Tuesday, September 30 - Day 13

Panama City Beach, Florida

You know you are in the South when there is a radio station devoted to broadcasting and discussing the scores of High School football games throughout the State.

A few more odd names of towns:  Kiln, AL; Niceville, MS; Pascagoula, MS

We decided to drive on, having wrung the juice out of New Orleans or vice versa. We drove thru Mobile and Pensacola and took 90 thru Destin to Panama City Beach, bit of a slow slog but not too bad. We found our hotel and headed for an early dinner as we have most of the time since we eat very little lunch. Another reason is that we were warned that if you arrive after 3:30 at Hunt's Oyster Bar, plan on an hour's wait for a seat. We got there about 4pm and it was just starting to fill up. It is the off season after all. Also following the advice, we sat at the bar. We were told that the shuckers, who work right behind the bar and facing each customer, pay attention to the bar customers. We also tipped well and talked with our shucker and received extra oysters. Lisa and I each downed 2 ½ dozen raw, then a ½ dozen baked with Parmesan cheese and ½ dozen baked with a three cheese mix, like an oyster pizza. Damn good. We then split a broiled shrimp po-boy with excellent cole slaw. The oysters and shrimp were right out of the Gulf and were wonderful as was the price: $50. The oysters were $8 a dozen. What a deal. Even Lisa was full.  We then drove back along the coast, parked and walked to the Gulf for a view of the sea. Sat a while, Lisa walked, I did some Tai Chi. Back to the hotel for a swim in the outdoor pool. We will hit the beach tomorrow and probably back to Hunt's sometime during the day. Maybe stay here another night. The livin' is easy. 

Lisa here - the oysters were delicious and meaty.  Like Dave said we were able to get more than 2 dozen because the shucker was standing right in front of us and kept putting them on our plates.

Photos 1 - Route 11 sign - same one that goes through Canton; 2 - starting easy; 3 - Dave enjoying large meaty oyster; 4 - 2 1/2 dozen empty shells; 5 - 1/2 dozen 3 cheese blend and 1/2 dozen baked parmesan; 6 - shrimp Po-Boy; 7 - Panama City Beach, Floria