Gulf Islands National Seashore

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It's shaping up to be a cold snowy winter for a lot of us. It's been below freezing here, for the highs even, for a long time already!

And I love it ... because I love to winter camp.

However, today, the first possible day, I booked our annual Easter camping trip at Gulf Islands National Seashore ... April 12 to April 20, 2003.

Now, I'm not announcing a rally. There will be no nametags (unless Nancy comes). There will be no potlucks(unless Maggie attends). There will be no social events, scheduled for any day, any where.

About the biggest event I have scheduled for the eight-day Easter thaw-out trip is turning over to tan the other side.

I guess what I'm saying, is if you need a warm thought to make it through the winter ... and want to come to a beautiful, pristine, federally-protected seashore ... with miles and miles of isolated, empty beaches (even at Easter) ... you might consider making a reservation at Gulf Islands National Seashore.

All campsites have water and electricity ... unusual for a US national park (sometimes at most Canadian national parks where many even have sewer hookups for some campers).

So let it snow. I'll go winter camping, wearing heavy coats and gloves, rubbing Pam's face in the snow, throwing snowballs for the dog to fetch, snuggling under a mound of blankets inside our little fiberglass trailer ... with warm thoughts of Florida, which, as of today, is reserved and booked!

It's a wonderful life!

PS --- Depending on how hard I'm working on my tan, I may or may not even be sociable if you decide to come camping at the same time.

Forwarned is forarmed. Bring your own suntan lotion!

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If I bring my own, will you put it on for me? :wave

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It depends, Morgan, where you want me to apply the lotion.

I assume you'd want it where the sun shines, correct?

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I saw Gulf Islands......where is that for you? ....we have those here.....but I know you aren't talking Canada. ;)

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Rick, Gulf Islands National Seashore is a federally protected seashore near Pensacola Beach, Florida.

The park is accessible by going over two causeways from Pensacola. The islands extend west under Alabama, but are only accessible by boat from there.

Beautiful place. Miles and miles and miles of pristine beaches ... very little parking so the campers have prime access.

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Charles, the west end of the park is in Mississippi; GISNM is a tri-state park. There is a CG at Davis Bayou in MS, altho it is not a Gulf island, but the islands go all the way to Gulfport MS.

Pete and Rats

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Charles, some details about the exact campground on the Island. Is it Fort Pickins State Park by any chance? Do you think reservations will be required that time of year & if so a phone no# please. I know the area but was never on that Island itself. Thanks, Manzi

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Joe, Fort Pickens State Park Aquatic Preserve is nearby ... but separate.

Fort Pickens is the also the name of the campground at Gulf Islands National Park, near Pensacola, FLA.

You can book reservations through the National Park Reservation system online:

http://reservations.nps.gov/parkResults.cf...ftoken=50535796

As I said, however ... this is a non-rally. No events, no socials, no potlucks ... nothing but basking in the sunshine on the beach.

I've already offered to put suntan lotion on Morgan's back (because he was the first to ask!) ... but that's as far as my generosity extends.

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Oh, and yes, the campground is usually completely full from 10 days before Easter to about 10 days after.

We, like lots of folks, have been coming back for Easter year after year after year ... well, you get the idea.

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Thanks Charles for your fast & proefficient response. Did you know they make a sun tan lotion that will enhance your suntanning rather than slow it down etc. Its made by Banana Boat products.
Just for the record, the number for the campground reservations is 1-800-365.2267(camp)
I've already requested the site next to you so I can build a big campfire - that'll tan your hide!
Have you ever heard of "2 Egg" Florida or been there? Thats the name of the town. Thanks again, MANZI

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Klaudia and I, with our dog, daughter, and daughter's friend, enjoyed a fine week at Gulf Islands (Fort Pickens) April 6-12. The girls slept in the Odyssey; with the middle seats removed and the back seat folded down, and a foam pad, it makes a good double bed. The rest of us were in the Casita, of course.

The first two or three nights there was a 16 foot Casita in loop C or D. We took numerous walks past it, hoping to chat with the owner, but never saw a tow vehicle or a person on the site.

The only other egg sighting was on the morning of the 12th, as we were headed back north on I-65 in southern Alabama. It was pulled by a Blazer, southbound, which made me think it might be Charles.

(Hi Charles and Pam!) :wave

We enjoyed it tremendously and hope to go back again next year!

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Hi Bob!

We just returned yesterday from 10 days in the sun. Loved every minute of it!

Yup, that was me, headed southbound on I-65. I remember seeing another fiberglass rig headed northbound on the 12th. I gave you a big wave!

Our reservation was the 12th to the 21st, so we just missed you!

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Maggie Mutt, relaxing under a low-slung palm tree, after a taxing round of ball chasing in the Florida sunshine.

<img src=http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/uploads/3ea879f81c2edmaggiepalm (Custom).JPG/>

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During our entire Florida trip ... I only saw two sights ....

1. A faceful of beach towel (when I was sunning my back).

2. A faceful of blue sky (when I was sunning my front).

Occasionally Pam would drop a cooled freshly-steamed shrimp into my mouth, so that I could maintain my strength for tanning.