My last post I mentioned I’d hoped our next road trip would be to Florida and the ocean.

Well, we made it. We drove the eight hours to the Gulf Coast of Florida to Destin, FL. We have never seen such incredibly, gorgeous, mind-blowing miles of white, fluffy sand. And the color of water, aqua and blue. Absolutely mesmerizing. Took our breath away. Even Tanner, the pup bounced around on the sand avoiding the waves.

It so happened we’d met our next-door neighbors at the hotel. The four of us took a Tiki Cruise on the Destin Harbor.

What fun.  Captain Ryan was a hoot and informative. The coves we went in and out were filled with massive yachts and homes beyond our comprehension. Apparently, one of the homes, per the Captain, used to be Vanna White’s and another is currently Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s. You know, “one of their homes.” Again, not relatable. While we had our music blaring in the wind, water splashing up our legs and mist on our faces, Captain Ryan had us turn down the volume as we entered each cove to not disturb the residents.  What residents, I thought? Only a couple with their dogs sat in the lounge chairs in their yard. Hard to believe right? We sat in awe of the beauty and chuckled at the names of a few of their yachts and even homes. “Decked Out,” “Abigail,” (I had to take a picture of that one as her name is my protagonist in my novel.” Another was, “Miss Becky.”

We had a wonderful time. It was a mini vacation we were desperately needed. As you may have read my previous post about our Adventure of a Lifetime, you can imagine the stress we have been under. An ocean fix was what was what the doctor (not really) ordered.

The trip took us through a bit of Georgia and miles upon miles of Alabama. The back highways – and there were plenty of them, to our destination was beautiful. Many large open spaces, hardly any traffic and slow paced. I was a bit surprised I didn’t see any barns or silos as we have here in Tennessee, with all the land. I love old barns. However, there were old markets, rickety old shacks (if only walls could talk), and a couple of huge, what looked like plantations, and we stopped at this wonderful off the road Sweet Home Alabama fruit/plant stand where I bought one of the best tasting watermelons – ever!

Along with a few other choice products. I’d have purchased more, but Lordy, our little SUV was filled to the roof. I did manage to buy 3-potted strawberry plants. So far so good.

As my husband and I normally do, we took a few drives to check out more of Destin and Panama City. We had meals outside on terraces and did just a little shopping. He was amazed I was not in the mood to shop. Only went into one souvenir shop to get a couple of t-shirts and hats. I just wanted to be next to the gorgeous water. The beaches were lined with Adirondack chairs and umbrellas for miles as apparently, they rent them out.

Sadly, our four-night, three-day vacation flew by, and it was time to check out.

We’ll be back, Destin, we’ll be back.

We are so happy we said yes to the opportunity.

If you ever get the chance to vacation on the Florida Gulf Coast – do it! It will not disappoint.

Be Blessed,

Chrissy Drew<><