It sure feels good to find an ALPHABET CONE again! I’ve been stumped finding the SANIBEL SIX lately so I was excited to find this baby within a half hour of arriving at Blind Pass Sanibel yesterday evening for a somewhat low tide at a .4. I still didn’t find the SANIBEL SIX though since I couldn’t find a TULIP that was in good enough shape but I’m subbing that bright orange CHESTNUT TURBAN on the right as a good find to be very happy.
See how that sand bar has moved right to the beach now? You never know what to expect the beach to look like until you walk out and see if for yourself. Always a surprise.
The tidal pool was loaded with live FIGHTING CONCHS …
On the other side of the tidal pool, shellers were lined up along the shoreline to catch the seashell loot washing up to the beach.
I met so many cool shellers like Joe and Kerry from Sebastian, FL…
..and Karen and Steve from Michigan…
Karen found two gorgeous bright orange CHESTNUT TURBANS.
Here are Tim and Mary Ann (NY) showing off Mary Ann’s cool shell sifter.
I think the prize of the evening was Tim’s incredibly large FLORIDA SPINY JEWELBOX with attached valves. It’s terrific!
Anna (West Virginia) was tickled pink as she filled up her strainer with shells.
She found FIGHTING CONCHS, MUREXES, COCKLES, SCALLOPS and a pretty little TRUE TULIP.
Bob and Johnnie (TN) were on one of the shell piles searching for minis.
And they found them! I loooove this tiny little lemon yellow ROUGH SCALLOP…
They found some other colorful cuties too including a sweet FLAT SCALLOP…
It was a fabulous night meeting so many nice people and seeing the shell piles on the Sanibel side again.
I needed a break from that stupid camera any way. No, I didn’t take any of theses photos with the J1 and by the word “stupid”, I think you can tell I’m still frustrated with it ;( . Anyway, I took a quick little video with my trusted little Panasonic DMC-ZS6 to pan the beach to show you exactly what it looked like and how the beach has changed…. yet again. Oh, and sorry about the sound. The wind noise is horrible but oh well, I just wanted y’all to see it any way.
UPDATE! Set your DVRs and Tivos for Sunday morning!!!
I forgot to mention the Sanibel/seashell story I spoke in my about March 1 post should be airing this Sunday, April 22nd on CBS Sunday Morning.We don’t know exactly when the segment will air, but the show is on 9 – 10:30am (EST) and Bill’s pieces usually run towards the last half hour of the show (10-10:30 Eastern). The disclaimer is that this is TV, and anything can happen – so it is confirmed best to all of our abilities.
What a lovely variety of shells to be found on an ever-changing landscape. The sand bar was much further out a few weeks ago. I have a question about shelling etiquette. During spring break mornings, speed walkers stomped on shells underfoot. I don’t even like sitting on a pile of shells because they might break. Am I being oversensitive? What’s a sheller/beach visitor to do? :) Can’t wait to hear your answer.
JfI, Hmmmm. I hear what your saying. I’ve seen it all out there on the beach and when I’m finding really nice shells in a wrack line then someone stomps right by in that same line, I have to stop and take a breath. Over the years, I’ve talked to so many people that have different ways they enjoy the beach and reasons why they enjoy the beach. I’ve learned that there are plenty of shells here in Sanibel for everybody to find a treasure they can love while others can enjoy taking fast walks (like they may have done with a loved one years before) without noticing the shells. In a perfect world, it’d be nice if those runners, fast walkers or shell-oblivious people would choose not to crunch the shells, but in my humble opinion, they have just as much right to enjoy their day on the beach as much as the (more superior- ;) LOL) shellers. So anyway, don’t get upset at people walking on the shells. We all do it at some point. With those big shell piles, you’ve got to walk on the shells to stake out your spot! There’s plenty for everybody.
Pam,
O.K., I will chill while I’m shelling. No worries. Deep breaths. Be patient. Thanks for your response. It’s good to hear it from a pro like you!
Nice Hauls for everyone!! Never seen the chestnut turbans before~are they a Sanibel Specialty? And I love, love, love that huge double jewelbox–Thats a whopper!!
