April 22- 25 Panama City Area

The weather has been really nice overall.  Our first night we were under a tornado watch and had some  bad rain, but that was at night so in did not interfere with anything.  The daily temperature has been around 70 with some wind.

We have settled in nicely to a daily routine. After breakfast I go for my hour walk and Big Bob  retreats to his 'Man  Cave".

But the dynamics have changed.  I find myself on the grill and he is the one inside heating up in the microwave.  Roles have reversed!


Monday - April 23

After exploring the campground  we headed  into Historic St Andrews.

We walked around a bit and then as per usual talked to a local for the best place to eat and boy was it.  Big Bob may not look all that happy waiting for a table.

But once the oysters arrived and we tasted, it was Oh Happy Day. I don't eat them but he said they were the best he has had.  Too bad he had already ordered lunch and only got 1/2 dozen as an  appetizer:

Next stop was the Harley Dealer next, of course.

 I love the sign the had out front.

We couldn't find any T-shirts we liked (most of their new stock was still packed up as they were preparing for a big rally on May 3-6).  But they told us about their satelite store at Pier Point.  And what a place that is.  A mega shopping and restaurant extravaganza.

We found what we were looking for in the Harley store and wondered into a few other specialties stores as well. and then across the road to the Pier, which went over the beach.

Next stop was Margaritaville since I just happened to be wearing the shirt.

 Nice sitting there sipping a margaritta and looking at over the water.

Then it was back to the campground for dinner and to rest up for the next day's adventures.

Tuesday  - April 24
We spent most the day riding the beaches. In Panama City Beach, they are similar to what happened to our beaches in Pinellas County; full of hotels and condos blocking the beach, except they also have huge water parks, a Ripley's Believe It or Not, Bungee Jumps, etc. But as we drove further down Alt 98 for Laguna Beach, we saw what Pinellas County beaches looked like when we were teenagers. Plenty of access and views of the beach.  Of course, the sand is different (like sugar), as well as the surf and the dunes. So pretty and natural still.  

We had lunch at a cute little place close the the campground:  Oyster Stew for Big Bob and steamed clams for me.  It was yummy.  The restaurant had a different approach to displaying dollar bills - hanging form the ceiling.

Wednesday  - April 25

We took a trip to downtown Panama City.  Another beautiful drive there.

 Lots of old buildings and galleries.  We stopped at the American Legion Post 392 and really enjoyed the folks there.  The bartender had lived in St Pete and Inverness so we had lots to talk about.  And as always, the veterans were super friendly.
 

Our luck ran out today on great food.  Today's left alot to be desired.  Oysters from Texas and grouper throats not checks. .  Hopefully that will be only time of this trip as we like to eat our lunch out at as many local places as we can.  There is always next time.

Tomorrow we leave this beautiful park and head 1 1/2 hours down the road to Rocky Bayou State Park.