Finding shells after a storm. Hurricane Idalia brought the shells and some!

[@janiebennett5645]

What a joy that video was, Shar!! I love the hesitation of you telling us what kind of shell you were picking up it gave me a chance to guess what they are and I must admit, I'm getting a bit better at that. I think I only missed 2 this time. I could stop the video but what fun is that?? I'm 70 so it's a true test for my memory!! Thank you for always educating, entertaining, being eco friendly and encouraging others along the way to do the same. Another brilliant video, Shar! Thank you, again!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Well you are just a ray of sunshine! Congrats on learning so many shells. Next we'll learn the scientific names. And of course any new shells that make an appearance. Thank you for choosing to come to the beach with me!

[@janiebennett5645]

@@SWFBeachLife I absolutely LOVE our beachtime together!! Wishing you sandy toes and wrinkled fingertips. Thank you, again! ❤

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@janiebennett5645 ❤️

[@teresatrigiani7838]

With everything going on in the news, I just had to hear you say "HELLO BEACH FRIENDS".

[@SWFBeachLife]

Nothing good going on in the news. Something good is ALWAYS going on at the beach! ❤️🐚🌴🌊

[@LeahStroup753]

Saturday Night Fever sea star! LOL!💃

[@suzieplum7995]

In the warm waters of the Florida coast, there lived a unique and spirited Florida Fighting Conch named Finn. He was a freak among his kind, for his shell bore the marks of countless underwater battles. His spiraled, roughened shell was a testament to his courage and determination. One fateful day, a colossal Horse Conch, known for its size and strength, decided he was going to have Finn as a snack. The Horse Conch was relentless, but Finn refused to back down. With a fierce determination, they clashed under the sea, their shells colliding in a thunderous symphony of clicks and clacks. For ages, the battle raged on, with neither willing to yield. Finn fought valiantly, but the Horse Conch's sheer size and strength and speed were overwhelming. In a final, heroic surge, Finn delivered a resounding blow, but it came at a great cost. The Horse Conch's immense shell struck Finn , caught hold of his delicate squish sucking him into the shell only to spit out his shell in moments. Eventually, the stormy currents carried Finn's shell ashore, where it came to rest on a sandy beach. There, it gleamed like a precious zig zag gem amidst the seashells and debris left behind by the churning waves. A lovely sheller lady named Sharmon was strolling along the beach. Her keen eye caught sight of Finn's shell, and she bent down to pick it up. As she examined the beautiful, battle-scarred conch shell, she couldn't help but wonder about its history. Intrigued by the unique shell, Sharmon took it home with her. She placed it on her windowsill, where the sunlight filtered through the window and cast a warm glow upon it. As Sharmon looked at the shell each day, she couldn't help but feel a deep connection to the past. She knew that the storm that had washed Finn's shell ashore had likely brought both beauty and destruction to the lives of many. She saw the shell not just as a work of art but as a reminder of the resilience of all living beings, including humans who had weathered their own storms. Finn's shell became a symbol of strength, courage, and the beauty that could emerge from adversity. It was a reminder that, like Finn, people do face challenges head-on . And so, Finn's legacy lived on through the lovely sheller lady and her cherished fighting conch shell. It served as a testament to the enduring spirit of all who had braved the tempestuous seas, and as a source of inspiration for those who gazed upon its unique, battle-scarred beauty.

[@SWFBeachLife]

"She saw the shell not just as a work of art but as a reminder of the resilience of all living beings, including humans who had weathered their own storms." - TRUTH!!! How long does it take you to think of these stories? Are you inspired by the beach walk, or just a particular shell? I'm curious about your creative process! I know your view probably helps!!! ❤️❤️

[@suzieplum7995]

@@SWFBeachLife I had to message you on IG. I guess YT is fed up with my long answers !!

