Post Hurricane Shelling. Epic Finds in the 10K Islands After Hurricane Nicole.

[@cathyjay2569]

I cannot tell you how PLEASED I am to hear that excitement and joy in your voice!! Of course the shells and critters are beautiful and exciting, but YOU deserved that break! You are still in my prayers up here in Tennessee!!❣️

[@pamelareiss9511]

I was thinking the exact same thing. After the devastation of hurricane Ian, I’m so happy you were able to enjoy such a beautiful trip to Kice! Thank you for sharing your trip with us!

[@chrisdouglass7962]

Agreed!

[@beckygruening1000]

I was thinking the very same thing!! It is wonderful to hear the excitement in your voice. ♥️

[@SWFBeachLife]

❤️

[@SWFBeachLife]

❤️

[@juanitaling6070]

OMG! YOU!!! First of all! I think you set a cone record!!! Secondly, the interaction with the octopus and the excitement and happiness in your voice just truly made my heart smile! I am so happy to have the honor to live vicariously through you. Thanks for taking us along with you once again! 🥰

[@SWFBeachLife]

Well thank you for coming along with me and enjoying these amazing encounters along with me!

[@ittybittykittymama7582]

Now that's my Beach Angel, full of joy and anticipation! So good to hear your voice happy with excitement! Can hardly wait to tag along to see how Kice fared in the storms! I wonder how we look to a horse conch! Their eyes seem to be so focused on our faces...hmmm. Strangely enough, I never heard of Kice Island before meeting you and seeing your explorations of this amazing shelling island. If I ever get down your way, I'll make sure to visit Kice. I find it odd that I was planning a trip to SWFL after I recover from my heart surgery, but after two hurricanes and my lengthy recovery, it seems that I will not make my journey for quite some time. I know from growing up in NWFL that it will take years for the hurricane damage to be repaired. I was thinking about it the other day and I realized how many of my childhood memories were of running from hurricanes, stuffed into the back seat of a car filled with suitcases, dogs, cats and birds in cages. It was during one such trip that I learned that my grandma's parrot really could talk! This discovery kept me amused for hours, much to my Daddy's dismay. Oh, Sharmon, hearing the delight in your voice at finding that Rose Murex is like medicine to my storm battered spirit! God bless your sweet, always optimistic soul! I admire you so much, dear lady, for your throwing your energy and courage into restoring your world and recovering the losses the sea caused when it abandoned its boundaries and ravaged the fragile land. Others might sit and cry, but not you, dear Beach Angel! I don't know if you are a native Floridian, but you have the soul of one born with the sound of the sea in your ears and the salty sea breeze filling your lungs. People who were cut from your sturdy fabric settled that land in the first place, giving their life's blood and energy to wrestling a living from the palmetto thickets and the mangrove swamps. As a descendant of a Spanish explorer who helped to settle Pensacola over five hundred years ago, I offer my profound gratitude to you and for you for your efforts to help rebuild your tropical seaside home. Don't make excuses for your trip to Kice Island! You deserve a fun experience to scrub your soul clean from the sound of the wind and waves. I'm only sad that I wasn't there, too! Take good care of yourself, dear. Don't take on too much. Don't worry about making videos. We'll survive. Much love, The Lost Mermaid

[@SWFBeachLife]

Ok, now I have your health update 😃 I am a pisces, so I assume that is what makes me love the gulf waters and its inhabitants so much. Being born in California but spending most of my adult life in New Jersey I think just makes me tenacious. I do not give up and I look at the impossible as a challenge - not an obstacle. Being in the backseat with so many critters actually sounds like fun! We used to breed love birds, so we really like our critters, domestic or wild. Thank you for coming along my beach adventures with me. I hope they can hold you over until you can come here for yourself! ❤️

[@bobbiblessing6948]

You have been in my thoughts and prayers. Your excitement is good for the soul..

