Travels of Mark and Pat: May 2021

Memorial Day - 2021

Today we honor and thank the many brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country's freedom! God Bless you all...

It was a beautiful holiday full of sunshine and 70 degrees. The campers were busy this morning, putting away electric cords, hoses, grills, paraphernalia, kids, etc. as they packed it up and headed home. We pulled out of our #255 site at 9:02 AM - Swan Bay is such a nice resort and thoroughly enjoyed our stay here despite the cool weather.

Upstate NY on I-81 has numerous (about every 10 miles) "Text Stop" signs where you can pull over, check your texts and safely return to the interstate. The very 1st one (5 miles down the road) Mark pulled over and we switched drivers!!! Yup, he wanted me to drive Flo for awhile and so I drove 1 hour into Central Square - it was fine and traffic overall, was not bad. Mark took over the driving duties and our first stop was the laundromat where we did 5 loads. Then to Target where we picked up a Rx and a few groceries, + Starbucks coffee/cookie for Mark.

We had lunch on Flo in Target's parking lot and final stop was the Oneida Shores Campground in Brewerton (Flo's home for the next 3 nights). This is where we stay when we're in this area and while we're ready to get on or off the boat.

We opened all the windows, put groceries and laundry away and Mark took off in Big Red for the boat. He was hoping they had gotten it out of the building so he could do a few things, check batteries, etc. Catrina was outside and Mark was pleased with how everything appeared (until we get her in the water and engines are running........been almost 2 years, so Mark will be really happy to hear those engines start up.)

Connor got his first vaccine today (Pfizer) so that just leaves our 3 littles not vaccinated, but not sure what the situation will be for that age group or if/when they will even be eligible?

We walked around Oneida Shores and this "official" 1st day of summer is going well here in upstate NY with lots of folks having picnics, kiddies playing the sand and on the playground and some die-hards swimming in Lake Oneida - burrrr.... I would say everyone wants to get back to "normal" and this is the start after the awful, very long, scary pandemic!

Compared to Swan Lake, Oneida Shores has only 24 camper sites + 32 tent sites. It's a pretty park and the boat launch is very busy today with parking lot full of trucks/trailers - fishing is very popular here.

America - Land of the Free

Sunday - May 30

37 this morning but bright sunshine and just a slight breeze compared to yesterday. It stays light much later up here at night and is light earlier in the morning! Most of the cars/trucks/RV's/campers are from NY - a nice little getaway for the holiday. A few other states we saw are Texas, California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, North Dakota, Colorado and Florida (4). Tomorrow they (and we) will be leaving and probably pretty empty till the next weekend rolls around. Behind us, they are developing 3 more rows of RV sites.

We went to 9:30 Mass at St. Cyril in Alexandria Bay with Father Douglas Comstock. Mass was only 40 minutes but so neat to have a choir and use the hymnal and missalette. The altar had the American flags, red/white/blue candles and striped table runners. We always enjoy finding and attending Mass in new churches in our travels and so thankful they are open with fewer restrictions.

Father is having the blessing of the fleet this afternoon and we drove around that area passing the marinas and boats, boats, so many boats.

People are out and about today pushing babies in strollers, walking dogs and enjoying the warmer temp - got to 64 with sun and clouds.

So this afternoon we drove to Clayton (west) and had brunch at The Chateau (part of the St. Lawrence Distillery and Boutique Hotel). What a lovely place and too bad we couldn't sit outside (well, we could have as there were few tables overlooking the water). But we enjoyed the window view from our table - the food was excellent as was the service and ambiance. They had a large enclosed tent set up next to the Chateau for wine tasting and several were enjoying that.

The Chateau - restaurant and boutique hotel

View from The Chateau on the St. Lawrence River

Back home for naps, read and play games. There are 315 sites at this campground so tomorrow should be a mass exodus as check-out time is 11. We love this area and definitely a favorite vacation spot for many whether by boat, RV, hotels, cottages, etc., it is so pretty and charming. Just too bad the weather wasn't a tad warmer!

We walked in the park tonight (many are grilling out and picnic tables are full of goodies with nice campfires a'blazin'.) Price Chopper food store is right in front of the park, so we walked there and picked up a few things.

Only 7 on Zoom tonight but plenty to chat about as always!

