This week Courtney came to visit and I kept her busy the entire time. I picked her up at the airport in Panama City which is under major construction repair from last year's Hurricane Michael. Their airport is out in the middle of nowhere and the entire entrance is torn up so badly that you can't tell where to turn in. Their "fix" to the problem is a huge blinking sign that says "TURN NOW!" and you just have to believe them, because it looks like you're turning into a recently-plowed farm field. Luckily, there's a little sliver of asphalt.
Like most visits, we went out to eat several times for regional specialties. My favorite is the Southern Cafe with their vegetable platter of fried green tomatoes, cheese grits, sweet potato fries, and fried okra. Courtney got the collard greens instead of the grits. Oh, and we both tried the local dark beer.
Courtney would pick up coffee each morning at the gas station next door to the condo and take a walk on the beach, but one day I talked her into going on a hike in the Point Washington State Forest. We were only going to hike a couple miles, but didn't pay attention to the signposts and ended up closer to 10 miles that day (almost 20,000 steps!). But to make up for it, we stopped at Mia Casita on the way back to the condo and picked up a couple combo plates. I think it's a sign that there's such a tasty Mexican restaurant right at the exit to the hiking trail.
The weather was very cooperative the whole week, so Courtney got to spend a lot of time at the beach and pool. She didn't actually get all the way into the water, though, because while it was very sunny, the water was still pretty chilly. But it was a great place to cool her feet after our hike.
And her visit wouldn't be complete without some painting time. I took her over to the swamp by the nature trail. I've wanted to sketch here since I arrived, but it's a bit spooky. I'm sure there aren't any alligators in the water, but it sure looks like there could be. But like all good vacations, this one came to an end and Courtney went back to Chicago. At least she had a little tan and a few more freckles to boast from her travels.
