East Coast Spring visits
We took 10 days to visit some wonderful easterly friends and relatives. A stop overnight in Lancaster County gave us a look at Amish Country” AND we were so delighted with the city of Lancaster, PA. It is dubbed the oldest inland city in the US. We went to the old Central Market downtown and loved the vibrant feel of the whole downtown area. Lancaster has beautiful tree lined streets, an old Main St that still has busy stores, lots of businesses and people everywhere.
We drove out of town to see the rather grand Amish farms with no electric lines and plenty of tourism commerce thriving there too.
Next stop, Baltimore… visits with Herb & Martha, Jeff, Jillian and the kids. We are so fortunate to have such a warm and loving family!
Further evidenced by Gordon & Kim who hosted us in Burke – highlighted by a dinner with Courtney and an interesting day in Alexandria.
A quick lunch in Annapolis then a drive by the boatyard … spotted part of the YYC setting up sails for a race that weekend.
On to Rehobeth Beach to see Fran and explore the beautiful Deleware beaches. Miles of sand and dunes were surreal n the state parks.
Another ferry ride from Lewes to Cape May started out trip in a northerly direction. A new route along the southern shore of New Jersey was very interesting -alternately from one end to the other… luxurious shingled mansions, kitchy motels, boardwalk carnivals. pretty little towns and everywhere – those wide beautiful beaches.
Last stop – Clifton Park. Kirk is doing great with a bionic hip, Dale made us wonderful meals and welcomed us warmly, as always. We had a ball at the ”You Can Tri-atholon” featuring Ashley & Matt who did so well. Cara brought Oden and Jenny coordinated all the volunteers for a wonderful sunny event held in honor of Chris.
Now we are home. Ray’s waxing the boat. Im doing some gardening. We will stay put for a while .
coming home
OKeefe home Windemere, Florida
The Family gathered in Orlando. Dan and Linda hosted at their gorgeous new home in Windemere and we enjoyed seeing a large part of the clan. Boating, tubing, pool time and, of course, wonderful food.
The GPS on the iphone helped us circumnavigate several traffic clogs on the trip north. Traveling the “blue highways” for at least part of the way took us thru beautiful spring blossoming woods. We stopped for a respite on the Savannah waterfront. Arriving home, we’ve seen plenty of April showers (puddles on the lawn) and early bulbs in the gardens. It’s great to be in our own place. We’ll enjoy seeing old friends and the bustle of summer in Youngstown.
upcoming…..I booked a trip to the Emerald Isle in the fall. !
Ashford Castle, October 2013
South Beach to Southernmost
Doug took us into Biscayne Bay to watch Liam’s sailing team racing Opti’s in the beautiful waters off Miami. From the jazzy vibe of Miami we went south, and south, slowing down the lifestyle to the very tip of Florida landing at our favorite; Southernmost Beach. In Key West we wandered Duval Street, watched the sunsets and enjoyed the people watching. At the Coffee Plantation we compared notes with Theo who told us about the 8 month trek across America that he and his wife did in a van just like ours.
We have learned to appreciate the various Keys in between…. a fabulous meal at City Hall Cafe in Tavenier where John Bedell, a good friend of the Costello’s, welcomes us every year. Easter breakfast with the Reeces, stone crab claws with Cathy on Marathon, (I’d never have to cook in the Keys!), a beach day at Bahia Honda State Park, and fabulous water views on Overseas Highway all along the way. We know the winter has been so tough in the north and even in the Keys people were complaining but we were lucky to find several hot, sunny days to visit our favorite haunts.
SunCoast
Friends and family along the gulf coast of Florida
Fun in Florida
Welcome to the Flower State
Pass-a-Grille beach
- on the road enjoying the drive across the panhandle and along the northwest coast of Florida – we stopped at Crystal River. Not a beach town, it is located on the estuary of the river. Fishing, of course was primary and we had our first outdoor dinner. The next day – Tarpon Springs for lunch – then on to Treasure Island to visit the Allens. Antique stores on a cloudy day and the beach for the sun. We finished with a visit to Sandy’s favorite French restaurant, the Gulf Bistro.
Views from the Huey
Ray leaving Las Vegas
Ray joined the American Huey 369 crew in Vegas.
He flew back to Texas with them an took some wonderful pictures of our beautiful country. I’ll add to this album later.
Texas toward Florida
Ray enjoying the sun
Coming out of Texas we dropped down to the beach in Louisiana then headed to New Orleans for to spend St. Patrick’s Day in a town that knows how to party! After the corned beef and the green beer we headed out reaching Mobile,Alabama after dark. Mobile is a city that looks beautiful at night. Bright green lights lit the skyline. Florida welcomed us with sunshine and seafood.