Saturday - May 29

Bright sunshiny Saturday but the wind was strong (especially off the water) and it was only 46. We drove to Clayton (a favorite little village 8 miles from here) - been here before by boat and truck. First stop was The Lyric Cafe - a favorite coffee shop with yummy pastries (I had an apple fritter and a breakfast sandwich for Mark). We sat and read our books. Glad we got there early enough to beat the crowd cause it became very busy very fast with long line. Everyone wanting something to warm up - but still amazing how many order the iced coffees, Frappuccino's', etc. Oh well, whatever makes you happy! Just about everyone had on down puff coats, stocking caps, hoodies, etc.

We drove out in the country to Cape Vincent - nice drive along the St. Lawrence. Saw lots of pretty bridal wreath and lilacs in bloom and also came across the St. Lawrence Distillery, Boutique Hotel and Chateau restaurant. BEAUTIFUL building in a lovely setting and Mark remembers seeing it from the water a few years ago. Their brunch is supposed to be outstanding, but nothing available tomorrow (unless we wanted outside - NO thanks) so we're going for lunch at 1:45.

We came back to Clayton, Mark parked Big Red and I browsed the neat shops - did a little retail therapy and then we were off to Alexandria Bay and more browsing (and therapy). Lots of people out and about many hustling around complaining about the weather. I got a sweater and pair of shorts and Mark bought a long-sleeved t-shirt.

Back to Flo and drove around the park - there's a food truck (not sure if that's a regular weekend thing or because of the holiday weekend with full capacity). Some families are sitting outside all bundled up with blankets around a bonfire; others are having a picnic??

Most people are wearing masks when in stores and many still require it OR have a sign posted that if fully vaccinated, no need to wear mask.

Our friend Charlotte who lives in Annapolis sent this pic from yesterday's graduation at the Naval Academy. Sure brought back memories of the 2 air shows and flyovers at USNA when Ryan was one of the Blues.

2021 graduation flyover

Tonight we went to another favorite in this area - The Clipper Inn which is like a supper club back in the Midwest. The food, ambiance and service are all excellent and again, tonight we had an awesome meal. Mark had the ribeye and Chicken Alaska for me (chicken stuffed with crab). AND, delicious homemade Thousand Island salad dressing which originated right here in the 1000 Islands!

Yesterday Anne told us that The Chanticleer (a wonderful supper club in Eureka, IL) has closed. Another victim of Covid. We were so sorry to hear this as it was a very good dining spot (we'll especially miss their chanty salad and baked asparagus). Glad we had 2 good meals there this spring while staying at KK.

The big freighters pass by here on the St. Lawrence and sound their horns. We've seen a few since being here.

Miss Patriotic!!!

Mark and brother Jim had a good visit tonight - he is traveling west in their new RV heading to Colorado Springs. Lydia is in NY for a cousin's wedding and they will connect on Monday!

The high temp got to 63 late in the day but with the strong wind, sure didn't feel like it.

Friday - May 28

Oh my, it's the start of Memorial Day Weekend and downright cold up here in Alexandria Bay, NY. Most of the travel time today (total of 181 miles) from Harpursville to Alexandria Bay (aka A Bay or Alex Bay) was rainy with chilly temps down to 41 most of the way.

After leaving Belden Hill Campground, we stopped for diesel and kept on truckin' to Brewerton. First stop was Dunkin Donuts for hot coffee/donuts to warm up. Next, Ess Kay Yards where we'll stay with Catrina while in Brewerton. Good to see Kim, Ethan and Tammy and pick up a package we had mailed there Our last stop was Winter Harbor where Catrina has been stored for almost 2 years. Mark had a few things to check on, he stopped and visited with the gals in the office about our launching on Tuesday and then back on the road.

Catrina has been covered up in storage since September/2019.

We had lunch at Panera in Watertown, NY parking Flo and Big Red in a nearby big shopping center. After some hearty, hot soup and 1/2 sandwich we kept truckin' on down the road. The rain stopped around 2:30.

We are at Swan Bay Resort which is one of the nicest parks we've stayed at and the first totally paved sites since leaving Cypress Trail (except for Michael and Philip's drive-ways). This is such a treat as we've had lots of gravel, grass and dirt parking spots for Flo. And the lots are nicely spread apart.

Alexandria Bay is called " The 💓 of the 1000 Islands" and the St. Lawrence River separates us from Canada. We can't go into Canada because the border remains closed, so had to readjust our summer plans.

