Captiva Island
This way to the shells!! Just follow the direction the shoes are pointing to find your way!
This is a trick that David uses to make sure we know where to find him. It is wise to follow in that direction, since David hunts for quality rather than quantity (in shells, as well as, other things) - and usually finds just that.
On this second trip to the Gulf Coast of Florida, we stayed on Captiva Island - which in actuality is just over the bridge from Sanibel Island. The atmosphere on Captiva, however, seemed more relaxed...perhaps a little more Bohemian in attitude than on Sanibel, but no less a tropical paradise. 
This was actually an old stomping ground for Jimmy Buffet, in his youth, before fame and fortune overtook him. There were palm, coconut and even banana trees right outside our little bungalow....and even more shells to be found for this shellseeker. What you see in the picture are only the olive shells that were found on this trip. Olives are my particular favorite. I love their shine and smoothness. And, I particularly like to snag them as they are rolling out with the tide....give them a fighting chance I say. Besides the olives, however, our catch of the week consisted of Florida fighting conches, apple and lace murexes, spiny jewel boxes, lightening and pear whelks, Banded tulips, Cone shells, Augers and ONE WORLD CLASS SHARK'S EYE!
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We stayed at Jensen's Twin Palm Resort, a quaint, old-fashioned resort, run by three robust young brothers, who kept the guests happy and entertained. The resort is situated on the bay and is just a short walk to the ocean and to the center of the little village where you can find "The Mucky Duck" and "The Bubble Room", two very unique experiences in wining and dining that everyone seems to enjoy. The marina provided a home for many different forms of wildlife as well.
Besides the usual gulls who are always around to scavenge off humans, there was a "resident" blue heron, several white egrets, and a number of pelicans, ready and waiting for the incoming fishermen to clean their catch. Now, if you were very watchful, you might catch a glimpse of the manatee who frequented Jensen's as well and the sea otters playing around in the water near the docks.
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I would say the highlight of the trip occurrred when we were coming back on the water taxi
from Cayo Costa, one of the many outer islands. We happened to pass three playful dolphins who decided to swim in the wake from the boat. They were so close we could have almost reached out and touched them. They were so wonderful to watch, diving in and out effortlessly. David says he will one day retire there and swim with the dolphins. It's good to have a dream.
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