Florida 2014

July 18, 2014

Flagler College

Catholic Church

 Started the day by walking around historical old town of St Augustine.   The architecture in this area is simply beautiful.   I love the cream and burnt orange colors they use.  Very stunning. 

I had read that St George street was the street for shopping, boy is that an understatement.  This street is 7-8 blocks long, with shops & restaurants everywhere.   Think we went into 80%, just looking, did not buy anything.  Did try on a few things!

While on St George street, you get to see the oldest wooden school in the USA.   I

Oldest wooden school in USA

Lightner Museum

We then headed to the river, took some pics of the boats and then headed to the Lightner Museum.

Mr. Lightner was a publisher from Chicago who bought many items during the depression.   He needed a place to showcase the items, so in 1946 purchased the vacant Alcazar Hotel.   After remodeling he opened the museum in 1949 and then gave it to St Augustine in 1950.  What an amazing collection he has spread out over three floors.   It's the most impressive museum we've seen!



July 17, 2014

World Golf Hall of Fame

Toured the World Golf Hall of Fame today.   This is a wonderful museum that displays all the champions through out the years.   It was interesting reading about all the old players plus many of the champions that we grown up with.

France Ouimet and his caddy

When you arrive, you have the opportunity to tour the Hall of Fame, which is two stories.   The main floor had an exhibit on Bob Hope, as most know, he was an avid golfer plus entertainer.  His contribution to the game of golf was amazing!

Next you go upstairs and learn about the history of golf.   It started in Scotland and progressed to around the world.  The picture with Bobby, has France Ouimet and his caddy Eddie Lowery.  France was considered the "Father of Amateur Golf".  They even made a movie about him.."greatest game ever played".   Great movie!

While upstairs, you go through different aspects of the game, learning about the game and the participants.  They even let you putt, test clubs, watch movies, see the players lockers, etc.   You also have a quiz that makes you read and research for clues, that was fun.  We spent about 4 hrs in this museum.

Caddy Shack

With our admission, you get 2 balls to try to hit over water onto a green.   Bobby made it but I did not.  If he had gotten a hole in one, we would have gotten money, too bad, no money!

Nancy Lopez's trophies

Next we played 18 holes of golf...oh, it was putt putt golf!!!!  Bobby beat me, he is so good at putting!

After our demanding game...lol....we went to Bill Murray's Caddy Shack to have a drink to cool us off.  Fun place to hang out!

Then we headed toward home, stopping at the premium outlet mall.   Bought a few things....Bobby bought a funky pair of shoes.   Wait to you see them!


July 16, 2014

Unique cannon Castillo de San Marcos

Standing on the bridge over the moat

Left Daytona around 10 and arrived in St Augustine around 11:30.   Had a few rain showers but nothing    that caused us to have to pull over to the side of the road...thankful for that!   Once settled in at St Johns RV park, we had lunch and then headed to Castillo De San Marcos  It is the oldest building/city in the USA, it's very impressive and even has a moat!  When we were crossing the moat, I told Bobby it felt like we were in a Harry Potter movie!

Entrance to Castillo de San Marcos

While traveling to Fort Matanzas, we stopped at the St Augustine lighthouse.   Did not climb it today, wanted to make sure we had enough time to see the fort.

St Augustine Lighthouse

Arrived at Fort Matanzas (another national park) at 3:20, the ferry that actually takes you to the fort was leaving at 3:30.   We took the short ferry ride (10 min) and arrived at Rattlesnake Island (named after the many rattlesnake on this island).   You have to walk a very short distance to get to the fort, it's the smallest fort we've ever seen.   It was built to defend Castillo De San Marcos and St Augustine from the British.  This fort was never fired upon but they fired their guns many times at the British.  It protects the southern entrance to the Matanza River.  

Fort Matanza

Just as we arrived at the coach, the skies opened and boy did it rain!  We waited in the truck for 10 min but realized it was not going to let up.  Bobby got out the umbrella and ran to open the coach.   He then came to get me, suggested I take off my shoes as there was 2-3" of water on the ground.  So I took them off and ran into the house!   Only in Florida does it rain like this!

 July 15, 2014

Dale Jr winning car 2014

main grandstands

Left around 9 to head to the race track, first tour is 10 and it’s a first come, first serve tour.   When you arrive, you can look around at the track (see from 4^th corner), look at the exhibits, spend money in the store, etc.   At 10 they loaded us onto the tram and toured us through the facility.   You get to see the pits, a suite, etc.   Very similar to Indianapolis tour we took 2 yrs ago.  

