I finally found a giant shell! I paid $40 to park at the beach but it was worth it!

[@mindirowe5913]

"Walking" the beach with you is such a treat! Your voice is as soothing as the waves and the excitement of each found treasure brings me a deeper desire to hunt for more. That whelk is amazing. I always called the large ones conchs but recently found out the difference. Keep teaching us...You inspire me!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much! I've had to teach myself all the wonderful and amazing shells and creatures I find and I love it! I'm so happy to be able to share my walks with you and inspire the love of learning about the beach. I appreciate you taking the time to leave me such a lovely comment. It's people like you that makes this so worthwhile!

[@rodneytoolsie4885]

And y not any other oil

[@lewasil]

I am disabled now, and I cannot walk on the beach anymore. So these videos do serve as a way to try to enjoy the beach and water and her cool finds. I miss it myself. I love the sound of feet crunching on the rocks and sand, and water and bird sounds. (Sigh)

[@soniascotto-lubrano6280]

@@SWFBeachLife y

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@lewasil I'm sorry it's not the same thing as being there but thank you for coming along on my beach walks with me!

[@alyssaroberts3537]

I just discovered your channel this morning and I'm hooked!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Yay! Thank you! Welcome to my channel! I hope you like learning and the beach because I'm obsessed and I bring you a new video every week!

[@CaliforniasGoldCoast]

@Alyssa Roberts hooked.... haha me too TODAY

[@lindsayschilling8707]

I also recently subscribed. I LOVE her vids! They are sooo much fun!

[@SnowPink90]

Loved how you brought up your big find starting at the bottom of the camera. What a beautiful shell!! And all the other Lightning Welkom that were a decent size was cool too. Beautiful walk to day and I’m so happy you found your big shell!! Thank you for the beautiful walk!!😊🐬

[@SWFBeachLife]

There were SO many great shells on the beach that day. I was not leaving without that big ol' lightning whelk! Thanks for letting me share my walk with you!

[@judispackman3616]

Thank you for slowing down and let us to look for shells, just for a minute, but it was so great. When you find one beam up with the camera and see the shell, then beam back and so on, it is distracting and when you slowed down for a minute, it was great. Thanks.

[@sueh9597]

Oh I envy you..captiva (and sanibel) is my favorite place! I love to look for shells! Wow that large shell was beautiful! I also like looking for teeny tiny shells in the piles of shells..they are just as beautiful as the bigger ones🐚😃💗

[@SWFBeachLife]

If we can't find bigger shells we will go to where the water meets the sand and look for tiny shells too! They're almost as fun to find. I recently found what I think are prefect tiny lace murex shells! Thanks so much for watching!

[@lesliecalvert3458]

I learn so much from our walks. Thank you so much for doing this for those of us who can't :)

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you for choosing to come along with me!

[@lindsayschilling8707]

Yes! I'm a Beachcomber and Shell Collector from waay back. I rarely get onto a beach now, but if I'm fairly close to one, that is where I'll be found! I live vicariously thru these vids (such fun and beauty; they feed my soul!). 😊

[@mitzimorris4746]

Walking with you is one of the best parts of my busy work weekend When you found that big lightning my heart started racing you are so blessed and I am a little jealous lol Thanks for another one. By far my favorite.😁😁

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thanks so much for coming along with me! I wish I could have brought the camera in the water with me to get that big shell but I needed both hands - I wasn't leaving the beach without that shell!!!

[@fouraces1949]

Totally… me too

[@danielmaggio772]

I never thought that it would actually be worth 40$, but it definitely was! It made me so happy to see you so excited finding the large lightning whelk!! You deserve to find a giant shell after being out there so much.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Aw, thanks! I finally had my lucky day. It was awesome. I can't wait to do it again!!! Thanks for coming along with me!

[@dalemills7926]

Omygoodness I thought the same thing..

[@lornafinch8855]

That calico scallop at 9.05 looked like it had seagulls on it. So many wonderful finds especially your monster. Love that you name everything

[@SWFBeachLife]

Didn't that scallop have the coolest markings? Captiva and Sanibel do have the best scallops. Thank you so much for watching!

[@Katherine-rq8mk]

I'm the one with my head in the sand - I would have gone through those piles. That's where the "dollhouse" are. Lovely lions paw. Thanks for sharing!

[@lindagiammarco2687]

Wow, that huge lightening whelk is amazing. Love the lace murax. Cute baby ears. The scallops and clam type shells were unusually large compared to all your finds on other walks. Fabulous lions paw. All in all, I think it was worth the $40 parking. Those extra special shells were rare finds. Thanks for taking us on the beach walk.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I did get lucky with the shells for my $40 parking spot. It worked out for me this time for sure. Thanks for watching and coming along with me on my beach walk!

