Montana and Minnesota Ladies

Great day on the water with a happy group of ladies. I knew it was going to be a great trip when Ann peered over the bow of the boat and said "you are wearing a different hat Capt. Brian." Ann is from Minnesota and her cousins Lynn, Pattie and Lori are from Montana.  Lori's laugh should be a ring tone. Pattie is sharp as a whip and made me laugh. Lynn is an avid sheller and has a great collection. Ann is a crazy sheller and shell crafter. (I am going to do a blog on her wild shell wall she created, so stay tuned for that one)  We left the dock as the sun was rising. The ride out to the island was filled with smiles. Ann stepped of the boat and found the most amazing leafy jewel box that I have seen in 20 years. (I personally have never found one.)  We all enjoyed the sounds of the morning on the beach. The beach was stunning. (no matter how many times I go there, it still is inspiring to the eye) We all enjoyed the beach and I didn't want to leave but I had to get back to the opening ceremonies of the Sanibel Shell Fair. Thank you ladies for a happy day on the water!

  Capt. Brian

Great Finds

 

Kathy is an avid sheller who enjoys learning about the wildlife and marine habits. We left the dock as the sun was coming up and returned nine hours later. We started the trip by going to a remote area across the bay and explored. It was a great walk and talk as we observed marine life.  Next it was out to the barrier islands where a beautiful LIONS PAW was discovered among many other shells. Then we had a quick lunch at an island outpost and then it was back to shelling. Kathy found many olives, tusks, wentletraps, nutmegs and an albino lightning whelk. It was definitely a day for the whelks and a great day of exploring new places. 

      Capt.Brian

Florida Master Naturalist Award of Excellence Nominee

Some of you may remember that I earned the Florida Master Naturalist Credential in 2012.  Recently, I was honored to be nominated by a number of people for the Florida Master Naturalist Award of Excellence.  I learned today that I am not the winning recipient of this award and would like to thank everybody who wrote a letter of nomination.  I am very thankful that I get to show so many people the natural beauty of Southwest Florida which is the greatest award of all.  See you all soon!

    Capt Brian 

Into The Mystic With Caryn and Elizabeth

We left the dock in the fog and returned in the fog. The compass did its job but it was Van Morrison that lead us out of the marina and brought us back. Caryn and Elizabeth chartered the boat for the day and what a day it was. We covered miles of beach in the on and off again fog. Strangely enough in the fog, the water was very clear. We took advantage of this and walked the shallow waters looking for shells in the back country. I pushed the boat as we walked. The birds were hunkered down in the fog. We saw great egrets, snowy egrets and the rare reddish egret. We also witnessed an osprey on the beach with a sheepshead fish in its talons. The birds seemed to be acting different in the fog. When the fog lifted a little we headed to a local island outpost for a delicious lunch. Then it was back to the beach for more shelling. Caryn found a nice scotch bonnet, a britle star, kings crowns and they both found zig zag scallops.

It was a great day of exploring.....Into the Mystic. Thanks Van.

          Capt. Brian