Infield view

Winners circle

One of the interesting things happening to this track, they are expanding the seating between the main grandstands.   When complete they’ll lose about 1/3 of their current capacity!   The seats will be bigger & wider, plus they are adding entertainment facilities right behind the seats.   On the opposite side of the track on the back stretch, these seats will be torn down, not sure what will replace them…some of the possibilities casino, hotels, rv parking.   Time will tell!

Weather is coming back so we are heading to Lowe’s, Bobby needs a part of the water hose.   Got home just in time…once again storms have returned.   We’ll wait it out at home for now.

July 14, 2014

Ponce Inlet Lighthouse

Boardwalk at Daytona Beach

Travel day, left around 7:40 and headed to Sebastian to Indian River Repair.   We thought our dash air vacuum was bad, but they tested and said it was good.   Now it’s either a hole in a hose or who knows what…having an appt in St Augustine to get air conditioner fixed.   We continued onto Daytona, arriving around 12.  We settled into our home for next two days, International RV Park, nice place and very close to Daytona 500.  We drove by the race track on our way in, it’s huge…bigger than the Indianapolis track I think.

Bobby decided to look for the fuse that is causing our entry steps to not work, located it and replaced the 7.5 amp fuse.   I asked him if that maybe was part of the vacuum problem, sure enough it was!   We are back in working order…yeah, Bobby!!!!

My favorite bird!

Later in the afternoon I decided we should go see the Ponce Inlet lighthouse, which is named after the famous Ponce De Leon.   This is an active lighthouse and is a treasure to see.   They have several buildings that you are allowed to visit, giving you history of the equipment, etc.

Love the ocean

 Next we drove down the inlet to look at the beach, houses, etc.   We saw the infamous boardwalk and went an played a little in the ocean.   Weather is coming, alert on my phone going off…every day we have thunderstorms but this one is bringing heavy rains and high winds.  

We got home about 6, just as it started to pour.   From the truck to the coach, we were both soaked….it’s amazing how hard it rains!   Heavy thunder and lighting, lasting about 3 hrs, we are supposed to have these storms for 4-5 days.   Hopefully we don’t get any damaging hail, etc.

July 13, 2014

Our last golf outing with Mike & Diane, however the weather was a problem!  Just as we were finish the 9^th hole, the skies open up and poured.   We headed into the clubhouse to wait out the storm.   Had lunch in hopes it would stop by time we finished, no such luck.  Decided it was not happening so headed home.   Dropped them off at their house and we went home to do laundry….heading to Daytona tomorrow.

July 12, 2014

Kacy & Rob visit us

Navy Seal Museum

My cousin Kacy & her husband Rob came to visit us.   It’s been 15 years since I saw Kacy and that was at her father’s funeral.    It was good to catch up on the family, etc.   After visiting for an hr or so, we decided to visit the Navy Seal Museum in Fort Pierce, picked up Mike, as he wanted to join us.  

The museum displays history of how the seals got started, etc.   There is no current information as that is still classified; we were hoping to see info on our nephew Eric, but not the case.   They have several displays, boats, movies, etc. that you get to review.   One of the most interesting things was the life boat that Captain Phillips was in when the seals rescued him from the pirates.  

Don't shoot me Bobby!

Captain Phillips life raft

We headed to lunch after the museum, Mike took us to a local seafood restaurant.   It was excellent!   Came back to the coach around 2, where we visited with Kacy & Rob until Mike and Diane picked us up at 6 for pizza.   Kacy & Rob headed back to Winter Haven.   It was so nice to visit with her; we promised we would see each other before another 15 yrs pass.

July 11, 2014

 

Some of the jewels they found

Mel Fisher museum

Left around 9:00 and headed to Sebastian, where we toured the Mel Fisher Museum.  He is famous for his treasure findings, in particular when he located the ship the Atocha, which sunk in 1715.   Since he discovered this in the late 1960, he’s made millions on the treasures he’s found.   Mostly from gold & silver coins, jewelry, etc. 

We watched a movie about his life, very interesting.  No wonder millions come to this area of FL and dive in hopes of finding some kind of treasure…back in 1715, over 15 ships sunk because of a hurricane.

Hunting for treasures

If only we could get it out!

Next stop was Melbourne, Fl where we watched the dolphins play in the Indian River.   We then went to the beach, so I could look for sea shells, never get enough of those!   We then headed down the A1A back towards Sebastian, where we stopped at the Barrier Island Sanctuary.  Here they are protecting the sea turtle.  

