Rising Temperatures

Freezing temperatures triggered the annual stone crab 'mud-in' late last November. And now we are on the reverse side of that process. Once the water temperature reaches 56-57 F, the first of the stone crab will make their appearance for a new season.

Through the off season there are research duties that must be performed. The compiling of raw data into SCDNR's software being the most important for the kids. Getting the boat back in shape is Capt. Dad's priority. The engine, despite all of our hopes still does not run properly. It has been in the shop for nearly three months with a number of highly qualified folks working on, trying this or that, re-testing, and scratching their collective heads.

Capt. Dad and first mate Mom are also scratching our own heads. As we pulled together receipts in preparation for filing our income taxes the reality of the costs associated with this research is staggering. But as I think back over the season and all that these kids have accomplished, we could have gone to Disney World ten times and not had had as much fun or created as many memories.