I found seahorses on Sanibel Island! Post Hurricane Ian treasures left behind.

I found seahorses on Sanibel Island! My first trip back to the island after it being closed due to Hurricane Ian and Sanibel allowed me to find several seahorses while beachcombing. I still can't believe my luck. I still haven’t found a junonia, but I can at least check seahorses off the list!
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[@carolmusso7767]

Thank you for the trip to Sanibel. I had that same sinking feeling when you found the seahorses. I think because they have actual faces, it’s more painful to see them dead. But you will give them a sweet resting place, I’m sure. ❤️🐚

[@beckyh1369]

I had the same reaction to the seahorses. I was so sad that they died but so amazed that they were there to be found! I’m so happy that they will be admired and appreciated long after their lives ended!

[@lisaharner3720]

Finding those seahorses was bittersweet. Sorrowful and yet excited that it was you that found them! Lovely shell haul today. Thanks for the memorable beach walk! ❤️🪸🐚🏝️

[@karengatz3022]

The Sea Horses are heartbreakingly beautiful!!

[@melaniewhittington7857]

Tears came to my eyes for those precious se horses

[@hellofromUSA062]

I think seahorses are magical little creatures. Its sad that so many of them died but I think its very fitting that you, as someone who deeply respects the sea and beach and beach critters were given the honor of finding them!!🥰🐚

[@SWFBeachLife]

Awe. What an absolute lovely thing to say! Thank you so much 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@hellofromUSA062]

@@SWFBeachLife you are very welcome. Happy shelling🐚🌈

[@katherinelinford7432]

I have gotten into drawing in that past few years, and what started it was my love of seahorses. I so feel for you, I too would be both amazed , sad, and in awe of the beauty of them, even after they have passed away …their design is truly amazing to me 🥹💕🌸! !! I watched this video ( link is at the end…cause I am not tech savvy enough to insert it properly lol😂🤪), and it made me appreciate all the more just how amazing these delicate, yet perfectly designed for their habitat animals are. Thought you might enjoy seeing this, as it explains just how they can most of the time survive the waves of the see! 💕Being a 55 yr old woman who has permanent damage to my back after getting caught off guard by a wave in Hawaii, on Maui, at age 45, I know full well just how much force is exerted by those waves. 😕😓😰When it happened to me I seriously felt everything was going in slow motion, I was just literally waiting to hear the pop sound and my back breaking. I even thought wow this is it, I am gonna be paralyzed, or I am gonna die. It has been 10 yrs now, still plugging along, still love the ocean! Part of why that video intrigues me, that something so delicate on one hand …can be so tough on the other side if things. Always enjoy your videos, wish I could join in lol, then my shell collection might need another house to fit it! 😂😂 Take care, and thanks for sharing! 💕🌸☺️🌸💕 www.jw.org/finder?srcid=jwlshare&wtlocale=E&lank=docid-502018196_1_VIDEO

[@katherinelinford7432]

This hurts my heart so many…😢 I commented earlier when you found the first, sad to see so many more gone..it was such a bad hurricane though. 💔😢💔

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@katherinelinford7432 Well that was fascinating! I am going to talk about this the next time I find a seahorse. And let's just say that might be sooner than I thought!

[@annamann4544]

What a magical trip!! I saved a live seahorse and that’s when my junonia(s) found me.

[@SWFBeachLife]

That's beach karma baby!

[@denniskillian]

My heart is breaking for the seahorses. Hi my name is Debbie and I have had a Salt Water Fish tank for around 29 years and some of my fish are around 17 to 20 years old, a long time ago I had Seahorse both large and small, and I loved them so much when they died, which they lived a long time for me in my tank , I saved their bodies and let them dry out real good because of the smell then I put a heavy decoupage Glaze on them and I still have them to this day. I put them on a large piece of drift wood . I live in Michigan but, I will say these animals should be left in the ocean, because if you do not know how to take good care of them they die quickly, it makes me sad to see them in fish stores with out the proper tank set up for them. any how that is how I preserved my sweet babies.

[@SWFBeachLife]

What magical little pets they must have been! Thank you so much for sharing your story. It must have been amazing to have them as pets.

[@debnordman1640]

Thank you for your care & respect for the dear seahorses. So tragic for them, but I don't think there's anyone who would treat them with more love than you.

[@mavisrayfehr6836]

Oh my goodness ! I had the same feeling about finding the sea horses 💔 Sad but privileged to find them. Thanks for a great video. You are so kind to be supportive to your local businesses.

