That memory I go back to. . .

Took a trip a little while ago with Danny and Richard (and the beagles, Copper and Skipper).
Went scalloping out of Crystal River, FL.
Listened to this song on the boat on our way out to the scalloping grounds.
Fit my feelings perfectly.

let go of my past
let go of my future
one cloud at a time
yes I'm dreaming
let me look upon her
one more time
this beauty that I love
before she's gone, before she's gone
                       "I Believe in Everything"  JJ Grey and Mofro

 
I love scalloping, and I don't eat seafood. For me it's therapeutic, diving into the clear water, blocking out all sound and thought beyond that of searching for the scallops and enjoying the underwater landscape. It's a grown up Easter Egg hunt!

If you'd like to see a accurate depiction of the Florida scalloping experience, check out this link to Pure Florida's blog. He took a Go Pro video of scalloping out of St. Joe Bay in Apalachicola.

Honestly, I needed this trip. I needed to be on the river, out in the Florida sun, enjoying the wind blowing across my face as I listened to the water splash against the boat. I needed to let go of all thoughts and simply focus on one single goal: filling my bag with scallops. Oh yeah, and blowing out the salt water in my snorkle and mask. . .ALOT!

Here's some pics of the experience. I'll let them speak for themselves.

Skipper at the Bow, Copper keeping watch

Danny caught a catfish. . .and threw it back

Richard fishing, Skipper thinking bout jumping in

Copper checkin' out the strange noisy things in the cooler

The scallop treasure!

I don't know when I'll get the opportunity to go back out into the water, but here's a shot from the first time I went scalloping. The wind may blow, the rain may fall, the lightning may. . .well, if there's lighting I suggest you get back in the boat and head back to land. . .but inevitably there's going to be a gorgeous sunset and hopefully a bucket full of little gems.