RED RIBBON WINNER CAPTAIN BRIAN!

I just got home from the opening reception of the Sanibel 75th Annual Shell Fair.  I was extremely happy to win a a 2nd place red ribbon for an albino lightning whelk I entered. I will post more on the Shell Fair as it happens.

A National Geographic Day

Traci traveled with me today to explore the out islands. She is a long time lover of the water and used to work as an underwater photographer for National Geographic. We talked about old adventures and future cameras. Conversations were had about sharks, sea turtles, kelp forests, seahorses, seals, boats, camera filters, birds, wright whales, books, field guides, fossils and Jacques Cousteau. I enjoyed listening to her stories as we walked and shelled. The bird life and dolphins were outstanding. I look forward to our next outing exploring in the water. Thanks Traci. 

Intrepid Shellers

Two intrepid shellers traveled with me today. The wind was very strong, but not enough to keep Dayton and Nancy in port. The husband and wife team have been shelling for decades. Nancy loves baby ears. Today she found a large baby ear beside a perfect worm shell. The day was filled with wind, baby ears and great conversation. I learned a lot from Nancy on our beach walk. It is always a pleasure shelling with Dayton and Nancy.

Swamp Walk

The Eighth Annaul Marjory Stoneman Douglas Festival was held Tuesday through Friday.  I participated in a photography workshop in the beautiful Fakahachee Strand Preserve State Park. Mike Owen the Biologist at the park led the group. His knowledge of the Fakahachee is unparalleled. I enjoyed learning about a species of wild coffee I didn't know we had in Florida. I am anxious to look for it on Cayo Costa. Guy Jacobs instructed the group on photography. It was nice being out in the field and working on different lighting in the swamp with an instructor. The Fakahachee is a diverse and amazing place on the planet.

Young Explorers

Rob, Cami and their three children, Wes, Mia and Eliza, had a stellar day on the water. I enjoyed answering questions from three young explorers from Maine. The explorers were fearless and curious as we dropped the anchor off the beaten path. They enjoyed observing live shells and seeing what these mollusks eat. The flats were full of life. The questions these young kids asked were exciting. It is such a pleasure to see kids get in the water to learn and wonder. We watched white pelicans glide past the boat. Mia found some great angel wings and Eliza had a great eye for finding lightning whelks. Wes knew all about large birds in North America and shared this with Capt. Brian. (Thanks Wes- Great job!) We all enjoyed watching dolphin on our way back to the marina. I enjoyed learning from the three young explorers and look forward to their next trip.