Thank you for taking us to the beach! You found so many shells, and were excited with every one of them. Love to watch your videos - you make it fun! 😁
I'm going to Marco Island next weekend! I loved this video. I won't be able to shell where you did-I didn't realize there was ever a beach at that location. Negative low tide is something new I learned this year. Thanks so much for your videos. They're fun, informative and I feel like I'm with you on the beach and you're talking just to me! I hope come home with plenty of shells, and meet some new critters.
Oh I hope you do too! The shelling has been SUPER slow and those guys are hiding. Just remember if you're not finding anything on the beach, try getting in the water and feeling around with your feet for something good!
Oh I'm SUPER LUCKY! I pinch myself all the time. I'll never stop appreciating how lucky I am and I'm glad I can share the beaches and all the goodies I find with you :)
I can’t believe how many beautiful shells you find. Just one right after another. I am going to have to come over to the west coast sometime. Thanks for a great video again. Love your channel. ❤️❤️❤️
I took a trip East and loved the beaches over there too but I think the calmer gulf makes finding shells intact a little easier. Thanks so much for watching Artie!!!
I'm going to topsail island in North Carolina this July and my mom wants me to bring her back some beautiful shells, so I've been binge watching shelling videos! Thanks for this video!
Just got back from a week north Captiva Island. I walked out to the Waters edge and a baby ear rolled right up to my feet. It just got. Better from there. Orange scallops, tons of cockcles,turkey wings, flat scallops or was just awesome, now your job is to keep the beach alive for another year until I:get there again. You do a fabulous job!
I will certainly do my part and get out there as much as I can ;) Don't you love that feeling when you're finding the prettiest shells? I LOVE the hunt. It's just so much fun. I'm glad you had an amazing time down here. Hurry back!!!
Loved the walk with u....so so many beautiful shells...what a treat to find...always look forward to your next video and the information you give on the shells.. a lovely day...hope u will be better soon my friend 😊🌹
Hello beach friend - I am 100% again and can't wait to take you on a long beach walk! Next week we'll be exploring some incredible areas. Can't wait to share! Hope you have a great week! xoxo
Such beautiful shells on that beach. The Turkey wing shell is new to me. Love the banded tulips and pretty colors of the Florida Fighting conks. Really good finds! Thanks for the beach trip.
No sundial this trip. We did find one on the East Coast but none over here unfortunately. I'll just have to keep hunting :) Thanks so much for watching!
What an awesome shelling experience! I'm back in Wisconsin now, so I must shell vicariously through you. LOL. Seeing all the critters today was such a treat. Those sea stars!!! WOW!! I see a Marco Island shelling trip in my future.
Wasn't that just so cool seeing those sea stars floating around? I felt like I was in a Bahamas or somewhere exotic to see them like that. I'm so dang lucky! I'm sorry your trip is over but I'll keep you connected to the beaches down here in the meantime. Hurry back!
Aren't they gorgeous!?? I know they are everywhere and they really are the first shells everyone finds but I just love them. Thanks so much for watching!
Oh my goodness. .the shells were just falling at your feet!! The tremendous number of live shells and sea stars was phenominal!!!if I could have reached through the phone!! Lol such an awesome adventure! Thank you!!
You are so welcome! It was so fun. I never know what I'm going to find and I am constantly amazed at what the beach provides. Thanks for coming along with me!
I love your channel! Its informative, as far as the shells, critters and which beaches to go to. You have such a fun and smiley personality! I can't wait for your videos each week to see all the beachy goodness!! Thank you for taking us with you!
What a nice comment - thank you so much! I am super excited about next Sunday's video. Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to leave me a lovely comment :)
Yes I sure will. Someday. I came thiiiis close recently. Luckily I have a whole bunch of patience and a very strong will to find one!!! Thank you for watching Amanda!
Such pretty shels you found! And I love how you put the live ones back its so helpful somepeople just keep them and its not okay Your doing the right thing 👏 when I went to the beach I found a lot of olives !
We went to a marina here to look at some boats and at one side of the dock where the water hits the big rocks, there was some incredible beautiful starfish in all sorts of colours and some of them were really big. It was so cool. You did great on this walk!! Thanks for another great walk. 😊
I love that area beyond the jettys, but you can only get over there at really low tide. I'm looking forward to the winter morning low tides so I can try my luck over there again. Thanks so much for watching another one of my adventures!
I was so curious what your great find was, and it didn't disappoint me at all! What a gorgeous Paper Fig!😍 Can totally understand why you were so happy to find this living creature! Never seen a 9 legged seastar before. It almost looks like a huge spider. 😳 Here in the Netherlands, we only see the 5 legged variant on the beach. Love all your finds!! ❤ You had a great haul! And you've found some great shells for your mirror to!👌🏻
That paper fig was awesome!! I had no idea that critter was the kind that covered its shell like the lettered olives. So cool!!! Yes, I'm going great on finding shells for my mirror. Now I just need to find a mirror! Those 9-armed sea stars are so neat. I love seeing them in the water. They do look a bit spiderish don't they? Thanks so much for watching!!
Wow what a great beach and shell day!! That live paper fig was so intriguing! Loved the shot of you going around the rocks kind of a mix of anxiety and excitement... My favorite was the pelicans ♡♡ I adore those guys Looking forward to next week's video!!
