McGaffs On The Fly

Well, we finally got the great temperatures we were looking for but the high winds make it feel much cooler. Not only that, our visit to Florida also brought record lows throughout the state. We’ve learned to be careful when walking around because the cold has really screwed up the iguanas, they are actually falling from trees. Yes, really.

Since I’ve learned we can’t go any further south without joining the Communist party we’ve decided to stay here a couple more days. Heads up Joanie, don’t let that big lizard fall on you!

We left a cold Marco Island and made the drive to The Keys where we found…a cold…Key West. Someone must have alerted the weather gods of our arrival though, the rest of the week will be beautiful and warm.

Last night we sat at Irish Kevin’s to watch both playoff games and had a great time while watching and listening to music. Hopefully today the crowd will be recovering from their night and we’ll be alone on our walks. Heading out…

Too cold and windy to spend time outside, so we took pictures of…

Leaving for Key West in the morning, adios cold weather.

After spending a couple of days exploring the city we were able to track down where the locals hang out. Turns out you just need to find the boats and doublewides and the best watering holes and restaurants are very close.

Best snacks and seafood at Lee Be Fish Company, fried shrimp was outstanding. Crabby Lady also a great spot right by the water.

Best breakfast was at Hoot’s but we’re still looking…

Best dinner was at Ed and Shelly’s, followed by the best gluten free desert. Company wasn’t too bad either.

Weather today was wonderful and we were able to break out the pickleball paddles since the first time we arrived. Spent the rest of the day exploring and checking out the wildlife, the island has a lot to offer. More great weather coming tomorrow with a freeze on Saturday. No problem, we’re heading farther south Sunday…

Yesterday we spent time on the beach in beautiful 65 weather. We learned from Ed and Shelly that we didn’t venture far enough down the beach the day before to find the most shells. Turns out you have to wade through the rip currents and quicksand to get to the other side of the beach. The upside of the attempt is that you reach the mother load of shells and sand dollars, the downside is that you risk your life for the opportunity. Long story short, Ed and I watched our two brave girls navigate that death crossing and come back with a plentiful bounty. And bonus, while waiting we were entertained by plenty of successful and failed attempts. Overall a great time.

Still looking for the best places to eat, quite a few to choose from but still trying to find where the locals go. No problem, our appetites will win out while we search.

After spending time in Jacksonville eating and drinking too much we left Saturday night to start our trek to Marco Island. When we couldn’t find a spot for the night closer to Marco we stopped in Bradenton and found a decent hotel for the night. When I say decent, what I really mean is that we overpaid for an opportunity to meet local meth heads and prostitutes and possibly share bodily fluids on the pillows. Solution for Joanie, use her own pillow and blanket to shield the vermin.

Travel tip…flying by the seat of your pants doesn’t always have a happy ending.

OK…enough of that…nothing could be that bad.

Marco Island is a great city, I haven’t been here in 20 years and he has grown up to be a big boy. Our Airbnb is in the back of a beautiful house with heated pool and the owners are very welcoming. Spent the day walking the beach and checking out the city, temps up to 68.

More to come.

Finally crossing the border into Florida we spent the first night in Jacksonville with our friends Jim and Linda. Our escape from Izzie’s frozen grip was successful but before we could celebrate, another of her ugly cousins is bringing more cold to the area. So…headed south to St. Augustine before we were frosted out.

What a great city! And guess what, Jim grew up there. We got a special behind-the-scenes tour highlighted by his historical childhood home and lunch at his brothers restaurant. I thought when he told me that the fried shrimp was the best in town that he was exaggerating…he was not. In business since 1965, O’Steens Restaurant has the best fried shrimp, squash casserole and special sauces I have ever had. Jimmy, you should be proud of little brother Timmy!

The side streets of the city and harbor provided a great walking environment and we took full advantage. And when we got tired of walking there were plenty of pubs and restaurants to stop at. Seems with all of the walking I would have lost weight, not sure what happened because I don’t feel any lighter?!

Heading south tomorrow to warmer weather…we’ll see if the wicked witch of the North follows along.

After two nights of being sequestered in Columbus at the Marriott we finally hit the road and made it to Savannah. The downtime gave us opportunity to put together more of a plan for our stay in Florida. Great news, we now have 2 more nights of reservations, I almost feel like an adult.

Unfortunately we didn’t get to see much in Columbus but the hotel and staff were wonderful while we were there. When you are one of a handful of people staying at the hotel you get to know almost everyone by name. They know me by name because I was “the crazy guy yelling at the Cowboys.”

The hotel is an old gristmill and the history around the area is displayed all around the rooms. Great place to stay but we were both ready for open road.

On our trip to Savannah we made a special side journey to Oglethorpe, GA to see if we could find the grave of Joanie’s great, great, great, grandfather. Turns out that finding a grave from the 1870s isn’t as easy as it sounds, looks like old Levi will never get to meet his gorgeous gd.

Savannah is a great city with plenty to do highlighted by drinking and eating, just so happens to be two of our favorites too. Joanie was able to get us a great room on hopper.com , our new “go to” for cheap rooms. We have put miles on our new Hokas walking around the city and probably haven’t left a two mile radius. The homes, churches, parks, and shopping has given us plenty to do. Apparently Joanie’s kicks took more of a beating than mine, she was forced to buy a stylish pair of boots yesterday. I know the anguish she went through but she is ok now.

Heading to Jacksonville today…

Marc, “Let’s head east to see what Savannah is all about then head south to Florida, weather will be great.”

Joanie, “I agree, what are the chances that we will get bad weather while we’re on the road?”

Winter Storm Izzy, “Hey Marco and Joanie, hold my beer.”

The good news is that we haven’t experienced any bad weather yet. The bad news is that while I am typing the temperature continues to drop and tornadoes are circling over head. Our plan is to spend a few nights in Columbus GA and see how the next few days turn out.

Winter Storm Izzy, “Awesome, this could really be fun!”

Today we spent time in Monroeville, Al, the literary capital of Alabama. Turns out you can put that on your welcome sign when you have two childhood neighbors, one Pulitzer Prize winner and another final for the award. “To Kill A Mockingbird” is Joanie’s all time favorite book and I could almost see tears flowing from her eyes when we pulled into the city. I had actual tears flowing when I found out I had to pay $5 to visit the courthouse depicted in the movie, not the actual courthouse mind you but the one depicted. Good gosh, sweet home Alabama!

We visited a local Antique store, Backroads Antiques, and the owner gave us the lowdown on all of the best places to see. To show our gratitude we purchased a $2 DVD of Wedding Crashers, I’d say we are even. Best advice, “you better hurry because the city shuts down on Saturdays at 2 and doesn’t open back up until 4.” I was thinking a nap in the truck but Joanie said we could leave at 2…so we did.

Rest day tomorrow, I accept your challenge Izzie.

Today we spent most of the day driving East while Joanie started looking at stop destination for the night. Seems that anything she wants to see is in either north or south Mississippi and out of our route. It was a hard call but we decided not to divert off route to see the coon dog museum…tempting but a hard no.

Stopping for the night in Meridian, seems like a nice spot to stay since the city is only the 8th most dangerous city and 6th most violent in MS. probably just kids having fun…whatever…we’re tired.

Tomorrow Joanie has lined up a side excursion to Harper Lee’s childhood home and guess what, also Truman Capotes hometown…oh the chills I have running down my neck! If Boo Radley shows up I may not leave.