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

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Robin and John















Robin and John from Arkansas were a pleasure to have on the boat. We started shelling at secret spot #2.  Robin was in heaven with all the shells she was finding. John enjoyed finding sand dollars.  The rainclouds from the Gulf were headed our way. We made the decision to travel to a nearby island for lunch and let the storm pass. The storm passed and the tide was going out strong. We anchored at favorite spot #1 and hit the shell bonanza. Robin found large lightning whelks, fighting conchs, worm shells, shark eyes and angel wings. She also found a beautiful scotch bonnet...... with a hermit crab in it. We let it go back to the water, but not without getting a few good pictures.  John found some large whelks as well.  He also found a perfect banded tulip.  We pulled the anchors and dodged one last storm before getting back to the dock. It was a wonderful trip with Robin and John. I look forward to seeing them again.

7 comments:

Kim@Snug Harbor said...

Your photos are always such a pleasure to look at.

Capt. Brian Holaway said...

Thank you very much Kim.

Little Black Scrap Cat said...

We can't wait to hit some of those secret spots!!

Janet from IL said...

Thanks for posting these photos! Love the Sunray Venus Clam, and the Sand dollars and the beady-eyed bird (an eagle?). In picture no. 3,
there is a dark-gray, round shell tucked under the left side of the sand dollar. I found a few by the lighthouse once and am wondering if it might be an operculum some sort. I've been watching the weather and it seems like you've had a lot of rainy days this summer. More than normal? Good to see you were able to have a nice outing in spite of that. After all, a rainy day on Sanibel is better than a sunny day in most other places :).

Capt. Brian Holaway said...

Janet, The bird is an Osprey often confused for an eagle. The dark grey shell is a jingle shell. They come in white, orange and the dark colors. Rain, I would have to look at the rainfall. When you see rain on the news it may be raining by the light house but never makes it to Cayo Costa. When the forcast is for 50 percent rain. It could rain all day in Fort Myers and I dont get wet on the out islands. The rainclouds make for great photos. One of the many things I like about the rain. Capt. Brian

Janet from IL said...

The one in the picture does look like a jingle shell, which I love to collect, now that you mention it. I thought the round ones I found may be different because they are quite solid and flat and round, without a pearly look to them. They may just be jingles well-worn from the elements. Thanks for chatting, have a great rest of the day and sunshine tomorrow!!

Moira said...

Love the pics - nice shells and lots of sanddollars!!! Hoping to go to a secret spot next May!