[@melaniefarrow7152]

My mom who passed on Memorial day loved shelling. She only got to Fla on week each year. She found a lightning whelk almost identical to yours. Best find of her life.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I’m so sorry for your loss. My mom never got a chance to come shelling with me. She would have loved it too. ❤️ I’m glad your mom got to go and found herself some goodies while she could. 🙏🏼

[@lindsayschilling8707]

Oh My Gosh! That Mondo Welk is a spectacular find! Good job ❤

[@SWFBeachLife]

I was NOT leaving the beach without it!

[@diannpowell1077]

Yes,I'd say it was definitely worth it! Your excitement at finding the different shells is part of what makes your videos so much fun to watch. I get almost as excited. Love it and thanks again for sharing!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thanks so much for coming along with me on my walks! I am having the best time finding critters and shells and just enjoying all the amazing beaches down here! Thanks for the lovely comments!

[@paulineamiott9423]

What an awesome shell haul, how exciting especially that big welk.My husband & I were on Sanibel Island for the week of October 25th for our 44th anniversary!. For the first time I found angel wing shells, my husband found a king crown & I was able to get a horse conch shell almost as big as my husband's foot it washed up as I was standing at the edge I got pretty wet getting it. I was so excited but I had to put it back as a crab had made his home in it. Oh well I have pictures & the memory of it. Thanks for sharing your videos, love them.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Happy Anniversary! After hurricane Eta I've been finding the most gorgeous Florida Fighting Conch shells - and every single one of them had a critter in it! Like you said, I took some video and I'll have the memories :) Thank you so much for coming along with me on my walks!

[@patifagan6774]

Beautiful day and good finds

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thanks 👍

[@andreah.5962]

WOO HOO!!! Great finds, and CONGRATS on your monster lightning welk!! How exciting was that?! Excellent beach walk!

[@SWFBeachLife]

It was AWESOME! I was so happy with that giant whelk. I can only image how happy I'll be once I get my horse conch! One of these days. Thanks for coming along with me once again!

[@ktr2345]

so so so excited with you about that lightning whelk, WOW!! what a beauty!!!

[@BrendaBodwin]

I'm not a sheller. I just watch because your videos are therapeutically relaxing. I now know what many of the shells are called too. So, also educational.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I have to admit, I'm pretty relaxed after I've been on the beach for a few hours. I get it! Thank you for watching!

[@mlgauss60435]

Woo hoo! Congrats on that monster lightning welk! WOW! That beach definitely was a good one for you today! But $40? Ummm, I don't know, for myself, LOL! I just love walking the beach vicariously through you! One of these days we'll get back down there to see the grand boys, whenever mom and dad thinks it safe. We both have had one vaccine and the second one is in a couple of weeks, so maybe we'll be safe enough! Again, thanks for taking us along with you!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Oh I'll never pay $40 again, but I had to try at least once :) By all means just let me take you to the beach for free - LOL! I hope everything goes smoothly with your second vaccine and thank you for watching!

[@carriecervantes7928]

Thoroughly enjoyed shelling with you; thank you for sharing!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Glad you enjoyed it and thank you so much for coming along with me!

[@lorimitchell7607]

This is my favorite beach! I haven’t been there for several years but have been visiting there for the past 40 years. Oh my, the price of parking! It used to be free and then a couple dollars an hour. I have many, many shells in jars that I’ve brought home over the years and I love them. My favorite home away from home. Thanks for sharing your videos. Just beautiful!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Ironically I went to that part of Captiva this morning and the parking meter was broken. I was prepared to take my chances with a ticket, but the shells looked rather lackluster so I decided to relocate. I'd love to try this area again and one of these days I will! Thanks so much for watching my beach walk!

[@shanaynay6652]

Wow, Wow and Wow.. What awesome finds. So happy for you that you found that large one but that Lace was just beautiful. Thanks for taking us along with you and sharing.

[@SWFBeachLife]

That lace was indeed gorgeous! I've found a couple of really pretty ones lately. I'm hoping the shells are back for the winter. Thanks for coming along with me on my walk!

[@sharonolsen6579]

that GIANT shell !! oh my goodness ! I would have been giddy for DAYS ..... maybe longer ... lol ! What a find ! : D

[@SWFBeachLife]

I felt like a shell rock star carrying that shell on the beach. It was such an awesome feeling and so much fun wrestling with the water to get it!

