How/Why did you first find SoWal.com?

[Camp Creek Kid]

Just wondering what led everyone to this message board. I first found it after Ivan and soon realized that it was the BEST source of info. for South Walton. I did lurk a bit on the old Graytonbeach.com message board. Smiling JOe and River Otter where there too. I thought they were a lot older than they really are (though I still haven't met either of them). I am a loyal SoWaller first and foremost because Kurt is a great guy and I want to support his endeavors. Second, I can't go a day without at least lurking to see what everyone is up to. :biggrin:

[jdarg]

Googling for rentals in Grayton that weren't with the rental companies- VRBO's and such.

[Smiling JOe]

Ex-wife found the site long ago.

[Camp Creek Kid]

Ex-wife found the site long ago.

At least something positive came from that relationship!! :floor: Does she post?

[Beach Runner]

Ivan.

[Kimmifunn]

Ex-wife found the site long ago.
God you get more and more interesting every time.

My mom used to post on the Graytonbeach.com website and we made fun of her. Not sure how we ended up here...but I think it had something to do with the fact that I always came on to look at Kurt's pics. Then I bought some from him. And Laner oops...W-Funn and I used it during Hurricane Dennis!

[Smiling JOe]

At least something positive came from that relationship!! :floor: Does she post?

Many positive things came from, and continue to come from that relationship. "Ex" does not have to be a bad word. We all have a choice to make it what we want to.

[Camp Creek Kid]

Many positive things came from, and continue to come from that relationship. "Ex" does not have to be a bad word. We all have a choice to make it what we want to.

I'm just teasing you. Sorry if I offended you. :oops:

[Smiling JOe]

I'm just teasing you. Sorry if I offended you. :oops:Girl, you did not offend me. Just want you to know that divorce does not always equate to hatred.

[gotothebeachmom]

Just googling up and down 30-A looking for a site to stay connected to the SoWal area. I posted every now and again. Ivan definitely unified everyone. I stayed up most of the night. I did the Snoopy dance when I saw Kurt's first psot the next day! If Kurt was there, it gave us all a reason to hope.

[Camp Creek Kid]

Girl, you did not offend me. Just want you to know that divorce does not always equate to hatred.

We all know that you wouldn't hate anybody (even dune crashers--you may hate what they are doing, but not the person).

[jdarg]

GTTBM- this is off topic (of course). What is the Snoopy dance?

[Elvis]

I like the chicks.

[jdarg]

I like the chicks.


You are creeping us out.

[TooFarTampa]

I like the chicks.
:lolabove:

[Kimmifunn]

You are creeping us out.
:lolabove:

[gotothebeachmom]

GTTBM- this is off topic (of course). What is the Snoopy dance?

You know when Snoopy gets happy in one of the little Peanut specials and does his little happy dance?

When my son was little I was dancing around the kitchen over something that made me happy one day. He giggled and pointed at me and said, "silly Mommy you do the Snoopy dance." Sorry I forget you all haven't lived in my "nut house." Charlie Brown Christmas is coming on soon watch it. Then we can all do the Snoopy!:floor:

[Suncat]

Just googling up and down 30-A looking for a site to stay connected to the SoWal area. I posted every now and again. Ivan definitely unified everyone. I stayed up most of the night. I did the Snoopy dance when I saw Kurt's first psot the next day! If Kurt was there, it gave us all a reason to hope.

My reason is exactly the same except for the Snoopy dance. I would have if I'd thought about it! I have read and kept up with everything and I hope I'm still accepted if I only post now and then. The pictures and updates keep me going until the next beach trip!

[TooFarTampa]

Found this board during Ivan too, Googling around, frustrated because there was no info on SoWal (of course I did not know to call it SoWal then.) I was so impressed by not just the breadth of information, but the real kindnesses shown by so many, especially Kurt and SJ. :clap_1: I lurked on and off for about a year. In June I finally registered just to PM somebody who was looking for a rental house. Pure capitalism. :oops: But I posted a couple of times before Dennis came, and then never left, though I lurk a lot. It seems like so long ago!

