John and I traveled through Tallahassee, FL, south to the gulf coast of the Florida Panhandle. The coast is called the “forgotten coast” because it has none of the hype of the Atlantic coastline, or the massive winter tourism of the lower gulf coast. We arrived early January, giving us time to explore on our own before the arrival of long-time friends, Marilyn and Steve Holland. We arrived at the Ho Hum RV Campground on Hwy 98 with the campground located right on the white sand beach of the gulf. Cisco was in dog heaven, being able to run on the beach several times a day and hang with all the other dogs at the park.
Campground sunrise
Playing on the Beach
Carrabelle Beach
The closest town to our campsite was Carrabelle, FL, a sleepy little fishing village located 4 miles away. From our campsite in Carrabelle, we traveled either east or west for our adventures. West, we went to Apalachicola, famous for regional oysters. We heard they are in serious trouble due to over harvesting, and lack of needed fresh water from the Apalachicola River as larger cities like Atlanta, siphon off drinking water.
Oysters at Up the Creek
However, as our stay in the area continued, we were privy to oysters brought directly to our campground from local fishermen.
Boys cooking Apalachicola oysters
St. Georges Island from the Kayak
Biking St. Georges Island
We enjoyed St. George Island several times during our visit, crossing a massive, 9-mile bridge to ride bikes on the extensive bike path, kayak in the bay with our fishing rods, and to run Cisco on the white sand beaches.
Kayaking Wakulla River
When we ventured eastward, from Franklin County to Wakulla County, we were treated with the deep, Spanish moss forests on the Wakulla River (Wakulla, derived from an Indian word for “mysterious waters”) and the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. We enjoyed a guided kayaking tour of the Wakulla River with a guide, taking in alligators, manatees and the vastness of the wildlife in that area. Later, in reading about the Wakulla County wildlife opportunities, I find
Manatee in Wakulla River
there are 1500 miles of saltwater paddling trails that meander up and down this “forgotten” coastline of Florida. If you go, talk to Jacqui at T n T Guided services in Wakulla. Our guide Tommy, is a science teacher and guide on the side, so to speak, and has lived in the area as an outdoorsman his entire life.
This is a very pristine area of Florida, with lots of clean gulf coastline, minimal population, and an active marine fishery.
Carrabelle sunrise
Surprisingly, our campground (the Ho Hum Park), is in the middle of bear country. There are bear signs along the road, as well as many alligator warning signs! John actually saw a bear crossing the road as he traveled east one afternoon to Alligator Point!
Friday nights, we visited the Rio Carrabelle venue to listen to musicians who travel to this
Rio Carrabelle
coastline to perform. Our favorite was a trio from Florida State University Music Department. One professor on drums, one on stand-up bass, and student Mason Margut on piano. You will see more of Mason, my friends, and I’d love to see more of this World Trio! http://www.wfsu.org/local-routes/articles/blue-rondo-a-la-turk–bmh-world-music-trio/
Our final night in the region, we drove to St. George’s Island lighthouse to
Super blue moon on St. George Island
view the Blue Super Moon!
St. George Lighthouse
This coastline, while definitely off the beaten track, is worth the time to explore! I’d say it’s one of the highlights of our trip.
Teresa Van Haalen Ventures 