Winter in SW Florida

There's nothing like winter in SW Florida! This year has been even better than average with our temps 5-10 degrees warmer than normal.  Being able to hang out at the beach in January is truly awesome!
I haven't been to Little Hickory in a few months but headed over there on Saturday- 80 degrees of paradise!

Variety of Shells found



Remains of a Shell Pile




Fighting Conchs







Low Tide



I must admit I was feeling a little (teeny bit) bad because my best buddy who lives in Mn. was going to be participating in a Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics. The temp was around 20 on Saturday. YIKES!

She ended up doing it and now has some major bragging rights!  I, on the other hand, am still waiting for the Gulf to warm up so I can search for more shells- it's 69 right now.  Since I don't even go in my pool until it's 86 or warmer, I think it'll be a while!

Have a great week & Happy Shelling!

Stephanie

Barefoot Beach: Learning Center

In the parking lot

Trip to Barefoot beach- awesome!! We actually took the time to stop and take a look around in the learning center. The friends of Barefoot Beach Preserve have got it going on!

I had to toss some in!

The pond is amazing- this picture doesn't do it justice

                                                

Mom's Birthday Surprise

Great weekend!  My dad, sister & I surprised my mom with 2 nights on Sanibel. Since we live in Ft.Myers she is always over there anyways- her main shelling beach is Algiers/Gulf Side beach. But it was fun to go somewhere new!

The birthday girl

Dad fishing

We booked her at Shalimar which is on West Gulf Drive. We spent the day with her yesterday and really enjoyed it.

When the tide started going out we were treated to more live olive shells than I've ever seen! My video skills are hurting but here's what I captured.

This was next door- how cute is that?!

I feel so fortunate to live in such a great part of this country- SW Florida has so much to do!
Have a great week- wherever you are!
Stephanie

Lovers Key

I wish Lover's Key had camping! How great would that be to shell, ride the trails, kayak, shell, have a picnic, shell.....    You get my drift. Florida State Parks really do a great job! I'm hoping to become one of the Friends of Lovers Key this year. Then I'll have an excuse to go more often!

Sandcastle Mere & Jim made

Meredith heading to the beach

We went on July 3rd- so the beaches were pretty crowded. We were just coming off like a week of rain & clouds so hitting the beach was a must. So glad we went.

Good things come in pairs!

It's been a while since I've found so many olives!

Did I mention my husband came? He started a rock collection(or something) :)

My heart shaped rock!

Shadowbox display table

 Pictures coming tomorrow of my trip to Barefoot Beach & Lover's Key!!
Hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend!   


You may remember when I mentioned my dad making  tables for local stores around SW Florida for displaying shells. Pictures are on my blog from May 19.
He changed the design so that the legs are removable which allows him to ship them. If you are interested in taking a look- they are on Etsy.
  
http://www.etsy.com/listing/77162737/shadowbox-display-table-truly-unique?ref=af_you_favitem

They will also be available thru my fb page:
 
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Khakifish-Signs/125607974171776