Huge tulip and a beer can. photo by Nick Hahn
I think this is the biggest TRUE TULIP I’ve ever seen! We all know how big that beer can is so it’s easy to realize how stinkin’ humongo the shell is. Nick H found this TULIP shell in October off Cayo Costa. YOWZA!
I am trying to remember to take pictures to show the size of shell. We can judge the size of this TRUE TULIP by looking at the shell in relation to the beer can. I got tickled at this picture and the one below showing how some folks creatively show the size of their shells.
Minis on a penny. photo by Rachel Fields
How cute is the penny with minis?!!! It is so easy to see just how small these itty bitty shells are since they all fit on top of this shiny penny. Fun photo, Rachel!
Arrowhead by Carla Barone
Carla always seems to find such interesting beach treasure on Bonita Beach but I think this one takes the cake. I still can’t believe how big this Indian ARROWHEAD is she found last week. You can get perspective of how big it is by the size of her hand. Imagine how old this ARROWHEAD is and who made it. Maybe a Calusa Indian?
Debbie's scotch bonnet
I just had to show you this SCOTCH BONNET that Debbie found last night. She found it at the same exact spot that Clark found his on Tuesday night….. Sanibel side of Blind Pass. Yes, it’s a little worn and chipped but it is still a great find since it is still one piece. Imperfection is beautiful too, right?
Debbie with a scotch bonnet
We’ve had strong north west winds today and I hear the shelling has already started to get good. I hope to be out on the beaches early in the morning to give you reports on what treasures Mother Nature has washed up on our shores. Hmmm … I hope to be able to come up with something clever to put beside the big shells we find tomorrow to give you perspective on how big they all are. I’ll get my gallon milk jug ready (yeah, right).
Can’t wait to see pics of all of your shells! Will you post new pics of Blind Pass as well? Thanks!
OHHHH! northwest winds… you are gonna hit gold!
jealous..jealous..jealous….
Smiles~
Cricket
Love the shells on penny!!
It looks like ya’ll are having fun-as usual!
I didn’t know you could find tulips that big there! I paid $75 for mine last visit!
I have been shelling on Sanibel/Captiva/Cayo Casta for 19 years. The previous largest True Tulip I have found is 5″ long. This one is 8″ long. The guy at the big shell shop by Jerry’s who has been there 47 years tried to by it from me, he said it is the best Tulip he had ever seen from the area. And yes it was empty, found at really low tide under a rock cropping. I don’t think it ever rolled in the surf. It is perfect. I also found a Whelk that is 15″ long and are you ready for this? 20″ around at the widest point. Oh, and also a golden Olive. It was the best trip ever.
That True Tulip is just AMAZING and it’s so beautiful too!
Really pretty shell Debbie. Pam is right (Imperfection is beautiful too, right?)
I believe in Imperfection TOO!!
Love the size comparisons. What about a beach ball for that next big shell!!
Amy
A beach ball! Yes! ….well, it might be harder to I find something that big but now I have a challenge.
Imperfect shells are like laugh lines on people. Well earned!
Love that.
Wow – that is one amazing looking true tulip. Makes me really want to get over there and go shelling. My little true tulips looks like a miniature next to this one. Just beautiful.
How interesting to find an arrow head.
That is one AMAZING true tulip!! Jumbo size, for sure! Wish I was there for those NW winds!!
I was hoping you would publish photos of the blue ribbon prizes from the Shell Show last week. Did you take photos of these?? Sure would have been nice for those of us who couldn’t attend. Thanks.
We have a lead on the Arrowhead. My friend Jen’s father is the curator at the Collier County Museum. After looking at a few pictures of it, he belives that from the shape it is from the Archaic Period, which dates it at least 2500-3000 years old!!! So that predates the Calusa….it even predates Jesus! We are going down on Wednesday to let him get a look at it. I still cannot look at it, touch it or even talk about it without getting chills.
3000 years old!!!! Carla, it’s mind bending. Before the Calusas? Please keep us informed. It’ll probably be in the museum with a sign that says “On Loan By Carla Barone”. WOW
I hope this isn’t a ‘stupid’ question, but… How does a North West wind affect shelling on the South side of Sanibel? I enjoy learning and asking “why” must have driven my mom nuts when I was little! ;)
Check out the picture of Sanibel/Captiva at http://www.iloveshelling.com/blog/parking/ . Any good wind blow coming from the west is going push the water along with the shells and goodies towards our islands. I like to see what Blind Pass brings when it is a north west wind because that area sticks out more towards the north.
Oh, yes. I understand now. I had forgotten Sanibel curves to the North. I guess I need to go back so I can reacquaint myself!!
See you on the beach this Saturday! Thank you for a great blog.
I’ll be there this coming Tuesday.
Can’t wait.
Pam, how do we find you on the beach?
Susan from Toronto
always amazed at the things you post…unique and beatiful