Swan Bay has really expanded since we were last here (October 2018) with at least 4 new roads, newly paved concrete/brick pads, new picnic tables, etc. We'll be hanging out in this new section for the next 3 nights. But I'm sure we won't be using the pool or tiki bar.😊 Folks are walking around in hooded sweatshirts, coats, gloves, etc......burrrr....

While we were in Pennsylvania, we saw so many Rhododendrons - just gorgeous big and small bushes in shades of pink/lavender

So abundant in the Cambridge/Shippensburg area

Been watching lots of activity here at the campground with folks coming in all afternoon - the park is full. Mark had called in early February for a spot this weekend - there were only 2 left at that time!

Our grandkiddos have all finished this school year (and what a year it was from virtual, remote, hybrid to in-classroom), all 8 experienced one or more of these challenges at some point.

This fall, they will be as follows:

Drew - senior at U of Iowa

Davis - sophomore at NC State

Liam - junior at CCHS

Brady - sophomore at Patton HS

Connor - sophomore at CCHS

Luke and Blair - 3rd grade at Morganton Day School

Maeve - kindergarten at Morganton Day School

Decided to have breakfast for supper - just that kind of day! Our omelets and toast hit the spot!

Have an awesome safe, fun holiday weekend and keep warm if you're in a big part of the country with these crazy temps!!

Thursday - May 27

Hello from Harpursville, NY......arrived at the Belden Hill Campground at 2:30 after traveling 255 miles from Chambersburg, PA.

The day started off sunny and warm and the highlight was meeting my friend and classmate (Amboy High School, class of '66) Linda who lives in Chambersburg (found this out on FB but neither of us are on that anymore).

So, we arranged to meet at 8:30 at Cracker Barrel (plenty of parking for Flo and Big Red) and close to the interstate. I last saw Linda 5 years ago at our 50th class reunion. We walked in together and after hugs and getting seated, the chatter began. The 3 of us had a wonderful almost 2-hour visit and just such a treat to end up in PA where she's lived for many years. "Hopefully", Linda will come to FL this winter and we can connect again.

Linda

Pat and Linda

Back on the road again with all the trucks on I-81. Bill W had told us about all the distribution centers around Shippensburg.....wow, that are ginormous and as we continued on north, they were everywhere. Guess that's why so many trucks are on this busy interstate going to and from delivering or picking up goods from these warehouses. Bill also told us that the world-wide headquarters for Volvo is located in Shippensburg.

Beautiful views at our campground tonight

Big change coming in the weather department - yesterday we hit 91; today as we traveled north, the temp kept dropping and only in the 60's and even cooler temps coming over the holiday weekend!

Wednesday - May 26

Today would have been Mark's Dad's (Grandpa C) "100th" birthday1 Happy Heavenly Birthday to our wonderful "Patriarch" who is so missed by his large, awesome family!!!! He would be so proud of his kiddos and of course, all the news babies joining the clan!

Bright sunny skies after some early-morning haze wore off. Mark emptied out the back of Big Red, we enjoyed our delicious bagels (homemade) from the Art of Pie Cafe from Bill W and then on our way to his home.

This part of PA is very hilly with the mountains off in the distance around us and several farms. There are Amish/Mennonite folks/farms in the area. We saw 1 horse/buggy, 1 bicyclist and several family members out and about.

We both commented how much his Dad would've loved driving thru this area and seeing all the dairy (especially Holstein cows) which were his livelihood.

Bill and Nancy joined us and we were off to Blue Mountain (Mark and I rode with Bill and Nancy) with Bill G and Bean in their truck.

We drove about 1/2 hour up in the mountains and arrived at Bill's private domain - 30 acres of beautiful woods which he is making his own.

Bill W's "Man Cave"

Bill explains to us how this getaway came about, his comfortable "home away from home", etc.

Beautiful woods

Mark is doing some target shooting. I tried it, too!

2x was enough for me! The Bill's and Nancy were all "naturals"

Bill W taking Nancy, Bill and Bean on a little jaunt thru the woods and his property

Bill W and Mark doing a little mini hike

Bill W was the perfect host brining a cooler of ham/provolone sandwiches (from the Amish), chips and 3 kinds of dips! He even brought wine! Awesome lunch!

It really warmed up and got to 91. After returning to Bill's, Bill and Nancy went back to their hotel and Mark and I back to Flo - all planning to take naps! Around 2:30 as we were on our way, the heavens opened up and a very heavy downpour for about 8 minutes!!!

