Walking the beach is my favorite form of exercise and relaxation, as contradictory as that may sound. What can I say?: I’m a type-A Pisces. So, being goal-oriented as I am, I like to plan a destination for my beach walks. A purpose.
When setting out on my beach strolls from ‘Tween Water Inn Beach Resort & Spa on Captiva Island, I have two different routines from which I choose. When I’m looking for serious beach quiet and meditation, I head south toward Blind Pass. The uncluttered beachscape along this 2-mile stretch allows me to commune with nature – from the tiny ghost crabs scooping sand out of their coin-sized holes to the pterodactyl-esque brown pelicans that dive-bomb the surf for breakfast.
Days I’m feeling more social, I aim my flip flops north, where the beach parallels the road and glimpses of majestic beach homes are more likely. My goal on these jaunts? The shops of “downtown Captiva” and perhaps a stop for a pina colada or slice of key lime pie for incentive. Maybe a visit to the cemetery next to Chapel-by-the-Sea, where mourners leave seashells on gravestones rather than flowers.
The return walk always is less energetic. That’s when I do my favorite kind of shopping – searching for seashells and other beachcomber finds. I take it slowly, promising myself the final, most fulfilling goal at the end of the walk: A dip in the new Serenity Pool at ‘Tween Waters, followed by a snooze under a cool blue umbrella.
