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, December 14, 2010

Excellent Shell Collecting

The shelling at Blind pass was so good I just had to go back. I paid for an hour of parking and stayed two. The one person I saw on the beach found a rare Junonia shell 15 minutes before I arrived. The shells above with the green background were all found at Blind pass. After shelling for two hours at blind pass I traveled alone to Cayo Costa. No boats were out. The wind was still strong at 20 to 25 out of the northwest the air temperature was 35. It was a chilly ride. The shells on Cayo Costa were plentiful. I have not seen that many shells on Cayo Costa since December 13th 2008. Today there were hundreds of starfish that washed up on the beach. I have never seen that many starfish in my life. The shelling was outstanding, as I was leaving the tide was rising, and taking the shells and starfish back out to the sea.

4 comments:

Jen S. said...

WOW Brian...those are awesome :) You sure find some neat things when you are out! So cool!

Anonymous said...

Hi Brian,
Just found your blog via I Love Shelling - wow, wonderful stories and beautiful pictures.

I was on Sanibel for a couple of days at exactly this same time, wearing a down jacket but out looking for shells! There were more starfish, sea urchins and fresh dead pen shells than I've EVER seen before, in person or in pictures. Very interesting to find out it was the same on Cayo Costa.

Anonymous said...

Hey Brian,
Remember meeting Erika and Mary from Minnesota who had hiked from the park campground down to the pass? I'm finally visiting your website for the first time; REALLY great to see pictures and read about our sacred corner of the planet.
Question: after that amazing December blow and thousands of starfish/shells, how many days did the piles of starfish/shells last before they were washed away/erased? I wondered if the shelling was incredible for days or just the day we saw you... Thanks again for the ride back to the north end.
Hope you see this comment, 4 months late!

Capt. Brian Holaway said...

I do remember. You guys are troopers. You get a big hats off from Capt.Brian for sure.The star fish lasted about a week. Then we got another strong front. They were all gone. Thanks for the comment. I stopped in the middle of the island on the way home and shelled a while longer. What a day!