Blue Herons & Turpentine

John's morning walks usually end up in or near St. Andrews State Park where there are Blue Herons. This guy was literally standing only five feet from John. 

Gulf Islands National Seashore

Two rainy days out of 27 isn't so bad, but it still happens.

 

Wingin' It

We're in paradise at Latitude 30 and Wingin' it - both on land and at sea.

 

Margaritaville

Feeling the need for a Saturday outing, I suggested we tour Pier Park.  

Thanksgiving at the Beach

The American Thanksgiving marked our third week in paradise, and we're finally settling into a routine (of sorts). It begins pretty much as it does anywhere--with a piping hot cup of coffee as we ease into the day ahead. 

 

Shell Island

Shell Island is a barrier island located just east of St. Andrew's State Park and is only accessible by water. 

Raccoons, Helicopters, Kayaks and Winter Boots

One of the joys of Panama City Beach is the sheer length and breadth of it. 

 

Sun and Smiles

It's a new day with warmer temperatures. 

Lunch at Schooners

We haven't seen the sun in THREE whole days and as a result it's been chilly (as in the mid-fifties Fahrenheit range). Brrrr!

 

Happy Hour at the Beach

To mark the end of another day at the beach, I decided to create a little sunset celebration. Nothing fancy, but a fun, tasty, and easy happy hour at the beach. On Sunday we had guacamole, salsa and humus with roasted garlic/black bean chips.

Surf's Up

Yesterday's cloudy skies did not deter young or old from having a great time. With temperatures in the mid-seventies everyone hit the beach.

 

Sunset Beach Wedding

Sunsets are gorgeous here at the beach, and yesterday a young couple took full advantage of the sun, sand and surf to say "I do". 

 

St. Andrews Waterfront Farmer's Market

Saturday mornings are synonymous with farmers markets and this morning we checked out the St. Andrews Waterfront Farmers Market that is in Panama City. First booth we hit was Sweet Betty's. If I'd known earlier, I'd have skipped breakfast because Betty Brown (below) makes incredible homemade delights.

Emerald Coast Car Show

Today through Saturday the beach is lined with cars. Emerald Coast Cruisin' is a custom car show, hot rod festival, auto auction, street rod event, and swap meet.  How could we not check it out? 

St. Andrews State Park, FL

If you're a fan of author Janet Evanovich, you've read about the antics of one of her secondary characters, Ranger. He's a man of few words, always dresses in black, and is dangerous on so many levels. Yesterday, I snapped John's pic just before he headed out for his morning hike. I giggled and joked he was "my Ranger"! 

Calm Winds, Kayaks & Sunsets

I was surprised it took John five entire days to plunk his kayak in the Gulf, but yesterday was THE day.  

Florida Ironman Triathlon

On Saturday the Florida Ironman Triathlon took place in Panama City Beach. The participants first did a 2.4-mile swim in the Gulf of Mexico.

On the Beach in Florida's Panhandle

We arrived in the Florida Panhandle on Thursday afternoon and within the hour we hit the beach. 

 

Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

On day three of our drive south we drove through 4 states (Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Alabama). We also entered into the Central Time Zone and gained an hour. Wanting to use those extra 60 minutes wisely, we stopped at Kentucky's Mammoth Cave National Park.