Hurricane Sandy is still wreaking havoc all along the east coast of the United States so I feel so bad getting excited about some of the shells that we are finding along our shores of Sanibel because of Sandy’s northwest winds. But… we all need a little good news too in times like this… right? So if you still have power in your home, I hope we can spread a little Florida sunshine and share our treasures with you to hopefully make you smile at least once today.
As I picked up this SHARK’S EYE in the next photo, I realized I snagged it up so quickly because it was in such great condition then realized it would be a good idea to let you know what it looked like when I spotted it so you would know what to look for if it was upside down like it was when I found it.
See? It is so different looking if it is laying in the sand with the aperture side up.
There are still oodles of PEN SHELLS lining the beach but I only found a few other shells hiding among them. Down by the water at low tide, there were FIGHTING CONCHS were everywhere!
I met Eric from Ft Lauderdale scoping out the best spot on the beach scooping up handfuls of shells. Happy birthday Eric! You got plenty of gifts from the sea!
I found other fabulous treasures besides seashells at Gulf Side City Park as well… like Shelling Sister Judy from PA!
She immediately showed me some of the goodies she had found around the same spot…
Then Cheryl showed me this big honkin LIGHTHING WHELK she had found!
After I talked with Cheryl about her LIGHTNING WHELK, she told me that I had taken a photo of the backs of her with her sister at Blind Pass watching sunset in June 2011. I remembered that photo! They looked so cute sitting on the beach because all I could see was their backs and matching straw hats while they watched the sun setting right in front of them. It’s the 15th photo down on my post “Sunset, Seashells and Shelling Sisters”… CLICK HERE to see it. Then you will know why I took their photo this way (since they didn’t want me to take their faces… silly girls!) Here is Cheryl and her sister Brenda holding their WHELKS…
Joyce and her daughter Kristin had just gotten started filling their shell bags but were so happy to already find some goodies.
There are some good shells to be found at Gulf Side City Park… BUT, it doesn’t even compare to the shells we found after Hurricane Isaac, Tropical Storm Debby or any of the other storms that brought high northwest winds like this. Blind Pass still is empty of shells- weird. I didn’t find too many good shells on any other beach other than this one… Mother Nature is definitely fickle. She likes to change the rules to stay in control so we don’t ever think we are smarter than she is. You’ve got my respect , Mother Nature!
PS- I did take a few minutes of video so I’ll try to get that downloaded ASAP for you to see on my next post.
well, helllllllllllo Eric from Ft. Lauderdale. haha.
great pics/finds! wish I was there to scoop some up as well!
LOL I forgot to mention that it was Eric’s birthday… I just updated … happy birthday to Eric!
Pam, have you checked out the shelling at the beach accesses on West Gulf?
Just wondering how it was after Sandy. We had great shelling there while staying at the Blue Dolphin after Isaac. Sure miss being there. Had flurries and cold here in Ohio thanks to Sandy.
looks like some nice goodies are coming in!
Came in last Thrusday and everyday we have found plenty of shells….nice variety. Sunday my husband found a conch we think …kind of weathered but for me the largest he has found yet. I found a piece of a lions paw I think the first day we were here. Went out to Bowman beach and about got blown away but still found shells and we found one that I have never seen before and can’t seem to identify.
So over all so far have found a nice mix of shells.
Hello all from Virginia! Hurricane Sandy is finally done. Here in Va we survived much better than NJ, RI AND NY! Pam if you have friends there send them your shelling prayers! Your posts keep us up beat, keep them coming. Va beach probably got it the worst around here. Massive flooding. Going down this weekend.
Love the large welk and moon shell!! I am so ready for January’s shellabaloo!!
We are OK here, were very lucky. The inlaws on the south shore here evacuated to our house for the first time in 42 years and missed being flooded by a margin of about 10 feet. So scary. Two of my husband’s friends’s families had their houses totally flooded out. Thank goodness they had evacuated to higher ground.
Oh Donna..Im so glad to hear you and your family are okay. Your friends on Jersey shore, sorry they lost their homes but good to hear it wasnt their lives. I feel so bad for all of the people up north. I wish there was something I can do to help. Ive donated as much money as I can afford to red cross and I am helping my community collect dry foods togive to red cross too. Tonight as the kids trick r treat for candy we grown ups will trick r treat for canned foods. We hope to get car loads full!!!
Stay safe Donna!!!
Oh my Donna, so glad y’all are okay and I feel so badly for your friends homes. Just glad they evacuated!
could it be ‘gasp’ shelled out!!?!?!?
Thanks for the little bit of Sanibel heaven! Here in North NJ we estimate being without power for at least a week. Trees and power lines down everywhere. But all family, neighbors and pets are fine, so we are thankful. I think I need a bumper sticker – “I’d Rather Be Shelling”!!!
Just came across your website & as I read your posts I realized I heard you talking to the women who you had taken the picture of last year! Wish I would have known who you were so I could have said hello. So my husband & I are here for 3 more days. Where do you recommend we go for early am shelling? Thinking of returning to gulfside city park tomorrow (Halloween morning). Looking forward to following your website when we get home to steamboat springs colorado. Happy shelling everyone!
Do you think the dredging done this past summer at Blind Pass may have effected the way the shells come in?
Crystal, the dredging could effect the shelling to some point but I don’t think it has anything to do with how the shells are washing in with this storm since the winds are so high
Nice pics, wish I was there. Wish I was back in Jersey- for the same reason. Hope all my friends are ok on the shore. Prayers for you all.
You were right about Gulf Side City Park. I found a 4 inch JUNONIA in ankle deep water east of there this morning. We’ve been here since Saturday and have really enjoyed the shelling but this morning was definitely the high point!
Of course, I love your blog. You have lots of great information here so thank you for all your hard work.