck and dagger-like bill.” This is the only time I saw an Anhinga here, but I have seen them on other trips to Florida. If you follow this blog, you’ve probably seen more than one of my photos.
The Morning Bird Parade
This guy (and the pelicans just below) were the first birds I noticed on our first morning in Matlacha. Once we started watching the nesting platform, things got even more interesting. In order to get from his perch high in this dead tree (and back) he’d have quite a landing procedure. Since osprey are typically large birds – with a wingspan up to six feet – they can’t just fly straight over to the platform. They have to circle around in a big swoop and come in from the other side. It was quite impressive!
I’ve seen lots of osprey in my life, sitting atop a perch and sometimes flying off when they get annoyed with me (or more likely when they spot something good to eat). But I’ve never taken the time to really watch them. Close enough, yet far enough away to get a glimpse into their daily activities. We can thank our fabulous lanai (and being retired) for this great opportunity!
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a pelican in a tree. Watching a pod of pelicans (lots!) landing on the trees down the canal from the ospreys was fascinating to me. I guess I never gave much thought to where they went when they weren’t swimming or perching on dock posts. On this occasion they seemed to be preening themselves in an effort to dry off after their morning meal.
Of all the pelicans I’ve seen in my life, one day was the most memorable of all. We were at Fort De Soto during our stay in St. Pete Beach, and another pod was diving for their dinner! Who knew that pelicans were such contortionists! You should definitely check out this link if you haven’t seen it already!
It’s Time to Explore!
OK, we’ve been lazy long enough! Time to get out and explore our little island.
Next up: Seafood and Sunsets
Happy trails,
Barb