Thank you so much for watching! I was so intrigued by that paper fig. I LOVE finding things I've never seen before. And I love those pelicans too. They are so much bigger than they look. See you next Sunday!
I'm so glad I found your channel. Going to Florida in May and was looking for some beaches to find shells. Thank you for showing where to park and exactly the spot to go pick up shells!!
You are so very welcome! The first time I visit any particular beach I show you exactly where I parked and shelled, etc. so if there's a particular beach you'd like info on, try to find my first video about it. I'm glad I can help!
You just might my friend. That part of Marco Island was only good for me at low tide around those jettys. If you go and the tide isn't low - hit Tigertail Beach. We've had decent luck there each time we've went.
SO interesting about the sea stars' size being dependent on how much they eat! So fun going shelling with you. We have never found those sea stars or the nine-armed sea stars, so will definitely have to ck out Marco Island again when we can get to Fla again. Stay well! Love your videos. 💗🐚🌊
Thank you so much! There are so many awesome beaches down here. I'm truly spoiled but I know it and appreciate it! Marco is a neat place to explore. Very different than FMB or Sanibel but just as fun to go shelling at. Thanks so much for coming along with me on my walks!
I'm just sitting here wishing to see a 9 armed sea star and there it is!!!!!!! What awesome critters and shells. I'm going to share your video with Wild Kyle so he can identify some of the prehistoric shells he finds. Loved this video.
Next time can you please wish that I pick up a junonia? Maybe it will help me find one - LOL! I agree - the critters and shells are awesome. I'm happy that my video might help Wild Kyle identify some of the things he digs up in the middle of nowhere!
Highly doubt it was my comment you saw about the bleach, but im so glad you took the advice! its made all my fl fighting conchs that much more beautiful
Only one person has told me about the 100% bleach so it very well might have been you. It worked GREAT!!! Thanks for the incredible tip and thank you so much for watching!
Thank you for your very informative videos. I have never been shelling, but I have many sea shells around my house. I have been binge-watching your videos because now that we have retired to Florida I plan to go on a shelling tour. Have you considered taking a small group of people on a shelling tour? I would definitely go on yours!
It really is addicting! I went to Lover’s Key during Memorial Day weekend. Thought to myself I’d get some shells for my nieces that live in MD. It was so much fun! That same weekend I discovered your channel and haven’t looked back. Cant wait until I go back for July 4th. Staying in Ft Myers, but thinking of doing three beaches in three days. 🐚🏝
Three beaches in three days is totally doable! Might be a wee bit crowded due to the holiday but if you get out there early you should be fine. I hope you find lots of goodies!
Awesome video! I’ll be leaving to go to Orange Beach, Alabama in 3 days!! I’m so excited and I’ll make sure to do some shelling while I’m there. I hope to go to south Florida at Sanibel someday soon.
All right my shell Sister. Your in the worm weather and we are in a blizared with 4 feet drifts and 53 mile per hour gusts. BURRRRRRRRRRR. Love Terri Simmers.
Oh Terri dear - that sounds just awful! You need some sunshine STAT! While I can't do much about making your weather warmer, I hope a little beach time warmed your heart :)
Wow great finds! Live paper fig!? Way cool! Those guys barely ever wash up alive like that, you are very fortunate! Isn't it crazy how a certain spot on the beach can all the sudden have a ton of awesome stuff? Definitely a reminder that you have to be persistent. Oh, and also the operculum at 23:08 is from a lightning whelk because it is sinistral :)
Wasn't that paper fig awesome?? It was not what I would have expected. Now I'm curious about all sorts of other critters that I've never seen alive. Yet :) Thanks for the pointer on the operculum. I've been trying to figure out how to tell the lightning whelks from the horse conchs!
This is why I love the Gulf of Mexico. Shells, clear water. I spoiled my husband early on the Gulf when I took him to Gulf Shores. He could see his feet in 5' of water. We now live on the Atlantic Ocean near St Simons Island and Jekyll Island. But the shells are almost non existent unless you like Lettered Olives. So hopefully I will be able to return to the Gulf one day.
Oh the gulf is absolutely magical down here! The water does change but right now it's absolutely gorgeous! Warm afternoons, cool gulf waters. I was amazing the first time I visited one of the beaches down here. Growing up in NJ didn't get me very inspired about shells. I've always loved the beach but there wasn't much to find up there. I'm making up for a lot of lost time - LOL!
You found so many awesome shells. Great video!!! I went shelling at Marco Island about two weeks ago, but I did not find as many shells as you did. I mostly just found a ton of Florida fighting conchs. I didn’t realize how common that shell was.
Oh that FFC is the first shell that everyone seems to gravitate toward. I know I did - LOL! After a few times to the beach you realize that they're really all over the place. I don't care though. I still think they're awesome :)
Your description says it all: "Shelling is addictive. And it never gets old." So true! Phenomenal array of colors with the fighting conchs you found in this one! I'm a little confused by what you said about using the bleach to remove the periostracum, though. > "100% bleach! It works fantastic" > Now the bleach method doesn't work for the white layer of calcium > I'm happy to have discovered the bleach method. The periostracum is that scummy/scabby-looking layer of crud on the fighting conchs, correct? Is the "white layer of calcium" something else? And if so, where does that show up, and is there any technique that can remove/reduce that?
