Summertime in Florida would not be complete without trips to
the ocean, and this summer we’re getting in our share of beach time. These days, one of Ben’s favorite things to
do at the beach is to collect shells. Ben
is, by nature, a collector, and the shoreline provides an endless (free!)
supply of collection material.
From the moment that we arrive in the parking lot, Ben has
his bucket ready, and he’s stooping down to pick shells practically from the
moment he steps out of the car. It’s as
if he doesn’t want to miss any prospects or leave any behind.
As we pick our way towards the water’s edge, he stops every
few feet to plunk another one into his bucket as I prod him on.
After scouting out a good spot in the sand, Ben waits
impatiently while I set up camp, spray him down with sunscreen, and then he’s
off racing towards the waves, bucket in hand.
He looks back to make sure I’m coming, and I know he’s ready for his
beach walk.
We walk along quietly, taking our time as we search for our shells. I carefully scrutinize each shell before
selecting my favorites to keep. I like
the pinks and the blues, or the ones with the mother-of-pearl sheen. Occasionally I’ll find an olive to add to the
collection. I keep my eyes peeled for a
shark’s tooth, but I’ve yet to find one.
Ben, however, has a different approach to shell collection.
