OysterMom tales of raising premium nurtured oysters

The Lowrance lit up when I  had connected it at the dock.  I saw the logo then went about attending to casting off and getting underway in the channel.  But then, it was dark. Gone.  Could I make it through Dickerson and Skipper Bays to weave my way around the oyster bars and low water to get to the Aquaculture Use Zone (AUZ)?  I had relied on the GPS so much - even on regular outings to the Wakulla Environmental Institute (WEI) Research lease in Skipper Bay.  Could I make to to Oyster Bay?   Of course not I decided -- and then it clicked on and Michael, Topper and I set out to see the new anchor pole installation on my lease.   The water was glass and the morning fog clouds had lifted but still held a grey blanket overhead.  The temperature was expected to rise to 70 today and with low tide at 12:30, we were out and about early and ready for a long day. At the AUZ, Bob Ballard, Exec. Dir. of WEI and two salaried oystermen, E.J. and John Wallace were preparing to install lines.  Th

His Mother is acquainted with mine and we delivered her home roasted nuts to him at Christmas time.  He had recently moved to Tallahassee after losing his vision two years ago.  Topper, his service dog, was thrilled to have visitors as was Michael.   I have never been around a blind person to know anything about how they get by living alone.    But in that short visit, I learned that Michael had lost not only his sight, but a way of life.  He had been an avid fly fisherman and instructor.  He back packed, did hang gliding, and an entire array of outdoor sports.  Now, his life centered around learning how to be blind.  He's learned braille, established his apartment and set up voice activated everything that couldn't be labeled in braille.  He and Topper get a 4-5 mile walk in daily, but aside from that, his days of adventure have been limited. We spoke of the oystering and he gently asked if he could go out with me.  Why not I thought.  Why not.  I had recently taken my 87 ye