Where the Heart is

A 253-day adventure by Geezers in Paradise Read more

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Day 97
Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at 3:50 PM
⛅ 70 °F
Altitude: 49 ft
United States National Museum of Naval Aviation 30.348906, -87.3036830°20’56” N 87°18’13” W
Historic Pensacola
February 1, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F
Pensacola turns out to have quite a charming historic area. Our photo-taking skills seem to have seriously taken a turn for the worse, however, so we have resorted to a few "canned" photos from the web for you to get the general idea.

The perfect cap to the day was on the ride home when we passed the "Ever'man Cooperative Cafe and Grocery." Gordon screeched into a U-turn and we found a lovely, large food coop inside which we agreed was even better than Fresh Market. And to make it even better, this coop shares a policy with a lot of other coops we've visited of honoring our membership in the Olympia Coop. We stocked up, and continued back to the campground munching a couple of delicious cookies to tide us over.Read more
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Day 97
Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at 4:10 PM
☀️ 70 °F
Altitude: 39 ft
United States Peterson Branch 30.395685, -87.4525330°23’44” N 87°27’9” W
2
We might be turning into Floridians
February 1, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F
Maybe the temperature has dropped below 70, maybe. But the is a very slight breeze, so it is time to bundle up!

Heather adds: we're Floridians now.
You bring joy to the idea of retirement. Oh the places we shall go and the things we will see. Enjoy, DonnaG
2/2/17Reply
TravelerThanks, D. We are milking it!!
2/2/17Reply
Annanaomi Sams Well, at least when you bundle you still have to good sense to not wear socks with your sandals!
2/3/17Reply
Traveler I should SAY so! (As we are floridians now ...)
2/5/17Reply
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Day 98
Thursday, February 2, 2017 at 2:09 PM
⛅ 73 °F
Altitude: 13 ft
United States Guichard Canal 29.9566, -89.96420329°57’24” N 89°57’51” W
2
Good neighbors
February 2, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F
This is a friendly campground. Over half of them are camping with dogs. One fellow walkes around with his golden lab on a leash and his 6-week-old 6-ounce chihuahua in his pocket. As we sat outside for our happy hour, we had several lengthy conversations with other campers walking by, and 3 invites to the pot luck. Sure, chips were fine!

Our neighbor in this campground is an older but vigorous snow-bird from Indiana. When we pulled in, he hollered, "You guys just staying the night?" "Nope, we're here for 4 nights," we called back. "Good!" he returned. "I keep chasin' 'em off!"

He is always cheerful and friendly, and has set up his "front lawn" with seven lawn chairs around their fire pit. Every night folks from around the campground flock to his fire, BYOB and BYO stories. We'll miss him when we leave tomorrow.Read more
Bonnie Benedict Love the plaque!
2/3/17Reply
Traveler Me too!
2/3/17Reply
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Day 100
Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 3:10 PM
☀️ 59 °F
Altitude: 144 ft
United States City of Milton 30.622376, -86.95855230°37’21” N 86°57’31” W
Milton, FL Gulf Pines KOA
February 4, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 59 °F
Taking a day here on our way back to St Augustine to meet with the landscape guy. Campground is friendly but uncharacteristically NOISY. It's also chilly. Got down in the 30's last night. Gordon is hard at work heroically getting our tax stuff together.

Tomorrow we leave early. Looking forward to that 70 degree weather!Read more
Ray DeBuseFinally catching up. First, CONGRATULATIONS! Looks like a wonderful community and a great house. But not moving in for several months? KOA in the meantime? Or more wandering? Eager to follow along vicariously as it all progresses. You are in semi-tropical Florida, Rick is in semi-tropical Mexico. What does this portend for the rest of us old WLNers?
2/4/17Reply
Ray DeBuseWhere do I send insurance mail new?
2/4/17Reply
TravelerWe have waited for buyer's remorse to set in, but as of yet we are still very happy with our decision. We had been through parts of Florida several times and were convinced Florida was just not for us. Then we discovered this corner of it. It's got a great balance of just about everything we have been hoping to find. So once again we are embracing our geezerdom and retiring to Florida!
2/5/17Reply
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Day 102
Monday, February 6, 2017
☀️ 70 °F
Altitude: 39 ft
United States Hidden Oaks Mobile Home Park 29.8503, -81.36072529°51’1” N 81°21’39” W
Back in St Augustine
February 6, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F
We are staying at the Compass RV Park this time. The KOA was full!

