Virtual beach walk at Lovers Key State Park. I found shells, creatures and more!

Today we're going on a virtual beach walk at Lovers Key State Park. Virtual beach walks are a great way for me to share the fantastic goodies I find on the beach, as well as bring you along to explore a beach in the winter!
I had been meaning to get over to Lover's Key for a while - I knew the Discover Center had some installations completed and I had been meaning to make it over there. It was a great day but I really wish that giant whelk I found was empty!
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[@01sweetdelight94]

Hi. I'm pretty new to your channel, I am very happy I found you on KZbin. I love the fact you really know your shells and always have a cheery voice. I love going shelling also, I'm new to SWFL and I couldn't be happier here. Thanks for helping me understand what shells I should be collecting.

[@bethwarden4144]

She has the best videos!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I hope you love living here as much as I do!

[@01sweetdelight94]

@@SWFBeachLife Yes, I do

[@SherryBaby2003]

I couldn’t agree more 🤗💙🤗

[@Randomshorts142]

Ali

[@shellstories]

That albino Prickly cockle was stunning! Your mystery blob creature is a living Baby's ear! Their shell is more of an internal shell, similar to ram's horn squids. Loved the walkthrough of the discovery center too, thanks for sharing!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thanks for the baby's ear ID! It looked like some sort of moon snail and now I know why! I hope you were able to get out there after the storms. It was pretty awesome!

[@denisem6754]

Thank you for the ID on the live baby’s ear, it was such an interesting critter so it’s nice to know what it was.

[@annemariemayr3576]

I ❤️love this video too, take time to draw few of the shells you show, so that I can learn the name, to know them by time

[@danatramell3036]

Do you think that slimmy blob you found was a live baby's ear? I Google it and what you found looks just like a live baby's ear... Just wondered what you think...

[@SWFBeachLife]

I see some images online that absolutely make me think that could have been a baby's ear! Nice call! Now I really hope I get to see more in the future! Thanks for the tip!

[@janicehayes5059]

Love your Beach watch thank you for taking me along!! Loved it keep exploring and I really love the information that you share😀🇨🇦

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thanks so much!

[@carolmusso7767]

Thank you! I loved seeing the John Travolta sea star! LOL! So many wonderful sights on this trip, too. I feel so relaxed now! ❤️🐚

[@Marilynlovesebiking]

I love that sun-ray Venus clam. I have never seen so many whole sand dollars before. Thank you for this walk. I love learning about the shells. I just bought myself a Florida seashells book to take with me when I go to St. Petersburg next month.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I hope you bought the Florida's Living Beaches book - it's my shell bible!

[@irenealvarado3494]

I used to live on san diego so over at silver strand people go an walk n there all over

[@irenealvarado3494]

Silver strand beach

[@irenealvarado3494]

Why cant i kerp that other one the creature will die

[@PaintedTurtle001]

Nice video. Why don't you give commentary on the beach? Also, it would be nice to see a comparison between albino shells and bleached out ones. 👍🐚

[@SWFBeachLife]

I don't give commentary on the beach because I can't control the wind, other noises and other people talking if they happen to be around. Once you've found a few shells and get used to the way they look you can tell an albino from a bleached out shell but next time I find one I'll be sure to show the difference!

[@debrakitson292]

Thank you for another great video! The Discovery Center looks so nice, I’ll have to check it out someday!

[@nicoledscroggins]

I absolutely love your channel. I hope it’s not too long that u can come back. So sorry and praying for Florida

[@patrickpaguel1274]

Can you post your albino collection? Im not sure in spelling hahaha

[@SWFBeachLife]

I forgot to show them in my last shell collection video! Next time - promise!

[@patrickpaguel1274]

@@SWFBeachLife thats ok ahahaha

[@gingersnapp4624]

I enjoyed your walk very much. Thanks 4 sharing. :-)

[@carolcheatle1955]

Bummer about the live lightning welk. Awesome walk.

