As much as I love cold fronts blowing NW winds through SW Florida to bring loads of shells, the simple pleasure of walking the beach on a warm sunny day in December looking for minis … is what makes me tic.
Seeing a fresh pocket of shells washing up on the beach as the tide flows puts a smile on my face every time.
Sisters Linda (NY) and Sharon (PA) feel the same way. They met on Sanibel every year to comb for treasures knowing that each year they will find something different.
Sharon said she found double JEWELBOXES and her gorgeous yellow RIBBED CANTHARUS in the high tide “mud line” as she called it (which is the semi dried tidal pool). Linda found her sweet mix just at the water edged washing back and forth in the surf line.
Finding my way back to the beach access path at Gulfside City Park, I took this photo of shells that were left on the post for somebody else. The ShellFairy was there! I guess she doesn’t need any more shells but wants someone else to enjoy their beauty too. Hmmm… but why doesn’t she leave little baby HORSE CONCHS?
Dont forget! The Golf Cart Parade is Saturday starting at 3:30. This is the cutest holiday parade ever and it’s the first year I won’t be decorating a golf cart because… Im a judge! You can be a judge too since this year they have added a People’s Choice Award. Go to Captiva Holiday Village at http://captivaholidayvillage.com to get more info. But wait that’s not all, Captiva Luminary is after the parade and it is always a blast – last year Clark and I played the saw in the drum circle at Yolo Watersports… yes, a real saw with a screw driver as an instrument (CLICK HERE to see that crazy sight for sore eyes -heehee). If you can make it to this fun fun event, Clark and I will be a Shell Elves (“Shellves” haha) with our Seashell Santa Hats so if you recognize me or Clark, please say Hello!
This parade is so good- it was on the Travel Channel last year!
After all of the fun Captiva holiday festivities on Saturday, I’m sure you’ll want to be getting back to the beach on Sunday, right? So join me for our iLoveShelling Shelling Adventure to Cayo Costa for a spectacsheller Captiva Cruises trip to the out island. CLICK HERE for more info
another great day walking the beach and finding small treasures that light up your day and if you don’t the great fresh air and beauty of the gulf more than makes up for it see you soon from cold ohio r.g.stein
Hi Pam – Beautiful photos of a beautiful day! Did the Shell Fairy leave that wormie for you?
Oh my! It looks like a bed of gravel. But it’s not! It’s SHELLS!!
Pam, thank you for all of your posts. And what makes this blog so extra extra special are your fabulous photos! Thank you for being such a wonderful photographer. It’s so fun to click on the pictures to make them bigger so that we can see these beautiful shells up close! Great job!
Oh Kaye, thats so nice if you to say! I think I get just as much enjoyment at getting a good photo as getting a good shell these days. Its like i get to collect shells with my camera instead of bringing them home to wash them. Haha
I’m packed and ready to head over tomorrow. Can’t wait for Luminary – so much fun. We will look for you Saturday – look for Orange and Aqua!!!
NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT A SHELL FAIRY. I HAD A SIMILAR HAPPENING AT A BEACH ON THE WEST END OF PANAMA CITY. THE SHELLS ARE NOT AS PLENTIFUL ON THAT STRETCH OF BEACH. AS I WAS LEAVING THAT DAY TOWARDS THE BOARDWALK ON THE SUGARY SAND THERE LAYING WAS A HANDFUL OF TREASURES. I WENT BACK AT A DIFFERENT TIME TO THAT SAME LOCATION AND DID FIND ANY NOW THE SHELL FAIRY IS FOOD FOR THOUGHT.
Love that yellow ribbed cantharus! Wouldn’t mind finding one of those next week… :)
i THOUGHT you were going soon! Have a great trip!! We’ll be there in January!!!
You too Donna! Have a lovely time in January!
I will leave a message on Pam’s blog if I find anything amazing, but since I spend most of my time on my knees and elbows looking for micros, I may not find anything large enough to make most people jealous! ;)
I think I remembered that you always go in December. I guess I’ll miss both of you this year as I’m not going down until the end of Feb. Happy hunting for mini’s and enjoy the Blue Dolphin. Keep us posted on what you find. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that you get good shelling weather.
Oh rats, that’s too bad we’ll miss each other. At least we have Pam to thank for ‘virtually’ introducing us so we could meet up last year! Next year, maybe! Hope you have a great time!!
Thanks so much Katherine. The end of February sounds like a perfect time to go!
It’s funny isn’t it that “good shelling weather” often actually means some nice little storms!!!
But I am sure that I will have a good time, no matter what weather does.
Maybe her pockets were full??
Ha ha, very funny! I am sure that a good shell fairy can always work out another way to carry shells even if her pockets are completely full. ;)