RVentures with Doug and Chris: Destination Destin: Cruising the Cool Emerald Coast

Doug and I had trained up ... long beach walks, bike rides, and more beach walks ... all in preparation for the arrival of Doug's "energizer bunny" friend, Dave. We were thrilled that he planned a vacation visit to correspond with our stay at Henderson Beach State Park in Destin, Florida.

And we knew that there would be no sitting around ...

We looked forward to embracing Dave's vacation motto: "Three activities a day" as we prepared a list of all the fun adventures that "Destination Destin" has to offer!

But sorry Dave, surfing did not make the list.

Our campground was once again located on the Gulf of Mexico in the panhandle of Florida, so we were all looking forward to a week of glorious weather. Unfortunately, a "Polar Vortex" decided to follow Dave from Minnesota.

But true and hardy Minnesotans never let a little weather get in the way of their fun! We were happy that we were able to do so many "cool" activities despite a few clouds, wind, rain, and ... shiver ... temps in the 40s.

Beach Time

Dave arrived a little ahead of the cold front, so we were able to treat him to a few warm beach walks. Notice ... no long pants, shoes, hats, gloves, or parkas needed yet!

It is easy to see how the Emerald Coast gets its name ... Beautiful shades of emerald green water as far as eye can see.

Dave was happy to be able to get an ocean swim in before the unseasonably cool temps arrived.

As the cold front approached and rain threatened, we still were able to cruise up and down the coast taking in the beautiful and fairly deserted beaches of Henderson, Grayton, Seaside, Santa Rosa, and Navarre.

If Frosty can still be smiling, it can't be that bad!

Being the only ones on the beach,
we were able to lay claim to a treasure of
huge seashells that were swept up by the waves!

Biking Time

Since we had explored this area before, I cheerfully gave up my bike and volunteered to drive the warm car to pick them up at the end of their ride on the Timpoochee Bike Trail. Along the way they enjoyed forests, lakes, coastline, and quiet seaside towns. A picnic lunch, an IPA and a new coaster from Grayton Beer Company was a great reward for Doug who doesn't tolerate "cool" temps very well since he became a Florida resident!

Sightseeing Time

Another one of Dave's vacation mottos is "I have a rental car with unlimited mileage and am not afraid to use it". Therefore, we researched all the sights within a 150 mile radius, looked at the weather forecast, and planned our cruising course. It was great fun for Dave and I ... and exhausting for Doug ... to able to visit a variety of attractions in the area.

Fort Pickens

Gulf Islands National Seashore

The rain held off as we toured the historical fort.
We checked out Fort Pickens'
cannons that were used to defend Pensacola Bay,

... and got lost exploring the maze
of thick brick walls and tunnels.

National Naval Aviation Museum

Pensacola, Florida

The guided tours at the National Naval Aviation Museum
are lead by enthusiastic retired military personnel.
They educated us on aviation history from WWI to present time
while sharing their personal stories of skill and bravery.

The visit also gave Dave grand ideas of
a new "hobby" that he may want to try out.

The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park

Mobile, Alabama

Neither rain nor sleet nor cold could keep us away
from touring the USS Alabama battleship
... but if it starts snowing, Doug is heading further south!

Our "tour guide" Dave, aided by the app
on his phone, pointed out all the intricacies
of the systems as only a true computer geek could do!

The massive guns on deck filled us with a somber
respect for the sacrifices our brave military veterans
made to defend our freedom.

Florida Caverns State Park

Marianna, Florida

Usually one visits a cave to cool off, but
on this 40 degree day, the cavern felt like a sauna
when we stepped into the 65 degree underground chamber.