Robin and John

Robin and John from Arkansas were a pleasure to have on the boat. We started shelling at secret spot #2.  Robin was in heaven with all the shells she was finding. John enjoyed finding sand dollars.  The rainclouds from the Gulf were headed our way. We made the decision to travel to a nearby island for lunch and let the storm pass. The storm passed and the tide was going out strong. We anchored at favorite spot #1 and hit the shell bonanza. Robin found large lightning whelks, fighting conchs, worm shells, shark eyes and angel wings. She also found a beautiful scotch bonnet...... with a hermit crab in it. We let it go back to the water, but not without getting a few good pictures.  John found some large whelks as well.  He also found a perfect banded tulip.  We pulled the anchors and dodged one last storm before getting back to the dock. It was a wonderful trip with Robin and John. I look forward to seeing them again.

Early Morning

I arrived at the marina early and was prepping the boat for a morning trip. I kept looking at the sky, clouds and light. I finally couldn't take it. I pushed the boat off the dock and set out to capture the changing light and colors. My trip was leaving in 20 minutes. I thought, "I can shoot for 20 minutes". I took many photos then went back to the dock. The clouds began to change again and the light was even better. I once again pushed the boat off the dock and motored to a spot in the bay to take even more photos. Looking through the lens I alternated my hand from the lens to the throttle.  I took more photos. The light and clouds were amazing this morning. I even managed to make it back to the dock for my trip on time.

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