SEE YOU LATER, ALLIGATOR

 Staying so long at our winter base gave us an opportunity to live in an almost private resort.  We had it all to ourselves.  When I walked each morning it was common to see rabbits, armadillos and see evidence that the coyotes were getting braver and coming closer to our lots in the evening.  We heard them but never saw them at night.

Summer at Florida Grande
Webster, FL

Our journey was about 5 hours away to the Panhandle of Florida to Ho Hum RV Campground in Carrabelle, FL.  We like Ho Hum for its no frills, beautiful scenic views of the Gulf of Mexico and views of nearby secluded Dog Island.   We have met with friends from Florida Grande, Clay and Frances Croom and our favorite camping buddy, Mrs. Croom (87 years young)

No Frills Ho-Hum RV Park
Carrabelle, FL

One of our favorite things to do at Ho Hum is to walk out on their private dock, witness the sunrise each morning with a cup of coffee in hand, and enjoy the solitude.  Ho Hum has very shallow tides and you see lots of fish, dolphin, pelicans - all looking for their next meal. 

Sunrise at Ho - Hum
Worth getting out of bed!!

A favorite day trip would be Ed Ball's Lodge (built in 1937) and Wakulla Springs State Park, in Wakulla Springs. 

Wakulla Springs State Park
Wakulla, FL

Wakulla Springs Lodge - 1937
Wakulla Springs State Park - Wakulla, FL

 The Florida State Park Service offers a boat tour on the protected part of Wakulla River and seeing shore birds, animals, alligators young and old, and many people who came to swim in the constant 70 degree temperature of the spring waters in a fenced area near the head of the Wakulla River. 

 

Nap Time Always for the Alligators
Wakulla Springs State Park

Wakulla Springs State Park - Wakulla, FL

Breathtaking views of wildlife at
Wakulla Springs State Park - Wakulla, FL

Lots of manatees enjoy the cool waters of
the Wakulla River - Wakulla Springs State Park

Our boat tour driver showed us so many amazing areas and upon leaving the biggest alligator I've ever seen announced appropriately "See you later, alligator!"

Alligators vary in size from newborn to mature alligators
Wakulla Springs State Park

We have always wanted to stop at a popular food truck called Hutton's Seafood, offering softshell crabs, shrimp, catfish and fresh oysters.  

Getting our seafood cravings adjusted
Huttons Seafood Food Truck - Crawfordville, FL

 So even though it was unbearably hot, we stopped and weren't unhappy with the wonderful fresh seafood we devoured in a non-air conditioned eating place with a fan continually blowing heated air.  Miserable, but our stomachs were full.

Ho Hum RV Campground
Carrabelle, FL

We are leaving "the Forgotten Coast" and are on the road again to travel west toward "the Emerald Coast", Destin, FL, on scenic US Highway 98 - one of the most beautiful of all Florida roads.  Lots of storm damage from Hurricane Michael still visible but it is so nice to see people are rebuilding and haven't let this deter their daily routines or lives.