For our anniversary this year, we decided to treat each other to one of our favorite outings: scalloping in The Gulf of Mexico. We've done this for the past three years, and we LOVE it! Unfortunately, this year was a COMPLETE BUST! Apparently, we missed the countless "red flags" along the way (no brake fluid in the van, low air in most of the tires, burnt out lights on the trailer, and dark clouds). That was only the beginning of our woes...
The water was infested with jellyfish. There were literally HUNDREDS of them, and we couldn't find a single patch of water without a lingering jellyfish. To me, they are the cockroach of the sea...disgusting and intolerable.
Phil, on the other hand, was DETERMINED to find some scallops. After a 2.5 hour drive to The Gulf, and a 6-mile boat ride to our favorite scalloping spot, he wasn't about to let the jellyfish win. He bravely jumped in the infested water in hopes of "limiting out" with a few pints of scallops.
These nine little scallops look sad and lonely, don't they? In the past, we've come close to filling the livewell (which definitely exceeds the limit and results in DAYS worth of scallops). Today was a different story. If we were to add up the cost of our trip (between gas in the boat, the van, and all of the little fix-up jobs along the way), each scallop would be worth about $20. That's quite a thought, huh?
Phil swimming through the maze of jellyfish. I stayed in the boat this year... as the photographer of such a blessed event.
As you can see in the background, the sky started changing color (which is even more evident in contrast with my STARK WHITE belly). Before we knew it, we were stuck in a MAJOR Florida storm. Within moments, we were soaked. Quite honestly, I was a bit scared. Being 8 months pregnant, and trapped in a thunder/lightning/rain strom, wasn't exactly how I pictured celebrating our first anniversary.
Phil kept us safe by finding a little island that shielded us from the storm. We hunkered down and let the storm blow over us. After about thirty minutes, we were freezing cold (a rare thing during this time of year), soaking wet, and ready to be on land. We couldn't take a picture while the storm was on top of us because it would have ruined the camera.
We made it out alive, and we drove through heavy rain on the entire trip home. Phil remained calm and collected throughout the entire day, and it endeared me to him on an even deeper level. While it wasn't the most romantic anniversary, we still had a great day together...and that's all that really matters.
The water was infested with jellyfish. There were literally HUNDREDS of them, and we couldn't find a single patch of water without a lingering jellyfish. To me, they are the cockroach of the sea...disgusting and intolerable.
Phil, on the other hand, was DETERMINED to find some scallops. After a 2.5 hour drive to The Gulf, and a 6-mile boat ride to our favorite scalloping spot, he wasn't about to let the jellyfish win. He bravely jumped in the infested water in hopes of "limiting out" with a few pints of scallops.
These nine little scallops look sad and lonely, don't they? In the past, we've come close to filling the livewell (which definitely exceeds the limit and results in DAYS worth of scallops). Today was a different story. If we were to add up the cost of our trip (between gas in the boat, the van, and all of the little fix-up jobs along the way), each scallop would be worth about $20. That's quite a thought, huh?
Phil swimming through the maze of jellyfish. I stayed in the boat this year... as the photographer of such a blessed event.
As you can see in the background, the sky started changing color (which is even more evident in contrast with my STARK WHITE belly). Before we knew it, we were stuck in a MAJOR Florida storm. Within moments, we were soaked. Quite honestly, I was a bit scared. Being 8 months pregnant, and trapped in a thunder/lightning/rain strom, wasn't exactly how I pictured celebrating our first anniversary.
Phil kept us safe by finding a little island that shielded us from the storm. We hunkered down and let the storm blow over us. After about thirty minutes, we were freezing cold (a rare thing during this time of year), soaking wet, and ready to be on land. We couldn't take a picture while the storm was on top of us because it would have ruined the camera.
We made it out alive, and we drove through heavy rain on the entire trip home. Phil remained calm and collected throughout the entire day, and it endeared me to him on an even deeper level. While it wasn't the most romantic anniversary, we still had a great day together...and that's all that really matters. 
6 comments:
wow. that must have been scary. kudos for Phil tho; tough guy! good shots ! and great job on sticking it through. I mean, it could've been a dog...
I was right you two are nuts! :) Glad to hear you stayed in the boat! Look at your BELLY! Ohhhhh almost time!!!
Haha!!!!! I broke the night owl blogging time record! I am staying up a couple hours more so that I can call my grandparents in Netherlands. I did not expect a new blog, but I sure was wrong. CONGRATULATIONS on one year!!! Your story reminds me of a certain simile . . . Love and marriage is like a boat in the sea. Glad to see for a year now that you have had sunny days. May they continue, especially since there is a new sunshine coming in the distance. :)
-Hannah
What an adventure! I'm proud of you for sticking it thru and coming out calm, collected and with a deeper love for each other. Now you have a great story to tell later on! :)
Wow! What a day! And ewww...jellyfish. I'm glad you stayed out of the water, Cor! I love the belly shot...it's looking close to popping time! It actually almost looks fake b/c your such a little peanut everywhere else. I can't believe it's already been a year since we were at your wedding! Love ya and miss ya!
PS. Thanks for the birthday card...it made my day! You are always so thoughtful!! :)
Corrie & Phil,
Our first anniversary wasn't all that fab either... I had something like a BAD case of the stomach flu/food poisoning. We were at a B&B in PA after my younger bro's wedding (the day before). The second and third anniversaries, however, were FABULOUS! Happy belated anniversary!
Anne & Mike Shank
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