[@salishseaquest7952]

I had to laugh -- when you started out by counting the shells and dividing the parking -- I knew that I would have done the same thing. But from your end count, I think it more than paid for the parking especially when you factor in the fact that you took us along and allowed us to share in the fun. Your baby ears! Your monster whelk shell is awesome! What a beauty! Thanks to you, I am now able to identify by name the shells you are picking up. Since I live in the Pacific NW, I doubt that talent will get me anywhere but it makes watching you even more fun! Thanks for taking us along and sharing your wonderful beachy finds.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Yes, I think the story ended up being a happy one with me not whining too much about the parking and coming home with a whole bunch of beachy goodies! That's too funny that you're learning your shell names but you won't be able to use that knowledge. Hey, maybe you'll get on a game show one day and they'll ask the Texas State shell and you'll know it's the lightning whelk! Thanks so much for watching my vids!!

[@salishseaquest7952]

@@SWFBeachLife Now I know that Texas actually has a State Shell....who would have known??? See, learning from you every day!

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@salishseaquest7952 Now we just need to get you on a game show!!! LOL

[@debramiller7951]

Awesome shelling! I live in Indiana and longing for the day we can become snow birds. But in meantime we love coming down looking for shells.. Love your mama excitement when you find the beauties!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I'm a fool for these shells! I've been hunting for over a year now and there are still so many I haven't found yet - but I will! I hope you find lots of good ones on your next trip. There's plenty to go around! Thank you for watching!

[@LeileeBaker805]

Super cool shelling Im over in west coast California so not much Hopefully a trip over there someday how is the sea glass?

[@gingermackeen5741]

Loved the beginning where you priced your finds by the parking fee😃. Beautiful lace murex!! And WOW what a gorgeous huge lightning whelk!!! Congrats! It looks perfect (unlike some I've found)! I think the transparent one you found was the other half of a jingle. One side is rounded and the other flat. The big bay scallops are like the ones up here. You got the alternate telling correct although that one was a bit discolored. That was your day, finding a lion's paw too! And all those lightning whelks to boot! What a day! Never knew there was a public access on Captiva. See any movie stars?🌞 Got up at 4AM and got to Lido Key in time to see the sunrise and shelling was good as usual.

[@SWFBeachLife]

No movie starts - LOL! Captiva has 2 parking lots - both very tiny and this one very expensive right now. I've since learned the prices were elevated to discourage East Coasters from invading when their beaches were closed for COVID. It was a spectacular shell finding day for me for sure. Eta didn't stir up as many shells as I would have liked but there are still tons of critters to be found!

[@libbymoore8861]

$40 parking so worth it... Love all the shells. Congrats on your big find!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I can't believe how lucky I got. Yes, this time it was worth the $40 but I'd rather walk it next time and save the dough!!! Thanks for watching!

[@louettahuddleson7194]

What a wonderful day at the beach. Very much enjoyed it. Thank you

[@SWFBeachLife]

I very much enjoyed making this video! I’m glad you enjoyed - thanks so much for watching!

[@karleenpage5979]

Wow! I could imagine you wrestling the ocean for that shell! And then holding it up like the victor's torch it was! What an exciting day! I'm trying to catch up with your oldies but goodies! Hugs from Virginia!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I was not leaving the beach without that shell!! 😅 Thanks so much for coming along with me!

[@storm2156]

Glad to see you are still at it! I took a bit of a break from your videos after getting my "shell fix" in from shelling on Sanibel for about 6-8 hours each day for a week on my vacation. About time you got a big shell and it is a perfect lightning whelk! Honestly though, I'd be over the moon more for the lion's paw that is much rarer. I found one years ago but it is only about 80% of one side. Also some very nice flats and baby's ears! The shell at 15:58 is indeed an Alternate Tellin. They have a big of a yellow coloration when they are fresh. The pretty white scallop you have at 14:15 I am 75% sure is a zigzag (flat) scallop. It is just the bottom side of it. The other side is a big deeper than the average Calico scallop to compensate for the one side being flat. Also they tend be be nearly pure white with a bit of red/brown near the hinge. Most people think both sides are flat, but that is not true, otherwise where would the animal fit! Keep up the great videos!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Well I hope you found tons of great stuff during your vacation! Yes, I think some of those very bulbous scallops I've been finding are the other half of the zig zag. I've never found one hinged so it's hard to say. Yeah, that lion's paw was pretty awesome. I found a smaller one over on the East Coast, but to find that guy right in my backyard was awesome! Thanks so much for coming along with me!

