Talk Latin to Me

I found it Susan and Christine!! The lost dichotomous guide for Cayo Costa. Many years ago I was lucky enough to participate in a two day plant class for the rangers of the island and nearby state parks. I relished every moment. ( still do)  The state botanist has long since retired but his work still lives on. Like the great Botanist Jonathan Kunkel Small. I look forward to exploring the island in December looking for plants that both botanists observed.

Shelling Excursion

The November full moon was setting when I left the Marina with four hard core veteran shellers. The wind was  blowing 25 to 30 mph out of the northeast. We traveled to secret spot number four and hit the low tide perfect. Nancy found a beautiful alphabet cone. The olives were all over the place, most of them were alive. You could see the tracks of the olives at the tide line. Many miniatures were collected. (The sanibel sisters would have had a heyday) The wind was still strong as we pulled the anchor and went to another spot farther up the beach. The wind was so strong most of the shells were covered with sand. Gary always manages to find something unique. On this trip he found a nice kings crown. I always look forward to taking out this hardy group of shellers. This trip they were extremely hardy dealing with the wind and watching Captian Brian trying to make the anchor hold.

Trouble in The Tropics

I have a computer down, along with many photos I want to share. Thanks for being patient. I have been shelling, exploring, and making the strange familiar and the familiar strange. I will soon post more. Capt. Brian

October Photos

November is here. I have been enjoying the many white pelicans (winter residents) and the shelling. The cold fronts have started and the shells are rolling in with the heavy seas from the cold fronts. I look forward to the low tides, but not the cold weather.

Shelling on a Beautiful Day with Mary Ann and Michelle

It was one of those days where the shelling was great! (First cold front) The Sanibel sisters would have had a field day (or should I say a tweezer day). Nancy from Minnesota would have been delighted to see so many sharks eyes (don't worry there are plenty for you as usual) it was just a great day for shelling.  Mary Ann and Michelle were most happy by the finds they discovered. I was amazed at the shells that poured in and how the beach contours had changed with the winds .The trip was most enjoyable. We all enjoyed viewing frigate birds ,white pelicans, osprey, an immature  bald eagle and the sounds of being on the water. Thanks for a Great trip!

Backporch Cleaning

The rain has been from here to Cuba for the last 48 hours. I thought," Why not organize my back porch?" It sounded good at the time. Now I need to get more cases to put the shells in. Then putting everything in my own dewy decimal system ( Panama, Everglades, and Cayo Costa) This is going to take a while. Maybe I should have thought this one through better before opening this can of worm shells. Has the rain stopped? Can I go outside now?