Learning to Throw a Cast Net

Same early morning routine. We're getting better at leaving the house, and made it to the beach just before the sun appeared over the horizon. Still no turtle nests to report. Any day now... I found another dead armadillo in between the tide lines. Maybe they creep too close to the water's edge, and since their sight is so poor, they are swept out and drown? This is just another natural oddity we have come across. Each day Ossabaw shows us something strange.

Adam came today to drop off some supplies. Vials for egg and biopsy samples, a spare GPS, a trickle charger for the Mule, a smoke detector and fire extinguisher (Steve is very safety oriented), and some other things. He told us about some places on the island we should check out, including other better preserved shell middens. The list of places to visit grows each day.

Steve tended to some chores as I read lazily in the sun. He burned the paper trash in the cement receptacle. He also sprayed insect killer around the perimeter of the house. We're generally opposed to such a practice, but the insects, especially the biting ones, are prevalent. Anything for some relief.

Feeling optimistic about catching some fish after talking with Adam, we watched a YouTube video about how to throw a cast net. It looked tricky at first, but after the technique is practiced, handling the net isn't so bad. Steve and I headed for the dock. We see fish there all the time, or so we thought. We took turns throwing the net. I surprisingly had no problem, and Steve, poor guy, couldn't seem to get the hang of it. Throw, pull in, no fish. Repeat. Still nothing. We really have some bad luck at fishing in Georgia. Eventually we give up, but leave determined to find the bait fish.

After dinner, on our way to feed the animals, we bumped into Eric, the hunter. We asked more questions, and he revealed the best places and times to get bait fish, clams, big fish, and blue crabs. I think we're finally on to something. Eric later brought us a dozen eggs from his chickens. We love real eggs.

We went to feed the horses and other funny animals. I love it there. I've taken care of so many animals, but never horses, a pig, a temperamental goose, and shy peahen. The stables are in dire need of help. A little work here and there, and Steve and I will help to clean and fix up their space. I look forward to some hard work.