Day 8: Apalachicola, Fl

Good Morning from the beautiful Gulf Coast!! 

Yesterday, Chandler and I arrived at Okenfenokee Swamp Park and were slightly put off by the ticket prices and the lack of gators due to the cold, so we decided to keep heading south. Frank the tank seemed to be acting up a bit so we pulled off at an auto parts store in Homerville, GA so C could change the oil and a couple of filters. After 3 1/2 hours of struggling Frank was back on the road. At this point it was 7:30pm and we were headed to Florida in the dark.
Chandler and I halfway planned on camping out at Ochlockenee River State Park in the southern part of the panhandle, but when we finally arrived the gates were closed and locked. I was shocked to see so many bear crossing signs on the road and wondered where we would be sleeping. After passing the closed entrance to the park we continued briefly down 98 and came upon an abandoned hotel. The hotel was big, just off 98, and right on the water. We decided it would be a perfect place to sleep. It was cold when we arrived. We walked out on the pier and the skies were so clear. We saw a couple of shooting stars and starred at the half moon. We slept soundly in the back of the truck and woke up to the beautiful Gulf Coast. It was so peaceful in the sunrise. We saw little sea otters searching for breakfast and watched the stars and planets disappear in the morning light.
Our first night in the truck was more comfy than expected. Frank kept us nice and warm and I do not dread camping out in the truck again.

Currently we are in the great little town on Apalachicola. I've never seen such a small town with such quality shops and restaurants. We just finished brunch at Tamara's cafe. I had ordered the Crab Cake Stack: chipotle grits, cheese, crab cake, poached eggs, and jalapeno sauce. Chandler ordered the Huevos Rancheros, a no brainer. The town is filled with wine bars, two outfitters, natural food and medicine stores, and cafes. I love it!!
http://www.tamarascafe.com/