Crackin' & Packin'

Today was the annual stonecrab festival at a nearby sleepy town on the Gulf. We went prepared for battle, armed with drop cloths and various implements of destruction. As we approached the outdoor dining area, we heard the familiar rhythm of wooden mallets pounding the flamingo-colored claws. The whacking and thumping was occasionally interrupted by a shriek from someone on the receiving end of a shrapnel barrage or a spritz of crab juice. We claimed two spots at a table and headed off to various booths to assemble our feast. For just over $50, we gorged on a mountain of smoked mullet dip, a kilo of stonecrab claws, gator tail, the best crab cake ever, and breaded and fried sweet potatoes and green beans. (Yes, they fry every vegetable down here.)The guy next to me and I took turns showering folks with shell debris and goo. Soon everyone in our vicinity was wishing for a shower or car wash. (At least Tom and I hadn't dressed up, as some of the newbies had.) Now we are home, fending off the cat and dog, and vowing not to eat again until tomorrow. It's time for me to start packing. I leave Wednesday for a two-week trip to China and Taiwan. It will take me 24 hours

of travel to get there, and I hope to post again before the end of the week, provided I can get on-line. (Photos will have to wait until I return.)