Searching for seashells on the beach or Shelling, as it’s known on Sanibel Island, is easily one of our guests’ favorite pastimes while visiting the island. In fact, the beaches of Sanibel Island are infamous worldwide, having recently been recognized by CBS Sunday News as a “shell hunters paradise” and breaking the world record for ‘stooping for seashells’ at the same time in the Guiness Book of World Records.
Sandalfoot Condominium’s stretch of beach is the perfect place to enjoy a serene and relaxing morning, walking and admiring the array of the world’s most beautiful seashells.
Last July, we had a visit from the Mahalak Family who drove all the way down from Michigan to relish in the comforts that Sandalfoot Condominium and Sanibel Island have to offer. It was on one of their shelling expeditions that Rebecca and Zachary (photo above) found a Lace Murex Seashell (photo to the right) on our very own stretch of beach. They were both so very excited about their find that couldn’t wait to share their adventure with our front office team. Their excitement was so contagious, I couldn’t wait to showcase their story in our blog and monthly newsletter!
The Lace Murex seashell isn’t easy to come by, so at this time we’d like to take a moment to congratulate both Rebecca and Zacharay Mahalak for making this amazing find and for sharing their story with us. Below are a few words from their dad Sean about their recent vacation with us.
“We had a fantastic time at Sandalfoot Condominium and now really miss it. Sandalfoot and Sanibel are both beautiful places to visit. We really enjoyed our stay with you and the staff was so warm and inviting. We are going to make this a tradition and would like to keep coming back. The kids enjoyed it so much they left a note in the drop box to you and the staff. You just made our family vacation full of memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you.” Andrea, Rebecca, Zachary, and Sean Mahalak from Michigan.
Chioreus Florifer Dilectus or Lace Murex belongs to the Murex Family and it is commonly called the Florida Lace Murex. They normally range between 1 1/4 to 2 inches long and are fairly difficult to find. This is an elongate ovate, with an elevated, conical spire. The whorls each have 3 varices bearing long, scaly hollowed spines. It has a low knob between varices and sometimes has 1-2 smaller axial ribs and fine, irregular spiral cords. The aperture is nearly round and its canal long is narrowly open with 4 open, leafy spines on one side and a broad flattened flange on the other. The Operculum is stout and circular. The Lace Murex prefers coral reefs, rubble, in sandy or muddy areas. The species are most commonly found in intertidal to shallows just off the beach. Its range is from North Carolina south to southern Florida and west to Panama along its Caribbean coast. It is the most common Florida Murex. It feeds on many species of bivalves, by boring a hole in the shell to feed on its occupant. It is closely related to the West Indian Lace Murex.
Sandalfoot Condominium on Sanibel Island – Recipient of the 2012 Certificate of Excellence by Trip Advisor and 2012 AAA Three-Diamond Award. Your home-away-from-home beachfront vacation rental. Your choice of either a 1 or 2-bedroom, beachfront or gulf view, condominium. Each completely and thoughtfully appointed. Relax and spend lazy days sunning or shelling on one of the best shelling beaches of the world; take a dip in our pool or perhaps play a friendly game of tennis or shuffleboard; bike the island trails, fish right from the beach, tee-off at a nearby golf course, enjoy world-class shopping and dining, or go birding at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge – the possibilities are endless! With so much to offer, Sandalfoot Condominium is the best value for your vacation rental on Sanibel Island.
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