[@ittybittykittymama7582]

Good evening, dear Beach Angel and everyone who loves the beach and our Angel! Hope you're having a good start to the new week! Back to FMB (Ft. Myers Beach)! So many shells you can't hold them all, no that's my kind of day! Wow, that's a great big old Lettered Olive! Love it! Today's the day for outsized shells and stuff, darling! Hubby found that frisbee sized sand dollar and that banded tulip is gorgeous! Those prickly cockles usually have a sunset in their shells! They're so pretty! And the colorful moon snails, too! This abundance of shells makes me wonder what's lying on the sand on Kice Island. I'll bet there are shells galore! I'm so glad you had a wonderful day at the beach, Angel! You deserve it after your auction was such a great success! I'm so proud of you! Thank you so much for allowing me to tag along on your beachy adventure! I can always count on you for showing me a great time. Just hearing your voice makes me know that a fun trip is in my future! Until next week, I am sending my love to you and all who read this message. Peace to you and beautiful dreams of the sea and its gifts of seashells. Rebecca Someone gave me a metal sign that has a mermaid on it that reads "She dreams of theocean late at night and longs for the wild salt air." What better gift for the Lost Mermaid!

[@SWFBeachLife]

That mermaid sign is perfect for you! And that sand dollar was huge! At first glance I thought it was alive but I was pretty happy it wasn't. That being said, I'd like to run into more live sand dollars. There was one July I was down here and you couldn't walk in the water without stepping on them. We bought a snorkel set and went back for the dead ones. I do hope to share that experience if it ever happens again!

[@cazee100]

Oh I do love an empty beach where you can walk, find treasures and dream. I love the lack of commercialisation on this beach too, no vendors, nothing to kill the dream that I am on a desert island. What a lovely stroll. Cant wait for Kice, as you know I’m a bit in love with Kice Kice baby!! agave a brilliant week, stay safe xx

[@SWFBeachLife]

I was on Kice this morning and someone asked me what is my favorite beach to find shells...it was this beach, Fort Myers Beach! I just like the massive variety and the critters. Each beach has its own rhythm and I just love this beach to pieces. I'll email you you back soon! ❤️

[@melissab9209]

The Saturday Night Fever sea star was stayin' alive!

[@SWFBeachLife]

😂😂😂

[@tammymoore-kloss9680]

What a wonderful day full of amazing treasures ❤

[@juliamaul7334]

So many beautiful shells!!! What a wonderful trip to Fort Meyers’s!❤❤❤😊😊😊

[@angelajones1352]

I love seeing all the goodies you find... Thank you for taking us with you...🐚🐚🐚🐚

[@carolcheatle1955]

Love those beach bowls. Bigger is always better.😂 That dark sand dollar is huge!

[@miriammacdermot5601]

I agree! Being from Washington State, I would go nuts collecting beach bowls if I ever got to go to Florida.

[@WhiteHorseAcres]

I look forward to your videos every week. Thank you for an awesome trip to the beach.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thanks for watching!

[@jantaylor2034]

Loved it right near the start when you said, "What a mess. Aghhh. Love it!" We love it, too!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

The messier the better! 🐚

[@jantaylor2034]

Yes!! 🥰 @@SWFBeachLife

[@nikoletastavropoulou5515]

O my God what a beautiful shells 🐚 😍.

[@lynns.spires3469]

What a wonderful shell collecting day. A wide variety of gorgeous shells. So glad you are sharing your adventures with us. I literally wait for your videos to post . Like your content better than than the others. Be safe. Many more shelling days ahead.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much of the kind words!

[@suzisharp132]

Fabulous shelling at Ft. Myers Beach!

[@sherrytraveny8803]

I loved your shell hunting lol so many nice shells ❤❤❤😂

[@janinedevilliers510]

Beautiful shells. 👌 😍 Such a special day at the beach. It was interesting to see the critter inside the shell sticking it's eyes out. It had it's eyes out on stalks.👀 I have never seen what a snail looks like peeking out of an apple murex or lace murex. Your husband found some cool shells too. Enjoy next shelling weekend. See you next week. 👋👋😎

[@deniseyoung5385]

I’m an upper rackline sheller. I like to shell everything, but I always seem to find really cool stuff in the old upper rackline and sometimes all the way up to the base of the dunes. I love the tinies, too, though, so if they seem to be piled up at the water’s edge where the coffee grounds are, then I head straight for them. Really fun couple of videos!! The oyster was my favorite! So pretty!! And the coconut colored lace, that was lovely.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I am all about water shelling but that's going to change soon. I love shells but I love being warm more!

