2 replies to this topic

[Casper]

This March i was the guide for 6 WI Steven's Point students for a Spring Break trip to Florida's panhandle.

I organized a near week of activity for all of us staying at the Florida State University Marine Lab along the forgotten coast near Panacea, Sopchoppy and Carrabelle.

We explored the facility, Wakulla Springs, McBride Slough, Tate's Hell, an Alligator Bay Trawl, The Gates of Hell, snorkeled, seined, dipnetted, fished and caught a multitude of critters.

Enjoyed lots of wonderful seafood, smoked, fried and broiled.

Young Jason made a 40 minute video of the trip and you can see it here...

 

https://youtu.be/k3nht0mj5uI 

 

They are a great group of young fellas.

 

Casper

[James]

I had been wondering how that area faired after the hurricane. The marine lab and Rudlo's critters. In tact I hope. Wakulla Springs looks pretty good from what I can tell.

[Casper]

The only thing negative about the trip was even though i had been assured the Beach House would be available after Hurricane Michael struck, they had not even started on repairs and then the damage was more extensive than initially thought.  6" of salt water washed into the house and that is very problematic.

FSU is doing a full restoration now.  A lot of the peripheral wood structures, docks, gazebos were wasted.

We stayed in 2 dorms, which are a bit cramped and not really conductive to any fancy cooking or relaxing with nowhere to really sit and socialize.  However these youngsters were non stop fishing day, night, sunrise mornings, sunsets whether it was calm, windy, cold or hot.

We had a lot of fun.

 

The nature center at the bridge to St. George island... all the aquarium equipment at ground level was destroyed.  It will be a long while til it is back.  A lot of beachfront buildings were destroyed in Eastpoint and Carrabelle.  98 was washed out at many locations.  Jack Rudloe and his son Cypress and GSML crew faired ok.  

Edited by Casper, 10 May 2019 - 07:39 PM.