Clyde Turns 70 in the Swamp

Clyde Butcher turned 70 years young and was having people over to his studio in the Everglades. I was happy to go to his studio today and see his new work and also enjoy his old work. He has photos of Cayo Costa that I have admired for over 18 years. Clyde signed a book of his photos of Cuba for me as we talked about Cayo Costa and Cuba. He has extraordinary photos from both places. After the signing of the book I went on a little photo safari in the swamp. Clyde's work is inspiring in many ways. Thank you, Clyde. On the way out of the glades I purchased some beautiful bead work from Veronica, who grew up in the glades and is keeping the Miccosukee tradition alive with her bead work. Thank you Veronica.

Isaac Shells

Today I traveled 60 miles in my boat looking for shells. I ended up on my favorite island close to one of my secret spots. The boat came to a screeching halt when I saw a pile of shells. After both anchors were set the collecting began. The shell pile was up to my waist. (Note to self, next time bring a rake to sift the shells.) I used one of my old tricks in the shell piles. (A few of you know this trick) There was just too much to focus on. I went back and forth again and again. The funny thing is I left more lightning whelks then I took. The olives were fabulous, smooth and shiny, the sharks eyes were a pleasant surprise. It was a great day of shelling. I look forward to scouting more areas to shell. There were pockets of shells in a couple of my secret spots. I am anxious to check those out on future trips.

Capt. Brian's Back Porch Goes Inside

Tropical storm Isaac is forecast to scoot by later today through the night. There are many things to prepare for in a storm and yes shells are one of them. I spent much of the morning putting the shells off my back porch in safe containers. It was kind of like old home week. Every shell tells a story. I was remembering where I found the shells, Cayo Costa on a December full moon, The Ten Thousand Islands on a January full moon, Cayo Costa on a hot and sweaty day in August, Panama meeting new friends, camping on my boat under the stars, every shell tells a story. It is one of the beautiful things about shelling. I have included a picture of my boat and where it rides out tropical weather when we get it. The last picture is of two good luck shells that will stay on the boat to help ride out the storm. My thoughts go out to all my shelling friends along the Gulf Coast from Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, take care in the storm. I look forward to seeing you all soon. Capt. Brian

The Colman / Junonia Family

Wow! What a day of shelling.  I had a great time cruising and shelling with Janet, Evan, Sam and Justin.  We started our trip by listening to dolphin breathe. It only got better when we hit the beach. Evan found a great Lighting Whelk and the kids were finding Tulips and many Fighting Conchs. Then we traveled to secret spot number five. Janet was finding Apple Murex, Sharks Eyes, Worm shells , Cones, Lace Murex , and many other great shells. I bent over to grab a Apple Murex, and turned to show the shell to Janet when her son Justin picked up something a foot from where the Murex was at. He said" I found a Junonia". Sure enough he did! Great find Justin! Not less than 10 minutes later his brother Sam found a beautiful piece of a Junonia (Great find Sam). The day before at blind pass Janet also found a piece of Junonia.  The Colman family were great shellers today. Congratulation's on your great finds!

Exploring The Flats And The Beach

It was a great day on the water with Todd, Kate, Caleb, Josh, Sam and Kate's dad, Ray. We observed manatee and many species of bird life on the boat ride to our first destination, the crystal clear flats. We walked the flats and Todd found a extremely large live Lightning Whelk. We took many pictures and put it back in the water. The flats were alive with Horse Conchs, Stingrays, Horseshoe Crabs and Hermit Crabs. After exploring the flats we traveled to the beach. The beach was full of shells that were deposited the day before in the high wind.  We found Sun Ray Venus, Turkey Wings, Lightning Whelk, Sand Dollars and the most amazing arrangement of jingle shells I have ever seen. The jingles were all stuck together in what looked like a flower. The really cool thing about this is that both sides of the jingles were there. Ray is a long time outdoorsman and literally two minutes after I explained to him what a Lions Paw was he found one! It was a great day of exploring!