[@deniseyoung5385]

@@SWFBeachLifesame 😜 but if I see a Junonia, I’m doing a polar bear plunge!!! 😂

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@deniseyoung5385 Same! 🤣

[@kokoskrib]

Beautiful beach day! I can’t believe you had it to yourself. That’s awesome! I love the “Hangover Moon snail” idea! 😂. Thanks for taking us along!

[@pattythacker5916]

Oh! My! Goodness!!! What beautiful seashells 🐚 and those sand dollars 😮Just lovely ☺️ My best friend used to live at Fort Myers’s and has moved to Oviedo Florida ❤ Thank You for sharing your adventures with us 😁

[@shannaprissyleamon1311]

Olives are my absolute favorite shells! I've only found 2 but hopefully one of these days I'll get down your way & find many! ❤

[@SWFBeachLife]

I hope you do get down this way and you find boat loads of those lovely, shiny and pointed olives!

[@fredamoore1743]

Hi Sharmon! Such a fun shelling video. My daughter and I spent a whole day riding all thru Ft Myers a couple of weeks ago and of course checking out the beach. The devastation made me so sad. I have seen so many videos and pics after Ian but being right there is a whole different feeling. Hopefully my next trip I will see more rebuild and improvement. One thing for sure, the beach is still bringing in those lovely shells and we still get our wonderful "beach time" with you!! Have a great week

[@SWFBeachLife]

Yes, the destruction is nothing that you can really put into words. And it actually looks pretty good after a year of clean up. We definitely have a long way to go. It will be AMAZING once hotels and resorts are open again but I fear it's going to be years. Like you said - at least the beach is still brining those souvenirs!

[@jessiesgirl4413]

Mmmm toasted coconut 🍤 ❤

[@SWFBeachLife]

😋

[@wardrobelion]

Another wonderful trip to the beach😊. The crab in that one shell is a fiddler crab. They make those little holes all over the shoreline around mangroves usually. I see them more often on the bayside and natural beaches where there’s more vegetation. Fun to watched them all running around 😊

[@mlgauss60435]

Love the "hangover " term!

[@marciaslay1149]

Thanks for a great shelling trip, that was so great seeing all the shells, have a wonderful week!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I hope you have a great week too Marcia!

[@sonflowergems]

That horse conch was an awesome find! Loved seeing the little Cochinas dance.

[@lindaeshbach6494]

Yea, you found some rose petal talons. I love those.

[@carolmusso7767]

Thank you for another relaxing trip to the beach! You had quite a haul today, and I’m getting really good at naming the shells before you do. What fun! ❤️🐚

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thanks for coming to the beach with me!!

[@christinaapple4143]

Oh, thank you, thank you… i needed some beach therapy!!

[@chrisbgifford7387]

the broken moon snail reminded me on a minion, one eyed with a huge smile! So cute. The worm snail from Whoville with a Cindy Lou sized Christmas tree at the top!

[@SWFBeachLife]

You have such a creative mind!

[@KathyPetty-hh1xe]

I do enjoy our walks together😊

[@lisa-fg8zh]

WoW, thanks for sharing! The variety was amazing

[@kathyjund7212]

Such a fabulous episode.. so wish I was there!!!!!

[@rebeccapennington6500]

I live in Indiana and unfortunately I have no beach around me. I have been to Florida once in my life and didn't find very many shells, and they were mostly common shells. Still had an awesome time but can't wait to retire next year and go shelling. I love your videos, makes me happy to see the beach and all the wonderful shells and critters you find. Thanks for what you do for all us who can't get to a beach.

[@SWFBeachLife]

It's truly my pleasure! I grew up in NJ, so we had a beach, not close, but at least we got to go in the summer. And can I tell you there were no shells! I was not inspired to go beachcombing until I moved here in 2019. The beaches here in SW Florida are just like no other. I hope you do get to come here and experience it for yourself!

[@jamie6580]

Thank you, as always, for a great trip to the beach!

[@denisem6754]

That was so much fun! Thank you for some very much needed beach time.

