If you were outside last night in Southwest Florida, you were lucky to witness a gorgeous cool evening that started with colorful overcast September summer sky …
At Lighthouse Beach on Sanibel, there were scattered lines of common white CLAM and SCALLOP shells on the beach and in the surf… but… it was hard to look any further after seeing hundreds of MOON JELLYFISH (Aurelia aurita).
It was a little creepy to see so many in the water and washing up on the beach since I’ve been stung before (CLICK HERE) but after the initial shock of seeing the MOON JELLY masses and remembering this one doesn’t sting humans, it was so cool to stop and see really how beautiful they are.
Then I looked up at the sky when I turned the corner to see the Sanibel Pier.
I found just a few minis (a few BUBBLES, juvie CONCHS, juvie OLIVES and one TINTED CANTHARUS) and as I looked up again the sky changed to lavender…
Then it changed to a deeper purple…
Then to orange…
Although I didn’t collect many shells… the evening was magical with a feast for the eyes.
Kelly Yaden,
I was there tonight. Saw this sunset and the moon jelly fish. Got a picture to prove it!! I LOVE SHELLING on the beaches of Sanibel!! Lori
Sometimes it’s hard to remember to look up at the sky. Thanks for sharing these wonderful pictures, Pam. It’s hard to believe they’re all from the same evening!
We were at gulf side and a guy found a nice junonia. It was around 7 tonight.
Rachelle! I just heard that….and he’s a friend of ours! He sent a photo to Clark that I will show on my next post. He doesn’t even shell that much since his wife is the real sheller… and he’s the one that finds one. LOL Crazy! hahaha Thanks for telling me Rachelle- I’m glad you saw it too. :)
I know it’s crazy that those who find them are the ones that usually don’t know what they are. :-) Maybe if I hadn’t researched about them before we started coming to sanibel I would have found a dozen by now. Can’t wait for the cruise on Friday.
Hey Pam,
I love those sunset pictures. Can’t wait to be in Florida again on the 20th.
Thanks Pam
HI i have followed your website for four years and it brightens my day each time I read your post, indulge in the awesome photography, and dream of visiting again!
We are spending eight glorious days in Sanibel over Christmas. I am enjoying looking forward to hanging on the beach for most of the visit.
We are traveling with two small maltipoos and we are looking for a person to either stay with them in our condo, or a really awesome place where they could have fun while we enjoy a meal out. Any ideas or recommendations?
Also, best Marina for a fishing trip, best Marina for renting a boat.
Sincere thank you thank you for any help.
Sandi Hill, Huntsville, Alabama/sth54@aol.com
Sandi, Although Pam’s knowledge of Sanibel Island is extensive, you might want to go on the Sanibel Island forum of Trip Advisor, http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g34616-i231-Sanibel_Island_Florida.html and post your questions there.
Pam, your posts continue to delight. Thanks!
The chamber of commerce is really helpful. Did you try them?
Here’s hoping to see some great sunsets & find some treasures on the beaches! My husband & I will arrive on the13th to celebrate our anniversary which is on the 20th. I can’t wait for a week of shelling. It’s our first visit to Sanibel & Fort Meyers.
Sanibel has the BEST sunsets! When I came back after my last visit my camera had just sunset after sunset, with several equally fabulous sunrises in there too! :)
Just beautiful Pam. There’s no way I would do the stoop with a gorgeous sky like that above!
Was just on Sanibel last week w/my Sister and we saw lots of these blobs on the beach. I took pics and was going to send to you so you could tell us what it was, then here is your post! So fun to see and learn from your postings. Quite a few gorgeous sunrises and sunsets this past week. Always a joy to be on Sanibel!
Lovely!
Wonderful! We are flying in Thursday and hope the weather holds and especially for the Cruise Friday!
great pictures of the sky line and the jelly fish and you still got juvies while you were at it so it looked like a good evening in paradise. R.G. STEIN
Breathtakingly beautiful!! Grace-filled moments!:)
Simply gorgeous sunset pictures. I also took pictures of the jellyfish last week. Quite fascinating and happy you reported that they do not sting. Looking forward to coming back next month.
What wonderful pictures!! I can only imagine how breathtaking it was to be there!
Sunsets are beautiful, almost makes up for the lack of shells right now. Pam, where are you hiding them??