We were looking forward to seeing Savannah this time. Our first was very brief and we hoped to see more this time around. We arrived at the Savannah South KOA to drop off the camper. Nice park, but lack enough bathroom facilities. There was a bird sanctuary at the pond that had beautiful while swans. We left for River st. in Savannah historic district to have dinner at The Lobster Factory. Parking was a challenge, but finally found a spot on the hill a few blocks from the restaurant. This area looks like Fell's Point but different in how it sinks downward towards the river. Very steep hills and very interesting area with its many restaurants and bars along the river.
After dinner we drove to Forsyth Park to see the famous fountain. The drive to the park presented us with neighborhoods of gorgeous homes. I've never seen anything like it. Parking was a struggle and was able to find a spot across the street at SCAD, Savannah College of Art and Design. While walking to the fountain, we walked along with a couple from North Carolina that were there to see there son propose to his fiance at the fountain. They were trying not to seen by either of them since it was a surprise. We really enjoyed seeing a glimpse of Savannah and need to come back to tour more areas.
Cesare and Michele drove to Darlene's place to meet up with Tina and walked around the beach while waiting for Tina. Dan was paddle boarding with Darlene in the ocean. Michele and Tina hung out while Cesare and the kids went to Barrier Jacks for a late breakfast early lunch. We love their food. It never disappoints. After Cesare and kids ate, they drove around site seeing up to Patrick AFB and other river side attractions. Later in the day, The Pope's and us ordered Cuban sandwiches from Vargas cafe. They are know for their authentic Cuban food. While waiting for the food, the owner offered us "Spicy Coffee" Cuban style espresso with Cuban rum and tequila. It was good. The sandwiches were delicious and filling. After dinner we all walked to the beach and enjoyed the sunset ands waves. Later on we said our goodbyes and headed back to the camper to rest up for the next day's departure.
We took easy in the morning. We had laundry to do so Cesare and Michele went to laundry mat. We arrived back around lunchtime to get the kids and go to the Dinosaur store. After Kellen was finished checking out the store, we drove to Merritt Island for some Middle Eastern snack and Sinbad's. Afterwards we drove back to the camper because Cesare and Michele had dinner plans to celebrate Tina's birthday at Grill's near Jetty Park. Good meal and afterwards we returned to the Pope's condo for more drinking and conversation. Romi, Darlene and her daughter-in-law joined in on the dinner.
Michele and Cesare spent the morning at Jetty Beach. Michele stayed on the beach while Cesare walked around Jetty Park. Later in the day we went top Tina and Dan's place to hang out.
We made it Jetty Park, set up camper and went to eat at our favorite spot, Barrier Jacks for quesadillas, Mexican pizza, quiche and chicken fried steak. Afterwards we met up with Tina and Dan for the rest of the night.
We were able to get on a few rides, but some of the rides had a two hour wait. We left around 6pm due to severe rain. We went back to the camper; ate left over Indian food and watched the first five episodes of season three of Stranger Things and went to bed.
We started late today after a very long day at Magic Kingdom. Started with the Tree of Life to see "It's tough to be a bug" and to Africa to the Kilimanjaro Safari. Disney does a great job at simulated African weather while waiting in line. It is a chilly 107 degree heat index. It is suppose to cool down to 80 by 6pm.
We went on the Dinosaur ride (pretty cool), Carina got scared. After the ride the storm clouds rolled in and released enough rain to end or day. We are getting Indian food and heading back to the trailer to watch Stranger Things 3.
Our first stop was the Hall of Presidents followed by Haunted Mansion. Kellen and Cesare went on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride after an hour wait. The heat index today is 109 degrees. Feels like 110. Michele and Carina went on A Small World. A lot people here.
Cesare back from caring for Willow. This park is packed.
Hard to get on any rides without waiting a least an hour or more. Just waiting around for fireworks at this point.
Ventured over to Epcot to start the day on the Soarin' ride followed by Living on the land ride. WE Love the jumping water exhibit. Walk to By the Seas area to enjoy other rides. Stopped in Canada for some Poutin with beef brisket and O' Canada movie. Then England and finishing in France for a macaroon ice cream sandwich and caramel fleur de sel ice cream before we drove back to check on Willow for an afternoon siesta.
No explanation needed
We returned to Epcot around 5 p.m. where Kellen and Cesare went on the Mission Space: Earth. The ride was delayed and was not worth the wait. Michele and Carina did not enjoy the figment of imagination ride. As a group we stopped in Mexico for guacamole and chips while Kellen had empanadas. We went on the Three Caballeros ride after our snack. We found a lovely pastry treat in Norway called "School Bread" shared by all of us. This dessert was the bomb with a hint of Cardamon.
School Bread didn't have a chance
The line to "Frozen" was long so we decided to return later. We walked China and enjoyed the Chinese acrobat show.
After China we all tasted a Nigerian meat pie on our way to Germany for a quick stop for caramel candy. In Italy we tasted an Italian Margherita (a frozen drink of Limoncello and Tequila) and a cappuccino. Got to make that at home. By the time we arrived to Morocco we were ready for dinner. We ventured to Spice Road Table restaurant for mixed appetizers. We ordered fried calamari, hummus and pita, brie, hummus sticks and spicy shrimp. Baklava for Carina at the end of the meal. It was all excellent. While dining we waited for the Illuminations show, but because of an approaching storm the show was delayed well past the end of the meal. We decided to leave at this point with a glimmering hope to catch "Frozen" on the way back, but it was to late and the park was closing. Upon our arrival to the truck the Illuminations show began, but we needed to get back to Willow and settle in for the night.