 We watched to movies, learned a lot about turtles and Florida.   They think that because of the weather, that the beach is eroding and the sea turtles will have to find another place to lay eggs unless we do something besides put up sea walls.   Certainly this could happen in our life time!

Salt destroys metals

Some of the forks they found

We then drove down the road a little further where we stopped at the McLarty Museum.   Here we watched another movie about treasure hunting.  Very similar to Mel Fisher Museum, but you get to see different treasures they’ve collected.

We then headed to home, it’s about 3:30 and it’s about 45 min to home.



July 10, 2014

Met Mike & Diane at their golf club at 8:30, it was a beautiful sunny day with a few clouds, but nothing unusual.   Then on about the 6 hole, it started to sprinkle.  We could see the clouds off in the distance, no problems.  Even though it’s raining, we continue to play, its 90 degrees, not exactly cold!  And then, just as we are finishing the 9^th hole, we can see the heavy raining coming towards us.  Mike suggests we go to their house and wait out the storm sounds good to us.
 
We get to their house and honestly we aren’t there 5 minutes when it pours.  Then the thunder and lightning came, we even heard the warning sirens telling golfers to get off the course.   Sounds like the tornado warnings we heard two years ago.   Diane fixed lunch and while we were eat out under their patio area, thunder was so close it shook us.   Not fun…and to make it worse, I just heard on the news that lighting could have struck us even though we were under the patio.   I hate FLORIDA!!!!   Believe me, we will not ever buy a home here and it will be a while before we return….sorry Mike & Diane!

After about 1 ½ hrs, we returned to the course to complete our round of golf.   It was raining but no thunder or lighting in site.  However, the course was so wet; there was standing water all over it.   When we were driving on the golf cart paths, the water was 5-6 inches deep.   The manager came out when we were on 15^th hole and asked that we stay in the ruff, too much water on the course.   They had already shut it down but were going to let us finish.  

We finished all but the 18^th hole, it was just too wet and we didn’t want to ruin the course.  We loaded our clubs into the truck and went home to clean up.   We went swimming and then got ready to go back to Mike & Diane’s for dinner.   They barbequed a tri-tip, it was excellent.   We stayed and reminisced about old times until around 8:30 and then headed home.  It was so much fun visiting with them.

July 9, 2014

Bobby fixed breakfast and then we washed the coach, OK, he washed the coach.  I did rinse it!   Once we were done, he need to rest awhile….it’s humid, even at 9 AM.  He must have lost 5 pounds in sweat!

Art in town

Playing in the Atlantic

Around 11:30, we headed to the beach; you have to cross the Indian River, which we took the 17^th street bridge, which puts you onto to the peninsula.  We drove down Ocean Blvd, stopping at a few parks and shops.   We then headed to Pelican Island National Refuge.   Guess what, we only saw one pelican!  What the heck!   Guess they were out to sea fishing!

We then drove back over the Indian River and went to the Ecological Center.  Here they offer you the opportunity to wonder around their 65 acres.   During this time of the year, you might see turtles, manatees or dolphins.  Since it was already 90, we elected to come back another day, not handling the heat well today!

Vero Beach, FL

Decal from Citrus Industry

This area, Indian River is infamous for their citrus.   We stopped and toured the Citrus museum, very small but has good history about the citrus industry.   Per the lady, over 90% of all grapefruit in Florida is shipped to Japan!

Next stop was to get some distilled water for the coach batteries.  Since it was now 3, we had a late lunch at a Chinese restaurant; it was VERY bland Chinese food!


Came home, we might go swimming but thunderstorms are coming our way!
 

July 8, 2014

Sandhill Cranes with babies

We met Mike and Diane at their house, as Bobby & Mike are teeing off 1 hr in front of us.  Bobby is playing in Mike’s men’s league and Diane & I are just playing with a group of her friends.    It was hot and humid even before we teed off, which was not good.   By the time we finished the 14^th hole, we were done.   Bobby & Mike were just finishing 18th hole, so that worked out perfect.   We went into the clubhouse and had a delicious lunch.  I must say this is a gorgeous course that makes ours in Havasu look like a pasture!    

Vero Beach, FL

On the 12^th hole, we saw 2 Sandhill Cranes and their babies.   So cute!!!!

