The 'lazy days of summer" are definitely here. The park is full almost every night and practically overflowing on the weekends. Yesterday we worked the By Pass at the front gate from 9am til 2pm. That is the second entrance they have open during the busy summer months. Cars are lined up to get in at 8am when the main gate opens and the flow is pretty steady til around 2pm or 3pm.

The grand kids stay with us off and on, usually one or two at the time. They ride bikes, fish, play at the playground, go kayaking, go to the beach, pool at the apt. etc., etc. There is always something going on and not much time for us to "rest"..... :-)

Wild Hogs!


Fishing with Papaw

Kayaking all at one time!

Wipe Out!

Pool fun at their apt.

On Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays there are $1 movies at several movie theaters around town and we go whenever there is something playing they haven't seen. Wednesday night kids under 12 eat free at Po Folks and they all enjoy going there.....they love the fried okra!

We found Tacky Jack's and they are supposed to open on June 15th. (Doesn't look like that's possible?) They are just down Thomas Drive, on St. Andrews Bay, in the restaurant formerly known as Dock Hoppers. We never went there so maybe that is why they closed! We will definitely do our best to keep Tacky Jack's open! Lol!

Mexican Garbage at TJ's

Gulf State Park

We're back from Georgia, after taking the grand kids home. (Left Tuesday, came back today.....quick trip!)

One of the roads in the campground.

Looking the other way.

Us set up on site #250.

Looking across the lake to one of the huge condos on the beach (under construction).

Logan and the sea gulls on the beautiful beach!

Gulf Shores

We arrived in Gulf Shores on Wednesday afternoon and were greeted by these ominous clouds. The sun had just gone below the edge of the cloud layer. This was beautiful, the way the front was advancing all across the horizon. I'd never seen anything quite like it.
We were able to arrive at Gulf State Park and get set up just before dark. The front had totally covered the area but it never did rain....just very windy all night.

This morning we were greeted by 61 degrees and sunshine. The picture is of the new beach pavilion, looking out our window and across the lake toward the beach.

By late morning, the clouds had returned. The Gulf looked more like the Atlantic!

Lunch was at Tacky Jack's. We shared "Mexican Garbage" to go with our beer (Sam) and Margarita (me)!

After lunch, we explored Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to locate the essentials: Walmart, Publix, Lulu's and other favorites. Tomorrow is supposed to be 70 so maybe a good day to walk the beach before the forecasted rain on Saturday & Sunday.

Friday, Dec. 3rd.....

Another State Park stamped on the Passport Book. Marjorie Rawlings received the Pulitzer Prize for her novel, The Yearling. Her home is now a State Park in Cross Creek, Florida.

There were lots of orange and tangerine trees on the farm.

And some nice looking chickens.

After the Rawlings House, we drove over to Micanopy for lunch. This place didn't have a name.....just a sign that said 'CAFE'. We had overpriced ham sandwiches. Next time we'll be sure to take a picnic lunch!

This fella said he used to be with the Allman Brothers Band. He's playing for tips now.

After lunch we drove to the cemetery where Sam's parents are buried. They lived in Micanopy for over 30 years, after moving from his hometown of Largo.

This was their house about 4 miles from town. I remember going there when we were first married, as early as the 70's and into the 80's, before they sold and moved into town (Micanopy). Whoever bought the property didn't stay long and it has been abandoned and run down. We couldn't get near the house for the overgrown yard. Very sad.

Saturday, December 4th.....

Temps were up to 70 on Saturday so we decided to go to the 'beach'. ;-) Fort Island is the only beach near us, located in Citrus County, Crystal River. Not too bad...I needed a beach break! It seems the nuclear plant is viewable from everywhere in the county!

Found a couple more pictures on Webshots that I 'borrowed'. This first one looks like a post card from the 80's or 90's.

Maybe we'll go back again before we leave the area. Supposed to be 75 tomorrow!