Fun Exploring with the Johnson Family

The day before Thanksgiving I had the most enjoyable charter with the Johnson family. I always look forward to exploring with them. They are always up for a new adventure. Early that morning on my way to Captiva from Cayo Costa I noticed a large amount of lightning whelk shells on the sand flats. The tide was every sheller's dream with a negative low tide . We travelled out to a sand bar where the shells were absolutely amazing. Most of the shells were alive so we could not collect them, but some excellent species were collected. We observed on the sand flat live lightning whelks, banded tulips, horseshoe crabs, beautiful starfish and unbelievable bird life. Mellisa loves taking pictures of the bird life and on that day she filled her camera with bald eagles, osprey, willets, great egrets. white pelicans, brown pelicans, great blue herons and the elusive belted king fisher (I had to admit I was jealous of that shot for sure).

After spending the morning on the sand flat we traveled to North Captiva for lunch. After lunch we went to Cayo Costa Island for an afternoon of shell collecting. The beach and weather was perfect. Brian found many great olive shells and Nancy found a very nice moon snail, also called sharks eye (her favorite) but she managed to take home four of these beautiful shells. Melissa walked the beach taking great photos of the birds and landscape. She also took a little side excursion in a kayak for the first time and captured some great photos. Both her mom and dad were surprised. I always look forward to taking this family out.

Sunset Southern Cayo Costa

This past week I stayed on Cayo Costa Island and traveled by boat to work. The first sunset was most amazing. I took numerous photos in Captiva Pass. I drifted with the tide and watched the different light shadow the island. Camping on the island is always enjoyable and full of adventure. Early in the week I took a long walk off a short dock and discovered my I -phone didn't swim as well as I did in my jeans, ugg boots, and fleece. I am still trying to recover emails and phone numbers. I managed to get all my charters in and enjoyed the sunsets, moonrise's, quick swims, and rain showers in the early morning.

Sunset Moonrise

Sunset and moonrise. One more moon and the year is beginning again.

Quiet Beach and Magnificent Frigate Birds

Cayo Costa was quiet today and the water clear. I saw more birds over the island than people. Total people on the south end of Cayo Costa, seven including me. Number of Magnificent Frigate Birds overhead 43. Both a beautiful sight.

Wildlife

The beauty of the great outdoors is always changing. You never know what you might see if you just look. The Bald Eagle in the photo just cruised by with a fish in it's talon. The pod of dolphin had a new born calf. The roseate spoonbill had bands on both legs. The dock that I walk on many times a week had a peaceful sky.

Blue Skies

The skies were nice today. It was quiet on the water. The whole day felt like a day in the Ten Thousand Islands in the Everglades.

Captiva Island Sunset

The light was unbelievable tonight. I took several photos on the bay side of Captiva Island, while cleaning the boat. On my way home the light and sunset were spectacular. I had to stop and take more photos. By the time I reached the south end of Captiva Island, the sky was on fire. I had to stop a second time. I ran to the beach and took pictures of the last orange glow of the day. Every sunset leads to a new day.