Jose Eduardo de Alencar Moreira wrote:
>
> GOOOOOD morning to all of you and many thanks to all those who answered my
> questions,
>
> > I can heartily recommend a few days in the Sarasota area.
> I've never been in Sarasota. It can be a good choice while driving south to
> Sanibel and the Keys, but I don't expect to stay too long there. Any
> specific hints for 1-2 days? Regarding S.Africa, it is still a dream, Mike,
> but I promise that we'll meet soon, since we now have strong ties with a
> family in Durban.
>
> > There's a gift shop outside "The Voyage Of The Little Mermaid" at
> Disney--MGM Studios where you can get seashells.
> Nancy, it was not necessarily the type of shelling that I was thinking
> about, but the hint is welcome. In fact, some strategic stops in shell
> shops are in my plans... St. Petersburg Beach and Bob Lipe will be also on
> my way.
>
> >For beachcombing and shelling for dead shells, sanibel is probably the
> best bet.
> Harold, Sanibel is in my plans, even knowing that summer is not the best
> time for shell collecting there. So, Ze' Leal and Bill Badgley, I'll give
> Sanibel all "chances" I have. Good to know that there is at least one Dive
> Master in the whole world that collect shells.  ;-))
>
> >My shelling experience has been limited to Sanibel ...  Each year we go
> out at low tide on a charter with a lady from the area and she has never
> failed to find wonderful shelling spots for us.  I don't know if I'm
> supposed to "advertise" for her on the CONCH-L, so if you are interested
> Email me privately and I will be happy to share info on how to get in touch
> with her.
> Vicky, I don't think that it could be understood as advertisement, but if
> you feel more confortable, I'll contact you privately.
>
> >To the young lady asking about Marco, my address may have been askew in my
> reply, if you want to answer or if there is anything other info I can
> provide ...
> Michael, I'd appreciate if you could e-mail me those info. Marco Island can
> also be an option for me.
>
> >For snorkeling and diving the lower keys down by Bahia Honda are probably
> nicest but they would be a drive. If you don't want to drive that far south
> try the upper keys.
> The Keys are also in my plans. I've been there two times (1990 and 1995)
> and I'll return in many opportunities I can find. Driving is not a major
> problem since I live in Brasilia, 750 miles far from the closest beach.
> Where is allowed to collect live shells and where it is prohibited in the
> Keys?
>
> > There are also trips out of key biscayne national underwater park center
> which is about an hour and a half south of miami.
> People say that diving in Miami is really fine. I never had the opportunity
> to try it. Is it allowed to collect shells in the Key Biscayne National
> Underwater Park Center? Is there any shore diving there?
>
> > We are putting together a dive trip off of the West Palm Beach Area to
> collect. You will get information on this trip soon.
> Jim, if the price is affordable and if it happens between July 24 and Aug
> 8, there is a good chance that join the trip.
>
> Any hints about Ft. Myers, Naples, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami? Peggy, Emilio,
> Bob Lipe, Ze' Leal  ... where are the Florida Conch-Lers?
>
> Cheers,
>
> Eduardo
Remember ... most of the Keys is off limits now to shelling. Your best
contact there is Homer Rhodes.
Bobbi