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

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Captain Brian Exploring and Shell Collecting


















Last week I spent two days exploring and shell collecting south of Marco Island.  The tides that far south are tricky and dictate where you travel. The shell collecting was superb and the wind had the tides low. The Kings Crown was my best find. The cones had some unusual markings that are most intriguing. I was more than thrilled to find them. The true tulips were amazing. (Nick Hahn would have been going crazy, and I am sure he would have found more tulips) The albino lightning whelk was also a cool find.  Going off the beaten path is always interesting. I enjoyed the smells, landscapes and solitude of the places just off the far horizon.

10 comments:

gpc said...

The kings crown is amazing, and I love the albino whelk. But alphabets are my favorite find of all!

Kim@Snug Harbor said...

Is that a sponge in the 2nd photo? Gorgeous shells! It's fun to check out new places.

Capt. Brian Holaway said...

Kim, it is a sponge and it was about two feet long.

Mike Roeder said...

Are those Florida Cones in the photo above the True Tulips?

Capt. Brian Holaway said...

Mike, I believe they are Florida cones with markings that are rare. I will keep you posted. I am taking a few shells to show the most knowledgeable shell person I know. I would be happy to know 2 percent of what this guy knows. He is amazing.

Morgan said...

Holy kings crowns, batman! What a haul.

Capt. Brian Holaway said...

Mike, i talked with "The shell expert" he said they were florida cones. There was a little debate among his colleagues, they went back and forth on the latin names but in the end he said, florida cones.
He also said,"they used to be more common on Sanibel". I personally have never found cones like this before anywhere with these markings.

Moira said...

I love love love that kings crown! Hope you can steer me to one like that when we are there in May!!!

Moira said...

That Kings Crown is awesome!!!

Roxanne Reinhart said...

I love the King's Crown. And your photography is spectacular as well. Thank you for sharing