Our Sanibel Shellabaloo shelling adventure this week was fabulous! As I’ve said before… shellers are the nicest folks in the world. This was proved one more time as our spectacular group gathered together on the beachfront of the Island Inn to meet each other to spend 4 days collecting seashells and sharing our lives with each other.
Suzi came from England to join us for our exshellent adventure to find beautiful shells and soak up the beautiful sunshine.
Each day we shelled the beach at Island Inn then tried the other beaches of Sanibel like Gulfside City Park and Lighthouse Beach.
Carol from Connecticut had the best luck at Gulfside City Beach finding the mini shells.
Malgorzata from New Jersey, Cindy from Michigan (right) and I hit a mini honey hole so we shellebrated by taking a selfie… errrr… or should I say “shellfie”. heehee
John joined us from Tennessee as he charmed our group with his southern style. And btw, he designed that beeeeauteeeful shell display in the first photo. Gorgeous!
He found such a variety of shells from a double JEWELBOX to OLIVES to a WHITE CRESTED TELLIN.
Talking about southern charm… we had three Texas sisters join us. Lisa, Sonnye and Suzanne have been shelling most of their lives and coming to Sanibel for almost 30 years. We loved hearing their history of shelling the island and other places in the world.
Of course we took a Captiva Cruise to Cayo Costa!
Cindy’s husband Bill took advantage of the crystal clear water to snorkel for shells.
He found a nice size LIGHTNING WHELK!
Clark went on the trip with us too and found a huge KINGS CROWN… but then realized it had a HERMIT CRAB occupying the shell so put it back in the water.
Some of us were lucky to see a MANATEE leisurely swam by to say hi.
I think the most fun we all had was sharing discoveries with each other…
I love sharing our meals together but I think my favorite was “FroYo” at Zebra Frozen Yogurt!
There is still more to come for more shell photos and you’ll get to meet the Shellabalooers a little more on my next post… so stay tuned!
Congrats to all for ur wonderful finds!! Looks like you all had a great time & great weather!!
Carol from CT, we must go shelling together, anytime dear!
Keep shelling
Mary Ann
East Granby. CT
Great weather – great finds! Can’t wait so se more pics!!!
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Looks and sounds like you had a great time!
What great pictures. John found some great shells and did a nice display. And you saw a manatee! Looks like everyone had fun. Can’t wait for more pictures. Pat
how do all of you travel from beach to beach?
Yes, good question. Do you use a few people’s cars? Or everyone take their cars? Or do you pile everyone into a van?
We carpool together as much as possible but what we’ve learned is that most people want to have flexibility so there are always people who want their own car so if they have too much sun or whatever else, they will have choices. It’s very laid back so it all works out and everybody is much happier!
John from Tennessee really made a gorgeous display! It looks like before he came he must have been studying your shell-arranging (with flowers and sea grape leaves etc) on this blog! :)
Oh my – that clear water at Cayo Costa – we just got new fins so we’d be ready to snorkel….looks like the perfect place. Looks like you had lots of fun. Congrats again!
Beautiful weather, amazing shelling, AND Zebra Yogurt, too? AWESOME!
Wonderful pictures! Can hardly wait for your next post.
Suzie (Sanibel)
As a veteran of SB2 I am certain that a good time was had by all! Looking forward to seeing the rest of the story, particularly the shell ‘n tell.
We loved Shellabaloo last August. Sooooo missing Sanibel right now. Looking forward to the Shell n’ Tell photos. Thanks, Pam!
Hello Pam,
I was wondering would you please send me the pics from the Shellabaloo, I would like to make up a scrapbook of this wonderful trip.
Thank you so much for being a gracious host, sharing your knowledge and just a wonderful pleasant person to be around. I can’t wait to come down for another one and have a blast shelling.
Have a lovely day
Malgorzata
This was my fourth trip to Sanibel/Captiva and my first Shellabaloo. I traveled by myself but never felt alone – such a nice group of people.
Pam, when I was resorting shells into my display jars I found a baby’s ear from an earlier trip that I didn’t know I had. So, now I know what to look for. My tiny rice shells and other baby shells I put into those clear plastic boxes with the magnifying tops, so I can see the detail on each. Can’t wait to go back again.
Carol