Bill W's son, Todd is the State Farm agent in Shippensburg

We sure missed Charmaine, Bill W's wife who now lives in a Memory Care Home So many good memories of fun times together. Charmaine LOVED her Merlot!

After a refreshing little nap, we were back into Chambersburg meeting the Bill's and Nancy for dinner at Bistro 71. But once again, a very heavy rain came thru as we were driving there. Fortunately, it stopped just before we arrived. Neat old building with big bar, brick walls and excellent food, service and ambiance. So much fun visiting, laughing and enjoying our memories.

Wonderful LONG-time friends

Nancy and Bill G, Bill W

Said our good byes assigning Bill G to plan another gathering "sometime down the road"!

Tomorrow, Bill and Nancy will be heading back to Fairfield Glade, TN, we'll be back on the road with Flo after breakfast with my high school friend, Linda and Bill W......well, we thank him so much for his hospitality and a very fun visit! We really enjoyed seeing his new home and 2nd home on Blue Mountain and most of all, making new memories!

Tuesday - May 25

Cool, cloudy day in the low 60's. We left our campground at 9:30 and meandered around the DC traffic, VA, MD and finally PA. One stop for diesel in Hagerstown, MD and settled at the Twin Bridge Campground in Chambersburg, PA.

Had lunch, relaxed and then drove into Chambersburg (high school classmate of mine lives here) and then onto Shippensburg where we met our good friend, Bill W. So good to see him and his very nice new duplex. We visited and then friends from Fairfield Glade, TN, Bill and Nancy G came. Oh boy.....fun to see them as it's been way too long. We all lived in Bloomington/Normal years ago, the guys all worked at State Farm and we really got acquainted thru boating and then RVing.

We drank wine and chatted away and then Bill W ordered Italian (Stromboli) for Bill and Nancy and Bill W, Mark and I had Chinese - all very good!!!

"Bean" (Bill W's springer spaniel)

Bill W, Nancy and Bill G

Bill W sent home lots of leftovers + cupcakes and bagels from his favorite bakery!

Said our good byes with a plan for tomorrow meeting at Bill W's at 10.

Monday - May 24

We left the Dixie Caverns Campground at 8:30 - weather was cloudy but warm. We had a few sprinkles along the way and traveled a total of 240 miles. We are near Manassas and the Bull Run battle sites. Our campground (Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville, VA) is our home for tonight and it is a very pretty, scenic area. However, the rain started around 2 and coming down steadily, so that took care of any walking plans. And the temp dropped to the 60's.

But it's good to hear the rain on Flo's roof and a good day to hunker down with our books and a long, chatty phone call with my cousin and Sublettian friend (and much more), Jane. She is having some nasty back issues and I feel so bad for all the pain and discomfort she's been in for far too long. She'll be seeing an orthopedic surgeon next week so praying for some relief ASAP!!!!

Crazy weather - yesterday was HOT in Roanoke and I wore a sundress. Here in Centreville, much cooler and dug out the long pants and jacket again...

We spent a delightful evening in Fairfax with our nephew, Tom, Samm and their sweet girls, Riley, 2 and Olivia 4 months tomorrow. Great visit, cuddling the girls and devouring some awesome wine and Maggiano's carry out (lasagna, chicken parmesan, salad, bread, tiramisu and cheesecake with strawberry sauce). Tom is out Godson and always enjoy spending time with him - what a darling family he has. His Mom, Janet is one of Mark's younger sisters.

Tom and darling Olivia

Riley kept calling me "Grandma" (I loved it)!!!

Meeting Mother Goose and Riley's favorite nursery rhymes

Samm, Riley, Olivia, Tom

Welcome to the family.....Emma Jean - brand new baby girl born last night to our niece, Theresa and Richie. Emma's grandparents are Mark's sister, Doris and Rich.

Sweet Baby Emma

Sunday - May 23

It's a HOT one today and we are "back to being nomads on the road again"! Annette fixed us delicious breakfast sandwiches, Kringle and fruit - Ryan joined us and after one final big washing off the pollen as best as Mark could, we were on our way at 9:30.

We went to Mass as we were truckin' down the road with Bishop Reed in Boston - today is the feast of Pentecost.

Not the best or easiest kind of travel for Mark with lots of traffic (interstates 40, 77 and 81) and very curvy winding roads thru the mountains. And I-77 had a major back-up from construction and eventually down to 1-lane which cost us 30 minutes.

