We drove about 60 miles from Niceville to St. Andrews State Park near Panama City, FL. Gypsy backed up in our spot on the Grand Lagoon and we had our own tiny little beach.
St. Andrews State Park has over a mile and a half of beach on the Gulf just around the point from where we were parked.
We did have to share the yard with another resident. He does love sitting in the sun and drying out his wings.
He was there before us but seemed willing to share.
To get to the beach you pass by the mossy woods.
And Gator Lake. No luck seeing any gators.
Then there it is....................another beach. Each one different in its own way.
I can clearly see why they call this the Emerald Coast.
The water is so many colors but the green seems to stand out.
More beauty here than in any emerald ring.
There were very few people on the beach. A few boaters were out on the water.
A kitesurfer kept us as avid observers for quite awhile.
He could maneuver back and forth at will jumping the waves and "getting air."
We told him we had enjoyed watching him and he told us how much fun it is. We can't use age as an excuse for not trying it. He was not a young man.
On a day that was cold and windy we went into Panama City. Again...............not what we remembered. The beach is lined with high rise hotels and condos. No more just driving along the beach.
Lots of things to do for tourists in the area. This is the outside of the Ripley's Believe It Or Not.
Wish I would have gotten a better picture of this. It is a perfectly depicted upside down building. It is the WonderWorks entertainment center that focuses on science exhibits.
The wind was really whipping up the surf.
This little guy put his head into the wind and hunkered down. Not sure why he wouldn't leave the parking lot for somewhere more sheltered. Maybe waiting for a handout.
The red flag was flying warning of dangerous surf. It should have warned us of a dangerous movie. Since it was cold we thought a movie would be a nice way to stay warm. I admit I chose the movie. Hail Caesar.....................the best I could say is George Clooney looked good. Walt wouldn't say there was anything good. OK I guess we would have to admit we laughed once or twice.
There was no danger of the food not being good here. More delicious seafood (and pepper slaw... yum) with lots to look at on the walls and ceiling. Money, guns and surfboards. Seems to cover anyones interests.
J Michael has owned and run the restaurant for 35 years. It has had 3 different locations as it has grown. A local woman recommended it to Walt..........it is where the locals go. Good food and fun.
Stormy days do make for good sunsets.
We were fortunate that there was only the one cold day. The sun and warmth returned and there was plenty of time to spend on another of the beaches at the park.
This beach is across from Shell Island. It is an uninhabited barrier island that later on in the year they have shuttles going across so you can explore.
It was virtually deserted and there were plenty of shells to find.
The day was ending under a vanilla sky. This is Walt's favorite way to enjoy the beach. That is him comfortable in a chair looking out to sea.
Back to our own little beach where the sunset has turned the water into shades of pink and purple.
"The cure for anything is salt water......sweat, tears or the sea."
Isak Dinesen