Clearwater Beach Treasure Hunting
My husband delivers RV all across the United States and Canada. For the most part, I really enjoy riding along with him, helping at times, and working on my own business the rest. I was thrilled when I learned that we would be making a delivery near Clearwater Beach, Florida. I had never been there, and I love shelling so I was very excited! I belong to a few shelling Facebook groups and learned a few things about best times and best locations. I love the beach so much that I will go anytime, regardless of the tides, but I do check a tide chart so that I have an idea what I’m going to be dealing with when I arrive. We got to Clearwater just about an hour before sunset, and I wanted to get as close to Caladesi Island State Park as I could so I hit the beach and started heading north.
There’s something about Clearwater that makes you slow down the second your feet hit the sand. Even if you only have a few hours, shelling here turns into this quiet little treasure hunt that feels like the Gulf is sharing its secrets one wave at a time. When I arrived the sand was still warm in spots, cool in spots and scattered with tiny clues of what was just beyond the shore. You don’t really need a plan here. You just need to walk slowly and keep your eyes down.
The best shelling was just right at the waterline or just a few steps above where the wrack line from the most recent high tide had left behind its gifts. At first it was just the usual suspects – small coquinas, broken scallops, Florida fighting conchs, and then I saw the first of several sand dollars I would find during this walk. Sand dollars are always exciting to find, although bittersweet because I believe that five hole key hole urchins (sand dollars) are some of the most interesting creatures in the sea. I’m very cognizant of not collecting live shells or any creature that may be still alive. If I’m not 100% sure, I don’t collect. These sand dollars were very bright white so I knew that they were deceased.
The sun was rapidly setting, and although it was gorgeous, I was quickly losing my light! I found a gorgeous chestnut turban, some zigzag ark shells, a few imperial Venus clams, lovely calico scallops, bittersweet clams, sun-ray venus clams and of course my favorite; Florida fighting conchs.
What I love about Clearwateris that it doesn’t force the experience. You don’t have to hunt hard or know what you’re even doing. You just let your pace match the rhythm of the water. It feels like you’ve stepped out of real life for a bit.
If you go, I recommend you aim for early morning or just before sunset, bring a container for your heartier shells, and a separate container for your delicate finds. The ocean here rewards the people who slow down long enough to notice what’s already been waiting for them.
Be well, and love the life you already have.
Amy
