RANDOM PHOTO OF SHRIMP BOATS IN APALACHICOLA, FLORIDA

An old photo taken over 10 years ago when driving through Apalachicola.

It was a flying visit as we were heading south. In those days dear other half still had his full-time job (retirement came the following year), and we were on a time schedule, needing to get back for work commitments. We were determined to see as much of the state as we could in the time that we had.  

Apalachicola's name is a Native American

 word interpreted as a ridge of earth produced by sweeping the ground in preparation for a council or peace fire. 

It was fun looking around the shrimp boats docked on Water Street. 

Oysters were Apalachicola's first seafood industry and were sold locally as far back as 1836, harvested in much the same way as they are today.  From what I remember back then, it was a lovely town.

Here are 10 interesting facts.

Apalachicola is one of the most productive oyster beds in the United States, historically provided 90% of Florida's oysters and 10% of the nation's total.

Established in 1831, it was once the third-largest port on the Gulf, bringing wealth and a diverse population to the area.

Apalachicola is part of Florida's 'Forgotten Coast." It got its name "because it is the last remaining stretch of unspoiled, pristine Gulf Coast beaches that haven't been overrun by high rises and strip malls. There are 200 miles of coastline, 5 islands and nearly 100 historic sites, and it is a part of the Big Bend geographic region.”

The original plan of Apalachicola, with its wide streets and squares, was modeled after Philadelphia and remains largely intact today.

The city is home to the John Gorrie Museum, which features a scale model of the world's first ice-making machine, invented by Dr. John Gorrie.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the sponge trade was a major industry in Apalachicola, largely driven by Greek immigrants who introduced advanced deep-sea diving and boat-building skills, dramatically increasing sponge harvesting efficiency and creating an extremely lucrative fishery in the Gulf.

The Apalachicola River and Bay form one of the most ecologically rich and biodiverse ecosystems in the United States, supporting diverse marine life and providing critical habitat for many species.

The annual Florida Seafood Festival, held in Apalachicola, is the state's oldest seafood festival, celebrating the region's rich maritime culture.

The city maintains a working waterfront, with active fleets of oyster harvesters and shrimpers, reflecting its continuing connection to the seafood industry.

Apalachicola has many historical landmarks, including the 1838 Orman House Historic State Park and the historic Chestnut Street Cemetery, the city's oldest burial site.

Two maps showing location.

“Again in Florida 

I float on transparent lakes

I float on the Okeechobee

I cross the hummock land

Or through pleasant openings

Or dense forests

I see the parrots in the woods

I see the papaw tree and 

the blossoming titi.”

    from Longings for Home 

By

Walt Whitman

Thanks for stopping by and

have a great day!

OLD FAMILY PHOTOS FROM A TRIP TO NORWAY BACK IN THE SUMMER OF 1987

Rooting through my archives I found these old photos of our trip to Norway in 1987. My dear husband had put out to sea for six months and I used the opportunity to visit my family. The first part of our holiday was with my parents in England, and the second half of our time we visited my sister, brother-in-law and niece. They lived in Norway for a few years. Son was eight years' old.  

On one of our daytrips we were out and about with my family. You never knew what you were going to see around the next bend of the road.

We had a longish journey to see the sights and stopped to look at the views. I had turned my back to look in another direction for a few moments. You can see son climbing on all these logs left for pick up. I had my camera in hand when I turned around and this gave me a start, but even as I was walking quickly towards him, I snapped a picture. A moment in time captured. I was heading over to tell him to come down, but he was already getting ready to jump to the ground after his little climbing adventure. My son was a climber, just like his mum I might add. One memory is of me at three years' old climbing to the top of the window-cleaner's ladder to the upstairs window. Mum was paying him she said years later, and turned her back for a moment. I frightened both of them apparently, but still remember that adventure on my ladder. As for son and his climbing all those logs, I suppose I was a bit of a nervous mum myself.

One young kid making friends with another young kid. We were at an outdoor living museum but I can't remember the name of it. Great place for all ages.

He is with a much larger one this time and they were both looking in my direction which I found amusing.

