Ocean tribute

Apalachicola is a living homage to the Atlantic Ocean. Fishing, seafood and historic water transport form the entire substance of this village and all the other things just do not count. Blue crabs, jelly fish, groupers and mahi-mahi constitute but a small fraction of the staggering diversity of marine life that makes for the most valuable residents off the Apalachicola shores. Oysters, snappers, shark and tuna that people long for elsewhere, are so abundant here that people become blasé about them. You can fish for Amberjack, Rock Shrimp, Scallops and Mahi-Mahi, without fear of disturbing the bounteous ecology here. Learn to cook and eat sharks rather than the other way around and experience the thrill of a battle with ferocious swordfish that you dare harpoon. Remember to bring a certified photographer along, for your story of a prized 100-pound-plus catch should not be trifled with or discounted back home. Do not come here if you are vegetarian, for it is sacrilege to eat anything in Apalachicola that is not from the sea. Apalachicola 's reputation for oysters is well deserved, but there are many other marine gastronomic treasures to discover.

Most people would not accuse the English of being gourmets, so it is understandable that they preferred to develop the mouth of the Apalachicola River as a point to load cotton for mills back home. The village was a key port during the 19th century. The wetlands bred disease and an outbreak of infectious fever led an Apalachicola physician to invent the ice-machine here. The technology is used for air-conditioning and refrigeration to this day, though the enterprising Dr. Gorrie who invented it to cool his delirious patients did not live to get any part of his due credit. The Rail Road put a dampener to Apalachicola 's revenue model of harboring ocean-going vessels, and the town toyed briefly with lumber until there were few trees left! Fortunately, lessons of conservation and sustainability were well learnt and the town has never looked back since it took to fishing and processing of marine produce.

Aquatic life brings feathered friends in flocks to Apalachicola. Large numbers are permanently resident here and clouds of Arctic types stop over every spring and autumn in migration. People who are tired of lazing in the sun or who are tired of sumptuous seafood can try hiking in the Apalachicola forest and clock record sightings and calls of rare, colorful and melodious birds. The Estuarine Research Reserve has a magnificent population of reptiles, apart from the inevitable aquatic and feathered species, and walks through this ethereal wilderness will make a new person out of you. The Chapman Botanical Gardens is also worth as many visits as you can accommodate during your stay. Apalachicola's Historical Society offers a tour of famous old homes and building in the area.

Diving is another diversion to try in Apalachicola. Though the pelagic terrain has been the scene of many mishaps and battles, they say that no sunken treasures remain. Nevertheless the fish do not seem to mind, and ships such as the Empire Mica that sank as late as during World War II, are still worth an underwater expedition. Surfing and beach volleyball are other equally sportive though more conventional options of staying fit.

Many people left Apalachicola in the late 19th century, fearing infectious and fatal fever, but succeeding generations have begun to invest in homes and to return, with regular vacation time and even permanent residence. The place has an atmosphere that is rare on the modern and populated continent of North America. Anyone could seriously consider joining its present 2 thousand-odd permanent residents, and own a piece of this haven before it is too late.

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