Not much to report today. We arrived at Tropical Springs; set up camp; and had dinner at Cracker Barrel. Kellen claims it was his first time eating there. Good meal and service. Did some shopping and laundry and went to bed. Resting up for Epcot tomorrow.
We had 10 a.m. reservations at Everglades City Airboat Tours where we embarked on an exiting cruise through narrow channels of mangrove and taproots. We experienced a view of a dolphin, alligator and turtle. The views were beautiful and scenic.
Stone crab fishing boats
After the airboat ride, we drove to Everglade City to get a snack at City Seafood to eat some fried frog legs, fried gator bites and fried calamari. Really good treats. Stone crab claws are the big thing
down here. Afterwards we ventured to the Naples Pier beach area. Our drive to the area presented us with views of lavish homes in the multimillion dollar range. The beach was what would expect for the Gulf, warm water and gentle waves. Cesare and Michele could of spent the remainder of the day there. While swimming, Cesare conversed with some Italian guys from Chicago and Long Island, NY. Very interesting discussion on the cultural decline of each of our home cities. We left the Naples beach area and headed back to the camper. At the campsite, Cesare and Michele returned to the pool while the kids stayed in the camper. As evening approached we returned to Tin City for some casual shopping and later on on our way back, we stopped for ice cream at the Royal Scoop. Afterwards we return back to the camper to settle in for the night. Tomorrow we head for Kissimmee for the three hour drive to Tropical Palms.
Spent the day at the Naples Zoo. After the zoo, we returned to the camper for a break and a swim at the pool. After pool time, we prepared to go to Tin City where we had dinner at Pinchers. The meal was good followed by a walk around the area.
We spent the day site seeing around Marco Island. This is a beautiful vacation area with opulent high rises and jaw dropping homes. Our first stop was a recommendation to have lunch at the Sunset Grille which had access to the beach.
Lunch was excellent having appetizers such as tuna tartar, tuna sashimi, shrimp po' boy, coconut shrimp, chicken quesadilla and wings.
Following lunch we proceeded to the beach to experience the Gulf from Marco Island. The sand is full of small shells as one enters the water. Little painful to walk on, but the water was clear. warm and tame.
After experiencing Marco Island, we drove back to the campground to check on Willow. We spent some to time at our camper before we decided to proceed to explore a segment of the Everglades. We drove to Carnestown, Everglades City, Plantation Island and ending up at Chokoloskee.
Chokoloskee is an unincorporated community and census-designated place located at the edge of the Ten Thousand Islands in Collier County, Florida, United States. The population was 359 at the 2010 census.
We finally arrived to our campsite about ten miles outside of Naples around 7:30 pm. Our site is small and this campground is compact. The amenities are really nice though, especially th bathhouse/restroom which has Kellen's seal of approval. There we some difficulty backing in, but with the help of a couple residents we were able to squeezed in.
We spent the whole day at the campground enjoying what it had to offer. Michele and Kellen rented kayaks to explore the canal of springs and the mouth of the Suwannee River. They were afraid to enter the river in fear of encountering the Gulf Sturgeon (Click here to see one).
boardwalk through the trees
Kayaking Kellen
Suwannee River
Carina, Cesare and Willow walked around and explored the boardwalk through the trees to follow Kellen and Michele.
Swimming hole
Upon Michele's return, we entered the springs for a refreshing dip. The water temperature is claimed to be 72 degrees, but if felt like 52 degrees. Cesare entered first with much apprehension then Michele follow with much more fear and apprehension. Carina was comical to say the least when she entered the water. Her expression and reaction was priceless. She did slip on the moss on the final step where she plunged all way in. It was a really nice place to spend the day to cool off in the 90 degree weather. The remainder of the day was spent around the campsite with another dip in the springs later in the day. Our campsite was an easy walk to the springs Cesare left to go to town to buy a couple things when a big storm hit the campground. Cesare did not encounter the storm when he was away.
Today our drive was along route 98 from Panama City Beach towards Manatee Springs. On our route we passed by Mexico Beach to see the remaining destruction from Hurricane Michael. What a jaw dropping experience to see how almost all the buildings were shredded by the winds. Our arrival was about 6 P.M. when we set up camp. We walked to the springs which is about a quarter mile from our site to get a view and a knee high dip. The water was clear and cold. Refreshing treat to the heat. After exploring the area, we drove to the main intersection to get dinner at Taco Bell. We brought dinner back to the site and retreated for the day.
Michele and Cesare spent the morning at St. Andrews State Park walking and touring the area. The kids were back at the camper sleeping.
Upon Michele's and Cesare's return, the kids were awake awaiting a meal. After an early lunch, we decided to drive to Destin, Fl.. It took a while to get there with traffic, but it satisfied our curiosity.
We arrived back to the camper in the late afternoon. We prepared ourselves for dinner plans with the Marconis' at Angelo's Steak Pit. Michele's friend is related to the owner and was recommended we eat there. The meal was delicious and received free appetizers. After dinner, Michele, Carina and Cesare went back to the camper while Kellen and Thomas went out together.
