Immerse in an ECO-Tour and Experience Southwest Florida Islands by Boat

“Captain Brian Holaway is well versed in the intricacies of our unmatched locale. He can guide to and through a multitude of out-of-the way tidal creeks, bayous, keys and islands. More important is his passionate interest and respect for the region. With unique insights from his many explorations and his studies, not only does he identify the birds and wildlife that inhabit our semi-tropical watery land, but he explains their interconnectedness to their environment and each other. In addition, he shares the fascinating history of rugged people who came long before us: Florida Native Indians, the Calusa, the Spanish, the Cubans, early homesteaders, and the wisdom evident in the growth of their culture.

You will come away with great enjoyment and a new understanding of this beautiful place and its history.”

Historian, Betty Anholt
Author of Sanibel’s Story

Friday, March 7, 2014

Shell Fair Festival 2014



























It has been a busy week at the Sanibel Shell Festival. This year I was excited to enter a beautiful albino horse conch that I found a year ago. However, the judges were not as excited as I was about the albino and I did not receive a ribbon. The first place was a beautiful RIGHT handed whelk as opposed to a normal left handed whelk shell.  My friend Rachel did a stellar exhibit on natural pearls. I have a few photos above. Rachel also brought these cameos from a friend of hers who is a 3rd generation carver of shells from a remote island in Honduras. The cameos were my favorite and I am glad to have one in my house. The last photos are of the lovely and extremely talented Audrey O'Donnell who showed me how to thread a rice shell on wire for crafting.  The Shell Festival was a lot of fun, it was great seeing friends and talking shells and crafts.
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Thursday, March 6, 2014

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
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Sunday, March 2, 2014

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
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