The Beach!



October 9th and we are off on an adventure, my cousin and I...

The destination?

FLORIDA! And on the way, adventure ensued...

We set out at 7:15am to drop of my cousin Gayle's daughter at school, planned on a quick stop at the local Race Way Convenience store for gas, coffee, water, and snacks, and figured we would soon be on our way. Our first stop, Albertville Middle School, was uneventful. A quick hug for my neice, a "have a great day" and she was off to higher learning for the day. Next up, Race Way.

We pulled into the parking lot and immediately noticed that there was quite a bit of activity. Namely 3 unmarked police vehicles, a suspect in hand cuffs, and at least a dozen under cover officers milling around a pickup truck at the gas pumps. And we had a front row view as we had unwittingly pulled up at the gas pump directly next to the action. One perp stuffed in the back of a car and several cops swarming his truck, all while glancing our way with a "um, what are you doing?" look on their faces, we set to gassing the car and shopping. According to the cashier, the police had been after this guy for quite a while and this morning, they got their man.

Safely away after the excitement, we were heading southeast towards Florida and the beach. A couple of hours of girl gab later, and we had driven straight past our exit off of RT 65. Recalculating, recalculating, recalculated! Every road leads to Florida apparently. Or at least every southbound road.

Along the way we saw quite a few cotton fields. I've never seen a cotton field in person. Perhaps I'll take a picture later. :D You know I will! A stop in Baker gave us the "Sign Store". For more on that, click here (coming soon - I've got to write it up).

After 6 hours of driving through forest land, we were delighted to make civilization and LUNCH! Peppers Mexican Restaurant and fresh Taco Salads (in taco shaped edible salad bowls!) were amazing!

2 minutes later, we were at the beach!

White sand, blue/green water, sun, surf, and NO RESPONSIBILITIES! :D Sign me up! This was the most relaxing day that I have spent in a long time.

More photos here.