[@denisem6754]

Loved the live Baby’s Ear, Banded Tulip and that huge Lightening Whelk. I also thought the live Prickly Cockle was absolutely gorgeous. Also, thanks for including those lovely Augers. Once again you delivered a great virtual visit to the beach! Thanks for the consistently wonderful content.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you for being consistently awesome and coming along with me! I hope you have a fantastic week!

[@kellykeating8523]

Another fabulous shelling video! Thank you

[@crystalcloud6720]

'CHEESEBURGER IN PARADISE'! YEAH! I definitely wanna go to this place when I get there. I love those little sand dollars. They look like money. I'm so jealous. Lol. DARN! I was really rooting for that to be an empty big shell. My heart dropped when it was alive. But "YAY, IT'S ALIVE". LOL.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Yeah....it's a tough call when I see a big beautiful shell. I of course want to keep it, but always good to see the creatures alive and well out in their habitat. Thanks so much for coming along on the beach walk!

[@monicaeaton8860]

Sooooooo was hoping this was TORNADO/after storm video!!!!! But it was great! Lol I will continue to impatiently wait haha

[@SWFBeachLife]

Don't worry it's coming! That vid will be next weekend 2/13. And the good news is I went out 2 days in a row so I'll have more than one post-storm video to share!

[@SherryBaby2003]

Didn’t you say once before that the shell of the moon shell snail is on the inside of the animal?

[@leslyeschoenhuth1107]

* I saw the pen & next to it was a Florida Fighting Conch that looked Huge. Is there a gray shell like that that is HUGE & Thick & inside has Pink Mother of pearl.. Do you have them in Florida? My Mom brought one from Tennessee in the 1940s so they may not be growing that large anymore.. Just wondered if you knew the name??

[@SWFBeachLife]

Maybe a queen conch? They can be found in the Florida Keys. I want to go snorkeling down there to see if I can find some empty shells for myself!

[@patifagan6774]

So happy to see your video, been waiting all day

[@SWFBeachLife]

Yay! Thank you!

[@katiebradford8820]

Wow thanks for sharing I sure do miss living there love the video

[@MaddieOlson1993]

Thanks for the Weekly awesomeness. I’m binge watching videos. Lol. Is it good shelling in June? That’s when we’re going back. :-)

[@SWFBeachLife]

It's "okay" in June - my advice would be to get in the water. There's definitely some shells on the beach, but I seem to find the best ones digging in the sand in the water. I hope you have fun planning your trip!

[@randyruney5704]

Love your videos. Was at the beach last weekend when the wind was 30+. West central Florida. Usually not a great shelling beach. Fish weren’t biting so I looked for shells. Tons of need stuff. Found lots of scallops? Whole with no critters. Some really fragile white shells you can almost see through. How Bo you clean wild sponges that was up? Thanks.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I haven't found a good way to preserve sponges, so I don't typically take them. I will take sea whips and other types of beach "trash" but I haven't cracked the secret to preserving sponges yet.

[@jkperdue1109]

Wow I didn't know that was an option. Thanks for showing the drop-off center, with the beach wheelchairs! Gives me hope for the next time I go down to Florida visit family, of getting on the beach shelling. That made me so happy thanks again swf you're the best!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I hope you do get a chance to come and enjoy these beaches once we're all cleaned up and ready for you again!

[@andradavis7201]

thank you so much very informative and very beautiful to share with us .....thank you for your hard work for us........from a fan in red oak tx...........

[@SWFBeachLife]

So nice of you! Thanks so much for coming along with me!

[@nataliacaleo9246]

Beautiful video congrats🦄🦄🌈🌎🌺🦓👍👏👏👏👏💫🌟🐯🎉🐴🎊🎊🎊🎊

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you 🤗

[@vilmabatres2872]

Hi! New subscriber..love to see you shelling. ?? Why do you leave cockols behin? They are beautiful..

[@SWFBeachLife]

I try to be a little picky about the shells I keep. I've been beachcombing every week for over 2 years - if I kept everything I'd need to rent a storage unit! 😅

[@tomferg55]

I come down once a year for 2 weeks and always hit Lovers Key, first thing in the AM. Usually drive 60 miles from Port Charlotte, each way. I always go to the right.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Then you probably get to see those cool trees! I always go to the left, then make my way back. I don't think there's a wrong way to visit the beach!

