OK, just got back from leading an amazing six day trip to the Bahamas to swim with the dolphins… I will write more about exactly why the trip was awesome (a unanimous reply amongst all 11 people), but first, the story about this snail that is capturing so much attention…
Conch (pronounced ‘konk’, like in the cartoons) are a large shellfish that crawl around on the shallow bottom of the Caribbean sea. They are simple, slow moving bi-valves that eat grass and other greens.
They’ve been the primary source of protein for the people of the Bahamas for centuries, most anyone could wade out into knee deep waters at low tide and collect some for a meal. Their empty shells litter the shoreline, are used to bulk up concrete footings, and they have songs sung about them (“Conch ain’t got no bone, baby, yeah, conch ain’t got no bone!”)
Key West, Florida, in its somewhat tongue-in-cheek succession from the mainland proclaimed itself ‘The Conch Republic’.
The inside of their shell is beautiful; some are yellow, others orange, most are a pearly translucent pink… and it is this color that is so enchanting…
I’m in the process of posting pictures from our trip on picasa, facebook, etc, and got a big surprise…
Of all the photos so far, the one that’s generating the largest number of passionate comments is the close up of a conch looking from out its shell with its two tiny gold rimmed eyes… see for yourself!
And yes, if you want to add your two cents worth, click on the photo and it’ll take you to the Facebook album – (a couple of the comments are posted below the photo)… I’d love to hear your comments! (and yes, please add me as your Facebook friend!)
Here’s looking at ya! ;)
Joe
PS: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder… always! And you, my friend, are beautiful…
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