THE GRAND ADVENTURE 2017: “BROWN PELICAN ON THE PIER”

Brown Pelican on the Pier, Florida

Day 3: Splitting the drive into three days made the day of arrival an easy three hours or so. My total drive time was exactly 17 hours and just over 1,000 miles. I didn’t break any speed records and stopped as I needed to stretch my legs and have a snack. And…I spent a whopping $61 in gas to get down here! Hotels were $137 including tax. Food was around $20 because I brought most of it from home. Since I love to drive, I don’t count my time because the drive is half the fun and all the entertainment. My room is budget but certainly not cut rate. It has a pool and kitchen and is very close to the beach. There is a grocery about a mile and half away so I bought what I will need for the week for $85. I’m thrilled to have pulled this off without spending a mint! I don’t think I will ever go a whole winter without seeing the sun again.

I could hardly wait to get to the beach. It is unseasonably cool here right now. The high yesterday was 62 but, since it snowed in West Virginia, I will take 62 and sunshine on a beach any day of the week! I have been in Florida in January when it was so cold, we had to wear our ski parkas, hats and gloves to Disney World. By midweek it will be in the mid-70’s so I’m good with that.

One of the first times I ever traveled alone was a year after Hubby #2 and I split up. I came to Florida to visit my sister/friend from high school. I drove all over the state. From Jacksonville to Tarpon Springs…Sanibel to Captiva to Naples…Ft. Lauderdale to Flagler Beach to Kissimmee and back to Jacksonville. It was a wonderful trip. Traveling alone takes courage and planning but it’s doable in one way or another, regardless of your budget.

So, I’m here safe and sound. I’m in a safe area and a secure hotel. I’m getting the lay of the land and looking for fun things to do. I’ll keep sending youthese little “picture postcards”!

““Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

18 thoughts on “THE GRAND ADVENTURE 2017: “BROWN PELICAN ON THE PIER”

  1. Have a wonderful time. I am in SC and freezing cold temperatures are here. Hope it turns warmer, later this week. We have our camper all Glamped up and are planning our next trip. In a week or so. I have 2 singing appointments next week, I never cancel unless its really necessary. My husband and I have a,
    singing ministry and he is a painter…Artist….paints the 3 most important events in history. The Birth of Jesus, the Death of Jesus and the Resurection of Jesus. Business card size and gives them to people we meet on our journeys. Retirement is good. God has blessed us to be able to have this tiny camper purchased recently. We are thankful!! Love reading your blog.

  2. Enjoy our Florida beach and glad you made to safely. I love driving too and for me it’s my little cocoon. Even though I live here, I’m getting antsy to do a road trip. Recently hard to drive to Michigan as my sister was on hospice care. Of course, the trip was sad, but it had been 18 yrs since I’d driven it and brought back memories of the feeling of freedom.
    Enjoy your rest and salt air.

    1. I’m sorry for your sadness, dear one. There’s nothing like a road trip to blow the cobwebs out of your mind. ❤️

  3. So glad you made your destination. Enjoy the warming temps. If you are looking for things to do. Sat & Sun there is a great art show downtown Fort Myers. Also visit Mineral Springs near Port Charolette . Lots to see and do.
    Going places , Doing things.
    More fun than anyone.

  4. Soak in that sun! I remember 25 yrs. or so of gloomy Illinois winter weather. Clear, sunny skies in Kansas are a welcome relief. Enjoying them today.

  5. Very proud of you Ginny, enjoy your sunny vacation. Montose has been sunny and warm, walked the dog with out coat, hat and gloves but envy your time on the beach.

  6. This week I am away from the pleasant temps of GA to be with my son as he has extensive back surgery and recovery in an Indianapolis hospital. Your posts are helping me tolerate the freezing temps and the stress of the situation❤️

  7. Congrats and enjoy!! I am so antsy to get on the road – a bit longer than our recent day trip to Buckhannon! Missing the winter beach trip myself. I enjoy vicariously the story of your travels. <3

  8. Love your posts. We live between Tampa and Sarasota. Today the weather is beautiful. Glad it’s turning out nice for your trip.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *