Immerse in an ECO-Tour and Experience Southwest Florida Islands by Boat

“Captain Brian Holaway is well versed in the intricacies of our unmatched locale. He can guide to and through a multitude of out-of-the way tidal creeks, bayous, keys and islands. More important is his passionate interest and respect for the region. With unique insights from his many explorations and his studies, not only does he identify the birds and wildlife that inhabit our semi-tropical watery land, but he explains their interconnectedness to their environment and each other. In addition, he shares the fascinating history of rugged people who came long before us: Florida Native Indians, the Calusa, the Spanish, the Cubans, early homesteaders, and the wisdom evident in the growth of their culture.

You will come away with great enjoyment and a new understanding of this beautiful place and its history.”

Historian, Betty Anholt
Author of Sanibel’s Story

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Shelling and Exploring














Sheri and her daughter Samantha had booked a trip with me over 200 days ago. I was concerned about the weather. The weekend brought bands of rain and dismal weather in general. Sunny then sideways rain. I was pleased the weather  worked with us on our boating adventure. On Sunday we observed many dolphin playing in small pods as we traveled to an isolated beach. Sheri and Samantha spotted the cockle shells before I had the boat anchored. They had plenty of time to observe because as I was setting the stern anchor I forgot to attach the line to the boat and as I walked with the anchor in hand for what seemed like a long time, the boat drifted off the beach and was held by the bow anchor only. It was time for Capt. Brian to go for a swim. I swam out to the boat then started all over. Sheri and Samantha were soon shelling as I dried off. The beach was empty of people and full of shells. Sheri filled her bag with cockles, fighting conchs, a nice cone, sun ray Venus, and many other treasures. She has an excellent shelling eye. Samantha is also an excellent sheller, she knows many of the shells by name. Samantha swam for a while then relaxed on the boat. I had to almost drag Sheri off the beach. She could still be shelling. There was rain all around except for the beach we were on. We traveled back to the marina seeing more dolphin and many osprey. Thanks Sheri and Sam for a fun day shelling and exploring.

Last Light





This was the last light of the day, the day before the full moon. The weekend was filled with on and off rain, high winds and mixed skies.  The mixed skies are fun to photograph if you can keep dry.