[@mysterirhodes4889]

Just getting to watch your video. Normally I watch them as soon as you post, but my grandson had an accident over the weekend and we spent several days at the hospital. I love your videos. I don't live close to a beach and living on ssi I can't afford to travel. So, I live through you lol. Thank you for showing all your beautiful finds.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I hope your grandson is okay! And I'm glad you chose to come along with me on my weekly beach walks. Thank you!

[@christycooper3344]

Thanks for hi lighting the beach wheelchairs. I have a hippocampe wheelchair so I can push myself but the public park ones are great. Many handicapped visitors don’t know they Exist or how to get them.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I'm always on the lookout for my friends who need assistance! I want to make sure everyone can enjoy these beautiful beaches!

[@christineschmidt4337]

I love your channel so much!! I only found it about a month ago and then it got me through 3 weeks of being sick. It's an amazing combination of utterly peaceful and totally exciting to watch you hunt and to learn as you teach us. Being from southern Ohio the closest I've come to experiencing anything like this is looking for cool pebbles on Lake Erie beaches a few times and even that is so much fun I could get seriously addicted to it if I was nearby. Thank you so much for bringing us along on your peaceful adventures!

[@SWFBeachLife]

You are so very welcome! As a kid I visited Cincinnati many, many times and I was a HUGE fan of King's Island. I'm happy to let you experience the gorgeous beaches of SW Florida. I'm still learning and I'm fascinated by it all!

[@shawnybee1]

I found your channel about two weeks ago and have been averaging 3 videos a day sometimes 4 but this one gave me some hope of ever getting back on the sand. I was born in San Diego CA and we lived in orange county CA we grew up on the beach. The shells were a precious find as a child but nothing like what you find. Anyway in 1991 I got in a car accident and now I'm a para and haven't gotten to go to the beach since. As you said wheelchairs in sand do not do well lol but when you showed the sand wheelchairs it made me feel so good to know that I can go on the beach again. I didn't know there was beach chairs. How awesome of you to think of and show that in your video! I live in Redding CA now, and nope no beach. 🫤 Your videos take me back to beach strolling and shelling. I thank you so much. 💛

[@SWFBeachLife]

The beaches down here are really hard packed with sand and some of the beaches are better for the beach chairs than others, but I thought it was great they allowed visitors to use the chairs for free! There's also a place down here that rents the motorized beach chairs for real freedom! I know how fortunate I am to just get up and go so I like to share as much info as I can for all to enjoy the beach ☺️

[@carolledger8047]

Aren't you worried about sharks? I've seen videos of some pretty big sharks swimming very close to shore.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I am not worried about sharks for some reason. We don't get the attacks over here like the East Coast does.

[@jmo2104]

How can you tell it's a false shark eye or a true shark eye? I watch so many of your videos and I haven't seen it yet though I'm sure it's in there somewhere. Thank you for your wonderful work. I learned so much❤

[@SWFBeachLife]

It took me a while with the "real" and "false" shark eyes! This is an example of a false shark eye: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqakgayVjdumpK8 And here is a real shark eye: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqakgayVjdumpK8 I'll try to find one of each on my next trip to the beach so we can look at them side by side!

[@karebear2318]

Are you ever concerned about putting your hand into somewhat unclear water with protection/gloves? Probably more for getting cut on broken shells etc

[@SWFBeachLife]

Nah, cloudy water doesn't bother me. However digging with your hands can absolutely lead to an unintended injury. I usually use another shell for that ☺️

[@DawnPalmer55]

I love your voice and your content! Whenever I’m a little stressed, I watch one of your videos, or let’s be honest, several videos and I calm down. Wish I was near the beach!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Awe - thank you so much!

[@ToNewBeginnings2024]

I so need some beach time!!!! It’s been freezing and snowing here. I will be moving back to Florida soon, thank god, I sooo miss Florida

[@SWFBeachLife]

I can't get enough of Florida - I love it here!