[@christineswinton2237]

I'm addicted to your channel,living for Florida Saturday, can't wait ! Gonna go on a shelling cruise to 10 thousand!😎

[@SWFBeachLife]

That's wonderful! I hope you find tons of shells!

[@galechicago325]

Just discovered your channel and subscribed! We used to go to Sanibel every year in the 1980s. Now we live in Southern California, and there are NO SHELLS. I miss Sanibel very much, so walking the beach with you in these videos is very fun. I am tempted to place some of my Sanibel shells on the shell-less beach here in California and watch the people get excited when they find them!

[@SWFBeachLife]

LOL! I have a 5-gallon bucket of shells that I need to return to the beach. Maybe I'll do the same thing. Dump the pile and then sit back and watch what happens :) Thank you so much for coming along with me!

[@Cajunkaty]

You had an awesome day. Thank you for taking us along!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you for watching!

[@maggieslifeisawildride512]

When you lifted that gigantic shell I heard the 2001 Space Odyssey theme song...Lol! VICTORY! Awesome finds!

[@SWFBeachLife]

ME TOO! Wish I could have used the actual music but copyrights and all that annoying stuff 🤗

[@debralee5201]

Love your videos! I like that you take time to show us what you find so we can have a good look. 😊. Moved to Venice in May from Ohio and I am SO loving the shelling!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Welcome to FL where winters are awesome! I really enjoyed driving up to Lido Key and Caspersen was a lot of fun too. There are actually a few beaches up there that I'd like to check out. Thanks so much for watching my channel - I hope you're learning all your shells!

[@roxymanasquan9087]

WOW! This was Spectacular! The lace murex is a super-rare super-stunner and the giant whelk is a once in a lifetime Aweome find for you. Love the operculums too! All in All, Thank you for sharing an amazing day!

[@SWFBeachLife]

You are so very welcome! I had so much fun, with the possible exception of the $40 parking - LOL! It was an awesome day of shelling. Thanks so much for watching!

[@carolledger8047]

Wow! That was so much fun! Thank you for taking me along!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dalemills7926]

I feel the same about watching you and hearing your soothing voice while she'll hunting ! Love the whelks too but I love the beauty of the olive shells and calico scallop shells.. ...we all have the fave shell..when we come in September I want to Shell there ..

[@SWFBeachLife]

I had SO much fun on this day. It started a little slow but I'm glad I didn't give up!

[@hummingbirdlady3954]

Awesome! I ❤️Sanibel and Captiva

[@SWFBeachLife]

Me too!

[@georgiacorey954]

Beautiful shells & wow on the giant Welk

[@katelyn3197]

This video was really great and fun to watch! The shells you found are AMAZING!! Thankyou for making this video 😊

[@SWFBeachLife]

Oh I had so much fun shelling and then putting the video together. It was THE BEST! Plus I have some fabulous souvenirs to remember my day by :) Thanks for coming along with me!

[@kathybone9314]

I'm so glad to have stumbled apon your blog it's so fun ! I live in British columbia Canada and I love to beach comb, ours are not as colorful but beautiful too. Thanks for sharing

[@SWFBeachLife]

I'm so glad you found my channel too! I go out every week and share a new beach adventure every Sunday. I just can't seem to stay away from the beach! Thanks for coming along with me!

[@lindarichie2585]

That was a great find that big lightning welk wow ! I’d say you did very well shelling there and well worth the forty dollars ! Wish I would have gone shelling there when I was there but we stayed by the light house and so mostly shelled in that area ! Wasn’t familiar with the area but now I know where to go thanks to you ! ♥️

[@SWFBeachLife]

I was pretty lucky to have that $40 pay off - and to be able to share on video was fantastic! I will try the Lighthouse Beach again. I've been hearing how great it is so I'll have to give it another try :)

[@coralraeartandthings]

That big shell is amazing!!! I love your videos very relaxing

[@samanthaann5955]

I just had my first vacation on the Island. I miss it so much already so I retreat to KZbin and your videos to just vicariously shell through you!

[@SWFBeachLife]

It's so wonderful to live here and share all these beautiful beaches. Thank you for coming along with me on my beach walks until you can come and go for yourself!

[@samanthaann5955]

@@SWFBeachLife next time I go I want to take one of the tours to the 10000 islands. Seems like those places are a gold mine.

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@samanthaann5955 They pretty much are!

[@dianesalvato8421]

Shellzam! You were so funny at the beginning that I was laughing out loud. Congratulations on the Big whelk! The baby’s ears and lion’s paw were icing on the cake.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Sarcasm and humor I provide free of charge :) That whelk was so fun to find! And so many other fantastic shells - it was a lot of fun. Expensive (especially once you add in the $6 toll) but really fun!

