It’s hot on Sanibel Island in August and September so its the time of year when I try to organize the Rambo Shellaboratory by sorting shells we’ve collected in the past months and try to find room to display them. For months, our shells and bling we found in Okinawa, Japan sat on our dining room table while I tried to find the time to photograph and research all of the ones we couldn’t identify. I even wanted to do another post about the beach bling we found (like Buzz Lightyear, Jeanne!) but life happens and things get away from me when we return from a big trip like that. So now that its scorching hot during the day, I feel like staying in the air conditioning so I can enjoy the shells we’ve already collected instead of collecting more. Today I added a few shelves in the Shellaboratory so we can enjoy looking at our loot and share those precious memories Clark and I had while combing the beaches on that far away land we explored for weeks. I love it!
If you were keeping up with the weather on Sanibel, we’ve been watching Tropical Storm Erika in the Caribbean since we were in her path for a few days. Since we live on an island, we pay close attention when we are in the pathway for any named storm, but fortunately Erika fell apart and is no longer threatening us. That’s not to say that we don’t have some wicked skies…
Clark and I only got a few minutes on the beach before we heard thunder in the distance but we did find one or two treasures.
This morning I went to Sanibel’s Lighthouse Beach to see if anything washed up. I ran into Tam Tam and Don shelling along the pier side of the beach.
They found some awesome shells! Tammy posted this photo on iLoveShelling Facebook page of her incredible LIGHTNING WHELK and this very cool medium sized HORSE CONCH.
And best of all…. Kristen (instagram @_salt_life_ ) found a JUNONIA at Lighthouse Beach! Shellzam! She tagged this photo on iLoveShelling Instagram page. Congratshellations Kristen, it beautiful!
We should have still have some really bad weather this week so I will probably still be “seeking shellter” by sorting and being a Shellab Rat but if I have any news on shells coming in from this weather, I’ll let you know!
Just in case you missed my other post about The Shellaboratory, check it out CLICK HERE
Join me on a Shelling Adventure! For more information and dates CLICK HERE.
We’ll see you for the Big Hickory trip in a couple of days. In the meantime, we’re hoping the storm brings us shell luck!!!
Pam, Your The Shellaboratory is a shellers dream come true!! Ah-mazing!!
Kristen, Congratulations on the Junonia!! Did you find this beauty on shore or in the water?
My husband always asks me jokingly, “How many shells does a girl need?” Today I had an idea….I showed him your Shellaboratory pictures. Suddenly he has gone quiet 😉
hahaha too cute Donna!!!
I did the same thing! Haha!
Donna R from New York, Loved your post regarding your husband’s response. LOL!
Pam, your shell room is my dream come true. Going to have a room like that in my next house. :)
Congrats Kristan on finding that big Junonia. Why can’t I ever find one when I go to Sanibel? SIGH!
Don’t get frustrated. It happens when you least expect it.
Wow, great finds at the lighthouse! We came up empty handed there a few weeks ago, which has never happened. Love the mini horse conchs, but it’s my mission to find one that’s a least as big as a deck of cards. lol.
Your new area in the Shellabatory is fantastic!!!! I love going through those buckets that have been sitting, organizing, and reminiscing about the trip where you collected them. Still have our loot from Sanibel trip to go through. Think I will save it for when the weather is cold so I can dream of warm weather and turquoise Sanibel water………☀️
I am envious of your beautiful Shellaboratory! It does give me inspiration to create a better environment for all my shells. I noticed that you don’t have covers on any of the shell boxes. Was that just for the picture? Is there a reason not to put the box lid on? I have my shell boxes closed,is it better not to do that? We will be in Sanibel Sept 10, hope the beaches still look like your recent pictures!
Jane, I am constantly adding or taking shells from all of those boxes so it would be too time consuming to take the lids off each time… so i keep the lids off. its always a work in progress! I give shells away to people I meet and every passenger on each of my shelling trips so I find, wash, rinse, dry all the shells, sort, put them in containers and then take them back out to refill my giveaway “Shellucky Bucket”- heehee.
I saw Buzz in a place of honor in your Shellaboratory. Made me happy!
Wow! Now I have the inspiration I need to clean out my basement and turn part of it into a shell room! Your shellaboratory is gorgeous. Very jealous of Kristen’s find at Lighthouse Beach, but I know that I’ll find a Junonia someday! Stay safe in the wild weather this week, Pam! Loved our shelling trip with you this past May. I’m one of the two women who met each other on the trip, and discovered that we work for the same company and live about 1/2 hour away from each other in Western Massachusetts! Now, Diane and I keep in touch on Facebook!
Many of us would love to see your collection in person. Did you ever think of putting it on public display? You also have some wonderful material on this website suitable for publication. Some of the fondest memories of my childhood growing up in the late 1950’s is of shelling with my parents and grandparents on Sanibel before the bridge was built to the island. We used to take the ferry over and rent a cottage for the weekend. The shells we collected way back then occupy an honored spot in my living room today, along with some newer ones added on our now annual visits to SW Florida. Thanks for all the effort you put into this website. While it may be a labor of love for you, it is still involves lots of work. It is very much appreciated.
Your Shellaboratory is beautiful!
Congratulations, Kristin! It’s a beauty. Love the shells Tam Tam and Don found. Pam, the Shellaboratory is fabulous!
Pam,
I am in Sanibel Sept 2 – Sept 12. I am staying at Loggerhead Cay. It’s halfway between the lighthouse and gulf side park. So far there are very few shells to get excited about. I even went out at 0130am for low tide to see if it was different…it wasn’t. What beaches at low tide would you recommend. I have been looking for 3 days and have only found live critters. Also do you need volunteers for your shellaboratory. I am very good at organizing things.
Let me know if you have an ideas.
Mary Jo Floyd