GaDawgFan.....Kelly

I want to relax in the hammock! Great view!

I went to Shady Grove Campground, a local Lake Lanier campground, to check it out for some camping this summer. I’ve never stayed there or even been there, which is surprising because I’ve camped at several on the lake. I think I forget about it because it’s one of the few on the lake not run by the Army Corp of Engineers, and they don’t have online reservations. Anyway, I like what I saw, so I’ll be returning soon. Pros: inexpensive, on the lake with lots of great views, redone area is nice, very nice playground, ability to beach boats at campsites, large sites that can accomodate an RV plus

We got a sign because we want to meet people. I figure that's why people put them up. That said, I only stop if I see someone outside.

Awesome!

Hope it works out. That one looked nice.

I really want one of these!

Yes, FANS! Makes it better and helps with bugs... win win

So now that I'm home a little update... 1) Sorry for never taking bathroom pics. I know tent (there are tent sites) and popup folks want those. I kept meaning to get over there this trip but never did. In my past experiences, they are really clean. And there is one on each loop, I think. 2) We plan on going back the first 2 weeks of June FOREVER, so let me know if you book during that time. 3) Golf carts... we had never seen them, and our friends hadn't either, but we did this trip. They're allowed everywhere except the path to the beach. To me, that means there's no point in renting one since

And that's funny about the Prevost section!

We went to the outlet for a bit. Huge!!!! Yeah, for the price we could stay twice as long at Topsail. It would be cool with a boat though because you can leave it there. I swear I saw a trailer there. Maybe not?

Today we took a pontoon boat adventure, visited Crab Island, and took a peak at a new campground friends told us about in Fort Walton. Apparently, it's been open about 3 weeks (maybe 3 months?)... I was drinking, so I don't remember which. It's on the bay, has a bridge to fhe beach, and has access to the amenities of the hotel nextdoor. Anyway, in case it interests you, I took some pictures. Here's what the sites look like, nice but no privacy. View of the bay The pool... Apparently the hotel has a lazy river and really cool pool. Our boat beached Other random pictures

Ours was blue and white (I think). This GA fan is jealous of your cart! I'm going to have to request that one next time.

Back to yellow flag! Oh, and here are some of the cabins available for rent. I thought those might interest some folks.

I'm a teacher, so we're pretty much stuck going during peak times. We went the first week of April this year. It is crowded, but we got up early and were at the parks for opening, hit the big stuff early, used fastpass, and left shortly after lunch. Then, we'd go back in the evenings for small attractions and dinner. If you have a semi-plan, it's doable and enjoyable. I also like when the weather is warm enough to swim but not June/July heat.

Yes Stef, that's dad. :) TCD, I'm amazed that parents are still letting their young kids in the water. Z is content playing on the beach, and there's a pool for those who want to swim. I don't understand taking the risk.

Water report! After 3 days of rain and no beach, I'm happy to be back in the sand. That said, it's a double red flag day. That means you're not supposed to get in the water, but that doesn't stop some people. They're even flying a plane down the beach with a sign. The good news is that the water is much lower, so there is plenty of beach to play on. Zachary is fine with just building castles and flying kites. Here's what the water looks like. You can tell he's excited to be out here anyway. During all the rain, we created a new sport... Skateboarding with a kid and a solo cup.

Thanks! Not sure I can wait until 2014. Hoping to make it next year!

No, we don't have boogie boards. It's been raining all day. We went over to Seaside to eat and shop... Trying to make the best of it. Anyway, last night was time for laundry, so here are pictures of the laundry room. It's really clean.

What's the current projection for completing all of the new Fantasy Land? I want to start some long term planning for our next trip.

Congrats! That will be a tough ressie, but I always get what I want online at 6 AM on the 180 mark. Good luck!

Yes, red flag. It's hard to capture how rough the water is, well rough for the Gulf.

Wow! Water is still super high, and the storm brought the seaweed. This is where bikes park. The boardwalk over the dunes Heres the water report. Red flag, rip tide warning, and really rough. I'm not letting Z play near the edge of the water. See how high the water is? There's also much more seaweed. It's like a different beach. If you're a skim boarder, today is your day.

It rained last night, and we're about to head down. I heard the tide came all the way to the dunes. Should be interesting.

You can't take golf carts to the beach. You can ride the tram, bike, or walk (I wouldn't walk). Most people bike and have a trailer behind for all the beach stuff, or in our case we tow the kid and beach stuff.

You can bring your own kayaks, but you can also rent them. You can't leave them on the beach at night, but some people put them in the truck bed of the tram to get them back and forth. Here are some more pics..... Here's the playground. Notice Zachary enjoying it. Here's the community building where they do a kids club in the summer and have a ranger breakfast on Saturdays. Here are some sites on a small lake. And here is Z-man playing Angry Birds during lunch at Baytowne Wharf. Don't bother him; he's busy.