June 5th by the Gulf

We had a beautiful drive today and are nestled in by the beach in Carrabelle FL. It's a small park right on the water. The view is amazing.

We had a busy day yesterday. Got up early and went over the bridge to Navarre Beach. Beautiful white sand beach. It was a long board walk out to a very large sandy beach. My knee is doing so much better. I was able to walk all the way out. The sand was wonderful. So clean and nice. We didn't go to the water. It was a distance and the soft sand and my leg were not friends. It was a neat little island/finger beach town. Not to crazy. Lots of families in vacation rentals. We drove the whole strip down to the National beach. So beautiful. The dunes are protected and roped off to preserve them. Navarre is well known for the turtle sanctuary and rescue. We did not take the tour. But the little golf cart thing sure was cute. I was surprised by the amount of families piled in 4-6 seat fancy golf carts headed to the beach. Fun to see all the families. We drove around Navarre and towards Ft. Walton Beach. Very pretty area. I went with my cousin to visit her darling art shop where she sells her paintings and work from other artists. Nice to see it in person. Beautiful things.

We went into Pensacola over the big bridge. Wow, night and day. I felt like I was dropped in Cancun. Yes I'm old. It was beautiful, but oh my the amount of people was insane. It was 7 pm. The streets were full. I must live a sheltered live in retirement community. I have not seen that much butt crack and boobs in a long time! I think I stared in awe. We went to Flounders right on the beach. It was really good and the view was nice. Thank you Carolyn and Tom for a wonderful dinner and letting us visit you and your lovely place. Cousins need to stick together. Sure nice to spend time with you.

We left early this morning and headed south on 98. It follows the coast and is beautiful. Dave spent many college and family vacations in the Grayton and Santa Rosa area. We took 30A right along the shore in that area. Dave had a moment of shock and sadness with all the new development and crowded area. It took us twice as long as planned. We had to dodge the people, dogs, kids, bikes (galore) and traffic. It was a different overwhelming than Pensacola. This was families and multiple generations. It was pretty, trendy and full of people. We were completely surprised how developed it was. It used to be out in the sticks. Not a piece of the entire way was missed being developed. The only area remaining as it used the be was the State park. It was a very upscale and nice area, we both agreed way to congested for us. Sad to say we don't think we would go back. We did see the Condos that they stayed in on Creason's first birthday 🎈

We continued down 98 the terrain definitely changed. Still coastal, the trees changed and we saw pines and the Kudzu. We drove through Tyndall AFB. It was destroyed by hurricane Michael. Friends of ours in Colorado had spent years there after the destruction planning and designing the base. Travis I have to say it's going to be very nice and the building continues. Thank you for your service as base commander there.

We saw our first Piggly Wiggly! Made us both happy.

We found a few small areas of Florida that have not been changed to resorts. Mexican Beach was just cute, older buildings, We both spent time in Florida in our youth and younger years. We certainly notice the changes and growth.

We made our way to Carrabelle, Fl.

Ho Hum Beach and RV park. We are so happy to be here. It's our speed, small laid back and quiet. The host was amazing and led Dave right to our spot by the beach. I rode in the old school golf cart with her. I even have an orange picnic table to match Poppy🧡

We have a great view. The beach is right in front of us. There is a pier we walked out on tonight. The tide is out and birds were having a ball. It is not very deep on the coast here at all.

We are across from St. George's Island and Dog Island. We can see across. The lights are glowing tonight. Big long stretch of lights.

It sure was nice to put

our feet in the sand. We finally didn't have rain. We sat outside for dinner and Dave grilled burgers. Nice to sit outside and eat.

We will be here a few days. We look forward to some reading, walking the beach, exploring and just chillin!