We are here to meet with the landscaper to plan trees, bushes, and plants.

Also house keeping stuff like oil change, laundry, etc.
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Day 104
Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at 3:57 PM
⛅ 77 °F
Altitude: 33 ft
United States Hidden Oaks Mobile Home Park 29.850374, -81.3605829°51’1” N 81°21’38” W
Lightning!
February 8, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 77 °F
We were at the center of a lightning storm that ran all up the length of Florida last night. VERY exciting!
Karen AndersonJust a little lightning!! Wow exciting night😳
2/13/17Reply
TravelerIt was VERY exciting! We were wall-eyed keeping one each on the weather app and the actual event outside.
2/13/17Reply
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Day 105
Thursday, February 9, 2017 at 4:13 PM
⛅ 59 °F
Altitude: 75 ft
United States Grahams Neck 32.624378, -80.88169132°37’28” N 80°52’54” W
In South Carolina and no hurricane
February 9, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F
Last time we came to South Carolina, we were chased out by the remnants of a hurricane. Got a lovely campsite at the Point South KOA. Expecting 30 degree weather tonight.
Stacy
2/10/17Reply
We've been following your adventures, so glad to hear things are well, and that you found a new place to call home! Sending good wishes your way!
2/10/17Reply
TravelerStacy, so great to know you've been following! Thanks for the good wishes. We are so thrilled about our new home. Talk about a change ... from a 100-year old craftsman bungalo to an all-new coastal open plan. Gordon is pleased to know that there are not the restrictions he had thought on gardening. After meeting with the landscaper, we are pretty sure that over the next 5 years most of what they do will be ripped out and replaced. Can't keep a good green thumb down!
2/13/17Reply
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Day 106
Friday, February 10, 2017 at 6:51 PM
🌙 48 °F
Altitude: 75 ft
United States Grahams Neck 32.624423, -80.88181232°37’28” N 80°52’55” W
A walk around the lake
February 10, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 48 °F
Richard ClarkeBeautiful scenery! Did you see any alligators?
2/12/17Reply
TravelerWe saw a very sinister looking twig floating suspiciously in the lake and quickened our pace a little.
2/13/17Reply
Karen AndersonHahaha your comment about the twig cracked me up😀
2/14/17Reply
TravelerIt was VERY sinister looking!
2/14/17Reply
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Day 107
Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 11:57 AM
☀️ 68 °F
Altitude: 20 ft
United States Bluffton 32.269295, -80.86206832°16’9” N 80°51’43” W
Chow Daddy's Bluffton SC
February 11, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F
Food was good. I don't know what happened to make the photo red, the food wasn't that hot.

Gordon had pulled pork on cheddar jalapeno cornbread. Heather had fried chicken with pimento cheese on a bun. Both came with a light and flavorful bed of fresh greens which included several tasty herbs. DANG ... they had lots of interesting craft beers on tap, but it was before noon!Read more
Bonnie BenedictBut it was five o'clock SOMEwhere!!!
2/12/17Reply
TravelerA point well worth remembering!!
2/13/17Reply
Annanaomi SamsI too was going to point that out!
2/14/17Reply
TravelerAll this lazing in the sun must be dulling my wits!
2/14/17Reply
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Day 107
Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 12:36 PM
☀️ 68 °F
Altitude: 23 ft
United States Church of the Cross 32.231294, -80.86342132°13’53” N 80°51’48” W
Vindicated!
February 11, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F
Before leaving Olympia, we had pinned many hopes on the over-55 community in Bluffton, South Carolina. Great shopping and interesting cities 30-45 minutes away. But we fell in love with NE Florida and the Ponte Vedra community.