[@mstaken4998]

Beautiful shells! Enjoy that you are providing more narrative with your videos.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you!

[@lorigoroski1467]

You have taught me so much in just one video. I had to watch another one and subscribed. You are so easy to listen to.

[@SWFBeachLife]

YAY! Welcome to my channel! You're going to learn all sorts of stuff with me. Hope you like the beach, shells and beach critters!

[@lorigoroski1467]

Excited!@@SWFBeachLife

[@sionaharrop4486]

What beautiful shells! I’m just drooling looking at your finds and wishing I could go shelling on that beach. Have fun on your next trip and I hope you find some more great shells ❤️🇦🇺🐚 xxx

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much! I was drooling too!!! It was so much fun and I was definitely rewarded for trying that expensive parking!

[@carolmyers8533]

I have learned so much watching your show! Love it!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Awesome! Thank you so much for watching!

[@lindarichie2585]

I miss shelling on Sanibel ! So fun to come along with you and see what u find each time ! That was a monster of a shell worth the $40 parking !

[@SWFBeachLife]

I got so lucky! And all those other shells at the end of the day was the cherry on top. I would have been a wee bit miffed if I paid that much money and didn't find any shells. Some people pay that money just to go to the beach! Whaaa?

[@emilyb2237]

Ooooh my life!!! THAT shell THAT shell. Wow! My mum and I were in shock after seeing you find that! Wow. So happy for you x

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you - I was so happy for me too! I'm so glad I didn't have to wrestle any other shellers for it - LOL! Thanks so much for watching and coming along with me!!

[@pattyvalinote8737]

Beautiful shell haul. Looked like a very pretty day also. The shells were plentiful!!!🤍❣️

[@SWFBeachLife]

They sure were - it ended up bring such a fun day. Thank you for coming along with me!

[@bmiller7229]

Love your walks! This was fun. You’ve changed my life - My friend posted a pic of her husband on the beach in Phillipines and I zoom into see what’s on the beach instead of looking at him! Haha!

[@SWFBeachLife]

LOL!! Oh my gosh too funny. Obviously I would have done the EXACT same thing!!

[@emmagrace5196]

So jealous of that lions paw!!! I love your videos.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you!!

[@chattykathie7129]

I’m shocked how many pretty shells you found, maybe paying $40 keeps the beach pristine and full of shells and no people. You know your shells. I love finding shells and shark teeth’s. I need to get a Florida shell identification book.

[@SWFBeachLife]

This book is my shell bible and has lots of great info on some of the other things I find on the beach too: amzn.to/3aqkmO0 I might have been upset at the parking price if I hadn't found such awesome shells but I think I made out pretty okay! Thanks so much for watching!

[@dreamart3395]

Wow ... and, you thought there'd be no shells. Gotta say, I've never seen a Lion's Paw on any shelling video ... that was cool. While the Florida Fighting Conchs appear to be low man on the totem pole for most collectors I find them to be a real treasure. They're big, not fragile, come in many color variations and they're plentiful. That's not to say I don't have other favorites. The Baby's Ear shells are sweet. Thank you for sharing ... you help me as well as many others pass time during the covid quarantine.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I found TONS and TONS of live Florida Fighting Conchs after Eta and I actually have a new appreciation for them. They are so dang pretty! One I recently found was almost a pink/purple color. All alive so I couldn't keep them but they were really, really cool! I'm glad I can get you out to the beach when you can get there yourself. Stay safe and thank you for watching!

[@beatricedaly8220]

I love your soothing voice and fun finds.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much for coming along!

[@sharronhelms3660]

You are so Blessed to be able to do this whenever you want!!!! I just subscribed so I want to see some more of your big fines, this one was just awesome 🤗👍

[@SWFBeachLife]

That was one of the most fun shelling days! I wasn't leaving the beach without that big shell! I go on a new walk every week so and I share everything I find along the way :) Thanks so much for subscribing!

[@coralraeartandthings]

I live in Ca but kids moved to Fla. last 2022 so have been to a few beaches but not shelling. When I was young you could find shells all over the Beach not so much these days so I am so looking forward to walking the beach and finding shells it is so relaxing.

