Bill's Blog

Just this morning I gained a new appreciation for the Destin area–the water here is truly spectacular.

Had you driven by the Frangista Beach area this morning, about 8:30 am, you could have seen me standing on the water about 50 yards offshore.  Had you looked another 60 yards or so, you would have seen a couple of dolphins patrolling for breakfast.

I went this morning to check the beach conditions, and also embarked on a new exercise regiment.  What brilliant plan have I devised for toning my flab?  Simple–I’ve decided to start STANDING UP.  Really–that’s it.  I spent 40 minutes this morning standing up, falling, swimming, then standing, wobbling, kneeling, standing . . . then repeating as necessary.  Now, 4 hours later, the muscles from my toes [really--can you ever remember actively engaging the muscles of your toes?!]  up through my back are feeling the impact.  Is that lactic acid I smell?

Standing up is more challenging than it looks–if you’re stagnant, about 40 pounds overweight, and standing on a paddleboard. [Think of a surfboard and a long canoe oar.]

Nonetheless, if you’re going to be standing anyway, let me recommend the paddleboard.  It’s a fun challenge and a quick workout.  More amazing, though, is the company you’ll keep.  I went out alone, and therefore I noticed more of the ocean life that darts through the water.  The June Grass is clearing out, and I remember why millions of people visit this area.  The water is truly spectacular.

And that leads me to the question of the day:  How is the oil situation?

From where I was standing, it couldn’t have looked better.

I’ve surveyed the news outlets this morning, and to my knowledge, all is still clear.  Amidst the wreckage being done in along the coast, I can’t help but wonder–“How has Destin been spared this long?”

There’s a few reasons, I surmise.  If you see an aerial map of the area, we sit somewhat further into the Gulf–like the land here got a nudge away from the water.  Also–and this is amazing to see–the winds and currents have controlled the dispersion of the oil.  In previous blogs, I’ve linked the “oil tracker,” courtesy of the New York Times.  Click here to see the path of the oil since the spill. When the page opens, you’ll see the location/estimates from today.  Scroll the slider back to the first day of the explosion on the rig, press play, and you’ll be shocked.  When you see how the oil has so randomly spread, you’ll see why the “predictions” of impact are more like SWAG’s.  [Scientific, Wild-A$$ Guesses]

So today again, I’m thrilled to say–The Water is Beautiful!  Wish you were here!

-mr. bill

PS:   I told you that I went paddleboarding alone, and I should explain.  Most paddleboarders, frankly, wouldn’t be able to stay with me.  When you travel that slow, and lumber around that clumsily, few athletes could keep my pace.  Not that I’m bragging or anything.  I’m just sayin’.