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, December 27, 2012

The Last Full Moon




Steve Earl sang about Copperhead Road as the sun fell into the Gulf of Mexico. I enjoyed the sunset and the last full moon of the year.  Steve kept singing about Copperhead Road and Charlie don't ya know. I look forward to the next moon and exploring farther south without Charlie don't you know.

Monday, December 24, 2012

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays! 
 This year has been a good year of shelling, photography and exploring.
 Many new shells were collected and new territories explored.
Thank you for being a part of my adventures.
I look forward to many more this year.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
Capt. Brian

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Welcome Capt. Brian's New Compass







The fog rolled in shortly after I left the north end of Cayo last week. I looked down at my compass to get a bearing. The compass was not working. Then I pulled out my handheld GPS and studied the last landmarks as the fog proceeded to get thicker. The GPS worked fine but not having a working compass made me uneasy. Today the new compass was installed. The old compass is from 1981 the same year my boat was built. I have a lot of fond memories with this compass. It has lead me to many places I have dreamed about. It never led me astray. ( Although I have been astray a few times, it wasn't the compass' fault.) I look forward to where this new compass will lead me.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Driftwood And Waves








Spent the morning playing with a new camera lens. I like how the waves move through the tree. Always changing, giving new perspective. Kinda how my week went.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Dolphin Smart Recognized 2013



I am happy to report that I have completed the yearly evaluation for Dolphin Smart. Dolphin Smart promotes responsible viewing of wild dolphins. I look forward to another year of educating people about wild dolphins in their natural habitat. The Dolphin Smart program is in Hawaii, Alabama and Florida. There are only two small boat operators in the whole program.  I am proud to be one of them.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Julie and Bob From Canada


 
 





Julie and Bob are well travelled shellers. I enjoyed listening to Julie's shell stories from Cuba. (Ahh, Cuba, in my dreams.) Bob was easy going and enjoyed the solitude of a beach empty of people. Julie and I walked, talked and stopped to take a few photos of the texture of one of my many favorite trees. Julie found quite possibly the most unique Florida cone that I have seen collected. The colors were amazing and the size for that cone was huge. (I wish I had taken more photographs with a different background) What a great find!  I look forward to next year when we explore again.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Good Times With Elna And Lisa









We left the dock under a sliver of moonlight. Elna and Lisa were troopers. The first spot we went to the sun was not up yet. When the first light hit the beach we witnessed many live olives. Elna found worm shells and this little horse conch. Next we traveled north of secret spot number two in search of mini shells. We filled the box with wentletraps, tusks, rice shells, and other cool finds. On the way back to the marina we saw dolphin and manatee. Lisa and Elna were very happy with their trip. I look forward to our next day on the water.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Shelling Walk And Talk With Fred And Polly









What a fun time with Fred and Polly. Fred found a beautiful worm shell just a few feet from where we anchored the boat. Polly really liked the jingle shells. Polly noticed a large horse conch close to the shoreline. It was live so we took a picture and put it back where it was. I enjoyed showing both Fred and Polly how to find rice shells. There shelling eyes got better as the day went on. We also found two crested tellins. I liked the picture of Polly holding it up with the blue sky as a background.