[@marie-sophie4]

What a heart warning shelling adventure ! I loved to see all the fantastic shells and all our critter friends ! So much fun and keeps me warm with all the snow we got last week ! 💛

[@maureengulat6331]

Yeah, that snow!!!! Would love seeing that dreamland of snow too!!!! Shells & Snow,… ha Ha!!!

[@bethhaas9859]

All those before me said it all..your joy, enthusiasm, your wit, your genuine personality and most meaningful, your recognition that we can't be there and you put your all into sharing with us kindred spirits. Thank you soooo much for this episode. It was just wonderful!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much 🤗 I hope you had just half as much fun watching as I did creating this video!

[@helensmith2839]

The jingles would be fun to use in crafts.Such a magical day for you a blessing for sure.🙏♥️

[@pennycox2658]

I was excited to see your post. I wish I had been in your shell bag. Lol. So many many many many shells. Those alphabet cones were epic but my faves would be that larger horse, the rose murex, and those spiny jewel boxes.

[@theresaadams8878]

I ❤ the little octopus!! TY for the Kice videos! We drove over from the east coast and went on an Allie/Captain Carlos shelling excursion to Kice a week ago! We had a blast!! Thanks again!!😁😎

[@SWFBeachLife]

I love this! I bet you it was totally worth it! Yay! 🐚🐚🐚

[@salishseaquest7952]

'Beach Time' brought such a smile to my face. I hadn't realized how much I had missed it! Your enthusiasm and happy came through loud and clear....glad you got a chance to visit the islands and find such special treasures -- rose murex and all.

[@MiMi-og4wx]

Kice said Welcome Back! Glad to see you getting back out there to your zen... 💜

[@SWFBeachLife]

Yes, Kice and I have a very special relationship - LOL! 🌴🌊🐚

[@mommamorris3711]

Live gaudy and spiny jewel box, octopus, watching the banded tulip and fighting conch schlumping; just the best way to end a Sunday and start my week. So glad you are allowing yourself to get your joy back. Hello from the hard hit Daytona Beach/Wilbur-By-The-Sea area.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Hello hard hit Daytona - I'm so sorry and I hope you and yours are okay!

[@gghhiiyy456]

Thanks!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much Cheryl!!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@toniajackson102]

Your love for the beach life and nature is so heartwarming- you are a treasure!

[@sharondunstall709]

You are such a "glass half-full" person! After all that you have been through lately, it is wonderful to see and hear in your voice. What an amazing video, so many living creatures for us to enjoy this trip to the beach. I was enthralled to see you interact with that octopus! I turned 65 this year, and was thinking about a new hobby to commemorate the milestone, and found YOU on KZbin. You inspired me to immerse myself in shelling. Living in Ontario, Canada (currently buried in snow) has forced me to get creative about beginning, and expanding my newfound passion. You mentioned in an episode, that if you are purchasing shells, to choose a vendor with no live source shells. I have followed your advice, and only chosen moral and ethical sources. Thank you for being "YOU" and inspiring us each week as we tag along to the beach with you.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Well this just tickles me to no end! I am glad you found a new passion! There are plenty of treasures out there to be found and it's so fun to do the research and figure out what you found. Good luck to you with your new adventure and happy belated birthday!

[@Jean2235177]

Wow, this was one heckova fun trip! The shell piles are insane. I'd want to spend all day there. So glad you got to do this. ❤️

[@karynagibson05]

Sharmon, I'm so glad to hear joy in your voice! Thank you for sharing your happiness and shell enthusiasm! We love you so much here in Minnesota! Keep the optimism! And as always thank you for my precious beach time! P.S. It's GREAT looking at seashells AND octopuses when we have snow on the ground! Love Katie ❤ 🐙 🐚

[@beverlyriggs7067]

Happy you are back and am grateful with your find today also. See you next time .😊

[@susanknell9421]

What a joyous "trip" this was with you! I was smiling all through the video and was so happy for you and your extra special treasures! And the octopus encounter, I'm sure, was something you'll never forget! Thanks for sharing with us, as always!

