We finished up our first full day in Panama City Beach, Florida today. So far its been a fun trip.
Yesterday we got up well before daybreak and made the long drive from Raleigh. The sun was just rising as we passed South of the Border and into South Carolina. We made good time all the way until just north of Florida, when we took a detour to Folkston, Georgia, to see the Folkston Funnel.
The Folkston Funnel is one of the busiest stretches of train track in the country, with up to 60 trains passing through each day. Being a family of railroad fans we looked forward to seeing it in person. Three freight trains went roaring through this stretch of track while we had lunch on the viewing platform. It was a good distraction from the day of driving.
We got into Panama City after about 12 hours of driving. We grabbed some groceries, ordered dinner to go, and collapsed in our condo at The Commodore.
Our morning today began near 8 AM Central Time. We had bagels for breakfast before heading down to the beach for a little fun. The surf was too dangerous for swimming, with red flags flying all day, but that didn’t stop the kids from playing in the sand. Before we knew it, though, a storm had rolled up from the Gulf and chased us inside.
We got cleaned up and went to lunch with my parents and my brother’s family. Lunch was at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, the chain of Parrothead-themed restaurants. The decor was interesting and the food was good, but the food was priced for tourists and we wound up dropping more money there than we expected. Still, we can say we went.
Panama City Beach has grown up considerably. PCB used to be the boonies compared to the City of Panama City but now all the development is happening here. I’m not sure I like all the changes but that’s life at the beach: always changing.
After lunch the kids got back into the pool and I joined them while Kelly visited with our sister in law. About the time we got up a few more of my relatives arrived. We got cleaned up again and then made dinner at our condo, after which we invited my brother and his family over to hang out for a bit. Once the kids got put to bed, Kelly stayed in the condo and I went to my parents’ condo to visit with them and my aunt and uncle who arrived from Birmingham.
We’ve got no specific plans for tomorrow but that’s one of the great things about being on vacation: no schedules. Hopefully the sun will be out tomorrow and we can spend more time outside enjoying this beautiful place.
The commercialization of PCB has completely ruined the vibe that you and I remember from growing up there. Now it’s just another strip of chain restaurants and name brand hotels.
14.5 hours for us yesterday from Fburg to Orlando. Go caught is heavy rain in SC and GA.
BTW – I don’t remember if I ever replied to your email about being in F’burg – but we will be in town so I’m definately up for getting together when you pass through town.