Sanibel Island Florida. Looking for Shells and Comparing Today to a Year ago at Lighthouse Park.

[@artfx9]

I am a *BEACH FRIEND*! Yes I am.

[@Gasp7000]

Yes, Me Too, ME ME!

[@pennywebb867]

😂😂❤ me too, me too! ❤

[@Myllkka]

Me too!! 🌴🥥🏄‍♀️

[@jeanepilgrim4926]

Thanks as always for the beach adventure, but especially for taking the time to put in clips of the old Sanabel trip. Too many times the beauty around us is taken for granted.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I pinch myself every single trip to the beach. 🙏🏼

[@lisacenturelli3239]

Thank you for going after the tinies!! My very favorites - I just love the babies!!

[@ittybittykittymama7582]

Good evening, Beach Angel and all you virtual shellers! Hope you're all doing well. All those no-see-ums made me itch! I don't think I could have stood it, girl! Glad you're more brave than me! I'm glad also that you found so many times and the wentletrap. They make me think of a wedding cake somehow. It seems like just yesterday that Ian hit, but then the memory of all the hurricanes I've been through (or run from) seem to lump together. I guess you're a very busy woman right now and I wish we could be there to help you. I pray that your auction will be a big success! I'm happy that you showed us the real, not always perfect, life of a beach comber. If it's not bugs, it's sand spurs and jellyfish or that one place that sunscreen didn't cover, but when the sun is shining and the water is warm, when the shells are plentiful and there's a cooling offshore breeze, the deterrents are all worth it. These things and a hundred more make up the beauty that truly is beach life. Thanks so much for reminding us of how beautiful Sanibel was before Ian came to town. It almost brought me to tears, though. Until next time, I'm sending much love to all of you from East Tennessee. Becca, The Lost Mermaid 🧜

[@SWFBeachLife]

The bugs do not normally really bother me - but holy smokes there was no relief to be found on this evening. And I was thinking that Sanibel was looking pretty good, until I compared it to the way it used to look, but it will come back. I will sometimes have all sorts of things go wrong for me - but I try to concentrate on the positives, unless I can help someone else learn from my mistakes. I will definitely never go to Lighthouse Beach in the evening without checking the winds - I may just skip it next time if I'm going to be eaten alive!

[@Monicacride]

Oh dear Lord, it’s heartbreaking but I’ve been keeping up with the progress since hurricane. We’ve been coming to Sanibel/Captiva since ‘95. We are in Marco Island over Labor Day. We will stop by to see our beloved Sanibel. 😔❤️ Thank you for the update and enjoying the beach.😔❤️ Much Love, God Bless!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Sanibel is still strong, albeit a little beat up. I'll continue to go and enough that gorgeous island. It will be interesting to see what happens this winter and if we'll get all our snowbirds back.

[@Monicacride]

@@SWFBeachLifeYes ma’am, Sanibel is strong. My happy place for almost 30 years. Thank you for all you do. I’m enjoying my Charlie Horse ( Horse Conch) I bid on and won! 🥰🙏🏻❤️ Thank you

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@Monicacride I'm glad Charlie went to a good home!

[@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags]

I was just a little girl when I enjoyed playing on the beach… I’m so envious of you being there and I’m in Oregon

[@TheWooldiva]

All so wonderful, I miss my shelling time, still rebuilding from Ian & Nicole…..hopefully soon we’ll have shelling time❤️

[@SWFBeachLife]

May the rebuilding go as smoothly as possible! 🙏🏼

[@lindarichie2585]

Sanibel is still beautiful even though she took a beating! It’s hard to see her so bare though ! In time she’ll be back to her glory and hopefully they will rebuild the lighthouse buildings and walk ways around the lighthouse! ❤

[@roxannereinhart1801]

I have never had too much trouble with the noseeums. I cannot believe how they were flying around and covering your poor legs. I LOVED all the buried trees at Lighthouse.

[@peggypeter8070]

Yes, I’ve been to Sanibel before when noseeums were out in force, not a nice vacation trip! You are a trooper to withstand the little vampires for your content!

[@SWFBeachLife]

They were pretty bad but I'll cover up more next time!

[@Crazy.Sheller]

Appreciate your taking one for the team, or a million!