We finally made it to the Bluffton area today and are happy to report, we believe we did not make a mistake. Though the town of Bluffton was cute, it was by turns touristy and down at the heels. The over-55 community was HUGE and, we fear, prone to the same feeling of isolation we saw in the large Texas community. As brother-in-law John warned us, there was a LOT of traffic, and we couldn't even see where it was going! The nearest community on Hilton Head Island seemed either for golf lovers or tourists.

We availed ourselves of the Whole Foods Market and got out of town as quickly as we could. We MIGHT have stopped at a nice ice cream shop to help with the trauma of it all.

This is Gordon... After the last time I got stung by a bee and swelled up to twice my size, I am a bit sensitive about them. The last photo of the church does not show the swarm of bees near the peak of the roof. Just looking at the bees sent chills down my spine. I realize that I must have a phobia about them.Read more
Karen AndersonFollowing your heart and intiuition paid off in finding your new home in relatively short order and so unexpectedly. Truley overjoyed for you😀❤
2/13/17Reply
TravelerIt WAS so unexpected! And we are both so surprised that we have just transferred our self-images so quickly to our new home. We are Floridians now!
2/13/17Reply
Rosemary EngleOh yes that was a scare as you don't always know how you will feel. I think it is wonderful that visiting S Carolina just confirmed that your choice was correct. Good job!
2/13/17Reply
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Day 108
Sunday, February 12, 2017 at 5:03 PM
⛅ 77 °F
Altitude: 75 ft
United States Grahams Neck 32.624467, -80.88174632°37’28” N 80°52’54” W
Working hard
February 12, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 77 °F
Heather is working hard trying to get us to Europe for the next 4 months.

Gordon is stalling by taking a photo.
Karen AndersonI admire your zeal for adventure. So much to see and so little time, but you two are making the most of it. Yahoo!!
2/13/17Reply
TravelerWe just found a place to store our trailer. Laurie and John have graciously agreed to babysit the hylander. Now we just have to get a flight somewhere. We figure the rest will fall into place.
2/13/17Reply
Rosemary EngleOh my yes! Yes! Europe on a Erurail pass. That would be FABULOUS! Maybe there is an upgraded one that gets you better sleeping arrangements overnight. RE
2/13/17Reply
Rosemary EngleSo many places to see, and luckily you have the time!
2/13/17Reply
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Day 109
Monday, February 13, 2017 at 11:01 AM
☀️ 63 °F
Altitude: 16 ft
United States Beaufort County Library Main Branch 32.431921, -80.66998632°25’55” N 80°40’12” W
Low Country Produce and Cafe
February 13, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F
TravelerBeaufort is a delightful antibellum town right on coast of the Carolina low country. Many beautiful homes and ancient live oaks to photograph. You get the food. Well worth remembering!! Especially the cheese grits and homemade berry jam.
2/15/17Reply
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Day 111
Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at 1:06 PM
🌧 66 °F
Altitude: 75 ft
United States Grahams Neck 32.624383, -80.88179932°37’28” N 80°52’54” W
Booking our flights
February 15, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 66 °F
TravelerI missed a good photo of Gordon pulling his hair out. He spent about an hour trying to make our reservations online, only to get foiled at every step. Finally, he called the airline. But the automated voice recognition robot would not recognize him. He had to pass the phone to ME to say "Reservations" and then, "Booking a reservation." We decided the robot only talks to females. FINALLY he got a real person who was quite helpful. After ANOTHER half hour, we have confirmation numbers for two tickets to Milan. We don't know what we're doing once we get there, but by God, we're GOING!!
2/15/17Reply
Bonnie BenedictItaly, love it!
2/15/17Reply
Rosemary EngleCool beans!
2/15/17Reply
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Day 115
Sunday, February 19, 2017 at 2:40 PM
⛅ 75 °F
Altitude: 75 ft
United States Grahams Neck 32.624378, -80.88176732°37’28” N 80°52’54” W
Zeroing in
February 19, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F
The wifi in this campground is the best we've ever had so we are working hard to take care of all the stuff that needs good wifi. We decided to book accommodations for our first days in Italy so we can get our feet on the ground and plan what's next.