Had a nice chat and facetime with Anne, Liam, Connor and Gibson along the way. Gibson is doing better and the limp is pretty much gone! Anne was telling us about the police officer from Champaign, IL who was killed last week. He had 4 daughters (21, 18 and 13-year old twins). The 18-year old graduated today and she got a base hit in the ballgame when they played against CCHS (boys played that night, too). She got a standing ovation and then left the game. The outfield was full of law enforcement. Sooo sad, heartbreaking and senseless.

Stopped in Max Meadows (where we stayed nearby at Fort Criswell before getting to the lake on May 12th) for diesel and blizzards from DQ. Arrived at the Dixie Caverns Campground in Salem, VA and all settled by 2:15.

At 4, we drove 10 miles to Roanoke to visit my cousin-in-law, Bert and Joanne. Bert was an orthopedic surgeon for many years and an avid biker. In 2008, he was in a horrific biking accident coming down the mountain and left a quadriplegic. Bert was married to my cousin (and bridesmaid at our wedding), Clarine who died in 2015 from glioblastoma (brain cancer). We have kept in touch with Bert over the years and always enjoy our visits. He is such a wonderful guy and inspiration.

In 2017, he married Joanne and we had met her a few months before. Tonight we had an awesome 4-hour visit and delicious dinner (prepared by Bert's nephew and caregiver, Michael). Bert and Clarine's daughter, Karli, husband, Will and darling boys joined us for dinner.

View of their home from high on the mountain top and Bert

Bert's sweet grandsons...

Clay, 18 months and Kelley, almost 3

Kelley, Karli, Will and Clay

Bert and Joanne

Chef Michael

Excellent lasagna dinner with salad, garlic toast and wine

Fresh fruit and brownies

Yesterday, Grandma and Princess Maeve were trying to untangle Montana Faye's (American Girl) hair!

Tomorrow, we are off to Fairfax, VA and visit our nephew (and Godson), Tom and family!

Saturday - May 22

Hot 'n sunny Saturday and a great day to be on the water. But first some pampering for Maeve with Grandma giving her a mani-pedi and brushing her hair.

Luke and I went for a boat ride with Uncle Ryan to Michael's for lunch. Just a perfect day to be on the water but lots of boat traffic. Annette made some wonderful chicken salad and pasta salad. Then we all went to the dock and spent the afternoon under the big umbrellas. Several of their friends stopped by, so a happening place with pontoons and other water craft. A great start to the summer boating season 1 week before Memorial weekend.

Grandpa taking a little spin on the jet ski

Blair and her Daddy out for some fun!

Luke, Blair, Grandma, Maeve. Davis, Grandpa, Brady, Jinx

Meanwhile back in Illinois

The brothers (short stop and 2nd base) having a little chat while new pitcher warms up

We all gathered at Ryan's for happy hour and then some great Italian fare (lasagna, pizza, Stromboli, salad and fried ravioli) from Roma's. We played several games of euchre and 1 game of dominoes (1st time for that in a very long time)! Philip was off to work very early this morning, so said our good byes last night.

Annette and Drew playing Brooke and Ryan

The littles watched a movie in Uncle Ryan's bed

Drew arrived home from Iowa City around 8. He drove straight thru today and home for the summer He starts his internship (virtual) on Monday.

We've had such a great time at Lake James (pollen and all)! 10 days of beautiful weather and enjoying our boys and families. But tomorrow, we're movin' on and next destination will be Roanoke, VA.

Friday - May 21

Another pretty day and warming up a bit more each day. Mark made sausage, eggs and toast/bagels for breakfast and then we were off to the house to do more cleaning - really shaping up! Philip finished all the shelving in the closet for the games, etc.

The pollen has been off the charts here - everything is covered in a very fine yellow dust. After washing Flo (and windows) a few days ago, Mark hosed Flo and Big Red down this morning but a short time later, a big watery yellow mess! Oh well.....guess the springtime beauty more than makes up for this? Maybe?? Maybe not??? And whatever this pollen is versus what we had in Florida that caused Mark the itchy, watery eyes, has not been the case with this NC stuff.

Gibson has been limping today and really hurting. Anne took him to the vet - not sure what happened?? He's got some meds and needs to rest.

