the trip to Florida

It was a four-day drive, across Illinois and Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia.  Usually it was overcast, and it was rainy in Tennessee.  In the past year I have read the story of Lewis and Clark's trip to the West Coast, culminating in his death just off the Natchez Trace, and April, 1865, the month that was the difference maker in the Civil War.  That led to this trip being, in large part, a study of the South and the War.

Somewhere along the way we saw a sign marking a monument to Jeff Davis, and though we drove 3 or 4 miles in both directions we never found it, and moved on.

Bypassing traffic in Nashville, we drove past Lookout Mountain and it's novelties.  in Atlanta there was heavy traffic on the south side, at the rate of 2 miles in 10 minutes.  Then we pulled off to find a station where we could relieve ourselves, and it was the worst bathroom ever.  In general, the bathrooms are low maintenance.

We rolled into Bradenton about 1 PM on Sunday and Randy was waiting.  If I could throw a rock I could probably hit the ocean from our front steps.  I was disappointed to find we were on the opposite side of Gulf Road from the ocean, but the price is right.

We settled in, prepared for a whole month here.  It will work!  So what did we do?

Hit the beach 3 or 4 times a week, for a couple hours each time.
Went to Mote Aquarium - it was great.
Rode the trolley to either end of Anna Maria Island - for free.
Visited the South Florida Museum and it was great, too.
Toured the Mixon Fruit Farms - it was impressive, but the oranges are for juice, not eating.
Viewed the junk at the Red Barn Flea Market.
Observed very artfully displayed junk at the Sea Hagg on Cortez.
Walked all over the fantastic Robinson Preserve.
Walked to the end of the historic Anna Maria Pier.
Rode the train and observed a Civil War battle re-enactment.
Spent a day at the Ringling Museum and Mabel's Rose Garden.
Ate lunch at the Columbia Restaurant - founded by Cuban immigrants.

Photos would be suitable if I can find them.  Here's one from the Sea Hag.