November 18 and 19, 2023

Saturday, November 18, 2023

Can I Catch You a Fish?

I walk out the boat door this morning and there is a fisherman in a camouflage boat. Right behind our boat!

This is a first. Pretty sure he is not supposed to be fishing near the marina slips.

I say “Hello!”

He replies, “Oh hi. The fishing is really good in here. Better than out there in the wind.”

Who knew.

He proceeds to tell me he could catch a fish right here and give to me. He has a fish finder. Would I like that?

I tell him that’s ok, I’m good, and go back into the boat.

I’m waiting for Captain Pat to return to the boat to see his reaction. This should be interesting. -😊

Thankfully the guy takes off soon after that.

Welcome to Alabama!

Ahhhhh – Relaxation At Last

This trip has taught me to appreciate the luxuries I have taken for granted. One of them is a manicure and pedicure. I’ve had only one since we left Boca Raton in late May – in Charlevoix, Michigan. There was a nice salon in Chicago, but I was never wearing sandals so didn’t consider it.

I can’t explain how relaxing and serene this salon experience is. I love the music that’s playing and inquire as to what it is. I now have a new Spotify playlist -acoustic pilates. Nouveau artists, softer tunes, and remixes of familiar songs. Highly recommend it!

My new toes have a quicker step. I’m thinking “I should be more present with this adventure.” Not complain, just enjoy the ride. A friend recently commented that it is hard to be with someone 24/7 – no matter how much you like them. You are bound to wear on each other’s nerves.

As they say, with this kind of adventure, you are either watching the show, or you are the show. Sometimes being the show has its own fear factors and frustrations.

Walk Around the Wharf

The Captain and I walk down the main street of the Wharf to visit the shops.

I’m surprised he doesn’t want the oysters on display at Murder Point Oysters. He doesn’t like the price.

For lunch we settle for pizza but it doesn’t come close to Robert’s Pizza in Chicago. We are spoiled.

There’s an ice rink – in Florida?! – and a “selfie museum” – talk about a sign of the times. Right beside the Oasis Church!

Of course the Kentucky Mist Distillery catches my eye.

I tell the owner about my nephews Seth and Justin, the “bourbon boys” of Lexington.

Funny story. Our Looper friends Tracy and George hosted a bourbon tasting get together when they were in Green Turtle Bay, Kentucky. Everyone brought a bottle of bourbon, and they held a secret tasting to vote on the best one. Then everyone told the history and story behind the bourbon they brought. The Captain and I weren’t able to attend but they told us about it.

Afterwards we told our Canadian friends about Basil Hayden bourbon and how he is our ancestor. Tracy was sorry to inform me that the Basil Hayden bourbon came in last for taste preference at their gathering!

But then again, what do Canadians know about bourbon? Just kidding.

Tracy and George Visit

Many Loopers show up at the Wharf. We welcome Beachside and Sea No Evil, although our paths never cross.

We are always happy to visit with Tracy and George. We see them as soon as they dock their boat Done Saving at the Wharf. Tracy and I take off for a walk and chat, and Captain Pat and George stay on Done Saving to talk all about boats.

The four of us have dinner at Mile Marker 58. After dinner we walk the Wharf again. It’s so festive and pretty, all lit up for the holidays. And we stop for ice cream at Kilwin’s!

Sunday, November 19

Depart for Destin, Florida

Sunday morning we pack up and head to Destin Beach, Florida. I say good by to my friend Henry the Blue Heron, who has greeted us every day!