If Blind Pass is the Boardwalk of “Sanibel Monopoly”, then Captiva is the Park Place.

We visited Bowman’s Beach last night for Thunder, which personally I’ve always considered the Baltic and Mediterranean of the island. Perhaps after last night, I should take a closer look at the board.

Now I have made it very clear on multiple occasions that I do not like Bowman’s Beach. Perhaps it’s the “it seems like a three-day journey from car to sand” that you have to take to get to the beach once you park? I kid, of course. But that is a long walk. I’ve actually contemplated buying myself a Dog the Bounty Hunter walking stick and hiring a Sherpa to assist in the trek.

Maybe it’s the mostly murky water? I’ve only been to Bowman’s Beach once when the water was clear. Maybe I’m just picking the wrong days?

Maybe I’m just not giving Bowman’s Beach a chance.

So, I put my clothes back on and we made our way towards the sand.

Ok, it’s a pretty sweet view. I’ll give ya that.

We rolled up around 5:30pm, just as the beach-goers were heading for home. So the beach was pretty bare, save for a few fishermen and maybe three to four out-of-towners.

Lightning Whelk and Fighting Conch egg cases as far as the eye could see.

…and a handful of shell piles scattered here and there with the occasional gem hidden within, like this amazing Pear Whelk:

The water was murky though

But we continued searching for shells like we normally do and were pleasantly surprised at the number of Fighting Conchs and Lightning Whelks we found. There were a large number of broken Tulip shells and several Olives. So the shells are definitely out there.

I’m still on the hunt for Orangies, and we found several.

After further inspection, I realize that I really haven’t been giving Bowman’s Beach a chance…and for that Mr. Bowman, I sincerely apologize. I’ve awarded myself no points, and may God have mercy on my soul.

Consider this sand painting a token of my feelings.