[@maggiemax8065]

Holy canoodle!!! You go girl with that lightning whelk! That’s the holy grail of shells and you found it! I am in awe!!! 🤣🤣🤣😜😜😜😍😍😍

[@SWFBeachLife]

It was so fun!!! I had to take off all my equipment to get into the gulf and find that whopper! I can't wait to do it again! I couldn't believe another lady was casually walking with 2 giant whelks! Maybe one day that will be me :)

[@DeeDee-dl7sl]

My favorite trip video so far because you found a great variety of shells!

[@SWFBeachLife]

This was such a memorable and fantastic shelling day. Finding that whopper was the best! Thank you so much for watching!

[@christhomason3936]

Thanks for taking one for team ...$40 parking! This was invigorating walking with you on the beach and all your Spectacular Finds. Here in Chicago we finally made it to 59 yesterday on my Birthday. Thanks for helping me continue to celebrate🌅. EYL Chris from Chicago❤

[@SWFBeachLife]

Happy belated birthday! Hope it was a good one. Taking one for the team....yeah, I had to see why the heck that lot is so expensive. Nothing special it turns out - just expensive! Thanks for coming along with me. I had a fantastic time and I hope you did too!

[@betinhamurta208]

What a wonderful day you had! I’m thinking about spend a day in Captiva, I really love what you found! $40 very well spent! Thank you for sharing, I love your videos! I watch every single day before sleep, it’s so inspiring!😊

[@SWFBeachLife]

Keep Turner Beach in mind. It’s very South Captiva but the parking is $5 an hour so depending on how long you were going to stay it’s an option. Good shelling luck!

[@vasilikikayafas8436]

And of course you are first one there! 😂😂😂 I LOVE the short walk to beach from lot!

[@SWFBeachLife]

It's true, the beach is right there, but ooof on that $40 price tag!

[@vasilikikayafas8436]

@ I know! Huge! But the beaches I go to in Clearwater have a high price but certainly not $40 for a day! But since parking area small and walk so quick they figure they can gouge for the convenience! Lucky you found those shells tho!

[@SWFBeachLife]

@ Especially that lions paw!

[@denavess732]

Love love the scallops and lions paw. Usually not found here east coast. We go outer banks. I have found lightning whelks. But the gulf has so many different shells in the panhandle Fla.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I will get up to the Panhandle next summer. I LOVE checking out new beaches!!

[@callicordova4066]

I went to this parking lot several years ago when the parking pay station was broken so I got to park for free! Found so many Lettered Olives in the surf. What a beautiful Lace Murex you found.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Well that’s a deal parking there for free! Lucky you! I do have to admit I picked a fantastic day to visit the $40 parking lot and go shelling there. That Lions Paw is still one of my prized possessions 🐚❤️

[@parula321]

Uh....wow...oh excuse my drool. Lions paw?! Surprised a Junonia want found! That lace murex is truly excellent! Your videos are really excellent and get better and better!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I have quite a list of shells I’m still looking for. The big “J” is one of them for sure! That Lions Paw and giant whelk were pretty spectacular and just made my week!

[@lindathacker5824]

Thanks!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much Linda!!!

[@doreenperez233]

You had a great day. What a find!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

It was such a great day! Started a little slow but it sure turned out great for me!

[@janetpullen5210]

What a wonderful day for you....what super finds with the big shell and the other treasures....it made it worth the parking fee.....happy for you 🐚🏝 South FL doesn't disappoint!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I found it so weird that there was ZERO shells and then all of a sudden they were all over the beach. It was awesome!!! I'll have to get back up to that area and see if it was a fluke or if that part of the beach has great shells. Can't wait to find out - thanks so much for coming along with me!

[@dbailey736]

Yay for finding that huge lightening well!! I am so excited for you!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you! I was not leaving the beach without that shell!!

[@mariemorgan7759]

I need to go to Captiva island! Didn't know it was so peaceful and beautiful there!

[@SWFBeachLife]

It's crazy beautiful! Secluded, lush and only 2 small public parking lots on the entire island!

[@tracyanne2617]

If I were there i would be sitting there digging in all of those shells. Lol. Such awesome finds. Wish I lived there

[@SWFBeachLife]

I am so very lucky to live where I do!

[@sharonsoulsby8958]

So much fun to walk with you! I’m still hobbling around from our shelling adventure at the Lighthouse last week.

[@SWFBeachLife]

My lighthouse trip beat me up! My side is still sore from trying to scoop in that packed sand. I sure learned my lesson!

[@sharonsoulsby8958]

My husband and I enjoyed a morning shelling with you today. I’m going to need a little more time to rest up, too.it was crazy last Thursday when the negative tide was going out! You made our morning.thank you for your videos!

