Another FL Tale
Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 6:22 pmAs Tina mentioned in her post of the 16th, we decided to try a day at a beach before parting company.
The fishing camp at Keaton Beach and nearby Hagen's Cove were about our only options without a lot more driving. She has already told you about her beautiful site only 5 feet from the Gulf. It came with cable (about 20 or so channels) and internet not to mention the great view.
There was only one 8 room motel within about a 40 mile radius of the beach. It was on the other side of the road about half a mile down from Tina. I had the place all to myself Thursday night. Of course I requested their finest room.
I did talk the manager into letting me check out a 4 cup coffee maker at no additional charge. Did I mention it was a bare bones sort of place? Luckily, I noticed there were no cups (paper or other) and was able to borrow one from Tina so I could have my morning coffee. We had planned to play cards after dinner. Since my room did not have a table of any sort and only one chair of questionable utility, we opted to use the grooming table in her rig. Did not notice until much later that there was no clock or phone in my room.
There was only one place to eat a short distance down the road. It came highly recommended by two locals and as it turned out, they were right. It was a no frills place that served only what had been caught locally on a given day. Tina tried the shrimp gumbo and I had the fresh oysters. Very good. Second night we had oyster stew; equally good. Both nights we were so engrossed in eating that we forgot to take pictures. The few people we encountered in Keaton Beach were very friendly and helpful.
Couple of surprises when I returned to my room after Tina trounced me at the card game. Turned the mini TV on to check news and weather. I had only 5 channels: CNN, shopping, cartoon, a Gainsville station and a porn network. I didn't watch much TV but then I wasn't in the room all that much. Second surprise was that the porch light was not on a switch - wired to stay on all the time. It was a bare bulb of about 100 - 150 watts. The curtain was paper thin so that light bulb was almost like bright sun streaming in the room. On the positive side, the room was relatively clean and the bed was surprisingly comfortable. The second night I was wise enough to unscrew the porch light when I returned to room. As Friday was the start of a holiday weekend and the winter fishing season, I had lots of company at the motel. There were a couple of fishermen plus three rooms of people who came to perform at a bluegrass gtg. The musicians practiced in the parking lot until shortly before midnight. They were actually pretty good.
Friday morning I strolled over to the marina which was only a few hundred feet from my room.
After killing a little time Friday morning to give sun time to warn up a bit we went to Hagen's Cove for the day. Absolutely delightful area. Tina's photos are so much better than mine, I have only a few to add.
Tina and pups on the beach
Remi checking out a sponge that washed up
The joy of running off leash - dogs entertained us all day
Following a picnic lunch and time for the dogs to dry off, Tina decided to clean them up a bit before allowing them back in her RV. This was Izzy's turn.
The beaches up and down in this area are dotted with memorials for men lost at sea. These at Hagen's Cove were for some lost in 1983.
All in all, it was a wonderful side trip
Opps, got to get off here. Power is flickering and weather radio blaring warnings. Severe thunderstorm with hail and damaging winds moving in now. Just added tornado warning. Will check in later if I have power. Damage - tornado is on the ground
The fishing camp at Keaton Beach and nearby Hagen's Cove were about our only options without a lot more driving. She has already told you about her beautiful site only 5 feet from the Gulf. It came with cable (about 20 or so channels) and internet not to mention the great view.
There was only one 8 room motel within about a 40 mile radius of the beach. It was on the other side of the road about half a mile down from Tina. I had the place all to myself Thursday night. Of course I requested their finest room.
I did talk the manager into letting me check out a 4 cup coffee maker at no additional charge. Did I mention it was a bare bones sort of place? Luckily, I noticed there were no cups (paper or other) and was able to borrow one from Tina so I could have my morning coffee. We had planned to play cards after dinner. Since my room did not have a table of any sort and only one chair of questionable utility, we opted to use the grooming table in her rig. Did not notice until much later that there was no clock or phone in my room.
There was only one place to eat a short distance down the road. It came highly recommended by two locals and as it turned out, they were right. It was a no frills place that served only what had been caught locally on a given day. Tina tried the shrimp gumbo and I had the fresh oysters. Very good. Second night we had oyster stew; equally good. Both nights we were so engrossed in eating that we forgot to take pictures. The few people we encountered in Keaton Beach were very friendly and helpful.
Couple of surprises when I returned to my room after Tina trounced me at the card game. Turned the mini TV on to check news and weather. I had only 5 channels: CNN, shopping, cartoon, a Gainsville station and a porn network. I didn't watch much TV but then I wasn't in the room all that much. Second surprise was that the porch light was not on a switch - wired to stay on all the time. It was a bare bulb of about 100 - 150 watts. The curtain was paper thin so that light bulb was almost like bright sun streaming in the room. On the positive side, the room was relatively clean and the bed was surprisingly comfortable. The second night I was wise enough to unscrew the porch light when I returned to room. As Friday was the start of a holiday weekend and the winter fishing season, I had lots of company at the motel. There were a couple of fishermen plus three rooms of people who came to perform at a bluegrass gtg. The musicians practiced in the parking lot until shortly before midnight. They were actually pretty good.
Friday morning I strolled over to the marina which was only a few hundred feet from my room.
After killing a little time Friday morning to give sun time to warn up a bit we went to Hagen's Cove for the day. Absolutely delightful area. Tina's photos are so much better than mine, I have only a few to add.
Tina and pups on the beach
Remi checking out a sponge that washed up
The joy of running off leash - dogs entertained us all day
Following a picnic lunch and time for the dogs to dry off, Tina decided to clean them up a bit before allowing them back in her RV. This was Izzy's turn.
The beaches up and down in this area are dotted with memorials for men lost at sea. These at Hagen's Cove were for some lost in 1983.
All in all, it was a wonderful side trip
Opps, got to get off here. Power is flickering and weather radio blaring warnings. Severe thunderstorm with hail and damaging winds moving in now. Just added tornado warning. Will check in later if I have power. Damage - tornado is on the ground
And now I know to pay more attention to Sarah's picture taking when I'm not paying attention 
