Snowbirding vs. Year-Round Retirement

[tis]

Try this:

http://northcaptiva.net

[garysanfran]

I've been to Captiva and loved it. Expensive...Because lots of people have discovered before us. Very hot in summer.

[Descant]

Both are very nice. There is that aspect that they are like southern NH--everybody there is from a Boston suburb. Great beaches and weather, minimal tourist traps. Good bicycling. When we had the grandchildren at Sanibel, a local company rented us a wagon full of beach toys; dropped off at the condo and picked up when we left.

[garysanfran]

Some best memories in my brain...

When I worked for Litton Industries, we had a President's Club reward meeting at Captiva. All toys were paid for...Boston Whalers, jet skis, food, booze, etc. Other people (all male group) brought their wives. I brought my girlfriend and we all had an incredible time. I brought about 50 Lbs. of shells back to San Francisco that I found on a tiny island with the whaler.

This could be a good 6 months destination away from the BIG LAKE. Small lots and expensive though.

However, I'm starting to feel an urge to move "back east", and escape California before Nevada becomes ocean-front property in it's stead. Even thinking positive of snow and ice. Been watching the live cam from Portsmouth's Strawbery Banke skating rink with some envy, I'm not sure I understand.

You can dress for the cold, but can only undress for the heat to a certain limit.

I'd like to flood the ice in front of my place on Lake Winni, make a rink and ice skate.

Not enough years in life to do it all, just enough to make a dent.

[Billy Bob]

Originally Posted by garysanfran

Some best memories in my brain...

When I worked for Litton Industries, we had a President's Club reward meeting at Captiva. All toys were paid for...Boston Whalers, jet skis, food, booze, etc. Other people (all male group) brought their wives. I brought my girlfriend and we all had an incredible time. I brought about 50 Lbs. of shells back to San Francisco that I found on a tiny island with the whaler.

This could be a good 6 months destination away from the BIG LAKE. Small lots and expensive though.



Not enough years in life to do it all, just enough to make a dent.

We are in a condo with a dock in Tiera Verdi (St Pete ) and love it. Captiva is a dream location, small island, one main road, laid back. We take our fishing boat down a few times a year and stay at Tween the Waters or South Seas. Doc Ford books are fun and there ARE places in his books that exist. The island is Uber expensive real estate, however Venice Fl south on the intercostal is loaded with great spots that might be affordable, fyi the Gulf waters are clear and Carib like with no snakes or other stuff that will attempt to kill you other than a few sharks

[8gv]

Originally Posted by Billy Bob

We are in a condo with a dock in Tiera Verdi (St Pete )

Hey neighbor! We are on Tierra Verde too.

The boating there is great with access to the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa Bay and the Gulf ICW.

There are several great beaches nearby.

Going north into St Pete it gets busy with lots of traffic but one can hide out on TV and avoid all that.

Wifey and I took a ride down to Captiva and Sanibel Islands and it was beautiful.

The traffic in and out of there was crazy and took forever.

Once there it was worth it but going off island to get stuff would be tedious.