Destin(ation), Florida

We could have stayed a few more days in New Orleans, but with the prospect of a few days on the beach in Florida only a handful of hour’s drive away, we packed up and went in search of some sun.

What a decision that ended up being as the weather was perfect and beaches – unbelievable. We couldn’t wait to get our toes in that sand. Finding a campsite was another issue though, we underestimated what a year round holiday destination Florida is and when we eventually found somewhere to camp, it was dusk and not much time left to spend on the beach. We did see this amazing little beach where we had to stop and take some postcard worthy pictures. Turns out it was a military recreation area and we were very fortunate to be let in to take some pictures. Those ten minutes we spent there were idyllic and some of the most relaxing of our entire trip. The beach was absolutely deserted and the sand, soft and white. Celia and I had both never been on a beach like this before. It may not have been the most picturesque, but its raw simplicity with flour like sand and emerald green water made you realize you were definitely somewhere unique. It’s not for nothing that Destin has been voted in the top beaches of the country for more years running than many can remember.

That evening we finally decided to have our big night out at a seafood restaurant and got a great recommendation at a no nonsense joint not too far away. You immediately got the idea when you walked in and in the reception stood a sign that said “We don’t need no stinking view”. This was not a day for half measures and we boldly ordered the king sized seafood platter for two. I also got a bowl of shrimp gumbo and did my best Bubba impression for the camera. What followed was a good effort at trying to finish lobster, king crab, crawfish and prawns. At one point we had both decided we were no longer hungry and just eating for the hell of it so we filled a take-out box with the leftovers, and headed for the comfort of our tent.

After doing some essential shopping on the second morning plus a trip to Walmart to exchange our inflatable mattress for one that does not leak overnight, we went and relaxed on the beach. It was tough finding a spot to lay your towel as all the condo developments have rights to the beach in front of their building. We did find a sweet little spot on the state beach where we could soak up the rays and play with that unbelievably soft sand I was telling you about earlier. We both had a little dip in the ocean which was heaps warmer than the water in California, but it was short lived as this mammoth cloud rolled in over the sea. Not the end of the world as we headed for a bar on the marina. Celia tried her best to OD on oysters; I did chuckle as the 9th one almost came up.

Apart from the oysters, I can definitely see why people flock in their thousands to get to the beautiful coastline of Florida.

Thank you Odi for your ama-zing recommendation