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Florida Spring Break 2008
March 22-28, 2008
Port St. Joe, Florida
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Welcome to sunny Florida!
This year, the Tebe family invited Pawdad & Queen to travel to Florida with them, for their annual spring break vacation to Florida. At the time, I didn't realize how big a favor it was, asking us to go with them. I really wasn't real excited, only because Florida is a long way from home and we went there years ago. It took us (with me doing the driving) about 2 1/2 days to get there (we stayed for 3 days) and about 2 1/2 days to get back. The drive seemed like 3000 miles, although it was only 1000. I worried for several weeks, prior to this trip, about how I was going to be able to make it there and back, since the Tebe family always does it in one straight shot, without any hotel stays on the way. Well, I worried for nothing and the trip went REAL good and was very fun. This trip didn't involve any big city stays, huge flocks of people or any tourist traps, nor did we visit any major kids-type vacation spots located in Florida. It was just a fun, very relaxing, week long vacation, AND we were able to spend a whole week with the Tebe family, who we rarely get to spend any major time with, otherwise. I think it ended up being one of the best vacations that Queen & Pawdad have ever been on, in the past 20 years...
To get there and back, Tebe bought an older (1999) Ford conversion van, which had enough room in it for the six of us going. It had a few miles on it, but it looked great and sounded good when it was running. It did end up having a little problem when it came to acceleration (mostly on hills); it wanted to buck and pop a little at times. Wasn't too bad going down, but it was a little worse coming back. We did make it back fine, no wrecker or walking was required either. I guess it ended up being minor engine problems for a vehicle of that age. A few hundred dollars and it should be great for long distance traveling. The TV/VCR in the back kept the Gouls busy for hours and hours. They are very good travelers for their ages.
On our way down to Florida we did make one substantial stop, about halfway down. We pulled off in Kentucky so we could take the Gouls to see Mammoth Cave, their first visit. It was on Friday and it was nearing the end of the day for cave tours, but we were able to go on a 1.5 hour tour. I think the Gouls liked it but they seemed to get a little bored listening to the speeches given by the tour guides. I regret not taking my camera with me on this part of our trip. Since I was a little sleepy, and for the fact that we'd been there several times on our own, I left my video camera in the Wagon Queen Family Truckster. After returning to our ride, I wondered to myself why I didn't take the camera, since it WAS the Gouls first visit there. After a three hour delay, we were off to Florida...
Tebe rented a whole house at a place called "Barefoot Cottages", in Port St. Joe, Florida. It is a very small town on the northwest, gulf coast part of Florida. The location was nice and the living arrangements were exceptional. We each had our own bedroom and bathroom, and we had use of a fully stocked kitchen. Made it very much like home. We even had a washer and dryer so we could do laundry as needed. An added bonus, about 50 yards from our cottage, was a pond with a mother Ally-Gator who had a baby Ally-Gator, but we only saw the mother. It was interesting to see, but we didn't stick around too long as Mother Ally-Gator was keeping a pretty close eye on all of us.
Our first two days there were a little bit cool, but improved lots after that. It got a little chilly at night but warmed up into the mid 70's during the day. There was gobs of sun and it was very pleasant. We all did lots of walking during the day. Several miles of coastline were covered by everyone, looking for shells and other forms of ocean life. The Gouls seemed to mostly be interested in sand dollars and starfish, but really didn't turn down anything that was interesting. There were many interesting things to see while walking along the coastline. We also made a special effort (or 2, or 3) to watch the sun set over the ocean. I was surprised to see how fast it actually goes, after the sun touches the ocean...
Our week went very fast, but we all enjoyed every minute of it. The girls roller bladed the entire resort property, which resembled a small village. Roads and sidewalks and bridges everywhere. We also had use of free bicycles, while on the property. We did a little mall type shopping on one of our first days there, since it was a little cool out. The Gouls had Easter in our cottage, complete with a quick Easter Egg hunt. As we needed groceries for home cooking (thanks Tebe & Shelly), we only had to drive a few miles into town and make a stop at Piggly Wiggly's. There stuff was a little expensive, but much cheaper than six people eating out three times a day.
Well, I'll end this now as I know you are getting tired of reading it. We had a lot of fun on this trip, it was just about right for us old people. We'll miss the walking on the beach, the bike rides, the walking and the time we got to spend with the entire Tebe family. I especially, will miss the cook-outs, the picnic by the pool and the good, Mexican beer we drank that one day. I actually think we could have been able to stand another week there. I know we were all a little sad during our last day there...
One final thanks to the Tebe family. If you wouldn't have taken us with you, we would have never known how much fun it would be. It surprised me! There aren't too many younger people that are willing to take their parents/Grandma & Grandpa with them on their major family vacation of the year. It was very nice of all of you guys to do it! Also, thanks for driving MOST of the way down there, and ALL of the way back. I do wish you'd have let me help drive back though. I think it is too long a trip for just one person to drive at once. Thanks & Bye Bye...
Hearts, Pawdad & Queen
P.S. Check out the photos in the Florida Photos section. NEW! My new software allows me to add some short video clips of our trip! Florida Videos Section
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