You are so tender hearted like me! I love the way you help out with the critters when you can! Being respectful of our Earth is very important to me and I appreciate your kindness and knowledge of the shells and critters!❤️
Thank you so much! I love the critters just as much as I love the shells so I am always in awe and giddy when I get to see critters and collect a few shells while I'm at it!
You are absolutely correct the critter at 24:55 was a mantis shrimp, good call on picking it up with a shell - they could easily split open your finger and cut short a good shelling day. They're strong hunters, super smart, and can see really well as they have some of the most complex eyes in the animal kingdom.
I have seen documentaries about them. Not as colorful as I expected but there is no way I would mess with that little crustacean. Thanks for helping me with the ID. I never know what kind of cool things I'm going to see at the beach!
So sorry about Hurricane Ian! I was there the end of August staying a few roads down from the lighthouse. I cannot believe the amount of destruction. Please be safe and everyone around help if you can. Sanibel is going to recover but it will take a lot of time. Prayers for all the residents.
The snail yoga was a hoot! I love the paper figs and the banded tulips. Those are faves but I love them all - your videos are just wonderful and it's great when you talk about the birds. The pelicans are my favorites but when a lone black skimmer skimmed the shoreline right in front of me on a crowded Siesta Key beach, he became a contender for being my fave. Thanks so much for the beautiful, educational content
I LOVE the skimmers! I think I finally caught one on video - I had been trying for months! I'm looking forward to the spring and seeing the baby birds and critters 🐚
Thank you so much for this lovely shell hunting treasure. Informative and when Sanibel rebuilds, my sis and I are adventuring there to shell hunt. Thank you, once again!
I've spent many hours on many days over the years walking the shoreline on Sanibel collecting shells. I moved to Fort Myers in June of 1972. My first visit was during Spring Break and I fell in love with the area. I was lucky to be offered a job and I didn't hesitate. One of my favorite places to be. I enjoyed the beach before the island was so built up and I treasure those years. It's sad to see the destruction on the island. Sanibel and Captiva Islands and the other barrier islands should be declared a national seashore so everyone can enjoy their beauty and preserve these natural treasures.
It's so relaxing walking with you to observe these gorgeous creations of God! So beautiful these shells are. How I love to go walking on the beach with my family, & my kids love to find all of the different kinds of shells. Thank you for sharing all of this beauty! 🏝 🌊 🐚 🌺
Sharmon, THANK YOU for publishing vids that look so slick and provide so much useful and interesting information! I really appreciate that you add your narrations after you have shot all your footage- the audio is much cleaner without having to fight through wind noise or a jostling mike. Your photography style is nice and steady and doesn't make me motion sick. The peaceful beach time interludes are very soothing and also beautifully shot. The map views, beach access/amenities/parking and tours information are a great addition and always welcome. Your respect for all the different critters, interest in their biologies and the research you obviously put into your presentations is refreshing to see and a pleasure to take in each week. I look forward to vicariously travelling with you in the future... stay safe and cheers!
Wow. Thank you so much! It takes me a lot longer to make my videos with the voice over instead of talking on the beach, but I'm rather picky about the video and audio. I was making videos before I was beachcombing, so it's a match made in beach heaven! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a lovely comment. I really appreciate it!
I have been hoping to get to Sanibel but will now need to wait and let them recover from hurricane Ian. Thank you for all the great tips and explaining your finds in such great detail.
Oh how I miss the ocean & collecting sea shells. This reminds me I’m do to visit my brother in Sarasota,Florida. I grew the water had a beach in front of my house had a dock in the back and for the past four years. I’ve been landlocked in Colorado. I didn’t realize how much fun I always had in the water and I miss it so so much. Enjoy your day!
I always love a winter walk along Sanibel beach. I’m so sorry about the dreadful damages of Ian. This video is priceless now! Thank you SO much for sharing. Had to cancel this year, but hopeful maybe next year. God bless you you all with complete recovery and prosperity. 🙏
Yes, please do come next year! This whole area is going to need visitors so we can feel normal again! I have another video or two I shot before Hurricane Ian to share. I'll get those out as soon as I can catch my breath.
Thanks for the great video. I used to love walking on the beach at Sanibel and seeing all the beautiful shells . Due to health issues I can no longer do that. but .thank you for making my memories come alive.
This is the best shelling video ever! Thanks for sharing. I've passed it on to family and friends. My sister and I had reservations to Tween Waters in December, but I'm afraid Captiva and Sanibel will not be ready for visitors. My whole family was in Captiva a few years ago and had the best time. I love both islands!
It may be a while before we're ready for visitors again, but I know places are already working hard to accept visitors back. I'm hoping maybe by spring 🙏🏼
As a kid I was lucky enough to live in house on the beach and was always looking forward to beach combing after storms. Found lots of interesting stuff
I just love your videos!! I’m the girl that was planning in going shelling with you that stay at Sanibel Campground all Winter!! I hope they are able to open it by January I understand!! We’ll stay in touch!! Thank you so much!! God Bless you!! 🙌🏻🦋🙌🏻
Thank you Sharmon, for your recent video, negative low tide shelling on Marco Island. I traveled down from Michigan last weekend, to take advantage of the negative low tide. I spent news years eve and new years day on the south beach of Marco, shelling south of the jetties. What a blessing! I experienced a dolphin swimming within 60 feet of me, an octopus that had gotten caught on the rocks, waiting for the tide to come back in, many beautiful sea urchins attached to the exposed rocks, along with many other live shells on the beach. Sunday, I kayaked out to Dickman, and Kice Islands. What a magnificent experience! Besides meeting many wonderful local shellers, (including a young man who was blessed with finding a 13-14 inch horse conch burried in the exposed sand bar on Dickmans) I returned home with three 5 gallon buckets of shells! My haul, included over a dozen sand dollars, 2 sea stars, over 40 banded tulips, dozens of shiny, lettered olives, more lightning welks than I could count, (including an albino lightning whelk) dozens of apple and lace murex, a handful of alphabet cones (my first ever) and many other gems. I was so blessed with this shelling trip. Thank you again for all your wonderful content. I was really hoping to run into you. I was carrying for you, in my pocket, an albino olive I found on Ft Meyers beach last april. Maybe next time. I am holding it for you. Also....an update for your viewers from your video. Caxambas Marina changed thier prices from when you went. It is now $5.00 to launch, and $10.00 for parking. And still worth every dollar! Happy shelling to all! Enjoying all the beauty that God has created for us to enjoy!
I just missed you! I was there on 1/3 and went to Dickman's and Kice. That was quite the adventure and I'll show you Dickman's this Sunday. And I paid $20 to park and launch when I went. They probably have seasonal parking/launch prices. It's still worth every penny. Isn't that little stretch on the south end of Marco amazing? It sounds like you got your fill with not one, but 3-5 gallon buckets. That is just amazing! I'm so glad you had some knowledge in your back pocket and were really able to take advantage of the area. And I will happily accept that albino olive. I still haven't found my own yet!
Oh! I'm so jealous, but in a good way 😁 I'm from Michigan, too and would have gladly hidden in your suitcase for an opportunity to get my hands on all those glorious shells. Glad you got to escape the cold Michigan weather for a bit 😁👍
Funny! Was just telling buddy about my days shelling on Sanibel and got to do it again over your shoulder! There are places on the island when they are piled as big as cars! This was a pretty flat clean beach with just some layers of shells here & there are way bigger ones than the ones you were finding turkeys bigger than your hand! Anyway thanks! Got to take a walk with my now 75 year old eyes...last time went there was in the 70's & 80's. Memory lane for sure!
Im in awe!! It would be hard for me to leave this beach. I love shells so much, makes me realize how nature is incredible and we take the oceans for granted.
Hello my seashelling sister!! I needed this beach day today because here in these cold Kentucky mountains we have had around 9 inches of snow the last few days and as the hillbillies say I live in the head of a holler in the head of a holler deep in them there hills lol and we have been snowed in and not not able to get out until today when it warmed up long enough to melt the road off. At now cold and rainy again and seeing this beautiful beachy weather your shell hunting in has made me smile and imagine I was right there hunting for dream shells together 💕 I love ya sweet friend and can’t wait for some pretty shells from you and for us to one day hunt shells together. 🧜🏼♀️
Before I moved I would dream of what winters were going to be like. And I'm telling you, winters down here in SWFL are the best! Apparently I'm not the only one who thinks so because we sure do get crowds down here in the winter! The beaches and I will be here when you're ready. You just concentrate on all the stuff that matters and we'll have fun later on! 🐚❤️
My mother lived on Marco Island for over 20 years. I went to see her whenever money and my job vacation time jived. #1. Visiting my mom and step dad was always a nice time. We’d go to different local beach bars and restaurants, we had such good times. What I loved best was the shelling! I’d start at Tiger Tail and walk my way to Marco. I still have gobs of shells I collected. My parents have now been gone since ‘04 but when I watch your show, it takes me right back!! Thank you so much! Oh, You and I have the same eye! I’d see a certain shell and darned if you didn’t bend down and pick it up!!! Thanks for letting me go shelling again. I’m 71 now and don’t know if I’ll get down there again. your videos help go back!!
Just love your beach adventures and finds. I used to carry so much stuff home it was ridiculous. I feel like I am right there with you. Thank you so much! 🥰
Love this adventure. The purple urchins were my favorite. It almost looks like they are adorned with jewels. The lace murex was gorgeous! This was a great day to shell. Thanks for the. Each walk ❤️
We were supposed to be staying at Ocean's Reach on Sanibel beginning on Saturday. The condos have no roof, so lots of damage. So very sad, we love this area so much, the shelling is always fun and interesting. Prayers for the recovery of this island and its lovely people, we will miss you all this year. 😭
Revisiting some of your older videos. Been a fan for about 3 years now. This video was my road map. This pre-Ian time you have is a treasure. When I discovered Sanibel, through being totally inspired by you, I felt like my heart found it's home. This time that you spent here will forever be my favorite. Happy shelling!! ❤❤❤
Another relaxing walk on the beach. This time it seems like you got a lot of different shells. The lace mirex being my favorite! Thanks and see you next week! Be safe!
What a great walk and video! I grew up going to a beach on the barrier islands of NC and learning about shells and shell names. I really appreciated how you named the shells and spoke about the differences in the shells (whelks,etc). Thanks so much for this lovely video. You’ve really made me want to visit Sanibel! ❤️Jane in SC
I love Sundays with you! This is my new favorite video. What an amazing collection for you in just one day! It’s impossible for me to pick a favorite, but I think it’s all the vibrant Calico scallops with such interesting patterns. I loved getting to see all of the live ones. Every single thing about this episode was spectacular including the gorgeous sunrise and the knowledge you share with us. Thank you!!
I think that was about the best video you’ve ever posted! Loads of great shells and critters, and the variety was incredible. So much to see on the beach, I had to rewind a couple of times, lol. Thanks for sharing.
I was so excited to see all those live scallops. I have never seen them like that. I can't wait to see what other things I'll discover in 2022! Thanks for coming along with me!