Gordon is all about heading south to escape this FREEZING 65-69 degree weather. We arrive at 3:00 pm. We figure we'll be shot after collecting luggage, going through customs and picking up our car so we've booked 2 nights at a hotel 15 minutes away from the airport. We were shocked to find one that's well-rated on both Google and TravelAdvisor for about $50/night! Our plan is to spend that day looking around Milan and getting over jetlag.

Thursday we'll head south, thinking Amalfi coast where temps are in the high 70's to mid-80's. We needed a place to break up the drive and found an apartment on Airbnb. $151 for 4 nights, including wifi and on-premisis parking in Porto Santo Stefano, Italy. Walking distance to the town and ocean. We decided to book for 4 days and just relax. And decide where to go next.Read more
It sounds divine. When do you fly?
2/20/17Reply
That's from Stephanie
2/20/17Reply
TravelerMonday march 6.
2/20/17Reply
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Day 115
Sunday, February 19, 2017 at 2:57 PM
⛅ 75 °F
Altitude: 75 ft
United States Grahams Neck 32.624453, -80.88188332°37’28” N 80°52’55” W
Saw a Gator!
February 19, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F
Heather did her very best Steve Irwin imitation when she saw the gator.

Cikey, has she got a set of fangs on her or what!

We had gone for a walk and we snuck up on where we had heard a large splash before, and Heather spied the gator sunning herself on the pond bank. She was huge! She was fierce! If she had opened her mouth I am sure there would have been 3 inch long fangs! We barely escaped with our lives.

After that, we saw several more gators floating in the pond, all about the same size. On our way back, another camper told us he had heard there were about 700 living in the area.

The other pictures are shots from around the pond. The tree trunk with the holes looks like wood pecker was working fast and furiously to get a bug that was hiding. (Heather adds: I was put in mind of the word "tattoo" in it's usage as a sustained snare drumbeat. This woodpecker must have sounded very like one, and the result looks every bit like a tattoo around one's arm. There was a smaller band up above.)Read more
And this is why Florida freaks me out - and having two small dogs. Stephanie
2/20/17Reply
TravelerI'm sure they are quite ferocious and would make short work of those gators. Gordon MIGHT have exaggerated just a wee bit on how big they were.
2/20/17Reply
Rosemary EngleAnd also a shot of a beautiful redbud, along with the dangerous critters.
2/21/17Reply
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Day 116
Monday, February 20, 2017
☀️ 68 °F
Altitude: 13 ft
United States Porcher Bluff 32.864986, -79.77542132°51’54” N 79°46’32” W
2
Mt Pleasant / Charleston KOA
February 20, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F
We were making a lot of progress towards getting ready for our European trip at the Point South KOA. The wifi there was the best that we had found anywhere. But when it came to shopping... the nearest town was over 30 minutes away in Beaufort. So we decided that having finished with most of the things that could be handled over the internet, we should move somewhere where shopping was easier.

The KOA in Mt Pleasant is minutes from every possible store! The farthest store is Whole Foods, just 15 minutes away. The KOA is good, our only complaints are the bathrooms (small and needing maintenance ... Heather is channeling her inner girl scout camper) and the sand fleas (they like Gordon's ankles).

