Sanibel Island...A Shell Seekers Dream

There is never a shortage of shells on Sanibel Island. This photo was taken at Blind Pass Beach.

The Sanibel Lighthouse

Sanibel Island is known as one of the worlds best beaches for shelling. There is always an abundance of shells to sort through on any given day. If you just like beautiful shells, often times small but whole, then you are guaranteed a fun day at the beach! Some of the more rare shells are often found after a storm has moved through the area. It is always fun to meet fellow shell seekers, many from foreign countries, all out for a fun day of sun, sand, and shells. Ah...life is good!

2009 Fort Myers Beach Sand Sculpting Competition

Winter is coming is the theme of this sculpture. Click on any photo to see more detail.
Phoenix Rising! Very well done!
This sculptor went whimsical with her fish on a water slide. Cute!
I remember this style telephone from "the old days". The head set has a talking mouth on one end and a listening ear on the other end! Whew...phones sure have come a long way since those days.

This is the front view of "Lose Yourself". Beautifully done!!!
This is the back view of "Lose Yourself".
The above photo shows part of a hugh sculpture showing the names of sponsors of the event. All the sculptors work together on this project.


The above photos were taken at the 23rd annual Sand Sculpting Competition held at Fort Myers Beach, Florida the first weekend in November. The weather was beautiful with blue skies and lots of sunshine. Tropical storm Ida was churning in the Gulf of Mexico so it was more windy then past years. The sculptors used more Elmer's Glue then they usually do. No joke...they mix glue and water with the sand to give stability to their work. It is always a fun event!!!

A Visiting Owl

Click to enlarge.

I walked to the edge of a wildlife reserve next to my home yesterday afternoon. It was 2pm, hot and sunny. I heard a soft animal sound and when I looked up there it was...a big old owl! I do not know what type it is and would appreciate hearing from anyone who might know. I often hear hoot owls in the reserve during the night but they have a different sound then the one I saw in the daylight. There is such an abundance of wildlife here in Florida and it is great fun to see something one has not encountered before.

Florida Soft Shelled Turtle

This big old Florida soft shelled turtle was out in the yard a couple days ago. He had crossed over the road and onto the sidewalk before heading to a creek near by. He was taking his time and was not at all concerned with me getting close enough to take these photos.

Lovers Key State Park, Florida

Boating on the back waters.

Lots of well marked trails run through the park. Long ones and short ones so just take your pick.

Cabbage Palms.

Sand Sculpting Competition at Ft. Myers Beach, Florida

I love going to the beaches in Florida! It is especially wonderful to head out to Ft. Myers Beach to see the fabulous sculptures created during the annual Sand Sculpting Competition. The participants come from all over the country. The sculptors say Ft. Myers Beach has some of the best sand in the world to work with. These photos were taken a couple of years ago. The event is held in October each year. Click on the photos to enlarge for better viewing.