ivorytidepub

Welcome to my blog ‘theivorytide!’ It’s a mix of travel, beaches, museums, oceans, my store, and a little bit of music. I still love coming here and I hope you do too. My travel has not been what it once was as I had to budget the teens, job loss, etc. However, I found a way and this past June I took my newly graduated girls to Ft. Myers, Florida.

The graduation party from high school was June 3rd and we left the fourth. I’m not so sure that was smart as the dining room table was still full of party glitz when I returned. The beautiful picture above is a moonset. Yes, that’s my unofficial term for the moon going down at about 4:30 am. After several days of rain (I forgot the beginning of June is Florida’s rainy season) for some reason I awoke very early and went to the window. My beautiful surprise was this gorgeous setting filling the sky. Our room was directly on the beach, lucky me! The blues were soft, serene, and soul filling with love. That’s my best description. I had never seen anything like it; soon it was gone but I did capture it.

Midway through the week one of my daughter’s and I headed for the opposite coast as in east coast. Her orientation for college was near Florida Atlantic so we drove there and back in one day. Of course, the storm hit us on the way back and hit us hard. A torrential pour with winds and flooding pursued. I made it but the only thing besides orientation to show for it was a lovely large magpie calling out at lunchtime. That happens to be my other daughter’s nickname, hence, she was near us when we were away. That’s a twin thing, trust me its real. We dined at JB’s on the Beach near the Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier. This little town is quaint and right below Boca Raton on the map. Driving around here is quite easy on Ocean Blvd. and the sights are lovely, like you’ve stepped back in time when people drove somewhat slower, rode bicycles, smiled more, and adored the sunshine and view (no hotels on the beach side for a long section).

I’m flopping around here, not in sequence, showcasing my pictures for you. This lovely hotel is a restored 1920’s Floridian Hotel in Bradenton, Florida. It is the Hampton Inn and Suites in the historic district. We stayed here on the way down from Atlanta and I was so glad we did. It is a real treasure. We walked to dinner a block or two away. Part of the street is blocked off and we had a great dinner in a bricked pub. The hotel was superb right on the waterfront over the bridge.

Back down to Ft. Myers as we welcomed the sun which came out on day three after the 13″ of rain. The Florida people loved the welcoming sight of fresh water-we vacationers not so much. But when it did come out it was glorious, more colors, huge waves, and plenty of sailing. This continuous storm and enormous waves reminded me of growing up on Lake Erie. That small lake could stew up a summer storm in fifteen minutes knocking catamarans off their course. This day felt like home only I was on the ocean.

We stayed at the Edison Beach House Hotel on the Gulf of Mexico in Fort Myers, Florida. It was fantastic! I booked this myself from the internet and it did not disappoint. The lady caretaker and her son do a wonderful job with personalized service. I would definitely stay there again. Each room is unique and you can pick it out online. They remain booked but check it out in advance to reserve your room like I did. Our views were superb and we looked out at the fishing pier nearby. The town on San Carlos Blvd is within walking distance for dining and shopping. You can even walk to the other side where the canal and port is for fishing, dining, watching yachts go by, etc. Named after Edison, the inventor had a winter home nearby, and this little charmer has flags from many nations out front. They care about you and this unique house on the beach.

Beach shops, restaurants, and bars … there is something for all. Yes, I had a margarita at one of the places on San Carlos!

I’ll leave you with this peaceful moon set! I only had seconds really to grab my phone and snap a few pictures as it went down behind the clouds. Many of us watch the sunset and the moon-rise but have you ever watched a moon-set?

Thanks for visiting the Ivorytide blog. Visit my store and museum pickles.

My newest fall collection is coming soon! Check back mid September.

Photography by Kim Troike

Tags: Beach, blogging, Bradenton, Caroline Clemens, Edison Beach House, Florida, Fort Myers, Graduation, kimtroikephotos, Lake Erie, Magpie, Moonset, photojournalism, Restored Hotels, Sailing, San Carlos Blvd, sunset, Travel