[@saraclark8611]

I am with you, it’s sad that the sea horses have died but so happy you found them. There is certainly nothing we can do to prevent natural disasters from happening and the devastation that comes from them but we can’t get lost in it and let it consume us. It’s reality and unfortunately for those who have hearts it hurts. Made my heart happy you found those seahorses 💕

[@nancyrallen]

Was totally excited about the sea horses. I think I might have written this before on your site. I was in Naples and decided to get up early and go for a walk on the beach. I noticed a lot of the birds pecking at something and I discovered it was sea horses. I picked them up an put them back in the ocean and they vertically swam away. I was so impressed and will never for get that moment. Yes, you had a right to those emotions. Congratulation on finding them. Sad they died but you will be able to preserve them for along time to be a teaching tool and just to admire. Thanks for the great video. I am from Ohio and to old to hunt shells so I really enjoy going along with you. I am spoiled when I go to other shell sites and am not as amored by them. Hugs.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I was thinking about this note as I was walking the beach this morning imagining coming across gulls picking at a poor horsey. I'm so glad you were able to save it. The ones I found weren't so lucky. ❤️

[@bethhaas9859]

Nancy, where in Ohio? I'm near Akron

[@robertabessey7990]

Hi, Thank you for a special video today. Mother nature is something! Those poor little Seahorses. Made me so sad that they perished, but very excited for you to find them and share them with all of us. It's hard to wrap my mind around how beautiful our world is and how sad it also can be. Again Thank you for sharing. It makes my heart happy to see that so much is and has been done to clean up. Have a wonderful week.

[@kokoskrib]

Thank you for sharing your experience. The sea horses are just amazing little creatures. I feel like so many of them finding you on this special day is a truly special. Be well! 💕

[@SherriSimon]

Thank you. The pink cottage on the beach at Cast-a-Way was reserved for my 60th birthday this fall, so sad not to see it on the shore. But so glad to see the beauty of Sanibel beach in the morning. I love Blind Pass and Turner Beach at sunrise. It definitely made my heart smile.

[@debbieosredkernelson13]

Oh, those little seahorses. It is so heartbreaking to see their tiny deceased bodies... partly because they are such gentle creatures. Their tiny fins are no match for a strong current, so I agree they were most likely washed up during the hurricane. They are my favorite sea critter. So sad that they perished, but so glad you found them and can give them a nice place to rest in peace.

[@SWFBeachLife]

They're such amazing creatures and I have only gotten to see one live one on a beach once. Bitter sweet is a good way to put it. Wish they didn't die, but if they did I'm glad I found them.

[@marie-sophie4]

What a wonderful time being back at Sanibel, I was very excited to watch you find all these beautiful treasures and I have to say finding all these magical sea horses made me feel very sad but in awe at the same time. Mother Nature never cease to amaze me ❤🙏🏻🐚🏝️

[@judishubert6016]

The sea horses were amazing. . Your show is too. The storms are devastating. I haven't been to the beach for 4 years. I miss it but you help.

[@fredamoore1743]

Hi Sharmon. Loved this video and the chance to watch you at my favorite beach Blind Pass. Ahhhh, those precious sea horses. They are amazing and I could tell by your reactions you were totally stoked. It's sad but so special that you had the opportunity to find them. I know you will find a great way to display them. I just cried and smiled at the same time. Thank you for this adventure! Hugs

[@SWFBeachLife]

Crying over the destruction and smiling as rebirth. It's crazy when the two are literally cohabitating but that's life in SWFL right now!

[@crystalfahlsing4296]

I am so happy such a wonderful beach lover found all those beautiful seahorses. You perfectly stated my feelings on the find. Their death is sad but you finding them is definitely a silver lining. SWF really is a magical place. 💜🐚💜

[@SWFBeachLife]

It really is beach friend! It will be wonderful when you can come back!

[@melissalillegard7945]

Thank you for sharing with us in regards to the recovery of Sanibel. It's sad, but I would feel honored to be given such a valued gift from the ocean. Thank you for taking us along today.

[@janetdunn8220]

Seahorses have always been magical. Seeing them alive is a treasure. It is a captivating find with definite sadness but is still a magical creature to have been able to have found. Thanks as always and look forward to next week❣🦋❣🥰🌊🌈🐚🐚🐚🌈🌊🥰

[@missbrighthorse458]

Yay!!!!!!!! Sanibel!!!!!!!!!

[@ginnamagda5810]

Yes. It is very sad to see the real struggle these sea horses and the fish have but none the less they’ll rest in comfort with someone that’ll truly adore them. You’re wonderful and compassionate. The absolute value of life in the now and after remains in our hearts. Thankyou

[@SWFBeachLife]

❤️❤️❤️

[@sharrymallory329]

I definitely felt sad and excited about the seahorses...but was glad you were the one who found them because of your appreciation for all the sea treasures. I was surprised they were so big...I have seen small one before. And love the orange scallops...always like finding those!

[@deecarson3343]

Thanks for sharing. Exciting but at the same time sad about finding the seahorses. My parents retired to Fort Meyers. But I never got to go shelling. I’m now 75 and wished I had gone. Luv to watch your videos 💜👍

[@roxiegs348]

I think the buttercup luciene has quickly become a favorite shell. I do like the jingles, limpets and rose talens too. Add the prickly cockles as well. Sheesh. So pretty!

[@SWFBeachLife]

It's hard to pick just one right?

