One of my favorite rituals took place midday. After a fishing or beach morning, I’d return to The Palms, hang a “do not disturb” sign on my RV, and head to the solar-heated swimming pool. I’d do slow laps, float, let the sun warm me, then move to the gas-heated hot tub to soak.
One afternoon, I sat in the hot tub with a local couple who told me about hidden shrimping spots, secret gulf eateries, the best times to fish. We swapped recipes — they taught me a spicy crawfish boil they do in Louisiana; I shared gulf shrimp ceviche (shrimp marinated with lime, jalapeño, red onion, cilantro).
That evening I made the ceviche, served with tortilla chips, and watched the sunset as shadows lengthened. That simple cycle — adventure, then pool, then soak — became a daily balm.