60http://blog.sunsetride.comWed, 10 Mar 2010 15:25:00 GMTWed, 10 Mar 2010 15:25:00 GMTen captainhatty@mac.comnohttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2010/01/18/scarlets-back.aspx?ref=rssCaptain HattyOur resident Scarlet Ibis is truly a snowbird. She shows up late December/early January and stays until about mid March. Then she's gone, just like most of our neighbors. ...Local Infohttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2010/01/18/scarlets-back.aspx#Comments36a8aba7-4904-406a-93f5-9c5ec4a02f17Mon, 18 Jan 2010 23:17:00 GMThttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2010/01/14/fantastic-winter-shelling.aspx?ref=rssCaptain HattyThe shelling lately has been "off the charts" We are finding so many wonderful "winter shells" Yes we must admit it is still a little chilly(today's high was 74), but is worth it!!! Terresa counted 15 dolphins at one time today!!!Click here to return to Sunset Ride Private Charters Home PageClick here to see more great pictures and stories on our Face Book Page ...Shellinghttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2010/01/14/fantastic-winter-shelling.aspx#Comments69f6f287-9b97-48db-8cc2-aea5a121b3c0Fri, 15 Jan 2010 02:16:00 GMThttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2010/01/13/final-charter-of-2009.aspx?ref=rssCaptain HattyIt was our afternoon charter on the last day of the year. We were actually heading back into the marina when we spotted another pod of dolphins. These dolphins were not going to let the year end without putting on one final dolphin show to top all shows! AMAZING!!!The expression on Julie's face tells the story... ...Dolphinshttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2010/01/13/final-charter-of-2009.aspx#Comments4c9fc08d-499a-4aae-bf6a-903eef3aceccWed, 13 Jan 2010 17:04:00 GMThttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2010/01/08/manatees-and-cold-weather.aspx?ref=rssCaptain HattyHello and thank you for checking out the original Captain's Blog of Fort Myers Beach!Manatees and cold water just don't do very well together. They cannot take water temperatures much less than 60 degrees for any length of time. Our current water temp here is 54. Average water temp this time of the year is 66. Tomorrow nights low of 31 and Sunday's 32 will push water temps even lower. Florida's manatees have 10 power plants and 4 warm springs in the area where they can find warmer water. I hope they all made it to those spots. In ...Manateeshttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2010/01/08/manatees-and-cold-weather.aspx#Comments7a70f75c-8c62-40cd-a302-fc1928a1f097Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:36:00 GMThttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/12/30/great-day-of-dolphins-and-shelling.aspx?ref=rssCaptain HattyCaptain Steve and First Mate Terresa said that this afternoon was simply a gorgeous day in paradise!!!2009 has been AMAZING and we cannot wait to see what 2010 has in store!!!!Please check us out on FaceBookClick here to return to SunsetRide ...DolphinsShellinghttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/12/30/great-day-of-dolphins-and-shelling.aspx#Commentsbafbe15a-049a-4fcb-88b5-18655000ca57Thu, 31 Dec 2009 02:45:00 GMThttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/12/27/cold-weather-brings-big-waves-and-great-shelling.aspx?ref=rssCaptain HattyHello and thank you for checking out the original Captain's Blog!2009 is rapidly coming to a close and the charters are going fantastic!!!For the last week and a half the weather has been chilly and windy, but the shelling has been phenomenal. Life is Good!There are still a few mornings and afternoons available if you'd like to check, call 239-839-2109.SunsetRide ...Shellinghttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/12/27/cold-weather-brings-big-waves-and-great-shelling.aspx#Comments6b54a3f2-9af1-455b-9abd-a95b0d23bd23Mon, 28 Dec 2009 01:27:00 GMThttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/12/19/beautiful-christmas-lights-florida-style.aspx?ref=rssCaptain HattyMerry Christmas from all of us at Sunset Ride!!!It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!! Click Here to return to Sunset Ride Click Here to Visit us on FaceBook ...Local Infohttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/12/19/beautiful-christmas-lights-florida-style.aspx#Comments06d8d864-e4d0-46c9-9366-aa5e09f322d5Sat, 19 Dec 2009 19:24:00 GMThttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/12/03/dophin-up-high-on-fox-4-storm-patrol.aspx?ref=rssCaptain HattyHello and thank you for checking out the original Captain's Blog!!!This is so exciting! Our "lucky" dolphin pic that First Mate Terresa took has made the news, twice!!!Click here to see the first timeClick here to see the second timeThanks again for viewing the Captain's Blog and please remember to visit us at http://www.sunsetride.com or on Facebook at Sunset Ride Private