Fun Day of Shelling and Photography

Rebecca and her kids were out with me last summer. This summer it was Rebecca, her sister Kathy and her kids. We explored the clear water on the out islands for sand dollars and other treasures from the sea. Then it was off to the flats to explore and observe live shells in their habitat. On the way to the flats we encountered a newly formed island that had just appeared as the tide went out. We dropped anchor and set out on this new piece of land .  After walking the newly formed island we made our way to the flats. Rebecca spotted three roseate spoonbills where we anchored. She climbed over the side of the boat barefoot with her camera and started taking photos. The stay on the flats was a short one because of the weather coming in, but we were both able to take numerous photos of the clouds and spoonbills. Thank you Rebecca, Kathy Jamie, Preston and Colin for a fun trip!

                                                                                            Capt. Brian

Introducing Wonders Of The Sea By Karen Robertson and Photographer Brian Holaway

This month Karen finds herself at her favorite Florida Gulf Coast habitat, Captiva Island, where she explores remote unspoiled beaches, accessible only by boat, with guide, photographer and master naturalist, Captain Brian Holaway. For a memorable experience of discovery.

Karen and Captain Brian Holaway

INTRODUCING WONDERS OF THE SEA

1.5 - 3 Million Years Old Shell Fossils

Karen uncovers and acquires one of the largest known and conditioned Florida seashell fossil collections. Encompassing thousands of shells, this most rare and valuable collection will be offered as new framed and table-top artworks for all to treasure and display as home decor.

The above is from Karen Robertson's newsletter. Karen is an award winning designer who loves the sea. I spent last week with Karen photographing her in the out islands.  I am excited to have taken the above photo for this newly designed picture called "Wonders Of The Sea" designed by Karen Robertson. She is lovely to work with and a creative innovator in the world of marine life. This is part of a fossil shell collection  she acquired recently and will take her months to go through. I am looking forward to seeing more of her fossil collection in her designs in the comming months.

Shelling With Katie And Penny

Katie is an avid sheller and probably the youngest blog follower. Katie's mom told me about her daughter's passion for shelling as we left the dock. Katie had reread her shell guide book on the plane ride down from Kansas City.  She found three zig zag scallops, olives, sand dollars, a perfect mini turkey wing along with many other treasures. We walked past thousands of coquinas which was an amazing sight. While we were shelling a pod of dolphins swam close to the beach. It was a most enjoyable day of shelling with Katie and Penny. 

Keep on shelling and HAPPY BIRTHDAY Katie!

Lauren And The Sea Grass Expert Robin

Lauren explored with me with a few months ago with her family. This time it was just her and Robin the sea grass specialist and swimmer. The weather was perfect and the water unusually clear. I wish all days were like this. Lauren had a new underwater camera that she let me use. I enjoyed testing this camera. Lauren is a sand dollar connoisseur and on this trip she added a few to her collection. Robin  enjoyed wiping the sea grass from her mask as she found many new shells. She thought the whole experience was shell excellent. (Robin was not only a sea grass expert but a clever wordsmith.)  The trip ended too soon. Lauren found many sand dollars and Robin enjoyed the sea grass. Thank you Lauren for the use of your underwater camera. I look forward to our next adventure and Robin's report on the sea grass of southwest Florida.