[@SWFBeachLife]

🤣

[@carolmusso7767]

Thank you for the fun picking up the tiny shells. We have those no see ‘ems in RI too. They’re vicious! I’m happy you took care of yourself. ❤️🐚

[@lorrievilleneuve4993]

My family watches your channel every week. I would love to see a video where you show your largest, smallest, most unusual and/or unique color of each shell type you’ve found. I know you don’t have every shell you’ve ever found and some shells may be on display in a container and not easy to get to, but I still think this would a neat idea for a video for the shells you can easily get to. ;)

[@SnowPink90]

She did make a video of where she keeps her shells and how she displays them, etc. Look at her KZbin page hit video and it shows you all her videos that she's made and it'll be there. Enjoy!!😊🐬

[@SWFBeachLife]

I did share my shell collection not THAT long ago - I keep my really special treasures in my "special box." kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYu0h3aBeK-EkM0

[@theshellnuts]

Another amazing video! We just went to Sanibel last weekend for the first time in a long time and we got crushed by the no-see-ums also in that exact same spot. We hit high tide and weren't quite as productive as you there, and we couldn't stay long because the bugs attacked us too and my wife is allergic to them. They bit us even when we were snorkeling! Congrats on finding those wentletraps! You have such a great eye for the mini's. Thank you for all your great updates on Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach. Really appreciated.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I am SO sorry you encountered those evil bugs too. It was really brutal but I had a slight reprieve when I walked over by the old pier. At least I'm not allergic - I have seen what those bugs can do and it's just awful. I hope you were still able to hit some good shelling beaches!

[@MychelleSeymourHeyyouremember]

It's like you're searching for shells at the late 80s Disneyland hotel. They had a beach with tiny shells. My parents took me there when I was 5. I remember the dancing waters too.

[@MychelleSeymourHeyyouremember]

You left a heart for all the comments.

[@hoppas77]

I enjoyed this video. They are always relaxing and fun. Thank you

[@seriously.....]

I just LOVE those little Wentletraps 🩷🩶!! So tiny yet so detailed! Its amazing to me nature can make something so tiny yet uniform theyre just beautiful!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Aren't they just these perfect little pieces of nature's art? 🥰

[@seriously.....]

@SWFBeachLife oh yes they absolutely are!! Couldn't thank you enough for sharing your shelling adventures with us Sharmon ❤️

[@ilonamollema6467]

Dear Sharmon, Thank you so much for sacrificing your limbs and blood to let us enjoy the shells...😮 Girl, that was horrific! Those bugs are awful! I'm amazed you were able to stay so long at the beach. If it was me, I had to quit immediately and run to my car to get cover. But the shells you were able to find are gorgeous! I love that white lace murex and of course the wentletraps!❤ Seeing Sanibel in it's old glory makes me sad. It was so gorgeous. The lighthouse with the two houses next to it, all the trees and the fish pier. I know, it will all come back. But it will take a decade to be so gorgeous again. It would have been great if hurricane Ian had extinguished the no-see-ums and left the rest of the island intact. 😁 Thank you so much for being you and for all the work you put into this. ❤ Know that it's not taken for granted! I hope you have a wonderful week! Big hug and lots of love, xoxo ❤️, Ilona

[@SWFBeachLife]

It is going to be hard to "come back" since Sanibel really was such a beautiful island. I will say they have a much easier than than the folks over at Fort Myers Beach do. Nature will take care of itself and you can see that already for the most part. There are lots of beach replenishment projects that I'm worried about but it will be what it will be. You take care - sending lots of sunshine and hugs! ❤️

[@naainfirudhaus]

HI!!! wonderful video🤩 learned new names!!!🤓 Remember all your hard work will always get paid by nice shells and gift from god.❤❤❤💝

[@SWFBeachLife]

Hello!! I hope everything is good with you!

[@lindsayschilling8707]

WoooHooo! Let's go to the beach 🎶 🎵 🐚 😎

[@lindylou3519]

So glad we visited it only 3 months before the hurricane. I had a plan to go back & stay there for vacation the following year, I loved it so much. 😢

[@SWFBeachLife]

Sanibel is still a really special island and I'm looking forward to when this hurricane is really in our rearview mirror.

[@patifagan6774]

Thank you again,great video

[@amandafulton6895]

I had to drive a critter back to the beach a few weeks ago because there was a hermit crab in there and it never came out or moved until the day after I brought it home!!! I will put my shells on something while at the beach and then again on the counter when I come home to make sure they don't move. I was so glad he finally did right before he went into the bleach bucket!!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I've done that too!!! Actually my husband ended up picking up a hitchhiker recently so I ended up taking a quick drive to the beach to drop them back off again 😉

[@deborahpoole7870]

I am from both coasts in Florida. I lived in North Fort Myers over 40 years ago. I am now in the Midwest and it is elderberry picking time. I have been exposed to no see ums. And their cousins, chiggers. I have used Avon body oil spray to prevent bug bites and this really works even in and out of saltwater. Also for ticks and mosquitoes.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I also tried a thin layer of the Avon Skin So Soft in hopes the evil bugs would just drown in the oil but that too wasn't a solution on this particular occasion. I think under "normal" circumstances any of these methods would work but on this evening nothing could save me.