Love the baby Alphie…can I have it ?…lol
Love the orange turbans too. I met a few of those fine people yesterday too.
Great video Pam and awesome pictures…as usual.
Donnie, uhhhh. that would be NO. LOL You’ve got your own baby alphie! Oh, and lots of those fine folks told us they met you- you’re a super star sheller! heehee
I had to ask…lol.
Poor baby Alphies separated at birth.
Those shellers out there yesterday had skills…I was lucky to find what I did.
Good luck everyone.
I’m itching for October!! No telling what the sand bar will look like by then, but I look forward to finding out!!
Thanks for the video, Pam! Is the sandbar completely gone from the middle of the pass?
The shell finds are great! That jewel box is huuuge!!!
And, just so you know, I like your regular camera!!
That sandbar is amazing…where in the world did that come from….I want a sandbar when I’m there!
I don’t know why I never find shells like this…even at low tide…. when I drive down!
What fantastic finds! Now I know why we can never get a parking space at Blind Pass! Yowza!!!
omg!!!!! we will be there in a few weeks!! hope it will be as full of shells!
Wow! What a great day for orange! My personal favorite color to find. I can’t believe how much the sandbar has moved since we were there for spring break last month.
Save some for me! 36 hours… can…not…wait….. :-))
Gorgeous photos and video. Thanks Pam. You allow all of us to keep one foot in the Gulf, no matter where we are!
Looks like fabulous shelling once again and where I am? NOT THERE!!! argh….(*&&^)0$$#@#….Can’t wait to be there again…..breathe Roxanne breathe….LOL
I love that baby cone and like I told you at lunch last year, the only one I have is the one you gave me so thanks so much again!!
That jewel box is huge. I love the spines! And that little yellow scallop is so cute!! I love the scallops. They have to be the prettiest shell I take for granted. But in the mornings when I am getting ready for work and looking at my shell bowl – they are the ones that grab my attention with their pretty colors and patterns. Yet when I am beachcombing I pass right by them because they are so plentiful.
Anyway looks like it’s a fun time to be on the beach. Thanks for sharing it with us.
OMG I forgot to mention that CBS Sunday Morning will be featuring the Sanibel/seashell story this Sunday, April 22nd on CBS Sunday Morning!!
We don’t know exactly when the segment will air, but the show is on 9 – 10:30am (EST) and Bill Geist’s pieces usually run towards the last half hour of the show (10-10:30 Eastern). The disclaimer is that this is TV, and anything can happen – so it is confirmed best to all of our abilities.
Set your DVRs or Tivos!!
Oh how I hope they don’t let it close up again! Maybe this time both governments will step up and finish the job! I just love Blind Pass, it would be ashamed to let it close!
Oh my goodness, looks like a hunt to be had by all. Wow, great weather, great people, great shelling….oh you are so lucky!!
Count your blessings!
Thanks for sharing.
Happy shelling everyone!
Mary Ann from CT
Can those seashell sifters be purchased in sanibel? We are coming next Sat. And I’m afraid that if I order it, it won’t arrive before we depart. Super excited; praying the shells will be abundant:)
Yes. You can the sifters on the island!
Thanks, Pam!
Good show, Pam! It was so cool to meet you on the beach – what are the chances???? Bob and I are enjoying our last few hours on Sanibel then back to TN with our little minis and hopes of coming back – maybe to live????
Wow! The last time we were there (last October), getting out to the sand bar was almost like swimming the English Channel. What a current. But, it’s always worth it. We’re coming again in a couple of weeks. Can’t wait to try our hand at night collecting using our new I Love Shelling lighted hats.
John and Kathie, Southlake, TX
Watching “CBS Sunday Morning” with fingers crossed. Hoping to see Pam talking with Bill Geist.
We saw the second half of the Bill Geist story. Think CBS will post the complete video on their website?
John & Kathie C, Southlake, TX
We watched the CBS story on Sanibel. Can’t wait for our next trip in May!
Pam, I love your video of the Sanibel side of Blind Pass. The little cottage that I stay in when I visit is right there. I saw you on the CBS video, too!