11. Last Day in Panama City Beach

Thursday, January 24th, 2019

Today was my last full day in Panama City Beach. It's also my last day of work before a long weekend! As usual, there's not much to report during the day on work days.

I figured I would go somewhere for dinner since I had time and it was my last night in the city. I narrowed my options down to Moe's Original BBQ or Mike's Cafe and Oyster Bar. Moe's is basically across the street, and also a chain (which doesn't mean it's bad, just means it's not a local hole in the wall that I usually prefer). Mike's is a little over 3 miles away, and while I could drive, a nice walk (it was low 40s, so much nicer than Wisconsin!) would mean I deserved a big plate of seafood.

When I got there, there wasn't anyone up front even though it said "wait to be seated". Eventually a lady showed up and said it would be 45 minutes to an hour for food (even though the place was pretty empty). Having no other plans, I figured I'd sit at the bar to wait it out. Right away I ordered a beer and some crab bisque - which, to the surprise of me, the waitress, and the bartender, was ready in just a few minutes. I hadn't even finished that when my bisque when my steamed shrimp arrived. Unfortunately, I was too excited for them that I forgot to take a picture. They were delicious though - like mini lobster tails. Apparently all the concern about long waits was because some staff failed to show up, but they handled it well.

As I was walking, I couldn't help but notice many hotels were closed for the season, many rental units were empty, and almost nobody else was out walking (except for a few people wearing winter coats and walking their dogs). It made a nice, peaceful walk and made me recall one of my favorite Jimmy Buffett songs - When the Coast is Clear.

Hopefully, between parrothead events, concerts, visits with friends, and working, I'll be able to avoid crowds and just reflect and think like Jimmy in this song.