[@sandyh2683]

I just received my shells from Etsy (I ordered Sunday, received on Tuesday! I am thrilled! I got all my favorite shells, no bugs, no sunburn, no heat stroke. Thank you, Sharmon for suffering so I can have the enjoyment. Now I have to see how many I can identify. Thanks so much!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank YOU for thinking of me when it comes to getting some of that SWFL seashell awesomeness! I'm so happy you like them!

[@kathycox6420]

Even less no seeum bites would have landed me at the urgent care! They are miserable little demon bugs! Glad you got a few good shells. Lighthouse was always my favorite beach.

[@wendyl4532]

I would panic. I have had like 6 bites and once and been miserable for a few months. Then they leave scars!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Those bugs are the absolutely worst! I'm lucky I'm not "allergic" (I don't get the welts that some people do) but I have seen the way other people react to them. They are horrific!!!

[@leegruver4718]

Beautiful jingle shell!

[@beckyh1369]

I hate no-see-ems! In spite of the mini vampires, you had an amazing mini shell hunt! Those two “big” wenteltraps were very impressive! I was also impressed with the size of that jingle! Fantastic minis!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Yes, even though I was driven off the beach I still managed to find a lot of great treasures. I wish I could have stayed longer! Hopefully next time 😌

[@angelicareyes4183]

Thank you for the update ❤❤❤

[@fredamoore1743]

Hi Sharmon. Wow! Those no seeums were " no joke" . They are the worst when the sun is going down or coming up. I would not have lasted as long. I'm going to use the natural oils next month when I come down. They really worked last time I was there. My shell tours are early morning and I know mosquitos and no seeums will be bad till the sun is up for awhile. Those wentle traps are precious! Have a great week!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Yes, if the bugs are bad down there just hand in there until the sun comes up. For me it was only going to get worse so I left! Just cover up as much as you can - it helps too!

[@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags]

Our friends,capt saladinos grandpa was a lighthouse keeper there on sanabell island

[@giafiricano30]

Wonderful, I always look forward to seeing your videos each week! Thank you for showing the tide going out as I have never seen this even though I grew up by the ocean.

[@sheridamiddleton763]

Hi, i may have shared this with you before but when my son was little he couldn’t say shriveled and called them shriddles… thought id share that with you. It has now become a family word. I watch you every Sunday and I have learned so much form you. Thank you. ❤️ from Ontario Canada.y

[@SWFBeachLife]

We have TONS of family words like that - I love it!

[@leslyeschoenhuth1107]

* I love tiny shells & You show us the best ones.. Thanks.. I love the bubbles.. are there no baby's ear there?? You found a nice variety of small shells.. The comparison of pre hurricane & Now was nice.. It is starting to grow & being cleaned up..

[@SWFBeachLife]

We do have baby ears here but I don't find them all that often. I'm always on the lookout!

[@robertastill9296]

Hi Sharmon, I could not believe your legs just covered in no seeums, I definitely could not have stood that. You are a trooper. We have no seeums in KY but you don't see them at all. You don't realize you've been bitten until a few hours later when the welt appears and the intense itching that lasts almost 2 weeks. I'm purchasing some of the bug repellent and the scrub in the video for home and some to bring to FL this Fall. Thanks so much for introducing it to us. "Horsin' Around" also has a loving home ❤ Can't wait for your next auction. Did I miss what this auction is supporting? Have a great week. See you next week.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I'm so glad Horsin' Around has a good home! I actually had a hard time deciding where to send money for this auction and I've decided to give it to the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School PTO again. The kids school will be rebuilt but I'm hoping any extra money we raise can help with with supplies or trips they might want to take the kids on.

[@robertastill9296]

@@SWFBeachLife Great, schools are worthy of extra care.

[@whom_i5753]

Hey 🤗 Just wanted to write one big THANK YOU! Your videos, your voice and sweet laugh are really helping me with my anxiety and depression! I mean really! I bindge watch your videos and I have noticed that no panic attacks kicks in while watching ❤ God bless you, you sweet lady:) Ps: Sorry for all the mistakes, I am not native speaker :)

[@SWFBeachLife]

I actually have a lot of people tell me I help them with their anxiety and I'm thrilled! Happy to share as much beach as I can!

[@whom_i5753]

@@SWFBeachLife And we are happy to watch every single one of them 🤗

[@tanyahouston5635]

Miniature shells! Lil cuties!

[@deniseyoung5385]

I have found 1 glass bubble and I think it was really dried out and old, but it was so fragile that I didn’t even make it back to the car with it. It was really cool, though. I haven’t ever found Wentletraps yet. One day! I did find a rice olive, a bunch of bubbles, and milkmoon when I was at Lighthouse in the first week of September. It was really gorgeous. I’m glad that at least the lighthouse is still standing.

