Florida, North Along the Atlantic Coast

Farewell to Key West, sniff.  Short flight up to Fort Lauderdale…

Boca Raton. A short drive up 95 from FLL.  Fancy cars, gated communities and high-end shopping.  High point was SAM’s reunion with college roommate, Donna.  She treated us to a warm visit, meal and update about her family and adventures over the last 43 years.  SAM did same.  They just picked up where they left off.  Donna and Michael have a gorgeous home. While we were there we saw Tim Burton’s new Alice in Wonderland. REVIEW: Same characters, a bit older – different story, a bit darker.  Lots of FX and some interesting new critters.  IMO, you can wait for the video game.

Daytona. There is great motor sport history here and driving on the beach (really!)  In addition to the famous speeedway it’s a basic beach town, great for spring breakers and bikers – welcome signs everywhere.  We especially enjoyed our visit with wonderful friends, Barry and Fran and Rose and Karl, at the creatively decorated, beautiful waterside home of Lou and Marj, although all I saw was Marj’s new 21″ Cintiq.  Caramba!!  Lou has a successful, modern photo developing, graphics printing and framing business nearby.  LINK/PLUG

St. Augustine Beach. This beautiful Atlantic coast beach community is just off the mass vacation destination list (I think.)   They have created a comparatively successful blend of natural beauty and tasteful commercial development.  Here I found my dear old friend Max. We go back to 1956: HS and college, he continued on with a Fulbright scholarship to India, then the Peace Corp, back to graduate school in Kansas, and finally a career in City management at St. Pete Beach, Seward AL, and here.  Max is fit and happy and works hard. What a wonderful reunion on the first warm and sunny day of our March escape.

Jacksonville. Turn in the car (Sentra, yawn) and back to BAL.  Spring should await us.