Hello Everyone. There have been so many serious topics here I hope there is room for one a little less headie. My wife would like to go to an Orchid Show in Santa Barbara the first week of July. I thought it might be a nice opportunity to spend a little quality time on the coast. I don't intend to collect any live shells although I'd love to get photos of any I find hense my questions. 1) Are there any tidal pools worth expoloring in the Santa Barbara area (with directions, if at all possible) 2) Are there any good places to do beach collecting of dead material, like a 'helpful' jettie or other useful beach feature? 3) Will I be considered in violation of the California laws if I am simply photographing (and of course returning) specimens I find? I've shelled further south (almost 25 years ago!) so I understand I shouldn't be expecting a whole lot, but it would be nice to find some interesting material. On that note, one species I'd love to find is Haliotis cracherodii. Because I understand the collecting laws are pretty strict in California, is it legal to even collect empty Haliotis of this species said to be 'abundant' or does one need a permit for that too? I'm also a general naturalist so any other pointers about the area before I start hunting down places to hike or explore would be appreciated. I may have a few follow up questions but I think this should get me started. Thank you in advance for your help. Doug ---------------------------------------------------------------------- [log in to unmask] - a forum for informal discussions on molluscs To leave this list, click on the following web link: http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=conch-l&A=1 Type your email address and name in the appropriate box and click leave the list. ----------------------------------------------------------------------