Happy New Year's Eve from Panama City

we've had a beautiful, warm week here in Panama City.  It's much more of a "beach community" than Pensacola was, and there are alot more people - but then it is a holiday week.  The Beaches here at St. Andrews are simply stunning

You know - there's always one family that feeds the seagulls!

The beach is littered with fragments of the largest sand dollars we have ever seen!  Would like to find an unbroken one!

We have views of the "bay" from our campsite, but the area around the Park is a beautifully preserved palmetto and pine sand dune with walking and biking trails all around.  

There is a small lake with an island in the center - filled with nesting Blue Heron, Great White Heron, Egrets, Ibis, etc.  It's hard to photograph.  

Last evening we stopped by on our way back from Sunset, and discovered the lake has another inhabitant:

Yes! it's real!

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Sunsets are as spectacular as we had heard....

we have to say bye for now ..... it's time to head back to the beach for the last sunset of 2011 !  We hope that the New Year brings every happiness, health, and prosperity.  Best wishes & love

Anita & Fred