* I have not seen so many sea Urchins. Love the Horse shell with Nacre.. Great day to learn & see active Drills & the apple Murec eating.. Thanks for being a good teacher...
I've never seen those eyes before! I thought they were so awesome. Considering how many scallops I've picked up, I'm glad I got to seem them doing their scallop thing!
Just had this video pop up. It was fascinating. I love all the cool names of the different shells. What a fun walk you took us on. Thank you. I did subscribe. Watching from England..🐜🐜🐜🐜🐜✨
Awesome finds! That stretch of beach is the best spot (Except maybe the 10K) to go after a storm in my opinion. The alignment of the shore there is perfect for the good northwest winds to be a directly offshore wind, which pushes more shells on the beach. Man, those scallops are just spectacular! Thanks so much for sharing your post storm experience!
That is a really great thing to know as far as location. I know everyone says the Lighthouse is the best, but that beach just doesn't give up the goodies for me! I'll definitely be back to that area - many times now that I have a parking permit. Thanks for the location info!!
@@SWFBeachLife If you turn left upon entering the beach, I see that there's usually less people since that is further from the popular Sundial resort. I've explored that area many times and it's awesome. Happy shelling!!
Great beachwalk- the beach is always so cool after a storm. A couple of FYIs on your IDs- shell at 22:25 is a Gulf Oyster Drill, Atlantic Oyster Drill is a different species that is found in NE and NW Florida. larger drill shell at 29:40 is a mauve-mouthed trophon, not a Gulf Oyster Drill. re the two halves of a scallop being different colors- (good observation !) there is a reason for that. Scallops are generally brighter colors above than below (for the two halves of the same paired shell). You can find the answer in detail online, but it has to do with how the shell appears in the water to a predator with the available light, and the different sets of colors serve to give maximum camoflouge to the shell from prediators. In bright(er) light looking down, the brighter colors of the top valve will blend in better, in the relative darkness of the bottom valve sitting on the sea bottom, the drab colors are harder to spot for predators on the bottom)
Thank you so much for the ID assistance! I have a really hard time telling the difference between a mauve-mouthed drill and a gulf oyster drill. I finally can tell the ribbed cantharus from those other two, but these shells seriously look exactly like each other! I like to at least give it a try instead of saying, "some sort of drill shell" so thank you for the ID help!
I am not feeling well today - tummy bug but this was the perfect pick me up. So amazing, beautiful, peaceful and relaxing. The best “get well” ever! Thank you and many blessings!
What a wonderful haul! Some of the scallops were so beautiful. I loved when you asked for your audience to guess the shell. Great way to educate this blonde on shell identification. I need all the help I can get. Thank you for entertaining and educating us. The eye's on the scallops are cool!! Have a great week kiddo!
I am so happy I fell upon your channel. Your photography is perfection. The skyline at the beginning of the video is breath taking. Could you explain how the critters drill holes into other's shells. Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge of sea shells and their inhabitants.
The sea snails that drill will excrete an acid-like substance to weaken the shell in the spot they pick. Then they use, lets just say a sandpaper like tool they have to "drill" through the other shell. Once there is a hole, they can either slurp up the insides or they will paralyze the muscle holding the two pieces of shell closed and once the shell opens it's snack time! Thanks for the question. Maybe I'll try to explain this in one of my future videos!
Absolutely STUNNING shells. It was fascinating to see the live ones but, also tragic that you couldn't put them all back in the water. Wish wish wish I could have been there with you.
I've heard stories where critters were washed up on the beach and there were just too many to put back in the water. They are designed to be out of water for a time, so hopefully most of them made it. Thanks so much for coming along with me!
Totally awesome walk!! Great flow of topic, scenery and all the additional info (temp, tide report, goggle map). I’ve been collecting beach finds since I was a girl, without knowing the names and subtle differences in texture, pattern, colors…. And who knew that scallops have eyes?! I loved the way you focused in and froze the image. I kept expecting you to say “only kidding”, but no, scallops have eyes. I’ll be sure to wave at any live ones I come across in the future. 😁 New subscriber too.
Welcome aboard! As many times as I've seen live scallops on the beach, I've never seen they're eyes like I did on this day. It was fascinating! Thank you so much for choosing to come along with me!
I'm watching on Oct. 2, after devastating Hurricane Ian, and have never been to Sanibel Island, but always wanted to. I live in NJ and once, long ago, knew a former resident, Thomas Debenedictis, and his relative probably still lives there. I truly hope you are safe now as well as your gorgeous Island, and recovers quickly. I love your beautiful and informative video, and thank you.
I wish I lived close by the beach, the water, the shells ,the sunsets and sunrises are so peaceful. And shell finding is so therapeutic and free too keep sometimes 🐚🐚❤️
I used to live on Sanibel in the mid-80's off Periwinkle Way and used to shell on Bowman's Beach and at the end of Dixie Beach Road. I still have all my shells and would love to move back to Fort Myers or Sanibel. I now live in Arizona and am longing for the water. This day of shelling was spectacular. I have never seen the beach so full of the scallops which are still alive and so many snails. Your collection was gorgeous. The only two shells that you didn't find was a Junonia and the Olive. I'm so envious. Because of the bright and pastel colors of all the scallops, I used to call all the shells, "Jewels of the Sea". Loved watching this and your video showed up in my CZcams collection freakishly as I was not looking for any Sanibel videos, but now I'm feeling this was a sign for me to come back to the gulf. Much love in reminding me of the hours and hours I spent doing the Sanibel Stoop. Charleen from Arizona.
