We didn’t see huge shell piles on the beaches of Sanibel this Labor Day weekend but the few shells we found off West Gulf Drive beach access #6 were pretty spectacular… like this gigantaur ALPHABET CONE! It’s a whopping 3 inches long and completely in tact without lots of pitting (we usually find the cones “pitted” if they are this big). It’s the biggest CONE we’ve ever found.
A bright orange HORSE CONCH looked like he was burying his head in the shells…
Nobody was home! So he’s a keeper…
I spotted Miss Aqua way down the beach and knew I had to talk to her. Love her choice of color!
As I got closer she picked up something on the beach and got very excited. It was a beautiful double JEWELBOX…
We wanted to check out Blind Pass again so we checked the Sanibel side first. I thought this was the cutest couple holding hands while shelling…
I got a little closer and saw she had on an iLoveShelling lighted cap! She introduced herself as Barbara, the one that won the cap in the iLoveShelling GiveAway in June. So nice to meet you Barbara and Ted. So cool to meet a winner!
we walked the bridge to the Captiva side. As we looked in the water at our bird’s eye view from the bridge, we saw what looked like some good shells mixed in with PEN SHELLS. We called down to the two shellers in the water.
We directed William to a shell… “Go straight. Now look about one o’clock. Okay bend down. Right there!” LOL It was a nice size WHELK but there was somebody home so he had to go back but it was so much fun- I felt like we were playing “Mother May I” or “You’re Geting Warmer” haha
…a lovely weekend
Any weekend on the beach is a lovely weekend!
That double jewel box fascinates me, I’ve never found a double of those.
Wow, me too! That was beautiful!!
I missed you this weekend. We were at Blind Pass Sanibel side. We were shelling in the bay to find the Kings Crown; found quite a few empty ones. I wish I was able to meet you and Clark. Maybe next time.
I also found some nice lace murex and a lot of juvie fighting conchs oh and a few wormies.
Where is the bay where you found the empty king crowns? Under the Blind Pass bridge? Would love to find out and check it out on my next trip!!
Beautiful Alphie! The air here has turned crisp and clear…Autumn has arrived! So I am delighted to see your blog and pictures of sun and sand and shells!
Love the horsie…alphabet cone is awesome too.
2 more days!!!!!!
I can’t wait to read your next blog after these two days of “high surf advisories” for Lee County with southwest winds…. I’m betting you’ll find that Junonia!!! (Walk in FRONT of the hubs…lol)
That cone is beautiful and big. Horsie is nice too. Only 53 more days till we are on Sanibel.
Lee & Bill
I just loved the double jewelbox! What a treasure!
Jealoussssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was wondering if the great shell scooper can be purchased on Sanibel? Or do I need to order them and try to carry on airline? Would they consider that a weapon? he he
They sell them in the shop in Jerry’s shippIng center and i think they still have them at seashell industries on fitzhugh dr. but I think Susick will ship them to your hotel for you too.
Awww, that was you! My hubby and I were at Blind Pass on Saturday and I saw a lady with a water proof camera talking to a couple in the water. It was you! Shucks! I was sitting on the beach with my dog while the hubby was on the low tide sand bar. Darn!
I’m working on a cockle collection for a shell’erific project. I hope to post it as soon as I get it completed. Sorry to have missed meeting you!
Darn!! I’m sorry I missed you too! I just bought that waterproof case and the jury is still out on it. At least my camera is safe but I’m not sure if the photos come out as good. I’m still playing with it. Yes, please post it on the iLS facebook page when you have your cockle collection complete.
My eyes boggled at the site of your awesome 3″ cone!!! Terrific find; Congrats!
Pam,
It was lovely to finally meet you and Clark. Ted and I found some great shells out on the sandbar and in the surf later on Saturday. I’m especially pleased with a 2 inch olive in absolutely perfect condition. Also found what appears to be a nassa, but it doesn’t look like either a white or a bruised. I will have to do more research. Happy shelling!
Barbara
So blessed as always to read your posts Pam! Have been away from pc a bit due to health.. but had to search out your site to get built up! How can you and Clark see from the bridge??? Oh my gosh, to have such great eye sight.. I can’t even see whats in front of me half the time! LOL>>> How great that you were able to hook up with one of your readers, Barbara.. and that she was wearing that hat!…I am sure with all the crazy weather this season you are having lots of fun shelling daily! … Someday,…one day…ahhhh.. until then I just pull out my little box and jar from 2 very special “beach angels”..that I hope are reading this… and look and gaze with deep appreciation of their sacrificial gift of shells to get me through this valley… A huge thank you to both of you if I haven’t already said so earlier! Sorry I havent gotten thank you notes out… just been a crazy 2 months…
Happy Shelling to all that have the blessing of getting to the seaside this season. and please, share your treasures with all of us as Pam and Clark do… so we can…”Shell-abrate” with you..(great word Pam..thanks!)
Cathy B