The Emerald Coast

We had heard from a client of Bill's that the beaches near Destin, Florida were among the best he had experienced. A search of the Florida state parks landed us next door in Santa Rosa Beach at the Topsail Hill State Preserve. What a find! The beaches are fine white sand next to the emerald green water at the shore. The dunes are protected so a quarter of a mile beach access ramp is provided for the visitors to use. The end of the ramp is lined with empty pairs of shoes as guests take them off and leave them behind when they walk to the shore. Even during the hottest time of the day the sand did not get as hot as I have experienced in California where wearing flip-flops are a must.

A 19 mile bike route weaves through the beach communities from Santa Rosa Beach to Rosemary Beach (just west of Panama City Beach). The salesman from the local bike shop let us know that a drive which we could make today in 8-10 minutes would take 45-50 minutes during the summer peak weekends as the thousands who park and stay on the forest side of the road cross with their families (with strollers, wagons and rolling ice chests) over to the beach. I was happy to have been there during the middle of the week and while school was in session so I could have most of the ride to myself.

Now we are in historic St. Augustine where I am recovering from a tight back (too much fast walking in the soft sand at Santa Rosa Beach). One more easy going day is prescribed before attempting too much! Bill tried to get me through the historic downtown walking district yesterday, but I just could not walk very fast (or upright). We went back to the coach and I took a muscle relaxer and a nap. I am hoping today will be better and the next even more so.

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