01 Dec You are my sunshine
Heading to see what the Pan Handle of Florida is all about. You know, for all my years on this planet, other than Disney World and the Florida Keys (if you haven’t been, go, fast, cuz its wonderful anywhere in the Keys), this state hasn’t held much of a draw for me.
I can honestly say that this new exploration of Florida has changed my previously clouded opinion. As we traveled from St. Augustine, we stayed one night at a campground, no joke, a stones throw away from the highway, called “A Stones Throw Campground” 🙂 outside of Tallahassee. This type of campground with absolutely no charm or cool amenities, is meant for just a good night sleep. So that’s what we did after finally giving in to Dave’s hard to understand craving for Arby’s. I won’t even try to explain this one.
Sidebar here. Walmart and rest area’s! Dave pondered in an earlier post about our new found intrigue with dollar stores. Need to give a shout out to Walmart! We have shopped or stopped at as many Walmart’s as Dollar Stores. Maybe more. Lost count. Those big parking lots and low prices are traveler’s with large 5th wheels a “yippy” find. This one on our way to our next destination had the Titanic I think right next to the parking lot! And the rest area’s south of NJ. Wow. Click on the little film short here titled “Rest Area Adventure” of Clifford getting a window wash at a Florida rest stop.
On this our 22nd day of travel, we found ourselves stopped at this wonderful gem called Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park in Niceville FL. As I think back to all the campgrounds we have stayed at over the years, and there have been 36 years worth, I’m so excited to find these incredible places at most times a fraction of the cost. We have found beautiful views and lots of awe inspiring nature to just be immersed in. Really good for the soul.
A morning walk at Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
We are at times flying by the seat of our pants in knowing where our next stop will be (kinda fun), not exactly sure how long we will want to or are able stay at a campground. We really liked Fred Gannon’s place, but in order to stay another night we would have to move sites. Christopher Robin is getting easier and easier to pack up and hook up, but we just didn’t feel like it this time.
So we got up early, drove over to Henderson Beach State Park. Dave took a much restorative dip in the Gulf of Mexico. Me, I just enjoyed sitting there with my toes dug in the most gorgeous sand, soaking up some sun for an hour. We are beach people. Go figure. And then we moved on. Florida, we will miss you.
Life happens for the world around us as we travel. We are beyond blessed to be able to be doing this. As I think about people we care about struggling with loss or difficult life scenarios, I truly am humbled by this place in time we have been given to make our dream happen. Over and over we have heard from folks how they would have loved to do what we are doing. That they waited and now they can’t for a gazillion reasons. I just kept having this recurring feeling, almost like being caught in the movie “Groundhog Day” where every day Bill Murray wakes up to a repeat of the previous. Put into the mix a lifetime of at times great stresses at work for Dave, no aging parents to care for, and strong independent daughters working on their paths in life now and on their own, and here we are. Yes, we are grateful and don’t take for granted this amazing opportunity.
Florida until we meet again, sweet home Alabama here we come!
For Us, It’s Not Abad Day 🙂