3 minute read
Ebb & Flow
Barrier Island Camping
By Trey Leggett
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Before we know it, Christmas will be upon us and the next thing you know 2018 will be over. Where did the year go and how do we sum it all up? Thanksgiving Day has come and gone, but did we truly account for what we’re thankful for? I mean really dig in and think about all the wheels turning behind the scenes to make seemingly simple pleasures in our lives happen. Let’s think about a few of the things that are worth being thankful for and look at what goes into making them happen.
Job: Although many of us would rather not have to work, we know we need to in order to afford necessities. Take a moment to consider what you don’t see, everything it takes to provide you with your job. Personnel for payroll and benefits, and other support staff, training, clothing and/or equipment, overhead for the premises, insurance, and more.
Fishing/Hunting: We often take for granted that fish and wildlife are readily available to harvest anytime we’re ready to get out there on the water or in the woods. Many years ago, man had depleted many of the resources that we enjoy today. It also took man to realize that conservation and stewardship had to exist to sustain adequate numbers of game and provide for plenty in the future.
Family: It takes a family to be a family. There are so many things to do around a household to keep it up, it can hardly be done by one person alone. Cleaning, yardwork, grocery shopping, laundry, pet care and training, managing the household budget, home maintenance projects, and more. Are you thankful for your spouse? Your children? What about all the things we pay for that take many others to make happen, such as trash pickup, mail and package delivery, electricity, water, satellite/cable, etc.
Groceries: If I’m being completely honest, I’d rather do my meat shopping in the woods and on the water! But due to work and other responsibilities I can’t go consistently and who’s to say I’d be successful. It’s nice to run into the grocery store and not have to hunt for your food or grow and care for crops. Having good meats, vegetables, breads, milk, and all the other cooking and baking needs trucked in from other areas is an awesome convenience for all of us. Do we ever think of the folks who care for the cows, chickens, and the many kinds of produce we enjoy?
Outdoors: A sunny day, rain when we need it, a shade tree, that one little cloud on a hot sunny day, a sea breeze, the smell of confederate jasmine, the fall colors of the trees, the birds, squirrels, and other wildlife … aren’t you thankful? I know I am. The outdoors is where I’m rejuvenated and where I feel I belong. I am especially thankful for my God in heaven who created all that we have, and I am in awe of this world’s splendor and beauty.
I realize this is off my normal topic, but I felt that I needed to recognize the fact that we need to give thanks. If you absolutely must have a fishing tip, here you go: As the water temperature drops, look for deep holes in saltwater creeks and throw a large taped cast net for shrimp. Deeper water can regulate warmer temperatures better and that’s where the shrimp congregate. Don’t forget to have a 5/8-inch mesh net for food consumption use of the shrimp.
Stay safe and tight lines. Merry Christmas!
Trey fishes for Hobie Polarized Sunglasses, and ENGEL Coolers. Email: info@southerntidesmagazine.com
Shortly after sunrise, St. Augustine Creek. Photo by Amy Thurman
Located in a Scenic Historic District; Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Happy Holidays!
Complimentary Loaner Cars
Drive in minutes to local restaurants, grocery stores, West Marine, and a Wal-Mart Supercenter.
Dockside Amenities
• Complimentary High-Speed Wi-fi • 30 - 50 - 100 amp electrical service • 4,000 feet of floating concrete docks • 600 feet of deep water face docks • Gas and diesel facilities • Pump-out station
Marina Amenities
• Complimentary loaner cars & bicycles • Ship’s store and laundry facilities • 2,000 sq. ft. overwater pavilion • Private restrooms and showers • Seasonal swimming pool
