January 11, 12, 13, 2013. St. George Island State Park

Although it would have been fun to stay around Destin at one of the great beach state parks in the area,  the weather forecast of fog and showers chased us away, but not before we stocked up on groceries, got a haircut and spent a few $$ at a bookstore. The drive down the coast was very pleasant with views of the Gulf and numerous beaches, along with the occasional condo, restaurant or motel. Our destination:  St. George Island State Park. 

St. George Island is a barrier island, surrounded by beach and sand dunes. It is gorgeous. We finally got to use our bikes and drove the 10 miles (round trip) to the end of the island which is limited to bikes, or those with a special permit. We walked along the beach, saw lots of shells, starfish, hermit crabs and birds. We came across a couple of guys who were fishing. One had caught a 30" long redfish which he had to release as only smaller ones are allowed to be caught by recreational anglers. The water was great for wading but I didn't see anyone swimming.

Since it is so pleasant here we decided to stay an extra day...three nights instead of two, and so got on the bikes again after lunch and peddled the 4 miles to the ranger station. Fortunately our site was available for an extra night. Peddling the 4 miles back against the ocean breeze was a challenge. We spent the rest of the afternoon reading and relaxing in the Florida sunshine.

On Sunday we decided to ride the 8.5 miles to town. We stopped a few times for a water break and to admire the view. A seafood restaurant on the beach was recommended so that is where we had a meal of shrimp. The town is very small and so there is not much to see except a lighthouse that due to erosion fell into the sea in 2005, and was completely rebuilt, with most of the original bricks, by 2009. Back at the Park entrance we met a couple from Rochester, NY and had a great chat with them about the beauty and charm of the area. Another 4 miles and we were back at our campsite. 

We have enough wood for a fire (that makes three nights in a row) and will light it as soon as it gets a bit darker. Needless to say, we are exhausted from the day's activities and will no doubt sleep well tonight, as we have every night here in this very peaceful park. Tomorrow we move on...not sure where. Maybe another State Park as we work our way down the coast to Venice.