100% bleach lifts the periostracum (the scummy/scabby-looking layer or crud) off the shells! It's amazing! I have soaked shells for anywhere to an hour to several hours and the periostracum lifts right off. Nothing bad has happened to any of my shells using this method :) However, the bleach method does not work for the white calcium layer. I use the muriatic acid method for that on most shells, except the FFC, moon snails, or any shell that already has a natural sheen to it. The acid will make that sheen dull and it kind of ruins the shell in my opinion. The acid works great on lighting whelks, tulips, murex shells and any of the shells that don't have a smooth/shiny surface. That being said, I am still trying different methods to remove the white from those "shiny" shells. Thus far the best thing seems to be mineral oil, but I don't think that's a permanent solution. I tried vinegar and it backfired and created a white layer on the shells. UGH! As I try new things I'll be sure to share the results!
@@SWFBeachLife Gotcha. Thanks for the explanation. I will try the bleach. That could salvage a whole bunch of conchs for me, and widen the window on what I can realistically view as a "keeper". I've used the muriatic acid on various non-shiny shells with mixed results, though I think many of the less-than-stellar shells could've come out better with a more precise application on my part. Thank you so much for sharing all of this.
I've got to get down there!!! You got the tinted cantharis right. Amazing all the sea stars! I remember stacking them up in both hands here after a storm blew a bunch in. But we don't see the common variety here much. Don't see the nine-armed ones much either. The live paper fig is totally awesome!! Great find on the leafy jb! You really had a picnic there! Congrats! Going to Lido Key in the morning and hope there aren't too many spring breakers. xxoo
I had so much fun exploring on this morning in Marco. All the creatures and the shells - heaven! Oh we have the Spring Breakers too - we just get out there early and expect the traffic to be misery on the way home - LOL. I need to make it up by you and I'm thinking April sounds nice. :)
@@SWFBeachLife Well, Lido Key was just as beautiful as always but there were definitely more kids but less good shells. I would love to see you come up but shelling may be disappointing unless there's a front that comes through right before you come. However, there will always be chestnut turbans!☺️ xxoo
I just love your page and have been binge watching. It is so peaceful, I would love to come to Florida to beachcomb. When is the best time to come? Do you ever take people out with you?
My favorite is late fall. The shells start to come back (they hide in the summer) and the weather is still fantastic. I do take people out with me once in a while. Shoot me an email at swfbeachlife@gmail.com if you plan a trip down here!
Hello! I absolutely LOVE your videos!! I’ve been watching a ton of them for the past few weeks after finding out channel! I love shelling, and my family and I got the chance to goto Sanibel Island a few years ago! I have been dying to go back ever since and quite honestly have been feeling very “homesick” lately. What is it like going there with the pandemic? Is it safe? Thank you! Keep up the amazing videos!! 😁💕
I'm so glad you found my channel too! I personally feel very safe here. Here in FL you can spend time outdoors all year long and there are so many outdoor activities to do. And here in the Sanibel/Fort Myers area, there's plenty of room to spread out. That being said it's a personal choice as to what you're willing to do. I never slowed down and never really felt any fear fo getting sick so I would encourage anyone to come but you will have to decide what you're comfortable with. I hope really soon it won't be an issue for us all! Thanks again for watching!
I have not traveled up that way. Yet. I'm thinking my next trip will either be to The Keys or another East Coast beach but I do plan on getting up that way eventually. If I had my way I would visit every single beach in Florida!
I was told to do it a short time and then check but I honestly put them in for a few hours (I forgot about them!) and they were fine. I don't think you need to soak them very long and the results are awesome!
We went first thing in the morning and I show you all the details of where we were in the beginning of the video from about here: ua-cam.com/video/uWNl8DIUChM/v-deo.html
Oh this was such a good day. We got there early in the morning timed with the low tide. You can't always shell around those jettys so we took advantage of the tides. I always just try to get to the beach early to avoid crowds and other shellers :)
I'm new to your channel, forgive me if this is an obvious question: I'm curious what you do with all of these lovely shells you are collecting? Do you make something with them?
Hello newbie! I get asked that question a lot - no worries! I show at the end of this video some of the things we've done with shells: ua-cam.com/video/d7SmDUcvdjU/v-deo.html And then in this video, I finally got around to making a shell mirror I had been wanting to make: ua-cam.com/video/Mf5SVm8m5n8/v-deo.html I have a few more projects I'd like to tackle - i just need to find the time!!! Welcome aboard! I hope you enjoy your beach time with me!
Although I love your walks and videos....can you also include some of the other shells next to the ones you're targeting....I'm always curious as to their names as well....I've learned a lot of the names from what you've shared thus far 💞👍🏼
I can certainly try! When I'm up against time/tide, I don't always take the time to be slow and go through everything around me thoroughly. I assume I'll have some "slow" summer days so I'll be able to take some time going through piles and looking at all the shells :)
Thank you so much for watching! I love sharing info and the beautiful beaches down here :) The FFC cleaning secret is 100% bleach. Just soak for 20-30 minutes and viola! The green stuff is gone.
I love shells too... I have my own little collection of shells, but I haven't posted it yet... Still learning some editing techniques in making videos...
