The Popeye Express

Driving down US 98 we spot a sign advertising PF Chang just two miles after our turn off to Top Sail State Park. The last time we went to PF Chang was in Cincinnati. Making a mental note, we make our turn, get registered and find our parking place.

Soon we are off to PF Chang for a wonderful dinner. It was almost dark when we returned, so we were unable to go for a walk on my favorite beach in all of Florida. Soon you will know why.

The next morning, I get to work and Bob gets to walk on the beach. Oh well, we did come here for a week to get caught up. Two fiscal-year clients need their year end financial statements and corporate tax returns. Here is what I am busy doing:

And here is where Bob gets to go:

After working all day on Saturday, I decide on Sunday morning that I too, am hitting this beach. How often do you get to walk on beaches like this?

It's cold and with no recent storms, the water is crystal clear. Have a look:

On Monday, after work in the morning, we head to Seaside. The remarkable thing about Seaside is it was designed back in the 1960s. At the time, it was a big architectural concept, to have an entire community set in one style. Today, your original investment of about $40,000 would be worth more than $1,000,000.

These houses are all vacation homes. There is no economy here other than tourism, and of course, summer is the high season. How nice to be here in late fall! This next picture is of some yard art we came across:

If there is one comment we can make regarding Seaside, it is more like being in Disney World than in the "real world." The strict controls make for a very artificial like setting. Although charming and unique, there is a sameness that permeates the entire town. The old adage applies: It's a great place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live here!

Finally, some originality. I loved this old Airstream trailer conversion. Finding this is like a breath of fresh air. Time to head back home and find a deli for a sandwich.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Apalachicola, Florida

It's Friday, time for us to leave for Top Sail State Park in Santa Rosa Beach, and for the Forino's, time to move closer to Fort Lauderdale and their cruise. But yesterday, we got to spend the day enjoying the beaches of St. George Island and that afternoon, Apalachicola.

We departed on what turned out to be a rather long hike. Sand dunes, the state of Florida insists, are Florida's mountains; thus they provide pathways to the beach. Here we are waiting for Bob to come back from scouting the territory ahead.

Bob returns with a report that's it's a very long hike, (our feet were already killing us from walking on soft sand) so we walk back on the beach & get ready for a trip into Apalachicola and lunch.

Although it looks like we're dressed for freezing weather, I'm trying to keep mosquitos at bay, Bob is trying to keep the wind out of his eyes, and Karen is just her normal cute self.

Mike drives us in their mini SUV over the causeway and the bridge over the Apalachicola River to the town bearing the same name. I will have to say that we've seen many, many tourists' traps and attractions, and for a town this size, Apalachicola has the nicest shops with the most interesting merchandise of almost any place we've visited.

After our yummy lunch at The Owl Cafe, we walk the town to take in the shops. Here are a few pictures of Apalachicola:

Our last stop is the local coffee shop for a shot of whatever we need to perk us up. After arriving back on St. George Island, I head over to the Forino's coach to take a picture of their new kitty Magic. Check Magic out, he's a follower!

Coming up next: Top Sail State Park in Santa Rosa Beach

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

St. George Island, Florida

St. George Island, in the Gulf of Mexico, is about 3 miles due south of Apalachicola. One of the barrier islands off the coast; it is one of our favorite state parks. We drive 3 miles across a causeway and go to the east end of the island. Here you come to the park entrance, then drive another 5 miles to the campground. The spaces are long and wide, and the park has hiking trails, and miles and miles of private beaches. St. George Island even has a resident aligator!

The aligator pond is right near the corner when you turn into the campground. Dogs and cats beware!

Since it is late afternoon on Monday when we arrive, we spend a little time cleaning up, have our dinner, then call it an early day.

The next morning, more cleaning, and then find the moment of truth: no air card signal = no surprise! At least our cell phones work with only a couple of bars.

Early in the afternoon, we take about a 5 mile hike on the nature trail over to Apalachicola Bay.

When we get back to the coach, dear friends from Arizona, Mike and Karen Forino have parked right next to us in their coach. These lucky people are enroute to southern Florida to catch a cruise ship for a 33 day tour beginning on or around November 20th.

Mike is a computer techie, and has a wireless network in their coach. He allows us to connect to their network which allows me to get our email, faxes, and publish this post. I hate getting so far behind on the blog.

We also get to meet their new kitty Magic. Magic Forino is a follower on our blog. Hey, where is it written that you have to only have 2 legs to be a follower? I think followers with whiskers and tails are just fine, thank you! Now I'm hoping a dog will sign up. Fair is fair, no?

Next big decision: dinner. We remembered a place where all the locals go on the island. So we climb into the Forino's car and take off for Eddy Teach's Raw Bar. With the economy in a nose dive, the nightly special has the right price!

Of course the dark beer on tap was a different matter, but hey, we're on vacation!

The above picture taken last year on our visit was in better economic times. But I thought you'd enjoy the signage about the virtues of beer.

Having no shame, the bar tender takes a picture of the four of us.

Mind you, we were at the best part of the bar. A family institution, many people eat at the picnic tables out in front, where the kids are allowed.