Let’s Shellabrate The Sanibel Stoop

Let’s Shellabrate The Sanibel Stoop

History was made on Febuary17th, when over 700 people gathered at Bowman’s Beach to “Stoop” at the same time for the Guinness Book of World Record.  I traveled by boat to the event with friends Doug and Ingrid from Canada. When I arrived in the chaos of 700 people trying to register for the “stoop” I first spotted Karen of THE ESSENTIAL BEACH COMBER.  Then Pam of I LOVE SHELLING.  The day only got better.  Karen introduced me to a friend of hers who also loves the beach and blogs on SHELL BELLE’S TIKI HUT.  We all joined the crowd on the beach and waited for the record breaking STOOP to begin. A helicopter flew over the crowded beach to take a photo of this historical moment (you may notice that I don’t have any pictures of us actually doing the stoop, because I was stooped over).   The day was filled with shelling stories, fossiling stories and blogging stories.  Now we have “stooping” stories.  Friday, February 17, was a day for the record books.

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.

7 Comments
  • Kim@Snug Harbor
    Posted at 11:57h, 19 February

    That had to be so much fun. What a great thing to get to do.

  • Traci
    Posted at 16:39h, 19 February

    I wish I could have been there! Im shocked to hear how many people showed up…..700 people! I bet your glad you came by boat!!!

    See you in a week Capt. Brian!

  • Kaybe
    Posted at 22:35h, 19 February

    Fun was had by all! I especially enjoyed meeting the rest of Team Holaway. Thanks so much for the hospitality.

  • pam @ i Love Shelling
    Posted at 01:41h, 20 February

    That was a blast!!! I can't wait to see the over head photos from the helicopter…and hope your boat got in the picture. I really was a fun day- so glad we got to hang out!

  • Melanie
    Posted at 01:41h, 20 February

    Karen- So nice to meet you too! Hope to see you again soon.

  • Capt. Brian Holaway
    Posted at 01:57h, 20 February

    Kaybe, Your always welcome at my campfire.

  • Shelllady
    Posted at 01:22h, 23 February

    I'm so jealous!! I wish I could have been there with you all! Thanks for sharing it with us Capt. Brian!!