Sanibel Island

Christine and I took an overnight trip to the Gulf Coast of Florida.  We walked on the beach at Sanibel Island, known for its shells and the absence of stop lights.

 

 

There were some man-made distractions, too.

 

I especially enjoyed our visit to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum.  It was just the right mix of science and kitsch.  Raymond Burr, aka Perry Mason and Ironside, helped get it established.  I'll bet there are other things about him you didn't know, too.

First the science.  This young marine biologist dramatically increased our knowledge of mollusks using the different species in this tank.  For example, did you know that some are carnivorous?

There were plenty of informative exhibits, too.

 

This very large conch is suspended from the ceiling against a a mirrored backdrop.

And these shells are exhibited on a bright blue background so that their colors are more apparent.

But I liked the "sailor's valentines" the best of all.