Groovin on the Gulf

Feb.25-28 Drove up west coast of Fl.,but did not stop until we reached outskirts of Tampa-too much development and traffic. Researched online and found a county park with camping outside Tampa,but on the bay.It was a great spot-on the water,with beach,dock,elect.,water,and nice restrooms (we got there 1 minute before they closed-lucky us) Also, saw at least 10 active osprey nests! We also visited Big Bend electric generator sight where hundreds of manatees winter because of warm water from the plant. We kept heading north and spent night at wal-mart in Perry, Fl. There are usually several RVs and cars overnighting at the Wal-marts. It is a good place to meet interesting people and get our shopping done! Also, the vegetable man gave us a good tip-casinos allow free RV parking (I guess they are hoping you will come in to gamble). We got on Hwy 19 and headed to Apalachicola Fl for some yummy oysters and to tour interesting little fishing town. On the way, we decided to see if St. George Island had any camping spots open.It is a very beautiful barrier island. I called and the ranger said I have 2 spots available -first come first serve. We put the Rv in high gear and got the last spot. We could not believe how pristine and beautiful-sugar white sand and emerald green water. We wanted to stay there forever-number 1 on our list so far, and it has had some stiff competition! We saw 4 bald eagles and walked many miles on beach and forest observing wildlife and vegetation.We have been on road about 6 weeks now, and feel like we are finally getting into a groove! Sandy and I have had a few disagreements, but set some guidelines-he is the designated driver and I am the designated navigator/campground finder. If one of us screws up, the other must be patient.Let's hope we both follow that rule for the whole trip.
Chelsea-I really liked campground at St. George Island, but I did not like that no dogs on beach rule.I guess that is because it is so pristine and some dogs would mess it up-but not me. I did go on some hikes where I found ponds to swim in-just had to watch for alligators. Also, the night the fam cooked out fresh shrimp and fish, I got to enjoy some.And as always at the campsites everyone talks about how beautiful,well-behaved I am-so of course that means extra petting and treats for me. The road life is not so bad after all!