By Robin

We landed in Apalachicola on Monday. On our drive from Santa Rosa we passed the terrible destruction that Hurricane Michael (October, 2018) created from Panama City and Tyndall Airforce Base, all the way to Mexico Beach. We drove through those same towns two years ago before the hurricane and the contrast was so sad. Tree, home and commercial damage is enormous. 70+ people were killed in that late-season Category 5 storm and there was a $6 billion loss of equipment at the air base.

Apalachicola lies just east of the worst of the storm, and fared better. This area is known for the oyster industry, the quaint historic town, and the beaches and old beach homes of St. George Island (just across a causeway).

We found a great little campsite at Coastline RV Resort in Eastspoint (over the bridge from Apalachicola) whose premium sites back up to Apalachicola Bay. It’s a little noisy because the 2-lane highway is between the RV park and the bay, but the view and smell of saltwater are worth it! We were positioned for perfect sunrises AND sunset views.

We took our bikes over to St. George Island and cycled from the State Park on the north end to the center of the island, about 14 miles round trip, stopping for a snack at the Blue Parrot as recommended by Ross’ dad. One thing we DO like about Florida is that everywhere we go there are miles and miles of safe, wide bike paths. Great for cycling and running.

The great treat for me was meeting a pet pygmy goat at the beach just before we started our ride. He was bottle-fed as a baby, and like T’Chat, that made him extra bonded with his people. He walked spryly and willingly on a leash, with none of that rumored goat-stubbornness. He was VERY affectionate, loved having me pet him, even snuggling up against me. VERY soft fur too. His human woman even got him doing a little playful dance. I was charmed. He was just so darn cute. There may be goats in our future…

We stopped for greens at the local produce stand, but it is no longer able to serve up local or regional produce. Hurricane Michael damaged the produce farms north of Apalachicola and central Florida no longer has the big farms they used to. Three of the five major farms have converted to marijuana growing for CBD, another closed permanently, leaving only one of the giant farms left to grow for everyone. The owner of the produce stand really opened our eyes to the problems this area has with produce and sustainable seafood. It was a sad conversation.

In the afternoon we ate a local seafood shack, Lynn’s Quality Oysters. It has a legendary reputation and did not disappoint. The oysters are not what they used to be in terms of size, due to decimation by various human-caused problems, but they were still very tasty.

We spent another day tooling around Apalachicola. It is a small precious, community oriented town — very relaxed with quiet neighborhoods awash in live oaks and palm trees and lush foliage. The houses remind me of Key West, southern but not ostentatious with a Caribbean influence, eclectic and colorful. All in all Apalachicola reminds us of how Beaufort, South Carolina felt when we lived there. We hope this community keeps it’s small town charm. We may spend more time here in future winters.

Funky little café down the road in Carrabelle.

Apparently this guy escaped during hurricane Michael and has never been found. After reading about the research facility I’m hoping he has made a permanent escape!

Apalachicola, FL

Way Down Upon the Suwannee River

Florida Panhandle Camping with Family