Emerald Coast

Currently In: Navarre, FL
Leaving for Biloxi, MS tomorrow
Then on to NOLA, Beaumont, and other cities in South Texas

Emerald Coast is the name given for the area from Pensacola to Panama City, FL.  The water here is aquamarine, hence the name.

Our campground takes its name from the Emerald title as well - Emerald Beach RV Park.  It is just a lovely park, but the weather has not been conducive to enjoying all it has to offer, especially the small beach.  I would have loved to use one of those lounge chairs under the tiki umbrella! Bring me a pina colada!
We didn't have one of these sites right on the beach, but our site was really nice.

We had some gorgeous views, too.

One of our first touring stops was the Gulf Islands National Seashore.  The seashore extends along most of the coast.  We learned about the forts (no longer active) that protected the coastline as well as the barrier islands and how they were formed.    After a quick stop at the Visitor Center, we walked along the designated path.

I also took these shots just off the path along the coastline.

On a different side of the Seashore, we saw this heron hiding in the grass and got this shot.

Then is started walking along the shore to us.  At one point it was only 20 ft. away.
If I lived along the coast in Florida, I would definitely be a "birder".  The variety is incredible!

Today was our last full day and I was determined to get in a bike ride after all the rain.  We woke up to fog, so decided to drive to Ft. Walton Beach and look at the path to Destin.  Decided it was not in the cards this morning so we just stopped at Destin and strolled the boardwalk.  Tons of boats and restaurants and shops.  A long weekend here would be a blast.  It's a must return place. Party town!

Once we got back to our RV, it was 70 degrees and the sun started to peak out.  We went to the Seashore near Navarre beach we had visited yesterday. Time to get on those bikes! After they were off the car, lo and behold - the mist started.  We hopped on the bikes anyway.  Wind and rain, the whole way.  Our luck was so bad we just laughed and collected seashells instead.  And the sun came out.
On the way home, Johnny declared it was a successful day.  I think he needs to set the bar a bit higher!