[@SWFBeachLife]

That octopus encounter was absolutely magical!

[@millabird]

What a great trip! Lots of quality cones. The live jewel box was gorgeous. At time stamp 4:17 while filming the live fighting conch, a buried orange alpha cone (under the branch) comes into frame and I was yelling “cone, cone” at the tv. 😁😆

[@SWFBeachLife]

OMG I went back and I see it! I might feel bad if I didn't end up finding so many. I hope someone else found it. Good eye!

[@conniecox2197]

Such an amazing day on Kice Island. The island took a hit, but it's still so beautiful & peaceful. The beautiful gifts God blesses us with. I have done a tour with Allie & she was so amazing. I learned so much from her. Can hardly wait to get back to such a beautiful state. Continued prayers!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Ali and Carlos are the best!

[@nancyrallen]

You have such a wonderful calming voice with so much expression!!! My computer crashed so I have been using an I pad which I couldn't coment on. I "82 and all this new stuff is a little mind boggling. Thanks for the wonderful tour. My grandaughter was on the east coast out fishing. She is just 19 and caught an Octopus that was a little larger. The man helping get it off the hook got inked. I kept worrying that would happen to you. You are brave. Keep shelling. I love watching you pick up the shells and being so exdited about them. Hugs.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much for coming along with me to the beach Nancy! I love experiencing these beaches and their treasures and I love knowing other people can enjoy my trips almost as much as I do 😃

[@edithmarielilly-quimby6470]

I love all cones especially the tiny ones, moon snail and tiny shells

[@mariejung73]

Wow! Indeed Epic Finds!...rose meurix, yellow scallop, the cones all so beautiful!

[@denisem6754]

I’m so glad you had the opportunity to hit up Kice Island and collect some gorgeous shells, inspect some cool critters and rejuvenate. It was a wonderful virtual visit.

[@pegbracey4718]

You sure hit the mother load of awesome cones! How the heck does an angel wing, 2 paper figs and sand dollar make it unbroken to shore after a hurricane 😮 I found an Octopus last Winter on the beach and of course scooped him up and returned him to the water. I was beyond ecstatic! Your excursions to Kice are some of my favorite videos 😊

[@SWFBeachLife]

Kice and I have quite a special relationship ❤️🌴🌊🐚 And you too know how the heart sings after so many amazing encounters. I love Florida!!

[@mikegruber3888]

Cool video. A mystery shell I found on Sanibel 3 years ago and you just identified it. The Sanibel turrid. Thanks!

[@jolynnburns4306]

How awesome and overwhelming. So exciting. What a great experience with the octopus. I love it! Thank you for taking us with you. I could watch all day. Have a great week. See you Sunday! XOXO

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you 🤗

[@rremm4917]

The aww in your voice is beautiful. The shell and critters just priceless. I am glad you had a beautiful shelling trip💕💕💕💕

[@christinecalandro5984]

Thank you so much for taking us all with you on this fabulous shelling trip.. I just loved it.

[@pamthomes9022]

I loved the sound of amazement in you voice today!

[@maryannbartlett2157]

I am so happy for you! It is wonderful to have you back❣️

[@deborahcorreale352]

It was so great to hear your voice and go on a beach walk with you. Loved seeing the critters. The octopus was really interesting, I would have been just as excited as you were. As always thank you for making my week!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much for coming to the beach with me!

[@revmomvpable]

How awesome! The living things and octopus, the tulips, the rose murex!!!!! So amazing! Can;t wait til next week! Thanks!

[@karenwerthmann850]

Thank you thank you Sharmon I appreciate you a great deal. I agree with these other viewers that it is great to hear the joy in your voice as you are shelling. And wow I love that you show the shells with the critters and other live animals like the octopus. How wild! Thank you! See you soon.

[@haydenm2489]

Thank you for this video and showing us how the beach’s are looking and all the good shells you found. Take care 🐚

[@haydenm2489]

That octopus was so cool? Especially seeing how it swam.

