Okay, So Who Stole March?

Where did the month go? I have to admit, I have kept busy doing some area exploring, but time really did pass me by.

The great weather we've had, despite the wind, has allowed me to get outdoors and I think one of the more striking things I'm learning about the Emerald Coast is the number of state parks and protected lands we have here. From beach-front parks to deep woods trails, the variety of state land available for public use is amazing.

After fighting my way past some Spring-Breakers, I arrived at St. Andrews State Park last week and found a great little treasure on the tip end of Panama City Beach. Located on the site of a former military reservation, the park offers a variety of water-based recreation from fishing and boating to snorkeling and swimming. It has picnic areas, two fishing piers, nature trails, a boat ramp and a mile and a half of beaches stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to Grand Lagoon. The park is available for day-use and also offers both primitive group and full facility campsites. An Environmental Interpretive Center where you can learn about the fragile ecosystem of the area is located just inside the gate. There's even a shuttle to take you to Shell Island, a 700-acre barrier island just off the west jetty of the park.

The Camp Store seems to be the heart of the operation. Here you can buy camp supplies, rent canoes, kayaks, snorkeling gear, beach chairs and umbrellas, or just chill with a soft drink. Snacks are available in the park, but there is no restaurant, so bring your own grub.

The park fee is $5.00 per car (up to eight people) for day-use and $8.00 if you're launching a boat. There is no fee for fishing but you do need a Florida fishing license, available in the camp store.

While you're there, you might see locals gathering on circular metal objects on the beach near the jetties. These are WW II vintage cannon platforms left over from the park's military days and they make great sunset observation points.

My trip was quick, but it's the sort of place you can visit again and again, especially with a family picnic and some outdoor game equipment.

More on Emerald Coast state parks in future posts.

March Fourth

Remember that old joke that used to tickle you as a kid? "What date is a command?" Well, I probably have a strange sense of humor, but forth we go into March. It's still raining in some parts, but that's a good thing as long as it doesn't get out of hand.

Yesterday I started my Emerald Coast explorations. I explored the inside of Gary Smith Honda dealership's waiting room. "Esmeralda, The Jewel of the Road, " my rally-red Honda Civic coupe was in for her 60,000 mile check up. Can't go exploring the countryside unless your coach is pulling on all four horses.

As I drove the 25 miles to Fort Walton Beach along US Highway 98, I saw some of the old standbys from years past are still going strong, particularly Big Kahuna's Adventure and Waterpark, the Indian Temple Mound and the Gulfarium. They've been joined by new attractions such as The Track Family Recreation Center and the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island as well as some interesting looking shops. Destin Commons just blows my mind. In the 1980s, a big day of shopping in Destin included a generous amount of time perusing the aisles in Delchamps grocery store. It seems there is a lot out there I need to go and see.

So I'm making a list and checking it twice; no that's another holiday, but it is going to take a little planning and a logical approach to check out all the fun things to do along this coast. It will also take some time and probably a little wine. At least Esmeralda is lubricated, thanks to the service team at Gary Smith Honda.