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Matt And Sara

18 Oct Matt And Sara

Posted at 01:12h in Uncategorized by
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It was a great morning and half the afternoon with Matt and Sara from the great state of Nebraska. They were first time customers but long time shellers. Matt has been coming to the islands since he was a little boy. He knows his shells and also enjoys the wildlife. Sara has picked up on the shelling and is a very determined sheller. She got into her “shelling zone” and Matt and I let her stay there. She wanted to find an angel wing, and on the walk back pulled one out of an old high tide line. Matt and I managed to obtain a extremely cool stingray barb, the colors on it were unlike any I have ever found. We also found a few fossilized sharks teeth and pieces of teeth. (I think its time to go north and see my friend Karen and find more sharks teeth) We  pulled the anchor and set off for the Tarpon Lodge.  Shortly after pulling the anchor we saw many dolphin. I noticed a new born dolphin that could not of been over 48 hours old. What an amazing sight in the wild.You never know what nature will throw your way. After viewing the mother dolphin and baby from a safe distance we continued over to the Tarpon Lodge. Matt and Sara loved the food and atmosphere at the Tarpon Lodge. I enjoyed the conversations at lunch as much as the food.  On the trip back to Captiva we made a surprise stop at Capt. Brian’s secret spot “no number”. Sara doesn’t like surprises but she liked this spot. Thank you Matt and Sara for a wonderful day on the water and for being troopers at Secret spot “no number”.

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.

9 Comments
  • gpc
    Posted at 12:50h, 18 October

    Sounds like a fun trip – how amazing to see a baby dolphin! I've never found tusk shells and can't wait to develop 'the eye' for those on my next trip. And I've been wishin' wishin' to get back to visit Karen again, too, and find more teeth! Meanwhile, I try to pacify myself with your photos and trip descriptions. 🙂

  • Traci Mason
    Posted at 12:50h, 18 October

    Omg..look at those little barnicles…I just love barnicles, one of my favoritrs to collect!!

    A new born baby dolphin..wow…how cool is that. Thats a rare site to a new born. Did u get pictures? I imagine not, probably to far away to get a good shot.

    Sounds like a great time and some new friends!

  • Matt and Sarah Wickencamp
    Posted at 18:20h, 18 October

    What a perfect account of our trip yesterday! There were so many highlights and the memories you helped create will make us smile when it's cold and snowy back in Nebraska :). Your a great captain, guide, and now friend. We look forward to another trip with you the next time we're here. Thanks so much for a great day capt Brian!!

  • Kim@Snug Harbor
    Posted at 21:13h, 18 October

    I'd love to see a baby dolphin – what a thrill! Why is a shovel tied to the tree branch?

  • Capt. Brian Holaway
    Posted at 01:47h, 19 October

    Traci, I kept a safe distance from momma dolphin and her newborn. I only got one good look at the little one. I tried to get a good shot but it never happened. Honestly I just wanted the mom to be with her baby. Sometimes you just are happy to have the snapshot in your mind. It was one of those days.

  • Capt. Brian Holaway
    Posted at 01:49h, 19 October

    Kim, the shovel on the tree was just random. I guess someone put it there. I thought it was cool for random sakes. You never know what you will see.

  • Capt. Brian Holaway
    Posted at 01:54h, 19 October

    gpc, Karen is the best.

  • Capt. Brian Holaway
    Posted at 01:56h, 19 October

    Thank you Matt and Sara. It was a great day.

  • Moira
    Posted at 02:54h, 21 October

    ooohhhh – more new fans!! and cool finds, too!!!