We Made It Finally!

Well, where to start ??
Our scheduled departure was delayed 24 hours because of the never ending snow storm. We had another one on Wednesday during which we decided that postponing our departure 24 hours might be the best thing till the roads clear. Tomorrow was to be better driving. That takes us to Thursday morning when we both awoke feeling under the weather. Another decision to be made. Lets leave on Saturday when we will both feel better.That decided, Saturday turned out to be the best decision.

We escaped the snow and headed for Norris,TN to Jack and Loy's. Arrived, none the worse for wear, by late afternoon. Roads were clear and dry but the berms were piled high with snow. The road crews had done an excellent job!
Going thru Kentucky we could witness the devastation from the ice storm several days prior. (See picture above) Trees down, limbs down,and hundreds of thousands of homes without power. The ice clinging to the trees was still apparent even days later. Guess the temperature had never warmed up enough to melt it.

Jack made a pot of his famous hot chili with cornbread and a delicious bread pudding for dessert. Little single malt scotch and I was ready for bed. Next morning around 8:30 we departed for Ocala, our second stop. Arrived at our lodging about 6:30 and drove to a local Olive Garden for dinner (our favorite gourmet restaurant, Bella Luna, had closed) What a delicious dinner! Can not believe how much the Gardens have changed. We hope to go back next year...may even visit our local O.G. when we get home.

Our Monday morning drive (4 1/2) hours went very smoothly and we arrived on the island, after stopping for groceries, around 3:30.
Tired from the 3 day trek, we opted to visit a local lounge at Tween Waters Inn for drinks and dinner.
The weather reports show chilly nights and 60 degree days ahead till the freeze on Thursday night. Then onward and upward to the 70's and 80's on the weekend. Something to look forward to. We did however do a quick run-thru to Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge just to make sure the birds were still there.!

Tomorrow: another day in paradise..!!!
Al