[@linds3317]

I LOVE the minis!! The big shells are really cool, I’ll give them that. They’re really impressive. But the minis are my favorite. I have a little jar on my desk with the minis I’ve begun collecting. 🥰🐚🩵💕 Your channel makes me so happy. I’m so glad you exist! 😁

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you!!! 🙏🏼

[@KristineS73]

I love learning all the shells that i find! Thank you❤

[@cazee100]

I’m really glad that you have only found 2 straws, hopefully an indicator they there are not so many being discarded. Oh and now way could I deal with the bugs. Sanibel will, like the phoenix, rise again. Stay safe xx

[@SWFBeachLife]

The bugs were unbelievable. I was sad to give up but I was getting eaten alive!!

[@pennywebb867]

Each year I set myself 1-2 goals to add to my "good" earth friendly habits. I have found if I give myself a year to incorporate the action into my life it cements itself. This year my goal is to ask wait staff not to give me straws in my drink unless they are paper. Harder than it seems; you have to be quick. Once they open the straw and stick it in the drink you might as well use it bc it's going to be thrown away anyway. My point being, I am glad you've only found 2 straws in your beach walks. Maybe others are being conscientious too. Hope so. Enjoyed this video so TFS. ❤❤🦟

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@pennywebb867 What a fantastic way to help out our planet! I carry a reusable straw in hopes of cutting down on plastic too 😃

[@agds91078]

Hello my sweet beachy friend!!! I’ve missed our beach days so I’ve got to get caught up❤ Sending mermaid hugs from Kentucky

[@SWFBeachLife]

Hello!! I hope your health and your community are good! ❤️❤️

[@terrih7250]

Just came back from a mini vacation to southwest Florida. Thank you for your channel it has inspired me to go there. All the shells and wildlife are beautiful!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I'm so glad you got to experience this amazing pice of Florida. There is so much to see and do - even after being all beat up from that hurricane!

[@mthiemeyer]

We were at lighthouse Beach and lovers key a month ago and when we got home I went through my shells and a wentsle trap fell out of another shell! I was shocked!

[@SWFBeachLife]

That is incredibly lucky! I wish that would happen to me!

[@mthiemeyer]

@@SWFBeachLife it's tiny and broken and not complete, but I'll take it! We also found a giant horse conch laying on the beach at lovers key. The ranger gave us a giant welk that someone discarded. This all happening while we got eaten alive by no see ums!

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@mthiemeyer A sheller has to do what a sheller has to do!

[@mthiemeyer]

@@SWFBeachLife i was really hoping for a crown conch as that is my favorite, but no luck. Maybe next time we're in Florida!

[@denisem6754]

Ah, love all those tiny mini shells, especially those Wentletraps and that gorgeous Tampa Turrid! It always amazes me how many different varieties of shells are in those piles of minis, and you certainly found some lovely specimens. The worst thing about No See Ems, is when they fly up one's nose. Great video comparing the before and after.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I was wearing my neck gator but I was able to keep them mostly out of my face but man - it's amazing how much havoc those little black demons can create!

[@jaoc4283]

Love the wentletraps. Good for you

[@wendif6378]

I had to LOL when you were talking about the egret, a little "Jersey girl" came out in ya!!!! Thanks for another amazingly calming video. And yes, not sure which is worse, the no-seeums or palmetto bugs🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

[@carlottamccormick430]

Seems like we always visit during no-see-um season and I get ate up!!! I need to visit sometime other than July-September!!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I can normally avoid those evil creatures but I was not winning that night!

[@cindygonnella2179]

Love Sanibel!

[@suzisharp132]

Oh no way!!!!!!! I was in St Petersberg one year and was attacked by the No see-ums. I had so many bites, they made me sick - literally sick. I ran fever and felt miserable for two days. They are the most wicked little insects. After that, I lived in bug spray 24/7 for the rest of my trip. I'm so sorry you were attacked so badly - loved the shells, but please never allow that to happen to you again.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Next time I will cover up MUCH better. Even if I'm hot, it would be better than getting attacked non-stop!

[@luvsabeach7952]

I got my SWFL shell bag today, now I need to come down to collect shells!

[@patriciawhateley8096]

I haven't been able to find you anymore on KZbin I don't know what happened. I miss watching you everyday. What do I need to do? Because this is how I start my day you make my day SO MUCH BETTER AND HAPPY

[@SWFBeachLife]

Hi Patricia! Make sure you are a subscriber! I have been letting people know about my little break and I also made a little update video. There will be a new video this Sunday! kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2GoaKKpnJx2g6csi=m19DExfGqiZmuOTz

[@patriciawhateley8096]

@@SWFBeachLife I just red that you haven't been on KZbin SO I AM SO HAPPY TO HEAR YOU ARE OK. I am subscribed and I hadn't seen anything so I was getting worried that I lost you because I had to get a new phone and everything just went wacko

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@patriciawhateley8096 Oh the woes of technology. Not to worry - I’ll be back soon!

