Jungle Love

“I met you on somebody’s island
You thought you had known me before
I brought you a crate of papaya
Then waited all night by your door”

“Jungle Love, it’s drivin’ me mad, it’s makin’ me crazy . . .” (from the song by the Steve Miller Band)

On a recent trip to Florida’s Gulf Coast, my daughter and I were fortunate to make Pine Island our home base.  Friends of my daughter’s graciously put us up in their guest cottage while also sharing gourmet meals and the use of their car for nearby day trips.  It was a dream vacation and, upon arrival at this lush tropical paradise, I was instantly struck with jungle love!

Our hosts’ six acres of land in the village of Bokeelia was covered with palms, mangoes, bananas, coconuts, the ubiquitous pines and much more, some trees happily sharing their branches with air plants, hanging moss and the bright blooms of orchids.  Bold bromeliads of many shapes and sizes covered the ground with a sizzle of hot color, while overhead, circling birds constantly filled the clear blue sky.  A neighbor’s towering pine held a pair of huge nesting Ospreys at its very top, each parent taking turns flying off to bring back food for their young.  There was such an abundance of vegetation and bird life that it was hard to take it all in, and this old Yankee gal was always finding something new to gawk at.

Pine Island is definitely off the beaten tourist trail and not what most people expect when you mention a Florida vacation.  The largest island of Florida’s west coast, its 18-mile length is partially framed by Mangroves whose myriad tangled roots provide a safe haven for a variety of wildlife.  As the name implies, there are pine trees everywhere, and although there is plenty of water all around, there are no sandy beaches.  It’s this lack of beaches that keeps most tourists away and helps Pine Island maintain its remote jungle wildness.

Just a short drive down the road in Matlacha (Mat-la-shay) are galleries, shops, cottages and restaurants, all brightly painted to complement the canal and water views.  Although much more touristy than Bokeelia, the area has a laid-back retro feel to it, and life progresses at a leisurely walking pace.  The fresh tropical salads and seafood served here, such as Grouper and Mullet, were especially delicious!

We took several short day trips off the Island which included visiting the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers and the enchanting islands of Sanibel and Cayo Costa.  Our last full day was spent at the Naples Botanical Garden where we were wowed by 170 acres of tropical beauty including the largest orchid garden in the continental United States.

Although I wanted to share my experience of staying on Pine Island, I was also hesitant to write about it.  Just like its residents, I don’t want this pristine tropical island to be ruined by development.  As people continue to move to Florida in droves, I wonder how long this remarkable place will retain its tranquil wildness.  I can only hope it will be for a long time yet to come.

Special thanks to our hosts, Ana and Steve, who made this trip not only possible but oh so enjoyable.  Good night, Pine Island!

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