[@dianesalvato3078]

Awesome shells! The live gaudy and spiny jewel box were beautiful! Kice never disappoints.

[@nancydalton4629]

You know I am sitting here loving so many of those shells!!! I would have loved to see the octopus also. Love the little critters. That was a dream day for me, so glad you got all those goodies. Can’t wait to see what happens next week.

[@caroljayne8870]

You sounded so very happy. The critters and shells...wow. thank you for sharing your adventure...

[@kristinhaislett9365]

Love it all! Thank you!

[@jamie6580]

What a trip to the beach! I’m so glad you’re going on these tours. Your voice sounds so happy! Thank you for taking us with you!!

[@crystalginn2026]

What a variety! I so love it when you find and share with us the live critters. I'm glad you had a soul-replenishing day.

[@shugandruslewis]

I can’t tell you how wonderful it was to hear your excitement in this video. Your have enriched my life in ways I didn’t know were lacking! I love how you organize content, your quiet moments for beach time……oh so much! I’ve prayed for you during this stressful time….keep your positive and grateful attitude….you are a blessing in the lives of so many people! I’ve got my grandchildren wanting to go shelling when things return to normal…..and we live in Utah! Again, prayers and 💕!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I hope after a few months (years?) to clean up you do come to enjoy this area for yourself. There is nothing like roaming a SWFL beach and finding incredible beach treasures!

[@dave4848]

Thank you for taking us on another fabulous adventure. I love your message of being present in the moment and being grateful for what Kice Island gifts you. Thank you.

[@lesamonroe2355]

What a blessed wonderful day after all the heart ache and heart break if you cant get one out next sunday at least you got us 2 out this week thank you and dont worry your stuck with me and I'm sure everyone else feels the same way have a good week

[@SWFBeachLife]

❤️

[@CeeceeWhip]

Thank you for the joy you share in your adventures. Octopi are amazing creatures!! You should have played with him more in your hand. They do recognize people. Your encounter was only brief but you did help it back to the water. It may revisit the area so next time you are there, maybe it will be back to greet you?? ...you may need to get into the water. I’m looking forward to more snorkeling adventures 😊❤

[@Reet64]

Thanks for taking us along!

[@bebbie2ispouringitoutdebra236]

So glad you finally got out to Kice!!! You sound so happy! It is always a joyful day when finding awesome shells! Way to go!!!

[@bethkurtz5472]

l am glad to hear that you're ok

[@lindaeshbach6494]

Wow, you had a fantastic day. All those cones and that Hugh apple murex. Wow. Thanks for taking us along, I normally like beach time but todY I was like no don't stop looking for cones Great day.

[@cindyboard7816]

A wonderful blessing to lift your spirits after all the devastation!!! Thank you for sharing your trip with us!!! Stay safe!!!

[@marydegenkolb9603]

I had hoped to visit SWF again in the winter. To help the economy as a tourist. But necessity is the mother of disappointments. We had to get a new car. So my visit to Florida will have to wait till either spring or summer. When I do get there, I will be doing my best to make it to Kite Island. And since I don't have a boat, I will use the shell guides you have recommended.

[@Ninjaroo82]

Awwww…the octopus was amazing!

[@jeteye97]

👏👏👏 that big apple murex! Nice haul this week. We were supposed to be there on Friday, but we were staying on Sanibel and that’s no longer available. So we wait and watch. Thanks for sharing your story with us!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I hope Sanibel will be accepting visitors in the not too distant future. I know there is a lot to clean up but I also know there are a lot of determined people over there!

[@jeanepilgrim4926]

I'm not sure whether you or me was the most excited to see so many beautiful shells. I would have sat down next to a pile and went through every shell. Lol! Thanks so much for taking us along with you!

[@SWFBeachLife]

It was a crazy amazing day to be there!