[@maryc7830]

Thank you so much. Much love from Connecticut. 🐳🐚

[@scottishthistle56]

I am going to Key West in a week. I've never been there. I ran across one of your videos and I was hooked. I've learned so much about shells in a short time. At least I know now what to look for and some of the names. I'm so excited to walk the beach soon!

[@SWFBeachLife]

The Keys are the most beautiful locations I've ever seen in the US. They convinced us move to Florida! I hope the lack of shells won't disappoint you - they are tough to find there unless you're snorkeling, and I hope to get down there soon to see what I can find for myself! I hope you have a wonderful time when you go!

[@scottishthistle56]

@@SWFBeachLife thank you!

[@arthurjones9580]

lion paw! WHAT!!!? Soooo pretty! and the huge welk! We in Utah thank you! I'd pay the 40. It's cheaper than flying!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Bwha ha ha! It's definitely a pricey lot to park in, but it was totally worth it!

[@woutersere7796]

You really need a huge display cabinet to show all these ocean beauties. Just found your channel. Verry relaxing and exciting to see what you find on the Florida beaches. Here in Holland where I live we have a lot of beach but the shells are small and not overly colorful. Bit still, its a joy to just wonder trough the sand and pits.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Right now I have everything stored in glass - I love the way the shell look in glass containers. I already have 2 glass lamps full, a shell mirror, a gumball machine filled with shells - I have them all over the place but maybe I should consider a better system!

[@woutersere7796]

@@SWFBeachLife Yes I saw the vid with all the glass containers. It looks sweet, but maybe 1 shelf with the most special ones would be my choice. Anyway, I’m enjoying your beach walks and finds.

[@shellstories]

Love your vids!! Congrats on that monster whelk! The first time I found a big one like yours was almost exactly the same LOL, rolling around in the absolutely POUNDING surf (40+ mph winds, crazy!). And fantastic job on the lion's paw too!! They are so much rarer on the west coast than on the east coast, so that was a really good find too! Awesome job!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Yes that Lion's Paw was quite a surprise! And it's so much bigger than the one I found on the East Coast - go figure! I was not leaving the beach without that shell! I saw it had some color in the center so I know it wasn't one of the pitted beat up ones. It was pretty awesome grabbing hold of it - now I can scratch that off the list!

[@lorishackelford8543]

The lion’s paw is my favorite!!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Oh that Lion's Paw was incredible. I almost died - especially after finding the giant whelk. It was such a fun shelling day!

[@tamo9520]

Oh My Gosh, the drive at the very beginning reminds me of my time on Sanibel. I miss it soooooo much! (adding this just after a few seconds into the video) Ha! And where are we ? I knew it! I need to move back down. And soon!

[@donnamanitu8673]

Thank you for filming your treasure hunts. With not being able to travel I really feel like I am there...except for the $40 parking fee ! Wow, that town is really saying "Welcome" but is also saying "Stay Away, We Don't Want You Here". So many pretty shells and I always love how you lay them all out at the end of your videos. It's nice to see the real comparison of size and color when they are all laid out.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I'm glad I can get you to the beach and save you the parking fee :) And I think it's my OCD that likes to bring the shells home and just kind of recap what kind of day we had by laying them all out. Thanks so much for coming along with me on my walks. I appreciate it!

[@ChetsWife3]

Productive walk on the beach! Wonderful finds.

[@SWFBeachLife]

It sure was - thanks so much for watching!

[@ChetsWife3]

@@SWFBeachLife you betcha (I’m from Wisconsin...🤣). You’ve got me hooked.

[@channingcarmack913]

I love it !!! I also fought the waves for a shell for about 20 minutes !! Great job

[@SWFBeachLife]

I was lucky I didn't have to fight for 20 minutes, but I was not leaving without that shell!!

[@patembry3373]

WOW, what a great brach day for you‼️congratulations on the monster lightening whelk AND lions paw. I’m so jealous, more with the lions paw than the monster. But both finds are awesome. Yay you. 👏👏❤️👏👏

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thanks so much!! I couldn't believe that Lion's Paw! What a day - it was awesome. Thanks so much for coming along with me Pat!

[@SaltyReflections]

$40 dollars to park is high but it looked like it was worth it. All the shells you found were beautiful! That lightning whelk was Huge.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I don't get big whelks the way you do! I was super happy with that big one - plus all the baby's ears and that Lion's Paw was awesome! Thanks so much for watching!!

[@SaltyReflections]

@@SWFBeachLife we don't get the variety like yall do though! We hope to get to come down to Florida soon for a few days. Where would you suggest? Where has been your very favorite place for shelling?

