Lovers Key State Park is finally open after Hurricane Ian. Let's go exploring!
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- Опубликовано: 7 май 2024
- Lovers Key State Park had sustained a lot of damage from Hurricane Ian but a good portion of the park is now open. I was bummed when I saw how little of the beach was walkable, however, what was open was enough to see the south end of the park again and check out how it's changed.
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I have learned so much about shells and water creatures from watching your channel. This week I saw a picture that ask if we knew what it was. I was so excited that I knew what it was. They had an egg casing from the lightning welk and I knew just from watching your teaching. Love your adventures as I am now a senior citizen who is disabled from RA and unable to go to the lovely beaches. Thank you.
Well I thank you for coming to the beach with me and staying curious enough to learn about the things that can be found out there. That's pretty neat for me too, to know I've helped people learn about our glorious beaches 😃
I saw that video too, yesterday! And because of your awesome videos I also knew it was a lightening week egg casing. So fun recognizing so many things just by enjoying your vids! Thanks!!
That horseshoe crab was too adorable. 💜🐚💜
I wish there were more beaches that offer beach wheelchairs . There are so many who need one and never get to go because there isnt one available. Its bad enough being mobility challenged, never getting to go with our families.😢
Thats why I love your channel so much. We can feel how much you love the beach like us. Thank you.❤
I helped a subscriber find a motorized wheelchair they could rent for the week so they could get on the beach with their family 😃 I am very, very grateful that I can simply hop out of my car and go so I'll always include mobility info on my trips - especially to a new beach!
Thank you for this lovely trip to Lover’s Key. I think my favorite find was the tiny horseshoe crab. So good to see renewal happening. ❤️🐚
Those crowned conchs are gorgeous!!
Oh my goodness that crown conch is amazing!! I had a great time today seeing the beach and the shells, thanks for sharing and have a wonderful week
I was pretty tickled with that conch too!
Lovely time! Thank you!❤
I never get tired of your introduction ❤❤
Thank you!! 🙏🏼
Lover's Key is so peaceful! Love all the shells you found❤ Also, wanted to let you know we purchased the safe Acid and it works wonderfully! Shells we found almost 20 years ago cleaned up and are as beautiful as the day we found them! Thank you for promoting a safe product!
I'm so happy you like the safe acid too! I was so happy to find something that worked so good and wasn't as scary to work with!
love the stripes on that shell that you dipped in acid.
Oh my gosh I am first to respond!!! I love watching your adventures. I can’t wait to one day come to Florida and be able to use the knowledge that you have taught me!
Congratulations! That always makes me happy, too!
I hope you really do get to test out what you know about the beach!
Awe. I didn't want it to be over.😢 Oh well, thank you very much for taking me along. Beautiful day you had. You are so blessed! 😊
I am the luckiest gal I know! 🙏🏼
A few years ago my sisters and I took our mom to Lovers Key (going for last 35 years or so) and were so happy they had the beach wheel chair. She loved it so much! It has certainly changed beyond recognition. But I look forward to visiting again soon. Thanks, Sharmon!
LK is the only beach I can think that has the beach wheelchairs right there. I want all my beach friends to be able to enjoy the beach!
I'm told that change is good!
Might as well embrace it right!?
That's a thought
Thank you for sharing your trip!
* Lovely shells. Thanks for the "Critter Cam" it was fun to see so many.. The mud protected a lot of the spiked shells. Always an adventure.
Another wonderful Sunday beach walk! Thank you!
@16:40, gorgeous Crown Conch! 👑 😍
Awesome time!! LOVE the crown conchs!! Have a great week. See you Sunday! Cannot wait to see where you are going. I am going to Pensacola in a couple weeks :)
Good shelling luck to you! I have never seen the beaches up there - but I will one day!
I look forward to your video every Sunday, thanks so much!
Oh and thanks so so much for the Acid hook up. I actually have used it for many many thing and love it im not afraid of it and i work with no gloves but carefully. What a great great jook up!!! Ty so so much!
