The Life and Times of SIT: 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!