We have been taking Florida State Highway 98 alongside the Gulf of Mexico. The road is well-maintained, scenic and under utilized. Santa Rosa Beach has many short-term rental vacation homes and condominiums.
According to a friend who has been coming to this part of Florida for his annual holiday, this is the best time of the year. The weather is still not too hot and not too humid. One inconvenience is that you have to pay premium as visitors from the Northeast are also heading this way for spring break.
Heavy rains started to come down about an hour into our drive and it continued.
We were looking for a nice local restaurant, but most did not have parking stalls long enough for Honu to occupy. We settled on Hong Kong Bistro with a very large parking lot. We wanted something hot. Their lunch plate consist of hot and sour soup, wonton chips, beef and broccoli with brown rice. The food is satisfactory, but was not authentic Chinese.
Ochlockonee River State Park (Pronounced Ok Lock Knee) is located 7 miles inland along the Ochlockonee River.
The ranger who greeted us from inside her station was cheerful and helpful.
Thirty campsite are nestled in a beautiful, wooded area. The location is peaceful and serene.
Among the brochures we were provided is information about White Squirrels that inhabits this park and the endangered Red-Cockaded Woodpecker. Tonight, all we hear is raindrops on the roof of Honu. I can also smell of fire from a nearby campsite.
Aloha -- Cathi
