Would you smell this for me?



This was the -.01 low tide on Englewood Beach today about 10am
EEWWWW! What. Is. That. Smell? That is the most common reaction to low tide.  Your average beach-goer probably could care less if the tide is in or out when they head to the beach.  Most folks just want to know is it going to rain? (Hello - It's Florida.  It probably will)


 I have always loved low tide. I even love the smell. (Just so we are on the same page - I am talking about low tide not red tide.)  To me that first whiff of salty, muddy, sea-weedy air brings back memories of going cast-netting with my Dad & brothers on Dunedin Causeway. Low tide smells like my PawPaw who was a bridge tender on Clearwater Pass in the 60's & 70's.
 Whenever I would return home from a road trip, I knew I was getting close as that salty smell blew through the car as I would cross over Tampa bay on the causeway. 
My Grandpa was the bridge tender on the  old Sand Key Bridge on Clearwater Beach.  


Some women read gardening  or fashion magazines - I read tide charts.  It's the first thing I look at when I read the paper.  I even have a tide chart app on my iPod.  Couple that low tide with a full or new moon and BAM! Emeril! - we just took it up a notch. 


What a sheller lives for are those -minus tides. Today was a -.01 which is good but I hit a -.05 back in August that was a shelling bonanza.  It was a new moon also and an entire little cove was uncovered for my nieces and I to pick through.
Tide so low Casey could walk across the inlet but watch out for Rays.  She stepped on 2 that day but thankfully no stings.


This is a -.05 low tide with a new moon - only about 12 lows a year like this.
Everyone has their shelling strategies.  For me, I like an early morning low tide. I like to get out there early before the crowds show up. In a couple of weeks I'm heading to Sanibel for a night shelling trip.  There are a few really low tides at 4am & 5am. You are probably thinking "That's crazy talk, it's going to be dark".  I know! that's why I have a head lamp, LED Q-Beam, & a tri-pod LED flashlight. (I hope you are smiling) Hey, some people base jump, other people drive fast cars - My bff Shellbelle & I go extreme shelling. So, the next time you get a whiff of low tide let it lead you to some awesome beach combing.








                                                          JAR UPDATE
My jar is almost 1/2 full
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Comments

  1. Shelling is a passion and the ones that get up a dawn should get the best spoils. If I ever get back to Sanibel I remember the "heads up light" that we have in the house for emergencies.

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  2. Very funny. Extreme shelling for sure. I need to brush up on my skills before I go shelling with you! OR - bette yet, I should bring a little note book to take notes since I think I am gonna learn alot!!!

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  3. Wow, this is really interesting... I also love the smell of low tide and it evokes many memories for me too. That smell should be bottled. You lucky thing, a night shelling trip with your bestie sounds fabulous. Thank you for visiting my blog and for your gorgeous comment. I loved it and it's really made me think you're right. We are human "beings" not human "doings"... Pruxxx

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  4. I haven't smelt that smell in so many years, but I still remember it ;) So tell me why I have had you and Kimmy mixed up on your blog LOL age maybe..NOT

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  5. I first became aware of the smell of sea-salt air when I flew into Tampa. It was life-changing! I LOVE the smell and every time we return to Florida and I smell that salty sea air, I know I'm home. :)

    You really are a veteran beachcomber!!!!! I'm stunned by all your energy and passion for picking through the shells.

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