[@patifagan6774]

Love hangover shark eyes

[@SWFBeachLife]

😂

[@dalegruder2363]

Watching you is soothing. You’ve inspired me to shell the Florida coast! We are going to St. Augustine to visit the beach and family. In December we’re going to Keywadin and Marco. Can’t wait!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Bring your sweater and a HUGE shell bag! The shells down here in the winter are AMAZING!!

[@tracyriordan7011]

Nice! I am Soo jealous! Have a blast! That would be my dream come true! ( :

[@MiMi-og4wx]

Hi Sharman!! 👋 Beautiful Banded Tulips! I loved the Colorful Lace Murex😍 This hunt was EPIC!!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

It was so much fun!

[@miriammacdermot5601]

Hi Sharmon! Thanks for sharing Part 2 of the Ft. Myers beach walk. So many treasures! I particularly loved that fighting conch that had all the zig zaggies on it, even its knobs. But I didn't see it at the end when you showed everything you collected. Did you keep it? Anyway, so many other gorgeous shells to add to your collection. My daydreams of visiting Florida continue. Have a blessed week.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I'm in a strange stage in my collecting. I know I don't "need" any more shells, but I keep finding such beauties! I'm going to have to step up my Etsy game so I can share some of these souvenirs!

[@bonnerdebbie]

Thanks Sharmon, that was a wonderfully shell filled walk. I made it to the beach this weekend for a little over an hour my daughter and I searched for shark's teeth. We were on Mickler's Landing in NE FL, not much in the way of collectible shells but great for the teeth.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I find the hunt irresistible! As long as we're looking for something on the beach!

[@Beetuz]

I adore you and your videos

[@SWFBeachLife]

🥰

[@pattythacker5916]

Would love to find seashells like you 😁Thank You again! From Virginia.

[@bethhaas9859]

Sharmon, as always, so awesome. It keeps the great memories alive. Thank you, thank you..50° here.

[@SWFBeachLife]

You are so very welcome!! Thank you so much for coming to the beach with me!

[@KathyPetty-hh1xe]

I do enjoy are walks together😊

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you for coming to the beach with me!

[@roxiegs348]

Amazing haul. I need to go!

[@lesliel9791]

omg we'll be there in a week or so....staying in Cape Coral....looking forward to some fun shell adventures!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Safe travels and I hope the shells are in your favor!

[@donnaschimmelpfennig3447]

I will be blessed to go back to Englewood in a few weeks. My favorite there is stump pass. I remember the huge horse conch you found there. Ft. Myers Beach in this video was a fantastic shell day. Your shell finds here was extraordinary. I would love to go to Ft . Myers Beach! You said you were at the bend of the beach, I would love if you could give me a street, parking area or anything that's close by , and am hoping to find tulips, horse conchs, angel wings, shark eyes. If I came close to your finds , I would be ecstatic!! Thank you for your videos, appreciate them. Any help would be appreciated. Also what is your absolute favorite shelling spot that doesn't require a boat? Appreciate you! Thank you so much

[@SWFBeachLife]

I was asked what beach is my favorite for shelling and this beach is my absolute favorite. I like its rhythm and the fact I normally see critters and shells. Parking is super tricky since nothing on the south end of the island is really open. You can try taking the trolley and have that drop off and pick you up on the south end of the island. I have a special parking pass I use to park at the sound end of the island but shoot me an email and I'll let you know about my other parking spot!

[@gingermackeen5741]

Yep . It's a pearl oyster! Interesting how it resembles the winged Atlantic one with no periostricum. I have a hinged set with the p. Looks very scaly which is very different from the AWO. That was a huge sand dollar! And a huge BT!! Love the very spiky JB!😊❤️ Congrats on all the trues!👍👍 And ALL the crown conchs! So a hurricane goes by and WHERE is everybody??? Hope you guys had a great time up here and got to do all you had planned!

[@SWFBeachLife]

This comment got "held for review" for reasons I do not know! Thanks for the shell confirmation! And this beach barely has people on it because there is no where to park. All the condos on the beach are closed and none of the stores have reopened yet. If it weren't for the kindness of others, I'd be walking the 2+ miles to the end of the island. I'm lucky that I can spend my time exploring versus humping shells down the beach!