That must have been an amazing experience to live on Sanibel in the 80's. I've heard stories of the piles of shells that used to be there. I would have loved to see that. My "normal" Sanibel walk is the Bowman's to Blind Pass walk but I did get a fancy new parking permit that allows me to park at different areas without breaking the bank. I hope you do come back for a visit. Sanibel does a really great job as preserving the nature and beauty of Florida.
You made my day. I love watching you and learning. I loved on Samibel Island in the 70's brings back fond memories. It's so relaxing walking and shelling, I know Bowmans beach well.
My wife arranged a long weekend for us to stay on Sanibel for my 60th birthday 9+ years ago. We're going back early this coming fall. It is my favorite Florida beach. Serenely relaxing and beautiful.
I got to visit Sanibel once and I never saw anything as beautiful as this. You are so lucky to live there. I love the beach and I live in Kansas but my whole family room is decorated with sea shells. You found some wonderful things and thank you for saving the sea life.
I am SO lucky to live here! We moved here to be close to the beach, but I had no idea how much I was going to fall in love with all the creatures and shells that I find. It's amazing here and I love sharing it!
I am officially amazed. Just found your video. I'm an inlander. Never been to the beach. I have alot of homework to do, before I venture down there. I'll spare you of all my millions of questions. But I know where I want to go on vacation now.
I've been at this beachcombing thing for a bit so there's lots and lots of videos to go through. There are so many amazing beaches down here! I would have a hard time choosing just one.
We never could afford to go on vacation , or honeymoon for 20 years. And when we finally could go , all we could think about was the St. Louis Zoo . Being in our late 50s , We couldn't figure it out.
Wow! What a spectacular trip - huge urchin haul and some really gorgeous colors in the scallops! I especially enjoyed seeing the live scallops. I was surprised to see them open & really got a kick out of seeing them "spitting" as they filtered. Thanks as always!
I can't believe that I've never seen the scallops doing their scallop thing until that day. They're fascinating! I loved seeing their little eyes. I never know what the beach is going to reveal for me! Thank you for coming along!
Watching you pick up and naming the shells is way more interesting than learning from a book or a chart.
I am so jealous! I've never seen so many beautiful shells on one beach!
9o ❤️😭😭 hi 😚🔥🔥
Yes I'm never one to be jealous _ usualy
Me too
@@kathryndalton9867 perhaps you mean envious 😊
Sanibel is known for its beautiful variety of shells. They even have a shell museum.
This has to be THE BEST ...BEST shelling video of all time. I love your explanation too! Great job! Thank you.
Wow, thank you!
I agree!!!
You are so tender hearted like me! I love the way you help out with the critters when you can! Being respectful of our Earth is very important to me and I appreciate your kindness and knowledge of the shells and critters!❤️
Thank you so much! I love the critters just as much as I love the shells so I am always in awe and giddy when I get to see critters and collect a few shells while I'm at it!
You are absolutely correct the critter at 24:55 was a mantis shrimp, good call on picking it up with a shell - they could easily split open your finger and cut short a good shelling day. They're strong hunters, super smart, and can see really well as they have some of the most complex eyes in the animal kingdom.
I have seen documentaries about them. Not as colorful as I expected but there is no way I would mess with that little crustacean. Thanks for helping me with the ID. I never know what kind of cool things I'm going to see at the beach!
Thanks for sharing...going to research them now.
Wow, you’d think he’d be nice seeing we’re sooo much bigger than he is. Going to check them out. Thank you.
Is it legal to take animals in their shells?
@@ldav2006 No it’s not. There are signs up at every beach that it’s against the law to take a live shell, if you’re caught, you’re heavily fined.
Florida always has the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets .All your shells are so colorful.
So sorry about Hurricane Ian! I was there the end of August staying a few roads down from the lighthouse. I cannot believe the amount of destruction. Please be safe and everyone around help if you can. Sanibel is going to recover but it will take a lot of time. Prayers for all the residents.
The snail yoga was a hoot!
I love the paper figs and the banded tulips. Those are faves but I love them all - your videos are just wonderful and it's great when you talk about the birds. The pelicans are my favorites but when a lone black skimmer skimmed the shoreline right in front of me on a crowded Siesta Key beach, he became a contender for being my fave. Thanks so much for the beautiful, educational content
I LOVE the skimmers! I think I finally caught one on video - I had been trying for months! I'm looking forward to the spring and seeing the baby birds and critters 🐚
Great video!😍 my heart goes out to those in Sanibel after Ian. Sending prayers HUGS
Thank you so much for this lovely shell hunting treasure. Informative and when Sanibel rebuilds, my sis and I are adventuring there to shell hunt. Thank you, once again!
I've spent many hours on many days over the years walking the shoreline on Sanibel collecting shells. I moved to Fort Myers in June of 1972. My first visit was during Spring Break and I fell in love with the area. I was lucky to be offered a job and I didn't hesitate. One of my favorite places to be. I enjoyed the beach before the island was so built up and I treasure those years. It's sad to see the destruction on the island. Sanibel and Captiva Islands and the other barrier islands should be declared a national seashore so everyone can enjoy their beauty and preserve these natural treasures.
This has to be the most fascinating video I’ve watched in a long time, you’re so knowledgeable and explain what you find. I’m really enjoying this!!
Oh yay! I have found ALL sorts of awesome things on the beach and there's so much to learn!
Sanabel Island shhelling was one of my favorite experiences. I really enjoyed your excursion! It was almost like being there again.
Thanks so much for watching!
It's so relaxing walking with you to observe these gorgeous creations of God! So beautiful these shells are. How I love to go walking on the beach with my family, & my kids love to find all of the different kinds of shells. Thank you for sharing all of this beauty! 🏝 🌊 🐚 🌺
Love this video! I would love to find these shells! Your knowledge of these shells is amazing!
