Barefoot on the beach (part 2) /The curse of the banana

This is part two of Barefoot on the beach. 

Deep sea fishing is a all day affair, so we pack a soft cooler like a picnic.

Some boats sell drinks and snacks,

but we're picky eaters so we always bring our own.

Being that it's Florida in summer we also pack rain ponchos just in case it showers, also sun screen and sunglasses.

Our friends have also packed snacks and lunch for the afternoon.

The day begins early, the boat pulls out to sea at six o'clock. It's warm and it's just beginning to brighten up, into what seems to be a great day. We speed away with the boat jumping the waves.

The captain and his mates welcomed everyone aboard and explained where we would be going, and the types of fish we hopefully will catch. When the captain noticed that our friends had brought bananas aboard. The captain tells him that bananas are bad luck  on a fishing boat, and that he needed to get rid of them. That was the first time that we had heard of that superstition, what the captains says is okay in our book.

Our friend laughs, peels the fruit and begins to eat from the bunch. It takes about an hour to reach the fishing area. Our banana eating friend has heaving over the side of the boat the whole time.

Every one has rods ready, we bait up and drop line anticipating our first catch.

The captain sees fish on radar we wait, but nothing happens. So we go further out to sea.

Again we stop and fish and now half the boat is sea sick. Still no fish!

Then it gets worse!!

 (Clouds rolling in)

Out of nowhere the sky turns black and the sun just disappeared.

The wind begins to pick up causing the waves to rock the boat dramatically, but we still fish.

Now almost everyone is sick, and like something out of a movie rain began to pour down upon us tossing the boat about like a toy. We were scared! Everyone was silent or sick as we waited for the storm to pass. Finally after about an hour which felt like a day, we see glimmers of sun as the rain lets up and we head back to the marina. Not one person caught anything.

We were all disappointed except for our still sick friend who was happy to be back on land.

There was no sympathy from the crew or passengers for our banana eating buddy. 

So Don't Eat Bananas on a Fishing Boat!!

The Camping Consultants

Camping Inspiration

Swimming lessons with the neighborhood children

We want to tell you about our last camping trip.
In some ways it is what inspired us to write this blog.
Over the years we have introduced many people to camping.
But this most recent group has been notable.  
The variety of ages, ethnicity and social diversities.
We found the experience moving.

When we go camping we like to book in advance.
Doing so allows you to camp at a water front site.
Having a waterfront site is like being at your own exclusive beach.

It started as a week alone, just us two for five days.
we walked trails every morning with our dog.
Then came back, made coffee and took a morning swim in the lake.

This time we wanted to try something different, we wanted to catch stripper bass.
Usually we fish for whatever jumps on the hook. (lol)
So we purchased an umbrella rig and jig setup, and went trolling.

(click on the link for a look at the rig setup).
Trolling is when you are pulling bait (artificial or live) through the water slowly.
To our surprise, we caught two nice size striper bass in a short amount of time.
Now that was a great day!
It didn't matter to us if any other fish were caught for the remaining days.
What excitement!
The rig setup worked just like on tv without the edits.
Our fishing needs were met!

With all the places we could go, who would have guessed
that spending twenty two dollars a night.
So close to home, would fulfill our needs.
An entire week spent on on the lake.
No television other than a movie night.
No cell phone signal other than text messages.
No restaurants.
Just us and all the natural beauty that nature has to offer.

The week ended with a group camping outing.
Spanning four sites including our own. Twelve adults, eight kids,and four dogs.
Not to mention those who came down for the day.
The children swimming all day. While others spent time catching fish.
The ones who couldn't swim were introduced to a new experience, they had to be forced to leave the water to eat.
Some rode bikes while others hiked the trails.
By this time in the trip, we were content with basking in the sun, while taking in the view of the lake.
After a full week we returned home feeling refreshed and renewed, with a great time had by all.

Our next camping outing is all set for the labor day holiday.
Look for a lot more information on ways to make your camping experience a trip to remember.

The Camping Consultants®

Quality Family Camping

Fishing at Lake Wateree S.C.



Are you in need of quality family time?
If so, why not go on a camping trip.

Does the thought make you nervous?
Don't be.

If you were ever a girl or boy scout and ate beans from a can, or hot dogs on a stick. Please note this is not that type of camping, unless you choose it to be.

The Camping Consultants have a method, which is like an extended picnic. Dinners by candlelight under the stars, ending with moonlit walks and views that rival your local planetarium.

Although camping is probably one of the oldest and maybe the original family activity. It is quickly becoming a hot new trend.

With the state of the economy the family road trip has once again emerged.

As reported by Reuters News "Camping Popularity remains Strong in Weakening Economy - 11% Increase Sets New Reserve America Reservation Record."
Camping is becoming popular as a quick getaway or mini vacation.

Where time is at a standstill,
Adults unplug and children play carefree.

Please continue to follow our blog each week as we guide you through Camping in Color.

The Camping Consultants