I have now been on Conch-L for just about 10 years.  I think I joined
shortly after it began, but I am not sure of the exact dates, either of the
starting of Conch-L or of my joining it.  Thanks to all those who worked to
get Conch-L started and to those who now work to keep it going.

During the past ten years there have been many good discussions.  There have
been many opportunities for us to get to know one another and to share
information, even though we may live hundreds/thousands of miles apart.  For
me, Conch-L has increased my interest and knowledge of shell collecting and
has encouraged me to get together more often with fellow shell collectors.
Conch-L has helped me to get to know shell collectors in other countries and
has provided opportunities for trading shells with them and/or
visiting/collecting with them.

In addition to these benefits and many more, twice now I have been able to
go on a shell collecting trip, only because I heard about it on Conch-L.
The first such trip was my first trip to the Philippines, specifically to
Mactan and Panglao.  Although I had previously been to the Indo-Pacific
region several times, this two week trip with a pleasant, small group of
fellow shellers was very productive for shell collecting.  I had never seen
so many Lambis, Muricidae and Bursidae.  The second "Conch-L" trip was to
the Bahamas on a live aboard dive boat with a group of twelve
divers/shellers.  In one week I did more diving than I had done in any
previous week.  I finally got comfortable night diving.  I found some Conus
richardbinghami and other shells usually only found at night.  I also got to
know a small group of fellow divers/shellers, many with whom I have
continued to take shell collecting trips.

The last such diving/shelling trip was in September 2005.  A small group of
us spent a week on a live aboard dive boat around Isla Margarita.  We
visited Los Frailes, La Blanquilla, La Tortuga, La Cubagua and La Coche.
This was a special time with a congenial group of divers/shellers, a great
location with beautiful diving, abundant shells and a nice dive boat and
crew.  Although the shell list for the trip has not yet been generated, we
found well over 100 species, including Chicoreus brevifrons (with big spines
and scant encrustations), Phyllonotus margaritensis, Voluta musica, various
Cymatiums, Pecten zigzac, Lyropectin nodulosus (in 10-15 feet), Risomurex
gilbertharrasi, Oliva fulgurator, Marginella, Strombina, Cassis and Conus
(including daucus, ermineus, spurius and mappa trinitarius).  It was a most
productive and enjoyable trip.  The dive boat even let us use their kitchen
to clean our shells.

Because I have learned about such trips on Conch-L, I think it appropriate
to mention to this forum that a small group of us are now planning another
trip (late July 2006) on the same dive boat to the islands around Isla
Margarita.  We will be visiting only the islands with the most productive
shelling.  I expect that it will be a most enjoyable and productive shelling
trip.  Although the number of spots is limited, we do currently have spaces
available.  If you have any interest in going on such a trip, please send me
a private email, and I will be happy to give you more information.  My email
address is [log in to unmask]  If you are a shell collector and scuba
diver, even with limited experience, I think you will enjoy this trip.

Ken Piech

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