[@carolledger8047]

I love the beach but the ocean scares me. I would walk in but extremely shallow, like ankle deep only. I think.

[@SWFBeachLife]

That probably would be best for you. I've seen fish, jellyfish and had a manatee swim right past me. You'd probably have a heart attack! The beach and waters are alive!

[@youniverse6841]

Nice! Love your videos Sharmon! I tested out my knowledge of shells I've learned from watching all your videos the other day with my sister lol. She had a bunch of shells from visiting Florida but she didn't know what they were called. It was fun and I can't wait to go find my own!!!

[@agds91078]

Hello my shelling friend!! I’m so excited for this beach day with you!!! 💕 I’m enjoying this as I lay snuggled up in the bed watching some snow flurries out my window tonight.

[@lisapecchenino278]

I just love the kitten paws that are just so cute.

[@ghayes2135]

Thanks for showing then beach wheel chairs and reservation phone number!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Happy to help anyone that needs that info! Thank you for watching!

[@lorraineespinoza593]

Great video. See you next Sunday🌊🐚

[@beta7580]

I love your channel and videos. Question for you how do you figure when a negative low tide occurs?

[@SWFBeachLife]

I use an app to check the tides on the days I think I'll be going out to see what I might expect. I show it in a previous video - the app is free and works great! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZzTiXibmrpskLc

[@stagger204]

Always look forward to your videos and, as usual, this one is excellent. Would you mind telling me what link you use to check and keep track of the tide? Thank you, and have a blessed day.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much! I tried a few different methods, but this app is my favorite. I use it to plan and to check on the tide while I'm out there: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZzTiXibmrpskLc

[@stagger204]

@@SWFBeachLife thank you for the help!

[@bobbienielsen6860]

This beach is amazing! I'm absolutely loving all that it has to offer. The shelling is great too. I truly enjoy watching your videos.

[@Lancair007]

Are you related to the Nielsen from Minnesota/Wisconsin? My father, Leeland Nielsen grew up in Minnesota, but is deceased now. My father had a brother, Dale Nielsen. Are you possibly related?

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thanks so much! ☺️

[@bobbienielsen6860]

@@Lancair007, I'm sorry, but I am not.

[@lolabaker8197]

For those dark sand dollars, are they dark because they are “newly” dead or because they have been under the sand?

[@SWFBeachLife]

I suspect they were "newly" dead since they had a purple color and they cleaned up so very nicely by soaking in hydrogen peroxide!

[@marydegenkolb9603]

Here on the Atlantic side of the ocean, Coastal Georgia, there are no shells to really collect. I've been fortunate to find some nice Lettered Olives, Lightning Whelks and one Pear Whelk. And sand dollars on Jekyll island. But for the most part , the shells here are either Coquinas or oysters. I have found several Pen shells and used the mother of pearl inside for my art. So to see shells and enjoy their beauty, I watch your videos. Thank you for doing these.

[@SnowPink90]

I loved that big piece of a Lightning Welk. Would’ve made a great trinket dish for a sea themed bathroom. Then when I saw you pull out from the sand in the water a beautiful one and then you turned it around and it was a live one…My heart sank for you. That’s too bad. I thought your haul was great today!! Will you be taking another walk during the week again? Thanks for taking me along!! It was so beautiful!!😊🐬

[@SWFBeachLife]

I've been doing lots and lots of beach visits! Next week is FMB and then I have 2, not one, but 2 post-storm shelling videos to put together. I'm already dreaming of the day I can go shelling whenever I want!

[@SnowPink90]

@@SWFBeachLife Thank you for all you do!! I absolutely love watching SWF and looking around for shells and critters. Sunday I felt like I was right there, I was so absorbed!!😂 Again, thank you for all you do with putting it all together!!🥰💗🐬🐬

[@kimijohaynes]

My favorite beach! 😍

[@kathyjund7212]

I found two huge lighting whelk pieces like your big one when I went to Lovers key.. I kept them..that fabulous live one was spectacular! The center us looking good too! Thanks for taking us to the sandbar! Have a great werk!