LOVE your videos. So relaxing and informative at the same time. I am able to recognize some of the shells I see in Northeast Florida because of your videos. Awesome tip regarding pure bleach. How long do you soak the shells in pure bleach?
I was told to only soak the shells for 10 minutes at a time but I've left my FFCs in the bleach for longer than that and nothing bad happened. I think you really probably only need to soak for 20 minutes or so. No scrubbing or anything - it's like magic!
Hubby recovering from hip replacement, you are our bright spot, thank you.
I hope he recovers quickly! Thanks so much for coming along with me on my walks!
That was a lot of sea stars.....what I love most about seeing them is knowing the environment is healthy enough to support them...always good to see.
That is so true! The water was so clear and there were creatures everywhere. It was awesome! xoxo
Beautiful seas stars. I love watching your videos and i got my husband hooked to your videos too..hahaha... 🙌😇🙏😍💞❤🥰👍🌴🐬🐚🌺
YAY! Now you guys have to come here and do the shelling for reals! Thank you both for watching!
@@SWFBeachLife that will be nice. Florida has a lot of beautiful places to visit... thanks🙌😇💞
I have watched each of your videos a number of times; they are so much Fun! As always, Sharmon, Thanks for taking us along 😎 🐚
Aw Lindsay - thank you SO MUCH!!! I love sharing these amazing locations and all the fun things I find!
What a treat to find the live paper fig and that lace murex was stunning.
Awesome treasures for the day for sure. Thanks for taking us along..
That paper fig was amazing! I love being able to "meet" the creatures that create the beautiful shells. Thanks so much for coming along with me again!
Thank you for taking us to the beach! You found so many shells, and were excited with every one of them. Love to watch your videos - you make it fun! 😁
Thank you for the "Beachy Goodness"! I needed it today(actually every day)!
You are so welcome! I'm hoping one day I can release more than one video a week :)
So many live critters! Great shells and beachy goodness!
It was a fun day - thank you so much for watching!
I'm going to Marco Island next weekend! I loved this video. I won't be able to shell where you did-I didn't realize there was ever a beach at that location. Negative low tide is something new I learned this year. Thanks so much for your videos. They're fun, informative and I feel like I'm with you on the beach and you're talking just to me! I hope come home with plenty of shells, and meet some new critters.
Oh I hope you do too! The shelling has been SUPER slow and those guys are hiding. Just remember if you're not finding anything on the beach, try getting in the water and feeling around with your feet for something good!
@@SWFBeachLife I'm going on a shelling tour so hopefully that helps!
All so beautiful today♥️
Oh my gosh, thank you, I seriously look forward to your videos!! Have a blessed week!🙋♀️
You are so welcome! Thank YOU for watching!
How lucky you are to have the opportunity to collect shells. Love your videos.
Oh I'm SUPER LUCKY! I pinch myself all the time. I'll never stop appreciating how lucky I am and I'm glad I can share the beaches and all the goodies I find with you :)
Wow!! Beautiful shells. ❤️🐚
I can’t believe how many beautiful shells you find. Just one right after another. I am going to have to come over to the west coast sometime. Thanks for a great video again. Love your channel. ❤️❤️❤️
I took a trip East and loved the beaches over there too but I think the calmer gulf makes finding shells intact a little easier. Thanks so much for watching Artie!!!
It is great to see so much wildlife! Thank you for sharing this with us. I love the early mornings before the sun is up, its gorgeous.
I like the early mornings because I feel like I have the beach to myself :) Plus like you said it's GORGEOUS! Thank you for watching!
I have never seen Florida fighting conch so dark...what beautiful colors. Thanks for sharing your walk.
Me too! They were almost black - just gorgeous :) Thanks for watching Pat! See you next Sunday!
@@SWFBeachLife ❤️‼️
I'm going to topsail island in North Carolina this July and my mom wants me to bring her back some beautiful shells, so I've been binge watching shelling videos! Thanks for this video!
You are so very welcome! I hope you learn some and end up finding your mom lots of shells!
I get tickled at you finding the Florida fighting conchs..hard to put them down..lol u found a lot of great finds...good day🐚🌺
I know those FFCs are really common but there is just so much to love about them! Thanks for coming along with me Janet! 🐚❤️
My daughter and I loved watching this ❤️❤️❤️
Oh yay! Thanks you both so much for watching!
Always a wonderful trip to the beach with you
Aww- thank you so much! And thank you for watching!
Geeee. You was making me nervous. Glad you got around the rocks and back on the path ,,,,,,lol. Thanks for sharing. I love your videos.
Thank you so much! Yeah...I was a wee worried I might have overstayed but all was well :) Thank you so much for watching!
Just got back from a week north Captiva Island. I walked out to the Waters edge and a baby ear rolled right up to my feet. It just got. Better from there. Orange scallops, tons of cockcles,turkey wings, flat scallops or was just awesome, now your job is to keep the beach alive for another year until I:get there again. You do a fabulous job!
I will certainly do my part and get out there as much as I can ;) Don't you love that feeling when you're finding the prettiest shells? I LOVE the hunt. It's just so much fun. I'm glad you had an amazing time down here. Hurry back!!!
Loved the walk with u....so so many beautiful shells...what a treat to find...always look forward to your next video and the information you give on the shells.. a lovely day...hope u will be better soon my friend 😊🌹
Hello beach friend - I am 100% again and can't wait to take you on a long beach walk! Next week we'll be exploring some incredible areas. Can't wait to share! Hope you have a great week! xoxo
U have a great week as well😁
What a fruitful day!!