There are also several other small trailers. We are almost always the smallest trailer in the campground. This time there are a couple of small teardrops. I don't know how people travel with dogs and just a small tear drop, they must really like their dogs.Read more
Annanaomi Sams Cute pups!
2/22/17Reply
Traveler Well behaved. We never heard a peep. But really! There is nothing but a queen sized bed in those teardrops. How do they all get in???
2/22/17Reply
Rosemary EngleOK that is crazy to travel with 2 medium sized dogs as they really could not be in that teardrop! Unfair on everyone. Of course looking at that teardrop, that is just crazy anyway. They should get an A frame!!! We like them we love them we want more of them!
2/26/17Reply
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Day 117
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
⛅ 66 °F
Altitude: 13 ft
United States Porcher Bluff 32.86501, -79.77540132°51’54” N 79°46’31” W
Low Country Jungle Jaunt
February 21, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F
We are crazy with details of prep for our European trip. We don't even have a suitcase!! But we took time out today to do the nature trail at the campground. Well worth the interruption.
Karen AndersonA refreshing break from details is good😄
2/24/17Reply
TravelerWe keep our eyes out for snakes and alligators per another sign, but so far have only seen turtles and heard some VERY industrious woodpeckers.
2/24/17Reply
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Day 118
Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at 4:28 PM
⛅ 68 °F
Altitude: 13 ft
United States Porcher Bluff 32.865016, -79.77546232°51’54” N 79°46’32” W
Turtles!
February 22, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F
Yesterday we saw a BILLION turtles on the lake, but the minute we got close, they all jumped into the water. They would then swim out a little bit and stick their noses above water juuuuuust enough to see if we were still there. Today we vowed to tiptoe by their habitat in the hope of immortalizing something besides their noses. We weren't quick enough to catch ALL of the 5 or 6 hanging out on a branch, but we did catch a few so's you don't think we're fibbin'.Read more
Karen AndersonI did not realize turtles could be so clever and quick. Great you got a sneak peak and on the branches no less! Your stalking skills paid off!
2/24/17Reply
TravelerActually, there were a bunch of turtles on that branch that jumped off. I think these two love-birds might have been mating and didn't want to or were unable to quit. I felt a little guilty!
2/24/17Reply
Rosemary EngleNEVER fibbin'!
2/26/17Reply
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Day 124
Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at 12:56 PM
⛅ 73 °F
Altitude: 16 ft
United States Porcher Bluff 32.864719, -79.77572632°51’53” N 79°46’33” W
The construction has begun!
February 28, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F
We got our first construction update today. They have installed the pipes for the sprinkler system and will start the foundation tomorrow.
Karen AndersonVery exciting! Love
3/1/17Reply
Karen AndersonRest of sentence, love the trees in the back yard!
3/1/17Reply
Oh how very exciting.
3/2/17Reply
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Day 129
Sunday, March 5, 2017 at 8:15 AM
☀️ 37 °F
Altitude: 991 ft
United States Fullers Park 33.973337, -84.44904933°58’24” N 84°26’57” W
2
Day before our flight
March 5, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 37 °F
Are we nervous?

Sorry about our prolonged silence. Honestly ... one might think since we've been on the road for 3 months, we would be already half packed and ready to go. But there were a ZILLIION details to take care of and flights and car reservations were only the beginning.

As you can see, we purchased some LOVELY suitcases from Target. The large one promises to hold enough for a 3-5 day trip. The smaller one, just 2 days. This time we took to heart the admonition to pack what you think you will need and cut it in half.

I know you might not believe it, but we've experienced a lot of trepidation and nervousness. We wonder if we still have what it takes for spontaneous foreign travel. What if we're too old? What if the beds are too uncomfortable? What if we can't find some product we ALWAYS use? Perhaps this is an indication that we need to move further out of our comfort zone.