[@sheridamiddleton763]

hi, Seahorses always make me think of magic! Tragic that they did not survive the storm but what a blessing that you found them and brought them to a safe resting place in your collection. The tone of your voice was so respectful each time you found yet another one. Thank you as always for taking us along on your shell gathering walk. Still dealing with snow and freezing rain and cold temps so nice to virtually walk along the beach with you. As always love and hugs from Ontario Canada. ❤

[@ittybittykittymama7582]

How wonderful to go on another lovely walk on the beach with you, dear Beach Angel! I really need the joy and peace I know I will find there on this evening! Watching the news tonight left me in tears for all the inhumanity, the hatred and the death in the world. I was very happy to know that you have posted and are "waiting" for me to join you at the sea's gate. Let's see what we will find there. To have a Red Tide outbreak is just adding insult to injury! Still, warming sea temperatures bring algal booms, don't they? It will happen from time to time, I know. It's nasty stuff and it really does a lot to harm to the manatees, I understand. I hope it passes soon and causes little harm. Oh, what a lovely little Scotch Bonnet! How sweet they are. I've seen video from the Southeast coast of Australia where they get really big! I know that I'll not find one of them, but I can imagine how much fun that must be to do so. That's a lovely Lettered Olive you found, there, Angel! BBD found one about that size recently up on Okaloosa Island. He found what he called a Golden Olive and I know you want one of those. I couldn't tell if it was Golden or a faded Lettered Olive, but it was very pretty, whatever it was. I pored through my new Audubon Guide until I fell asleep the other night and I dreamed of being on the beach. That birthday gift completed my library of Audubon Guides and made me very happy. Soon it will be the time of year when the wildflowers begin their springtime jamboree. My walking friend and I are growing excited at the prospect of a ramble in the mountain forest in search of those fragile jewels. If I were on other social media feeds, I would send you photos of our own spring flowers in bloom. My husband built a door-side garden just outside the front porch of our bungalow and it is full to the brim with daffodils, their feet kept warm by a bright quilt of pansies and violas. Their joyous song to spring makes me very happy. He's so proud of himself that they are doing so well. When I saw the sea horse curled in your palm as if it were sleeping, my first emotion was sadness, not for the death of a solitary animal, but of the ones you found, one after another, which might indicate a mass death event. So many deceased seahorses, together with that puffer fish, in those patches of dried out sea grass makes me think they were a colony which existed in the grassy flats offshore. That's a favorite habitat for those big guys. That incident may well have wiped out the whole colony. It's a tragedy for them, any way you look at it. No doubt they were approaching breeding season, so there may have been innumerable deaths due to the demise of their parents. It appears that they were thrown onto the shore by the hurricane's waves, where they were munched on by crabs or by shore birds who were drawn by the odor of their decay, thereby damaging their fragile bodies. Your finding the cowfish strengthens my theory that this colony of animals was washed up by the action of the powerful waves and died together as a result of being out of the water. It's a sad fact that nature isn't always benevolent to the creatures whom she sometimes nurtures. In the early 80s, I found the body of some sort of porpoise or whale (black, lighter coloring underneath, about twelve feet long, blunt head and short face, found beached at the mouth of Mobile Bay) and I sat down beside it and wept for its loss. I then walked for miles along the beach, making sure it was a solitary beaching before I brought the rangers from Ft. Morgan to see the carcass. It made me sad, but I've learned that nature is capricious, at best, and not always kind. One day, we will only have the memories of Ian's heartbreaking tantrum and of the damage he wrought on our bit of paradise. For now, we can only hold the evidence of his cruelty in our hands and perhaps shed a tear for our loss, the sea's loss. What a haul you got today, a real blessing from the Lord of the Sea! I'm wiping the green from my eyes as I type, and I'm not using bleach! That Crown Conch turned out very beautifully! How happy I am now and relaxed, too. I can sleep peacefully and dream of the shells which I will no doubt find in October. How happy I will be to see my home island, to joyfully complain of the weight of the treasures which I carry with gladness, but are so precious to me. Thank you, sweet Angel, for allowing me to keep you company as you walk the beaches of your home. It means more to me than you will ever know. Be blessed, dear Beach Angel, in all you do, especially your new project. Much love and many treasures from Becca, The Lost Mermaid

[@SWFBeachLife]

I could almost see the daffodils out your door you described them so well. I'm much better with a camera than I am with words. You clearly have a gift. Thank you for choosing to spend your time with me, when you could be choosing to do anything else. ❤️

[@angelahammond6635]

Thank you for not over exaggerating the red tide (or lack of it) We rely on tourism from Sanibel as charter boat captains so we have to constantly explain it. We’ve lived with it our whole life so it just part of paradise!

[@SWFBeachLife]

EXACTLY! Plus it won't stop me from going to the beach 😃

[@lndadaines2994]

Hi. This is Linda from New Zealand. I just love your videos and think that itz the only one I watch. Your passion and your excitement and enthusiasm as to what you will find on the beach. U are not afraid to tell us what emotions you r going through. Love what you do. Linda.

