Day 12: NOLA to Defuniak Springs, FL via Ft Walton Beach, FL

I met Cristopher Flynn at Agnews Developmental Center (aka: "Agnews Insane Asylum”). We were not residents…we volunteered to play guitar at church services for the residents who had severe developmental disabilities. We went to different high schools but we both had long hair, Ovation guitars, Ford Pintos (the kind that blow up when hit from behind) and a great group of friends who volunteered for many years. After high school Chris met Hannah, had two kids, and eventually joined the Air Force. He now works at Eglin Air Force Base and lives in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

The drive from NOLA to Fort Walton Beach is spectacular. The last hour from Pensacola to Christopher's house traverses the Gulf Islands National Seashore. It feels like you are driving for miles on narrow white sand dunes in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico. Gina and I were spellbound by the beauty. 

Christopher and Hannah’s house is filled with guitars and art. Chris still has the 12 string Ovation he bought when we were in high school. Hannah is an accomplished artist and her studio is filled with drawings and paintings. 

We had dinner at the Dockside Cafe & Oyster Bar and watched the sun set over the Boggy Bayou (connected to Choctawatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico). For our last meal in the south, I ordered redfish over Jambalaya. Gina had redfish covered with a soft-shell crab and shrimp smothered in a thick Bernese sauce. (Gina won.)  Chris enjoyed grilled Ahi Tuna and Hannah ordered one of her favorites: Shrimp and Grits. I tried the grits…and they were really good!

Of course our visit was too short. Chris and I could have told stories all through the night and into July. After 20 goodbyes we got back on the road and drove north about an hour to the nearest town with a supercharger.

Trip Stats:
Today: 336 mi 101.3 kWh 301 Wh/mi
TOTAL: 2892 mi 915.2 kWh 316 Wh/mi