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Swimming with the Manatees

April 2024 - GOF South & the Florida Panhandle

The "Gathering of the Faithful", otherwise known as the GOF, has a history going back to the 1960s. The New England MG-T Registry held the first GOF in New Hampshire in 1965. There are now individual GOFs held annually in each region of the country. We've attended several GOFs in the south since moving to Beaufort in 2016.

Our wedding anniversary is in April, so in 2024 we decided to celebrate it with an MGA trip to the GOF South in Crystal River, Florida. This was an area of Florida we'd never visited before, so we planned on taking an extra week to explore northward to the Panhandle region.

After a 310 mile drive, we arrived at The Plantation on Crystal River just as the sun was setting.

Ken at sunset at Crystal River Resort
Beautiful sunset at Crystal River

As we went to the GOF registration room, we learned the registration packets hadn't arrived yet because the person who prepared them had tested positive for COVID that afternoon. We looked at each other and decided not to attend the event despite having prepaid for events and meals. Sometimes you just have to make the safe choice!

But that didn't stop us from enjoying Crystal River. The side trips turned out to be the most fun - especially Melon hopping in the water to swim with the manatees!

Melon swimming with the manatees

Melon after swimming with the manatees

We explored the beautiful Florida coastline, finding some perfect spots to park the A and take in the scenery.

Melon with the MGA by the water
Ken with the MGA

One of our favorite stops was Peck's Old Port Cove, a classic Florida seafood restaurant right on the water.

Melon at Peck's Old Port Cove

The seafood was incredible - fresh Gulf oysters and perfectly fried soft shell crab!

Melon with fresh Gulf oysters
Fried soft shell crab

We then headed north to explore the Florida Panhandle. The beaches there are simply stunning - crystal clear turquoise water and sugar-white sand.

Panoramic view of Panhandle beach

The water was so clear and warm - we couldn't resist wading in!

Ken on the beach
Melon on the beach

We found a charming spot in Rosemary Beach, one of the beautiful planned communities along Scenic Highway 30A.

Melon with the MGA in Rosemary Beach

The trip was full of great food, beautiful scenery, and unexpected adventures. Even though we missed the GOF South due to COVID concerns, we made the most of our anniversary trip - swimming with manatees, exploring the Panhandle, and enjoying fresh Gulf seafood along the way. The total trip was over 1500 miles and the MGA ran without a hiccup.

Sometimes the detours turn out to be the best part of the journey!