Such beautiful shells on that beach. The Turkey wing shell is new to me. Love the banded tulips and pretty colors of the Florida Fighting conks. Really good finds! Thanks for the beach trip.
You are so very welcome - thank YOU for watching and taking the time to leave me a comment :)
I’m down here and I’m still loving watching your walks. Truly inspiring.
I think I saw a Sundial in your collection at the end. I've never been lucky enough to find one yet. Great video. ❤❤❤
No sundial this trip. We did find one on the East Coast but none over here unfortunately. I'll just have to keep hunting :) Thanks so much for watching!
@@SWFBeachLife At 24:43, it sure looks like one above the Sharks Eye. My eyes are not so good, though. 🤗
@@deedeevee4254 That’s a button snail! It’s got the same shape as a sundial but those buttons only get about 1/2”. I wish it were a sundial!
Thanks for the lovely adventure!
Glad you enjoyed it!
There was another lightning welk buried next to that beautiful dark one you found!! Love Sundays with SWF shelling & what an awesome shelling day!!
It was so fun! I got lucky and planned it good so I didn't have to walk too far to find lots of great things. Thanks so much for watching!
Always Fun 🤗 Hope your feeling better.
I am completely 100% again - thank you SO much! xoxo
Thank you for sharing this video with us. Feel better and take care!!!
You are very welcome and I'm all better ready for more long beach walks!
What an awesome shelling experience! I'm back in Wisconsin now, so I must shell vicariously through you. LOL. Seeing all the critters today was such a treat. Those sea stars!!! WOW!! I see a Marco Island shelling trip in my future.
Wasn't that just so cool seeing those sea stars floating around? I felt like I was in a Bahamas or somewhere exotic to see them like that. I'm so dang lucky! I'm sorry your trip is over but I'll keep you connected to the beaches down here in the meantime. Hurry back!
Wow those Florida fighting conchs are beautiful
Aren't they gorgeous!?? I know they are everywhere and they really are the first shells everyone finds but I just love them. Thanks so much for watching!
Thank you for shells, beach, and pelicans!
You are so very welcome! Thank you so much for watching!
Oh my goodness. .the shells were just falling at your feet!! The tremendous number of live shells and sea stars was phenominal!!!if I could have reached through the phone!! Lol such an awesome adventure! Thank you!!
You are so welcome! It was so fun. I never know what I'm going to find and I am constantly amazed at what the beach provides. Thanks for coming along with me!
So fun! The shelling was great today. Hope whatever injury you’re recovering from heals quickly.
It was so fun! And I'm all healed up ready for long beach walks again! thank you so much for watching!
I love your channel! Its informative, as far as the shells, critters and which beaches to go to. You have such a fun and smiley personality! I can't wait for your videos each week to see all the beachy goodness!! Thank you for taking us with you!
What a nice comment - thank you so much! I am super excited about next Sunday's video. Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to leave me a lovely comment :)
Another fabulous shell haul! I love watching these every week! Someday you’re going to find that gigantic horse conch!!!
Yes I sure will. Someday. I came thiiiis close recently. Luckily I have a whole bunch of patience and a very strong will to find one!!! Thank you for watching Amanda!
Such pretty shels you found! And I love how you put the live ones back its so helpful somepeople just keep them and its not okay
Your doing the right thing 👏 when I went to the beach I found a lot of olives !
I love those olives! I'm so glad you found a bunch :) Thanks for watching my beach walk!
We went to a marina here to look at some boats and at one side of the dock where the water hits the big rocks, there was some incredible beautiful starfish in all sorts of colours and some of them were really big. It was so cool.
You did great on this walk!! Thanks for another great walk. 😊
I love that area beyond the jettys, but you can only get over there at really low tide. I'm looking forward to the winter morning low tides so I can try my luck over there again. Thanks so much for watching another one of my adventures!
I was so curious what your great find was, and it didn't disappoint me at all! What a gorgeous Paper Fig!😍
Can totally understand why you were so happy to find this living creature!
Never seen a 9 legged seastar before. It almost looks like a huge spider. 😳 Here in the Netherlands, we only see the 5 legged variant on the beach.
Love all your finds!! ❤ You had a great haul! And you've found some great shells for your mirror to!👌🏻
That paper fig was awesome!! I had no idea that critter was the kind that covered its shell like the lettered olives. So cool!!! Yes, I'm going great on finding shells for my mirror. Now I just need to find a mirror! Those 9-armed sea stars are so neat. I love seeing them in the water. They do look a bit spiderish don't they? Thanks so much for watching!!
Have you ever done a 10k Islands trip video?
Funny you should ask...I went down there yesterday and I'll be sharing that video this Sunday!
I love your travels and I would love to do it also. If I lived in FL, I would be out and shelling every chance I got.
Chasing shells down here is pretty fun. I'm lucky to live here and share my beach adventures :)
The live paper fig so interesting!!! Really good haul!!!👍🏻🏝🌊
Wasn't that creature cool?? I just love the beach! Thanks so much for watching!
Wow what a great beach and shell day!!
That live paper fig was so intriguing!
Loved the shot of you going around the rocks kind of a mix of anxiety and excitement...
