Gone to FLORIDA!!

As long as I can remember, I've wanted to see the whole state of Florida and maybe live there someday.  My only experiences have been three times to Disney in Orlando, which I dearly loved.  Finally I'm here to see Florida's east coast from Jacksonville to Port St. Lucie, then the plan is to head west to Sarasota and meander north on the west coast.

Leaving Spartanburg South Carolina around 9 a.m. this morning, Peggy and I started out with a cloudy sky and a light, intermittent rain on I-95. It was wonderful to see evidence of the approaching coast and beach as we journeyed east: first the Low Country swamps,  palm trees!!, a sandbar in a river here and there plus moss hanging from the trees.  Joyous!
 
By the time we climbed over a bridge to reach the Florida state line, there was sunshine and more palm trees swaying in the breeze.  Even the 88 degree heat felt good.  The staff at the Florida welcome center were extremely helpful, giving us maps, suggestions and orange juice.

We're unpacked and settled in our hotel, ready to go over to daughter #6, Patty's home.  Her fiance, Raj, with his friends, all from India,

will fix us a native dinner.  We will plan our activities of the next few days.  Praise the Lord for retirement and long trips!