“After 38 years of searching I ended 2016 with this. It rolled up in front of me at Mitchell’s on West Gulf. A good omen for the new year” said Sue B. on iLoveShelling Facebook page. I couldn’t have been happier to see this photo of Sue and her JUNONIA on Sanibel she posted. I met Sue and her lovely family years ago on the beach and always feel such a connection. Shellzam! ;)
Then I kept scrolling to see other posts and got the same feeling when I saw Diane S and her HORSE CONCH “Yahoo! Number 2 on my Bucket List was checked off today!”. I’m sure this was found in SW Florida, right Diane? Conchratulations!
Then I saw posts of shell finds from around the world. Cool! Mane J. said “My new year gifts from Thailand , I didn’t expect to get special shells as I get most the same every time but !! never thought I could get them both together , love it !!”. SPIDER CONCHS!
“Found this beauty on 90 mile beach Victoria, Australia” said Anna S.. Oh My! That looks like a SOWERBY’S VOLUTE? Shelltastic!
Then Michele B. said ” Exumas, Bahamas…”. I just love the Caribbean and to see other finds around the world.
Back on Captiva Island, Florida …. I scheduled a Shell Love Bug outing at Captiva Cruises so I got to meet folks coming from their shelling trip from Cayo Costa. I’m so happy I did! They were thrilled to see the shell car and fun for Shell Love Bug and I to see their shell finds. (See Shell Love Bug schedule HERE)
It’s gonna be a wonderful new year especially seeing such amazing shell finds from beachcombers around the world.
It’s a brand new year.
Happy New Year, Pam! Shell on.
Happy New Year everyone!
Love that Junonia!
Pam, that was so sweet of you to include my post in yours. Yes, the horse conch was found on Little Hickory Beach. I love seeing all the visitors’ posts as well as yours. Happy Shelling in 2017
I assumed little Hickory but wanted to make sure- it’s so awesome. So happy for you :)
Pam, saw the Shell Love Bug in passing on Dec. 28th. We had just gone on the shelling cruise to Cayo Costa and we’re sitting in traffic! Near miss! Happy New Year and keep on shelln’. Sandi c. From Illinois
So happy you got to see it Sandi! :)
Happy New Year, Pam! Hoping to see you in the spring!
This was a great way to end a cold dreary day in Rhode Island. Can’t wait to arrive next Tuesday in southwest Florida and resume my hunt for a Junonia! Thanks for the happy post!
I have vacationed at Sanibel for years and still have trouble with the no-seeums. I have tried multiple sprays to keep from being taken over of the bug bites. Do you have any suggestions?
Monica,
Maybe the others have other suggestions but I use Avon Skin-So-Soft and it works good for me. Any full-on bug repellent that has Deet works too. Bailey’s sells “After Bite” that really helps with the itch. I had a terrible time when I was there in August (forgot to use the skin-so-soft). The After-Bite was a life saver.
Thank you!!!! I live for shelling but the last few years have been HORRIBLE with the bug bites! I end up staying inside…😔
I will definitely try your suggestion!
You’re welcome. Good luck. :)
I’m finally getting caught up on reading all your Holiday posts. Prince Harry looks like he’s going to keep you on your toes Pam. But what a cutie!!
Congratulations everyone on your beautiful shells. Great Junonia Sue B! I’ll be at Mitchell’s the end of Feb. Hopefully the shells will still be there. :)
Happy New Year to all!!
Hey Katherine! While you are at Mitchell’s at the end of February (lucky you!), get up early and check out the beach area just north of Mitchell’s up to about half way north to Blue Dolphin. Hopefully there will be good thick shell lines at low tide. Do you have some good low tides while you are there?
Hi Susan. I hope you see this since Pam put up a new post. I will definitely check to the north (south has been pretty good for me too). I should have some -.5 and -.6 tides that week. They come early in the morning 3am, 4am, 5am, etc. It always seems to be that way when we come. I’ve got a good flashlight and head lamp but you know, that first step out of bed at that hour is tough…. Ha! I hope you found some good things when you were there in Dec. I’ll keep you posted.
I’m on my way to Sanibel for some quality shelling time. Maybe this will be my year for a Junonia, too! This page has been a godsend in the cold weeks leading up to my trip. Many thanks!
Pam, HAPPY 2017 !! … Thank you for each exquisite photo :) :)
~~*~~~°~~~**~ Shellotte
It’s so fun to see other’s finds from around the world!! We were in Sanibel again in November and absolutely loved it. My husband found a HUGE horse conch as well. We also found a giant Alphabet cone and a nutmeg that was bigger than I’ve ever seen. We had those along with our other finds laying out on the beach taking pictures and a local stopped and was mesmerized by the big Alphabet cone. He visited with us awhile and he told us that the seashells have continued to get less and less on the island. My heart broke! Do you feel that’s true?
Can anyone give me any feedback on staying at Pointe Santo de Sanibel condos? Is the shelling good in that area? I normally stay around the Sanddollar area but I want to try a new location this year.