Scott, Phyllis, Sam & Laura and New Year's

After Christmas Scott, Phyllis, Sam & Laura Brannon came to visit us for a few days in Panama City.  We were still dealing with cool (cold for Panama City) weather but the winds were down and we were able to go out.  We headed down to Crooked Island and anchored off so everyone could find shells.  We walked the beach and collected quite a few shells.

The beach was covered with shells and we finally stopped collecting and started sorting.  The comment was made that "we are leaving shells here that we would love to find on any of the other beaches we visit". 

On the way back our friends on Just Us called on the radio to talk with Laura. 

Regardless of the cooler temperatures, Sam & Laura rode on the foredeck.

The next day we tried to go to Bayou Joe's by boat for breakfast but found that they were closed this week for renovations.  We ate on the boat and headed for Shell Island.  The weather wasn't as cooperative but we walked the beach anyway.  Even though the island is named Shell Island, the shells were few and far between.  Crooked island proved to be the best "shell island" in the area.

We enjoyed their visit and it is always sad to see any of our family leave but they had to get back to that four-letter word "work" whether in employment or school.

We had friends drive down from Goose Pond Marina to spend New Year's in Panama City.  They come down every year and stay at the beach for the festivities.  We joined them in the afternoon at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville at Pier Park.

We spent New Year's on the boat and saw fireworks in Grand Lagoon.