Thu, May 5 2011, Fri, May 6 2011, Sat, May 7 2011, Sun, May 8 2011 - Relaxing Beach Camping Weekend at Anastasia Beach (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Pam, Scott Bennett Participants: Pam, Scott Bennett, Katherine Bennett, Phyllis Melton, Melissa M, Joann R, Danelle, Ray R, Kathy DeLong, Steve Schroer, Suzie, Casey, Hope, Aaron Lee, Lowell C, Caitlin Stark, Danielle, Lisa Maldonado, Jaime, Michele, Phil 'Foz' Parkerson, Andrea S.

On Thursday, the early arrivals went to the beach and then had dinner at Caps by the sea (Scott got us hooked on Caps last year). Friday morning it rained for about 3 hours, but when you have bacon sizzling and hot coffee brewing under a popup tent, who really cares about a little rain? After a lazy breakfast, most of us went into town for shopping, Ripley's and maybe the occasional tavern or three.

Luckily that was the last of the rain for the weekend and most of the group hung out at the beach for the rest of the day. We intentionally avoided putting together a rigid itinerary for this trip and it paid off big time. Friday night Lowell took it upon himself to prepare a fantastic shrimp boil for the group and everyone else contributed delcious side-dishes. We had about 10lbs of fresh shrimp, sausage, and a great buffalo sauce for the shrimp. After the boil we set up a projector and screen and enjoyed a movie in the woods. (Thanks Jaime & Lisa!)

Saturday was another beach day for some, and others went to Gatorland and had a great time in the natural rookery which was alive with thousands of nesting and fledgeling water birds: Roseat Spoonbills, Egrets, Herons, Woodstorks and more! Afterward, some of us went kayaking in the intercostal and then headed over to the beach for more sunbathing and relaxing. Saturday night was a big dinner out and about 20 of us went to Caps for dinner on the Patio overlooking the ocean as the sun went down. As usual, we had to wait about two hours for a table, and, as usual, it was absolutely worth the wait.

Sunday we were sad to pack up, so we just had to extend our vacation another few hours. We enjoyed a lazy brunch at the Conch House... sitting on the deck overlooking the bay. An excellent end to an excellent weekend! 

Everyone agreed it was a really great trip and we had a great group of people who all contributed to the fun. And yes, we are already planning next years trip! Be sure to set your alarms so you can sign up in time!