[@marykettler8455]

WOW!!! What a great shell adventure. Love the sea horses, but sad too. Thanks for taking us along. Love and Hugs from Lake Co. FL🌴🌞🌴

[@sandramyer7081]

My friends used-to come to Sanibel- long time ago- every summer- Watch out for Red tide- beautiful but they had derision - dead fish but sea shells

[@BonnieMunson]

I keep watching this one. It's so magical and I love how they touched your heart.

[@Laurel608]

I felt sad and happy at the same time when you found the sea horses! Thank you for sharing your trip to Sanibel.

[@maggieslifeisawildride512]

That first shot of you driving in the wee hours of the morning brought back so many wonderful memories. One vacation to SWF our hotel was across the street from an orange grove and I'll never forget the day we headed for home it was early and I was standing in the parking lot while we put our suitcases in the trunk, breathing in the warm balmy breezes filled with the sweet scent of orange blossoms. I couldn't breath deep enough. Now that's a smell I could wake up to every day. And yes...I feel the same way about the sea horses...kind of a melancholy excitement. I hate knowing that this little creature suffered but I feel that way any time I see an animal on the roadside that's been injured or killed. 😥

[@SWFBeachLife]

What a wonderful orange-scented memory to have! Melancholy excitement is a good way to put it too. Bittersweet kind of captures the feeling too.

[@JulieAiken]

Thank you for this update! Beautiful!

[@theresabayer3619]

I love watching you shell. You continue to name them as you go and explain everything. I have come to the conclusion you are the best. I am not just saying this , you are very good. I have learned a lot from you. The respect you have for life is awesome. Thank you for everything . God Bless be careful.

[@SWFBeachLife]

❤️❤️❤️

[@donnabopp9327]

Such mixed emotions over finding so many seahorses. Sad, yet thrilled for you. Thank you for another wonderful walk along the beach.

[@IAMGiftbearer]

Those seahorses are beautiful! I wish I could find one like that. They have a sweet nurturing feeling about them. It would be really cool to figure out a way to make a pendent out of them and hang each one on its own thin sterling silver snake chain. If you were very careful you might be able to drill a tiny hole at the top and glue a screw eye into them and then attach a bail.

[@SWFBeachLife]

People are leaving so many great ideas in these comments - thank you!

[@joydparks7482]

Thanks for taking us to Sanibel. My husband and I were there 5 years ago and we loved the shells and I got to take some home to California. What wonderful memories. Aww the poor seahorses🐚

[@brendataylor9139]

I’m so happy that you were the person that found the seahorses. I’m so happy for YOU! I was like you with my emotions. On a different note, my husband and I did spend some time in FMB 2 weeks ago. A lot of people coming and going. Also, thank you for sharing where you shell. Some KZbinrs will not share that So I wanted you to know how much it is appreciated. ❤

[@SWFBeachLife]

You are very welcome. I understand not wanting to share "honey holes" but I also like knowing that I can help other people enjoy something that I love so much!

[@marydegenkolb9603]

Seahorses are not strong swimmers. They use their tails to hold onto seagrass and seaweed. So when the seaweed and seagrass is ripped up and tossed by a wave, they are doomed. These are all adults. And seahorses are endangered. So now there are fewer adults to breed. But I'm glad you found them and are honoring them. I too was very sad to see so many. I had a couple of small ones from Hawaii that my mother found beachcombing. So I understand the awe of them. The 'stuff' is what they were holding onto when they got tossed on the shore. It was their homes.

[@SWFBeachLife]

It was strange they way they were all in the same area. There were probably others. It was very sad to see, but magical at the same time.

[@cherylbelott]

Thank you for this great video! What amazing finds! Seahorses!!! I know what you mean, it feels melancholy. Such sweet creatures. 💕

[@tracyriordan7011]

Sooo excited to check out the beach at Sanibel with you again! ( : Yayyyyyyy! I somehow missed this!! ) : Life has been too busy these past few weeks! Phew! Let's go to the beach!! Woo hoo! ( : Ohhhh, a hinged calico scallop!! Wow, that huge crown conch is amazing! Beach time. Much needed! Thank you sooo much! ( : Ohhhhh, a beautiful, very white paper fig!! Soooo gorgeous! ( : Ohhhhhh!! I adore scallops! I would've gone crazy too! ( : I am sooo in awe of seahorses too and a puffer fish too! I really think your theory is extremely accurate! How amazing an opportunity you were awarded!! Wow, for sure! Amazing! ( : It is heartbreaking to see and I imagine being on Sanibel! It got hit sooo badly by Ira! ) : What a wonderful day you had today! ( : Thank you sooo much for taking us with you today! I did feel exactly like you and I would've felt it even more, I know, if I encountered them in person! Wow, that huge crown conch and our sooo beautiful! ( :

[@monaobryant9107]

I love when you do these videos, my parents lived on Captiva for 24 yrs I always shelled all over Sanibel and Captiva, but mostly Captiva all my friends say that my house looks like it belongs in Florida because of all my shells they are in every room, it was so therapeutic for me, I miss being there so much, thank you !!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thanks for coming to the beach with me!

