Orange Lake Panama City

... a spot on the sand away from the kiddies and mullets...pretty good time.

Had a dolphin swim within 15 feet of me, probably due to our perfected dolphin and mermaid calls (I had nothing on Brad and Kat´s--but it worked).

We had no idea what we were getting into.

But this seems to be the only place on earth that serves Busch Beer in bottles--worth the price of admission.

... and I took off running, grateful that he wasn't coming after me. When in Panama City, be sure to go to the First Friday in the downtown. This is a super monthly fest with music, food, arts and crafts, antique cars this evening and fun for all. As my Florida time comes to a close, I leave with thoughts of what a great place this is to be at this time of the year. There is still much more for me to discover. I will have to come back!!

Today was another kickback day - with lots of housekeeping. Laundry, food preparation and more sorting were the order of the day. We had some minor leaks yesterday so towels etc. needed to be washed and dried and the awnings needed some dryer air before they are retracted. Yesterday I went through some bins of kitchen stuff and found some of the 'tools' I had been missing. Now if ...

... before sunset--it had been raining but it only sprinkled a little while we walked.  The beach reminded me a little of The Outer Banks--houses only, no condos or high-rises.  The beach itself is quite beautiful--white sand.Dinner was at the Blue Parrot--a restaurant (maybe the only one open?) on St. George Island. We ate outside on the porch overlooking the ocean.  I had Fried Oysters, which were very good; Larry had grouper & scallops--skimpy portions.

... before lunch it was suggested that we might want to delay our departure until Monday. The area to the west of us is experiencing even heavier rains accompanied by thunderstorms and wind. We decided to follow this advice and use the down time to catch up on some tasks that we had been postponing. Don even cleaned the roof of the coach, taking advantage of the moisture up there! I was glad when he climbed down!

... building retaining walls and reinforcing shoulders that must have been damaged during last year's hurricanes. Many of the houses in this area are set 12-15 feet above ground level, suggesting that storm surges must be quite high at times. The water seems quite shallow with sand in evidence far out from the shore. When we rounded the point of land at Port St. Joe and headed ...

... we had a voucher for called "Sandpiper Resort"...and what an excellent surprise it turned out to be. The place is right on the beach, with wonderful white sands, and has several heated pools (both indoor and outdoor), mini golf and all the rest. Given the price ($65 per night) we decided to have a little rest before pushing on, and enjoy some of the last sun rays we will be receiving in a few months!

The Marriott Legends is on a golf course, NOT on the Gulf beach. From our condo to the fishing pier is a 10 minute walk. To the beach, a 10 minute drive. We've got the best of both worlds. This morning, it's out to the real beach so mom can "walk the sands." The girls are beaching it while Skip and Gary are ...

... to fish. Lew gave me my first rod...a Wright & McGill. And he tried to teach me how to cast. At the age of 6 I was practicing in his yard. I think my brother Skip was hooked at birth. My younger brother Scott also became addicted. So addicted that he now lives on a trout stream, the Sinnemahoning Creek in Driftwood, PA. Skip taught ...

... I wanted to watch Scotland play Georgia at footie so I walked to the sports bar about two miles from where we were staying. There was no pavement so I had to walk on the side of the road. Walking is an alien concept for these people, I was heckled and tooted at by drivers on my way to and from the pub, though i´m still undecided if this was because I was walking or because i´m gorgeous. During my "groundbreaking" walk I witnessed a couple get into their car ...