[@deadangel2211]

10:15, just above your hand, albino queen conch or albino FFC.

[@SWFBeachLife]

That is a small white fighting conch. Hopefully not an albino!

[@jolynnburns4306]

How awesome! Definitely would take all of the OLIVES!! I have only found 1 crown conch, I will have to come to Fort Myers for sure!! That is awesome that your hubby goes with you and LOOKS for shells!!! Have a great week. See you Sunday!! XOXO

[@marfa1861]

Do you ever find Wentle Traps down there? I have found 3 - at different times - on the NC Outer Banks!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I have! I have found them on this beach too but not on this day. I actually found one on Kice yesterday too!

[@anitawarner5099]

Thank You for another great video! Love, love FMB!! My ❤ will always be there!!!😊

[@SWFBeachLife]

Mine too!

[@SnowPink90]

I so enjoy your videos!! What beauty the shells hold!! I don’t know if I can’t remember, but when was the last time you took home a sea urchin? I feel like it’s been awhile. Take care and have a great week, see you next Sunday!! 🥰🐬

[@SWFBeachLife]

I think I might find a few in an upcoming video to N Keewaydin. It has been a while. There was one storm and I picked up over 80 of them! They are quite messy so I've learned the best ones to collect are the ones that are empty!

[@luana1600]

That is a beautiful haul.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you! 🤗

[@kimkuks6370]

i have shelled in the st pete and clearwater area after major storms...so much fun!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I was just at Honeymoon Island - I would like to check out the other beaches up there!

[@pateicialane4740]

That’s it sand dollar!

[@daynarassner9334]

Where did you park for this fantastic excursion?🐚🎉

[@SWFBeachLife]

I have a very special parking pass that allows me to park on private property. The best way to get there is either park on a side street and walk or take the Fort Myers Beach Trolley. The trolley can drop off and pick up on the south end of the island!

[@pathoward5721]

Thanks 🙏 Sharmon ……that was a haul! See you @Kite 😊

[@pathoward5721]

Kice!?

[@williamthomson638]

I love true angel wings

[@cindyrowland5030]

Lol! I picked up a bunch of olives last week at PCB!❤️

[@jeanneamato8278]

Thank you.

[@SWFBeachLife]

You're welcome!

[@lorawilliams4380]

Yay! I was waiting for you to post

[@SWFBeachLife]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@shellebramos]

Hangover shark eyes 😆

[@bobbienielsen6860]

I have a question for everyone. Is it safe to kayak from Marco Island to dickmans? This shelling video is amazing!

[@cindyrowland5030]

Great question! I know it is possible but be sure you check the tides and wind predictions. SWF had to call the coast guard to rescue her one time on her way back.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Cindy (below) is correct! Yes, you can kayak to Dickman's from Caxambus, however I would definitely check the weather. I couldn't overpower a 14 mph wind, I ended up capsized and I needed to call 911 to rescue me. Lesson learned!!

[@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags]

I walked that beach when I was a little girl back in the early 50s,,, I’m older now… I’m needing about 15 small 2-4” horseshoe crabs to share with me kids in my church… need them intact and dried out… I’ll pay for the shipping

[@SWFBeachLife]

I currently do not have any to sell - I'm sorry!

[@mariabasham9972]

I came across a video that another sheller found around 20 Wentletraps in one video, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I thought you may want to see it. It was at the Lighthouse before Ian.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thanks for the info!

[@cleot151]

I can't help feeling envious. There aren't many shells on the Atlantic coast, and most of them are in pieces.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Not all beaches were created equally. The creatures that makes the shells love it down here!

[@nancycross2228]

A Beautiful day !! Towards the end of the video you mentioned the bridge between Lovers Key and FMB needed repair. Is it closed to traffic ? I miss visiting that area. Thank you.

[@SWFBeachLife]

The bridge is open at the very bottom of Fort Myers Beach but they are building a new one. I think the new one will open before they take the original one out of commission.

[@nancycross2228]

Wonderful..thank you ! Still hoping to make a trip down before too long !

