Happiness! Super Sheller Clark was like a giddy kid when he found this big HORSE CONCH on a low tide sand bar last night at Blind Pass Sanibel. He heard that HORSE CONCH calling his name.
I would NOT suggest shelling when the rip currents are strong and the water is rough but Clark waited until the tide got low enough last night and knows how to read and maneuver our local waters….
..to bring this baby to shore.
I’ll clean this gem up like I did in this tutorial… CLICK HERE.
As Clark was in the water, I on the other hand, decided to stay safely close to the shore line to watch the shells roll in with the current and found a few shells lodged in the jetty rocks on the Captiva side…
The high north west winds (20-30mph) and cold weather (50s… I know, might not be cold to everybody!) hadn’t brought in huge piles of shells (only small piles as of last night) but the rushing current waters were bringing in nice shells like this…
I was actually “catching” them in the current as the tide was going out from Pine Island Sound through the pass (channel) into the Gulf Of Mexico at a pretty fast pace. Now you’ll be able to see why every day and every hour the shelling changes. The water, sand and shells roll in… then the water, sand and shells roll out to expose a different view every second. Enjoy the video!
Oh and PS! As of today 3-27-13, There was one room cancelation for the Shellabaloo so you have a chance to join us May 6 through 9! For more info CLICK HERE
Grats on the lovely horse conch, Clark! Thanks for the video, Pam! Kudos to you for remembering not to drop the video camera while scooping up those shells. I feel like I’d probably get too excited over those flashes of color and end up getting it in the water!
Lol….your video is funny!! Been there done that!! I have stood out there when tide is going out trying like hell to catch those shells!! It makes for some fun! When its like that its not the Sanibel stoop…its the Sanibel Pounce…like a cat!!! Hahaha…how fun!!
Okay Pam I am with you and stay on solid land..or semi solid, Clark is crazy…notice he was the only one out there too! But he also got the reward for it!!! He is the Sanibel shell stalker…winds and rip currents don’t stop him!! Hahahaha..
You have to take a risk to get a gem! Wish I had the guts to do that!
LOL I felt like I was trying to catch those shells too. 38 more days. I cant wait. I am sooooo hoping for a large Conch like Clarks.. Its on my dads bucket list and he is coming with this time.
Where are you staying? 38 more days for me, too!!!
I hope you two get to meet up! :) i got to meet Katherine haskins when we realized we were both on sanibel at the same time! It made my trip extra special!!
Awww, thank you Donna. It was really great to meet you too. Moira and Penny, it you get a chance, try to do it. I makes the trip extra special.
:)
Oops submitted an answer below so this is a repeat. Island Inn May 7-14. Where are you staying?
WOW…that is a Mac Daddy of a Horse Conch! Congrats to Clark! I like the “shell stalker” moniker for you, Clark. He is just a shell magnet man! LOL I’m with you, Pam, I like my feet firmly planted. I’m afraid I would fall and not be able to get up what with that water flowing so fast…I’ve been at that spot with the tide going out and it is STRONG.
Now, Rick, my husband could navigate that sand bar Clark was on ’cause he’s like 6’5″ tall. Hmmmm…maybe I’ll send him out there this next week to Conch hunt. Thanks for the vid. Ciao for now.
I agree with you about staying close to shore. It’s too scarey to go out that far in the water. I find the sand is so soft and unstable around blind pass- I have to walk very carefully. Great conch that Clark found. Hope more shells roll up.
Pat
Clark is listening to the ocean! – is it telling him where his next super shell will be?!
Now THATS what I’m talking about!!!! Mac Daddy Horse Conch!!!! Great job!
Love your blog! Been reading it for the past month before our first family trip to Sanibel. That’s our family shelling at the beginning of your video. Was so surprised to see the video today and had no idea who you were. Thanks for the beautiful Tellin (I think, as I am still learning the names of all these shells) you gave my wife and for all the great photos and advice on your blog. Keep it up!
Awesome Horse Conch….I need to get out there soon.
Moira, we are at the Island Inn May 7-14.
So nice to see a big o’ grin on Clark’s face again. That is my dream shell right there. I know you will all think I’m nuts but I’d rather find this shell than a Junonia. Shhhh….my secret! Lol.
Those were some nice shells rolling in as well.
OH I wish I found your site before our trip to Sanibel! I look forward to more of your posts and will check back often for the shelling year round.
Best Wishes,
Heather
Clark is too cute! Love it! I am so jealous. Every time I find a huge horse conch or whelk, it’s alive! That is great too see but would love a big empty one! Cannot wait to get there on Saturday! I am bringing my husband for the first time! I wonder if it will get warm enough to be in the water? Awesome video, Pam! :) Sherri from MN
What a beautiful horse conch! Well done Super Sheller Clark! He knows how to find nice fresh shells; he has uncanny skills!
What a gorgeous horse conch! When I find ones that size, there’s always a critter inside. :-)
What a specatular find Clark! Can’t wait to see how it “cleans up”! Thanks for the video Pam. That could be fun to just stand there and watch the shells roll by, and pounce on ’em! (Still thinking about my Cayo Costa trip on pre St Pat’s Day-what a fun morrning!)
What a great horse conch! The only ones I ever found were “ponies” – little tiny ones!!! Maybe someday I’ll be in the right place at the right time – happy shelling to everyone.
hahaha i Love it. “ponies”! LOL
Love the video! It’s almost as much fun as being there.
I have never been around when the tide was going out. It looks cool to see the water rolling out instead of coming in! Wish I was there.
Pam, I am so thankful for your postings and cybe shelling. My girls and I have been shelling, starting on Sanibel, since the 70’s. Have boxes of shells and sharks teeth I shipped home in past years. It is my passion. I will be on your Cayo Costa trip May 19 and then staying at Island Inn that night. Cannot wait. I will be on Manasota Key for the whole month of May. It’s getting CLOSE! Hope to share shelling stories with you then.
I’ll be coming to Sanibel on Easter Sunday, March 31st, for a week, and can’t wait to get out into the water and onto the beaches to find treasures again! We haven’t been to Sanibel for a couple of years, and need to rejuvenate! Of course, I always bring an extra empty bag with me to carry home shells. (Okay, sometimes my husband has been the one who carries them through the airports for me!)
I have also been known to ship them home because my bags are too full :) Hoping to find a horse or pony conch this time, just like Clark did!