When we first agreed to visit Florida in August, I had conflicting feelings about the idea. But when I was honest, as a Missouri resident, I had no room to be arrogant. My fellow Substack travel writer nailed it with her post, States are not a Color on the Electoral Map. At the end of this newsletter is a link.
Florida feels like home to me in many ways. My wife and I have been here many times; Ft. Lauderdale, Key West, Key Largo, Cape Coral, Disney World, Destin, Navarre Beach and a work trip to Plant City which is just outside of Tampa.
Even earlier in my life, Florida was the first vacation I took after graduating from college. When I was growing up, my parents brought me here often. They were always thinking of moving to Florida though that never happened.
So here we are once again, in Florida. We are staying at an old-school, old Florida motel called the Trade Winds in Treasure Island. It is clean and right on the beach with a very nice pool. I can’t say that it would suit everyone but it works for us. Affordable is an understatement so we are planning to be here three weeks. Because well, you just don’t find this anymore. If not for a recommendation from friends, I would have thought, “too good to be true.” The owner allowed Kismet only because of our friends vouched for her as a Canine Good Citizen.
We were supposed to be a group of six but two friends could not make it at the last minute due to family health issues. But the four of us that are here, are enjoying ourselves. I will share all the activities in future posts but let me start by sharing some sunsets and pool photos.
Gotta love a Florida rainbow!!
Since I wrote this series of posts about our visit to Florida, a few weather events have transpired. We left two days earlier than planned as a result of hurricane Idalia. All of Treasure Island is considered part of the evacuation zone because of the risk of storm surge. I have viewed a few drone photos that show Gulf Blvd, the main street, with the ocean on one side and the bay on the other covered with water. No doubt, there was massive flooding but I do not know the extent of any damage at this time. I will update future postings with any details as I know more. I am hoping for the best for everyone.
I do want to say in advance of the posts to come, that we had a lovely time in this area. It was on the way home, driving through some of the more rural areas of Georgia and Alabama (our overnight stop was Birmingham) that I saw lots of Confederate Flags, something that always pushes my buttons.
Glad you got out in time!
I'm sorry you didn't get to enjoy it longer but looks beautiful!