Weather: low 76 degrees, high 98 degrees, mostly clear skies in the morning to mostly cloudy skies skies in the evening
When we got up this morning, I told Carolyn that I didn't want to sit around the RV all day. Sometimes, it seems like we don't have any imagination about what to do with our time, or we're just tired of doing anything. That's when we take a day off to recharge the batteries. Yesterday was a day to recharge and rest, but that one day was enough for me.
While eating breakfast (shredded wheat - no sodium, ummmm!), we decided to drive over to Crystal River to see what kind of change has taken place since we were last there about 35 years ago. So, what has changed? Plenty!
The last time we were in Crystal River, it was a sleepy little fishing town that depended on tourism for a good bit of their income. It was a good place to take a family to swim, boat, and fish. Party boats took fishermen out into the gulf for a day of fishing. There were a couple of decent seafood restaurants and one golf course that I remember. The main street was a two lane road.
What a change 35 years makes. The main street is four lanes, and there are all kinds of restaurants, including those that specialize in seafood. Golf courses seem to be everywhere. Several subdivisions have been developed, as well as beaches and boat ramps on the Gulf of Mexico. We drove to one of the beaches to see what was going on.
When I got out of the truck to take pictures, the humidity slapped me in the face. By the time I got back into the air conditioned truck, I felt sticky.
The sea gulls were doing some people watching.
The gulf water was beautiful, with no sign that the area has been affected by the oil spill. The boat ramp parking area was full of vehicles with boat trailers.
There is a power plant near Crystal river that has three coal powered units as well as one nuclear powered unit. Can you imagine how many people would be left in Florida if electricity for running air conditioners was suddenly gone? I think there would be a wholesale exodus.
Earlier in the post, I spoke of the seafood restaurants in the area. We stopped for lunch at Claw Daddy's for no reason other than we saw their sign outside town. It was a good choice, as I was able to get a fried tilapia basket. I know that tilapia is a fresh water fish, and is therefore not seafood. It was still good, with the fish being lightly breaded and fried perfectly. I also got collards with the meal, and that was a mistake, as they were too salty and I couldn't eat them.
After lunch, we headed across country in a meandering way toward home, passing through Lecanto, Beverly Hills, Citrus Hills, and other little towns. Traffic was not bad, but I imagine it would get heavy when the snow birds come down here in the winter.
By the time we got home, it was time for meditation and trying to stay cool for the rest of the day.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Crystal River, Florida: Gem Of The Nature Coast
Not all who wander are lost.
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