Florida Panhandle - Shell Island

Shell Island is a barrier island along the Gulf of Mexico which separates the Gulf from St. Andrews Sound.  Panama City lies along the north side of the Sound and Tyndal Air Force Base is located on a peninsula in the middle of the Sound.  Above, Jill and Bonnie are on the bayside beach with Tyndal in the background.

Tyndal pilots remind you that they are next door with training exercises flying over Shell Island and St. Andrews Sound.  But, they were the only visitors to the Island.  Being a bit late in the cruising season provided the Last Dance crew with a private island to enjoy.

White sand and clear, turquoise water, looking west

The Gulf Beach, looking east

There is a reason the island is named Shell Island - note the bag of shells in Jill's right hand.  The beachcomber was in her element on Shell Island.

Well, there were traces of other visitors along the beach.  This one drags a toe as it walks . . . seems a bit alien.

Plovers nest in the dunes and feed along the Gulf and bayside shores.

Islands move.  Shell Island provides multiple evidences that it is moving north away from the Gulf.  Right, a forest of tree stumps that once was a stand of trees on the uplands.

On the bay side, the island has moved past the end of a dock.  The triple-pole dolphins that once held large and deep draft boats now stand far from deep water.

The forces of nature created their own artistry.  Sculpture along the Gulf waters.

Beautiful, warm, sunny days provided great beach walking, but the evenings were spectacular.  Last Dance floats at anchor as the sun begins to set over the Gulf, an area famous for sunsets.  The photos below are a sequence from the first night at anchor by Shell Island.