Capt. Brian's Observations On The Water

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

Sunday, July 24, 2011

The King Family

I enjoyed showing the King family around the islands. We started the trip exploring the flats where we found a beautiful kings crown and three horseshoe crabs. Next in our journey we traveled to Cayo Costa. They King family was in search of calico clams and sun ray venus. The searching went well, many calico's were collected as well as sun ray venus, and lettered olive shells. The weather was beautiful. On the return trip we all got to see a observe a loggerhead turtle in the water. I managed to get a picture from a distance.( You can zoom in on the fifth photo above) This was the perfect ending to a enjoyable day.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Clouds on Cayo

Today the clouds over Cayo Costa were mesmerizing. I took many photo's with my mouth watering. I look forward to watering my feet tomorrow on Cayo Costa.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Fossiling with a Native

The trip up to Englewood was was pleasing to the senses. Finding shark teeth and fossilized bones were equally satisfying . I had the help of "The Essential Beachcomber" who is a native Floridian and a beachcomber extraordinaire. She lives in the Englewood area and knows the nooks and crannies of all the surrounding beaches and what to look for. I was most grateful that she took time out of her schedule to show me her favorite spots to look for fossilized shark teeth and fossilized bone. She even knew of an off the beaten path area to look for fossilized shells. I never knew there were so many ways to acquire these fossils. Different techniques were used according to the tides. I learned a lot from the Essential Beachcomber while she combed the beaches and talked as she walked. Many thanks again to the Essential Beachcomber for the insights on the local history as well as showing me how and where to find the fossilized sharks teeth.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Fossiling Expedition Part 1

Like the tide the full moon waits for no one. This is what I was thinking as I woke up at 3:30 in the morning . My plan was to watch the full moon set as I traveled up the coast to Englewood, Florida in search of fossilized shark teeth. Billy Gibbons was playing his guitar as the moon set and the sun emerged. I enjoyed the sounds of Billy's guitar as the moon and sun took turns falling and rising from the south end of Cayo Costa. I got a little distracted in the early morning light and took over 300 photos of Cayo Costa before I told myself that was enough. Then I took a dozen more. Later that day I was welcomed to Engelwood by a fellow beachcomber, actually,"The Essential Beachcomber". More soon to come.

Pages