My favorite was the pelicans ♡♡ I adore those guys
Looking forward to next week's video!!
Thank you so much for watching! I was so intrigued by that paper fig. I LOVE finding things I've never seen before. And I love those pelicans too. They are so much bigger than they look. See you next Sunday!
So much fun! I’m heading to Marco Island in June. So excited, can’t wait! Thx for the great video. Keep on shelling! 🐚🐚🐚🐚🤗
Oh just wait until next Sunday. I went kayaking down there to a sand bar and Kice Island :) Can't wait to share!
You had a great day....thanks for sharing😍
I sure did! Thanks so much for watching!
I'm so glad I found your channel. Going to Florida in May and was looking for some beaches to find shells. Thank you for showing where to park and exactly the spot to go pick up shells!!
You are so very welcome! The first time I visit any particular beach I show you exactly where I parked and shelled, etc. so if there's a particular beach you'd like info on, try to find my first video about it. I'm glad I can help!
sooo cool ( I wanna walk the Beach ) cool sand and sun and fun
Thank you so much for watching!
Thank you again for a really nice trip on the beach, and all these fantastic critters and shells 🐚 ❤️
You are very welcome. Thank you so much for watching!
What an awesome haul! Looks like I have to check out Marco Island the next time I go to Florida.
You just might my friend. That part of Marco Island was only good for me at low tide around those jettys. If you go and the tide isn't low - hit Tigertail Beach. We've had decent luck there each time we've went.
I enjoyed this so much!
I'm so glad! I had the best time shelling over there! That paper fig was awesome!
wow! you really scored on this sea hunt! thanks for taking us along!
It was so fun! Thanks for coming along with me once again!
Incredible shelling and all of those sea stars. I can not wait to get down there someday!
It really is amazing down here. I highly recommend a trip to see for yourself!
SO interesting about the sea stars' size being dependent on how much they eat! So fun going shelling with you. We have never found those sea stars or the nine-armed sea stars, so will definitely have to ck out Marco Island again when we can get to Fla again. Stay well! Love your videos. 💗🐚🌊
Thank you so much! There are so many awesome beaches down here. I'm truly spoiled but I know it and appreciate it! Marco is a neat place to explore. Very different than FMB or Sanibel but just as fun to go shelling at. Thanks so much for coming along with me on my walks!
Just take a Lowes bucket for Florida fighting n let u husband tote it!!! Lol
🤭 Now why didn't I think of that!!! LOL!
I’m so excited you are at Marco! I love 💗 this area for shelling. Best treasures I’ve ever found!
I've been to Marco quite a few times now and I've never been disappointed! Beautiful area to visit for sure :)
I'm just sitting here wishing to see a 9 armed sea star and there it is!!!!!!! What awesome critters and shells. I'm going to share your video with Wild Kyle so he can identify some of the prehistoric shells he finds. Loved this video.
Next time can you please wish that I pick up a junonia? Maybe it will help me find one - LOL! I agree - the critters and shells are awesome. I'm happy that my video might help Wild Kyle identify some of the things he digs up in the middle of nowhere!
@@SWFBeachLife Middle of nowhere is where you find cool stuff! LOL
I LOVE your channel and share it lots!
Thank you SO much! I appreciate it! xoxo
The Sea Stars are amazing! Love the coffee colored FFC's!
Me too! Those FFCs give me so many reasons to love them!
Alot of great finds today!♥️
Agreed! And it was a bunch of fun. Thanks so much for watching!
Very, very cool! Love the great info, too!😎🤭❣️
Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching and taking the time to leave me a comment!
Always looking forward to your shelling videos! ❤️
Yay! Thank you so much for watching!
Beautiful finds
Thank you!
Awesome beach walk! Thanks! 🐚
Glad you enjoyed it!
Beautiful walk, lovely shells!
Thanks for coming along with me!
Highly doubt it was my comment you saw about the bleach, but im so glad you took the advice! its made all my fl fighting conchs that much more beautiful
Only one person has told me about the 100% bleach so it very well might have been you. It worked GREAT!!! Thanks for the incredible tip and thank you so much for watching!
This was well worth the wait!
Thank you for watching!
That live paper fig was awesome!
Right??!! I hope I see another one with all it's parts in the right place so I can see how cute it is!
Thank you for your very informative videos. I have never been shelling, but I have many sea shells around my house. I have been binge-watching your videos because now that we have retired to Florida I plan to go on a shelling tour. Have you considered taking a small group of people on a shelling tour? I would definitely go on yours!
I have considered giving tours but with my crazy work schedule right now it's just not possible. I do hope that will change in the future!
@@SWFBeachLife Lemmeno when you do, I may be able to bring a friend or two.
It really is addicting! I went to Lover’s Key during Memorial Day weekend. Thought to myself I’d get some shells for my nieces that live in MD. It was so much fun! That same weekend I discovered your channel and haven’t looked back. Cant wait until I go back for July 4th. Staying in Ft Myers, but thinking of doing three beaches in three days. 🐚🏝
Three beaches in three days is totally doable! Might be a wee bit crowded due to the holiday but if you get out there early you should be fine. I hope you find lots of goodies!
Awesome video! I’ll be leaving to go to Orange Beach, Alabama in 3 days!! I’m so excited and I’ll make sure to do some shelling while I’m there. I hope to go to south Florida at Sanibel someday soon.
