Summer – Fall Packages
This summer and fall we are repeating special packages that both you and your wallet will enjoy. The savings season runs from May 1 through December 20, with several packages from which to choose. Last year over 20% of our guests took advantage of these special packages and those special rates. There are 2 & 3 day packages, a bed & breakfast package and of course a honeymoon package. Check out our web site. There’s one just right for you. Last year 28 couples got married at the West Wind Inn. If there is a wedding in your future, call us toll free at 800-824-0476 (Ext 400) and we will send you a wedding planner packet.

A Man With Insight
“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” Albert Einstein.

LIFE Magazine
On January 13th the weekly newspaper insert (Life Magazine) ran a special on the “10 Best Island Getaways”. Sanibel Island, Florida was one of the ten. It was nice that they mentioned West Wind Inn as the place to sleep “and a top winter value on the island”.

7 Things You Need To Know & Can Learn From Noah’s Ark
(1) Don’t miss the boat.  (2) Remember that we are all in the same boat.  (3) Plan ahead – it wasn’t raining when Noah built the Ark.  (4) Build your future on high ground.  (5) For safety’s sake, travel in pairs.  (6) Speed isn’t always an advantage – the snails were on board with the cheetahs.  (7) Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs – the Titanic by professionals!

The Sanibel Lighthouse
In 1833 island residents petitioned for a lighthouse on the eastern end of the island. For years they worked on a support base for the project but no action was taken. Finally, 45 years later, when Punta Rasa developed into a bustling cattle shipping seaport, there was interest. In 1883 (50 years later) Congress appropriated $50,000 for the lighthouse. After a year, construction began but was delayed once again when the schooner carrying the disassembled iron tower sank 2 miles from the lighthouse site. Divers were able to salvage most of it and the project moved forward. The 98-foot iron tower was first lit on August 20, 1884 – and it still stands today.

Causeway Bridge Update
Span A of the new Causeway Bridge (which connects Sanibel Island to the mainland) should open for traffic in April. Span B and C will follow in May and September. By January ’07, the project should be complete, including a new toll plaza.

Sweepstakes Winner
Each quarter we select one entry from our sweepstakes contest from our web site. The winner receives a one-week stay free at the West Wind Inn (off-season). The last quarter’s winner was Ms. Donna B of Bow, Anchorage, Alaska. Keep those entries coming.

Trivia Question?
Do you know which four US Presidents never went to college? (Answer below recipe)

Recipe of the Quarter
Each quarter we feature a recipe from a guest (sometimes an employee) therefore send us your favorite or an interesting recipe. The one selected gets two free West Wind Inn T-Shirts. The recipe below was provided by Darlene Burke, (our Executive Assistant):

Trivia Answer – Washington, Lincoln, Cleveland & Truman

About Our Manatees
We are fortunate to have many manatees in the waters around Sanibel Island. This endangered species normally weighs about 1,000 lbs and measures over 10 ft long when grown. They can get as large as 12 ft and 3,000 lbs. When the water temperature drops below 68 degrees, they search out warmer water. They eat plants (a herbivore) and have to surface every 3 to 5 minutes in order to breathe. These are gentle giants with no known predators.