The Hunt For (Non) Red-Tide (in) October: Destin But No Memorial Day

We drove down to Destin, FL on Thursday, to meet up with the Flanigans and Butlers for a weekend at the beach. That makes this our second trip to the beach this year. The weather was absolutely beautiful, in the mid-80's and cool at night.

Our family at the beach


Ava and Shelly


I love this picture of Doug and Ava-


We experienced an interesting phenomenon this year, while at the ocean. "Red Tide" crept up on us. There is a bacteria that occurs naturally in ocean water, but when the bacteria grows too fast, it is referred to as "Red Tide", sucking the oxygen out of the water, and leaving some marine life dead. It is especially dangerous to eat shellfish, etc, caught during Red Tide. On shore, ocean-goers may experience irritation of the throat and eyes, and sneezing. Very odd. I can tell you that I was coughing, and didn't realize why, until Andrew Butler told us about "Red Tide". (insert Death Star music here). I also had a doozy of a headache Saturday night; I'm curious if it had anything to do with Red Tide?) You could see the water color changed a few 100 yards from shore, too. (www.cdc.gov/hab/redtide/pdfs/activities.pdf). We survived. It is ALWAYS great to see the ocean.

TWO dead birds on our back porch. Affected by Red Tide?


This is the latest in the year we've gone to the beach, but I would definitely go again this late. Maybe we got lucky with the weather? This is hurricane season, but we would've never guessed, with such nice weather.

The view on the beach... Don't ask me why DOUG took this picture???? HE DOES NOT KNOW THIS MAN...


Will Flanigan turned three on Saturday, while we were there. Kathy made a cake for Will, frosted with "Home Depot and Lowe's colors (blue and orange). Will was sure to blow-out all of his candles. He got some markers, walkie-talkies, Spiderman underwear and a very cool fan for his birthday. He was fascinated with the fan, and wanted to see the blades (very mechanically-minded three year-old!). I made some happy-faced cookies on sticks, and some orange stars (Home Depot-colored) on sticks for the weekend / Will's b-day. The kids seemed to enjoy all the treats.

Making sandcastles


Ava didn't prefer the ocean waves, but did enjoy playing in the sand. Sophie didn't prefer the sand, but was a trooper for hangin' with us at the beach (can't exactly get away from sand there...). Will enjoyed building things and digging in the sand. Thomas and Clara Helen (Butler) were fish, and enjoyed swimming in the ocean. Tristan liked to play in the water, too. And baby brother Tanner was all-smiles the entire trip. He has the sweetest baby-face ever.

Andrew, Thomas, Clara Helen and Tristan playing on the beach


So, needless to say, we were outnumbered six adults to SEVEN kids! We survived. And everyone seemed to get along really well. The Moms spoke of "all-things-Mom," while the men were able to talk shop (building trades, etc), with Andy working for Centex Homes and Andrew and Doug being architects.

Enjoying the beach


We cranked up the heater for the pool and were able to enjoy 100-degree water for late night swims. It was so hot that we all laughed when we got in the pool. Nice! :-) The accommodations were perfect for three families,too. The property had a "cottage" near the pool, separate from the house, where the Flanigans stayed. We would highly suggest staying at 80 Woodward St in Destin, FL, if you ever have a chance to get to the beach.

Our 100-degree pool


A beach house


80 Woodward St.


80 Woodward St.


The poolhouse


On the front porch


While we were there, an 844-lb. Mako shark was caught in Destin, 70-miles off the coast. The shark was so big, the boat and couldn't reel it in after an hour; they had to drag the shark back to shore, full-throttle, and arrived FOUR HOURS LATER. Crazy!

Catch a wave and you're sittin' on top of the world,
Shelly