Gift From The Sea

What a day! Today I had two shelling trips. I scheduled the trips so I could jump off my boat and run down to Sanibel to go to a book signing between trips. Reeve Lindbergh, the daughter of Ann Morrow Lindbergh, was signing the book called  "Against Wind and Tide" a collection of letters and journals of her mother's. Reeve also signed a copy of the 50 year edition of "Gift By The Sea". It was a great day. I will always treasure this gift by the sea.

Sunset Tonight

Great sunset tonight on the water. John Mayer played his acoustic guitar as the sun slipped into the gulf. He sang Free Falling. Nothing but the notes, words and the sound of the incoming tide on the boat. I look forward to seeing the sun rise in just a few short hours on the water.

Photographer and Shell Collector, Kristen, from Kansas City

This week, I took Kristen from Kansas City out for the whole day.  We left the marina as the moon was setting and the sun rising, then returned to the dock as the sun set.  We started out on the flats taking pictures of the shells and marine life in the morning light. The conditions were perfect for photography on the flats.  I took over 300 photos before 9:00am. After shelling on the flats, we shelled the beach before taking off to the Tarpon Lodge for a delicious lunch.  Following lunch, we walked pre-columbian shell mounds at the Randall Research Center Site. The seas were calm which allowed me to travel near the north end of Cayo Costa in search of dolphin which she photographed for nearly 30 minutes. The remainder of the afternoon was spent shelling the beaches.  Kristen has a talented eye for photography and I always learn something from her perspective.

Thank you Kristen for a fun and educational day of shooting photos and shelling on the water.

Veteran Shellers

Long time Sanibel shellers from Canada joined me for a beautiful day of shelling and wildlife viewing. The dolphins were in a playful mood. I was most impressed by the keen eye of veteran sheller Chris. Chris found the largest nutmeg I have ever seen. The horse conch was a great find.That size of horse conch is hard to find. Great finds, Keep on shelling!

Time On The Water

 

Today I watched the sunrise, the sunset and the moon rise on the water.

Mississippi Girls

 

 

Five adventurous "Mississippi Girls" went exploring with me to a couple of secret spots and a new spot. The shelling was good and the finds of the day were a huge winged oyster, a piece of a lion's paw, a piece of junonia, sand dollars, a large piece of coral and a beautiful sea whip. These ladies were a lot of fun and the weather was perfect. I look forward to our next outing.

P.S. Things are booking up for February and March  if you are thinking of going out in those months you may want to plan ahead.