Travel Haiku - Sanibel Island, Florida (United States) Poem by john tiong chunghoo

Shapely Sanibel
the shells refuse to leave
with the tide

shapely sanibel
the tide leaves behind
the shells and memory

sanibel
we pick the shells to keep
our happy times here

Though Florida's always a popular winter vacation spot, you won't find neon signs, rowdy partiers, and high-rises lining the water in Sanibel. Instead, this peaceful, family-friendly island boasts more than 17 miles of sugar-fine beaches,26 miles of bike trails, and a main drag filled with chic shops and restaurants. Kids fascinated with sea shells will find plenty to collect along these shores, as the island's east-west orientation acts as a scoop for the tide's treasures. Also ride, walk, bike, canoe, or kayak through the J. N. ('Ding') Darling National Wildlife Refuge, one of Florida's best.