Thank you for the fantastic video
Beautiful 😊😊 Thank you!!😊
I so enjoy every opportunity I have enjoying our CT. shore line. However I am envious of your location & your shell knowledge. You have such a pleasant voice and a pleasant sense of humour. Thank you so o much, be well.
I think us hunters all have that desire to find things. I'm even wondering if I'd like to collect rocks 🤔 Happy CT hunting!
I used to access that area at low tide. Found many a large welk and many crowns in that mud! Can’t wait to come back to LK!
Awesome beach day
I love the humble Broad Ribbed Carditas, but those Crown Conchs are really gorgeous. Lovers Key is actually looking pretty good, at least on video.
Man! Today was my birthday and I got to watch a new video from you! How can this day be any better!?
Happy Birthday! I hope it was awesome!
We went to Dog Beach a few months ago and there was a huge salt water crocodile swimming in the water. I am not sure if the dogs splashing around attracted it or what but it was a strange sight. Yesterday we took the ferry to Shell Key. It was the second time taking the trip. Conclusion: unless you really want to take a short boat ride for $35 it is better to go to Fort DeSoto North Beach. It only costs $5 to park and you find the same variety and quantity of shells.
I heard about that gator! I'm normally super excited about a critter encounter, but I hope I never encounter one on the beach. I've made a note about Shell Key based on your recommendation. Thank you!!
those sun-ray venus clams always remind me of when tommy bahama first opened. they had them all over the place. i love them still.
Im so excited to be back in Florida in less than a week! I hope to find some bucket list shells!
I hope you have a wonderful time while you're here!
Wonderful, I love it there…
Hurray! I love lovers key!
I love Sundays for many reasons but "Let's go to the beach" is one of my favorites!❤
Just came back from a short trip to Lovers Key State enjoyed it so much and the shells are awesome thank you for this video and information LOVE it!!
I just heard the shells over there are good! I'm going to try to visit next week. I'm glad you had a good time there!
Wow!! That crown conch that you cleaned up was so beautiful with its spikes!! Always love seeing pink in a shell, with rose petal tellin being my favourite!!🩷🩷
You just don’t know who or what you’re going to see when looking in the water for shells. Loved seeing the tiny horseshoe crab. He’s the tiniest one I’ve ever seen!! He was sooo cute!!😃
I’m happy to see that the beaches are opening up. I was going to say back to normal, but it’s a new normal with the different shapes and things that were there but aren’t anymore and there’s new things there now(Like the sandbar you mentioned.). I really hope this years hurricane season is going to be a quiet one.
Thank you for a great shelling walk, I soooo enjoyed it!! Have a super week and can’t wait for next Sundays video!!🥰🐬
A nice, quiet hurricane season would be a fabulous. I've already put my order in....
Awesome haul.😊
Cant wait for the next video… thank u so much!
I really love the crown conchs also myself; I tend to have to convince my sister to go in the mucky areas they're found tho! Boy, that really spiky one cleaned up great with the safe acid. Sure is nice you discovered that type of acid, & now offer it in your items available on your store. Thank you for showing us Lover's Key now post-Ian.
Very pretty and amazing treasures ❤
Thanks so much 😊
Great video! Did a little rockhounding in MI and found some cool stuff, but no beach glass. My friend Dawne found 5 pieces in about an hour! It's been an awesome trip. Heading back to FL Sunday. Thanks Sharmon! xxoo
Yes, I think we have the "hunt" bug. Hunting for things is just plain ol' fun! Safe travels!
Hi Sharmon! Such a fun trip to Lovers Key. I'm going to miss the boneyard where the shells use to hang. It was so beautiful there. It's going to be different coming down this year but I can't wait. I found so many sweet shells at Lovers Key. That teeny tiny horseshoe crab was the highlight. So dang cute! And the crown conchs cleaned up beautifully. Loved the adventure! I so enjoy my Sundays with you!!! Im going to take a day trip across to the east coast when I come in Sept. I want to go to Juno and maybe the Palms. Brian with Solace in Shelling gave me the east coast fever for those Lions paws , lol ! So I can't wait to see where you take us next Sunday. Have a great week!
