Destin, Florida Trip day 1 and 2

Due to the altitude I picked, we were in-and-out of the clouds a good bit during the flight. Ugggh, and we had headwinds. So, what should have been just a little over 3 hours dragged on for over 4 hours. But, no worries - the air was fairly smooth and we were expecting it. Approaching Destin airport -

Once the controller let us descend, the beautiful area was in full view!

Dick and Lindy have a long time friend, Dave, that lives full-time in Destin.  He happens to own two - 2 bedroom beachfront condos!  One he lives in and one he rents out.  Dick had made arrangements with Dave for us to rent his condo - so he met us at the airport.  The airport is only a few blocks from the beach and the condos!  He was nice enough to loan us his car too!  What a pal!

After getting settled, we all went for a nice long walk on the beautiful beach.

Back to visit Dave at his 15th story condo.  Lovely!

Dinner at a beach bar was a nice ending to a long day.  Lindy and I put together a small puzzle she brought.  Interesting story.....If you notice, there is something familiar on this puzzle.....it's Dick's original balloon!  (One of a kind balloon that Lindy designed - so there's no chance it's a different balloon....)  They were at an event at Callaway Gardens.  Lindy says that the shop owner told her "all those photos were taken at Callaway Gardens".  Lindy begged to differ with her!!!  They had never been to Callaway Gardens before, hence, the photo of Dick's balloon was taken elsewhere.  Regardless, she said she had to purchase the puzzle with Dick's balloon on it!

Day two was just as lovely - we had a relaxing drive with Dave over to nearby Eden Garden State Park.   Beautiful grounds with huge old live oak trees and much Spanish Moss!

Lovely old mansion from the late 1800's.

Lindy snapped a shot of us to prove we really were there!

Back to our condo - lovely view also!  Amazing that almost no one was on the beach.  Dave said that during the "on season" that sugary white sand would be wall-to-wall people!  Sounds like Oct-Nov is the best time to be there!