Captain Brian Graduates From The Florida Master Naturalist Program

Today I am proud to say that I completed the University of Florida Master Naturalist Program.  This program consists of three modules - Coastal Systems, Upland Habitats and Wetland Systems.  Each module is 40 contact hours including field trips, interpretive talks in the field and classroom work.  I chose to do a plant field guide for my final project.  You can see the field guide in the pictures above.  I am relieved to have this behind me, now it's time to RELAX and EXPLORE!

Carolina Family

I enjoyed  the company of Rita, Shawn, Jen, Christopher, Jacob, and Micheal. The family has been shelling in Southwest Florida for over 20 years. We explored the back country and observed many live shells. We found some excellent shells that were unoccupied. Jen found a nice Lighting whelk and many Olives. Other shells found were Kings Crowns, Gaudia Nautica, Worm shells, Tusk shells, Cockles, Angel Wings, Scallops, Key Hole Limpets, Fighting conchs, Turkey wings and Top shells. The kids had a great time catching fiddler crabs, grandma loved the whole experience. It was a fun day on the water with a very nice family from the Carolina's.

Skies And Driftwood

Sometimes the sky and driftwood speak words I can not find.

Photography And Shelling with Charlie and Louise

I enjoyed the company of Louise and Charlie on our adventure to the out Islands. Charlie took some great shots of the Osprey and shore birds. Louise and I walked and talked about different shell finds and adventures. I look forward to taking both Louise and Charlie out in the fall. Thank you for a very insightful trip.

Camera Club

Members of the Fort Myers Camera Club traveled with me to the historic fish houses. The weather was absolutely perfect for photography.  We even had a few nice white clouds over the out islands that made a perfect back drop through the lens. The photographers also captured some great Osprey photos. Great conversations were enjoyed and many photos taken. It was a great day on the water.

Aries Moon

 

The moon stopped me in my tracks. I took many photos of this moon. I look forward to the next eight moons before  a new year appears on the horizon.

Driftwood

Driftwood is pleasing to the senses. It looks good, feels good, smells good, and sounds good with the water caressing its ancient bark. Lately the driftwood has been broken or taken away from a landscape that I have grown close to over the years. Sometimes driftwood is better left where it decides to fall, drifting in the senses of all who pass by.