I Always wanted to go to the Panhandle since we first arrived in Florida almost six years ago, but also discouraged of the amount of driving needed to travel. Since two weeks ago was spring break here, what else was a great excuse to have a short getaway?
The morning glow of Panama City Beach Pier with the almost luminescent emerald water.
The Springhill Suite was our home for three days with its fantastic view of the Panhandle.
I originally planned of going away to Destin with my friends- Lynette and MK, but an almost seven hour drive was way too much of a stretch for a short vacation so we settled to Panama City Beach instead- the very front of the Florida Panhandle. I have three places for a stop on this trip: Devil’s Den in Gainesville, the Panhandle and St. Mark’s Lighthouse right off Tallahassee. We made it to Devil’s Den; it was a great timing to break our six hour drive. Unfortunately, the spring is not accessible to everybody unless you are diving or snorkeling; the staff was kind enough to offer sight-seeing of the premise, but given the limited time, and the long drive ahead of us- we rain checked and left and continued our journey.
The Drive to Panama City beach were accompanied by multiple stops to restrooms and gas stations, accompanied by me singing while MK and Lynnette were in their deep sleep from the 3 nights they were working🤣. From Gainesville to Panama City was a combo of both scenic roads and highways which made the trip interesting and not boring. By the time we got to our hotel, it was past five. Settled in for a bit on our 13th floor abode with the view of the emerald water and the people on vacation until we finally decided to head down and find a place to have dinner; a seafood dinner- at The Shrimp Basket- all food with shrimps on them- cooked all differently😂. When we can no longer fill our stomachs, we have our food boxed and headed back to our room and called it a night.
The following morning while MK and Lynette were still resting, I decided to do some long exposure Photography. The pier was just like the other piers in Florida; nothing special- but the best part though was the luminous emerald green water. After much of photo shoots, I met with MK and Lynette at the boardwalk who were making their morning rounds. Like any other pier, it was busy with all the people fishing. After that we headed back to our hotel, ate with our complimentary breakfast, and started our day.
Left: The three of us enoying the boat ride;
Right- exploring the boardwalk as we enjoy the view during early morning;
Air Boat Tour. I have only been to an airboat tour once in the Everglades. MK and Lynette have never been so I brought them to Wild Thang Airboat Tour to experience this one. An hour boat tour brought us to see some Florida Wildlife- alligator, bald eagle and some wild (not human fed) seagulls. And of course, the adventure of gliding through the waters was the main source of fun. I must admit, the one in the Everglade had more the wild ride😉.
Conservation Park. When we were done, we went to the Panama Beach Conservation park. At the facade there was an open ampheatheatre that reminded me of the Cathedral of the Pines in New Hampshire- quiet and beautiful- good place to reflect. As we walk, the lines and columns of pine trees were admirable. I have always been inclined to photographing this kind of composition since moving to Florida; there is actually one nearby Deland- the Tiger Bay State Forest, but never made it there yet- plus, it is along a busy main highway so I just admire them when I pass.
We did a mile walk on the boardwalk and the trail both under the shades of the pine trees and in the heat of the sun while randomly chatting. It was a well spent afternoon.
After almost an hour walk, we got hungry so we decided to find a place to eat. Korean BBQ was on our minds so we ended up finding a KBBQ nearby our hotel. After that, we headed back to our hotel- I attempted swimming in the water but it wasn’t warm enough for me to get in so I walked through the shore, and headed back to the room and rested.
the Panhandle sunset…
into the deep part of the Florida Cavern State Park
Sunset in the panhandle hits differently. While MK and Lynette were resting, I sat by the balcony of our 13th floor hotel accommodation over looking beachcombers and goers… and the sunset of course. For some reason, i think the color of the sun in the Panhandle is more intense shade of red… and more dramatic. That, just I thought. When the sun finally came down, I headed inside and rest too.
On our third day we had another early morning beach walk; a final glimpse of the beautiful green water before we hit the road.
Florida Caverns State Park. Finding this place was all incidental. On our way to Panama City Beach after a failed attempt to experience Devil’s Den the first day, we travelled through Interstate 10, and noted this sign of the Florida Caverns State Park. When we got to our hotel the first day, I looked into it online. Surprised by the many positive reviews of previous visitors, I told Lynette and MK that we should visit this on the way back. So we did.
And this did not disappoint.
The cavern tour was 45 minutes long where we experience the uniqueness of the cave. The guide told us about why this cavern is distinct among others that are found in United States, the difference is that this was the only cavern that was formed not only by limestones, but also seashells and corals as well. I wish my camera could capture the tiniest detail, but upclose- you really would see the fossils attached to the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. Interestingly, according to the guide- the reason being is that this place was submerged in water several million years ago. Truly, this place was worth off of an hour and a half of a stop; the place did not disappoint.
St Mark’s Lighthouse. For so long I have been wanting to go and photograph St Mark’s Lighthouse but never had the opportunity. Since like the Panhandle that requires a long drive, it is four hours away from the house. I wanted to go during sunset- during the golden hour when the color reflects at the salt marsh and highlights the tidal grass flat or before sunrise during blue hour or at the deep of the night- as I learned that the night sky here is visible and good for that rare Florida astrophotography. But none of these happen, we got here at three in the afternoon, when the sun was at its peak. But, I can’t complain- all my images came out nice.
Another bonus attraction were the wildlife. We saw some seabirds- the seagulls and the Pelicans resting on a wrecked pier, some tortoises as I walked through the marsh to get a better composition of the lighthouse, and lastly, on our way out after sometime of wandering the lighthouse perimeter (and to start our four hour journey home)- a couple of cars were on a park mode only to see that they were looking at the deer.🙂
yours truly, enjoying some time capturing the scenes with my camera and memory.