After we had gone through the formalities, over a beer I asked Bob where I could pick up tools and other DIY equipment (I was oblivious to Home Depot and LOWES).

After a few more beers Bob asked if I would like to go fishing.

I had not been fishing for 35 years since I was 8 years old but because I was in Florida on holiday and Bob was obviously good company I decided to accept his offer.

I quickly felt I had been a bit to eager to accept his invitation when he then informed me he would like to be in the water for 6am, that I should be at his house for around 5am which is in Oviedo (near Sanford) meaning I would have to be up and out for around 4am.

The following Sunday morning Carol (thinking I was mad) made sure I had the obligatory sun blocks and creams before I went on my way.

Upon arrival at Bobs he informed me we would need to pick up supplies on our way to the boat ramp. We called into a supermarket and unbeknown to me Bob picked up 2 sandwiches (subs 18inches long and 6in wide) Diet coke and a pack of beer.

At about this time I again began to feel a little uneasy about what I had let myself in for.

The boat was in the water for just after 6am.

We motored around for a while looking for a good spot to cast our lines.

We ended up on Indian River just north of the astronaut hall of fame on SR 405.

By 7:30am we had opened our first beer (Bob assuring me it was 5pm somewhere in the world) and were eating the first half of our sub. We were passing the time of day in conversation just getting to know one another and Bob instructing me on the finer points of fishing when I was suddenly struck by the tranquillity of the occasion.

Here we were sat in the Florida sunshine in almost silent surroundings eating a sandwich and drinking beer. The time just disappeared.

By 3 o’clock in the afternoon the boat had been visited by 3 Manatee and an alligator. In addition 4 dolphins had decided to shadow the boat for most of the day.

To use an American term it was awesome. I just sat in the boat and watched these creatures in their natural habitat. What I had previously seen only in captivity I now had the privilege of seeing in the wild.

Bob could not understand why I sat so long in silence he had thought I wasn’t well. I was so involved in what I was witnessing I didn’t even remember to take any photos.

In the space of a few hours I had seen and done things I had never done before.

Not the mad rides or the enormity of the theme parks but the simple pleasure of sitting in a boat, drinking beer and observing the natural world, not being interrupted by anything or anyone. Bob and I have become very good friends and have been fishing and drinking together on many occasions but that day was definitely a day to remember.

Brian Pearson