Charters. ...Dolphinshttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/12/03/dophin-up-high-on-fox-4-storm-patrol.aspx#Comments4c507d1a-da81-40ca-abfb-306d2e6809b7Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:58:00 GMThttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/11/22/dolphin-up-high.aspx?ref=rssCaptain HattyA frequently asked question is "can we swim with the dolphins?" Well the answer is no, but often times they get very close to us. Countess times they have splashed water onto our camera lenses. Sometimes it seems as if on purpose. Terresa truly is the "dolphin whisperer". She took this picture on our charter this morning with a wonderful family from Minnesota on board. I must say Terresa is quite the photographer lately.to see more dolphin, manatee and charter pics check us out on facebookor our website at http://www.sunsetride.com ...Dolphinshttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/11/22/dolphin-up-high.aspx#Comments34683152-7b99-4e74-995d-6c568a09a8ebSun, 22 Nov 2009 22:31:00 GMThttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/11/16/lovers-key-wedding.aspx?ref=rssCaptain HattyHello and thanks for checking out the original Captain's Blog!Anyone out there thinking of tying the knot should seriously consider Lover's Key. Terresa and I had the pleasure of attending Steve and Paula Sizemore's wedding ceremony on Lover's Key the evening of Saturday November 14th 2009. It was a beautiful ceremony followed by a fantastic barbecue dinner provided by Up-N-Smoke catering and then a whole lot of celebrating.A storybook setting for a weddingBeauties on the beachEverything was just perfectIt was a fantabulous night for a moondanceFirst mate Terresa enjoying the viewFires on the beach - one of ...Local Infohttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/11/16/lovers-key-wedding.aspx#Comments5fedbbc7-7c2c-4d90-9cd4-c70033019bfbMon, 16 Nov 2009 16:50:00 GMThttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/10/24/fort-myers-beach-best-kept-secret.aspx?ref=rssCaptain HattyHello and thank you for visiting the original Captain's Blog! Today I would like to share with you a "local secret" here on Fort Myers Beach - Bowditch Point Regional Park.This 17 acre park and preserve located at the northern tip of Estero Island is my favorite place to go on Fort Myers Beach. Gulf front is more active while still providing a relaxed atmosphere for walkers,swimmers and sunbathers. Walking trails, through the restoration/preserve area, carry you through varied environments and offers an excellent opportunity for bird watching while being highlighted by panoramic views of Estero Bay.The ...Local Infohttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/10/24/fort-myers-beach-best-kept-secret.aspx#Comments3593140e-d735-4d21-a5e2-6db45f4ca186Sat, 24 Oct 2009 18:25:00 GMThttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/10/08/mushroom-cloud-over-fort-myers-beach.aspx?ref=rssCaptain HattyWhat a spectacular sight! Terresa took this picture as we were leaving her sister's place over in North Fort Myers.Then, when we got home, it was all over the news stations. People all over Lee County were calling the news station wondering what was going on in the sky. According to Tom Johnston of Fox 4 News it is a pretty rare weather occurrence when you have moisture down low and dry air all around everywhere else and cool air up top. When all this happens and then a thunderstorm tries to form, a huge mushroom ...Local Infohttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/10/08/mushroom-cloud-over-fort-myers-beach.aspx#Comments5418da0a-77d2-404a-86df-59187c674f1fThu, 08 Oct 2009 12:12:00 GMThttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/10/05/lookout-captains.aspx?ref=rssCaptain HattyLookout Florida Captains!I have just interviewed a new Captain and although he is a little young, he handles the boat flawlessly.check out more great photos at http://www.sunsetride.comor see us on Facebook at SunSetRide ...Charter Experienceshttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/10/05/lookout-captains.aspx#Comments768114cb-af7b-4c27-be34-76599d57f2bbMon, 05 Oct 2009 21:00:00 GMThttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/09/25/if-you-are-planning-on-coming-to-southwest-florida-you-must-read-this.aspx?ref=rssCaptain HattyHello and thank you for reading the original Captain's Blog, brought to you by SunSetRide - Private Dolphin, Manatee and Shelling off Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island.It doesn't matter if you live here or are coming to visit for your first time, please try to pick up the first book (Sanibel Flats) in the series of novels by Randy Wayne White about Doc Ford and get a taste of Southwest Florida like you've never experienced before.Randy Wayne White is the real deal my friends! He began writing novels while working as a fishing guide on Sanibel Island and ...Bookshttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/09/25/if-you-are-planning-on-coming-to-southwest-florida-you-must-read-this.aspx#Commentsb0a7a11c-861e-47db-8d46-35ec9b1a64b1Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:57:00 GMThttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/09/18/great-day-on-the-boat-with-twins-from-cincinatti.aspx?ref=rssCaptain HattyHello and thank you for reading the original Captain's Blog, brought to you by SunSetRide - Private Dolphin, Manatee and Shelling off Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island.We had a great day on the water yesterday with the McConnells! Terresa took these pictures of their 6 month old twins, who had such a wonderful time seeing dolphins and just having a great day on the water. It was overcast yesterday, which made it very nice for the babies.They couldn't have ordered up a better day!!! ...Charter Experienceshttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/09/18/great-day-on-the-boat-with-twins-from-cincinatti.aspx#Comments6573d6ca-6120-4f5d-bd4e-63db4002aa36Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:53:00 GMThttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/09/14/the-birds-of-periwinkle-trailer-park-on-sanible-island.aspx?ref=rssCaptain HattyHello and thank you for reading the original Captain's Blog, brought to you by SunSetRide - Private Dolphin, Manatee and Shelling off Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island.For the last five or so years we have been enjoying the bird sanctuary located in the Periwinkle Trailer Park and Campground. Terresa and I found it by accident one Sunday afternoon we had brought our bicycles over to Sanibel to enjoy it's miles and miles of paradise bike paths. I have never been to Hawaii, but imagine it must be this beautiful!!!We plan on packing a tent and heading over ...Local Infohttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/09/14/the-birds-of-periwinkle-trailer-park-on-sanible-island.aspx#Commentsd9b2b194-9e3a-4bb2-bc7f-0f2e18fcff64Mon, 14 Sep 2009 19:30:00 GMThttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/08/30/another-great-day-with-samuel.aspx?ref=rssCaptain HattyHello and thank you for reading the original Captain's Blog, brought to you by SunSetRide - Private Dolphin, Manatee and Shelling off Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island.This was our third trip out with Rick, Lisa and Samuel - 2007, 2008, and 2009. Looking forward to many more trips with the Browns!2007 2008 2009 Amazing Dolphins!!!You can also check us out on our Facebook page by clicking here - SunSetRide Facebook Page. ...Charter Experienceshttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/08/30/another-great-day-with-samuel.aspx#Comments6ec38c6a-193a-40c7-8a7d-07df047938b7Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:44:00 GMThttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/08/27/popping-the-question-with-dolphin-fanfare.aspx?ref=rssCaptain HattyThank you for checking out the original Captain's Blog!What a great day on the water today!!!Jesse chartered us with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend Crystal...Crystal has no idea what is in store...Notice no ring on her finger.... yetDolphins must know what is coming because they are putting on such an amazing display of acrobatics...And..... She said YES!!!!!! ...Dolphinshttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/08/27/popping-the-question-with-dolphin-fanfare.aspx#Comments375ff9a1-04ad-4250-aeba-7d2dac05aa07Thu, 27 Aug 2009 23:36:00 GMThttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/08/18/pray-for-our-fabulous-first-mate.aspx?ref=rssCaptain HattyHello and thank you for viewing the original Captain's Blog!Our fabulous first mate Terresa recently slipped on a wet dock and was left hanging from the railing of the boat pinned between the boat and the dock. Miraculously, she was able to make it back onto the dock, however her rotator cuff was torn badly and MRI's did not look good. She ended up having surgery a few days ago and they put in two titanium screws into her shoulder with six strings to reattach the muscle to the shoulder and also removed a huge bone spur. ...Crew Updateshttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/08/18/pray-for-our-fabulous-first-mate.aspx#Comments459a8e6c-c2a9-4ec4-9c65-fbe280b46690Wed, 19 Aug 2009 01:56:00 GMThttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/08/02/iguana-mia.aspx?ref=rssCaptain HattyHello and thank you for viewing the original Captain's Blog!We are starting to see more and more of these Jurassic Park Creatures on our charters. We spotted this five footer on a seawall just North of our home here on Fort Myers Beach! Can you imagine going out to check the mailbox and meeting this feller in your yard? ...Local Infohttp://blog.sunsetride.com/2009/08/02/iguana-mia.aspx#Commentse7bd2a47-c8e7-4d46-a028-1a14863455bfSun, 02 Aug 2009 19:58:00 GMT