Welcome one and all to our first Sunny and Warm News installment from the Bamboo Apartments on tropical Anna Maria Island!
Hello and welcome to our guests and friends. If you are new to the Bamboo, we are a small, five-unit family-owned place on Anna Maria Island on the west coast of Florida, right on the beach. Our grounds are spacious with a flowered meadow, and five gulf-front patios under ancient Australian pines. We have excellent reviews and quite a good reputation for being a wonderful getaway.
Sharks Teeth Abound in the Driveway Gravel!
Here’s the latest haul of sharks’ teeth found by Mike and Sally W. in our driveway gravel. Sally has an incredible eye! They venture south for day trips to Venice and Manasota to look for additional teeth, and take everything home to the grandkids.
Mother Dune
Mother Dune, the large sand dune in front of our place, has been sculpted by the winter winds, and beach daisies have sprouted on the ridge. The pink morning glories continue to thrive. These native Florida plants, along with the sea oats, anchor the dunes and protect the edge of the Island from erosion by storms and high water. Thank you, Mother Dune!
See how the sea oat roots held the sand. The usual water’s edge is about 100′ left of the dune’s edge.
The Herons have arrived to nest!
The Herons have FINALLY arrived to nest. Right now, there are two herons, and two nests, but we expect more. We’ve been told that they are Green Herons but others have said they are Yellow-crested Night Herons. They really blend into the background on the trees, and don’t often come to the ground. This year, we are going to figure out EXACTLY what they are. If you are a birder, please let us know what they are – we are counting on you!
Turtle Season starts soon!
Turtle season in Florida runs from May through October. We often have a turtle nest or two in front of Mother Dune. It’s exciting to await the hatching. Learn more at the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch website.
Here is a vintage photo of a turtle and young girl taken in the 1950’s or 1960’s near our place — note the four trees in the distance on the left — three of those trees still stand at our gulf-front patios.
Vinny and Cheryl’s Italian Kitchen
Our guests Dorothy and Gerry W. have come from Canada every year for the past eleven years. This year, they found a new Italian Restaurant on the island and told me that it is GREAT. Vinny & Cheryl’s Italian Kitchen, 314 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria, Florida. Try it out and see if you agree.
Star Fish Company
An old favorite for Seafood. As always, the Star Fish Company in Cortez offers fresh-off-the-boat seafood. Bring cash (no credit cards or checks are accepted), and your patience. It takes a while for the food, but it is worth every minute. You can catch a sunset cruise with Captain Kathe when you are done. They are located at 12306 46th Ave. West, Cortez, Florida 34215.