[@SnowPink90]

I think it’s great that you’ve been able to do what you’ve done since hurricane Ian and Nicole!!👏🏻👏🏻 I can’t believe that we saw an octopus !!🐙 I mean really, how cool was that?!! You found amazing shells today and the amount you showed us was incredible!! Loved our beach walk!! Thanks, please never worry about fitting a video next week, we’ll see you soon!! Have a great week!!🤗🥰🐬

[@SWFBeachLife]

Meeting that little octopus was the BEST! 🐙

[@nancycross2228]

Stunning FFC with those zigzag patterns ! Capt Carlos and Ali are the Best !! Thank you or the beach walk !!

[@debbieosredkernelson13]

Another awesome shelling trip to Kice Island! The octopus was fascinating; cones for the win!

[@maggieslifeisawildride512]

Wow! What an awesome day! That octopus was so cute and all the live critters really was the icing on the top. Thanks for bringing us along!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thanks for coming!

[@bonnerdebbie]

GREAT video Sharmon, I love hearing the joy in your voice. Beautiful cones and love the Rose Murex, as well as the other wonderful shells. I am glad Nicole was good to you, it took my fence down, but that is so much less than so many others lost through the two Florida Hurricanes this year. I will be waiting for your next video be it Sunday or later. Thanks so much.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Ugh - sorry about the fence. I'm glad it wasn't worst than that for you. I'm pretty dang done with hurricane season!

[@amandabyrd9349]

A great day indeed! You sounded so happy and the island was in rare form!

[@blondinizer4057]

Such a beautiful haul you collected. Love your videos. 🐚🤍🧡🤎💛 Glad you found some peace.

[@susanbye6777]

What a beautiful day, an amazing adventure, and a much needed stress relief for you!! Thank you once again for the adventure, the wildlife, and your wonderful commentary! I'm so happy it gave you so much joy! I know it did for me too! 🥰❤❤ Take care of yourself! Stay safe!

[@SWFBeachLife]

❤️

[@katherineburton8953]

Fabulous Kice. After watching videos of the devastation on our beloved Ft. Myers beach it’s good to see Kice in all it’s glory.

[@debbiewedoe2564]

I had a blast watching you and all those beautiful shells. 🌸🌞🌸

[@sheridamiddleton763]

Schlumping… what a wonderful word… is it an acceptable word? Regardless it is exactly the right expression to describe what that little critter was doing!!! Love when you go to Kice Island it is truly beautiful there. Take care of you. Be kind to yourself as you navigate through this time of transition. Sending love and hugs and positive energy to you from Ontario Canada. ❤❤❤

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you beach friend. I know things won't be normal for a very long time but I'm finding that joy regardless!

[@fredamoore1743]

Hi Sharmon! I was so touched to see this video tonight. You warmed my heart with your excitement. I am so jealous! All those beautiful Alphies, that sweet live gaudy and that octopus! Precious!!! I could tell you were having the time of your life. Wish I could have been there with you. So glad the tours are going out. That makes life so good for you after all you have been thru and are still going thru. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you Freda. I truly had a few magical hours out there 🐙

[@Mcdaffodilhill]

There is a certain sadness to see Tiger Tail beach after the storm, but signs of life are so abundant. The octopus was amazing, truly a wonderful moment of joy!

[@ladyonlay7802]

It is so good to have you back!! We have missed you so much! Linda

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much!

[@christinetooker9844]

I’m so happy to see you enjoying the beach again. Thank you for sharing!

[@KathyWilcox-vx2vj]

I find such joy in listening to you for in all your words. They come out as if I were saying them. I feel the way you feel about nature and the water and the sound and the smells and everything else. That goes along with it to appreciate what God has put before us. It's a such a gift. It's something that money can't buy and a lot of people don't see what we see in that so thank you. Thank you for your excitement and your sharing. And just know that I'm cheering you on and sometimes yelling, you missed one, you missed 1. Forgive me, I'm just wishing I was there, but thank you.Thank you so much bewell and stay safe😊

[@SWFBeachLife]

