Sheri and Sam

Sheri and Sam

The day of the blood moon we left the dock under the cover of darkness. The fist morning light was appearing as the moon disappeared into the haze. We had hoped to see the blood moon on the water but nature had other plans. However, there is nothing like being on the water at first light. We traveled to an area we had all been to before and shelled the beach. Sam gathered sea urchins and starfish. Sheri has an excellent shelling eye and found a scotch bonnet, a gaudy nautica, olives and nice worm shells. It is always a pleasure talking with Sheri and Sam and exploring. Thanks for getting up early and another fun day on the water.  Capt. Brian
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.

8 Comments
  • Gail Douglas
    Posted at 22:36h, 12 October

    What a gorgeous morning! Beautiful shell finds, especially that very nice Morton's Egg Cockle!

  • Kathy H
    Posted at 22:36h, 12 October

    What a beautiful way to start the day…. Looks like a lot of great finds. How lucky to get a scotch bonnet. And the sea urchins and starfish were awesome finds, too.

  • Kim@Snug Harbor
    Posted at 02:18h, 13 October

    The yellow on that one shell is stunning.

  • Morgan
    Posted at 02:10h, 14 October

    What a stunning sunrise!

  • Cindy
    Posted at 02:10h, 14 October

    Wow! What a great day. Love the sea urchins. I'm already looking forward to our next great adventure.

  • Nancy
    Posted at 02:10h, 14 October

    Pretty sky and shark's eye!

  • Susan
    Posted at 02:13h, 18 October

    love the sunrise inside the shell 🙂 So envious of a most perfect day, even if the moonset was obscured.

  • Little Black Scrap Cat
    Posted at 22:56h, 27 October

    We had such an awesome time going out early with you, Brian! Yes, we didn't see the blood moon, but no better way to spend the sunrise looking for it:) Each year we look forward to our adventures on the water and the beach with you! See you next October:)