You always hear stories about rough weather in The Panhandle. It is no lie. We arrived at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa after a night of storms in the region. Rumors were flying about tornado touchdowns in the surrounding towns.

Photo published on web of tornado in area.

We went to the beach in the Preserve and, although the waters were rough and it was still windy, there was very little sign of damage.

The red flag was still flying in the morning.

You get to really appreciate the dunes. Further up the beach in the Sandestin/Destin area there is development to the waterline.

Here a small inlet breaches the dunes.

Topsail Hill is one of the most premier and expensive state parks. It has larger sites, a beach, pool, shuffle board, hot showers, clean bathrooms, hiking trails and a community building. They charge $42 a night.

We hiked the extensive Preserve trails. They do controlled burins to encourage long leaf pine growth and to discourage invasive species.

Southern Magnolia

We were treated to a fabulous concert featuring “The Brothers”. They are 16 and 17 Years old and are going on tour. They are really exceptional.