Brian did the same thing to me and I ended up find a shell I've had my eye on for a while. I'll show you Juno Beach by the pier and I'll tell you I will definitely be back! I hope you have a great week too!
I have been watching you and have learned so very much about our beloved Fla. Sea shell and want to thank you so much for the trips and All your knowledge. Sanibel is on my Bucket List one day I'm going....
Awww Lovers Key...we had a great time there in 2009 .. hope its fully open soon.. great critters..thank you for taking us along!
And also beautiful clouds in the sky too, what a pretty day.
kitten paws look almost like worn down spiky jewel boxes.
Beautiful crown conch!!!!
Thanks!
Hi Lori and thank you!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Sweet baby crab fun trip ❤❤❤❤❤
💜
We went to Lover's Key about a week ago after I watched this video. Because of your video, my son and I hiked all the way to the end and searched for Crown Conchs. I don't have any, so it's been a bucket list shell. I found one shell that was empty thanks to you! :) But I was also kinda grossed out by picking up the slimy stuff, lol, so maybe I would have found more. We had never been to Lover's Key, so it was nice to see a new beach. Love watching your videos!
Sometimes you got to get slimy to get some of those good shells - LOL! I'm glad you found at least one 😃
So glad Lover's Key is back open, almost. You got some beautiful shells on this trip. My very favorite part was seeing that tiny Horseshoe Crab. It was just darling. Thank you for continuing to pick up trash, I really appreciate that about you.
Wonderful critters today! Thanks for taking us along.
Loved It!
That crown conch is gorgeous! Those spikes and stripes... beautiful!! Thank you for a lovely trip today. ❤️
That's the cutest horseshoe crab I have ever seen! Not a bad haul! Love those crown conchs! Hope to see this place again when the rest of the park is opened!
Hi!
I look forward to shell hunting & beach time with you every week! I have a spaghetti sauce jar of Marco Island shells I gathered in 1995 visiting my sister there. I’ve identified all of them after your wonderful and beautiful shelling uploads. I’ll be visiting there soon and enjoy the beach walks on the Gulf side. In the meantime, thank you for keeping sand in my toes & sea air in my nose!😂❤❤🦔🤠
Thanks for choosing to spend your time with me at the beach!
Awesome!!!
Dear beachfriend,
Thank you so much for taking us with you to Lovers Key. I was very curious how it was after hurricane Ian.
I'm glad to see that part of it is open for public again. Hopefully the other part will be opened soon.
And still you were able to find gorgeous shells! Love those Crown Conchs. 😍
I'm wondering why shelling is low in summertime. Is it because less shell expire in the summer, has it to do with the current of the ocean, or something completely different?
Dear Sharmon, I'm so grateful that you let us enjoy the beautiful nature with you as our guide. Every video you are speaking with so much enthusiasm and love for the environment. I've learned so much thanks to you!
I hope and pray that you have a lovely week filled with love and happiness.
Sending you all my love and of course a big hug, xoxo ❤ , Ilona
I moved here to be warm, BUT, the best winds that bring the shells onto the beach are the cold NW winds in the winter. The air shoots across the island in such a way it actually helps push shells onto the beaches. In the summer the opposite happens, so the shells are further from shore and perhaps buried in sand. Apparently there is a "rhythm" to the seasons on the beach and winter brings us the best goodies.
I remember stumbling around Shell Island with frozen feet, searching for seashells. I'm learning...boots are required for beachcombing islands in the winter!
Beautiful shells as always. Beautiful beach!
So glad you were able to shell on Lovers Key again. That crown conk was spectacular! ❤️
What an awesome video as usual. Been sick so I'm living my beach life through you so appreciate you. Beautiful. Cannot wait to go to Florida in the fall.
Hi Sharmon. What a beautiful day it was in the beach today! Loved it sooo much! ( : Thank you sooo much for taking us back to Lovers Key with you! It was such a fun, wonderful trip as always! ( : Love your beach trips! Have a great week, sweetie and thanks again! ( :
I hoe you have a great week too Tracy!
