Apalachicola, FL visit

[wiguy]

Just back last eve before a modest snow coming. I had the idea for awhile to visit the ‘forgotten coast’, the plan was easy to implement. We had fine weather, a little cool. Since we didn’t leave until past 11, we overnighted in Auburn, AL on the way down. There’s the handful of special use airspace around the FL panhandle, a bit less so into KAAF. Most of it was cold over the weekend.

It doesn’t come up on Google or in an FBO search, but easy rental vehicles are available right from the airport. They had about 10 it sounded, most were out. I did call from Auburn, but for the most part I don’t reserve anything.

We did a short beach tour before landing, later checked out from St George Island to Mexico Beach with the car. They were still in Hurricane reconstruction at Mexico Beach.

Yes, the weather was cooler than S FL, still plenty of nice sand around, lighter traffic. Two told us not to tell any friends about the area, secret. The airport was great, enough runways to keep anyone happy. Just another idea for a getaway to file away

 

[gmascelli]

Thanks for the PIREP!

My bride and I are always looking for someplace warm for a get-away. We haven't really explored the panhandle but maybe it's time we do. Gulf shores and the west coast of Florida have been or favorite go to, but, quiet beach time and sunshine works for us.

 

[wiguy]

It’s easy to stay focused on Gulf Shores, P’cola, Destin & the usual places. That newer ‘Beaches’ airport is off the coast some & has mixed reviews. Crestview gets better reviews, still a hike to the water.

Apalachicola is not a normal spring break destination, though it would take little effort to find a quiet, white sand beach. FL was pretty open too, mostly the choices were up to the establishment and the patrons. They were recently in the top 15 States for low per-capita Covid numbers. Like most any FL beachy town, plenty of options for a cold IPA.

I also like airports with no control tower or TSA, out the side door of the FBO to the car.

 

[mcgrathm]

We have been to Dauphin Island Al, south of Mobile. The airport has no services, but this place is layer back and is not a “spring break” destination. Lots of off shore fishing and historical stuff. We actually never have flown in, but camp there almost every year at rage campground near the fort. I always wanted to because the runway runs out into the bay.

 

[wiguy]

Yeas ago I went to Dauphin Island a time or two, lived in MS. I would fish right off the runway, catch & release.