[@sallya.2412]

I like the sound of that beach park. Has just about everything from food to chairs and umbrellas to enjoy the day at the beach. Nice finds on the sand dollars. Bummers on that big lightning welk being alive but at least you know that the bigger stuff is out there. Lots of live critters to see. Especially that mystery blob critter. I like the discovery center, great to get educated on the sea creatures. Thanks for sharing. Look forward to your next beach adventure.

[@Cajunkaty]

I enjoyed todays shelling with you. Thank you.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@trenttan3779]

It took us half an hour just to cross the Matanzas Pass bridge during lunch time! Matanzas by the Bay was a great restaurant by the way. We passed by Lovers Key when we were there but didn't think to stop by for shelling. ☹️

[@SWFBeachLife]

Now you know! And I always tell people to get out there early and I wanted to show them why!

[@trenttan3779]

@@SWFBeachLife There's always next time. I'm even thinking about joining a shelling tour to some more remote locations.

[@dagmarsigridmanondenijs-bl7156]

Thank you for informing what type of shells and critters you encounter. I am now disabled and you’ve given me a lot of joy.

[@sharonbendtsen3421]

What??? No sunday tornado??? Was beginning to think that was a new thing

[@SWFBeachLife]

Post-tornado Sunday is on 2/13. And I do have to admit, the conditions were so good I went out the next day too!

[@marlenemcdaniel2304]

What a great walk today. I really enjoyed walk the island walk and quiet time with the birds. Takes me back to my teacher naturalist days for the Girl Scouts. So many amazing things to discover out there and not just for kids. Anyway, it was a beautiful walk with many interesting things as usual, so I thank you again.🥰

[@susanlathrop234]

I look forward every week to your video. I love the beach and shells so much but am currently landlocked in cold NE PA. Great day. Take care.

[@mariliaponchini]

This was THE BEST beach time, thank you

[@SWFBeachLife]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@divingwithmicheleinvirgini7957]

I always look forward to your videos. That welk was huge and beautiful. See you next Sunday ✌

[@wheelerbeauty84]

As a person who has been in a wheelchair my entire life.. I appreciate beach wheelchairs so much! Also, I am surprised to see beach wheelchairs during this time. Most places only have them available during peak season.

[@SWFBeachLife]

It's peak season down here! It took me while to get used to the reverse, but winters down here is when all the people come to visit. And I certainly can't blame them!

[@wheelerbeauty84]

@@SWFBeachLife Oh thats true. I was thinking of like Jersey and Maryland beaches where it gets cold in the winter.

[@lauram5195]

Looked like the perfect beach day to me. So much fun! I love goin out to the sandbars. The live creatures were amazing! 🤗🐚🐚🐚🐚

[@gingermackeen5741]

Congrats on the albino pc! Found one too the other day! The coral has been great here lately! Cute little olive. I think the variable worm shell masses are cool too. Have a big one on top of my entertainment center. That pen shell might be a little big. I'll send a picture via email. Speaking of urchins, I found my second intact mud/heart urchin test(shell) today! They look like prehistoric!😂 Have you seen one down there? Very pretty srv pair! Cool color! That looked like a HUGE live by! Beautiful huge lw!! Usually when you see a trail like that in the sand, it's an olive. But the body on that is huge so I don't think it is. Very cool decorated tree root! They've come a long way in the discovery center! Yes! Getting to the park early is a very good idea! Thanks, Sharmon! xxoo

[@SWFBeachLife]

I think I discovered a live baby's ear! Sure did move like a moon snail and makes sense since technically it is indeed in that family. It was a gorgeous day and the birds were so cooperative 😅 I was happy to find that live lightning whelk but I sure wish I could have kept that shell! I have never seen a mud/heart urchin. Just looked them up and they're gorgeous! Congrats on your unusual find! I love discovering new goodies!

