(June 2021) – We left on our road trip on Thursday, June 3rd, and traveled about 480 miles, ending up at the Depot Inn & Train Museum in LaPlata, Missouri. The Depot Inn was very unique – a destination for train buffs (not us). It was interesting, with very unique RR paraphernalia from both the BNSF and Amtrak railways in the lobby and throughout the hallways, with a RR car (museum) nearby outside. It was overall a nice place, but we couldn’t sleep a lick with trains going nearby throughout the night, blowing their horns. We didn’t stay there on the way back!
Friday, June 4th was an exploration and adventure day as we visited two Missouri state parks – Lake of the Ozarks and Ha Ha Tonka. We enjoyed a snack at the beach at Lake of the Ozarks state park and then traveled to Camdenton, Mo where we hiked to the castle ruins at Ha Ha Tonka state park. The castle trail was paved and offered spectacular views of Lake Ozark far below. The parks were nice, clean, well maintained, and there was no entrance fee – nice!
We then continued south in our travels and landed in Harrison, Arkansas for the night (after putting on 335 miles for the day).
Saturday, June 5th was a travel day – all day. We traveled 485 miles on Saturday and landed at the Days Inn in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The Days Inn was the only place we could find a vacancy – and we soon found out why. It was located in a very sketchy area, with the front desk behind protective security glass, and other tip-offs that we should sleep and get on our way as soon as possible (which we did).
Sunday, June 6th we traveled about 280 miles and arrived at our Panama City Beach home for the next five days – The Hampton Inn & Suites Beachfront! We went for a dip in the Gulf very briefly and then enjoyed the pool at the hotel – nice!
Monday, June 7th – Today was a catamaran & snorkeling adventure day at Shell Island! We boarded the Island Time Catamaran at 11:30 a.m. for a three-hour tour to Shell Island where we enjoyed snorkeling, swimming, sailing, and a stroll along the beach of the uninhabited island. On the way home, we stopped for one of our favorite meals in Florida – Hungry Howie’s Pizza!
Tuesday, June 8th – Beach day transitioned into “merlax in the room/balcony” & laundry day! We did execute Fancy night in a delightful manner though by dining at Schooners – an old-fashioned supper-club located right on the beach! Linda ordered the better meal (as usual)- grilled shrimp w/cheesy grits, but both meals were excellent (I had the grilled blackened fresh grouper w/cheesy grits). The crab cakes appetizer was excellent also!
Wednesday, June 9th – Today was a beach and bike ride day at Panama City Beach! We rented beach chairs for both today and tomorrow and enjoyed lounging on the beach taking in the ocean breeze and all of the sights and sounds of the Gulf of Mexico. This was a picture-perfect beach day – 85 degrees and sunny. There were jet-skis going, a banana boat ride, parasailing, etc., and the beach was populated with umbrellas and tents (to protect beachgoers from the sun). We took time to go into the gulf and get tossed around by the waves coming in – it was invigorating, fun, and delicious!
We went on an 8-mile biking tour of Panama City and St. Andrews State Park in the afternoon on Wednesday. It was a fun adventure and that also led to some nervous moments riding in the dusk from the State Park back to our starting point.
Thursday, June 10th – At our bike tour guide’s suggestion, we drove along scenic East County Highway 30A to see the sights. We also spent some time at the Panama City Beach Pier.
Friday, June 11th – We began the trek back home. Below are some photos taken along our travels to Florida and back. It was a great trip! We were blessed with health, safety, and great times enjoying each other’s company and God’s amazing creation while celebrating our 10 years together!
Wonderful trip with great pictures!
Beautiful pictures! You look so happy. Glad you found each other. 😊