Land of the Friendly People

February 17 – 24, 2015

Cruising along the Gulf coast of Florida is always nice. Since we hadn’t been along this particular part of Florida we decided to spend a few days near Apalachicola and a few days in the Grayton Beach and Destin area.

The first stop we stayed in a small RV park with the Apalachee Bay out our rear window. Can’t beat the view!

 

We didn’t get any fishing in as it was just a bit too cold and rainy part of the time. We did take advantage of the sun when it was out and checked out the town of Apalachicola, St. George Island, and the beach along the bay in the town of Panacea.

Apalachicola comes from the Apalachicola tribe apparently many inhabitants of Apalachicola have said their name means “land of the friendly people”. A British trading post called Cottonton was founded at this site on the river. Gradually after acquisition by the United States and related development in Alabama and Georgia, it attracted more permanent European-American residents. In 1827, the town was incorporated as West Point. Apalachicola received its current name in 1831. All we can say is it is a nice town with some beautiful old homes that are well taken care of.

 

Pretty in History

 

Old and Beautiful

 



Shrimping is one of their main industries as well as oysters. The boats had not gone out but you could still pick up some fresh shrimp at the market if you desire.

 

The Old General Store

The St. George Island beach wasn’t crowded so we let Izzy roam around for a few minutes.

Hi Mom

Too Cold To Go Wading

 

We didn’t stay long so she didn’t get a chance to search for a stick to chase here but when we spent some time hiking and walking at the beach close to our RV spot she had plenty of sticks to find and run around.

 

OK Got My Stick

Throw It Again Please

 

Steve had been there the day before and discovered this pine tree is somehow surviving without the land supporting its base. Its root system is pretty impressive and this is salt water too! He also found this horseshoe crab up on the beach. The shell looks like it has been polished but it apparently is just the way it has weathered. We are bringing it home with us. Not sure what we will do with it but heck why not!

Still Alive

Are You Coming?

Look At This Guy 

Underbelly

 

We found a short trail and encountered this guy hanging out in a marshy area. The oyster remnants were pretty old so not sure what food it might have been looking for.

Incognito

See Ya

 

We were treated to a beautiful sunset on the bay a couple of nights. A person could get used to this view pretty easily.

Our Sunset View

 

Almost Gone

Our next spot is a RV park along the Choctawhatchee Bay at Freeport Florida. Izzy is happy here as well since the park has a huge dog park area and she can run farther than we can throw her floppy.

We were able to spend some time with Andy and Marie. I worked with Andy for many years and they just happen to live about 10 miles from where we are staying. We had a great afternoon and toured the area. One of the planned communities has some unique art. We came across a couple of horse sculptures made from old wood. We thought they were pretty cool looking. Might have to try and make one of them myself!

 

 

Horses With No Mane

Andy Horsing Around

 
Andy and Marie

Stay tuned for more in the Life and Times of SIT! We hope you won’t be disappointed!

 

 

Peaceful Float

February 5 – 16, 2015

SIT ventured back to Spring Hill Florida when we left Largo. If you have been following us you might remember we spent some time at Nature’s Coast last year.

As we work our way back we are retracing some of the path but that is okay as we can find new things in the same place.

We enjoyed our time here, well other than the cold and wet, with fishing for sheephead, playing golf, celebrating Valentine’s Day, and kayaking the Weeki Wachee River.

We ventured out one day with the bait that is supposed to help you snag all the sheephead you want. Well, we found a spot to fish and tried the bait – sand fleas – they are really small crabs. We didn’t have much luck but watched a couple other fishermen reel in some trout. Steve ventured next to them and talked for a while.

Keeping an Eye on Us

Our Fishing Spot

He came back to where I was fishing and said next to the bridge is where they like to hang out. So we headed to the spot and tried there. We didn’t have any luck there catching fish, but I certainly got bit a lot by noseums!

They Aren't Biting

We didn’t get too discouraged so decided to go another day but this time we would fish on the Weeki Wachee River from kayaks. The day was nice and the river is crystal clear. We saw a large amount of fish within the first mile which would have been keepers. The only problem is that you can’t fish within the State Park which is the first mile. Funny, how after that mile marker we didn’t see any more fish.

