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

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Exploring The Flats And The Beach













It was a great day on the water with Todd, Kate, Caleb, Josh, Sam and Kate's dad, Ray. We observed manatee and many species of bird life on the boat ride to our first destination, the crystal clear flats. We walked the flats and Todd found a extremely large live Lightning Whelk. We took many pictures and put it back in the water. The flats were alive with Horse Conchs, Stingrays, Horseshoe Crabs and Hermit Crabs. After exploring the flats we traveled to the beach. The beach was full of shells that were deposited the day before in the high wind.  We found Sun Ray Venus, Turkey Wings, Lightning Whelk, Sand Dollars and the most amazing arrangement of jingle shells I have ever seen. The jingles were all stuck together in what looked like a flower. The really cool thing about this is that both sides of the jingles were there. Ray is a long time outdoorsman and literally two minutes after I explained to him what a Lions Paw was he found one! It was a great day of exploring!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Stunning photos! Those shells are HUGE!! WOW!

Kim@Snug Harbor said...

Amazing photos today Brian!

Capt. Brian Holaway said...

Thank you Kim.

Morgan said...

That looks like it was a great trip! We'll have to get out to the flats sometime.

Roxanne Reinhart said...

I didn't look real close at the jingle shell photo. I always scroll real fast and then go back and read everything and look closer. At first glance I thought the jingles were an actual flower!! Looks like a fabulous day!

Capt. Brian Holaway said...

Mkdally We could do it on our next trip. If the tides allow us to.

Morgan said...

We'd love to! We're expecting a baby this fall, so unfortunately we probably won't be back down to Captiva until early 2014. :(

Capt. Brian Holaway said...

Congratulations!