I had to pull the car over on one of the causeway islands last night on my way back to Sanibel because the sunset was so pretty. It always makes running errands so much more enjoyable when I can time it to return to the island at sunset. Ahhhh. Makes it worth it.
I also thought it was worth the trip to Blind Pass today to see if the shells were starting to show up again. To me, the shells have seemed a little scarce there lately for some reason. We’ve just had so much sand filling in again so I’ve been hoping for some good west winds to bring back the shells. I’m seeing more showing up now! Especially BITTERSWEETS. I saw quite a few today!
I think this is the first BABY’S EAR that I’ve ever found at Blind Pass Sanibel. After I found this one, I found one more in the same area mixed in with the same type Beach Bling.
Leo from Chicago showed me some cool live creatures he found before he set the free in the water.
This is a live PURPLE SEA URCHIN hanging on to a live PEN SHELL. See how the PEN SHELL is partly opened? This is how Sandy The Sanderling got in trouble by putting her beak in there. It slammed shut on her beak and wouldn’t let go. Ouch! If you missed that story click HERE.
This wrack line looks like a good sign to me for the next few days.
I didn’t find loads of shells today but it was just good to get back on the beach on this beautiful day. I like quality these days over quantity. My BITTERSWEETS and BABY’S EARS made my day soooo much better.
I’m getting back into my routine so I’ll be out tomorrow again to find out if there are any other shell spots hiding out there. Have you been finding great shells lately?
I want to thank you guys again for your feedback on my new i Love Shelling Shop. I’ll continue to add designs and merchandise so you can stay closer to Sanibel and we all can show off our love for shelling.
What a beautiful sunset, and beach pics as well! Thanks for sharing!
I’ve never found a baby’s ear. They are so pretty and look so delicate.
I was laughing—that pen shell is even uglier alive than dead. Nice to see it go back in the water. ;)
That sunset just brought my blood pressure down–thank you.
Hi Pam! Great to see the photos attached. Loved the babys ear and the website! Will check here often. Good to see you again this year
Nice sunset picture. The sunsets there are so much prettier than they are here in Chicago. The best shells I’ve found lately are the one’s in Della’s jewelry. Check out my blog today to see what she’s been making!
Gorgeous sunset! Well, I may be a little like Sandy the Sanderling myself… I was visiting Caladesi Island yesterday and I came across a rather large pen shell. I happened to stick my finger a little too close (I was curious) and it snapped my finger pretty good. I learned my lesson for sure!
I’ll give you credit for courage– not sure I would put my finger near anything as gruesome as that living pen shell. I agree with Lizabeth the pen shell is definitely uglier alive than dead! I stick with dead shells– prettier and safer…
Beautiful sunset. Will have to get down to Blind Pass and check it out.
Bill comes back on Monday.
Lee
I still miss the island sooo much!!!!! Thanks for sharing your wonderful pictures… awesome sunset…
That sunset is just beautiful…. its freezing here in Delaware in the 30’s. I wish I was on Sanibel.
You are the single best ambassador for Sanibel Island! We live on the beach in California and I have always wanted to go to Sanibel. My husband brought me in September for my bday. We came across your website while researching your beautiful island and we learned so much before we ever got on the plane. You made our trip so much better. A few years ago when we became empty nesters we decided to go some place different for every vacation but I read your website every day and I think I just want to go back to Sanibel. The bed in our guest room is still covered in sorted shells that are clean and ready for a project. Thank you for every bit of info you share. Cindy
Pam, thanks for showing the living shells. It’s certainly an educational opportunity for those of us who only stay a brief time in your paradise. I didn’t appreciated how much the waves, sand and (I assume) assorted critters clean the shells before they end up on the beach.
Hi!
That is so strange….we live in Mexico on the Sea of Cortez which connects to the Pacific – and all of us who are beachcombers have been saying there seem to be less shells lately…. I noticed you made a similar comment….just makes you say hmmm.
I have family in Cape Coral and we have visited Sanibel once…. very wonderful little place!!
PS I love your blog stories…. very nice.
Naomi Black
Puerto Penasco, Sonora, MX
Naomi, for our area, I know the reason why we haven’t seen great shells lately. We’ve had east winds for almost 3 weeks now which doesn’t help push the shells up on our beaches. When we get winds coming across the gulf (west winds), we see oodles of shells roll up. Maybe it’s the same for your area…. wind direction and no storms?
Hi! A few months back we were in Florida and my son found an alphabet cone and you put him in your blog…it seemed to be highlight of his life! he was so proud….so, just wanted to thank you for that!
Also I am wondering if there any Sanibel/Captiva shellers who follows this blog who would be interested in sending me some interesting mini shells….I make jewelry out of the neat ones we find but am running low and we wont be back to Sanibel for several months!! I just started selling some online (hence the website) if you wanted to see what I’m looking for… I would so appreciate it!
Also I am sure I have misidentified some of my jewelry’s shells, please be kind Im no expert :( but will gladly accept the corrections…Thanks all
Um…There were no grammatical typos when I clicked on ‘submit’….I’m sure of it!
Darnit.