[@veronicavalentin9929]

Beautiful finds!!! Gorgeous!

[@jaimietollers3977]

Hi Sharmon, Thank you for sharing that special footage with us. The extra footage you showed us if it was 8 days before Ian hit that was my last day in Fort Myers, I would like to send you something for those bugs when they are bad I use it myself and it is all natural. Again thank you for all of your help and sharing tips with me while I was in Florida. Someday I hope I can go shelling with you and learn from you. Take care beach friend! 😊

[@maggieslifeisawildride512]

Oh boy...I've dealt with those noseeums and they are maddening! Lemon oil really helps and so does camphor, eucalyptus and mint. I've had great success with a light coating of Vicks vapor rub on my legs but you have to like that scent...Lol! Thank you for going through all that just for your viewers...you are the best!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I will try anything! I will buy said Vicks and keep that in my bag too. I was desperate - I literally would have tried anything!

[@maggieslifeisawildride512]

@@SWFBeachLife Oh my gosh...I can imagine. Lol! Usually insects are attracted to the scent of our skin especially when we're sweaty from the heat. Also Avon's Skin So Soft lotion works well at covering the skin's surface too but the oil based products stay on the skin a little better and longer. But as you said a little breeze works best. 😉

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@maggieslifeisawildride512 I did add a layer of SSS in hopes of drowning the little evil creatures but even that didn't work!

[@maggieslifeisawildride512]

@@SWFBeachLife Yep...I think it doesn't add a thick enough layer and those noseeums can be brutal...Lol!

[@angelasurratt5908]

Cute lil shells! I got the package! Thank you!!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Yay!!

[@debbiewedoe2564]

I enjoyed the video. Those bugs sure are peaty, glad you got out of there. 🏝️

[@debbiejones6265]

I didn't know you all had No see ums. I ran into them on an Island in Belize while on a surface interval from Scuba Diving. lol. I had a skin on and they still ate me alive. And I can't wait as it's 2 months until I start my Shell collection adventure. :) I got some natural stuff in Tahiti. Amazing but unable to get it again w/o going back to Tahiti. Oh darn. lol. Love the video.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I have used noseeum spray from Sea Anchor Secrets and it’s all natural and works under “normal”’conditions - it’s smells fabulous and you’ll get $5 off with code SWF 😄 seaanchoredsecrets.com I was brutally attacked by those miserable bugs but I have a new balm from them that I’m waiting to try 😀

[@debbiejones6265]

@@SWFBeachLife, yep, ordered today. :)

[@dishwithdes]

I just visited most of the top beaches on Sanibel! So much has changed and it can be really difficult to readjust. I’m surprised some of the things are still standing especially with the strength of the current at the lighthouse. I found if you search around the hurricane debris, there can be some hidden gems! I need shelling friends!! Going to Juno(your recommendation), Pass a grille, & hopefully one more trip to Sanibel since they are lifting tolls for the next 6 Sundays. 🤩💘

[@SWFBeachLife]

Oh good to know about the tolls!

[@eloisebates7827]

Just watching, the no-see-ums made me itch. 😱

[@SWFBeachLife]

They are EVIL!!!

[@adamy3834]

Ive spent lots of time there. I just spent a week in Hilton Head SC. No litter anywhere.

[@SWFBeachLife]

That is so great to hear!!

[@lorimihelick5475]

I absolutely love Sanibel Island, hoping to make it back down there next spring❣️☺️

[@lndadaines2994]

The shells u call Wendell traps we here in New Zealand pearly shells. And u could only find them at waihi Beach.they r now extinct and I've never seen them again on that beach.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Oh that's sad. Sometimes the sea changes and the creatures that eat certain things move on. I'm glad we seem to have a lot of them here in Southwest Florida, USA.

[@trishcook1857]

Pesky bugs, that looked very uncomfortable. Thank you as always x

[@shellstories]

What a score with those wentletraps! Looks like you found a bunch of different species. They're really difficult to tell apart, but I'd think the big one at 5:30 is an angulate wentletrap, the ones at 26:10 & 27:45 are bladed wentletraps, and the one at 26:36 I agree is a Leal wentletrap. The Tollin wentletrap is also somewhat taller and thinner, but I think the ribbing on your shell is too dense to be that species. I'd say the mystery shell is a somewhat unusually shaped and colored gulf oyster drill. Man those no-see-ums seemed brutal. At least they're not much of a threat in terms of disease spread. Happy shelling🐚

[@SWFBeachLife]

Well that is a bonus for the noseeums - I shouldn't get any diseases from all the blood I donated 🤣 I will go back and see if I can tease apart the angulate from the bladed wentletraps. Or maybe I'll just dump all of mine out and see if I can figure out what is what. I find spending time with the shell and seeing it over and over helps with the ID. Thanks so much and happy shelling to you too!

