Started off with a quick run to St. George Island. Developed with condos but otherwise not much there. Then on to Apalachicola which hasn't changed much since we were there years ago. Had breakfast in Mexican restaurant which was the only thing open. I had "goulash" which turned out to be diced potatoes, ham, green peppers, onions, and tomato covered with cheese. I know, I know but it was yummy.
Stopped in Port St Joe at Constitutional Convention State Park. The ranger who was cutting grass saw us and opened it up. Gave us a great history lesson. St. Joseph was the city chosen for the convention because people from Jacksonville and Pensacola didn't trust the people in Tallahassee which was destined to be the capitol. They picked a neutral place. It no longer exists. It was started to be the port for shipment of cotton from GA and AL and they built a railroad etc because the harbor there is so deep. Never worked out. Ugly competition with Apalachicola that had very shallow port but river route to it. Ended up just building railroad to the Atlantic to ship cotton. It then became a fancy resort catering to Europeans but yellow fever followed by a hurricane ended that. Not one building, etc left only the cemetary.
Westward along the coast. Mexico Beach has lots of auction signs and seems to cater more to short term vacationers. Nothing much. Stopped at Tyndell Air Force base but no visitors. They are under high security. It is HUGE.
Took the business route through Panama City. Very small town and poor sections. Also chemical plants so very smelly.
Panama City Beach on the other hand very upscale with 30 story high rises on the beach. We were really surprised and lots of new development - Home Depot, etc. all brand new but there was a lot of recent hurricane damage so that may explain it. The west end of the beach is old beach with Ripleys Believe It or not and carnival kinds of things.
Stopped at huge Walmart right on the beach. While smoking cigar waiting for me in parking lot, Jack was approached by a sweet young thing in a car with another girl and guy. She called him over to draw attention to her "good qualities" and said "I'm bored". Jack who is rarely at a loss for words could only say--"I am old enough to be your grandfather and I fall asleep before I get bored". Who knows what great opportunity he may have missed-and you don't need to go any farther than Walmart. We now know it really does have everything.
On then to our destination. St. Andrews State Park which is right off Panama City Beach. Very beautiful- high sand dunes and our site is very large. Not right on the water but close enough. There is a turpentine mill here - see picture. Very interesting. Used to be run by slaves. When freed they continued to work but pay so low and owed everything to company store so really they remained slaves of a sort. A deer ran across in front of me as I was taking pictures. Staying here 2 nights. Lots of people and dogs. We forgot that summer is tourist season in the panhandle. Some sprinkles but that's it. Breezy and pleasant otherwise.
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