April 17 - 24, 2011 "Florida Coastal Highway 98"

Emerald Coast RV Resort is a top rated resort by Woodall’s and Trailer Life, and we can see why. This place is gorgeous; landscaped to the 10’s and impeccably well maintained. While our nightly rate of $66 is steep, spaces here for the winter average about $600 per month, with a four month commitment. (As always, click on any image to enlarge)

Our trip across the Gulf of Mexico has enabled us to survey the beaches as we travel. Hands down, Panama City Beach is the best so far; powdery soft off white sand, with the clearest water we have seen since leaving South Padre Island, TX. It has been almost one year since the Gulf oil spill, and I can honestly say you wouldn’t imagine the beaches could be so clean. We saw no indication at all, of any remnants of the spill; our rating for Panama City Beach, an astounding 10.

Another travel day; it sure is hard to leave such a beautiful resort and beach, BUT, like Pee Wee, we are on to the next big adventure, with Carrabelle, FL in our sights. We have followed Highway 98 along the coast for most of our Florida “vacation”, and it does not disappoint the visual appetite, especially having lived in Colorado for the past 30 years. As we pull into Carrabelle Beach, we noticed a change in the beaches appearance, from that of our departure just 90 miles to the northwest.

One of the first questions we ask upon check in at a new destination is, “Are there any place(s) that you would consider a must see, must do, while in the area?” You see, we are currently on the shores of Apalachicola Bay, THE oyster capitol of The Gulf of Mexico. Our friends, Carl and Carla recommended an out of the way place in nearby Indian Pass, and the Ho Hum RV Park manager agreed, the Indian Pass Raw Bar was a must do. Mere words alone cannot describe how fresh and sweet the oysters were, but I can honestly say, for those of you how don’t like oysters, eating them here would change your attitude, and your palate.

As the sun rose the following day, while sipping our morning beverages, we gazed out across the Gulf, watching the pelicans dive into the emerald waters for their breakfast; we pondered our day’s activities. How about a walk down the beach? Sounds like a plan, so off we were. As the tide slowly drifted out, we were suddenly awestruck by an unusual creature at water’s edge; a Horseshoe Crab, almost prehistoric in its appearance.  

Making our way a little further down the beach, we noticed a “gathering” of Horseshoe Crabs; and then it FINALLY donned on me, “Mating Season”. During the breeding season, horseshoe crabs migrate to shallow coastal waters. Smaller males select a female and cling onto her back. The larger female digs a hole in the sand and lays her eggs while the male fertilizes them. The female can lay between 60,000 – 120,000 eggs in batches of a few thousand at a time. Many shore birds will eat the eggs before they hatch. The eggs take about 2 weeks to hatch. The larvae molt six times during the first year. If you would like to see the mating process, click on the following link to You Tube – Horseshoe Crabs Mating.

Another travel day already? You’ve got to be kidding me. Where does the time go? Oh well, if we must…..We continue along Highway 98/19 southeast in the direction of Old Town, FL, a distance of 135 miles, we move a little further inland and away from the coast line drive. It continues to amaze us that pine trees and palm trees can grow in the same eco system, side by side; I surmise too many years of living in the high plains desert of Colorado, can make one leery of such vegetation.  But arrive we do, at the Yellow Jacket RV Resort, right on the Suwannee River; can you say “Hot & Humid?” Right. Off to the pool for a cool down.

We had been in the pool for all of 15 minutes when a gentleman asked, “Are you coming to the pot luck dinner tonight?” Well, didn’t know we were invited. Sure, just sign up, and bring a side dish. (We decided on taking Potatoes Lyonaise.) So promptly at 5 we ventured to the pavilion where 20  - 25 people gathered and shared a 30 pound smoked ham. It still amazes us how incredibly friendly people in the South are. We had a wonderful time, met some new people, and as always, with any pot luck, ate waaaay too much. Diet starts tomorrow. Right.

Until next time, when we will be following our current route to Homosassa Springs, to swim with the Manatee; take care and stay well. Happy Easter!