Thank you for taking us along your walk, so very envious
Thank you for describing each shell. I always heard that if you want a good selection of shells to go to Sanibel Island.
Very different environment. Nice that this lady is explaining all the wildlife! Very beautiful. Sunsets, sunrises are amazing.
Sharmon, THANK YOU for publishing vids that look so slick and provide so much useful and interesting information!
I really appreciate that you add your narrations after you have shot all your footage- the audio is much cleaner without having to fight through wind noise or a jostling mike.
Your photography style is nice and steady and doesn't make me motion sick. The peaceful beach time interludes are very soothing and also beautifully shot.
The map views, beach access/amenities/parking and tours information are a great addition and always welcome.
Your respect for all the different critters, interest in their biologies and the research you obviously put into your presentations is refreshing to see and a pleasure to take in each week.
I look forward to vicariously travelling with you in the future... stay safe and cheers!
Wow. Thank you so much! It takes me a lot longer to make my videos with the voice over instead of talking on the beach, but I'm rather picky about the video and audio. I was making videos before I was beachcombing, so it's a match made in beach heaven! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a lovely comment. I really appreciate it!
I couldn’t have said it better! SWF channel is the best!
That was scallop heaven! How fun! They are one of my favorite shells. Thanks for sharing the live ones in action. ❤️👍🏻
I have been hoping to get to Sanibel but will now need to wait and let them recover from hurricane Ian. Thank you for all the great tips and explaining your finds in such great detail.
Oh how I miss the ocean & collecting sea shells. This reminds me I’m do to visit my brother in Sarasota,Florida. I grew the water had a beach in front of my house had a dock in the back and for the past four years. I’ve been landlocked in Colorado. I didn’t realize how much fun I always had in the water and I miss it so so much. Enjoy your day!
Love walking with you on your shelling excursion’s. You never disappoint me where ever you go.
I always love a winter walk along Sanibel beach. I’m so sorry about the dreadful damages of Ian. This video is priceless now! Thank you SO much for sharing. Had to cancel this year, but hopeful maybe next year.
God bless you you all with complete recovery and prosperity. 🙏
Yes, please do come next year! This whole area is going to need visitors so we can feel normal again! I have another video or two I shot before Hurricane Ian to share. I'll get those out as soon as I can catch my breath.
Thanks for the great video. I used to love walking on the beach at Sanibel and seeing all the beautiful shells . Due to health issues I can no longer do that. but .thank you for making my memories come alive.
This is the best shelling video ever! Thanks for sharing. I've passed it on to family and friends. My sister and I had reservations to Tween Waters in December, but I'm afraid Captiva and Sanibel will not be ready for visitors. My whole family was in Captiva a few years ago and had the best time. I love both islands!
It may be a while before we're ready for visitors again, but I know places are already working hard to accept visitors back. I'm hoping maybe by spring 🙏🏼
Fantastic finds!!! Just beautiful a beautiful day, with all the birds and the shells!!!
As a kid I was lucky enough to live in house on the beach and was always looking forward to beach combing after storms. Found lots of interesting stuff
That must have been amazing! Beach combing after storms always kicks up something different to discover.
WOW... love that you are educated in what they all are. Thank you for sharing !
I just love your videos!! I’m the girl that was planning in going shelling with you that stay at Sanibel Campground all Winter!! I hope they are able to open it by January I understand!! We’ll stay in touch!! Thank you so much!! God Bless you!! 🙌🏻🦋🙌🏻
Thank you Sharmon, for your recent video, negative low tide shelling on Marco Island. I traveled down from Michigan last weekend, to take advantage of the negative low tide. I spent news years eve and new years day on the south beach of Marco, shelling south of the jetties. What a blessing! I experienced a dolphin swimming within 60 feet of me, an octopus that had gotten caught on the rocks, waiting for the tide to come back in, many beautiful sea urchins attached to the exposed rocks, along with many other live shells on the beach. Sunday, I kayaked out to Dickman, and Kice Islands. What a magnificent experience! Besides meeting many wonderful local shellers, (including a young man who was blessed with finding a 13-14 inch horse conch burried in the exposed sand bar on Dickmans) I returned home with three 5 gallon buckets of shells! My haul, included over a dozen sand dollars, 2 sea stars, over 40 banded tulips, dozens of shiny, lettered olives, more lightning welks than I could count, (including an albino lightning whelk) dozens of apple and lace murex, a handful of alphabet cones (my first ever) and many other gems. I was so blessed with this shelling trip. Thank you again for all your wonderful content. I was really hoping to run into you. I was carrying for you, in my pocket, an albino olive I found on Ft Meyers beach last april. Maybe next time. I am holding it for you. Also....an update for your viewers from your video. Caxambas Marina changed thier prices from when you went. It is now $5.00 to launch, and $10.00 for parking. And still worth every dollar! Happy shelling to all! Enjoying all the beauty that God has created for us to enjoy!
I just missed you! I was there on 1/3 and went to Dickman's and Kice. That was quite the adventure and I'll show you Dickman's this Sunday. And I paid $20 to park and launch when I went. They probably have seasonal parking/launch prices. It's still worth every penny.
Isn't that little stretch on the south end of Marco amazing? It sounds like you got your fill with not one, but 3-5 gallon buckets. That is just amazing! I'm so glad you had some knowledge in your back pocket and were really able to take advantage of the area. And I will happily accept that albino olive. I still haven't found my own yet!