[@carolmyers8533]

I saw so many coquina when we were in St Augustine but never saw them move. So cool!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

They're neat little creatures and they make such beautifully colored shells!

[@idkidk8278]

Awesome finds that day!!

[@chattykathie7129]

I’m watching you and buying a couple of new swim suits dreaming of coming back to Florida. The beach is my happy place ❤️

[@SWFBeachLife]

Mine too!!! But I spend so much time on the beach I'm usually wearing a long sleeve shirt and shorts to try to cover up as much as possible! I wish I could bring a giant umbrella with me but I already carry so much stuff - LOL!

[@Onora]

Congrats on your giant shell! I'm totally jealous.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you! It was so much fun finding everything!

[@janinelew2483]

I just discovered your channel and I’m really enjoying it! I bought some shells for my home daycare kids to explore. I had no idea there were so many kinds of shells! The beauty in them is breathtaking! I’m obsessed with collecting them now. Identifying them can be a task, but the kids and I are having so much fun. Unfortunately we don’t live near a beach, so I purchase them.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Oh, oh, I made a video all about sand dollars (alive and dead) as well as lightning whelks - I always thought these would be great to share with kids to let them know that these beautiful treasures were once living animals! Sand dollar video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWqrYXigj7amp9U Lightning Whelk video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpKsaZyem8yll6M It's a fantastic obsession :) And I do sell my shells so if there are some that you'd like to purchase just let me know by sending me an email to [e-mail]. I hope you continue to enjoy my channel!

[@charlottehammond5966]

That giant shell is incredible!! Love from the uk!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I had SO MUCH FUN on this particular day. Good thing because I probably would have been quite salty about the parking fees otherwise - LOL! xoxo

[@sheilac1845]

Fabulous video glad for your awesome shells 🐚😊❤️

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@emilywilloughby6567]

gorgeous murex, my husband found a janonea in August at the light house at low tide 60yrds out

[@SWFBeachLife]

Oh wow! I've only found pieces of junonia so far. I have so many shells yet to find!!

[@coffeehunter8742]

Awesome finds! Congrats on your giant welk! I found my first giant welk just last week! N.W. Florida! After a storm. Yeah, you're right, it's pretty fun! Congrats again!👍🐚

[@SWFBeachLife]

Congrats to you too! I had SO much fun shelling this day. There was no way I was letting that shell get away! I hope you continue to have good shelling luck. Thank you so much for watching!

[@johnfrench6144]

That lightning welk.. must have been at golds gym!! My other favourite ones are the scallops.. so many colours!! As for parking.. find 40 sand dollars.. leave for parking attendant! Lol ... but that was worth it .. some beautiful shells .. thank you. 🙏

[@SWFBeachLife]

I had SO much fun this day. Especially when the shells started getting pushed onto the beach. It was glorious! Thanks so much for letting me share it with you!

[@RandysWorld65]

The $40 price to park was evoked by the city council back in the spring due to the enormous influx of people from Miami and the East coast . They had harsher Beach restrictions than here on the west coast of Florida. I remember back in April the people living on the island were upset with garbage being left on the beach and overflow of parking on people's property. So they raised the price from I believe $8 to $40 to discourage out of towners. I don't think captiva residents have to pay. Hopefully they will return to the old price now that beach restrictions are being lifted on the east coast. Great shell find!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Well that makes sense. It is upsetting to see garbage on our beaches (I always pick up garbage on my walks) and I can see trying to discourage people but I sure hope the prices go back to what they used to be. I'd love to be able to go to this beach once in a while but not at $40 a day. Thanks so much for the info and I'll have to keep an eye on Trip Advisor reviews to see if the price reverts to what it was.

[@BeachGirlStudio]

Congrats.....it is an awesome feeling to find the “big” one

[@SWFBeachLife]

It sure is! My "haven't found yet" list is getting a little smaller! Thanks for watching!!

[@helenraymond6613]

I found a huge one after a storm - but was still alive so I walked it out and put it back but 2 women were yelling to me to keep it and I watched them walk out and get it ! WRONG to do !! Unless you need it for food. I would feel guilty for life had I kept it. It was at least 16 inches across.

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@helenraymond6613 It’s illegal to take live critters from the beaches down here. That stinks the critter you tried to save was taken. I’m with you - I would feel too guilty about letting the poor thing die just so I could have it’s shell. Most people don’t know any better and it’s a mistake but it’s a shame if people knowing take live shells 🥲

[@helenraymond6613]

I told the 2 women it is illegal to take it live - but they said they wanted the shell and didn't care. Sad disrespect for life just to have its shell.