[@bkneram]

This was so healing to watch 🥹 Thank you!!

[@marjoriemorgan465]

Thank you for the Great video. ❤ So excited to see the sea horses, but felt so sad knowing that they died the way they did.😢

[@maryharte1239]

Thanks for showing us all sorts of sea life! [And for picking up plastic! I carry out a bag of plastic trash every time I visit a beach, leaving it better than when I arrived.] The seahorses reminded me of the occasional dried seahorse I would find as a kid walking along Long Island Beach, New York, 60 years ago. Those beach walks ultimately led to my career in marine biology and evolution... When I was 10 or more yrs old, I put a dried seahorse, and examples of other dried sea creatures - a baby horseshoe crab, starfish, sea urchin test, et al in a 6-inch tall jam jar lined with cotton. It still stands on my dresser today... And the Cowfish!!! I have a tropical necklace with those beautifully sculptured hexagonal plates hanging above my bed, and now I finally know where they come from -- scales of a boxfish!! Again, thanks so much!

[@SWFBeachLife]

No kidding on the scales of the fish - that's incredible! I thought I was going to be a veterinarian. Advanced bio and me didn't get along so I ended up in advertising/marketing. My love for animals is still strong though. I enjoy the critters as much as the seashells!

[@beckysteffka2434]

I've been shelling on Captiva and Sanibel for years, but haven't been back since the hurricane. I've never seen a Scotch Bonnet, very cool! I have found a number of Lightning Welks, and I just treasure all of my shells! Thank you for your video, it's just like being there! ❤️

[@melaniewhittington7857]

Sea horses. Glad someone found them who really cares and so happy to find them.

[@hollybess2811]

Oh my goodness, the sea horses are so cool. Not a cool reason you found them because of the hurricane but I look at it this way. Those beautiful little creatures are now being honored forever in your very loved collection ❤️. I wish there was something I could to do to help in anyway all the people and businesses during such a sad time for them, but I live in Missouri. But we are planning a vacation and want to come to that area just so some money could help. It's very small, but the only way I can think to help. Thank you once again for everything you do. Especially getting me through these hard , cold long winter months here. Your beach time I think is what helps so very much. Makes me feel like I'm on the beach myself!!😊

[@SWFBeachLife]

Well I am really glad I can bring you a little Florida sunshine! ❤️❤️❤️

[@donnajohnson3334]

I am in Missouri, too. Raining at the moment. My daffodils already bloomed, but got frozen back. I love these beach trips so much. I'm land locked, but there is a touch of the sea in me !. I decorated my bedroom in a sea theme, and I love it. I even joined scrap rugs to look like a pier. All of it came from the thrift stores.😁🐚🏝

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@donnajohnson3334 Love this! You would love it here. We have fabulous thrift stores! 🌊

[@donnajohnson3334]

@@SWFBeachLife Oh W0W !. Another person after my own heart !. I've done the tan room up in blue green touches.The drapes were $2.00 @.I have a big Bursa, a lighthouse lantern and a Sea sponge... I didn't know Cowries eat them , must be very filling,--- huh ?. Lol ! High fiber !. I found a broken ceramic sea monster (seriously !) and put him back together. I hung him on the wall with fake seagrass coming from his mouth. I hung my dove necklaces on him... So ugly, he's cute. 😍

[@lynnsteinbeck4254]

Thank you for sharing Sanibel with us been wondering what the island looked like and finding sea horses, I’m like you excited and sad at the same time congratulations

[@lindaharden-lantz1783]

I lived in Port Charlotte for 6 years. Loved going shelling. Good finds.

[@nancyengle4656]

Oh my! That 'paper fig' is EXQUISITE !! 💖

[@juliamaul7334]

Love the beautiful scallops, the paper fig and all the seahorses. Thank you for showing us Sanibel. The beach was better than I expected.🌊🌊🌊🐚🐚🐚🦀🦀🦀🦑🦑🦑

[@ninakerstetter579]

I saw a sea horse while snorkeling in Jamaica. He was gently swaying back & forth so magical. ❤️

[@SWFBeachLife]

Awwww...

[@ItsArtByDonna]

How devastating 😢all these special seahorses just gone 😢my heart aches! Happy that you are so respectful ❤

[@vickieboley9452]

OH be still my heart! My family stayed in Mitchell's Castaways Cottages twice, once in 1958 and last in 1970 something. I could not tell if it was still there, probably not. What a shame. And yes I have sat for hours in deep piles of shells on Blind Pass beach searching for the special shell of the day. That beach is totally different from how I remember it. At the bridge, there was no water going underneath - it was all sandy beach and you could walk straight across to Captiva. The beach space was massive compared to now. I suppose it changes all the time. No wonder you didn't know where you were, all the landmarks are gone. Thank you so much for choosing that area, I know not many are open yet. But you had a massive reward with those seahorses you found! Wow! 🥰

[@beckyrobbins3393]

Thanks for your videos!! Keep up the great work!