 

 

Chilly But Pretty

River Median

We did see a deer, turtle, eagle, and some buzzards. Oh well the kayaking was fun and the scenery could not be beat.

Cruising Along

Glad They Don't See Me

I Didn't Fall In

 

We spent some time exploring a few places we didn’t check out last year and came across an abandoned boat. Well it looks like it has been abandoned. We are still looking at getting a boat but don’t think we will go for this one!

We Probably Could Get This Boat Cheap

 

Izzy had fun here too as she could chase her floppy and hang out with a new buddy, Dozer. He is a golden retriever and just a year older. I didn’t get any pictures this time so you will have to use your visualization skills!

Our next stop will still be in Florida but new territory for us. More to come from the Gulf coast!

 

Three Generations

January 22 – February 4, 2015

As our journey around the country continues we wanted to make sure we spent some time with my Uncle Al again so we are somewhat retracing our steps.

We arrived in Largo Florida on the 5^th and were able to spend two weeks here. It is amazing how quickly the time goes by but we did manage to spend time with my Uncle. Unfortunately, Pat ended up in the hospital shortly after we arrived so we didn’t get to visit with her as much. I am happy to report she was sprung after a few days and got to hang out with us too. Izzy was especially happy as Pat got her a new floppy. Of course this is her favorite one now and she tries to take it everywhere she goes.

The different thing about this visit is that one of my nephews was able to fly into Tampa and spend about a week with us. It was great to see Kevin again and have him around.

He had not yet met his Great Uncle Al so that was especially nice. Uncle Al had been going through pictures to share with me and I discovered he looks almost identical to my grandfather Bailey. If we had taken Kevin to an old-time photography place and had his picture taken you would be hard pressed to tell who is who. We couldn’t pass up the chance to get a picture with the three of us.

 

We happened to be in the area when Tampa has a big celebration called the Gasparilla Pirate Festival. So being the curious people that we are we decided to see what it’s about but hopefully not get robbed by pirates.

This festival is an annual event in Tampa and started in 1904. The theme was inspired by the legend of José Gaspar, a Spanish nobleman and naval officer who turned to piracy. It is said that Gaspar plundered many ships around southwest Florida and made a secret island base south of Tamp in Charlotte Harbor. But I have to burst your bubble and tell you there isn’t any evidence that a pirate named Gaspar or Gasparilla ever operated off the Florida coast. Don’t tell these folks though as they celebrate with such passion. We think it’s because they just want a reason to dress like pirates and throw beads at people.

The Gasparilla

Birdseye View

Flying All Flags

 In The Spirit

 

 Look Like Friendly Pirates

 Enjoying the Festivities

 

Gaggle of Pirates

Just a Few Boats

We managed to get a fishing trip in while Kevin was here as well. We headed out on a somewhat cloudy day but that didn’t seem to deter the fish. I caught the first fish but unfortunately it wasn’t big enough to keep. We kept fishing and did manage to catch a lot more and I think we could keep more than we had to release. Steve caught the only grouper and Kevin caught the biggest fish.

 

Entertaining Us Before We Go

Fishing Yay!

 

Oops You Caught Me

Do You Need Something?

First Fish Tory

Grouper Steve

 

Kevin the Fishing Master

 

Fishing Machine

 

 

 

 Heading Back 

 

 

 

We also got to feed the birds on the way back into the marina as they apparently are used to this activity!

 

Friendly Bird

Our Catch For The Day

What? I don't Have Anything

The other thing we enjoyed was playing a round of golf. You probably couldn’t have guessed that was what I was going to tell you about but it’s true. The last time we played with Kevin was in March 2013 shortly after we started our journey.

The course was pretty and the day warm enough for shorts. This bird was brave enough to hang around and dry off while we were on the tee box. I am sad to report I didn’t make another hole-in-one but I did manage to sink the longest putt during the round!

 

 

 

 

Overall we had a wonderful time visiting Uncle Al and Pat and having Kevin hang out with us. It was kind of hard to leave the family but our journey must go on……….