FTJ, Entry 60: BUSTED! ... and then Nearly Blown Away

Well, it finally happened. We were asked to leave the Publix grocery store by a manager, all because we had Buddy in a carry bag in the cart. Jeesh. At least she didn't call security and throw us in the hooskow! 

So they have a cute harborfront area here called HarborWalk. We went for their Fat Tuesday celebration, but, because of the cool temps, high winds, and lack of entertainment beyond one band and a few parrots, it was a bust.

But this is what the area looks like:

You might be able to make out the HarborWalk area below Beau.
(Sorry the photo is so dark.)

Wish we had a beach house! Would have bought a few of these.

A jazz band played for onlookers, but that was about it for Fat Tuesday entertainment.

One of the restaurant facades.

Ah, Youth!

On the beach back at the old homestead, we noted more action -- spring breakers! They were adorable -- and crazy, out in their bathing suits when it was barely 60 degrees and worse yet, going in the freezing waters.

 

Their fun was short-lived, however, in that the weather was about to change. On Tuesday, as noted, the wind had already come up big-time....

And on Wednesday, the storm came barreling at us, along with some pretty serious tornadic activity. We ultimately decided that the rec room here at our campsite -- which is rated for 200 mph winds -- would be the best choice to wait it out.

At first, we hid Buddy in his bag (one guest told us dogs were not allowed), but soon the place was crawling with people and their dogs.

No way we were leaving our child in a 36-foot fiberglass box during a tornado warning!

Most of these people have dogs on their laps or on the floor.

Beau often takes a blurry photo -- anyway, here we are at the rec room "shelter."

And here is the storm coming at us. We're right where it says Miramar Beach

Fortunately, other than finding a leak in the RV, we suffered no damage here. Lots of rain, thunder, lightning, wind.

Back to normal! Buddy is begging for food here.

It seems fitting, I guess, that this morning we are leaving Florida. We're Alabameeee bound. Let's hope that the weather improves!

Our last sunset here at Camping on the Gulf (pre storm).
Note how the sun seems to be "melting" into the water.

Tanks, Panky