[@gingermackeen5741]

@@SWFBeachLife Lol. That guy from Shell Stories was on top of it!😁

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@gingermackeen5741 He knows his stuff!! 🐚

[@3nomadswithwhiskers393]

I have a question 🤔. I live in my van totally self sustainable when I travel. Where can I park to go shelling for the first time. 🤔

[@3nomadswithwhiskers393]

I totally love your channel. I have learned so much from you. I'm just thrilled at 58 years old to come to Florida for a week to go shelling. 🥰😍💜💜💙💚

[@SWFBeachLife]

I would think Bowman's on Sanibel would be great (nice big parking lot), as well as Lovers Key (plenty of parking around the corner from the main lot). If you have a "regular" size van, I think Tigertail down in Marco would be good too. So many choices for you!

[@jazziered142]

Thank you for answering my question about the sand dollar, and educating me on what they were.

[@jacruick]

So pretty there !

[@thefamechasers7008]

nice seashells

[@gailkraft3874]

I have a question for you. I live in Ontario, Canada. Is it legal to transport sea shell finds from the States back into Canada? I have become addicted to watching your videos so much that I am planning a trip to Sanibel Island as soon as COVID calms down more here in Ontario. Please let me know. Oh, and again, I really love your videos.

[@SWFBeachLife]

You can take as many sea shells as you want - as long as there were no critters or living snails in them! There are plenty of Canadians that vacation down here and you won't have any troubles taking the shells over the border. I hope you are able to make the trip and experience the beauty of SW Florida for yourself! 🌴🌊🐚

[@gailkraft3874]

@@SWFBeachLife To find the best shells, what month should I go to Sanabel? Also, are there any inexpensive places to stay right on the beach or easy walking distance from the hotel? I was in the Canadian Military for over 22 years and have mobility problems.

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@gailkraft3874 Unfortunately, there are no inexpensive places to stay on the beach. It’s all about location and the beach front properties can be a bit pricey. Lighthouse Beach on Sanibel is a very, very short walk from the parking lot to the beach, but when winter comes it gets very crowded. Lots of people come here in the winter to escape the cold - and it happens to be the best time to find shells.

[@robinmp3841]

wonderful jaunt as always, cool going out to the sand bar, the live shells out there, its really a different world than just in the surf area, cool to see that, and the pelicans :)

[@sheridanielson3740]

What kind of shoes do you wear for shelling?

[@SWFBeachLife]

I'm on my second pair of these: amzn.to/3wIwanv I take out the insert (it just traps more sand) and off I go! Sand will still get in the shoes a bit, but they do a fantastic job of protecting your feet while you're walking on those shell piles!

[@Looney2750]

Yay another vid! Love your videos!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Yay! Thank you! More to come!

[@artiejohnson703]

Thanks for again taking us on your beautiful walk on the beach. What a beautiful way to start the day. ❤️

[@kjta93]

Enjoyed the video thank you look forward to the new video each week🌊🐚❤️🌞

[@kathysausen6493]

Had a great time with you today!!!! Great beach time!!!!💕🧜‍♀️🥰

[@katherinejacques7340]

Last year at this time I found a huge live tulip shell. It was really big. Right near that same sand bar.

[@lindagiammarco2687]

Great beach walk. I love the little sandbar/island with all the birds. The huge lightning whelk was awesome with the critter inside.

[@lindsayschilling8707]

Oh. How I LOVE your vids! I've always been a beachcomber & shell collector. Those Florida Fighting Conchs are beautiful shells! Actually, they're all beautiful. Many Thanks 😊

[@SWFBeachLife]

I would have a really hard time picking just one favorite shell. There's so many awesome ones to choose from!

[@bethwarden4144]

Boy you hit the mother load on those Sand Dollars!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I really did! Especially those little ones. I rarely find them that size. Yay!!!

[@monabale8263]

4:10; a Hemingway's paw then? :D

[@SWFBeachLife]

😉

[@vianetvargas3520]

Can you explain how you spot the difference between a cerith and an auger?

[@SWFBeachLife]

I'll have to show you in an upcoming video. The auger is much more smooth with a smaller opening while the cerith is usually more bumpy. I'll show you the next time I find both!