[@susanabran5326]

Beautiful and sad video. The sadness and amazement of finding seahorses and the devastation amongst the osprey and all the shells. I love Sanibel but I will probably never get there again. Thank you very much. Please keep recording.

[@SWFBeachLife]

It was the weirdest feeling. Sadness and rebirth mixed with destruction and courage. It was rather fitting I would find so many seahorses. ❤️

[@gretchenlhommedieu9246]

When I’ve been snorkeling I’ve seen seahorses. I was delighted to see them, just like you when you found these.❤❤

[@SWFBeachLife]

Oh I'd so much rather see living ones!

[@SnowPink90]

Sanibel is my favourite beach. If I hear that someone we know has been to Florida, right away I ask if they’ve ever been to Sanibel and if they have, I ask them what’s it like. I tell them all about you and your beach walks. ☺️ I know how you feel about the seahorses. It was Ian and not you. You just found what he left behind. At least you’re going to give them a purpose and celebrate their lives.🥰 I bought a dead seahorse when I was a teen and I never thought anything about it because I thought they came from dead ones found on the beach(I was quite innocent thinking when I was a teen.) and it wasn’t until someone told me how they got them that I realized what I had done, so I went home cried and buried it. I was so mad I bought into their business. Oh well, life’s lessons you learn along the way. Thanks for a great beach walk and have a great week!!☺️🐬💙 EDITED-Sorry @28:21 Down in the right hand corner, is that not a lions paw? It’s bleach white. 🤔

[@SWFBeachLife]

The day was a bittersweet one, topped off with a little bit of hope. Everyone I spoke to that visited the island for the first time said the same thing. They were feeling a bit nervous going over and seeing the devastation. It's like ripping a band aid off and I'm glad it's off. Now I can keep going back and reporting on all the progress! And that weird lion paw looking shell was just a kitten paw 😃

[@SnowPink90]

@@SWFBeachLife It has to be hard seeing Sanibel war torn, but you have such a great way of seeing it now with hope moving forward in a positive way. I wish it all the best with the rebuilding. I should call the paws, kitty cat’s paws for big or little cats!!😂 It definitely was bleached out which I thought was so cool!! Thanks again for such a great video!!☺️🐬💗

[@janinedevilliers510]

Hello 👋👋 I am a new subscriber. What a beautiful channel that you created.💖 I'm so happy it crossed my path. 😊 I love shells, pebbles, drift wood and all things beach. I was born in South Africa and we do have some beautiful beaches and shells can be found in certain places off the beaten track. Not as beautiful as yours. I am also a scuba diver and had the honor of seeing live sea horses while scuba diving in Thailand at the Phi Phi islands. Before the big Tsunami hit. The sea horses are definately magical. They are so sweet, they curl their tails around sea grass or seaweed, etc, and hang. I was soooo excited to see them. You do get filled with emotion. Wonder, love, and magic are words that come to mind. My heart aches that hurricane Ian came through the area where you were at. Nature is wild and unpredictable, beautiful and serene. The sea horses that washed out were probably all washed up from the wild storm and wind. So happy you found them to be the custodian of the sea horses. I hope all the residents and business owners have recovered more now. You found such beautiful shells. I love the way you talk so lovingly about each shell. The jewells of the ocean. I live in Germany now and sadly I haven't come across any nice shelly beaches. 8n some places they are full of stones and not soft sand, but rough sand, if that makes sense. The oceans are not conducive in the North of Germany. Still, very pretty in a different way. Take good care. See you soon. Bye 👋👋💕😊💗 PS. I watched the shell cleaning video. Wow. Amazing shells. 👍

[@SWFBeachLife]

I grew up much more north of here and our beaches never had much to really find either. Maybe a clam here or there, but not the way the beaches here in southwest Florida are. The East Coast of Florida is very different and even when I traveled a few hours north the beaches changed again. I'm quite lucky to live where I do and the beach has taught me so much! I can't believe how many different birds and creatures I've learned since moving here. I'm looking forward to learning more each week!

[@janinedevilliers510]

@@SWFBeachLife 😊👍

[@suezuber4670]

I was at Sanibel last week. We didn’t get a parking spot so we couldn’t walk the beach. I would have loved to collect thing. So happy you made this. Seeing and spending my money there was so well worth it.

[@ginnybullock9627]

wow thanks so much for taking me along on your adventure. It was really a treat. I so enjoyed it and my oh my all the beautiful shells and the sea horses. so sad. I love them so much. Loved everything you found along the way. Take care😊🐚

[@patembry6625]

That was a beautiful paper fig. So glad you are able to get to blind pass. ❤️it made me feel so much better. I have been very depressed the last few days. And the sea horses, lucky you!! You are so right,WOW, WOW Thanks for sharing!! WOW. On the sea horses… I think I would put a few coats of glue on them and then mount them in a shadow box. Thanks again for taking us with you.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Someone said shellack but maybe a 1/2 water/glue mixture would be better. I'll make sure to do lots of research before I do anything!