I hope you have a great time in Alabama looking for shells! And one day I hope you can make it down to Sanibel too. It's truly a beautiful island :)
All right my shell Sister. Your in the worm weather and we are in a blizared with 4 feet drifts and 53 mile per hour gusts. BURRRRRRRRRRR. Love Terri Simmers.
Oh Terri dear - that sounds just awful! You need some sunshine STAT! While I can't do much about making your weather warmer, I hope a little beach time warmed your heart :)
Wow great finds! Live paper fig!? Way cool! Those guys barely ever wash up alive like that, you are very fortunate! Isn't it crazy how a certain spot on the beach can all the sudden have a ton of awesome stuff? Definitely a reminder that you have to be persistent. Oh, and also the operculum at 23:08 is from a lightning whelk because it is sinistral :)
Wasn't that paper fig awesome?? It was not what I would have expected. Now I'm curious about all sorts of other critters that I've never seen alive. Yet :) Thanks for the pointer on the operculum. I've been trying to figure out how to tell the lightning whelks from the horse conchs!
Hope you’re healed up and healthy! I’ve always wondered what Marco Beach would be like and now I’m excited to shell it someday!
I’m back in action and walking beaches like crazy! Marco is quickly turning into one of my favorite places. I’m sad it’s an hour away!
Now you know that you must bring your Spider-Man suit so if you lose track of time….scale away! 🤣
LOL! Or order my helicopter to throw down a rope so I can shell around the corner 😅
@ oooohhh! EVEN BETTER! Lol! 🤣🤣🤣
This is why I love the Gulf of Mexico. Shells, clear water. I spoiled my husband early on the Gulf when I took him to Gulf Shores. He could see his feet in 5' of water. We now live on the Atlantic Ocean near St Simons Island and Jekyll Island. But the shells are almost non existent unless you like Lettered Olives. So hopefully I will be able to return to the Gulf one day.
Oh the gulf is absolutely magical down here! The water does change but right now it's absolutely gorgeous! Warm afternoons, cool gulf waters. I was amazing the first time I visited one of the beaches down here. Growing up in NJ didn't get me very inspired about shells. I've always loved the beach but there wasn't much to find up there. I'm making up for a lot of lost time - LOL!
A beach I will be going to during my visit in June.... Beautiful finds, hope your okay♥️
I'm just fine - thank you xoxo I hope you find lots of goodies when you come in June! Thank you for watching!!
You found so many awesome shells. Great video!!!
I went shelling at Marco Island about two weeks ago, but I did not find as many shells as you did. I mostly just found a ton of Florida fighting conchs. I didn’t realize how common that shell was.
Oh that FFC is the first shell that everyone seems to gravitate toward. I know I did - LOL! After a few times to the beach you realize that they're really all over the place. I don't care though. I still think they're awesome :)
I still think they are awesome too, and I still took a few home also.😊
Thank you for sharing!
My pleasure - thank you for watching!
I Love it
Your description says it all: "Shelling is addictive. And it never gets old." So true! Phenomenal array of colors with the fighting conchs you found in this one!
I'm a little confused by what you said about using the bleach to remove the periostracum, though.
> "100% bleach! It works fantastic"
> Now the bleach method doesn't work for the white layer of calcium
> I'm happy to have discovered the bleach method.
The periostracum is that scummy/scabby-looking layer of crud on the fighting conchs, correct? Is the "white layer of calcium" something else? And if so, where does that show up, and is there any technique that can remove/reduce that?
100% bleach lifts the periostracum (the scummy/scabby-looking layer or crud) off the shells! It's amazing! I have soaked shells for anywhere to an hour to several hours and the periostracum lifts right off. Nothing bad has happened to any of my shells using this method :)
However, the bleach method does not work for the white calcium layer. I use the muriatic acid method for that on most shells, except the FFC, moon snails, or any shell that already has a natural sheen to it. The acid will make that sheen dull and it kind of ruins the shell in my opinion. The acid works great on lighting whelks, tulips, murex shells and any of the shells that don't have a smooth/shiny surface. That being said, I am still trying different methods to remove the white from those "shiny" shells. Thus far the best thing seems to be mineral oil, but I don't think that's a permanent solution. I tried vinegar and it backfired and created a white layer on the shells. UGH!
As I try new things I'll be sure to share the results!
@@SWFBeachLife Gotcha. Thanks for the explanation. I will try the bleach. That could salvage a whole bunch of conchs for me, and widen the window on what I can realistically view as a "keeper". I've used the muriatic acid on various non-shiny shells with mixed results, though I think many of the less-than-stellar shells could've come out better with a more precise application on my part. Thank you so much for sharing all of this.
@@dantheman5745 Absolutely!! Good luck with the cleaning! You’re going to love how those conchs come out!