Though I never really felt like a part of this board until I set foot in the lounge. Y'all only scare me a little bit. :floor:

[jdarg]

You know when Snoopy gets happy in one of the little Peanut specials and does his little happy dance?

When my son was little I was dancing around the kitchen over something that made me happy one day. He giggled and ponted at me and said, "silly Mommy you do the Snoopy dance." Sorry I forget you all haven't lived in my "nut house." Charlie Brown Christmas is coming on soon watch it. Then we can all do the Snoopy!:floor:


Gotcha! I need to practice that one! Earlier tonight, Kate and I were doing the moves from the middle school dance team routine. Now we can go to a strip club audition. I think the Snoopy dance may be a bit more wholesome, unless you do it naked!

[Kimmifunn]

Gotcha! I need to practice that one! Earlier tonight, Kate and I were doing the moves from the middle school dance team routine. Now we can go to a strip club audition. I think the Snoopy dance may be a bit more wholesome, unless you do it naked!
Pea to the pod is going to come to Scores with us when she comes to the city. Will we see you there! :funn:

[Smiling JOe]

Gotcha! I need to practice that one! Earlier tonight, Kate and I were doing the moves from the middle school dance team routine. Now we can go to a strip club audition. I think the Snoopy dance may be a bit more wholesome, unless you do it naked!:wub:

[jdarg]

Pea to the pod is going to come to Scores with us when she comes to the city. Will we see you there! :funn:


Ha! I would have to clean up that little dance routine - it was too hot for Scores!

[peapod1980]

Ex-wife found the site long ago.
Whoa.

[gotothebeachmom]

Gotcha! I need to practice that one! Earlier tonight, Kate and I were doing the moves from the middle school dance team routine. Now we can go to a strip club audition. I think the Snoopy dance may be a bit more wholesome, unless you do it naked!

Maybe that's why my son thought I was silly!:funn:

[peapod1980]

Girl, you did not offend me. Just want you to know that divorce does not always equate to hatred.
So true, SJ. That's what makes it that much harder to see when it does = hatred.

[jdarg]

Maybe that's why my son thought I was silly!:funn:


Now you can teach Camden the Snoopy!

[Smiling JOe]

Maybe that's why my son thought I was silly!:funn:Were you doing the Snoopy Dance Naked?:shock:

[peapod1980]

Ha! I would have to clean up that little dance routine - it was too hot for Scores!
Whoa.

[Elvis]

Scores . . . Yummy

[peapod1980]

Just wondering what led everyone to this message board.
Found it one time looking for rentals, have to admit at that point I didn't even notice the message board. :oops: Then my sis--lucky13--mentioned she'd been lurking, so I looked and registered before she did! :razz:

[gotothebeachmom]

Were you doing the Snoopy Dance Naked?:shock:

Can't recall. Not asking the son, just in case I did. He may have spent many years trying to forget the whole thing. I doubt I did, but ya' never know.

[Miss Kitty]

Found the site right before we left for Columbia, MO for Parent's Weekend during Ivan. I spent much time logged on the Stoney Creek Inn's computer waiting for news. Then, I just lurked early in the am, until............I joined and stared posting and I can't stop!!!!!

P.S. I dance alot around my house...fully clothed.

[gotothebeachmom]

Found the site right before we left for Columbia, MO for Parent's Weekend during Ivan. I spent much time logged on the Stoney Creek Inn's computer waiting for news. Then, I just lurked early in the am, until............I joined and stared posting and I can't stop!!!!!

P.S. I dance alot around my house...fully clothed.

Not what HMM told me!

[peapod1980]

Found the site right before we left for Columbia, MO for Parent's Weekend
Hey, Mama, any plans to visit your baby boy at school any time soon?

