We knew we wanted to camp in Apalachicola National Forest, and Michael ended up finding Hickory Landing within the forest. The ride in was pretty, and the campground itself was beautiful. Not too big, which always appeals to us! A few sites were occupied and all were within walking distance of the scenic Owl Creek. The bathrooms were the cleanest vault toilet set up we have seen to-date! This campground only charged $3 per night, and with the appropriate national parks/forest pass, the fee is only a mere $1.50 per night!! If we didn't have reservations elsewhere we would have stayed several days!
On Sunday morning, we headed to our next campsite, St. Joseph's Peninsula State Park, outside of Port St. Joe, Florida. The ride was only about an hour and was pretty. Route 98 is a scenic route along the Gulf, however, we veered into Port St. Joe on 30 A to do laundry since it was too early to check in to the campground.
Our first view of the Gulf!
Route 98 west.
We stayed at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park a year ago and loved the Gulf Breeze Loop which is situated behind sand dunes separating us from the Gulf of Mexico. The beaches offer 9.5 miles of white sand and clear waters. We took our chairs up and just sat watching shore birds and letting the water lap at our feet.
View from our campsite toward the Gulf.
A very friendly shorebird, a sanderling, kept visiting us!
A beautiful gray and breezy day with spotty rain showers.
Walkway from campground to the beach.
Campsites had water and electric. They are mostly close together with minimal privacy. We lucked out - no neighbors!
We had one day of high winds and heavy rain, with a tornado watch as in effect, but luckily nothing materialized except thunderstorms. Having the travel trailer rather than the teardrop was fantastic as it was an indoor day! Michael made pizza in the convection oven and we watched TV and read.
Wednesday, the 7th, we departed the peninsula and continued west through some neighboring towns.
We found a Walmart in Lynn Haven for a free overnight, and a Camping World to have our propane tank filled and to buy Dicor lap sealant to seal around the spoiler on the roof. We haven't had any leaks but since we have heard that this spot can be a potential problem, we are going to be proactive and seal it now. We also bought some caulk to put around the sink edging where the factory caulking has come unglued.
Onward to Alabama and the Conecuh National Forest, on Open Pond, for 5 nights camping. We found a non-hook-up site for $4/night overlooking the pond.
The campsites are roomy and there are loops with hook-ups. We just decided to go without, and use solar. Look forward to some hiking. Meanwhile, temps are cold, freezing at night, and 40's during the day. We have used the trailer heater for the first time, running it to take the chill off! We are happy to have it. A heatwave of 60 degree temps is due to arrive tomorrow!
Town square of Andalusia, the closest "big" town. Very small!
Hope you all are having fun this holiday season!
