(Days 9-13). It’s been one of those stretches where everything just kind of lined up—some adventure, some indulgence, a touch of productivity (just enough to keep up appearances), and even a little well-earned downtime.
We finally crossed a long-standing item off the list with a visit to Navy Cove Oysters. After years of “we really should go there someday,” we actually did it. In one hour, I learned more about oyster anatomy, growth cycles, and general sliminess than I ever planned to. Turns out, oysters live surprisingly dramatic lives. Honestly, it was fascinating and weirdly inspiring—like the TED Talk of bivalves. Plus, the oysters were delicious!
Somewhere between answering emails and floating around a lazy river like a relaxed manatee, we squeezed in a few meetings and a bunch more $1 oysters. And yes, they tasted even better knowing how much random oyster trivia I now carry around.
But the highlight reel really picked up with another epic bike ride through Gulf State Park—sunny skies, smooth trails, and the kind of natural beauty that makes you forget what a screen looks like. Of course, since we left our good camera back at the RV, there were bald eagles everywhere. We stopped at The Lodge for a brunch that honestly deserved applause, and a bloody mary bar was so loaded, it felt more like building a small appetizer tower than mixing a drink.
Evenings were everything they should be—gathered around the fire pit with friends, retelling stories we’ve all heard before but laughing anyway. We even created some new ones - "The Pork Chop Incident" is a story that will live in infamy. It’s the kind of relaxed, glowing time that sticks with you long after the fire’s out.
All in all? A few days that were salty, scenic, and just the right kind of unforgettable.
