~A late afternoon photo session, just before sunset, facing east. The sky is beautiful
in every direction. The light just dances off the clouds opposite of where the sun sets.~
This area was named one of "Frommer's Top Destination" locations for 2010. Nice nod!
Prints of this image on photo paper or canvas available for purchase at my fine art galleries.
~Pelicans flying in formation in the breeze...~
As we left the beautiful area around Indian Pass and St. Vincent's Island, we headed west along Florida's coastal highway 98 with an eye toward staying at Henderson Beach State Park in Destin, Florida. We didn't have a reservation so we were hoping that the tropical depression that was lurking in the gulf had discouraged a few travelers planning to head to the coast. Henderson Beach State Park is located in Okaloosa County where the beaches were voted number one in a reader poll conducted by USA Today.
Another nice nod.
Prints of this image on photo paper or canvas available for purchase at my fine art galleries.
~Seagulls appear to be dancing as they fish in the surf.~
The short drive was very scenic. Great views of the gulf of Mexico and the beaches that the Florida panhandle is famous for. Along the way we traveled through places like Mexico Beach, Panama City, Seaside, and Grayton Beach.
We didn't spend any time in these areas on this trip, but for anyone visiting this part of Florida for the first time, these are must see areas.
Prints of this image on photo paper or canvas available for purchase at my fine art galleries.
~I've always loved how golden sea oats contrast with the rich blue skies on the coast.~
The short distance between Indian Pass and Destin meant that we would arrive early...more of the day to explore!
Our arrival at Henderson Beach State Park was met with a sign that said "campground full". We'd heard that this park was really popular and that reservations were highly recommended, but we were winging it and hoping for the best. They did have a spot for us. Love it when that happens!
~A view down the beach from Henderson St. Park at the distant Destin
skyline.~
At Henderson Beach State Park, white sugar sand beaches meet the emerald waters of the Gulf. If you are interested in a little bit of park history visit here.
The park has 60 campsites that include water and electric hookups. There are also air conditioned and heated bath facilities.
The sites are big with a little space to breathe between neighbors, and best of all, you're just over the dunes and across the boardwalk from the beach.
The campsite side of the park has access to a separate part of the beach from the day use area and is like having a private beach.
Prints of this image on photo paper or canvas available for purchase at my fine art galleries.
~Boardwalk over the dunes that leads from the camp area to the beach.~
Prints of this image on photo paper or canvas available for purchase at my fine art galleries.
~More of a beautiful eastern sky just before sunset at Henderson St. Park~
Prints of this image on photo paper or canvas available for purchase at my fine art galleries.
~Crashing surf courtesy of a tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico.~
It was as expected... a hot and humid August in Florida, but the tropical depression sitting south in the gulf created a pretty stiff breeze that was very welcome. Unfortunately, this also meant that very dangerous rip currents were present. A double red danger flag on the beach meant that swimming was prohibited. Beach combing and long walks sounded great so the disappointment about no swimming was small. It was more disappointing that our dogs could not join us on the beach, but those are the beach rules at Florida State Parks, so we walked them elsewhere in the park and around town.
~Double red flags mean that getting the water is prohibited due to dangerous
water conditions.~
Prints of this image on photo paper or canvas available for purchase at my fine art galleries.
~Watching the waves roll is so peaceful and relaxing.~
Our first walk on the beach that afternoon revealed that there had been oil from the Horizon disaster wash ashore a few weeks earlier, but thankfully there was no longer any sign of it anywhere. The only things on the sand were a few shells, a little seaweed and lots of footprints. The sand here is famous for it's bright white color and fine grain...."sugar sand". Very different and unique from the other beaches in Florida. It was such a relief to see it was beautiful and not polluted with tar balls. When I first saw the sign in the distance, I was holding my breath.
~Health Dept. notices like this concerning the Deepwater Horizon spill
were posted at each of the boardwalks at the beach.~
Because of the storm brewing, the waves and surf kicked up, which made for
wonderful pictures. Just beautiful to sit and watch. I'm not talking west coast or Hawaiian surf, but any surf and crashing waves on northwest Florida beaches are noteworthy. The waters here are usually calm.
Prints of this image on photo paper or canvas available for purchase at my fine art galleries.
~Low tide in the evening...~
~Sun setting behind the Destin skyline in the distance.~
Prints of this image on photo paper or canvas available for purchase at my fine art galleries.
~This 'wall' of high dunes and sea oats separate the beach from the rest of the park.
Provides protection for the shoreline.~
~Close up of the white, fine "sugar sand" that the panhandle beaches are
known for.~
After the beach was explored, it was time to head into town and look into the shopping and dining possibitlities that were fun and unique to this area.
I love antiques. I love to look more than buy, but...once in a while I find a treasure.
While in Destin, I did find two antique dealers that have wonderful shops.
If in the area, go check out Antiques on Holiday and Smith's Antiques Mall.
Fun places to browse...a little something for everyone.
The place not to miss for dining, water sports and entertainment while in Destin is Harbor Walk Village!
One-stop, non-stop fun!
Harbor Walk has it all in one place: waterfront shopping and dining, water sports, boat and ski rentals, fishing, cruises, nightlife, fireworks, festivals, live entertainment...did I forget anything?
Yes, Crab Island!
Just across the harbor from Harbor Walk Village is Crab Island. It's a great party island where people anchor their boats and spend the day swimming and playing on the island and in the shallow waters. During the summer a snack barge is in the area selling food and drinks. A great local favorite!
This particular afternoon the clouds from the tropical depression were rolling in over Crab Island and made a pretty dramatic image.
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Harbor Walk Village offers some fun, casual dining. One of the places to hang out and have a little seafood and enjoy some live music is Poppy's Crazy Lobster.
And since I'm just a little bit of an art nut, I kind of thought their signs were crazy and colorful enough to share. They just reach out and grab you! Well, me, anyway.
Fun images :)
And yes, the food was good, too.
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And speaking of art... when visiting Harbor Walk Village, be sure to stop by the gallery of Don Sawyer. His work is bold, tropical and colorful!
"Dewey-Destin" by Don Sawyer
"Magic Beach" by Don Sawyer
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Wait! Changing the subject (just a little) several friends asked if Bill really traveled with us to Destin. Yes! Here he is enjoying himself at the beach. (And you thought I'd forget to mention him.)
He liked it so much that he stayed there. He did say he might join us again sometime, though. Never know when he may show up again. He and the dogs became good friends.
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Destination Destin! The Emerald Coast has some of the best that Florida has to offer, and we really enjoyed our time there on the beach and around town.
Prints of this image on photo paper or canvas available for purchase at my fine art galleries.
Prints of this image on photo paper or canvas available for purchase at my fine art galleries.
Prints of this image on photo paper or canvas available for purchase at my fine art galleries.
To visit my online galleries follow these links:
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Next stop ~ Natchitoches, Louisiana! Southern Charm! Can't wait to share it with you!
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