Relaxing and eating in Mexico Beach

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Deer Run RV Park in Troy, AL is a great spot to stop for a night or more. Sights were the levelest we have seen and we requested a spot near the bath house because that’s where the hot tub is. After a most pleasant greeting at check-in and two complimentary bags of popcorn, we were escorted to our site and the host offered to help with the hook-ups if we needed. We quickly got water and electric, and then I took a shower while Trish started dinner. I came back and continued dinner prep and setting the table outside while Trish showered. We ate outside as the sun was setting, went in and cleaned up, and then realized we were both too tired to enjoy the hot tub, so went to bed. We were both up early and it took no discussion to quickly get on swim suits and head to the hot tub. It felt really good as the sun came up and we watched folks rising, and some starting to pull out. We headed back to the RV, ate a quick breakfast, and headed south for Mexico Beach.

We pulled into the campground a little after noon. Our reservations were waiting and went to our site and began setting up. We showered, fixed dinner, chatted with a couple of nearby campers and relaxed. The air was fresh, the breezes were blowing, and the temperature was warm enough to leave windows open at night but not so warm as to need A/C. The next day we walked around the campground and then headed out for lunch on the motorscooter. We had reviewed menu guides and headed for Rum Runners and fried oysters and fried shrimp. The baskets came with HOT fresh French fries, garlic bread and the sweetest, tastiest oysters and shrimp we have had in years. We savored each bite. After lunch we drove to Tyndall AFB and checked out the recreation areas on the beach to see if there would be good swimming or snorkeling there. The afternoon was more relaxing and a trip to the pool for some water aerobics, then Trish took a nap while I read. That evening we headed east to Port St. Joe and the Piggly Wiggly for groceries. The coast road is right along the Gulf and Mexico Beach and Beacon Hill beach are open to all; just park on the side of the road and cross any of the numerous board walks down to the water. Further east towards Port St. Joe, condos and beach houses abound. There is one open stretch but the sign says NO TRESPASSING, Property of @$%# (I left the name off because pointing out the greed of the organization might get me in trouble.)

Tuesday was another quiet morning chatting with neighbors. Then for lunch we rode out to see what seafood adventures awaited us. The Two Clams we had eaten at last year had moved and was not open for lunch. We opted for the Fish House. This was more full service and a bit more expensive. After some debate, Trish had a fisherman’s platter and I tried the tuna steak sandwich. The sandwich came with a bowl of clam chowder that had large chunks of potato and nice sized bits of clam, along with some fish mixed in. Absolutely delightful and filling. The sandwich was a 6oz tuna steak grilled with garlic butter and served on a bun with shredded lettuce. It was tasty and filling also. Trish’s fisherman’s platter had fresh oysters, shrimp, scallop, a fillet of fish and deviled crab. I got a bite of scallop, oyster and fish and that was it. We finished and were fat, dumb and happy. Then we were asked about dessert. We were about to pass until the waitress mentioned the specialty—homemade chocolate rum cake. Being in the dumb phase and figuring we could get fatter and happier, we ordered it. One bite was like heaven, two was nirvana. We split the single order and then waddled to the parking lot for the ride home. That meal definitely called for an afternoon nap, so we willingly obliged. In the afternoon we headed back to the pool but the pump was out and the water was cloudy and cool. (It reminded us of Gold’s Gym on some occasions.) So we passed on the swim and sat and chatted with other neighbors.

