Anticipating Lazy Days in Destin, FL

We left Americus, GA around 8am under dreary skies. We even hit some rain! The weatherman lied - what a shocker!! But, we crossed into Florida and the sun came out and the temperature hit 70!! Boy, that's some good publicity for Florida! :)

We had a long day today; drove 6 hours to get to Henderson Beach State Park in Destin, Florida. I know, 6 hours doesn't sound like much and when you're not towing 15,000 pounds behind you, it wouldn't be; but after about 4.5 hours, Randy starts getting tired. However, we wanted to get to Destin today so that we could spend a couple of days with our new friends, Russ & Pat, who we met while in Pigeon Forge.

As we drove into Destin, we were so surprised. We had no idea how busy a town this is. Let me tell you, everything you are in to, you'll find along Highway 98. There are outlet stores, restaurants, beaches, state parks, and more. If it was a little more gaudy, I would have sworn we were back in Pigeon Forge!

We pulled into Henderson Beach State Park around 1:30 or so. This is a beautiful park! Each site is very private with trees and shrubbery enclosing it. We have a great pull-through site that is very spacious. Russ & Pat drove by to greet us as they had just come back from the store. They invited us to dinner tonight which is such a gracious thing to do. Nothing like having someone cook for you after being on the road all day.

After getting set up, we took a walk along the beach with Russ & Pat. Oh my gosh, what a gorgeous beach. The address for this park is Emerald Coast Parkway. I had shared my curiosity with Randy earlier in the day as to why the road would be named that. Well, we didn't even get onto the beach before I discovered the answer to that! The Gulf of Mexico water is actually a beautiful teal color. Yes, it is!! I could not believe it. The sight of that water lapping up onto the white sand was breathtaking. And it was sunset, so that just topped it off nicely. As we strolled down the beach, we watched the sun set and all four of us almost purred. We stood there expressing to one another our total contentment and gratitude for being able to share in the gloriousness of such a moment. What a great life we are living.

After our stroll along the beach, we headed back to Russ & Pat's for dinner. They had made a crockpot chicken dinner that melted in our mouths. Pat kept saying she hoped we'd like it. I told her that I was sure we would, but that she could make me a bologna sandwich and I would love it. My theory is ANY food made for me is good food. If I never had to cook again, I would love that.

Fairly soon after dinner, we profusely thanked Russ & Pat for their hospitality and asked their forgiveness for leaving so soon after dinner, but Randy was fading rather quickly. We made plans to get together again tomorrow.

We're looking forward to a couple of lazy days here. No sightseeing, just relaxing and enjoying getting to know Russ & Pat better. It's so much fun meeting new people and finding common ground. This is one of the best things about this vagabond lifestyle. Hope each of you take a moment to relax and thank God for the life He's given you! Until the next time . . .