I'm so glad you enjoy my videos - thank you so much for watching! 🙏🏼

[@lisaharner3720]

Wow! What an exciting trip you shared! So happy to see you enjoying the shells and critters again. The octopus was the icing on the cake! ❤

[@sashimicat9105]

I am waiting until after dinner when I can watch your video on the TV but I am so happy to see other peoples' comments about the joy in your voice and how happy that made them because I feel the same already. You bring us such joy that you deserve all the joy you can have! Lots of love to you and your fans.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so, so much!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@sashimicat9105]

@@SWFBeachLife 💙 FYI...I watched it on the TV and it made me feel all warm and fuzzy!

[@kkormanik]

I love your walks and shelling on the beach. I look forward to it every Sunday. Thank you and god bless you and all your endeavors to help the beaches.

[@RehanaF13]

So happy you had an awesome time on this shelling tour. You found a whole lot of fantastic shells. They look amazing after getting all cleaned up. I think that sweet little octopus critter was reassuring you that everyone will be ok in time. He’s saying “Don’t worry. We’re still here and not going away. Keep shining and keep positive!!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

You may very well be right. I literally needed a ride to an island to have an amazing time there and a camera to record everything. I love Florida!! ❤️

[@Lovesoapy]

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful 😃😃😃 thank you !!

[@AngieJames4172]

The fighting conch is adorable, it's eyes and proboscis are everything. Just too cute! Ohhhh the Spiny Jewel Box is STUNNING! You WERE VERY respectful and ever gentle with the sweet little Octopus. How breathtakingly beautiful. Thank you so much for taking such sweet care of that amazing tiny creature, ensuring no harm would come to it by placing it lovingly back into the water. 💞🐙💞 What an amazing, special magical moment.

[@SWFBeachLife]

It really was magical. I'm so lucky that I have the memory AND a video recording!! ❤️

[@dawnwilkinson8717]

Fabulous video. So many gorgeous shells and sea life. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@trenttan3779]

You deserve a nice day after what you've been through! Great haul!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you!! 😊

[@seashellmermaid]

Captain Carlos of Nautical Life Shelling Tours is THE BEST!! I've not met Ali yet of SW FL Shell Guide, but I know she is a Master Sheller!!! The hurricane shelling has been phenomenal!!

[@seashellmermaid]

The operculum on the Gaudi mimics the swirl of the shell. You have to look close. I have one. It's super cool!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Carlos and Ali and simply really great human beings. I am so happy I met them. Ali's nickname should be shell-eye. I don't she ever misses any!!

[@juliel6254]

What JOYFUL day! Thank you so much for sharing it with us! Love those critters!

[@tonistephic]

The hinged spinny jewel boxes are so beautiful along with the merrex.the points on the shells were so nice to see the points. I love that you have such a great time. I know I would also if I lived close to any oceans. Just amazing shells again today. Seeing the live shells and seeing them move was great. Still saying prayers from the storms. Hearing your excitement really helps people have a better day. Thank you so much for sharing. Hearing the water and waves is very calming. Have a great day.

[@nilenethompson-finn9062]

You are going to make a truly amazing Master Naturalist! Loved the cones especially. 😍

[@chrisdouglass7962]

Very glad you got this day even tho it makes me waaaah I never got to go shelling in FL but I did a little in NC and I soooooo miss the beaches so TY 😊

[@vickieboley9452]

WHAT A HAUL TODAY!! WOW! Just the joyful sound of your voice in your many great finds is infectious! I am so excited for you finding so many new critters and that octopus!? Your life must have been rewarded that day for something major! Congrats and enjoy!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you Vickie!!

[@pamdennis1007]

I know you had a wonderful time. Great finds

[@roxiegs348]

You are literally one of my most favorite people, and I don’t even know you!! Haha.

[@SWFBeachLife]

❤️

[@helenallen4449]

Your heart needed this trip. And I'm so happy for you

[@SWFBeachLife]

I think you're right!