[@vianetvargas3520]

@@SWFBeachLife awesome ! Thank you 😊

[@nancyjones247]

I found your channel by accident about a two weeks ago and have been binge watching ever since!! 😃 I think the algorithm heard me say Sanibel Island was on my bucket list and up popped one of your videos! Lucky for me!😄 Anywhoo, I just love your kind demeanor, your little giggle, and how you are so excited about your beach treasure finds! Thank you for sharing your adventures with us and teaching us about shells and sea life! I JUST LOVE IT!!! 🥰🥰🥰 Oh and thank you for being so polite and not swearing!! Hard to find a KZbin channel that isn't full of cursing! I am now an SWF BEACH LIFE groupie!!😁😁😁

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much for all the compliments! Ironically I do tend to have a potty-mouth however I would like the channel to be family friendly so I keep it clean ☺️ I get a lot of comments that people watch with their kids or grandkids and I just love that people can bond of the glorious beach!

[@kimberlyaustin6677]

I found 3 frozen bottles of coke in the back of my car that I forgot to bring in when it was only 6 degrees. Want to trade?😅 No? Luckily it's climbed up to a balmy 23 😉🐚Loved the shells as always!

[@SWFBeachLife]

If it's any consolation it was in the 30's a few times over the weekend. However it will be back in the 80's later in the week so I'm definitely a no trade! 😅

[@nikispragg9811]

That lightning whelk.... It is the biggest one I've ever seen! We have a whopper at 13 inches collected off of Bear Island, NC on New Year's Eve, but that one you found looked even bigger!!!! Fantastic find. I've collected a lot of Sand Dollars as well... Why are those ones you found SO dark? Sediment in the sand? Newly deceased? So many were dark! Another awesome video. I would love to visit that park. They DO have everything!!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Those dark sand dollars were probably recently deceased. You can find dead ones all sorts of different colors - purple, gray and sometimes that whiter color. I can't resist them!

[@darlajames3419]

What do you do with the shells that you collect?

[@SWFBeachLife]

I get asked that question a lot!! I show at the end of this video some of the things we've done with shells: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmi2nneLmNuXoLc And then in this video, I finally got around to making a shell mirror I had been wanting to make: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5eYhImjbdJopJo I have a few more projects I'd like to tackle - i just need to find the time!!!

[@Lancair007]

My wife and I love watching your videos on the beaches of Sanibel Island and vicinity. My wife and I have vacation this summer from May 20 to June 4th. How is the shelling at this time of year? I have been learning as many of the shell's names as I can from you. I've been to Sanibel many times, but never knew the names of all those shells. Very cool. Thank you, Bruce Nielsen Hartford, Wisconsin.

[@SWFBeachLife]

The shells are always out there but the winter winds help bring the shells onto the beach. They tend to "hide" in the summer months, so you'll have more luck in the water finding shells than you will on the beach. And it works out because the temps are getting up there and the water is so refreshing! It's a lovely time to visit this area!

[@mandyh.9558]

I was fascinated by the live creature you found... I'm still learning so much... mostly from your videos🥰 Is there any chance it was a maculated baby's ear? I was checking through my Florida's living beaches guide on page 85.... it looks very similar

[@SWFBeachLife]

Yes! The consensus seems to be it was indeed a live baby's ear. The color of the shell threw me off (didn't look pure white) so maybe it was a maculated variety. I've never found one of those, but hopefully one of these days!

[@janetswope5695]

Your knowledge of shells is just amazing to me. Being landlocked in Missouri, the beach is just a fascinating, different world for me. Maybe it’s time for a beach vacation??? 🙂

[@SWFBeachLife]

Oh it's definitely time! I knew nada when I got here and taught myself the shells with a bunch of help from the internet and a few other shellers. Practice makes perfect! I think you need some practice...🌴🌊

[@aleciagrant4114]

Great abundance of sand dollars! 🙂 I have this beach on my bucket list. Did you go shelling today? It was cold here in Central Florida. I live 45 minutes inland of Vero Beach. Love your videos! Happy shelling!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I went out on Friday but the weekend was just way too cold. I don't even think scuba pants would have helped! But I did go out a few times after that last storm so I have some good vids on deck to share soon!

