Barefoot Beach Preserve π£
A Shell-uva Beach
January 3, 2021
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Shelling, like astrophotography, is hobby best completed when one takes into account the moon, the season, location. With a big, bright full Cold Moon in the sky, strong winds and within the winter season, I was hopeful to get some shelling in while visiting Florida’s Suncoast. Unfortunately with the long itinerary and short hours of a winter day–with ton of beachgoers set up to enjoy 2020’s last hurrah–energy was a bit depleted. But Barefoot Beach Preserve in Bonita Springs had the goods right at our feet, sending me back to New York with a handful of beauties with minimal effort.
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Trying to say “hello” to Texas, the Gulf-side beach had a narrow shore and a strange drive through some fancy pants seaside homes–all seeming fake, like a painted set display.
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It also had a Red Tide Warning at level High in effect. I had no idea what this was but felt its impact right away. A tickling itch in my throat. Looking into it now on my couch in Brooklyn, I can report that it’s a bit of a big deal–responsible for fish kills and respiratory irritation in humans. Caused by the bacteria Karenia brevis, a Red Tide is a harmful algae bloom responsible for harming sea life and those who ingest sea life, while causing respiratory irritation for humans who simply set foot onto the beach apparently.
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Dorking it up briefly in the water. Despite the Karenia brevis, the dip stripped my body of tension. The sea is so healing–it’d downright euphoric to be in for me. I never want to be far from it.
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Someone left this Happy New Years message. It was so nice to spend New Years Eve in the sun, the water, exploring abandoned places and then a star shoot at a certified dark sky park. Though 2020 was challenging, I think I made the best I could with it.
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Not a polar bear plunge this year…
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What’s up, 2021?
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Some of the seashells I picked up along with some that were gifted.
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I’ll be back for more soon! x.o. VV