Wednesday we sat around camp cleaning the RV, chatting with neighbors, reading and relaxing. I grilled burgers for lunch and then in the afternoon, we headed to the beach. Winds were stiff and the surf strong. We waded up to our knees and walked the beach, but it was too windy and rough to enjoy. So we packed up and headed to camp. Rather than change out of swim suits, we grabbed our water aerobic equipment and went to the pool for a workout. The pump was fixed, the water cleaner, and maybe a bit warmer. Hopefully tomorrow will be even better. We worked out for 30-40 minutes, sat and talked to other campers then went back to the RV to change. We were heading to Two Clams for dinner. We arrived to find the parking lot full but still plenty of room inside. They had a live folk singer with acoustic guitar singing oldies and some more modern folk songs while we ate. And Wednesday was their special—oysters for half price! We started with smoked tuna dip and crackers then the cafeteria tray of oysters arrived. There were 13 steamed oysters with garlic, Greek spices, and parmesan cheese. They were hot and delicious. We had a dozen each and could have split one dozen more but decided to be good. That way we could opt for the dessert of home made Key lime pie. Those oysters were only $5 a dozen on Wednesday! We got back to camp and some neighbors had a fire in the group fire pit and called for us to join them. We poured a little wine and wandered over, concerned about mosquitoes which get fierce at night. Folks told us not to worry; they had a new spray: 2 parts Listerine and 1 part water in a spray bottle. Put on until you can smell it. It actually worked. Of course, after 30 minutes, they had to spray again. At that point the wine was gone and the mosquitoes were not, so we headed back to the RV and bed.

Thursday was our last full day in Mexico Beach. We had originally planned to go snorkeling this day. We called for reservations on a dive ship but were told they needed 6 people to make it a go. IF he had 6, and IF the weather were good, he’d call us back. We never got the call and as the wind picked up during the day, we realized it would have been lousy for diving. So we relaxed in camp in the morning and did small repairs, improvements on the RV. John cleaned the motorscooter which had salt spray and sand and then at lunch we headed to Killer Fish shack for fish tacos. We ordered two baskets: one grouper and the other tuna. Not able to decide on corn vs flour tortilla, we each got one of each and then swapped. WOW! They were as close to Mexican fish tacos as we have had. After lunch, talking with the owner, he said he preferred his with just cole slaw on the fish taco, not the “Americanized” tomato, lettuce and cheese. We’ll have to ask for it that way next time. We went for a scooter ride down the coast, bought some frozen Gulf scallops and a large tuna steak for the freezer then came back. We didn’t sit long as it was off to the pool (now heated comfortably and clean) and some water aerobics. Back to the RV to clean up, start putting away and getting ready to leave tomorrow.

If we had a check list of things we wanted to do on this stay, we accomplished almost all: eat good seafood at different places , get in some exercise through water aerobics , do some mini-projects on the RV, relax and read or nap, go to the beach and swim in the Gulf and, go snorkeling (again, we missed out.) The campground is as wonderful as we remembered, the area a fun place to stay without a lot of glitz or honky tonk, and we really kicked back and unwound. The biggest down side is that now we REALLY want to retire and be able to come here and spend a few months in the winter.

Tomorrow we head east to re-explore the Forgotten Coast, then head towards Lake City. On Saturday, we will camp at the Stephen Foster Cultural Center State Park with our son and daughter-in-law. We are really looking forward to camping with them and then going back to Jacksonville to spend 3 days at their house.

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Photos

Trish at Deer Run
We enjoy eating outside whenever possible. The only times we don't are because of weather or bugs.

Rustic Sands entrance
This is our 2nd visit here. Although sites are not as level and the roads are sand and can be dusty, it is a delightful place to relax. We've enjoyed the management and the campers we have met. We certainly hope to get back for longer than 5 days.

Ruby Rum Runners
Great oysters and shrimp. Many of the establishments here welcome bikers (as well as motorscooter riders.)

John relaxing
John is relaxing under the awning with a Popsicle and good book.

Domino relaxing
Even Domino is relaxing. Here he crawled into the closet and used the metal box as a pillow. He has come out and gone for short walks a couple of times, but is content to relax inside. Even Slinky has come out in the daylight at times.

Tern on Gulf shore
Not easy to see, but this tern decided to walk on the beach rather than fly. Winds were stiff and you can see the waves in the background.

Water aerobics in pool
We had to get a picture of us doing aerobics so Nydia, Macie, and Liz would believe us when we said we really did exercise.

Killer Seafood
This place had awesome fish tacos. Best we've had since we went to Mexico. (Seems reasonable, since we are in Mexico Beach.)

Comments

[Macey Headington]

water aerobics on your trip
You guys are hysterical. I believe you, I believe you. Keep training.