11/30 – 12/2
We didn’t have a great view from our bow here in Apalachicola, but the beautiful sunrise the next morning made up for it. This is serious seafood country; in particular, Apalachicola oysters, which are served in restaurants all over the country, if not the world. The Captain enjoyed his at Papa Joe’s Oyster Bar & Grill, the restaurant at Scipio Creek Marina, where we were docked. Watched those fresh babies being shucked right before his eyes. First Mate watched as he devoured the best he has ever eaten. We also made our first bike trip for groceries at the local Piggly Wiggly, selectively filling both our bike bags, nothing too big. Apalachicola is one of the two locations (the other is nearby Carrabelle) from which most boats depart to make the crossing to the west coast of Florida, usually to Tarpon Springs or Clearwater, the latter of which we chose. You must wait for the right weather “window” to cross the Gulf of Mexico; it can be very rough. We had just missed a day, we were told, when the water had been smooth as glass.