[@lunabrillante275]

Hi!!! I love you videos!!! Next weekend will be my first time going to Sanibel Island . I'm planning to do some shelling. Where do you recommend me to go as my 1st time?.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I would say Bowman's Beach. Plenty of parking, facilities and only one entrance to the beach up there so they'll be less people if you get there and walk to the right ☺️ I hope you have great time and find lots of goodies!

[@debispilker4392]

Thanks for the videos!

[@SWFBeachLife]

My pleasure!

[@yomama8873]

Fun trip thanks 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩💖💖

[@SWFBeachLife]

💜💜💜

[@ilonamollema6467]

Hi Sharmon, What a lovely day to take us for a beach walk! That John Travolta sea star was hilarious. Love the albino prickle cockle and the piece of coral. What a bummer that the lightning whelk wasn't a keeper. That would have been such a great find. Wishing you a wonderful week, and see you next Sunday. Big hug and lots of love, xoxo ❤️, Ilona

[@SWFBeachLife]

It was a swell day. I love that beach. It has so much to offer! I'm glad you enjoyed our visit. I wish you well and hope you have a good week too! ❤️

[@Justfollowthecrumbs]

As always it was a lovely walk, I loved the happy starfish and the live critters.🐚

[@cazee100]

I totally get how you feel when you see a beautiful HUGE shell only to find it’s alive. Happy to see a live creature but also miffed you can’t have the shell. You have to go to South Carolina cos those massive lightening whelks are prolific over there!! And it’s hot!! Maybe a holiday there lol. I really liked that squishy little fella too, he looked very comfy in your hand. Was waiting for you to say he bit you!! Stay safe x

[@SWFBeachLife]

I was so happy to have found that shell and I was SO hoping it would be a keeper. Ah well, I'll have to keep looking! Sending you healing and happy vibes from Florida! ❤️

[@bridgethale4369]

I love that sun-ray Venus clam. I have never seen so many whole sand dollars before. Thank you for this walk. I love learning about the shells. I just bought myself a Florida seashells book to take with me when I go to St. Petersburg next month.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I hope you bought Florida's Living Beaches. It's my shell guide bible!

[@anitalossie7119]

Hi beach friend, I just found your channel and I love it!! It's the middle of winter here in the northwest (5 degrees today) your videos are keeping me sane, I too love to beach comb in the summer, up here its mostly beach glass. I have learned so much about shells from you, thank you, thank you, thank you!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I grew up loving NJ beaches and there wasn't all that much to find. Boy when I saw the beaches here I found heaven on earth! I love living here!

[@revmomvpable]

My family has enjoyed Lovers Key for many years. The beach was very small then and the raccoons always stole our lunches. Even left teeth marks on plastic containers. We were there in Dec 2021 and I went close to that sand bar and found some critter free tulips rolling around in the surf. That's when one of my sisters found a beautiful white lace murex. Thanks for sharing!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Your trip sounds like it was lovely!

[@sallylepley6199]

My hubby and I got to walk Lover’s Key State Park last week. I found 3 nickernuts! I was so excited!

[@SWFBeachLife]

That's awesome! I hope you enjoyed your day there!

[@uncleebenezer8599]

You sound like that guy who says, heeeeeelo and cuts up a gummy rat lol

[@SWFBeachLife]

I'm trying to decide if this is a good thing, or a bad thing 😅

[@uncleebenezer8599]

@@SWFBeachLife Just the hello in the start, not a bad thing at all. I love that peet rat video

[@pattyvalinote4612]

What a lovely beach❣️They offer a lot there. The water looked scrumptious🏝and clear! It’s 8 degrees here today… I think I felt the sun it was so beautiful lol 😂

[@SWFBeachLife]

You really could spend the entire day here - there's so much to do and it's so beautiful! Thanks for coming along!