Came home after lunch and went swimming, it was so refreshing!   I went in to the chamber of commerce and picked up some brochures.  On the way back, took a peek at the Atlantic Ocean

July 7, 2014

Dinner with Mike & Diane

We traveled from Crystal River to Vero Beach, getting here around 1 PM, took hwy 98 & 60, so we could see more of the countryside, beautiful drive that allowed us to see lots of small towns, etc.    Once we settled in, we waited for Mike and Diane to return from their trip to Conn. to see family.   They arrived around 5 PM, we visited for about 30 min, they went home to freshen up and then came back around 6:30 to pick us up for dinner, took us to a nice restaurant along the Indian River. 

After dinner we went to their home, they live on the Indian River Country Club grounds.   What a beautiful home they have that overlooks the 10^th green on the golf course, giving them the perfect view of golfers going by.

Left their house around 9:00 and came home to watch TV.   Tomorrow we play golf with them.

July 6, 2014

We stayed home today, caught up on some chores, replaced the grout around the sink counters, etc.  Bobby did a great job and replacing the grout.   Went swimming later in the afternoon, otherwise it was a very slow day for us!!!

 

July 5, 2014
 

Banana Spider

Today we headed to Homosassa, FL to visit the Homosassa State Park, it's about 10 miles from us.  In this park, they rescue injured animals, including Manatees, Alligators, various birds, etc.   It's one of the best parks we have seen, even better than many of the zoos that we've attended.   You get to get up close to a lot of the animals, they are in cages per say, but open enough to allow for great viewing.   We highly recommend this park should you ever get to this area.

Manatee Pond

Our first stop in the park was the Manatee program, here they tell you about them, how much they eat...100+ lbs a day.  I'm surprised there any seaweed left in the area!   The four they have here are all female, don't want them having babies since they can't train their young to migrate.  You can also view them thru an underwater viewing area.   Nicely done!

Alligator

While walking to the Alligators, Bobby saw this huge spider (Golden Silk Orbweaber (banana spider)), we WILL NOT be going off any paths!!!  In the alligator pen they have about a dozen of them, they are just lying around.   They don't feed them during visiting hours, as they don't want the public to get the idea it's OK to feed them.   At one point I was taking a picture of one when it opened and closed it's mouth.  Scared the holly you know what out of me!   Bobby laughed so hard!  Thought it had eaten me.   The hippo lives next door, they feed him while you watch.  Huge mouth!

Flamingos

They have all kinds of birds: owls, pelicans, spoonbills, ibis, flamingos, swans, eagles, etc.  I got some great pictures of these beautiful birds.

The bear was sleeping so we didn't get to see him much.   They also have wolves, bobcat, snakes, otters, etc.  We spent about 3 hrs but you could spend 4-5 if you watch all of the programs they offer.

You have the option of taking the tram or the boat to the actual park, we took the tram going to the park and the boat coming back.   On the way back on the boat, we saw lots of turtles.

Owl

Next stop was the Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins, you don't get to see much but you do get to read the plaques and learn about this old sugar mill.

Bald Eagle

We then drove around town, stopped at the Old Mill Tavern, here they were having a Mullet Toss (fish).  What people do....it smelled so fishy!   I couldn't stand it, so we left.   Head to old Homosassa, it's right on the Homosessa River.  Had a drink at "The Shed", it's right on the river.   Here we could watch the boats, it's scallop season and anyone and everyone had their boat out trying to find the scallops.  We talked to one person, they got 50 scallops and once cleaned, might have 1/4 lb of meat, it took them 3 hrs to get the 50.  Certainly not worth it to me!


July 4, 2014

Three Sister Springs

Paddling???

Happy Independence Day everyone!  I'm so excited, we went kayaking this morning and actually got to see 3 manatees.   The first one was not up close but later on in the morning, we saw a mom and her pup.  So cool!!!

We spent about 2 hrs on the water on a double sit on top kayak that we had rented.   Our first stop was the three sisters spring (see map below).   What an amazing place, the water is so clear you think you could touch the bottom, but it's 65' below.   It's an amazing blue color and the water temp is 72 degrees.   This area is created by 3 springs feeding it and it feeds the surrounding King's Bay.  In the winter, the Manatees love this area because of the constant water temp of 72.   The actual springs is only accessible by either kayak, canoe or swimming, no boats or walking into this area.  Next year they hope to have a bridge that will allow you to walk to the springs.

