Any day on the water is an amazing day full of adventure.
Being on the water with DOLPHINS playing beside our Captiva Cruises boat on the way to the secluded island of Cayo Costa… was an exhilarating day.
Our iLoveShelling Adventure on Tuesday from Captiva was extra special for me since my life long friend Lori and her daughter Mackenzey were visiting us from Richmond, Virginia. I’ve known Lori since I was knee high so it was a gift to have them both share this experience with me.
Its such a small world, Lori and Mackenzey met other shellers on the boat that are from Richmond, Virginia too… and live about 20 minutes from each other.
It was a beautiful calm clear day with lovely adventurous families.
We had a journey finding happiness and a few gifts from the sea.
Of course everybody received another gift… $25 gift certificate to Congress Jewelers…
The day after our cruise, we had a sad day on Captiva and all of Southwest Florida. Yesterday Paul McCarthy, owner of Captiva Cruises passed away.
The journey of life…. “That you feel the sense of exhilaration and adventure“. These are the words Paul McCarthy lived by.
I have so much to be thankful for to have known Paul. He encouraged me to do these iLoveShelling cruises so I could meet the shelling community face to face instead of only online through my blog. He knew how much I would enjoy sharing my love of shelling in person by being on the water just like our cruise on Tuesday. Of course, he was right and we all should live life to the fullest and be present. He had a special gift of bring people together to learn about the environment and share experiences. He touched so many lives by being so giving of himself to others. We are so grateful to the all of the folks at Captiva Cruises who have worked alongside Paul for so many years and will continue his legacy.
To read more about Paul McCarthy and Captiva Cruises, this is from the our local paper The News-Press http://www.news-press.com/videos/news/2016/08/24/89298162/
Pam, where is the best place to find sand dollars there. I am coming there in 3 weeks and would love to find some.
Hi Terri, On this trip, there were oodles of live sand dollars but only a few folks who found whole white “taker”ones. There are days when the beach is littered with white sand dollars on Cayo Costa.
Beautiful tribute to Paul. A true leader in a community encourages & lifts others up to pursue their dreams. Adds new meaning to sharing with others the beauty of Cayo Costa & the surrounding areas on your shelling excursions. 😔
Thank you sweetie. Paul was a great true leader in every sense so we need to keep learning about this amazing place he encouraged us to share. Xo
Peace be the journey. May Mr Paul find the shellers paradise…sad news….we were just down there about a week ago….love that fantastic island! Hugs Pam. Keep doing what you’re doing.
So sad to hear of Paul’s passing. I don’t think I ever had the good fortune of meeting him in person but I have come across many people in my visits to the island who have said wonderful things about him. I know he will be missed and my condolences to his family and everyone who knew him. This was a beautiful tribute. I’m also sending hugs your way. Thank you Pam.
SO sorry for your loss Pam. BIG HUG
Sounds like Paul was a wonderful man and loved doing what he did. You will miss him. I will be coming from Canada on Oct. 8 and hope to join your shelling trip on the 10th.
God’s comfort to you Pam and all Paul’s family and friends during this time!
Peggy
Many wonderful memories of taking Paul’s island cruises with my parents over the years. I think we did them all. In reading the many articles and tributes to him, it is clear that his was a life well lived. No doubt he will be dearly missed by the islands and anyone who had the good fortune to know him.
Dear Pam,
I am so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. I have enjoyed Captiva Cruises for years and Paul will be dearly missed. I am so glad that he encouraged you to do the cruises and allow your readers/followers to meet you personally. I enjoyed the 1 cruise I went on with you and look forward to going again.
I am wondering if you may be interested in speaking with our girl scout trip about finding and identifying shells? We are a troop from Cape Coral planning to work on a Shell badge and I immediately thought of you first. I don’t see an email for contacting you so I will post mine in case you would be willing to meet our troop sometime on Sanibel: relillygroup(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you :-)