Nancy and Brian

Nancy and Brian

The Johnson family has traveled with me for many years. This year we left the dock at 1:00 in the afternoon and returned after the sunset. The May weather was absolutely perfect. We had our usual “loose itinerary”(What ever pops up in nature, lets go explore it!) A new sand bar had formed 48 hours before in the Gulf and I was anxious to explore it. That is where our trip began. The color of the water was deliciously inviting.( kinda like a mango on ice) We found a large live horse conch and took a picture of this beautiful shell and then put it back where we found it. We then traveled to one of my favorite spots and found and observed many shells. The tide was falling fast. So fast that the stern of my boat was almost on the bottom after our long walk on the beach. The storm clouds were still farther inland as we made our way to one of my favorite places on the water to eat. (Nancy’s favorite) The quiet and peaceful Tarpon Lodge. The food was superb and the waitstaff even better. It was now time to catch the sunset. My plan was to watch the sunset beside Cayo Costa. Soon after leaving the Tarpon Lodge we saw roseate spoonbills on a mudflat.( The tide was incredibly low.) We all enjoyed the moment and the beauty of the roseate. We enjoyed it so much we decided to just watch then sun  fall while we were tucked in beside the mangroves. It was a beautiful moment. Just the sounds of the birds wings and the north northwest wind on the side of the boat. I  always love the loose itinerary of the Johnsons. Thank you for another “loose itinerary” adventure.

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.

2 Comments
  • Kim@Snug Harbor
    Posted at 10:45h, 23 May

    What a perfect sounding afternoon and evening. Loved the "mango on ice" description.

  • Shelllady
    Posted at 18:36h, 23 May

    Beautiful Pictures Capt. Brian!! I especially love the spoonbill pics!! Thanks for sharing your adventures with us!!