Tonight we all went to the camp - played a bunch of euchre games with Mark, Michael, Davis, Brady, Annette and me playing at various times. Enjoyed a wonderful patty melt to end the evening with sweet potato fries. They put an onion jam and caramelized onions on their patty melts - sooo good! Big crowd out enjoying this beautiful evening.

Annette, Maeve and Philip at the camp

It's been a big day - nighty night! Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - May 20

Another spectacular day - cool mornings and evenings with warm sunny afternoons! Luke and Maeve were off to school; Annette bought and planted more plantings (pics coming soon), Philip did some cleaning in his workshop, the electrician came to finish the new playroom and Grandpa and I just did odd jobs here and there.

Such tragic news about the 44-year old police officer who was killed in Champaign, IL early yesterday morning during a domestic disturbance. He leaves behind his wife and 4 daughters. Another very sad and senseless shooting.

Tonight the big kiddos had a date night (Philip, Annette, Brooke and Michael and other friends) by boat went to Bear Creek and we took Luke and Maeve to Slices for dinner....

Waiting for our food

Then back home to have a treat - cousin Paul who makes all the good chocolates, gave us one of his cocoa bombs. Take a hot cup of milk, put cocoa bomb in cup and it melts with marshmallows popping out. It was very delicious and all agreed.....best hot chocolate EVER!!!

Cocoa bomb placed in cup of hot milk

As it melted, marshmallows appeared and lots of gooey chocolate

Cheers to the best hot chocolate!!!

Beautiful evening here at the lake - played outside for awhile.

Maeve enjoying the nice new paved driveway

Luke is spending the night on Flo....

Wednesday - May 19

Cool and cloudy but then very warm and sunny this afternoon! Each day the temperature is climbing up up and away. Annette took the kids to school and picked up a bunch more plants. She's working away with all the plantings and looks so good.

After lunch I hit the basement and started some of the cleaning - the kids new playroom is almost finished and it is sooo awesome, but now to clean after all the drywall dust and eventually put everything back as it should be. That awful stuff gets everywhere even if things were covered. I made some good progress today and will tackle the bedroom/bathroom tomorrow as electrician is coming to finish up and hopefully, NOT make more dust???

Mark went to Hickory and had some adjustment made on Big Red's bed cover Blair did not get her cast off today - scheduling mix-up, so back to Asheville tomorrow. Arghhhh

Luke and Maeve hanging out on Flo with some Gatorade after school

We all went to the camp tonight for supper and the kiddos played - Michael, Brooke and Blair came, too and other friends Great supper (I had a gyro and Mark, the BLT) and played euchre with Philip and Annette with Mark and I winning 2 of 3.

So sorry to hear that my 2nd cousin, once removed, Matt Henkel died today after a very courageous battle with glioblastoma (brain cancer) for 13 years. Matt was only 42 and survived by his wife and 3 children. God bless Matt and his family.

So happy for Jim and Lydia who took possession of their new RV yesterday!

Beautiful - can't wait to get the tour!

Happy Birthday, Jim

Tuesday - May 18

Cloudy all day long in the low 70's. We went for a nice hike - perfect weather and came across 2 more stones...

I just LOVE the Mountain Laurel

My hiker buddy crossing Carson Drive and continuing on the trail

After lunch we got Flo ready, hooked her up to Big Red and made the 2-mile trip to Philip and Annette's where we'll stay the next 5 days. Settled in by 1:30. Visited with Annette who was busy planting some berry bushes in their back yard. Beautiful landscaping - pics coming later.

Hard worker

Blair went to the doctor today - she has a sinus infection. Hopefully the medicine will clear it up quickly. Tomorrow she goes to Asheville and has her cast removed.

Mark and I left at 2:30 - 1st stop was the Nebo post office to mail a package. Then to Black Mountain. Love this charming little town between Nebo and Asheville. We had coffee at The Dripolator and I wandered around downtown and hit some shops. Met up with Mark and we drove to Ingles for some groceries and then met our neighbors, JoAnn and Buddy at Cypress Trail. They live near Asheville and it was 1/2 way for both of us. Dinner at The Red Rocker Inn was excellent + awesome service by our waiter, Prosper. We visited for 2.5 hours. Fun evening and not sure if we'll see them again before next January back in Fort Myers.

Dinner at The Red Rocker Inn

Buddy, Mark, Pat, JoAnn

Buddy and JoAnn

Back to Philip and Annette's and settled in for the evening.