[@jacqulynjohnson653]

Oh!! My!! Stars!! You must have been majorly itchy the few days following!!!! Sanibel is thee worst!! Been there, about lost my itching mind!! You did good, girl!!

[@salishseaquest7952]

Loved the Beach Time...can always tell when I need that. @17:49, in the lower-left quadrant of the screen, could you please identify that object, Sharmon? Thanks!

[@SWFBeachLife]

That is a piece of nacre from the inside of a pen shell. I don't ID that material every, single time I see it, but it does pop up often enough that I forget to talk about it!

[@salishseaquest7952]

@@SWFBeachLife Thank you for reminding me -- it was just so stunning that I had to ask after that glimpse. I'm surprised you don't collect it for crafting -- you are the creative one.

[@breezyharris4239]

You should publish your own shells of Florida identification book☺️☺️

[@SWFBeachLife]

I thought about it - maybe one day 😃

[@samsmomm]

The last time we were at Sanibel was last August. My husband I were walking the beach a little before sunset and there was a wedding party there attempting to have photos taken by a professional photographer. The "no see 'ems" were vicious and the wedding party was swatting and screaming and swatting some more until they all finally decided no dway and left the beach and abandoned the photos. Those bugs are no joke.

[@SWFBeachLife]

If you have a fan you're okay. They can't tolerate strong winds but if it's a still night and the conditions are right they can really wreak havoc. I hope the wedding party was able to find another beach to take photos at.

[@megharms9424]

My thoughts on bugs..." How can some things so small drive things so big so crazy!) no se-ups are the WORST,..and mosquitos! 😖

[@SWFBeachLife]

Exactly! Like why do they exist? They are evil!!! 😡

[@amazontrish]

I wonder if a ThermaCell would help with the no see ums. I have like 4 thermacells for my cabin and my yard. I just clip one onto my belt and I'm good. they work great. normally I get eaten by bugs but the thermacell helps me out a lot.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Oh that's a good question. I just looked them up and if I didn't already carry a ton of gear with me when I'm out there I might consider getting one and trying it next time. I have been thinking about trying to maybe camp out on one of those islands. If that happens, I'll definitely be investing in one of those ThermaCells!

[@sunstarlight8467]

How did you get so lucky not to have that many people around..love this island

[@SWFBeachLife]

Normally timing but I think on this night the bugs drove everyone off the beach!

[@Wlandry1113]

I remember when I found my first wentzel trap, I was oh my Gosh, shell lady would be so proud. Lol

[@dianetbailey9185]

Sharmon, skin so soft from Avon is good for all bugs.❤

[@SWFBeachLife]

I tried!!! I actually think that what all those bugs on my legs were stuck to. I put a thin layer on all my skin and those little bugs were STILL biting me. I might have been a little mad and covered in dead bugs but at least I smelled good!

[@14buckeyeGirl]

Just starting to watch so maybe you said and I didn't hear it yet, When was this visit? I'm heading back down on Friday, can't wait!!! Definitely want to get to Light house beach this trip!.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I visited on 7/18 so not THAT long ago. Hopefully the bugs won’t bother you and the shells will show up!

[@14buckeyeGirl]

@@SWFBeachLife not long ago at all, thanks! I hope some show up, was there in May and didn't get much of anything good. Other people I saw on facebook were finding lots of good stuff when we were there. I blame it on my sister, I was telling her how great it is LOL!

[@silverpebble1]

Hello, my younger daughter and I have been truly loving your videos for a couple of years now - we find them SO relaxing. We snuggle in and watch them regularly and are longing to come to Florida one day and find the shells you've made so familiar to us (we're in the UK). I have a question- Wentletraps are really beautiful, I can see their appeal, but why are they so highly prized in particular? Are they quite rare? Is there folklore associated with them perhaps? Do they have another sort of significance? I'd so love to know this. It was so lovely to experience your excitement while finding them in this gorgeous film. There's a similar kind of excitement attached to finding small cowrie shells on certain beaches here in the UK - they used to be used as money by our ancestors, which might be part of the covetous feeling attached to these little shells. Yours from the East of England, Emma Mitchell, naturalist and fellow beach treasure-seeker x

[@SWFBeachLife]

Hi Emma Mitchell! I think all shells kind of "hit" people in different ways. Which would explain why people have such varied favorite shells. I had looked for a wentletrap for a very long time before I finally managed to find one. They are tiny and in my opinion, "elusive," so I am always thrilled when I find one of those little beauties. There is no special significance to them per se, I just happen to really enjoy finding those little beauties. On my recent trip to the other side of the state I found some imperial venus clams. In other parts of Florida they are much more common, so they wouldn't be so desired, but I'm very used to the shells I normally find in Southwest Florida so finding different specimens is really quite a treat. I thank you and your daughter for taking so many trips with me to the beach!

