Adventuring South

Adventuring South

I rang in the new year by traveling to places I have never been before. The trip started south of Marco Island in the Ten Thousand Islands. It is a fascinating place that intrigues me even more every time I go there. The more I know the less I understand.  The awe inspiring beauty and the silence is deafening to the ears.  Hundreds of photographs were taken and new places logged in my mind. It was a great shakedown trip for my new compass(first trip for old blue). The compass worked well. Many new courses were plotted and logged. It’s always a pleasure to travel just beyond the far horizon.
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.

11 Comments
  • Kim@Snug Harbor
    Posted at 02:33h, 09 January

    Look at the size of those shells – you got some real beauties there.

    My favorite photo is the 12th one down – it looks like a ballet dancer.

  • Capt. Brian Holaway
    Posted at 03:04h, 09 January

    Kim, There were so many photos, so much to try and capture. It was a great trip.

  • AntKaybe
    Posted at 10:59h, 09 January

    You find the coolest hunks of wood & tangled trees. You have a lot of photos because you need them for the book you need to write duh!

  • Nancy
    Posted at 10:59h, 09 January

    Beautiful photos, Captain! Great shells, too! Look at those King's Crowns and probably one of the prettiest Shark's Eyes I have ever seen 🙂 A fabulous first trip with your new compass!

  • Roxanne Reinhart
    Posted at 10:59h, 09 January

    I have missed you. But these gorgeous photos were worth the wait. Look at all those kings crowns!!

  • Capt. Brian Holaway
    Posted at 12:29h, 09 January

    Karen, last year I took 15,000 photos. Guess it is time to sort through them.

  • mkdally
    Posted at 21:53h, 09 January

    I needed this south Florida fix — spring can't come soon enough to Minnesota! Thanks, as always, for sharing.

  • Janet from IL
    Posted at 17:53h, 10 January

    Breathtaking photos! Good to see you've been out enjoying new places!

    The variety of shells, especially in the second photo, is incredible.
    Hope you enjoy your really low tides the next few days. Can't wait to see more of what shelling brings….

  • Moira
    Posted at 03:04h, 11 January

    Great photos and shells and trees and scenery and…..EVERYthing! Wow, those Kings Crowns are making me drool!

    I would love to read a book that you write!!! 😀

  • Traci Mason
    Posted at 19:36h, 14 January

    Brian you need to do fresh postings!!! Your lagging dude…lol….We are home now so I need postings!!! Lol…

    We had such a great time going out with you for the day…sorry I couldnt make it to sunset thou. Those noseeums kicked my butt big time! But next time I wont let those little buggers get me like this last time. Rob had such a good time. Between you and Pam , you guys have turned Rob into an official sheller!! Lol…He absolutely loved the diverse landscapes of all that we saw. He equally loves your boat!! I knew he would. 🙂

    Your the best Brian! Cant wait til August to see you again!

  • Capt. Brian Holaway
    Posted at 22:30h, 14 January

    Traci, after our trip I went home and packed for the weekend. I spent the weekend on Captiva (no phones) just guitars and music with songwriter friends from Nashville. Sunday I went to Miami to see a guest speaker from the Explorers Club. I got home last night at midnight. Today 2trips to Cayo starting at 7. I look forward to looking at the photos from our trip later tonight.