Layin' Low in Apalachicola

December 8-12, 2011

We’ve always enjoyed Apalachicola.  Having a much longer visit has given us time to explore a lot of the areas that we never saw on previous visits.  This historic town has reinvented itself several times since it was founded in 1831.  The first industry made it the third largest port on the Gulf.  Cotton came down the river on steamboats and was unloaded.  Small shallow draft boats would then shuttle the cotton to ships moored offshore.  As the railroads expanded a new industry took over.  The area surrounding Apalachicola had large cypress forests.  In the late 1800‘s big lumber mills developed.  By the end of the 19^th century, harvesting oysters and seafood became the important business.  Today 90% of Florida’s oysters and 10% of the oysters consumed in the United States are harvested in this area.  As we wonder around town we see reminders of all of these industries:  brick cotton warehouses, lumber baron homes and a working waterfront.  The main commercial area has established shops, restaurants, galleries, hotels and B&B’s in former warehouses and old mansions.   
Oyster harvesting is done as it has been done for the past century.  Tongs that look somewhat like two rakes are attached scissor-style.  The oyster men work from small wooden boats that are 20-23 feet long.  The oysters are brought on board and sorted by size.  Oysters are harvested from more than 7,000 acres of public oyster bars and 600 acres of private leased bars.  Apparently, harvesting the oysters is good for the bed and keeps it healthy.

Our dock space is in the middle of downtown.  We have spent part of each day walking to the grocery, barber shop, restaurants, shops, galleries, internet cafe and church.  The fishing boats are docked right behind us.  We look like we’re part of the fleet! 

Trinity Episcopal Church has continuously had
an active congregation for 175 years. 

We’ve caught up with boaters that we had previously met and enjoyed several new friends.  We continue to appreciate how generous and friendly this community is.  Dave and Marla who were here the first two days and we knew from Mobile gave us great tips on marinas, apps for our new iPad and even helped Brian with a project in the engine room.  The longer we do this the more sure we are that we’ll see a familiar face when we pull into our next marina or anchorage.

We plan to leave tomorrow, Tuesday, about 8:00 AM.  It will take about 28 hours to get to Clearwater (our new destination).  We decided to skip Tarpon Springs since we had spent a lot of time there on our last trip.  The seas are expected to be 3 - 5 feet.  We don't think it will get any better in the near future.  

Gotta smile – We’re lovin the ride!