I've got to get down there!!! You got the tinted cantharis right. Amazing all the sea stars! I remember stacking them up in both hands here after a storm blew a bunch in. But we don't see the common variety here much. Don't see the nine-armed ones much either. The live paper fig is totally awesome!! Great find on the leafy jb! You really had a picnic there! Congrats! Going to Lido Key in the morning and hope there aren't too many spring breakers. xxoo
I had so much fun exploring on this morning in Marco. All the creatures and the shells - heaven! Oh we have the Spring Breakers too - we just get out there early and expect the traffic to be misery on the way home - LOL. I need to make it up by you and I'm thinking April sounds nice. :)
@@SWFBeachLife Well, Lido Key was just as beautiful as always but there were definitely more kids but less good shells. I would love to see you come up but shelling may be disappointing unless there's a front that comes through right before you come. However, there will always be chestnut turbans!☺️ xxoo
@@gingermackeen5741 I’ll get the T-Shirt: I traveled all the way here for shells but all I got was these chestnut turbans 😅
@@SWFBeachLife 😂
I just love your page and have been binge watching. It is so peaceful, I would love to come to Florida to beachcomb. When is the best time to come? Do you ever take people out with you?
My favorite is late fall. The shells start to come back (they hide in the summer) and the weather is still fantastic. I do take people out with me once in a while. Shoot me an email at swfbeachlife@gmail.com if you plan a trip down here!
@@SWFBeachLife Thank you so much for your reply. I have saved your email address. I hope to see you in fall. Happy hunting 😉
Thank you !
You're welcome!
Hello! I absolutely LOVE your videos!! I’ve been watching a ton of them for the past few weeks after finding out channel!
I love shelling, and my family and I got the chance to goto Sanibel Island a few years ago! I have been dying to go back ever since and quite honestly have been feeling very “homesick” lately.
What is it like going there with the pandemic? Is it safe?
Thank you! Keep up the amazing videos!! 😁💕
I'm so glad you found my channel too!
I personally feel very safe here. Here in FL you can spend time outdoors all year long and there are so many outdoor activities to do. And here in the Sanibel/Fort Myers area, there's plenty of room to spread out. That being said it's a personal choice as to what you're willing to do. I never slowed down and never really felt any fear fo getting sick so I would encourage anyone to come but you will have to decide what you're comfortable with. I hope really soon it won't be an issue for us all! Thanks again for watching!
Cool live Apple Murex and Paper Fig!!
Love your videos. Do you ever do any around the panhandle of Florida? Like around St.George Island?
I have not traveled up that way. Yet. I'm thinking my next trip will either be to The Keys or another East Coast beach but I do plan on getting up that way eventually. If I had my way I would visit every single beach in Florida!
@@SWFBeachLife cool Thanks 👍😊
There shells are amazing! What beach are at you and what time of the day?!! So much fun !
Thanks! We went to the south end of Marco Island Florida early in the morning. There were so many cool shells and critters!
How long do you soak the fighting conchs in the 100% bleach?
I was told to do it a short time and then check but I honestly put them in for a few hours (I forgot about them!) and they were fine. I don't think you need to soak them very long and the results are awesome!
Beautiful shells! 🐚
Which beach in Marco Island were you at and at what time?
We went first thing in the morning and I show you all the details of where we were in the beginning of the video from about here: ua-cam.com/video/uWNl8DIUChM/v-deo.html
So what time of day were you there.? I’ve never seen so many full shells. Usually I just find pieces of those big ones
Oh this was such a good day. We got there early in the morning timed with the low tide. You can't always shell around those jettys so we took advantage of the tides. I always just try to get to the beach early to avoid crowds and other shellers :)
@@SWFBeachLife thank you
I'm new to your channel, forgive me if this is an obvious question: I'm curious what you do with all of these lovely shells you are collecting? Do you make something with them?
Hello newbie! I get asked that question a lot - no worries! I show at the end of this video some of the things we've done with shells: ua-cam.com/video/d7SmDUcvdjU/v-deo.html
And then in this video, I finally got around to making a shell mirror I had been wanting to make: ua-cam.com/video/Mf5SVm8m5n8/v-deo.html
I have a few more projects I'd like to tackle - i just need to find the time!!! Welcome aboard! I hope you enjoy your beach time with me!
Although I love your walks and videos....can you also include some of the other shells next to the ones you're targeting....I'm always curious as to their names as well....I've learned a lot of the names from what you've shared thus far 💞👍🏼
I can certainly try! When I'm up against time/tide, I don't always take the time to be slow and go through everything around me thoroughly. I assume I'll have some "slow" summer days so I'll be able to take some time going through piles and looking at all the shells :)
Awesome...we live thru you on these walks...I must remember that you're racing against the tides as well🤦🏼♀️👍🏼
I’m down here and still enjoy watching your walks. Truly inspiring! How do I see the info on cleaning conchs?
Thank you so much for watching! I love sharing info and the beautiful beaches down here :) The FFC cleaning secret is 100% bleach. Just soak for 20-30 minutes and viola! The green stuff is gone.
Nice video
Thank you!
The Florida fighting conch show
I love shells too... I have my own little collection of shells, but I haven't posted it yet... Still learning some editing techniques in making videos...
Good luck with editing! There are tons of UA-cam videos out there that can help :)
LOVE your videos. So relaxing and informative at the same time. I am able to recognize some of the shells I see in Northeast Florida because of your videos. Awesome tip regarding pure bleach. How long do you soak the shells in pure bleach?
I was told to only soak the shells for 10 minutes at a time but I've left my FFCs in the bleach for longer than that and nothing bad happened. I think you really probably only need to soak for 20 minutes or so. No scrubbing or anything - it's like magic!
Best place to fish in SWFL!