Vetern Shellers Take Two

The mood was far from blue as we left Captiva behind and watched the sun rise at one of my favorite places on earth. The veteran shelllers returned from last week and we explored another Island. I wanted to find tusk shells in a remote region of the island. We found tusk shells and a cornucopia of miniature shells. The Sanibel Sisters would have been having a field day with there tweezers. We found rice shells, mini olives, bubble shells, augers, and 8 tusk shells.  Then we traveled to a sand flat and explored the beauty of the live shells. The trip was most enjoyable. The sounds of the osprey in the morning, hearing the dolphin breath and woodpeckers peck,was most pleasing to the senses. I look forward to exploring more in October with the Veteran Shellers.

Shadows, Shapes And Surf

The early morning light was fun with the camera. I enjoyed taking many photos of the clear water and the feather on the water. You never know what will pass your way.

Full Moon Morning

The morning started with the moon low on the western horizon. I traveled with two veteran shellers to secret spot # 5. Five days before our trip the winds on the gulf were 30 mph plus. I was anxious to check out the high tide line, now that the gulf was finally calm. Many shells were collected. The highlights were Olives, a beautiful Lace Murex, Fighting Conchs, two very large Banded Tulips, excellent worm shells and an Albino Whelk. Observing live Olives was also a treat. The solitude on the beach was pleasing to the ears. I enjoyed exploring with two veteran shellers.

Sunset And Storm Clouds

Tonight the storm clouds were too good not to be out on the water. I took many photos of the sunset and storm clouds. I was hoping for mammatus clouds but they did not appear. The storm started to break up as the sun slid into the Gulf.

Christine, Susan, Elaine And Young Grasshopper Continued

Christine and crew gave me a surprise present ( Actually four). Fossils from far off places. The fossils are all from Madagascar except the Lions Paw it came from the Carolina's. Thank you for the fossils and a fun day on the water.

Susan,Christine, Elaine, and Young Grasshopper

The day before the March full moon, Christine, Susan, Elaine, and Young Grasshopper left the dock in search of shells, a sunset, great food and a moonrise. We all got more than we were looking for. The trip started by traveling to one of my favorites places to eat by the water. The delicious and beautiful Tarpon Lodge. After lunch we toured the 50 acre archaeological site at the Randell Research Center. The vistas from these large shell mounds are stunning. Then we boated over to secret spot #...The entry into this spot was delayed due to other boats in area. Finally, we arrived on a beautiful stretch of beach and the weather was perfect. Time quickly flew by, it was time to move on and get the anchor set to watch the sun fall into the Gulf. The ride was windy and Captain Brian got very wet. The sunset and moonrise were toasted with champagne. We were the only boat out on the water. (Probably due to the high winds:) The moon was beautiful and the sunset and conversation were equally as satisfying. We pulled anchor under an almost full moon and travelled back to the dock. The trip back was memorable and very wet. I dumped over a cup of water out of my boot. Christine and crew are always laid back and enjoy whatever the day unfolds.