Capt. Brian's Observations On The Water: 02/01/2011

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

Monday, February 28, 2011

The landscapes and colors today on Cayo Costa were tantalizing. I was fortunate to find a unique worm shell and the ever welcomed baby's ear. The wind was out of the south.

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Early Spring

Water temp 71 degrees, windchill 82 degrees. Spring has sprung. The water on the out Islands is crystal clear. It looks and feels like May. I am looking forward to the time change in a couple of weeks, this means more time on the water in the daylight.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Great Shelling Day

The day after the full moon, I took out two couples from Minnesota who are veteran hardcore shellers. We traveled to a mudflat that is only exposed on low tide. Many live shells were observed along with starfish and spider crabs. The rose tellins were abundant and razor clams were collected along with many beautiful egg cockles. The tide was starting to rise. We traveled to an obvious, but secret spot where I find unique shells. A rare Scotch Bonnet was found by one happy sheller. (Her first in many years of looking) It was exciting for everybody. We had a little time left so we traveled to a long sandbar to discover rose tellins, many pear whelks and a huge lighting whelk. Today was a magical day on the water.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Full Moon Setting, Sun Rising

The only light on the water was the full moon setting. The seas were calm and the air had a hint of summer. I left Punta Rassa on a very low tide, my destination- Captiva Island. What a wonderful ride. I forget sometimes how nice it is to be on the water at sunrise. Charlie Robinson sang about" El Cerito Place" and the ocean singing, as I took photos of the sun rising over Sanibel Island. The moon was down and the sun was up as I approached the shore of Captiva Island. I look forward to the next full moon and the sunrise that follows.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Cayo Costa from the Gulf of Mexico

Today the moon is full and the gulf was calm.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Perfect Beach Weather

The weather has been absolutely beautiful the last two days. The water is starting to get clear and also warming up. The water tempeture is 68 degrees.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

I enjoyed taking photos of places I have observed before and found some new ones that I have never seen before. I was busy taking pictures of the sea grape leaves lost in thought when I got tangled / scraped by a nicker bean vine. The vine was somewhere I have not seen this plant before. The nicker bean is a favorite shrub of mine that produces a seed pod that you occasionally find on the beach. The seed pod is also called a "sea pearl". I never tire of the smooth sea pearl. The sunset on the water tonight was equally satisfying. The moon was half full in the daylight hours. I gave Van Morrison a rest and let Neil Young sing Harvest Moon as the wake of the boat found the shore of Captiva Island.

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