Map of Crystal River Springs

Entrance to three sisters springs

There are many canals that you can visit that back up to peoples homes.  We went up and down 5-6 of these arms, even with the kayak, you can't make it under the bridges so you have to turn around and come back out.   These are very quiet areas, we were warned that the home owners watch the channels to make sure we obeyed the rules.   We never got out of the kayak, so no problems for us.   We did go out into Kings Bay for a while, that's where we saw the first Manatee, he/she was about 100' away, we could hear him breathing (sounds like a whale) but never got close enough to take a picture.   The mom and her pup, swam right next to us while we paddled along.   It's amazing how big she was, the baby was a gray color and looked sort of like a miniature dolphin.

Manatee's...up against the wall

One of the canals we went down

We found the mom and her pup about 10 min. from returning the kayak, I was so excited.  After spending about 15 minwatching them, we returned to the dock.

Came home and went swimming.  Storm clouds are coming so not sure if fireworks will go off tonight. 


July 3, 2014

Crystal River Preserve bay

It rained most of evening, longest storm we've had.  When we opened the coach door, it felt like a sauna outside!  Not a feeling I've gotten used to and doubt I will.  Makes us appreciate AZ dry climate!!!

Turtle in one of the displays

Even though it was a sauna outside, we did venture out.  First stop was Crystal River Kayak company, Bobby has never used a sit on kayak and I wanted to make sure he'd like it for our adventure tomorrow.   He thinks it will be a ok!!

Went to the Crystal River Preserve, they have a little display of animals: turtles, snakes, etc.   We talked to the Ranger, they give Eco Boat tours on Mondays, Wednesdays & Friday, we are kayaking tomorrow so might come back on Monday.   We walked around the outside area, you get a nice view of the channel leading to the Gulf and able to see the thousands of hermit crabs running around.  They told us not to fall in, alligators are in the area.  Did not see one.

Bobby on steps to burial grounds

Blue Tail Skink

Next we went to the archaeological  State Park, here you learn about the burial grounds of the Indians.  Tribes would travel hundreds of miles to this site to bury their loved ones.   They believe the burial grounds date back to 500 AD.  Today, you get to see the mounds but that is about it, however scientist to come and preform archaeological digs every so often.   In the museum, you get to see some of their findings.  On the way down the steps to the burial grounds, we saw this Blue Tail Skink, it way so beautiful with it's bright blue tail.  This is a young one, as it still has yellow stripes.  They loose those as they get older plus the males loose the blue in their tail.

We then went to Kmart where I bought Damprid, product to take moisture out of the coach.  It's starting to smell moldy to me....sure it's the humidity!   Another reason I won't live in this state!!!

 July 2, 2014

Playing golf

We decided to play golf at the Plantation Golf Course http://www.plantationoncrystalriver.com/championship-course.htm, went off around 8:45 and finished within 3 1/2 hrs, played with another gentleman who's name was Bob.   It was a very nice course with lots of trees and water, found the water several times!  Saw turtles, herons, egrets, wood ducks, etc.  Was hoping to see an alligator as they have 4' ones in their ponds, but we did not see any...drats!!!

turtle in pond

I was exhausted from the heat so Bobby took me out to lunch.  Ate at Grannies, true southern cooking, it was good.  I had Pollock (with choice of two sides....you had choice from about 20) and Bobby had a hamburger and fries.

Plantation Golf Course

Came home and went swimming.   Thank goodness, as now we are having a MAJOR thunderstorm and it's pouring down rain.  Longest rain storm we've seen since being on the road.  One thing in Florida, when it rains, it rains!!!!  This storm has lasted over 1/2 hr, longest one we've seen so far.   Might because of Tropical Storm Arthur....not sure.



July 1, 2014

mail box near the springs

Decided to take a tour around Crystal River, drove around the springs and found Hunter Park, main swimming area for the locals.   The water is 72 degrees but felt cooler than that....no wonder they wear wetsuits when swimming with the manatees.   NO we have not seen one yet.

Next we drove out Fort Island Trail, it's a road on the south side of town that runs out to the gulf.   Saw dophins swimming, herons, various ducks, etc.   Think we saw a bald eagle but could not get close enough to tell for sure.

Kings Bay...part of Crystal River

I wanted to go to the Manatee Preserve in town, so we did.  The lady gave us information about taking a tour or renting a kayak.   We're going to rent a kayak for sure!  I want to see the Three Sisters Spring area and it's only accessible by boat or kayak.  Hopefully we'll see a manatee but there's only about 24 of them in the area this time of year.  Most have head out to the gulf as it's warmer than the 72 degree water here!

Came home and now I'm heading to the pool!!!