[@sandeepettit696]

I love those little wentzel traps❤❤❤

[@drdrew3]

Great video! Headed to Marco Island tomorrow. Any tips?

[@SWFBeachLife]

Try to go at low tide and/or try first thing in the AM!

[@pattyvalinote4612]

Such a shame for the no see ums I never saw them that bad!!! Beautiful Wental traps

[@jtb8155]

I do love the tiny shells - but I’m sorry they came with a huge dose of noseums, that ruined your time at the beach. The wentletraps are amazing! I will miss your weekly videos - I’m not going to lie, I am addicted. I’m older, and can no longer visit Florida, so your videos are really enjoyed and very much appreciated. The Florida Gulf of Mexico, was my happy place, so thank you, for taking me to the beach!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I won't be gone TOO long and I have over 3 years worth of beach walks so you can try to find one you haven't seen yet 😃

[@TinkerTailor4303]

Where are you going??

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@TinkerTailor4303 I'm taking a little break from KZbin but I'm not going anywhere! Well, maybe I'll try another beach up North...

[@TinkerTailor4303]

@@SWFBeachLife I've been away for awhile ... without prying, any particular reason why? Was it something we said?!🫢🫣🤫

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@TinkerTailor4303 Never! I just can’t work, do KZbin, do an auction and keep my sanity so I’m going to work on the auction for a few weeks while the summer shells are hiding. 😃

[@may-beeart7930]

Wow where are the shells. So sad I bet Ian changes the floor and it won't be as many shells. Sanibel was my happy place

[@adventureswitharlandandjoh4774]

Thank you so much for teaching me about the shells I'm finding. I live in Chelem, Yucatan Mexico, across the Gulf from you. I find shells like lightning whelks, and turkey wings, which I had no idea about until I watched your channel. Do you know of any good resources with information about Mexican gulf shells? Thanks again!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I really like the book I have by Dawn and Blair Witherington and they have written quite a few books about seashells from the Gulf Coasts, but none from Mexico. I have found it much easier to figure out what shells I'm finding using a book specific to the area I'm finding shells in. Sorry I don't have a better resource for you!

[@lisaloy2011]

I was eat up with them in the 70s during the summer vacay.

[@breathofhome6315]

Have you tried Avon's Skin so Soft for the bugs. That's what we used in New Orleans. Keeps the biters away.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I always have some of that SSS on me as well. I tried using the No seeum spray to no avail, then I went for the OFF with Deet wipes I have (I was desperate) and THEN I resorted to putting a nice thick layer of that SSS oil on myself in hopes of at least having the bugs drown in it and not bite me but that wasn't a solution either. Not even one of those face nets would have worked - those bugs are so small they will fit right through the holes in the mesh. They are THE WORST!!

[@breathofhome6315]

@@SWFBeachLife wow, sorry. Would a citrus oil help?

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@breathofhome6315 I don't think a flame thrower would have helped! It was BAD!!

[@breathofhome6315]

@@SWFBeachLife 🤣🥲🦟🦟🦟🦟🦟then maybe wrap up in plastic or push a large fan on a roller in front of you facing you, lol...sorry.

[@breathofhome6315]

I wonder if NASA has any spacesuits for sale?

[@gotbaby]

We were just at the Sanibel lighthouse a little over a week ago, and the bugs were SO bad - little black dots all over us, just like your video. I still have red bite marks that itch all over my calves and on parts of my arms and hands (I'm scratching as I type this, lol). I've been miserable with all the itching! And we barely found any shells before making a mad dash for the car. So sad as I was so hoping to find some wentletraps! :(

[@SWFBeachLife]

I'm so sorry your experience was as "challenging" as mine was. I don't react to the bites as badly for those bugs, but fire ants make me itch for DAYS and it's quite miserable. A good breeze will keep those little evil creatures away. And maybe more sun? I know those bugs can be horrible on Kice in the morning as well, but they tend to go away again once the sun comes out.

[@Jean2235177]

I’m glad you brought the bug spray. I got eaten up alive a few weeks ago by noseeums. Holy moly! My legs were covered in those itchy little bumps. Oy vey!

[@Jean2235177]

15 minutes and my legs were covered. Then I gave up

[@SWFBeachLife]

Yeah, it was pretty brutal. If only there has been a slight breeze....

[@nancyoj1]

Log video. I live in Miami and was thinking it making the drive over there. But gps says it’s temporary closed. When did you go ?

[@SWFBeachLife]

I was there about 2 weeks ago. Lighthouse Beach is open, and so is Bowman's Beach, Tarpon Bay and a lot of the other public beaches. Complete with working facilities too!

