Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa

A Fun Florida Family Getaway

by Rubin Carson and Marilynn Record

Please meet my daughter, Margie, and 5-year-old granddaughter, Kathleen. Margie suggested that Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa would be perfect for our first annual spring break. Not only had it been highly recommended, Pink Shell was midway between my home in L.A. and her's near Detroit. Midway, shmidway. If Margie said Mars was midway, I'd go in coach.

Arrived early at Pink Shell and discovered it was Florida de luxe. Pristine white beaches, Gulf of Mexico views, l80 two-bedroom suites with kitchens, screened balconies safer than maximum-security lock-ups, painted concrete floors in public areas that repelled sand and wet bathing suits. Conclusion? If this wasn't your family Valhalla, better lease another family.

Enter Margie and Katie, late because of snowstorms. My granddaughter was wearing sunglasses bigger than all of us. After we pulverized each other with greetings, Margie turned to Katie and said: "Give pops lotsa hugs." Nada. "Pops came all this way. Not even one teeny hug?" More nada.

Katie adjusted her glasses tighter, and peeped: "I'm shy." I was going to suggest a handshake or high-five but didn't. Shy grandkids have always been a mystery that I never hope to solve.

The next three days were taken up by KiddsKampp, an adult-supervised program for kids, 4-ll. Director Peggy Sue, a motherly Mary Poppins mixed with Rosanne Barr wit, invited us to kibbitz.

The center of action was "Octapool"--a free form swimming complex hovered over by a giant coral octopus locked in mortal combat with a conch shell killer whale. A bit too Dali-esque for my taste but Margie raved that "Octapool" was the most parent-friendly pool she'd ever encountered. Something called zero-entry - - - kids could walk in, not fall in.

Each day at KiddsKampp had a theme. Day 1: Splish Splash. Day 2: Yucky Gooey. Day 3: Wrap The Egg. My favorite was Wrap The Egg. Kids are given real eggs and led to the 11th floor observation balcony that's loaded with wrapping materials. Everybody has to cushion their egg so it won't break when thrown overboard. One, two, three, everyone toss! Egg that lands intact is winner. When kids race down to parking lot and discover eggs are smashed, nobody's disappointed. Lesson? All fun is in the preparation, not destination.

High point was Sparky D. Katt. He's a glaringly orange and white tiger that appears every day at 2 pm and dispenses free hugs. (I would learn later that valet parkers and Peggy Sue take turns wearing tiger outfit). Katie couldn't wait to run up and get hugged. On our last day, she received two hugs and one kiss. Margie couldn't get her to stop sobbing until she promised to come back next year and get more Sparky hugs.

Did Katie finally hug me goodbye? No way. Did I beg? No. But next year I'll show up in my own tiger outfit. Maybe that's the cure for shy grandkids.

For more information on the PINK SHELL RESORT AND SPA in Fort Meyers, Florida, visit www.pinkshell.com.