[@andrewowens9187]

Captain Carlos and allie were absolutely amazing. We will be touring with them in the future. They both had nothing but great things to say about you. As well as the hemmingway shuttle owners. Hopefully we will meet you one day while we are there. You have taught us everything we know. Thank you for your continued videos and hopefully cleanup is going well for you.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you!!!

[@mikemanjo2458]

What an exciting day! I love shelling after a storm. Good job moving the octopus to safety. I always feel that God blesses me with a gift from the sea when I go out. I would love to go on a trip like this. Thanks for bringing us along. It was so exciting! I was interested to see which shells you saw and I saw some others in the same shot. Have a great week! Jane in SC ❤️🙏🏻

[@mindym.1166]

I loved this video! I am for sure going to look up Allie and book a shell tour the next time I can go to visit my parents in Naples (hopefully early this spring). And that octopus oh my gosh!!!! You DID have a wonderful beach shelling day!

[@deonamcenery4135]

I am so happy to see you back on the beach again! I am thankful you shared your experience with us. You and your community continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

[@ilonamollema6467]

Hi Sharmon, What a great haul of shells! Amazing to see the octopus and the Gaudi Nautica. I never thought that the operculum was white. It almost looked like a piece of shell. I know you're doing your best to make a video, but the circumstances are so difficult right now. So don't worry if you can't make one. We will be here, patiently waiting until you have the opportunity to make some content. Have a fantastic week, filled with joy, love and happiness! Big hug and lots of love, xoxo ❤️, Ilona

[@SWFBeachLife]

I love reading your notes Ilona. I had an AMAZING shelling experience yesterday. I won't be able to share in time for this Sunday but I will have it ready for the next one. There are a lot of times I leave the beach thinking, "how on earth am I going to top that experience?" and I go ahead and have another one equally amazing. I love the way the beach never stops showing me amazing things. Great to hear from you and sending you love and hugs from Florida ❤️🌴🌊🐚

[@timothynielsen4791]

Fantastic video! What a special day!

[@kathyjund7212]

This wad do outrageously exciting... cone after cone and all the live creatures and a extraordinary encounter with the octopus! The care you provide to the beached creatures along the way is reason for your gifts from the sea! Thank you for lightening our hearts along with your own.. hugs!

[@StormCirclez]

So glad that you are doing well and to echo what I've seen here; it is amazing to hear the joy in your voice once again. We know that there is still a lot going on but you are getting out there and doing what you can and helping where you feel led to be. Thank you so much for sharing, my family and I love watching your videos and seeing all the awesome critters and shells!!! Blessing!!!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much for coming along my beach adventures with me!

[@carolcheatle1955]

I just love beach time. It's so peaceful

[@jasminecarriker8713]

The octopus was amazing! Save the hinged calico clam for me!

[@SWFBeachLife]

❤️

[@nancye7520]

It’s just unreal! Thanks for sharing.

[@ronaldkern5567]

Awesome shelling trip. We've all heard how shelling after a storm is great but wondered if it would be better or worse after a storm as strong as a hurricane. I've seen reports out of Sanibel of people finding nice shells but also warnings about all the dangerous debris in the water. If you were just cruising by Kice Island on the water it probably wouldn't appear to be a good spot with all the dead trees on the beach extending down to the water. Thanks for showing us all the treasures that washed up after the storms. The size of the Alphabet cones is amazing. It just reminds us of how much is out there under the ocean. I've had the same experience of finding a live Florida Fighting Conch, avoiding the whip-like action of the foot as I placed it back in the water and watched it swiftly dig down into the sand. So glad you are able to find happiness again on our SW Florida beaches. It's why we so strongly believe in the healing effects of the beach on our emotions.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Agreed on so many levels. I'll be participating in a Fort Myers Beach clean up next week. It will be my first trip to that beach since Hurricane Ian destroyed the island. Yes, hurricanes are pretty awesome for shell collecting, but a direct hit kind of ruins everything. We will rebuild and we will be back!