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.”
I enjoyed taking Gail and Hal around the islands looking for shells. They got hooked on shelling in Mexico. It was their first time to this area shelling. Our first stop was at a little spot I like to stop at when the wind is just right because nobody shells there. :) We started by finding a tusk shell. Then a paper fig. Hal has a keen eye for finding coquinas and found many doubles of yellow, pink, and blue. After shelling at secret spot number one we cruised to secret spot number two. The day before the wind was out of the west with a big gentle swell pushing in. (I love those gentle swells. I could watch them forever.) Today the Gulf had layed down considerably since I left it 11 hours ago. I had a feeling secret spot number two would be good. It turned out to be very good. We found many olives and a few sand dollars. Gail found many beautiful lighting whelks and one outstanding albino lightning whelk. Hal with his keen eye found two kings crowns, then Gail found the third one of the day not far from where the others were found. Then the beach revealed an elusive scotch bonnet. (I thought of my friend Moria, and then Pam, then I took a photo with shaky hands) It was a great day of shelling. Thank you Hal and Gail. Great finds!