June 30, 2014

We left Tallahassee around 9 AM and headed to Crystal River, taking hwy 19/98.   This is a great hwy without much traffic, traveling thru many small towns along the way.   Much better than the interstate!

Our home for the next 8 nights will be Rock Crusher RV park http://rockcrusherrvpark.com/, which is located about 3 miles east of crystal River.   Very nice park with grass sites and the pool is covered to keep the bugs out.   We've seen some big flying bugs to say the least!

Got settled in and then I went to town to locate the Chamber of Commerce...took me awhile to find, but found it.   Came home and then went swimming for about 2 hrs.   Nothing exciting except around 9 PM we did have a major heat lightning storm.   That was beautiful to watch....not afraid of them!!!

June 29, 2014

Today is a rest day; it’s very hot and humid so we won’t be doing much.  The elks had a brunch so we decided to attend and then afterwards, we went and did our laundry.  The remainder of the day, we’ll just stay inside and try to stay cool.   Not much is open on Sunday’s around here….it’s just nice to relax and watch a little TV.   Bobby might even take a nap, then I can take a pic of him sleeping and post on FB!!!!

June 28, 2014

Old Capital

We left Miramar Beach around 9 and about 20 miles down the road ran into a traffic jam that lasted for the next 20 miles.   Once we got onto I-10, things moved quickly.   Not much to look at between Miramar and Tallahassee.   This is why I hate the interstates!!!

We arrived at the Tallahassee Elks around 1:30, so we set up and then headed to the Capital.   The new capital was closed but the old one, which is now a museum, was open.   We toured the three floors, not much too really see.   Next we walked to the back side of the new Capital; it looks more like a high rise office building than a capital, took pics of the fountain.   Across the street is the Supreme Court building, it was impressive looking.


I had read about Dodd Hall and its magnificent stain glass on Florida State Campus.  The building was closed be we did peak in the doors.

Supreme Court Bldg

Drove back to the coach and went into the Elks lodge.  Met the past ER’s (Jan & Bob…man & wife).   They showed us their building and the furniture that was purchased in 1905 from the New York elks for $1,400.  It was so rich in history and in pristine condition.   No wonder they show it off!!!   This club is getting ready to go to New Orleans and participate in the Elks National Convention.  They hope to take the ritual competition, from what we heard, they’ve have an excellent opportunity.
 


June 27, 2014

Boardwalk in Destin, Fl

The boardwalk at Destin, Fl was calling my name, so off we went.   This area is extremely crowded with tourists from all over the country.  They offer anything from fishing, boat rides, restaurants, etc. for the tourist to do.   We walked up and down the boardwalk, taking in the sites.   It was fun to just people watch and of course, watch the boats come in with their catch of the day, we saw a mackerel, which was about 30 lbs.

Beach at Destin, FL

We stayed on the boardwalk for several hours and then headed home for lunch.  After lunch we headed to Alvins, a local shirt shop, loo
ked around.  They have great prices for their stuff....bought a few things.

The beach was calling my name, so once again we found a place to park and walk down to the beach.  It's twice as packed as yesterday....don't these people work?   Believe me, they are MUCH younger than us!  Obviously on vacation.   We swam for about 2 hrs and then came home.   Tomorrow, we head to Tallahassee!


June 26, 2014

Playing in the Gulf of Mexico

Today we left Foley, AL around 9 and headed to Miramar, Fl.   Along the way, we stopped at the Gulf Shores NP in Pensacola and looked around, plus I got my NP book stamp.

Driving down hwy 98, it's like driving to Seaside, Oregon on a busy summer day.   There are thousands of people in this area on vacation.   We found out that this is their busy season and that 1.5 million people will visit this area this summer.   Destin, Fl, a town about 7 miles west of here was packed.   We might drive back to look around but traffic was a nightmare coming thru....can't imagine what it's like on a weekend!

Beach at Miramar, FL

We arrived in Miramar at Geronimo RV Park http://www.geronimorvresort.com/ around 12:30 and had lunch.  This is a great little park...think it has 33 spots.  Close to the beach, about 3 blocks away, so we walked over and went swimming in the Gulf for about an hour or so.  You could get burnt easily if you're not careful, glad we only stayed an hr.   Not burnt but got some color!  Also you wouldn't believe the number of the people at the beach, doubt I find any shells!  We did find a few live sand dollars but put them back into the ocean.

On the walk back to coach, we found a beach shop that we'll have to come back to.  Great buys on shirts, etc. but we were wet so could not try on anything.

Tomorrow, we'll spend the day looking around and playing some more in the gulf.