[Miss Kitty]

Hey, Mama, any plans to visit your baby boy at school any time soon?

Not at this time. I would like to go in the Spring since I have been up there three times in the Fall. He is flying home Friday and I am so excited! Molly is going to go bonkers when she sees him!!!

[Johnrudy]

I found Sowal.com by Googling for pictures of the area. Because I get so homesick and want to see some of the beauty. So, started finding pix of Kurt's and one thing led to the other. Then, Ivan, vacation plans, Dennis, etc. I have many other friends that lurk but are not registered.

[DD]

Picked up a sticker at the Grayton Market and just started lurking too at first. It is definitely an addiction! :idontno:

[Donna]

After Ivan and before Google Earth, we were dependent upon good samaritans like Kurt and this Web site for news of our house. Kurt had always done our virtual tour, so we became aware of the site while navigating around that. No family member could get across the Bay Bridge to check things out post-Ivan. What a relief to get Kurt's call and the Board post. The pictures were awesome to behold. Since then, we have also appreciated field observations from Smilin' Joe, after Dennis. But my best times on this board have been reading what a loyal following our South Walton beaches have from nice people from all over---universally loved and cared for.

[Rita]

Googling Grayton Beach and the State Park I think. Lurked and posted a little on graytonbeach.com.

I think the community feeling I get from this board is amazing. I feel connected and want to be able to do things for SoWal and anxiously await our time to be considered locals. I so hope the changes between now and then do not affect the area negatively.

[Miss Kitty]

Amen to that, Rita!!! dd is working on a TEXAS SOWALERS meeting after the holidays for us! So all you Texas lurkers, start posting!

[iwishiwasthere]

My daughter forwarded photos to me, and since then I have been hooked. My family calls it "the site" .

[RiverOtter]

Found it on Graytonbeach.com looking for real estate. Talk about premative. Then the 1st hurricane hit and looky at what kurt has done. :cool:

[shakennotstirred]

I discovered it on Graytonbeach.com while looking for info after Ivan. Kurt's reports after Ivan assured me that the beach was still there. I had to see for myself & planned a trip to Seagrove 3 weeks after Ivan.

[Camp Creek Kid]

The general consensus seems to be that Ivan was very good for SoWal.com.

[KISH7374]

I was on the site for a couple of years looking for rental properties for vacation and finally noticed the board before Ivan. It took me a while to decide to register but it is all history since then. I look forward to the pictures and posts every morning. It is like a first cup of coffee in the morning. :cool: :bang:

[Dabell]

A Friend from sowal told me about Sowal.com

[Landlocked]

I was poking around looking for some fishing advice and I wound up here. I think that's what it was. I don't really remember.

[tamara]

Found it on Graytonbeach.com looking for real estate. Talk about premative. Then the 1st hurricane hit and looky at what kurt has done. :cool:


That is exactly how I found it too........

[beachma]

Hmmmm....I'm sure I found it doing a search on Seagrove/Grayton Beach. I remember reading an article about the history of Grayton Beach and the surrounding area. It was so interesting to read about the wild boars that used to live on Seaside land...and the grocery/general store that became the Red Bar...which is when I learned of the Red Bar! After reading the article, on our next trip down my husband & I road bikes to Grayton and explored the town and beach. Patrones was still there...we checked out several houses...checked out the Red Bar and decided it was the perfect place to celebrate my youngest sister's 40th birthday...lots of memories! I"m thinking that the graytonbeach.com website has been around for at least 5 years...is that possible Kurt?

[dbuck]

Found it before Ivan, but after Ivan it was the only place to find really good information and pictures. Now I can't live a day without it.

[lucky13]

Can't remember specifically, but I used to visit the site to look at pics when I was missing the beach, started lurking on the board, knew friends beachma and beachgirl were on here and the rest, as they say, is history!

