1/24 - 1/28/2013
Gulfport, FL
Navy SeaBee Base

We were here last year so not too much to report, great beaches, good weather, nice people and just a great place to walk the beaches, and great seafood.  I had developed a nasty cold and just didn't feel like going out too much and didn't even feel like taking pictures so these are from last year.

Look at the whiskers on this guy.

I was experimenting with some settings for out in the bright sun and sand and I got a few of them a little too dark.

These docks and shops were completed this year.













It's been 7 years since Katrina and still many damaged homes, vacant lots and lots of building going on.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by

Nancy

Ho Hum, I guess we'll stay here

1/11 - 1/17/2013
Ho Hum RV  Park
Carrabelle, FL
On the Gulf

Oops, I forgot to post this one.

This was only about 130 mile drive and plenty far enough, as Joe was still recovering and tired easily. We stayed at Ho Hum last year and really liked it, quiet and only 5 miles from the little village of Carrabelle a nice place to eat, The Fisherman's Wife, and an IGA and no traffic lights.

A beautiful sunset the day we arrived.

                                         Sunrise

At the memorial park.  These statues are about 4' tall.

Lighthouse at St Joseph island, about 3 miles across the water from Carrabelle.

The Atlantic Ocean side of St Joe Island.  There are several islands and spits of land all forming barrier islands along the Gulf.












We had a nice relaxing time here, very clean and everyone is very friendly, also the beach is dog friendly.

Have a great day,

Nancy

1/18 - 1/20/2-13
Destin, FL
Army Recreation Area
Destin is sort of like a mini Miami on the Gulf, hopefully it does not become another Miami.  Many water ways, white sand and very expensive boats.  The boat pictured in the background is for sale, a 38' for a mere $1,650,000.  It must have gold fixtures in the galley and head.  Of course a boat like this maybe they call is chef's kitchen.  There is only one really really tall big hotel/condo which is behind me.  They do have a really nice board walk and not too many people, but... come March it will be body to body with spring break kids.

Views from the Army recreation camp

They have a fun water park but you can't see the many spouts of water coming up.  This cute little girl is shooting water out the cannon.











All and all, we had a good time, the place is just too busy for us even in this off season.  I can't imagine what it's like later on in the year.

Have a great day

Nancy

Part 2

Next stop was only 125 miles away at the Topsail Hill Preserve State Park for the annual Airstream Canopener.  The fees there were $42.00 per night, yes that's right $42.00.  We have never spent this much for a "Resort" RV park let alone a state park.  Well, this place is like a resort, including a swiming pool, tennis, basketball courts and three small lakes to fish in and they actually catch good size fish. I didn't know what to expect, but was pleasently surprised, the place was fantastic and very clean.  They even use a blower to clean the leaves and pine needles from every spot before the next campers come.  We had a great time,  no planned activities except for a the best dinner and breakfast pot luck I have ever attended.  The rangers also put on a "Breakfast with the Rangers" for us, all cooked by volunteers of the park.  The Rangers gave a very informative talk about prescribed burns in the forest, including a slide show.  Even though I am still recovering from the shock of $42.00 per night, since it was only three nights we will probably attend this event again next year if we are in the area, and I think we will be.

Site # 168 Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

Waiting for the dinner bell to ring

Almost time to start dinner

We didn't get away from the Airstream Canopener until about 11 am Sunday so our next stop in the small town of Carabelle seemed like a long drive even though it was only 130 miles.  But along the way we stopped  in the cute little town of Apalachicola, had a late lunch, walked around town and actually spent money at a cute place called "The Tin Shed".  I usually don't buy souvenirs but they had the cutest pink flamingo I have ever seen.   They had a lot of junk too as Joe calls it... "A lot of leaver-rites" (leaver-rite there)  Apalachicola is the oyster capitol of the world, they have an annual oyster cook-off in one week.  Unfortunately we won't be able to stay for it.  Joe had fried oysters for lunch and they were delicious.  I had grouper, a mild white fish that was just as good.

The flamingos have only one leg and they wobble back and forth in the wind

Basket of sponges, apparently years ago there was a lot of sponges brought in here and they were processed and then sent around the country.

leaving Apalachicola

10 miles later just one mile from our next campsite

We are at a nice quiet RV Park just four miles east of Carabelle, "Ho-Hum RV Park", full hook-ups and only 29.00 per night right on the Gulf.  This place was wiped out during Katrina and has been slowly recovering.  This is a really nice place if you just want to relax.  Also close by is Tates Hell State Forest and Apalachicola National Forest.  There are two state parks that we had to pass up that we will check out next time.  One on St. Joseph Island and the other St. George Island.

Safe Travels to all

Nancy & Joe