He loved the goats, as did I. There were dozens of them. On the back of one of the photos I had written: When we got out of this enclosure, my brother-in-law read a sign that said, 'Don't run around the goats, don't approach the goats at break-neck speed, don't make loud noises.'  Son was so excited he had done all of these but fortunately was not head-butted once.

This little one was quite at home climbing on the side of the rock wall.

In the following we were at Norway's Folk Museum in Oslo. It is a marvelous place. You can click on the name to see great photos and info. If you are ever visiting Oslo, I can highly recommend it. Years later Gregg and I went there. Son was an adult by this time and long out of the house. But, here you can see him with a young lady who was very nice to him and patiently answered all his questions. She was bilingual and spoke perfect English.

A sign in Norwegian. We were visiting a silver mine, (though I have no recollection of this place). 

Another one of him walking by these lovely boats, a sign on the first one read, 'Drive the Viking Way'. This is a marina in Kristiansand, Norway. 'Kristiansand is a city in southern Norway that's known for its beaches, parks, museums and festivals. It is also a major industrial center and a popular summer destination.' I found all this online. 

Here are two maps the second showing Kristiansand's red location marker in Norway, and the surrounding countries.

Below he is taking care of his cousin with us not too far away, following behind them. We were at one of the many lakes we visited. At the time our son was eight and our niece was 20 months' old. 

Probably my favorite photos from our time there.

I may have put one of these photos on this blog somewhere. 

Enjoy your day and thanks for stopping by.

BURKE LAKE PARK, BURKE, VA - 11-12-22 - LAST OF THE PHOTOS FROM OUR VISIT

Here is the little dog I shared in last week's post with its human friend.

You can rent kayaks and small flat boats here.  The only time I have ever been in a kayak was with my sister when I visited my family in Germany years ago.  They used to go out in them all the time having their own kayaks.  I had fun but I haven't been in one since, and don't intend to.  I am not too fond of being so close to the water as I am not the strongest swimmer, and that is with a life vest.  That's not to say I don't love looking at all that beautiful scenery and the lake.  And when I get to the beach my favorite time is when it's quiet, usually in the winter,  and I can look out at the ocean with hardly a soul around.  But I'm rambling...probably the reason why I named this blog with the word 'ramble' in it!

More geese photos because...

I always love taking photos of them...

probably because they are always around, and they don't swim away.  Hoping for someone to feed them no doubt, and there were plenty of someone's that day.  I am mentioning again my last post where I give the reason why we should not, but this will be the last time, at least for a while.

I particularly enjoyed taking photos of the reflections of the clouds in the water, and the patterns their wakes left.  

One small feather resting on top of all the fallen leaves at the water's edge.  I wondered if it was a downy feather from a goose, or perhaps another water bird.

We walked on the pier and there were a lot of people fishing.  

On our way back we passed another cute dog with two couples our age, sitting in a line looking out at the lake.  They had brought along fold up camping chairs.  We are not too far from one of the parking lots and it crossed my mind to bring our own camping chairs next time, and maybe a picnic.  

No explanation for this one needed except to say, "She likes to take photos of Fall leaves."

While sitting on one of the benches a lady asked if she could join us.  She was enjoying her new phone, telling us about it, and showed us how to use the pano.  Below is my practice shot.  A lovely lady and our conversation lasted about 15-20 minutes.  She was with her husband and grandson.  Grandson was letting off steam, with grandpa watching, and enjoying his space.  She joined them soon after when they were ready to go.  This is a great place for kids and there were many.

We should probably have hung around to take sunset shots at the lake, but driving home we thought the sky was incredible.  

I didn't really mind our street-view-sunset and took these (from the passenger side).

I didn't mind all the lines from the traffic lights either, or the utility poles and their electric lines.   Usually I try to avoid such things but today was not that day...

and the sky was just too good to miss.

This is the end of our trip to the park.  I hope you have enjoyed.  

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.

NO MATTER WHERE YOU GO...

...you always find that people have trouble finding a parking spot.

Quick! Put your turn signal on!

Poor things, they have been going round in circles.

There are times when I can relate.

Thanks for looking and enjoy the rest of your week.