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, April 13, 2011

Flats Photos















I enjoyed taking many photos of  the low tide. Here are some  photos of a recent full moon low tide.Many sheller's plan there trips around the moons. (good thing to do) I currently have a few spots open. The May full moon is almost full. June is close to full. The full moon in July is on the 15th and it is booked. August right now is open, I always enjoy the full moon in August. If you are planning on shelling anywhere in those moon times, you should let me  know.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Beautiful Day in April






I had a great time showing Cindy, Lynn, Theresa, Jennifer,Cameron, and Ashlin around the Islands of Captiva, North Captiva, and Cayo Costa. We started the trip by observing dolphins in the wild.  Soon after we saw manatees. We had the chance to look at these marine mammals for quite a while. It was a first for all on board. After a short boat ride from Captiva we found an isolated stretch of beach where the shelling was good. Cameron and Ashlin found what they were searching for "Sand dollars". The ladies had a great time, and time flew by quickly.

New Bucket


Here are pictures of the old and new bucket. The old bucket has many battle scars and stickers. I christened the new bucket with a sticker from Cayo Costa. If you have a sticker you would like to add to my bucket bring it on down. See ya all soon. Capt. Brian

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Goodbye to a Bucket





 Many of you know my briefcase is a five gallon bucket. After 12 years and over 2,700 days on the water it was finally time to let the bucket out to pasture. Thoughts of my old bucket include campfires, lightning storms, mircobursts, Everglades, anchores weighed, shells collected, sunsets, moon rises, waterspouts, and last but not least, it kept everything dry for 12 years. Farewell to an old bucket!



Thursday, April 7, 2011

Great Family and Great Shelling Day













It was time again for the annual spring trip for Chuck, Christine, Logan and Owen. I always enjoy taking this family out. They have been going with me for many years. We always manage to see something really cool in nature. This time it was a young Bald Eagle learning how to catch fish. The mother would show her how to dive on the water and the young one would reluctantly try. It was a great show of nature. We also watched dolphins play by the beach on North Captiva. The shelling was great on the next Island to the north. Chuck's favorite shell is the lettered olive (it's one of mine too) and boy did we find the lettered olives. Like his son said" Dad ,I think we are at the Olive Garden". We were indeed.  Christine had a great idea of putting the shells on driftwood for a photo. It was another great trip with a family, I always enjoy taking out. Thanks Chuck, Christine, Owen and Logan!  See you guys soon.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Powerful Clouds




I was just getting off the water, when the leading edge of a cold front pushed through. The air temperature dropped and I took many photos of these clouds until the rain would not allow any more.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Relaxing and Exploring





Last week I traveled with one of the first clients I guided as a shell guide in 1994, Hannah Millman.  This trip was nothing but relaxing and exploring and seeing old friends. Hannah and her sister Lizzy along with Clarice traveled with me to Boca Grande.  Hannah drove across Boca Grande Pass while I talked about the history of the Island sitting in the passengers seat up front. Hannah did a great job driving as we cleared Boca Grande Pass. After landing in Boca Grande we  visited old friends. Lisa Hall who makes unbelievable jelwerly out out beach glass was at Boca for two weeks( she is based out of Maine check her out). She had just returned from collecting sea glass in a location that  was intriguing.  A great time was had traveling around the island. We had lunch at one of my favorite restaurants, Temptation's. After lunch we traveled farther south in the back country exploring the nooks and crannies of Cayo Costa. I always enjoy exploring the back country of Cayo Costa and seeing old friends.