There once was a time when Lovers’ Key was only accessible by boat. A tiny island nestled among many along the southwestern tip of Florida; it was a place where lovers would go to commune with nature on a beautiful secluded beach. Today Lovers’ Key is a state park. It is home to dozens of species of birds, many of them endangered. Manatees and dolphin also live here, as this lesser known island is often overlooked by tourists.
That’s Naples off in the distance.

The beach is literally covered with shells…

…and crowded with “locals”.

one of two bald eagle nests on Lovers’ Key

As a storm blew over the southern sky, a huge double rainbow appeared. The tiny white buildings in the picture are actually high-rise condominiums in Bonita Springs.

Fallen trees at the tip of the island make dramatic sculpture. Someone had decorated these roots with shells and natural objects.

Always the decorator, I added a couple of horseshoe crabs.

A great blue heron does not want to share his favorite fishing spot.

“got bait?”

As the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico, our time here came to a close. We would leave Lovers’ Key, but the memories of this special place, like love, will last forever.

A sailboat seems to balance on the horizon.