Oh! I'm so jealous, but in a good way 😁 I'm from Michigan, too and would have gladly hidden in your suitcase for an opportunity to get my hands on all those glorious shells. Glad you got to escape the cold Michigan weather for a bit 😁👍
Funny! Was just telling buddy about my days shelling on Sanibel and got to do it again over your shoulder! There are places on the island when they are piled as big as cars! This was a pretty flat clean beach with just some layers of shells here & there are way bigger ones than the ones you were finding turkeys bigger than your hand! Anyway thanks! Got to take a walk with my now 75 year old eyes...last time went there was in the 70's & 80's. Memory lane for sure!
I miss the sound of the waves. I came across your blog and it brought back memories of my childhood. Thanks for sharing your adventures.
Thanks for listening ☺️
You were right about the snail yoga. I was rolling like a shell in the water! Om! 😂
I was happy to see you putting the living ones in the water.
Im in awe!! It would be hard for me to leave this beach. I love shells so much, makes me realize how nature is incredible and we take the oceans for granted.
This was a fabulous adventure seeing the treasures that washed up after the storm!! Thank you!
Hello my seashelling sister!! I needed this beach day today because here in these cold Kentucky mountains we have had around 9 inches of snow the last few days and as the hillbillies say I live in the head of a holler in the head of a holler deep in them there hills lol and we have been snowed in and not not able to get out until today when it warmed up long enough to melt the road off. At now cold and rainy again and seeing this beautiful beachy weather your shell hunting in has made me smile and imagine I was right there hunting for dream shells together 💕 I love ya sweet friend and can’t wait for some pretty shells from you and for us to one day hunt shells together. 🧜🏼♀️
Before I moved I would dream of what winters were going to be like. And I'm telling you, winters down here in SWFL are the best! Apparently I'm not the only one who thinks so because we sure do get crowds down here in the winter! The beaches and I will be here when you're ready. You just concentrate on all the stuff that matters and we'll have fun later on! 🐚❤️
Painted🐚🐚🐚🐚🐚🐚 COLLECTION just pure 🏖️OCEAN SCULPTURE NATURE ART!
Nice flow 📹🎬📱watching ....
🌅 BEAUTIFUL ✨✨ ✨😍😘🙋👏👏 👏👏 👏👏 👏👏 👏👏 👏👏 👏
My mother lived on Marco Island for over 20 years. I went to see her whenever money and my job vacation time jived. #1. Visiting my mom and step dad was always a nice time. We’d go to different local beach bars and restaurants, we had such good times. What I loved best was the shelling! I’d start at Tiger Tail and walk my way to Marco. I still have gobs of shells I collected. My parents have now been gone since ‘04 but when I watch your show, it takes me right back!! Thank you so much!
Oh, You and I have the same eye! I’d see a certain shell and darned if you didn’t bend down and pick it up!!! Thanks for letting me go shelling again. I’m 71 now and don’t know if I’ll get down there again. your videos help go back!!
Thank you for choosing to spend some time with me at the beach!
Just love your beach adventures and finds. I used to carry so much stuff home it was ridiculous. I feel like I am right there with you. Thank you so much! 🥰
Love this adventure. The purple urchins were my favorite. It almost looks like they are adorned with jewels. The lace murex was gorgeous! This was a great day to shell. Thanks for the. Each walk ❤️
We were supposed to be staying at Ocean's Reach on Sanibel beginning on Saturday. The condos have no roof, so lots of damage. So very sad, we love this area so much, the shelling is always fun and interesting. Prayers for the recovery of this island and its lovely people, we will miss you all this year. 😭
We will rebuild and we will be back even better than ever!
Revisiting some of your older videos. Been a fan for about 3 years now. This video was my road map. This pre-Ian time you have is a treasure. When I discovered Sanibel, through being totally inspired by you, I felt like my heart found it's home. This time that you spent here will forever be my favorite. Happy shelling!! ❤❤❤
I'm looking forward to the day when the hurricane is WAY in our past and the islands are returned to their former glory. 🐚🌴🌊
Awesome! I love how fortunate you are to find these goodies 👍🏻
Had such a good time it's sad how fast time flys when your having fun gorgeous shells thank you for taking us with you
I enjoyed seeing the beautiful shells. I am so sorry for all the destruction. Thank you for sharing
Lovely beach time! And beautiful haul as well. Thank you again for letting us tag along.
Thanks for watching Elaine! ❤️
Another relaxing walk on the beach. This time it seems like you got a lot of different shells. The lace mirex being my favorite! Thanks and see you next week! Be safe!
Love the mix today. Nice to see so many out enjoying nature. Looks amazing and, even with so many others, very peaceful. Stay safe x
This time of year I have to share my beaches - but there's plenty of goodies to go around ❤️
@@SWFBeachLife m no no😮😅😊 no😅 by by by my my fit f hi hi g hi Iola of it by far ty😅😅
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Shells are gorgeous! You're so Lucky to be there 💓
I like that you narrate after the fact!! Beautiful shelling on this day!!
Thanks for taking us to the beach with you! I miss the beautiful , sunny warmth of Florida. Currently not enjoying 17 degree weather here in Ohio.
17 degrees? Just no. I waited 3 long winters before we were able to move here and the wait was SO worth it!
What a great walk and video! I grew up going to a beach on the barrier islands of NC and learning about shells and shell names. I really appreciated how you named the shells and spoke about the differences in the shells (whelks,etc). Thanks so much for this lovely video. You’ve really made me want to visit Sanibel! ❤️Jane in SC
If you like shells, Sanibel is truly a magical place to visit!
Beautiful finds . Like how you can name everything.
Looks and sounds like your group had a nice day at the beach gathering empty shells for crafts. The shells are very pretty, good haul.