I'm sooo loving the Giant Atlantic Cockle & the Broad Ribbed Carditas (those red/orange ones are gorgeous!). I just love going to the beach with you; I learn so much everytime. Many, many thanks, Sharmon; you are the best 😎 🐚
Thank you for choosing to spend your time at the beach with me!
That was a great crown conch!!! Loved the little horseshoe crab, too--adorable! Glad the state park was able to (partially) open; great to see. And you're coming east, yay! Well, technically it already happened, but you know what I mean!
And this time the East Coast was nice to me! 😃
Wow, those crown conch's are so cool. Thanks for the mini vacay. Sure needed it after 2 very tough weeks. God bless you! ❤
Thank you for coming to the beach with me!
Lovely walk. So different but so familiar too. Slowly recovering from that pesky hurricane grrr. Keep ‘em coming chick. Stay safe xx
I was a wee bit bummed I only had the south part of the beach to explore, but it all worked out. It will be fabulous once it's all open again!
Thank you again for my Florida beach visit. Melting here in Dallas but my weekly visit to the beach helps me not be as “heat cranky”!😊
Yeah, it's all sorts of miserable hot here too but the ocean breeze always keeps the beach tolerable.
Thank you my friend, I love, love, love your videos❣️ You have taught me so much. It was exciting to see how quickly the crown conch’s were scurrying, and how to determine if they are alive or expired, without lifting them up. Who would have thought that a single foot could move them along so quickly? I love the beach time, that you give us in every video - it’s emotionally healing. I also want to thank you for taking other people’s garbage, off the beach. It is people like you, that make SWF better. 🥰
Aw shucks - thank you so much for your kind words! 🙏🏼
I just booked a shelling tour with ReelKind next week!
I hope you have a great time and find lots of goodies!
Hi Sharmon....are you planning to go a trip to find us some different shells ? Thanks for all your videos ❤
Yes as a matter of fact I'll show you all sorts of different shells next week. And I find a bucket list shell for me!!!
Every time I hear of another beach in SWFL opening back up, I literally cheer out loud!! 🥰 I hope that I will get back down there soon. I just fell in love with the whole area, and then just as I got back home to Texas I was watching the news devastated to see what Ian had done. But SWFL is strong and resilient and we are so excited for every single step of the way of recovery y’all are making! I tried to go Lovers Key but the weather was uncooperative and I got confused and ended up in a random parking lot and on a beach with almost no shells and a lot of flirting (to put it pg) teenagers. 😂 So I’m glad to know that I probably didn’t drive far enough and that was not it because where I went did not look like this video or the previously recorded footage. That teeny baby horseshoe crab was just the cutest thing ever!!!! I just love when you show us the live critters. That true tulip sure looked beautiful. The delicate orange color was lovely. What a find in all that slimy mud!
Well I hope you do find Lovers Key the next time you're looking for it. The south end is actually a lot prettier than it used to be 😉
Great video I am wondering if we will see a snorkeling trip this summer
Ooohhh thanks for the reminder! I was going to do it at Keewaydin and ended up just carrying my mask around all day!
@@SWFBeachLife I still watch the video you took when you found your first huge horse conch. I keep thinking there’s more out there… lol 💙🌈🦋🩵
@@amyboggs766 There is indeed! It's all about being at the right place at the right time!
Hello my Beach Angel Friend and all you virtual beach combers! I'm praying that each of you is safe from the heat, the storms and the perils of life, in general.
So this is Lover's Key. What a pretty name that is! I had to use Google Maps to find it, I'll admit. I'm glad that it's not too far from home if you live in Ft. Myers. How convenient!
What a lovely cerith you found and then there's the beautiful auger. Looking at its precise rows of dots and dashes makes me so very happy! You hold in your hand the proof of my Dearest Friend's very existence and of His great love for all of us, as He created the sea and its shells just for us to enjoy!
The Master of the sea is being very kind today and the gods of beach junk are being equally as nasty! I'm so proud of you, Sharmon, for dilugently removing the bits of broken glass you find, as well as the plastic which could condemn a sea turtle to a slow death by starvation. I'm sure those gentle creatures would offer their thanks to you if only they could!
Those little fish are so evenly spaced, it looks as if they're in a boat parade. Maybe they're headed for the "Blessing of the Fish."
