Sanibel Sisters

Sanibel Sisters

Three crafty, avid, and extreme sheller’s traveled with me today in search of miniature shells.  They are known as the “Sanibel Sisters”. Every year these sisters leave there home state of California and spend days shelling on Sanibel and Captiva. The lady’s came equipped with shell containers for certain types of shells and something I have never seen before, 14 inch tweezers. Yes 14 inch tweezers. They used this tool very efficiently for picking up miniature shells.  I was impressed.  They found many miniature’s and worm shells, a periwinkle, and five and a half baby’s ears. We shelled until after sunset. The island was quiet and nothing around but the sound of the gentle surf and a pileated woodpecker pecking away on a black mangrove tree. One of the sisters had a amazing tattoo of a seahorse. She was kind enough to let me share it on my blog. I enjoyed learning  from the Sanibel Sisters.  After the sun slipped over the horizon and the woodpecker was silent we traveled back to Captiva under a half moon.

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.

4 Comments
  • Kim@Snug Harbor
    Posted at 00:32h, 14 May

    Awesome tattoo!

  • Little Black Scrap Cat
    Posted at 00:32h, 14 May

    I do believe I have met these particular "shelling sistahs"!! I have seen them work their magic with their very large tweezers, too. Fabulous women!

  • Jen S.
    Posted at 00:32h, 14 May

    Sounds like the Sanibel Sisters had a great time with you. That's wonderful. They sure came well equipped…tweezers and all 🙂
    And what a very cool tattoo!

  • pam @ iLoveShelling
    Posted at 03:35h, 22 May

    Way to go Sanibel Tweezer Sisters! Looks like you found many mini favs….. and I see a wormie in there too!