[@gingermackeen5741]

Love the blue jean comparison! You really come up with some good ones!😂 I think the mystery shell at 12 min was an oyster drill. OMG I pick up straws all the time at HI! I'm sure glad we don't have the no-seeums that bad up here! Your leg was covered! Did your stuff not work? Got my answer. I only have 16 total wentletraps. They're just not as common here so it's really rewarding when you find one. I'm so glad you show the "imposters" because I think people up here think they've found wentletraps that are really fly-specks. We have a lot of those. Thanks. Sharmon! xxoo

[@SWFBeachLife]

Yeah, those imposters do a good job at making us think we found an "elusive" wentletrap. I hope you NEVER have a noseeum experience like the one I had this night. Holy mackerel they were horrible. I am going to put pair of leggings in my car so I never go without again! I was wishing I had one of those net-hats but I don't even think those would have worked on those evil creatures. I'm lucky this doesn't happen to me more often!

[@JERRY-xb6vy]

Do you and can you sell one of the natural seahorse you found on Sanibel Island Beach. If you’ve willing please advise and price. Thank you Jerry M.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I am working on that right now! I am going an auction and I will auction off those seahorses and the money will go to the Fort Myers Beach Elementary school PTO so they can get the kids what they need.

[@debbieosredkernelson13]

Oh my gosh! So many no-see-ums! How did you survive the itch afterwards? Your poor leg was getting eaten up. I've had those before when I've come to Sanibel and they itch for weeks afterwards. I'd have scratched my leg until it was bleeding. One or two might be tolerated, but so many would have pushed me over the edge.

[@SWFBeachLife]

The noseeum bites luckily don't affect me too badly, but I know that itch that you're talking about! I get them from the red ant bites - its the worst itch ever! I went to Echo Farms and bought some oil from a Maranga tree that helped and the Benadryl gel helped a little too.

[@gaylelong4821]

When is the auction going to be? Thanks for fighting the bugs as long as you did. I have watched a fella in Australia, I believe. He finds a shell he calls a wensel trap (sp?) That is more like the banded tulip size you usually find. Can't think of his name. He does the "What's under this rock" videos. Just some mindless FYI. I hope to run into you this winter when I come shelling. Which month should I come?

[@SWFBeachLife]

I really enjoy November and April. It's not too cold and the shells are still here. Winter is fabulous to find the shells, but I'm just not a fan of the cold!

[@jojoa0808]

We are here on Marco Island and taking the Hemingwat shuttle to Keywaden on Wednesday. Any tips/tips?

[@SWFBeachLife]

I tend to find decent shells pretty close to the end of the island where you are dropped off, so by all means venture up the beach a bit, but if you find a good patch take advantage of it! The tides will be coming in until early afternoon. I hope you have a great time and say hi to Jack for me!

[@miriammacdermot5601]

Hi Sharmon. Well this was a different video. So sorry the little nasties bit you and drove you off the beach. Are they present in SWF year round? Thankfully we don't have no see ums that I know of on the west coast, but we do have mosquitos in the summer. AND we don't have the glorious variety of shells you do here on the west coast. Many of the ones we have get pounded and broken by the powerful surf. I do want to say that I totally agree with the lady who said that wentletraps remind her of wedding cakes. That's what they look like to me. How I wish they got a little bigger. What a pretty necklace they would make, but I would be afraid to drill one of those tiny ones for fear of ruining it. They are an amazing shell. I can't find any in the few shell shops we have on the coast, so until I come to Florida, I will have to try to find one to buy online. Thanks for braving the bugs to bring us all some weekly shell joy. Have a good week!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I hope you have a good week too!

[@fleshhunter100]

Why is shelling slower in the summer?

[@SWFBeachLife]

The summer winds tend to bring in warm gulf air but it creates a tide pattern that pushes shells out into the water, where the cold winter winds help push the shells up onto the beach. I actually talked about it in a previous video and show you some more details: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHa6fH6eicysrKc

[@gashabrown589]

Loved it

[@cathypatman1224]

Do you ever find the big shells and take one or do they allow you take it? 💙💙🐚🐚💙💙

[@SWFBeachLife]

I have found big shells let's see....4 times - well 5 but I wasn't making a video the 5th time. They are not all that easy to find (for me anyway) but if they are empty you are allowed to take them.

[@dawnalbin4371]

I am curious about shelling with you. How can I get more information. Thank you

[@SWFBeachLife]

I don't offer tours or anything right now - sorry!

[@melodienaber3238]

I don't blame you for bouncing out. 😢❤

[@artanddebearickson9729]

I don't know if anyone answered your question, the unknown shell is a Channeled Welk shell. deb

[@debbietaylor9392]

The no see ums. We have here you can actually not see them but sure can feel um bite.

[@SWFBeachLife]

They are the worst!!