The Beach...Day Two

DAY TWO...Monday, July 5, 2010

The plan for the second day was to head down to the marina and rent a pontoon boat that Chip had reserved.  But by the time we got there, the clouds were rolling in along with very gusty winds and the waters were too choppy....and the guys at the marina were kind enough to tell us they couldn't recommend us going out.  So we quickly came up with Plan B....Seaside for a day of shopping and eating.  I'm pretty sure the women were more eager to do this than the men. 

I took as many pictures as I could, while still trying to enjoy the "moments" and eat and shop.  If you've never been to Seaside, know that it is just cute.  Cute shops, cute food, cute people.  I suspect the garbage is even cute.  It's a nice break from reality.  And if that isn't the definition of vacation, I can't think of a better one.

This outside market is full of shops....

protected by tented ceilings and curtains for doors. 

We ate lunch outside on the patio of a Mexican cafe. 

I made Debbie pose for me.....

...and then Jodie.....

but the camera slipped and I got this shot. 

 Whoops.

A row of airstream trailers.....BBQ, fruit smoothies, cupcakes. 

Super cute.

On each small flag was a note of thanks to a soldier

.....for our freedom. 

Bicycles....the mode of transportation for those staying in Seaside.

At this point, the women separated from the men for about an hour. 

We walked down the sidewalks of the beach cottages

(I use that term loosely...they were really more like mansions)

and the guys went to the bookstore.

If you look at the bottom of the window in the door, you will see the dogs that were barking at us while I took this picture. 

Surely those dogs are used to strangers taking their picture.

  I mean, look at this porch.

Here come the Men In Shorts.

Art galleries everywhere.

Looking up at a cute balcony.

Shopping for a Seaside tshirt.

Chuck.....doing what he does best when we are shopping. 

 He holds down the racks.

Because...you know...they might fly away.

Our day at Seaside turned into night.

We went to a bar/restaurant with

an upstairs view of the beach for our dinner. 

 Chip wanted us all to sign a coaster. 

 And we do whatever Chip says. 

This was our waiter.  He was easy on the eyes. 

 His name was Matt.  But when we asked him his name,

 it sounded like he said, "Mad."

 So all night long, we asked him if he was still mad. 

haha.  We thought we were so funny.  He humored us.

And then Debbie and I do what we do.  We begin to feed off of each other.  Silly, doesn't begin to describe it.  But this is what I adore about her...she makes me laugh until my stomach hurts. 

And while there may have been a margarita involved...

the silly happened waaayyyy before then.

 A kind stranger offered to take this out of focus picture of our group.  I labeled everyone so you could see who was who. 

This was an extremely fun.....and uber cute day.

It is certainly obvious that these coastal towns thrive on the tourist industry....and so far there are still a lot of tourists. I'm praying the oil disaster comes to an end sooner rather than later and that the damage isn't as horrible as we all fear it will be.  The Florida panhandle has to have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and when you stop and realize that it could be damaged forever.....it is just beyond gut-wrenching sadness.  For now, these beaches are still beautiful.......and I feel so fortunate that we were able to visit this area.