We are so fortunate to live so close to such beautiful beaches here in Southwest Florida where there is so much to do at the beach on any given day.
Take advantage of this great opportunity to walk the beach in search of the many treasures it has to offer. On any given day the sandy shorelines are filled with sharks teeth and many gorgeous shells as well as Florida fossils.
It's a thrill when you happen upon sharks teeth or sea shells brought inshore by the powerful surf.
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Sand dollars are best collected offshore at low tide.
You do not have to be a sun worshiper to plan a day at the beach. If sunbathing is not your thing try collecting sharks teeth and shells as a hobby while at the same time getting plenty of exercise.
Always remember to use sunscreen a half hour before you plan to arrive at the beach. Bring along a container to hold all your treasures, polarized sunglasses to cut sun glareand see a lot better down on the sand as you search for sharks teeth and shells as well as fossils. A hat is recommended.
Now you're ready to go treasure hunting. I have four nephews and one niece who love all the sharks teeth Aunt Merry Beth saves for them.
Fact Box
Merry Beth Ryan, a member of the Florida Outdoor Writers Association, can be reached at www.merrybethryanphotography.com, by e-mail at mbr1965@comcast.net or by phone (941) 544-5023.
Recently I've gotten creative and started making jewelry with sharks teeth spending just a few dollars at a craft store. What a special feeling it is to watch the kids eyes light up when you hand them their new sharks tooth necklace or bracelet. It is something they can wear and share with others.
I still get excited when I bend over to pick up that perfect shaped sharks tooth or shell at the beach. Everyday is a new day and you just ever know what you might find by simply walking the beach and enjoying the sunshine.
I have also been able to meet a lot of wonderful people since I started taking these beach excursions. I recently pondered the idea of getting a group together to meet once a week to walk the beaches together and share with each other afterwards what great finds they collected. If any of our readers would be interested in this idea please call me and share your thoughts. Get your children involved as well.
I recently found some fantastic sand dollars on the sandbars. I waited until the evening tides and could walk right out to the sandbars and reach down and gather many sand dollars in a variety of sizes. Sharing this with friends and family is a lot of fun.
I always try to have sharks teeth and shells available twhen family and friends come to visit. They just love bringing them back home to share with others. Not only shells and sharks teeth but there also are crabs on the beach for them to see, sand fleas that live near the shoreline in the sand, birds, dolphins and fish.
Pack a lunch and bring plenty of water to the beach to experience firsthand all theswonderful opportunities it has to offer. The magnificent sunsets aalone are well worth the effort. You never know what image you may want to capture and add to your book of memories.