Can it be true or have my eyes deceived me? Did our sweet Sharmon really turn down a Fighting Conch? Who would have thought such a thing could happen? Wow!
What a beautiful Crown Conch that is! Your patience really paid off! That teeny tiny Horseshoe Crab is so cute and it was really hauling shell, too! I have always observed the larger ones moving more slowly. I guess the little guys have to get to safety quickly while the larger ones aren't in as much danger of being somebody's snack.
Beautiful shells can be found at the south end of the island, too! There are so many pretty things to look at and to take home, I'd be carrying a very heavy shell bag. That Alphabet Cone is simply gorgeous! So is that big, mahogany-colored Giant Atlantic Cockle! Another Fighting Conch is begging for a chance! One great Fighting Conch deserves another!
The waves are building and the skies are lowering, so rain may be coming soon! Such is the summer weather pattern on the Florida Coasts!
I remember seeing the lovely Australian pines on my trip to the beach at Sanibel. Of course, that was when I was nineteen, so that was nearly fifty years ago. Time flies!
Those pretty purple flowers are vincas, also known as periwinkles. They are annuals, meaning they must be replanted every year. They make a lovely picture against the white sand of the beach! A postcard worthy photo, to be sure!
I am so happy to have joined you on this jaunt to Lover's Key, Sharmon and crew! So glad we could all be together in this beautiful place!
I'm hoping that each of you stays happy and well so that we may see each other here on our favorite channel next week. Dont forget to watch the same video, minus Sharmon's lovely voice, later this week! It's so very peaceful and calming to just tag along on the walk up and down the beach with our favorite shell collector.
Until next we meet, may the sun always shine on you and may all your dreams come true! Much love from the green mountains of East Tennessee!
Rebecca, The Lost Mermaid
Those Australian pines were planted to help buffer the winds from the ocean, unfortunately like many things we try to adjust in nature, they are invasive so they end up popping up where they shouldn't.
I had the most wonderful time at this beach a few weeks before the hurricane came through. I collected itty, bitty sand dollars that were all over the beach. I was hoping for a repeat performance but alas, I can't access that part of the beach yet. I'm looking forward to being able to see the island in its entirety again.
I hope you have a good week Mermaid! ❤️
i need that wheelchair. thanks for sharing that. please share what other beaches are handicap friendly. it is hard to find them.
ALWAYS! The first time I visit a beach I'm very cognizant of the conditions for my mobility challenged beach friends and I share all that good info. My mom was in a wheelchair before she passed so I think about how it can be a little tougher for some to get to the beach easily.
I live not to far from Jensen Beach
Question..ive read posts about King Crowns at Port Charlotte..have you traveled there ? I'm curious !! Thank you for another great video !
I have heard about them!! I have not traveled up that way as of yet. I'll be sure to share when I do finally make the trip!
Oh Sharman…..that crown conch! Exquisite!
I noticed your ring finger was missing it’s gorgeous sparkly….
What shells can I look for at the beaches in Destin in February? I’ve always assumed they groom the sand so often that the shelling would be scarce.
What advice would you give me?
Another great video, thanks!
My ring is back and where it is supposed to be! And I've never shelled up in Destin, so I have no idea what the beaches are like. I would just try to get out there first thing in the morning to beat those grooming machines just in case!
how do you keep the shine on the shells you find? I want to make a necklace out of a shell i found with a perfect whole exactly in the top(hinged end) center? I am concerned it will lose its shine if I put it on a necklace. Can you use some shellac on them or some modpodge?
It's a good question and I'm not sure but I would think the shell won't lose its shine from wearing it on a necklace. I do know you can put lacquer or a seal on the shells to keep them shiny, but I haven't ever tried it.
❤❤❤
What is shelling like at Coco Beach at the end of January? I'm making my first trip to Florida. I'm so excited!!❤ I have so many questions.
I've never been there so I'm not sure. I do hope to find out one day!
I've been looking forward for you to get to Lover's Key. Is the Discovery Center okay?