[ktschris]

Pea to the pod is going to come to Scores with us when she comes to the city. Will we see you there! :funn:
:lolabove: Hey, I want in on that!!!

[skippertoo]

Found it after Dennis looking for pictures of damage

Glad I found it !

[Ocean Lover]

When it comes to vacations I'm a major planner/researcher. 2 1/2 years ago my sister in law suggested we all rent a house and do a family vacation. She sent me a link to beach rentals of south walton and I think I took every VT available at that time. I probably found graytonbeach.com after googling it. I lurked for a really long time before joining in on the new format. When we got back from vacation this year, my kids said...mommy you won't have to be on Sowal.com anymore. Little did they know....

edited to add: I joined officially b/c I was lured in my SJ's pics. You have to be a member to view them and I wanted to see more. Kurt's drew me in first but it was SJ's photos that got me hooked. :clap_1:

[CastlesOfSand]

My husband found this site summer before last when we were planning our vacation. He didn't join until Hurricane Dennis was bearing down on our vacation this past summer (he's a lurker). Of course, I couldn't stay away and needed minute to minute information! That's when I joined so I could read the threads and get the information I needed. I too was a lurker, but you guys and gals know how to make a person feel welcome! Now I'm addicted.... in a good way!! It's nice to be at the beach everyday!!!

[peapod1980]

:lolabove: Hey, I want in on that!!!
Get yosef a plane ticket!

[ktschris]

:lolabove: You might have to pack me in your luggage!!! I'm afraid the closest I'll be getting to NYC this year is Finnley Lake, NY. Just doesn't have the same WOW factor!

[Rita]

Ocean Lover - I like the avatar (seasonal to boot!)

[Ocean Lover]

Thanks Rita...can't wait til Saturday. We're going to whoop up on those wolverines. :boxing: :lol:

[Paula]

CCK:

I knew of graytonbeach.com because of the virtual tours. When Ivan hit, I went to the message board for the first time. You, Kurt, and Joe were so helpful checking on everyone's properties which was wonderful. Then I came down to Florida and checked on properties of some friends as well a few days after Ivan. I love this board for useful and interesting information. And it makes me feel warm when our temperatures are in the 20s and snowing in Michigan (like today... and I was at Seacrest Beach on Monday when it must have been about 80!).

[jdarg]

Hey Paula! Sounds like you are having a nice week?

[Camp Creek Kid]

CCK:

I knew of graytonbeach.com because of the virtual tours. When Ivan hit, I went to the message board for the first time. You, Kurt, and Joe were so helpful checking on everyone's properties which was wonderful. Then I came down to Florida and checked on properties of some friends as well a few days after Ivan. I love this board for useful and interesting information. And it makes me feel warm when our temperatures are in the 20s and snowing in Michigan (like today... and I was at Seacrest Beach on Monday when it must have been about 80!).

It was a bit chilly today after the sun went down. I guess I'm a true Floridian now because 60 degrees feels cold!

[newyorker]

I found it earlier this year right after Dennis when I was rather frantic about what the beach looked like and whether we could even get onto the beach. I'd had a really difficult year at my work--I really needed to go to the beach and not encounter problems. Thank goodness, the BB was filled such nice and friendly people and extraordinary (and quickly offered) information. Like many of you, I was hooked, and, I've continued to log in and check out the various discussions and the photographs are stunning (and genuinely therapeutic on really bad days!). Like Paula--it also makes me feel warmer somehow even tho I'm in upstate NY where the weather people are predicting snow. brrrr!!!

[Paula]

I did have a great time in SoWal last Thursday through this past Monday. When I got back to Michigan late Monday night, I felt so cold here compared to SoWal that I went and had one of those car starters installed for my car so that I'll be able to get into a warm car on these cold days between now and May! It snowed a little bit on Thursday here. Can't wait to get back to SoWal between Christmas and New Years -- even if it's only in the 60s, I'll be a happy camper. When it's cool in SoWal, I still like to sit on the porch under a nice quilt and read a good book (can't do that in the winter in Michigan).

