Farewell Fond Florida

February 21

It is raining and gray the whole day long. We recall only one other day (Long Island, NY) where the rain limited our activity. Yes, there have been a few storms and twice we have pulled off the road early, but in only one other time has it rained all day.

We used the day to continue to plan, write, read, and do some business. Thanks for the internet and the large rig. Our next 5 weeks will be very busy. This may be the last respite before we arrive home. Tomorrow we leave for Biloxi, Mississippi. Camp Victor is located there and it is sponsored by Lutheran Social Services Disaster Response in partnership with St. John’s Episcopal Church. We will work with other volunteers in Katrina relief projects. Our friends, the Lerdas whom we visited in PA, have volunteered at least twice here and are vigorous recruiters. The facility with beds for 160 volunteers, was put together soon after the hurricane and has functioned steadily and effectively.

We leave Florida. I planned for 7 weeks. It wasn’t enough. And although we look forward to the weeks ahead, we have not looked forward to leaving this special state. Florida is now my favorite state. I only have one major complaint. It is just toooo far away from Washington. It saddens me to think that we might not return here in the RV. With the rising gas prices, the economy, the difficulty being away from family for long lengths of time, and leaving the house, Florida is too far away to drive to for just a few weeks or even a month.

There are several reasons that propel Florida to number 1. Like AZ and southern CA, the weather is moderate in the winter. But here, the air is so fresh. I actually refer to it as “sweet”. Winds from 3 of the four directions come off the ocean, giving the air fullness and purity. We saw a few agricultural and logging fires here but detected no evidence of air pollution. The wildlife is abundant and colorful, the ocean and lakes are full of fish. It is the dry season and they call it winter, yet natural flowers are present. The arts are thriving. The history is rich. Powerful people, throughout history, have wintered here giving legacy and monuments to the past. The people are gracious (although most of whom we met are snowbirds) and the many ethnicities give rise to varied dress, language, celebrations, and food. We experience volunteers almost every day. Seniors are active serving as docents at museums, doing maintenance work at parks or campgrounds, acting as guides at scenic or wildlife settings and even picking up litter. And food; fish, fish, fish. And sumptuous fish, reasonably priced. Then I get to the warm water, great beaches, and islands. It goes on and on.

As an RVer, I have really appreciated the roads, the best of any state so far. The land is flat, only a few small hills. The roads are straight, wide, smooth and relatively clean. We’ve seen some litter but less than most states. Traffic moves evenly and even in small towns, there are often bypasses to scoot around congestion. The snowbirds add much to the economy here so, as a tourist, you are treated with respect. The state and local parks are readily accessible and are often located in some of the most pristine of spots.

We will probably fly back to Florida some day but it will not be the same. Experiencing this state in the RV is ideal. Driving from one point of interest to another, experiencing the transitions, and staying in the throngs of nature, reveal the true character of this state. I am no expert. I have only scratched the surface. I have so much more to learn and experience in Florida. I really want to come back. But I don’t want to be here June through October, hurricane season.