(08-30-2023, 09:47 AM)727Sky Wrote: I have flown off shore (helicopter) around Panama City, Florida where an estimated hundred plus swimmers were frolicking in the surf. The bottom of the ocean in that area looks like sand dunes with anywhere between 10 and 30 feet of water covering the dunes. Resting upon the dunes were hundreds of sharks some much bigger than any humans swimming in the water. I had thought sharks had to keep swimming to breathe but evidently that is not so. I kept thinking I would read about a shark attack in the news paper but....nothing...
Another time I was sailing in a 14 foot sunfish sail boat and saw a fin. The wind was blowing almost 20 knots as I tacked to an island that was my destination; the gun rail was buried into the waters as I sped along. I was thinking the fin belonged to a Dolphin as it turned and headed my way (flipper coming to say hello etc etc). When the fin got abeam the sail boat it turned and headed to intercept me mid ship. I am leaned tacking right.... the fin belonged to a Mako shark which headed midships of the sail boat also on my right. He was rolled on his right side so I could see him looking at me with his black eye and toothy grin. If he would have struck the centerboard of the sunfish I would have been dumped into the ocean but he just passed under the boat and was gone. I realize water can magnify things but the Mako was every bit the length of the sail boat in my Mako shark shocked mind !
I always sailed and did stupid things as we had a 33 Foot Hunter sail boat that we stayed, ate, and slept upon a few days each month at the Yacht club.. I had planned on after retirement to do one of those sail all over the world kinda retirement things, but I finally got some sense and realized between the sea life that looked upon you as a meal (nothing personal) and hostile natives that would cut your throat and steal your stuff in certain parts of this world, well, that was a life style I could pass upon.
We had the boat for 7 years and I sold it for the same price I had paid for it..They say the two happiest days are when you buy a boat and when you sell it..
Salt water boats are not cheap as there is always maintenance and up keep.... we had certainly increased the worth of our little floating home away from home and I am glad for the experience....but...that chapter of this life's book is closed.
I did a lot of snorkeling in the Red Sea which has got to be one of the most hostile areas on the planet ... I always carried a long spear gun which I would us to push certain critters away with the pointy end (stick-a stick-a stab-a stab-a and they got the hint). I did not shoot sharks as the blood would just attract more sharks and other things that thought you might be tastier than their other menu choices . There were many Sharks in the Red Sea but unless you were spear fishing they usually left you alone as most critters did unless they were curious or you were intruding into their territory..
Makos are nasty, and get huge. And fast. Thankfully they like deeper water. We actually caught one on a boat when we were canyon fishing for tuna and blues. Maybe a 5-footer. We were going to bring it on the boat and release it, but as it sat there next to the boat clacking it's jaws, we though better of it and cut the line. Looks like someone threw a handful of teeth into its mouth, and they grew where they landed
You make a good point about sailing around the world. It sounds appealing to me too, but I hadn't considered the locals, pirates, etc. My focus was always on capsizing and being lucky enough to find a semi-hospitable island to eke a living off of. Once I made it past the goddamned sharks. I can't tell if I'm wiser now, or turning into a big puss the older I get
(08-30-2023, 11:15 AM)Grace Wrote: I love the water but I don't like water I can't see in. I keep my eyes open under water, always have, but I don't like murky water and in the ocean I don't like deep water.
New Smyrna beach back when you were born to 5 years old or so (I've not been in years so may have changed) was awesome as a result. You had to walk out far to get to waist deep water and it was perfectly clear and pristine water and the sand was a lighter color too which was great, everything stood out.
That was always my beach of choice, plus at low tide you just parked on the beach and had your lawn chairs, cooler and everything else right there and just did your sunning behind your car...
My daughter is your age (exactly) and I used to bring her playpen with us and cover it for her naps / quiet time. Lol...
But I totally understand your concern for sharks - I'm someone with the same concerns. But for me that extends to any water.
I've been face to face with a water moccasin before from skinny dipping at the rock quarry as a teen (DUMB!) Seen my fare share of snapping turtles in ponds, of course going down the St. John's River in Florida at sundown in an air boat and then shine a light over the water - when it looks like Christmas lights covering the water that's how many alligator eyes are looking at you - scary shit.. lol. I've had my toes nibbled on by curious catfish, which can get huge ..
So I want to see in any water I'm in, and see clearly... Lol
Sorry if I gave you more fears...
Good old New Smyrna. I never had the pleasure to swim in the shark bite capital
I did love Florida though. My aunt had a house in New Port Richey, complete with a closed-in pool that was screened and covered with anoles every morning. They were fun to catch until one latched onto my thumb. That little prick stayed latched on for about 10 minutes, but I'm the one who messed with it, so I couldn't harm it.
They also had a gator in their community pond that people would brilliantly feed.
We went to the Gulf of Mexico one day we were there, that water was amazing. Up to my chest in water and I could see my feet. No waves though. Can't have it all, I guess.
I enjoyed Florida, but I'm a cold-weather guy. Once the charm wore off I'd be miserable in humid-year-round Florida