The ground floor things like the touch tank all got wiped out as did some of the storage lockers but the main visitors area upstairs was for the most part okay. I don't know when that will reopen.
👍👍👍🐚🐚🐚
Hi Sharmon! Wonderful beach trip. This west coast gal can't get over those beach bowls. I would collect them like crazy if I lived there. My fav besides the beach bowls was that incredible crown conch with the big spikes. My goodness, that sure came out beautiful after the acid. By the way, what is Safe HCL? This week, I'm finally getting to go to the beach after a long wait (central WA.). I'll share the highlights after I get back. Do you ever sell the beach bowls? Have a great week. I'm excited to see what treasures you'll find on the east side of Florida. God bless!
I sell anything and everything on my Etsy however I've been AWFUL at finding time and getting things up there. I have plenty of beach bowls to share! And the safe acid is an acid you can use to get the calcium off your shells but it won't burn your skin. It's pretty awesome 😉 I hope you have a super time on your trip!
I have some shells that I don't know what they are. Could I send you a picture of a couple of pics , maybe you would know what they are? And there are a few that you may like to see. I've had these since I was a kid. That baby Horseshoe was adorable.
If they are from FL I might know what they are so I can certainly try to ID them for you. Shoot me an email at swfbeachlife@gmail.com
Love you and your videos 🎉
❤️🙏🏼
😍
What do you do with all the shells you collect?
I get asked that question a lot so I made a video about it: ruclips.net/video/GZQVCKCJQZk/видео.html
Hi, the videos are awesome. Just have a question. I don’t understand. What’s the difference between summer shelling and winter Shelling? you keep mentioning it. And why the difference?
In winter the prevailing winds stir up deep water currents that bring shells onto the beach. In the summer the winds shift and the shells remain in deeper water. The exception would be the summer brings hurricane season with big storms often bringing big shell piles
@@drdrew3 thank you. So we will have to try a winter trip. But really thanks
What drdrew3 said!
Am wondering how 100 degree ocean water will affect shelling. What is such warm ocean water like?
For me it feels like any other summer. It's hot. Walking in warm gulf water is strange. I grew up on the East Coast so to me ocean means cold. But not down here!
Do u know what the status of Cayo Costa is? Thx
I went to Cayo Costa after the hurricane once, but with a private charter so the island can be accessed. I know the camping cottages sustained damage and will need to be replaced.
What type of acid?
I am now committed to "safe" acid - www.youtube.com/@SWFBeachLife/store
The QR code has been disabled.
Thanks for letting me know!
😢😮😢🎉❤❤❤
Our little knob-deficient conch has a secret advantage. With fewer knobs to slow it down, it can zip away from potential predators or chase after a tasty morsel faster than its knob-burdened cousins. As it scuttles around the ocean floor, its unique streamlined shell becomes a conversation starter among its marine friends. "Hey, have you seen that cool sleek conch with the missing knobs?" the fish whisper to each other in awe. "It's like the James Dean of the sea!"
And thus, the Florida fighting conch becomes the envy of the ocean, a symbol of individuality and breaking free from traditional norms. It shows us all that it's okay to be different, to embrace our quirks, and to create our own unique paths in this big, wide world.
So, the next time you spot a Florida fighting conch without all its knobs, remember the rebellious spirit that lies within its spiral shell.
"It's like the James Dean of the sea!" 🤣🤣🤣
I wish you could write my scripts!!
@@SWFBeachLife haha .. Being a script writer for the shells would like trying to direct a movie starring hermit crabs with an affinity for unpredictable plot twists and a load of beachy drama.!
@@suzieplum7995 LOL!!!
Oink oink
Hi Sharma, I am back here in SWF and want to get some things to you for your charity auction. Can you PM me please?
You can email me at swfbeachlife@gmail.com
Hi Sharmon!! Do you use an app to help identify & learn more about shells? If you do, would you consider sharing the name of the app?
Thank you in advance and BTW, I throughly enjoy your videos, voice overs to teach viewers about shells & your shell knowledge! 🐚🪸❤️
I wish there was an app to help ID shells! For me it's just taken time, a few books, a few websites and lot of trips to the beach. I wish there was an easier way!