I love Sundays with you! This is my new favorite video. What an amazing collection for you in just one day! It’s impossible for me to pick a favorite, but I think it’s all the vibrant Calico scallops with such interesting patterns. I loved getting to see all of the live ones. Every single thing about this episode was spectacular including the gorgeous sunrise and the knowledge you share with us. Thank you!!
You are so very welcome! Sometimes there is enough goodies on the beach that the videos just create themselves 🤗 Thank you for coming along with me!
I think that was about the best video you’ve ever posted! Loads of great shells and critters, and the variety was incredible. So much to see on the beach, I had to rewind a couple of times, lol. Thanks for sharing.
I was so excited to see all those live scallops. I have never seen them like that. I can't wait to see what other things I'll discover in 2022! Thanks for coming along with me!
I love that you know all the names! Thank you for sharing your knowledge! So much fun!
Thank you for the closeup of the calico scallop showing its eyes. How interesting! You have given me such a shell education.
The Florida fighting conch doing the yoga thing was so cute and funny🤣😍
Thankyou for another amazing video Sharmon. 🤗
You’re welcome 😊
* I have not seen so many sea Urchins. Love the Horse shell with Nacre.. Great day to learn & see active Drills & the apple Murec eating.. Thanks for being a good teacher...
what beautiful shells, love your knowlege on the different shells. I have never been to a ocean, youare so lucky.
My favorite part of Sunday…. I always look forward to your new uploads and beach adventures. Great beach treasure! Love love love the scallops ❤️
Those scallops were to die for! The colors were so vibrant!
Such a beautiful beach, love watching your walks. Those live scallops were fascinating, pretty rows of eyes like mini pearls peeping out.
I've never seen those eyes before! I thought they were so awesome. Considering how many scallops I've picked up, I'm glad I got to seem them doing their scallop thing!
Just had this video pop up. It was fascinating. I love all the cool names of the different shells. What a fun walk you took us on. Thank you. I did subscribe. Watching from England..🐜🐜🐜🐜🐜✨
Wow, that's a lot of shells. Thank you for taking us shelling with you. I look forward every week to watch your video.
Awesome finds! That stretch of beach is the best spot (Except maybe the 10K) to go after a storm in my opinion. The alignment of the shore there is perfect for the good northwest winds to be a directly offshore wind, which pushes more shells on the beach. Man, those scallops are just spectacular! Thanks so much for sharing your post storm experience!
That is a really great thing to know as far as location. I know everyone says the Lighthouse is the best, but that beach just doesn't give up the goodies for me! I'll definitely be back to that area - many times now that I have a parking permit. Thanks for the location info!!
@@SWFBeachLife If you turn left upon entering the beach, I see that there's usually less people since that is further from the popular Sundial resort. I've explored that area many times and it's awesome. Happy shelling!!
@@shellstories I went right but I'll try left next time! THANK YOU!!
Great beachwalk- the beach is always so cool after a storm.
A couple of FYIs on your IDs-
shell at 22:25 is a Gulf Oyster Drill, Atlantic Oyster Drill is a different species that is found in NE and NW Florida.
larger drill shell at 29:40 is a mauve-mouthed trophon, not a Gulf Oyster Drill.
re the two halves of a scallop being different colors- (good observation !) there is a reason for that. Scallops are generally brighter colors above than below (for the two halves of the same paired shell). You can find the answer in detail online, but it has to do with how the shell appears in the water to a predator with the available light, and the different sets of colors serve to give maximum camoflouge to the shell from prediators. In bright(er) light looking down, the brighter colors of the top valve will blend in better, in the relative darkness of the bottom valve sitting on the sea bottom, the drab colors are harder to spot for predators on the bottom)
Thank you so much for the ID assistance! I have a really hard time telling the difference between a mauve-mouthed drill and a gulf oyster drill. I finally can tell the ribbed cantharus from those other two, but these shells seriously look exactly like each other! I like to at least give it a try instead of saying, "some sort of drill shell" so thank you for the ID help!
I am not feeling well today - tummy bug but this was the perfect pick me up. So amazing, beautiful, peaceful and relaxing. The best “get well” ever! Thank you and many blessings!
Thank you for choosing to come along with me on my beach walk and I hope you feel better soon!
Woooohooo! Been waiting all week.
What a wonderful haul! Some of the scallops were so beautiful. I loved when you asked for your audience to guess the shell. Great way to educate this blonde on shell identification. I need all the help I can get.
Thank you for entertaining and educating us. The eye's on the scallops are cool!!
Have a great week kiddo!
I am so happy I fell upon your channel. Your photography is perfection. The skyline at the beginning of the video is breath taking. Could you explain how the critters drill holes into other's shells. Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge of sea shells and their inhabitants.
The sea snails that drill will excrete an acid-like substance to weaken the shell in the spot they pick. Then they use, lets just say a sandpaper like tool they have to "drill" through the other shell. Once there is a hole, they can either slurp up the insides or they will paralyze the muscle holding the two pieces of shell closed and once the shell opens it's snack time! Thanks for the question. Maybe I'll try to explain this in one of my future videos!
Dd
I love watching your videos. It's always fun watching you find such beautiful shells. Thank you for taking us along.
Such awesome shells. Greetings from Myrtle Beach 🌴, South Carolina
Absolutely STUNNING shells. It was fascinating to see the live ones but, also tragic that you couldn't put them all back in the water. Wish wish wish I could have been there with you.
I've heard stories where critters were washed up on the beach and there were just too many to put back in the water. They are designed to be out of water for a time, so hopefully most of them made it. Thanks so much for coming along with me!
