4-H Photos, Shelling, and Fun

4-H Photos, Shelling, and Fun

I enjoyed taking four Native Floridians from the panhandle exploring on a photo, shelling, and wildlife outing.  Our trip started with rain clouds lurking in the gulf . We traveled to Cayo Costa and let the rain pass while we took shelter. The younger ladies are very active in 4-H and were interested in taking photos for different categories in 4-H contests. This was music to my ears! One of the girls used 35mm film and her friend used digital while the mom was shooting digital pictures. Grandma was just having fun.  The mom is an excellent sheller and has found great finds in the panhandle of Florida. I put this on my list of places to go shelling.  She also collects miniature shells like the “Sanibel Sisters” do. Believe it or not she showed me a picture of miniture shells she had collected that all fit on the head of a penny.  One of the miniatures was a sand dollar- AMAZING. After an enjoyable walk on the beach collecting shells and photographs we motored back to Captiva.  I enjoyed three generations of Floridians and listening to the stories of 4-H and the beaches of North Florida. Good luck girls on the 4-H photos!

Brian Holaway
relaxandexplore@gmail.com

I have been a Shelling Guide to Cayo Costa State Park since 1995. Many people know me as the Shelling Guide and Captain with Captiva Cruises over the past 20 years. In 2016 I began solely offering private small boat charters to the islands of Pine Island Sound including Cayo Costa State Park, Cabbage Key, Useppa Island, Pine Island and North Captiva. I am a certified Florida Master Naturalist, licensed USCG Captain, avocational photographer, seashell enthusiast and passionate about the history, people and culture of Southwest Florida, especially Cayo Costa. I volunteer as a member of Friends of Cayo Costa State Park and have great respect for the heritage of Cayo Costa. My goal is to provide guests with an overall experience and appreciation for the waters, islands, shells, plants, marine life, wildlife, history and people of this unique area of Southwest Florida.

2 Comments
  • Kathy Pace
    Posted at 19:05h, 03 September

    Thanks Captain Brian for a great trip! Looking forward to our next Sanibel trip sometime in the near future. We appreciate your expertise on our recent excursion, and enjoyed the wonderful photo opportunities! I am back on my hometown beach, Navarre Beach, in beautiful Santa Rosa County, Florida. Tides from the tropical storm yesterday made for a good shelling day in spite of high waves. Found quite a few Lettered Olives, a Cabrits Murex, whelks, Flats, a large Sundial, and a Banded Tulip. Found a part of a larger Junonia so I know they are out there in this area (found a small Junonia this spring). Happy boating! Would love to send some Olives your way!

  • Capt. Brian Holaway
    Posted at 11:12h, 06 September

    Another cabrits murex. You are killing me. Your beach is on my places to go in Florida. Thanks Kathy