Florida in the winter

[Upfisk]

We had the misfortune to spend several months every winter in Florida for the past 3 years. We had been out cruising for 17 years with our sailboat and she needed a refit, cleanup, upgrade to sell. Summers are brutal so winters were our work season. It rains frequently, cold fronts come through every 3-5 days. If a real cold front came through it gets below freezing 1-2 miles from the coast. On the
Coast it is just damp and miserable, fog from the temp differential between the ocean and cold area makes things seem even colder. While it can warm up, normally the humidity makes things seem cooler than the thermometer indicates. Mold and moss abound even in the winter due to the humidity. We had a tourist bureau interview us about our "vacation" in Florida. Thumbs down we said, ours is hard work not a vacation, and the weather is much nicer in Arizona in the winter than FL.

[gyuill]

Fort Pickens just south of Pensacola is really nice. Try to stay in the older loop A which has nice trees and a bit closet to the beach. About a 1 minute walk. If you look every day at availability in the parks there are often cancellations.

[Mike Lewis]

Yes, Ft. Pickens is nice. Also consider Big Lagoon State Park west of Pensacola. I know some forum members (e.g. Adrian) have been to it.

[Mike Lewis]

Originally Posted by EdColorado

Ever manage to get a photograph of a Florida crocodile?

We saw some in the Everglades while kayaking many years ago but could never get a decent picture.

Like you're photography.

Ed

I haven't been far enough south to encounter a Florida crocodile. I think they are only in the 'Glades.

Thanks re the photos. I need to update the website and really need to shoot more, especially with the view camera.

[Ruthe]

Lots of good suggestions.s. I’ll let you know next year what we end up doing.