This was what it looked like a few evenings ago at Blind Pass on the Sanibel side when the tide was nice and low. There were quite a few people out on the sand bars finding nice shells and enjoying the beautiful sunset.
The biggest find we saw from the afternoon (early evening) was by Derek (MI).
It was a beautiful LIGHTNING WHELK! Nice find Derek! He said he saw something bright white just sitting there in the shallow water and just reached down to pull this up.
Mario, Lori, Paul, Heather and Derek
Derek’s family was there to oooh and ahhhh over his loot.
Kristen found a perfect keeper SAND DOLLAR and her husband Josh was finding lots of FIGHTING CONCHS, COCKLES and OLIVES.
She also found a live STARFISH that she returned safely to the shallows.
Josh's olive
They found so much they had to stash all of their goodies in an empty cooler.
Kristen and Josh's shells
Native Sanibelian Scott (now living in Costa Rica) found a piece of JUNONIA….
Scott (Costa Rica)
At low tide, you can now walk out pretty far again on the Sanibel side of Blind Pass to find FIGHTING CONCHS, WHELKS, OLIVES and COCKLES. But of course that is this week…who knows what next week will bring.
live olive in sand
Beautiful photos! We will be there in less than a month – I can’t wait to enjoy it in person!
Oh how I would love to be there now!
I’m on my way- flight leaves at 7:30am! Blind Pass, here we come :D
Ahhhh ~ thank you for posting the beautiful sunset ~ my most favorite time on the beach!
How can you tell if a sand dollar is alive?
Leann who lives on the island told us if the sand dollar is a greenish / purple and hairy it is alive . Please correct me if I’m wrong .
Happy Mothers Day to all , hope your day is filled with lot’s of joy & happiness .
P.S. 71 days and counting
Yes you are right, Carla! They are “hairy” and brownish/greenish/purplish. Kristen’s sand dollar was really smooth and a lighter color. When they have been dead a long time and are in the sun, they bleach out by themselves and turn white.
Do you live on the Island? thanks so much for all the photo’s and shelling tips. I can’t wait to get back to Sanibel later in the year. Maybe we will see each other on the beach and you can give me some more shelling tips.
Thanks for the awesome pictures, Pam! I love the quiet and peaceful look of the sunset photos sooo much!And WOW… Derek’s Lightning Welk is such a nice find!!
Thanks for the pixs and updates. Counting the days before I will be there. Heard that McT’s and Barcnical Phil’s were sold. Any updates on openings and the food?
McT’s is getting a whole new make over and won’t be called McT’s any more…. have no ide when it will open. Barnacle Phil’s was sold but I think it’s just about the same but they are spiffying it up a bit more. Havent been there in a few months though.
Thank you for replying.
hey pam, thanks for all the spectacular pix! we had to cancel an earlier trip down there cause my 95 yr. old dad passed away (he was suffering so). my husband surprised me with a trip down to sanibel yesterday. we will be down soon. im so excited! whats the best way to get to blind pass? hope we can meet you.
Pam, Can you tell us the name or type of camera you use?
I use a panasonic DMC-ZS6 – it’s a point and shoot- nothing fancy. I’d love a nice camera with a nice zoom lens…even if it’s used.. but oh well….maybe if I’m good Santa will bring me one. ;)
Thanks for the info. Pam
Wow on that giant Lightning Whelk !!!!
Thank you for this website! I look forward to your new posts and new shell finds. Its almost like being there!!
Hey Pam, That Lightning Welk is perfect. Good Job, Derek.
Thank you for the wonderful pictures. It feels like we are still there. We left Florida and are almost home to Minnesota. Thanks Again for the great website. See you in November!
Ginger
Thanks for the amazing pix, Pam. I’m still waiting to see the green flash at sunsets over the gulf. Shelling in the shallows looks to be fantastic. I appreciate sharing a slice of your daily life and treasures.
What an amazing place, just gorgeous! I can’t think of anything better to do with my day. :) Wonderful finds.
Gorgeous photos!!! WOW! Such beautiful treasures! xox!