[@mariejung73]

Beautiful ❤

[@anasofia252]

😘🤗❤️ from Portugal

[@SWFBeachLife]

Hi Portugal!!!

[@anasofia252]

@@SWFBeachLife❤

[@anasofia252]

Portugal is bathed by the Atlantic and we don't have shells as beautiful as yours. So jealous!!!❤

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@anasofia252 I am so lucky to live here and be able to appreciate all the wonderful seashells we have here. I’d love to travel and see more!

[@anasofia252]

@@SWFBeachLife Maybe, one day, you will come to Portugal.

[@luannski6895]

Whats the difference between a Calico clam and a giant bittersweet? They both have a zigzag pattern.

[@SWFBeachLife]

The bittersweet shells are much thicker and those shells are brown and white. The calico clams tend to be different shades of brown. It helps when you've picked them up a few hundred times 😃

[@wendygamble3935]

Makes me want to be right there with you!!😊

[@brendasmith6076]

Do you find very many sea urchins, I think that's what you call them. They are round and maroon color. I ove them.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I do see those urchins but I haven't seen many lately. I love them too!

[@Robin-MP]

niiiiice!❤

[@redrubyslippers8284]

What do u do with all the shells u find?? 😊❤️ Love watching ur videos!! ❤️😁

[@SWFBeachLife]

I get asked about my collection a lot, so I made a video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYu0h3aBeK-EkM0

[@cherylhafner1946]

Are there any hotels right on the beach where you’re finding these treasures? Coming in November for a few days.

[@SWFBeachLife]

There is nothing open right now on the south end of the island. They're still recovering from Hurricane Ian but you can take the beach trolley and have it drop you off at the south end of the island!

[@christhacker9450]

We love your videos! We're currently in Marco and want to go to Kice Island. Which tour company do you recommend?

[@SWFBeachLife]

I was out with Ali this morning! I always use SWFL Shell Guide on my shell tours! www.swflshellguide.com

[@pateicialane4740]

What are those san stone things I want to see them

[@kimkuks6370]

i bet sanibel was ripe for picking also!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I started shelling on Sanibel and bounced all over after that. I wish I could shell more than one beach at a time! 😂

[@almostpronto2286]

Humorously chiding “hubby” for giving shells away. I cracked up! I live in “Bastin” where we love steamed clams & scallops. Not to be voracious but Are the Calico clams & Calico scallops down there served to people?

[@SWFBeachLife]

The calico clams and scallops are not served down here. Apparently the calico scallops are commercially harvested but I have never seen them offered on any menus down here. That being said you can harvest the sunray venus clams if you have a fishing license.

[@seriously.....]

Are the cross barred venus clams always yellow on the other side??

[@SWFBeachLife]

They are not always yellow. They can be purple, purple and yellow and sometimes just white.

[@sheilaprice3735]

I’m coming to ft Meyer beach area in next few months from Titusville Fl on east coast.. When is best time for shelling on sanibel and captivate island. Will pine island have shells also?

[@sheilaprice3735]

I meant to say captiva

[@SWFBeachLife]

Pine Island will not have shells but Sanibel and Captiva will. Winters are typically the best time to shell, but shells can be found all year long. Best time to go is at low tide.

[@elweil2934]

Or a Crying Moonsnail...

[@SWFBeachLife]

That could work. Or very tired moonsnail....

[@theresapapola2378]

That is a triceratops of a spiney jewelbox! 😂

[@SWFBeachLife]

LOL! 🤣

[@LoriWheatley-p4m]

What app do you recommend for identifying shells?

[@SWFBeachLife]

I wish there was an app for that! The Sanibel Shell Museum has a shell ID app, but I don't find it to be very helpful. Sorry!

[@LoriWheatley-p4m]

Thank you!

[@callabornfriend3631]

What part of fort Myers is this?

[@SWFBeachLife]

Toward the sound end of the island.

[@mirandadunsmore-gladue5477]

❤️👋🇨🇦

[@northforkgal]

snails don't do card tricks...funny!

[@markokostelac7282]

Why can't images be sent through comments for Christ's sake