Most of the time I love cleaning the shells that I find.  What makes it difficult right now?  The fact that winter won't seem to leave.  It's cold outside, and that takes away from the joy a little bit. 

Cleaning the loot

Most of the sea urchins I found were ripped from their homes.  And, they all took a beating.  Some cracked in half as I started the cleaning process.  Every time a sea urchin or sand dollar is broken, my heart breaks a little bit.

Battered, still intact, (and still gorgeous) Sea Urchin

These sand dollars are the ones I found in Kiawah.  They were also ripped from their beds by the severe current and new moon, so they needed a lot of sun bathing to get to their pristine whiteness. 

Sun Bathing Sand Dollars

So, you wonder, where my motivation for this labor intensive task came from?  This insanely awesome Simon Pearce Lamp that was a wedding gift from one of my favorite people.  You can see why.  And who would put lemons in a lamp when you have shells? 

Nantucket Lamp by Simon Pearce

I can't wait to get these babies all cleaned up for their new home.  The lamp can't wait either.  I think I'm the most impatient of all the inanimate objects I just gave feelings to.  :)

Cheers!
Margaret

Not so scary - Sea Urchins washing up on Cape Fear

It's no secret I love Bald Head Island.  But, it's not the most welcoming place when it's 37 degrees and raining.  The silver lining:  the shells that wash up during these cold storms.  Somehow I know, the more mean the weather, the more fruitful the shelling.  And, thankfully, I was correct.  Not only have the sea urchins been washing up in mounds, I also have a bit of color from the severe wind gusts.  Check out some of the pictures I captured.

South Beach Sea Urchin

Gorgeous East Beach Treasures

Old Baldy

Hide and Seek!

Treasures mixed with good storm gunk; gunk, technical term, usually brings goodies!

Lovely!

Baby Starfish.  I threw him back; hope he made it!

Doesn't this Sea Fan look fake?

I will post more pictures later when I can; after I clean the 104 sea urchins I found.  So excited to stock up.  Now I have more to give away!

Cheers!
Margaret

It feels so good...

It feels so good to find shells again.  I, by no means think that it feels good outside.  I hate cold weather.  I hate winter.  The only exception to winter are the treasures that the winter storms bring.  Shelling can be the best this time of year, you just have to make sure you have the appropriate gear.  The only other thing I like about shelling this time of year, is the unexpected wind burn.  I love that feeling of bringing not only shells back, but a sign on my nose that I've enjoyed the outdoors.

I find that layering is the best for these cold temperatures.  I have on two down Patagonia jackets, and two scarves.

Layer!

Here are a few more of my favorites for keeping warm as you hunt and gather this winter.

An obvious Patagonia lover, this hat is my favorite and only $35.

Wool socks are essential as they continue to warm even if wet.  Smartwool makes the best!

Patagonia Pullover - I don't own this but I want to.

Hunter Boots - I have these in hunter green.  I'm sure the salt water isn't good for them, but mine still get the job done.

So, after bundling up and hitting the beach, I found some fantastic treasures.  Here are a handful of my favorites:

My first Ocean Drive (OD) Sand Dollar.  When I stumbled upon it I gasped.  It was such a fun find!

OD Channeled Whelk

OD Lightning Whelk

OD Sea Urchin.  I spoke to it when I found him.

Tiny treasures up at the high tide line.

I think this is a brown banded wentletrap.

It feels so good to find shells in January.  And, gives me the hope that I will make it through another winter.

Cheers,
Margaret