Destin, Florida

December 1, 2008

Florida in the winter! All the rich people go there to escape winter – only we didn’t have enough time to get to Miami from Houston between the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas. So we ignored the weather warnings of cold and rainy and headed to the northwest Florida panhandle. We were taking a practice trip.

Top Sail Hill is an RV park next door to a national park of beach, dunes, and long-leaf pines. The once private enterprise, now owned and operated by the state, is a lush, spacious, and beautifully maintained park. We had arrived in a bit of heaven! The weather was too blustery for sunning on the beach, but just fine for long walks and bike riding.

Shunning the rental rates and expensive bike shops, we sought out an older gentleman who sold second-hand bikes like the low tech ones we rode as kids. Thus began our many adventures with bikes and bike racks.

We eagerly rode through the park like everyone else, but not much challenge there. So we headed down a paved path to the bike store to have them checked out and to shop accessories. “7 miles is no big deal on a bike!” says Russell. Well, at least it wasn’t at 14. Russell made it easily. I asked if the shop provided a return ride service, but no such luck. So after a few minor tweeks of the systems, we headed back to the park and into the wind, uphill. We continued riding after my fall, but with a little less attention to the scenery. I made it as far as a convenience store where the gentlemanly Russell left me to go get the truck. Our next rides were the in-the-park variety.

Bikes require racks. We again went the low-tech, not as expensive route with an over-the-ladder type. No assembly required and only two straps needed to secure the bikes – we were in business.

We enjoyed Destin. The waters of the Gulf are so clean and clear, so un-Galveston. Russell fished at a public pier; we picnicked, and had a wonderful day of it. We even bought fish on the way home for a fresh seafood dinner. We rode bikes, walked, and condo shopped. We fell in love with off-season.

As a trial run, this was perfect. We went through all of the steps needed to have a successful trip and then scurried on home!

NEXT TIME: same park, early November would be nicer weather.