This is Why …

Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore (GINS), Florida
Temps: Lo 60F / Hi 72F (15.5C / 22C)

Boy were the weather forecasters wrong today!

We thought we were going to have another overcast, dreary day with a very good chance of rain. Hah! It turned out to be a jewel of a day — the kind of day that we can point to and say “This is why we came to Florida!”

And such a bonus it was after two drab and gloomy days, and a serious downpour last night as a storm front moved in from the west to drench us but good.

We were all set to spend the day at home when we woke up this morning. Maybe go out for another 10-mile (16 km) trike ride — which is what we did yesterday despite the rather thick fog, and the clammy mist hanging in the air. I was comfortably ensconced on the sofa, checking emails, when what should catch my eye but a colorful sunrise. Minutes later, the sun was a golden orb in a bright blue sky. Just then, Mui returned from the bathhouse and we both exclaimed — “Let’s grab a quick breakfast and get going!” And that’s what we did.

11,460 steps or 3.25 miles or 5.2 kilometers — anyway you look at it, we had a great walk.
Setting out along Pensacola Bay, we headed to Fort Pickens, rounded the
tip of the island, and walked back along the Gulf of Mexico.

There really are no words to describe our long walk — except to say that it was excellent. Setting out at 8:30a, we covered the 3.25 miles (5.2 km) — based on my measured stride — in three hours. Yes, we took our time and enjoyed every minute — despite the 92% humidity and no shade on the beach. Of course, there were stops along the way to take photos, and also to eat the snacks we had hastily packed.

Pensacola Bay is mirror-smooth this morning.

Willets

Great Blue Heron

Kildeer

Willet

Brown pelican
(I posted my favorite pelican shot from today in the Viewfinder Blog.)

Common Loon
Subtitle: “I’m so happy to see you; let me give you a hug!”

Crab

They say the sign of a good photographer is getting low … and getting dirty!
the result (top right) was worth getting sand all over my clothes!

Ruddy Turnstone (Juvenile)

Top: Where Pensacola Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico.
Bottom: The surf is rougher and there is more mist along the Gulf.

Mushroom cap Jellyfish — some of the ones we saw were huge!

Portuguese Man o’ War — Beware; they can be deadly!

We enjoy the shells on the beach, but we don’t bring them home!

Erosion at work on the Gulf-side beach!

Ghost Crab

You would think that after walking for three hours that we would just go home. Well, we did; but we didn’t stay long — it was just too beautiful a day, and we were too close to the beach not to take advantage of it. Besides, the siren call of the sea was just too much for Mui! He made a couple of sandwiches, we grabbed some drinks, and headed over to Langdon Beach, just down the road from us.

Are you wondering why Mui's dressed in his snorkeling skin? ...

… It’s because he really did go in the water today! Crazy man — the water temp was only 60F (15.5C)!
(Don’t worry; he didn’t go far … the surf was too rough, so he played in the shallows.)

It was after 2:00p when we finally returned to the Phaeton. After we got ourselves cleaned up, Mui took care of a few things around the coach, and I sat in the sun and read through the pile of brochures that has been growing. It felt so good to be sitting outside, a light breeze keeping the temps at bay.

On the recommendation of Tena, our contact at AHB (our mail service), we decided to have dinner at Peg Leg Pete’s. It’s located in Pensacola Beach, a mile or two outside the gate to GINS — Gulf Islands National Seashore. So glad we went. No white linen at this shack-of-a-restaurant, but the service was very good; and so was the food. The seafood was some of the best we’ve had in a long time. (The place is owned by the same people who own Maria’s, a seafood market in Pensacola.) We shared a calamari appetizer and grilled shrimp main course — both were oh so tender, and perfectly cooked. And the key lime pie was the crowning touch.

A most excellent meal. Peg Leg Pete’s gets two thumbs up from us.

Not sure how long this great weather will continue. You can be sure that we will be taking advantage of it while we can.