2020-sept 27- Oct 1 Destin, Fl. 4 night vacation

 

 Angie and Josh decided it was time to go back to a beach, so back in Aug. she started looking for availability at a Wyndham on the beach.  She didn't really want to go back to Panama City Beach, so she concentrated on Destin and Edisto.  Destin had a 3 bedroom unit available for 4 nights---Sunday-Thursday, so she booked it.  A couple weeks later she noticed the unit was upgraded to a 4 bedroom unit.  So for half the price of the 3 bedroom unit, she got the 4 bedroom (about 90,000 points).  I love our VIP privileges with Wyndham!

They wanted us to join them, so for the next month, I wondered if Ken and I would really go.  I know he wasn't tickled with the idea.  But he told Angie we would try to go.  Then came a hurricane that damaged the Pensacola area.  So I had no idea until the day before the trip if we would really go.  

After some investigating, it appeared that the area was doing ok and Layla asked him again; he couldn't turn her down.  Love having that little persuader around!

Sept. 27, 2020  drive to Destin

Sept. 28, 2020 pool and Beasley Park 

Sept. 29, 2020  Angie and Josh's 13th anniversary

Sept. 30, 2020 Private beach and Beasley Park 

Oct. 1, 2020  time to go home

Wyndham Emerald Green  4 bedroom unit

We only had to gas up once each way, so I figure that was a great vacation for about $30 each way.  The condo was "free", since we have a bunch of timeshare points.  The beach was fantastic.  

 I had been here a couple times before, but they were about 50 years ago, so I really don't remember much about it.  I didn't get to stay in high end resorts then.   The first trip was with my brother and sister in law and their infant.  We camped and my brother took the car every day to go to work, I assume somewhere in Eglin AFB.  I do remember water skiing in the Gulf with some people I met in the camp ground.  The 2nd trip was with Ken when I was pregnant with Tim.  I don't remember why we were there, but I remember getting sunburnt feet.   Wonder why we didn't go back there more often?!  

10-1-20 time to go home

 ANgie had mentioned they passed an aviation museum on their way down.  Too bad we didn't think about that on the cold day.  Would have been neat to check out since it wasn't far away.   I assume it's part of Elgin AF base.  Why wasn't Dad ever stationed here?!

northern Panhandle of Florida

a few hills

little towns.

even cotton fields!

 

 

This time we followed Angie and Josh and got home in about 5 1/2 hours.  It was a pleasant drive.

Seemed like we had the highways to ourself until we got to I-85. 

Sweet Home Alabama---this route took us through Montgomery

and lots more cotton fields.

and other farmlands

cute barns. 

I-85 was more crowded, but still not bad.  Almost home---heading into Georgia.

 Josh led us through back roads in SW Atlanta so we didn't have any of the Atlanta city traffic.   Got home about 4.

9-30-20 back to Beasley Park

 Another beautiful morning!  Layla up and at it.  She loves playing with window clings, so Angie broke out some of them for her yesterday.

Love the pink morning light

Yep, up before sunrise.

Layla and Packos

 

breakfast done---eggs and biscuits and gravy today.  NOw getting ready to head out.

 

First stop---to the Emerald Grande shuttle to their private island

birds going after a school of jumping fish---wonder what's under there making them jump?!  We did see several dolphins, but I didn't get pictures of any.

near the shuttle dock

neat map on the dock area

here comes the shuttle!  Nice feature of the resort

cool reflections in the water

should have taken some reflection pictures without the pelican

 

Fortunately Ken was able to get up and step onto the pontoon.  Then I brought his wheel chair over and he enjoyed the ride.

 

Ken and his little buddy on the boat

Looking back at the resort

Layla enjoying the ride.  Just last Feb. she was terrified on the Disney boat ride.  This time she loved the sand and the boat.

Her expressions were so content

big yawn

looking to daddy

hi, layla

 

Ken actually rode the shuttle back and forth until we were ready to go back.  But we didn't stay long.  

 

 But I think he enjoyed riding the boat and chatting with the workers and passengers.  See you in a little bit!

 

It was really nice having the free loungers and umbrellas.

the beach was really nice, but the water was especially dirty

Layla playing at the shoreline

she still loved the beach, but didn't want to go in the water

 

 

Surprisingly the water was rather clear, even though it was tea colored.

too bad it wasn't crystal clear.  The lack of waves was really nice

more resort chairs.  Nice that it wasn't busy

maybe next time

cheese

her cheese smile

 good bye private beach

 

 

a better picture of the tea colored water!

 

 

 almost back to the dock

 

 

the "lighthouse" on the harbor walk.

 

good ride for the season.

  

Back at our room.  Layla taking pictures again.  Then she was off to bed for her nap.

 

Soon after she got up, it was time to hit the road again.

headed back to Beasley park.

Ken stayed at the lookout this time.  We covered him with 2 umbrellas.

me heading down the "handicap accessible" ramp.

 

 

The kids even brought their fly so we could enjoy the shade on the beach, too.

Layla playing with her toys and making a sand castle with Mom

 

 

time to hit the water

it was actually clearer this time

Layla even got brave enough to swim with her puddle jumper between Angie and me.

No, that's not Layla's beer!

I could stay here all day.

Heading back to the resort we stopped at some of the dunes to take a few pictures.

 

 

wonder what the endangered species are

the pictures don't do them justice.

with the road to the left

the beach was just over the horizon.  I wanted to walk over there, but the guys and Layla were waiting in the cars, so we didn't go far.

neat lighting.

so much sand

looks like a lot of people have gone to the beach

one more

back at the condo---Angie and Josh took off for the belated anniversary dinner.  So Layla and I made cookies.

she sure likes the dough, but not crazy about the baked cookies.

I prepared a gourmet meal of leftovers.  Trying to get rid of everything before leaving tomorrow.  So we had salad, spaghetti, and pizza. 

Then I got out another surprise for her---a book.  She loves books!

I had wanted to go down to the dock for sunset to take pictures through the bridge footings, but forgot about that when there were no clouds in the sky.  But Angie texted a picture of the red horizon and I had to run out on the patio.  Sure wish I had taken Layla and gone down to the docks!

The kids had a great night out.  We had a great night in.  It was a great day!