[@joseluiscastillo6170]

I hope you can do video showing what you do with the seahorses, how you clean them, etc.

[@ilonamollema6467]

Hi my beloved beach friend! I'm back😉 The hospital finally let me go. Yay for that! What an amazing beach walk!! I love the Calico scallops. Those colours are amazing. Think if I was there, I would pick every one of them. 💜 And the sea horses are so beautiful!😍 I had to of them myself. Given to me when I was in Portugal. Unfortunately, one of my cats got one and ate it completely..... so I'm treasuring the one that is left. These animals are so beautiful. Our Lord has created so many gorgeous animals. And sea horses are definitely one of them. The one I have was already dried when I got it. Haven't done anything with it and it doesn't deteriorate at all. So I'm very curious about what you're going to do with them. Hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead. Filled with lots of joy, happiness, good health, sunshine and of course great finds! Big hug and lots of love, xoxo ❤️, Ilona

[@SWFBeachLife]

Ilona! I am so, so happy to hear from you! I have been worried about you since I last heard from you and so relieved you are now home and you sound terrific! That is tragic your cat ate one of your seahorses but at least you have that one left right? 🥲 I am going to keep a few and I think I'm going to have them mounted someway. Still thinking about it ❤️ I am so relieved you're okay!!

[@WilhelminaHelenaPaulineMarie]

I want to say...i think ur seahorse finds were spectacular. I do know that i put my faith in God and He knows what Hes doing. Nature knows what its doing. Humans see the bad side sometimes but not to fear. Nature can recoup and will...ur seahorses were there for u to find and love and enjoy! My husband and I enjoy all ur videos and found out about them not too long ago. We have gone back and watched with 'gusto'!!! We live in NE Ohio and we do have the pleasure of visiting lake Erie beaches and we love the maritime history here but would love to visit SE or SW florida beaches. Thank u for taking us there more often!!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

You are so very welcome! I have finally signed up for my first classes to become a Florida Master Naturalist - I can't wait to see what else I can learn!

[@staz6530]

Sad for the horses but epic find and thanx for sharing. BEAUTIFUL!

[@user-fu8pk5hr2p]

Definitely a sad thing to see these beautiful creatures pass away. Your work is always tastefully done. Great commentary. I ready enjoy you and your content.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much 🙏🏼

[@Lovenothate11111]

I find your videos so calming and beautiful! I am crazy about shelling and have quite the collection and am always loving seeing what yoo find!

[@AuntDi2]

It was bittersweet to see you find the seahorses. I am happy for you to find them and share them with us!

[@caroljayne8870]

Thanks for the beach time...although sad, the seahorses were beautiful in their own way...I'm glad you were able to take them and give them a good home. Thank you for sharing your day 😊💜

[@SWFBeachLife]

Hugs from FL! ❤️

[@scruffysmommy]

My mother passed away last July suddenly... she lived with my brother in Wellington FL. She used to go in my brothers backyard and collect sea shells. I have always wanted to know what this particular shell was called, so when you showed it and said it is called a Scotch Bonnets I was overjoyed!! I asked my brother for her shell collection and in my collection I have shark eyes, lettered olives, 1 Florida fighting conch and several others I have no idea what they are. Thank you so much for telling us about the Scotch Bonnet. My husband and I love to watch your video. We wish we can be a Patreon but at the time we can't. We will continue to pray for you, your family and your community.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Mary, thank you so very much for choosing to spend your time coming to the beach with me! And I'm thrilled I've helped you put a name with one of your mother's shells. ❤️

[@leetroy3129]

Nice paper fig! It’s amazing you found one that big that’s not broken at all! WOW! Finding those seahorses was truly a blessing!

[@denisesorchidparadise1411]

Yes, The Seahorse were amazing, I hope you can find a way to preserve them for future enjoyment

[@denisem6754]

I think the sea horses were amazing finds! I was curious about how the refurbishment at Blind Pass held up. Great video, so glad to see more of the island businesses open and that fabulous beach full of shells.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Blind Pass held up pretty dang good!

[@kelliem2937]

Beautiful beach walk. The Dead Sea horses really made me sad though. They are such amazing creatures. 😢

[@SWFBeachLife]

I know - I had that same feeling 🥲

[@seashellmermaid]

It's been a juxtapose of emotions this shelling season. I have 3 seahorses from Hurricane Ian shelling. I sprayed rubbing alcohol periodically for a week...then ModPodged them to preserve them. Mine were not dried out like yours though.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you. I had heard about the alcohol but like you said, mine were already all dried out. Bittersweet is the word I think that really kind of captures it.

[@MommaG777]

So glad you were the one to find the seahorses, yes sad, yes beautiful, we know you appreciate and will memorialize them 💙. So glad to see Sanibel, thank you for getting us there. I'm still hoping to get to the area this fall.

[@dorisfpollard7058]

fabulous day. glad you brought the sea horses home

[@robinmp3841]

So big of a size on those sea horses, what a shame😢 but at the same time🤗😍😄😃wow, quite the haul Sharmon!

[@juliemccullar8759]

💗 Sanibel, & am much encouraged the businesses are coming back to life. Sanibel is my happy place, although I've only visited it a very few times on a special occasion (it's a far ways from Colorado). I am now hopeful I'll get to walk those beaches at least one more time. I was saddened mixed with wonder seeing the sea horses. I worry Ian had a negative impact on the population of these wonderful creatures. I could hear in your voice at the beginning of the video the trepidation & sadness at seeing the condition of this beloved island. You are very brave & strong, and thank you for taking us along with you. You are the best!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you for coming along with me! I will tell you it's a real challenge to keep the reality of what everyone is dealing with in the forefront of my thoughts, while highlighting all the good things that are happening. More and more things are opening up each week. It's a true testament to how resilient us beach lovers are!

[@theresaadams8878]

Congrats on getting to Sannibel and on your awesome sea horse finds!! I was ecstatic to find one here in Satellite Beach 2 years ago! It was black and about the size of yours! So fun!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

It's so weird the first time you find one. Such a sense of sadness yet something so very sweet. Congrats on finding yours!

[@tonistephic]

Thank you so very much for a beautiful day shelling. The olive you found. I love the colors along with the shark eye. The sea horses are beautiful but yes it is hard to see but still beautiful. So many beautiful shells. I still cannot pick a favorite shell because I really enjoy all of the shells along with the water,waves and the sounds. Thank you and have a great day.

[@bonzibonnie]

Wow, the gorgeous sea horses, loved with with tears!!!

[@user-cy6rq5kn2c]

The seahorses! Sad but exciting too. I love the scallops. So colorful. If I ever get back to the Florida Gulf coast, I'm going to collect some and make a shadowbox display. Could do the same with coquinas.

[@ericsummers2021]

I'm happy to see the blind pass beach was in good shape. It was a lot better than I thought it would be. Thank you for sharing.

[@reginaperkins8255]

Thanks for explaining what you are finding.

[@patriciamckeon8530]

thank you for sharing your incredible day on the beach ! I can't even imagine the feeling when you discovered the sea horses, I was excited for you but understand the emotional element as well. Great job on the video ! It makes me want to book a beach combing holiday :)

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback and thank you for watching!

[@kennethyankauer2598]

Seahorses...... I'm speechless.... Then "magical mystical Maui" popped into my head.... I spent 1969-1971 in Hawaii with the US Coast Guard. One year on Oahu and one on Maui... which truely was a magical mystical place. I literally felt the Island's energy when I first stepped ashore from the USCG Cutter Cape Newagen, stationed at Maalaea Harbor.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I know that feeling and I love it! That must have been an incredible 2 years out on those islands. ❤️

[@Marilynlovesebiking]

Hi, great video. Yes, it was bittersweet about the seahorses. They were sad to see. But good that someone who appreciates them found them.

[@helenyeoman3202]

Hi Sharon. Really enjoyed your video. I've missed Sanibel so much. We were to be there a week after Ian. We were heart broken to see so much damage. We are planning to visit this spring. Thank you so much for updates . Felt so sad for little seahorses. Glad you found them. God bless.

[@debbieosborn1177]

Thanks for taking me along on your shelling trip. I love the Gulf, the beach & finding cool shells. I have not been any further south than Venice, so I have not found many of the great shells you find. I guess I need to travel further south. Also, I love the beach time. I really need to get back to the Gulf!!

[@aleciagrant4114]

Thanks for the video of Sanibel Island. I want to go over there but I'm still a little nervous about going just yet. Maybe in a few more months. I went to Boca Grande last weekend. So may dried out fish in the upper rack line. Had to be from Hurricane Ian. Made me a little sad seeing so much devastation. So many homes and businesses in disrepair. Have a Blessed week! 💞🌊🌞🐚

[@SWFBeachLife]

I didn't want to see the destruction but I knew the beaches would be okay. You take your time. Sanibel will be there when you're ready.

[@MiMi-og4wx]

Good evening my friend. I Love the shells, wow!! My picks today are the cat cowries and the drupe/rock snail?? I think that’s what you said it was, lol.. You’re on a roll lately, and it’s wonderful! Take Care!! ❤

[@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags]

My best memories are when I was a kid and my family had fun beachcomber on Sanibell island for hours.. a friend from marathon CaptSaladino… his father was keeper of the sanibell island lighthouse

[@SWFBeachLife]

Wow...that must have been amazing!

[@Merlijnvv]

One of my favorite cone shells: Conus delessertii, also called Conus sozoni. can grow over 3 inches tall. But very hard to get, especially in mint condition without scarring, spire breaks or without a chipped lip.

[@SWFBeachLife]

It's such a cool cone shell - I can see why you like it. I have never found one but I'd love to! I'm guessing it's on the rare side where I normally roam but I'm always on the lookout for shells I've never seen before!