Caspersen (Shark Tooth) Beach, Florida

One of the beaches we have been looking forward to going to was Caspersen Beach otherwise known as Shark Tooth Beach.

However we had no luck finding any teeth, or shells, or much of anything at this beach. Luckily too I guess as it wasn't until our way out that I saw the sign that said no disruption or removal of anything from the beach. This sign I find odd as their county website lists this beach as a great place to find shells and shark teeth (see link above). So I am a little confused as to if it is OK to go shelling here or not.

We spent a couple hours here. Ian thought the best way to find shark teeth would be to dig a hole... but he didn't have any luck.

I did my usual walk of the beach with mom. The sand here is a dark grey colour instead of the sandy white.

I found some interesting egg sacs which I put back out in the water as they were a live still. I have no idea what they are but I hope they survive.

Aayla enjoyed sitting and watching the waves, going for a swim, playing with some sticks and watching the waves some more.

Interested in looking for shark teeth? Some tips for finding them HERE. Also if you do find some here is some info on shark teeth identification HERE.

Have you visited Shark Tooth Beach? Did you have better luck finding anything? Next time we go to Florida we will be buying one of those metal sifters for sure.

Siesta Key Beach and Playground, Sarasota, Florida

Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota is definitely a beautiful beach but even on an overcast day it was sooo crowded. Parking was very difficult so make sure you go early if you plan to visit. We aren't early risers and pay for it in parking frustrations. We did however make it here before lunch and it still was crazy.

This beach also has a wonderful playground. In all honesty the playground was what made me decide to visit this beach (thanks to a pinterest pin).

Coolest Castle playground ever

It was a fun looking playground that resembled a castle and had numerous slides, rock walls and climbing apparatus nearby. It was fun for the girls to play on with dad while I tried to find parking.

The beach in the distance. It goes on with white fluffy sand for miles and is quite busy even on an overcast day in March. Luckily the water is still warmish.

Sierra was happy to finally have some bigger waves to play in.

These waves were a bit too big for Aayla's comfort zone and she forgot how much fun she had the other day in the little waves.

After some fun here  it was time for lunch and a drive to Shark Tooth Beach!

Stump Pass Beach State Park, Manasota Key, Englewood, Florida

Today we visited Stump Pass Beach State Park. Cost to park here is $3 and oh so worth it! Sierra wanted a pool day at the RV Park with dad and stayed home. She was sad to see everything she missed while we were out. It was so much fun!

It didn't take long to hit the water! Oh that beautiful water!

Aayla is learning to like the waves.

Grammy takes the turtle float out in the waves.

And she tumbles...

There were dolphins swimming here pretty close to shore.

This Grey Heron was the perfect poser.

Examining a shell Aayla found

My water logged water baby.

After we were good and wet we walked the trail to the tip of the park. Well we didn't make it all the way but we saw some wonderful things along the way. Someone we asked said we were about half way.

This pair of lizards was quite fun to watch. I'm not sure if they were mating or staking territory but they did the funniest dance around each other. I should have recorded it.

All along this path there are spots to stop for a picnic lunch and a swim even, if you wanted to cool off again.

wood pecker

seed pods

cactus flower

 A gopher tortoise walked right across the trail.

Further down the trail when you go out to the beach it is more natural and less busy.

looking for lunch

 On our way back...little legs were getting tired.

We popped back over to the beach to walk partway back and I am so glad we did!

sea sponge that washed ashore

 This!!! This was truly amazing! We thought we scored the mother load of shells but soon realised they were mainly all alive. For some reason on this one small area of the beach, these snails were rolling in the surf.

Grammy trying to find an empty shell.

Aayla is really getting the hang of the waves now and has lost her fear of them.

Another great beach day. Somethings you can just never tire of! Or rather we can never tire of no matter how many we go to. They are all a little bit different and wonderful in their own ways.