After hearing rave reviews about Fort De Soto Park, between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, we were curious to see for ourselves. This County Park gets over 3 million visitors each year and after walking around the grounds we were not surprised. The waterfront sites were beautiful and private.
Within minutes Allen had sniffed out the Gulf Pier and before I knew it, he was doing what he does best, fishing!! The Pier was equipped with running water, sinks, benches and stiff brushes everything for the fishing fanatic.
I lazed away most of the day watching the dolphins jumping out the water and the pelicans diving in. I attempted to read my book but unfortunately I got 'bombed' from a great height and NO it's NOT lucky!! (But it is funny,A.).
Keaton Beach
Set up camp at the Old Pavilion RV Park - it was a back to nature experience, the showers were in a rustic shack and the toilets were sectioned off by plastic curtains (see-through ones I might add) but such an amazing location right on the beach.
From the jetty we could see some spooky looking poles with hats and faces on them. Not sure if they were past campers who out stayed their welcome.
Our coastal travels led us to a couple of wonderful seafood sheds.
The outside of the buildings looked incredibly rough but that was nothing compared to the people inside! Only kidding. Never judge a book by the cover. We are testament to the bucketful of oysters and prawns we consumed, they were out of this world.
Not sure if any of our readers remember the movie Deliverance.....well, we just had to download it and watch it again. I'm sure it was filmed right here!!
Florida's Forgotten Coast
Landed at St George Island one of Florida's long narrow barrier islands off the Gulf of Mexico. We camped at the picturesque State Park that had over 9 miles of undeveloped beaches and dunes.
Hiked along a 2 mile nature trail through the pine forest and salt marshes. We photographed some huge paw prints on one of the dunes. We thought it was a Panther as they live in this area but the Park Ranger said it was a Jaguar. Whatever it was it had BIG feet.
The St George Lighthouse had a troubled life. Three earlier Lighthouses were destroyed by a number of heavy storms, tidal surges and a hurricane. The fourth construction, and hopefully final, was completed in 2008.
"That Place off 98" is the mastermind of MikeKeller, once a professional golfer now turned restaurateur. Lunch was beautifully cooked and presented. Highly recommended by the Gauts. Clever name too.
Met this high and dry Diver outside the Apalachicola Sponge Company - walked inside this amazing shop that looked like a ship wreck. Bought a sponge (could only afford one arrh).
Pensacola
The town's war memorial to the fallen servicemen was excellent.
On a lighter note we found this doggy sign in a park - good to see the dogs of Pensacola getting the last woof!!
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