[RiverOtter]

It was a bit chilly today after the sun went down. I guess I'm a true Floridian now because 60 degrees feels cold!

Bragger :biggrin:

[jdarg]

I did have a great time in SoWal last Thursday through this past Monday. When I got back to Michigan late Monday night, I felt so cold here compared to SoWal that I went and had one of those car starters installed for my car so that I'll be able to get into a warm car on these cold days between now and May! It snowed a little bit on Thursday here. Can't wait to get back to SoWal between Christmas and New Years -- even if it's only in the 60s, I'll be a happy camper. When it's cool in SoWal, I still like to sit on the porch under a nice quilt and read a good book (can't do that in the winter in Michigan).


Well, at least you came home to a whole thread full of birthday greetings! :clap_1:

[GraytonBound]

I found it because of the webcam, may it rest in peace :(

[seagrovelover]

Graytonbound!!!!! I miss seeing your post, I am a usually a day time poster and you are now a night time gal :( glad to hear from you again!!!! :clap_1:

[GraytonBound]

Hey SGL :cool: I'm trying to catch up! I only post about 1 night a week now, & it takes me an hour just to find out what's been going on!


Maybe I can find a new job where I can post during the day again :idea:

[FMluvswater]

RiverOtter invited me over to look at some cool pics cuz he knows I love scenery pics. :cool: I haven't been disappointed. Thank-you RO. I'll tell the Easter Bunny to bring you extra chocolate. ;-)

[Miss Kitty]

FM....should have known about the RO connection....the awesome smilies give it away!!!

[Cil]

I found the original Grayton site back in '03 while researching our first trip out here. I still have my sticker that Kurt mailed me.

[RiverOtter]

RiverOtter invited me over to look at some cool pics cuz he knows I love scenery pics. :cool: I haven't been disappointed. Thank-you RO. I'll tell the Easter Bunny to bring you extra chocolate. ;-)

Glad to have ya FM. Extra chocolate is always welcome :biggrin:

[FMluvswater]

Glad to have ya FM. Extra chocolate is always welcome :biggrin:
Thanks, RO. (Chocoholic freak! ;-) :biggrin: ) :cool:

[FMluvswater]

FM....should have known about the RO connection....the awesome smilies give it away!!!
He gets it from me! LOL! ;-)

[ShallowsNole]

Found it at work! Part of my job is to visit owner rental web sites...and when I Googled to fish for new sites earlier this year, voila...

[Smiling JOe]

Found it at work! Part of my job is to visit owner rental web sites...and when I Googled to fish for new sites earlier this year, voila...

I tried to warn you guys that the tax people are checking to see if your vacation homes are really rentals, and here is the proof. :funn:

[gotothebeachmom]

I tried to warn you guys that the tax people are checking to see if your vacation homes are really rentals, and here is the proof. :funn:

They are indeed. I got a letter from them. It stated it had found my properties on vacationrentals.com.

I called and provided them the information and had my management company follow up, and then I followed up with the tax office to make sure they had what they needed. They did and they were very nice I might add.

[ShallowsNole]

They are indeed. I got a letter from them. It stated it had found my properties on vacationrentals.com.

I called and provided them the information and had my management company follow up, and then I followed up with the tax office to make sure they had what they needed. They did and they were very nice I might add.


Why, thank you very much!
Your grandbaby has been in my thoughts and prayers... ;-)

[ShallowsNole]

I tried to warn you guys that the tax people are checking to see if your vacation homes are really rentals, and here is the proof. :funn:


Heh heh...it took me several days to decide whether I should admit that, or just keep lurking...but most everybody on here does what they are supposed to do. :clap_1:

Anybody who doesn't, please visit http://clerkofcourts.co.walton.fl.us/default.aspx?id=40 and register if you need to...help out a fellow SoWaller! :cool: