Zak, like sock: Gulf Trip

This past weekend my folks came down for a visit. We had a few days in Gainesville, but spent most of our time over on the panhandle, visiting a few state parks. It was great to finally see this part of the state since we most likely won't get over there again before we leave Florida.

My mom found a house to rent that was right on the water, very quiet and peaceful. In our 'backyard' was Bald Point State Park.

Low tide. Always fun to look for little critters.

Taking a little walk down the beach.

We saw tons of horseshoe crabs. I think it might have been mating season.... :)

The 'coastal marsh' area of the park.

A few different times we saw dolphins right from our porch. We think they were feeding at low tide because as they were swimming along, they would suddenly swim and thrash around like they were chasing something. Pretty sweet.

There were also a ton of these guys hanging out on the beach at low tide, we which later discovered to be 'sea squirts'. Doesn't that make you want to just jump right in? :)

Lots and lots of shore birds, always fun to watch.

Having fun is hard work!

We took time to visit St. George Island State Park, a beautiful barrier island near home base.

Dunes on the island.

This is the area facing St. George's Sound, which is the strip of water between the mainland and the island. Calmer water, but still clear; lots of good fishing!