Time to head for Dauphin Island, AL. I have two choices to get there. The first is to drive 50+ miles to the ferry at Fort Morgan, AL. The second, driving 100+ miles, going through Mobile then back down along Mobile Bay to the bridge. This has never been my favorite option, because it sounds much like starting in Fort Collins, CO and driving through Denver for 100 miles of bustling humanity and traffic. I checked the Ferry FB page and learned that RVs are not allowed today, probably weather related! So, the long way and surely lots of irate drivers since I will drive at a sane speed for my RV. Maybe people will be friendlier around Christmas!

The problem is, I don’t want to get moving yet! I am just starting my second cup of coffee and sitting on a comfy chair inside the camper. I discovered by accident that when I set up the chair to position myself  for watching TV, I am sitting right over a heater vent. If I drape a blanket over me I funnel the warm air under the blanket and up over me! So toasty, like standing over the floor heater vent when I was a kid. With outside temps in the low 40s and heat flowing under the blanket, I don’t want to get moving! I like Gulf Islands National Seashore. Last evening, in the cold but before the sun set, Tango and I walked a few miles on the Florida Trail, which goes right through the campground!  Beautiful! Peaceful. Almost no one around on my private “resort”.

I will get moving though, after this cup of coffee. First I will move my breakables to their place under the dinette (sewing machine, TV, lamp). Then I will put the bathroom stuff in the tub. Kitchen stuff, like the coffee maker goes in the sink. Then, I hitch up and take off. If all goes well, I can be gone within an hour. If I rush around this morning, I can get through Mobile before lunch. Or, I can go slower and go through right after lunch. I vote for that option and Tango concurs. Take it slow on the Interstate

That little speck of dirt is the dreaded chigger!

I loved my time in Florida. However, I will never forget the skeeters and chiggers . I carry with me many lingering bites and memories of  insane urges to scratch my skin off. I am also happy to leave behind all the doughnut stores. Like the last time I was in FL, doughnut shops seem to be on every other corner. Dunkin Doughnuts is the most common, and they always have a  drive thru. Since I love Dunkin Doughnuts coffee (I make it at home most mornings), on several occasions my inner demon convinced me to pull thru for some good coffee and then makes me order a doughnut at the last minute.

I will miss, however, the Dollar General Stores. Like doughnut shops, they are everywhere. Seriously, every small town in northern FL has a Dollar General. I have learned that their grocery department is not bad and items are well-priced. I can get frozen veggies, cheese, oatmeal, Dunkin Doughnuts coffee, nearly everything I need except yogurt and fresh veggies. It is a great and affordable source for groceries in-between larger scale grocery shopping.

The other things I love, like the beaches, sea oats, southern pines, the birds, and the Gulf of Mexico will still be with me on the next stop. And, the weather warms back up to around 70 degrees on Christmas Day! Can’t wait to walk on the beach that day.

Sea oats!