Fireworks at Fort Walton Beach

Ft Walton Beach, Florida

We traveled to Fort Walton Beach, Florida on New Year's Eve. Yea, I know it's more than two months since the new year but there was more pressing things to write about the last couple of months. So you get the low down now.

A north wind slapped across my face as I looked down to Choctawhatchee Bay. It was clear but for a few clouds in the southern sky stacked like book cases above the Gulf of Mexico. I almost tripped walking up the spiral stairs to the private roof top sun deck of our penthouse. Oklaloosa Island can get down right cold this time of year http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okaloosa_Island . I thought Florida was the sunshine state, at least that is what the local chamber of commerce and vacation hucksters claim. As I tried to shield myself from the wind I felt so fortunate to have such fantastic views in all directions. I believe we have about the best on the island. New Year's Eve night the view of Destin to the east, Ft Walton to the west with multiple firework displays at each location gave our condo a magical feel. In addition many home owners on the north side of the bay put on some very extravagant displays of their own. Some probably have to take on a second mortgage just to pay for the pyrotechnics.

Day break on the beach is fantastic. After staying up until the fireworks stopped we enjoyed some breakfast and headed to the beach. Watching the sun break through the morning clouds is worth missing your beauty sleep. Even though I really do need it. On this morning several sea snakes sat lifeless on the beach. Did they come for the New Year's celebration? An older man walked from the opposite direction. A metal detector in hand and a head set perched cockeyed on his head. Please, put me out of my misery should you see me like this on the beach, missing the sun rise and the sounds of gulls perchance to find trinkets in the sugar white sand.

Eating at Sunset

There are a surprising number a very good restaurants around the Fort Walton area. One of my favorites is Rick's Crab Trap. No, this is not my restaurant. http://www.mytravelguide.com/restaurants/ctrestaurants-7400801-United_States_Florida_Fort_Walton_Beach_restaurants.html_Fort_Walton_Beach_restaurants.html. Located at the foot of Brooks Bridge it has the atmosphere and the food that make this a don't miss place. The sunsets dance on the still bay waters while you sit outside sipping margaritas and munching on fried shrimp and oysters.

Just down the street is a unique Italian Restaurant. You may not want to go there during the day. The outside is poorly maintained and decorated in sort of an eclectic style of old Italy on acid. Even the inside decorations are fascinating to be polite, but the food is very good. The last time we were there a Mexican musical group was playing a mix of mariachi and Sinatra music. Go figure!