I am excited to join 2 Wednesday parties! Outdoor Wednesday is hosted by Susan athttp://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/
Today, Debbie is hosting the very first transformation party at
If you want to see more fun posts, be sure to visit our lovely hosts.
For my contribution to Debbie's new meme, I would like to show you Destin Beach last year and this past weekend. We just got back from Destin for John's meeting and to celebrate the 4th of July. Last year, we were also there on the same dates for the same reasons.Can you tell the difference in the color of the water? Destin Beaches has always been my favorites. The water color has always been a pretty green that is is why it is called the Emerald Coast. But this year, it's different. Some part of it is dark brown to black. Although the beach was packed, very few people were swimming. Most of them were just sun bathing or lounging on the chairs and white sand.
The top picture of the mosaic below was taken last year. The bottom one was taken this past weekend.
The Red beach warning flag was up, meaning "High Hazard". The weather was perfect so I assume the high hazard is because of the oil spill. The smell was apparent too. We did not swim. We went to the beach just for me to take the pictures.
Before getting to Destin, we stopped by Pensacola to visit and take John's dad and step mom out to lunch. We passed by the gulf there too and saw the booms in place. Pensacola Beach is closed to the public and John's stepmom said the beach looks terrible with a lot of tar balls.
We stayed in SanDestin.
Bike Trail in Sandestin
This is the conference center where the meeting was held. We also had a reception and dinner there.
The view was spectacular!
There you are, if your kids or grandkids ever ask the same question, remember that answer so you will be ready to give it to them.
My daughter Rochelle, who is AJ's mom and stepson drove to join us there.
It's an ideal place for us to meet because it is half way in between where we all live. We all left Sandestin yesterday and they took AJ back with them. Boo hoo hoo! Kinda depressing and quiet here at home now.
3 Generations
We went to Baytowne Wharf , which is right behind the Sandestin Conference Center and of course AJ had to go on the zip line. It went high over the water.
She was really enjoying it.
She also tried the Jungle gym.
Baytowne Wharf at night is really spectacular!
We went back to Baytowne Wharf to watch the Fireworks on Independence Day. Last year, we watched the fireworks from a dinner cruise boat but those were all cancelled this year. So much business is lost because of the oil spill. I hope and pray that they find a solution soon.
25 comments:
Christine, your blog is certainly appropriately named for sure. I have never seen anyone travel so much. I love Destin and my dad lives there on the bay. I am sorry to hear the oil may be affecting the water there. Great fireworks shots. We stayed at Sandestin several years ago and loved it.
I got it up Christine, no problem:) Thanks so much for participating. Sad about the water though, you can clearly see the difference. Never been to Destin, had friends just move there though, they love it. Beautiful photos...and yes as Kim mentioned you do not let any grass grow under your feet....you love and enjoy life...and that is awesome!
Christine~~~~
These are the first pictures I have seen of the devastation from the oil spill. And Destin was (and is) so pretty. I really enjoyed hearing about your holiday and seeing the pictures. The fireworks look fantastic...you took great pictures. I also loved seeing Rochelle and AJ. I am sure you miss AJ so much, she is such a cutie. I don't seem to have any problem getting to your blog now...hurray!! Hope you are doing well.
xoxo
Janie
San Destin is so gorgeous, and the night shot of Baytowne Wharf is fantastic. But it just breaks my heart to see those gorgeous white sand beaches closed because of this disaster. And this morning I read that tar balls are starting to wash up on some Texas beaches also. What a disgusting mess, there is not a single Gulf state not affected by this spill. I don't know how the coastal economy is ever going to recover from this. I pray that somehow someone will find a way to stop this leak. Hugs, Kat
These photos show lovely places and I like the lush greens in the Destin photo. I have never been there and enjoy visiting with you.
I have heard great things about Destin. You sure do know how to have fun! Great pictures.
Thanks for sharing your 4th with us. The gulf situations is so sad - it is so hard to watch the news.
My daughter went on one of the sky jump things (?) one time and did not tell me what she was going to do - brought a video to me to see! :O
what and incredible day you all had. so happy you were able to spend it with family :) makes it so special.
blessings,
aimee
Gorgeous looking place to visit and gorgeous daughter and granddaughter! I know you will miss her! Looks like you have lots of fun memories from the day though. So sorry to hear of and see the oil spill in that region too.
What a wonderful post. It is so nice to see the three of you together. I know from reading earlier posts that this was a really successful holiday. I love to see families traveling together and enjoying each other's company. I hope you've had a great day. Blessings...Mary
Beautiful images. The before and after with the tar balls is just tragic. ~olive
Oh that is so sad about the beaches and water. I enjoyed seeing your trip Christine and I think that AJ is about the luckiest little girl around!
Hugs,
Cindy
Christine, your photos are FABULOUS!!! I enjoyed them all. Looks like you all had a great time!
Hello Christine. Wow so much fun here and such beautiful beach and fireworks.
Sweet post.
Happy Outdoor Wed. And a great week.
xo
R e g i n a
Beautiful pics, Christine! They are all so sharp!
It is a disgrace what has happened with the oil spill. ALL measures should have been tried the day after it happened. And we should have let the other countries who offered help. The economy in that area is devastated. Who could stand the smell...like sitting in a car repair shop. And I wonder if it will damage the health of the people there too.
Just awful!
So sorry that your little love had to go home. But it sure looks like you all had a good time before she left.
- The Tablescaper
Looks like great fun, gal! Love these photos! Hope your week is GRAND!
Blessings,
Becky
Oh my gosh, what a beautiful place and lovely fireworks too. AJ seems ot be having a blast.
Nostalgic Marveling
Your photos are so beautiful. Great fireworks. Glad you had a good time!
Ohhh I always love night time photos!
And your fireworks pics are amazing!
Thank you so much for answering my question [of do bugs bother you, when eating outdoors?], in my own blog comments. I always do that too. Answer anything, in the blog of the "asker." :-)
I enjoyed all your photos. Looks like you had a great 4th of July weekend. The fireworks looked spectacular. AJ must be a brave girl. :-)
I remember visiting that beautiful tearoom (Magnolia & Ivy) at the Villages of Baytowne Wharf in 2004. I'm so glad I did before they closed. That's a whole other story - my afternoon tea there was just before mandatory evacuation the next day for hurricane Ivan.
I was wondering if the smell was bad yet. The whole thing makes me sick to my stomach. On a happy note, the place y'all stayed looks fabulous!!
Stopping by from debbiedoos party! So sad about the oil and it makes me heartsick that more can't be or isn't being done. I love the beach and miss it alot. Your pictures are great!
My question is why are you letting my niece sit on the ledge of what looks like a multiple story building?!?
xo
Tina
Beautiful photos Christine. I love the night shot of Baytowne! You should frame that - you should also frame that beautiful (but dangerous-looking) photo of A.J. What a beauty she is. laurie
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