Totally awesome walk!! Great flow of topic, scenery and all the additional info (temp, tide report, goggle map). I’ve been collecting beach finds since I was a girl, without knowing the names and subtle differences in texture, pattern, colors…. And who knew that scallops have eyes?! I loved the way you focused in and froze the image. I kept expecting you to say “only kidding”, but no, scallops have eyes. I’ll be sure to wave at any live ones I come across in the future. 😁 New subscriber too.
Welcome aboard! As many times as I've seen live scallops on the beach, I've never seen they're eyes like I did on this day. It was fascinating! Thank you so much for choosing to come along with me!
Are the scallops you are showing us, the scallops people eat in restaurants? @home?
@@nancy-katharynmcgraw2669 They are harvested, however they would be very small scallops. I doubt restaurants are buying them!
I'm watching on Oct. 2, after devastating Hurricane Ian, and have never been to Sanibel Island, but always wanted to. I live in NJ and once, long ago, knew a former resident, Thomas Debenedictis, and his relative probably still lives there. I truly hope you are safe now as well as your gorgeous Island, and recovers quickly. I love your beautiful and informative video, and thank you.
I wish I lived close by the beach, the water, the shells ,the sunsets and sunrises are so peaceful. And shell finding is so therapeutic and free too keep sometimes 🐚🐚❤️
Thank you for the beautiful walk on Sanibel Island. I was there last September and loved looking for shells.
Awesome day of shelling! The colors on those scallops are just amazing. So many great finds... love the little sea star.
This is a beautiful video .. and it breaks my heart what the island looks like today. Truly hope you and your loved ones are doing okay.
Thank you. It does break my heart knowing my islands will never be the same but I'm hopeful that they will be just as amazing as they were 🙏🏼
Thank you for the wonderful walks on the beach each Sunday. I have learned so much about shells thanks to you. Love your channel!
Thank you so much for coming along with me!!
Thank you for the beautiful walk on a beautiful beach!! The seashells are all magnificent & interesting creatures
I never find so much shells 🐚 amazing 😻
WOW! This beach trip was amazing! All those live scallops were really cool to see! Thanks for another great post! 🙋💖
This is my favorite part of the weekend. Love seeing all the best shells you find plus the live animal you see there to
I used to live on Sanibel in the mid-80's off Periwinkle Way and used to shell on Bowman's Beach and at the end of Dixie Beach Road. I still have all my shells and would love to move back to Fort Myers or Sanibel. I now live in Arizona and am longing for the water. This day of shelling was spectacular. I have never seen the beach so full of the scallops which are still alive and so many snails. Your collection was gorgeous. The only two shells that you didn't find was a Junonia and the Olive. I'm so envious. Because of the bright and pastel colors of all the scallops, I used to call all the shells, "Jewels of the Sea". Loved watching this and your video showed up in my CZcams collection freakishly as I was not looking for any Sanibel videos, but now I'm feeling this was a sign for me to come back to the gulf. Much love in reminding me of the hours and hours I spent doing the Sanibel Stoop. Charleen from Arizona.
That must have been an amazing experience to live on Sanibel in the 80's. I've heard stories of the piles of shells that used to be there. I would have loved to see that. My "normal" Sanibel walk is the Bowman's to Blind Pass walk but I did get a fancy new parking permit that allows me to park at different areas without breaking the bank. I hope you do come back for a visit. Sanibel does a really great job as preserving the nature and beauty of Florida.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO AND YOU EXPLAIN, THAT MAKES ME HAPPY ! ALL THE COLORS, LOVE IT, THX FOR SHARING.
You are so welcome!
You made my day. I love watching you and learning. I loved on Samibel Island in the 70's brings back fond memories. It's so relaxing walking and shelling, I know Bowmans beach well.
My wife arranged a long weekend for us to stay on Sanibel for my 60th birthday 9+ years ago. We're going back early this coming fall. It is my favorite Florida beach. Serenely relaxing and beautiful.
It really is a special island. I love it there too!
I got to visit Sanibel once and I never saw anything as beautiful as this. You are so lucky to live there. I love the beach and I live in Kansas but my whole family room is decorated with sea shells. You found some wonderful things and thank you for saving the sea life.
I am SO lucky to live here! We moved here to be close to the beach, but I had no idea how much I was going to fall in love with all the creatures and shells that I find. It's amazing here and I love sharing it!
i love your knowledge of these sea critters. beautiful finds!
Yay..shelling after storms !! Thank you for Another fantastic video ! Sanibel Soon !
I wish I could to
I am officially amazed.
Just found your video.
I'm an inlander. Never been to the beach.
I have alot of homework to do, before I venture down there. I'll spare you of all my millions of questions. But I know where I want to go on vacation now.
I've been at this beachcombing thing for a bit so there's lots and lots of videos to go through. There are so many amazing beaches down here! I would have a hard time choosing just one.
We never could afford to go on vacation , or honeymoon for 20 years. And when we finally could go , all we could think about was the St. Louis Zoo . Being in our late 50s , We couldn't figure it out.
This is wonderful 🤗 my parents used to take our family to Sanibel island every year for vacation. Loved it there
I absolutely LOVE your videos! I’ve learned so much! Thank you
Wow! What a spectacular trip - huge urchin haul and some really gorgeous colors in the scallops! I especially enjoyed seeing the live scallops. I was surprised to see them open & really got a kick out of seeing them "spitting" as they filtered. Thanks as always!
I can't believe that I've never seen the scallops doing their scallop thing until that day. They're fascinating! I loved seeing their little eyes. I never know what the beach is going to reveal for me! Thank you for coming along!
How beautiful! Your channel has given some great insight for the next time I’m in Florida!
Thank you for sharing! Such lovely shells