Yesterday we dropped our trailer off in a storage place 45 minutes north of here. This morning, I am feeling annoyed that I have to wear (and hence get dirty) clothes from my suitcase. If this is what I'm reduced to worrying about, we may be just about ready.Read more
Annanaomi Sams A pic for the ages!
3/5/17Reply
Annanaomi SamsHave fun! I like your matching "luggage".
3/5/17Reply
Rosemary EngleYa that last look says it all! Getting ready for the great adventure is no fun but the adventure itself will be great. I think you will be great on your trip and will be able to adapt beautifully and be spontaneous because you are young at heart - still. I am jealous of your adventurous spirit and need to find some myself. You go!
3/5/17Reply
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Day 130
Monday, March 6, 2017 at 11:28 AM
⛅ 63 °F
Altitude: 1,060 ft
United States Mount Bethel 33.964422, -84.41109133°57’52” N 84°24’40” W
Last burger for a while
March 6, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F
Ted's Montana Grill. The perfect last meal before heading across the pond.
Annanaomi SamsReally? She asks and comments innocently, "we have pizza, you'd think Italians would have burgers!"
3/6/17Reply
TravelerYou'd think ...
3/6/17Reply
Cherie Sohnen-MoeHave a great time!
3/6/17Reply
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Day 131
Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at 6:52 PM
🌙 54 °F
Altitude: 518 ft
Italy Sesto San Giovanni 45.550182, 9.25576645°33’1” N 9°15’21” E
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2
First class ...
March 7, 2017 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 54 °F
Heyyyyy.... they have BEDS! They give you PAJAMAS! We actually slept like BABIES! (2nd leg business class was not quite so stellar but at least we were rested.)
Bonnie BenedictCushy! What airline ?
3/7/17Reply
Karen AndersonLove the sleep mask! You guys think if everything! My those beds are awesome. I think Icould handle the trip under those conditions!!
3/8/17Reply
Annanaomi Sams How was the food?
3/8/17Reply
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Day 131
Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at 6:55 PM
🌙 54 °F
Altitude: 499 ft
Italy Sesto San Giovanni 45.55007, 9.2555945°33’0” N 9°15’20” E
Coming into Milan
March 7, 2017 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 54 °F
Annanaomi SamsWow!
3/8/17Reply
TravelerIndeed!
3/8/17Reply
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Day 131
Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at 7:09 PM
🌙 54 °F
Altitude: 499 ft
Italy Sesto San Giovanni 45.549976, 9.25566845°32’60” N 9°15’20” E
2
Made it to our hotel
March 7, 2017 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 54 °F
In the CUTEST little Fiat Panda. Brand new, just 7 kilometers on the car. But it's a good thing we cut our luggage in half. One more bar of soap and we would have had to get a different car.

Hotel was serendipitously chosen as it sits atop a shopping center. We picked up a delicious bread cheese salad and wine dinner at the ipermercato Gigante. As we had no utensils save our Swiss Army knife and the hotel was curiously lacking any glasses, we channeled our inner 20-year-olds and quite enjoyed ourselves.

We were able to replace the ONE AND ONLY doggoned cardigan I had packed in our frenzy to cut down. Must be sitting in the Atlanta airport. But it was on sale for ONLY 10 euros! The Ruth Nicoll Memorial bargain, updated for European inflation.Read more
Karen AndersonYour first day photos are priceless!! Couldn't help but laugh as you embraced the moment with the Swiss Army Knife and large loaf of bread,the one plastic fork in the salad, and Gordon taking a swig of wine from the bottle! Made my day!
3/8/17Reply
Karen AndersonThats the spirit!
3/8/17Reply
TravelerWe both swigged with glee. The wine was 4 euros and delicious!
3/8/17Reply
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Day 132
Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at 2:05 PM
☀️ 59 °F
Altitude: 764 ft
Italy Aerodromo di Como 45.827732, 9.06957145°49’40” N 9°4’10” E
Change of plans
March 8, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 59 °F
We felt more and more jet lagged as we tried to figure out where to park in Milan, whether to take the metro, HOW to take the metro, where to PARK if we take the metro.... we decided we should take ANOTHER DANGED APPROACH and headed for the hills. Literally. We are just an hour south of Lake Como nestled in the Alps. We are very happy with our decision.Read more
Rosemary EngleGood plan
3/8/17Reply
TravelerIt turned out to be a winner!
3/9/17Reply
Karen AndersonSuch a gorgeous area and it sounds like you are establishing a nice pace at which to enjoy it!
3/11/17Reply
TravelerWe'll see about the pace. We've been going like bats out of hell so far. We'll see how we do with a whole week in Sorrento.
3/11/17Reply
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