We had already planned to go to Red Bay in January to get items taken care of - opting for a less crowded time than if we had gone in the fall. After flying to MN for Christmas, Andy went back alone to get in line for service when they opened up after Christmas break.
A Rare Sight at the Service Center!
I stayed behind in MN to spend more time with the kids and grandkids. While there, I was able to see Kirsten's and Mira's Christmas play, meet Emily's boyfriend, take in a hockey game for Olin and a basketball game for Sophie, go visit a snow sculpture in the cities, see the Surley Brewing Co., help the girls with their crocheting, and meet up with family and girlfriends. Actually, it wasn't too bad in MN while I was there. (The weather got much worse in February, and they're now dealing with an April snowstorm!)
While in FL we did manage to take in some fun activities. Near St. Augustine is Marineland (www.marineland.net). While we didn't go swimming with the dolphins, we were up close and personal with them while kneeling next to the tanks. Kudos to Marineland for taking the pictures and allowing us to upload them (without charging extra!).
Fun with the Dolphins
In Silver Springs, we took a glass bottom boat ride on the Silver Springs River. During that ride we were treated to not only seeing birds and alligators, but a bunch of manatees in the river. These mammals always amaze me.
Our Glass Bottom Boat
Group of Manatees
Not sure if this was a mom and baby, but sure are cute anyway!
Since we needed to move, Andy found us a spot in Brunswick, GA for February. While on one of our trips to Jacksonville we checked out Pecan Park RV Resort in north Jacksonville and found out they had just had a cancellation for March and April. That proved to be very handy as we made a lot of trips to the doctor (2 minor surgeries for Andy) and being closer saved us time and money with less miles and wear and tear on the car.
On Andy's bucket list was to witness a rocket launch from Cape Canaveral. On March 2nd, we witnessed the launch of the Space X Demo-1, the first flight test of the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft. There is something to be said for witnessing a launch on the grounds of Kennedy Space Center-we were as close as they would allow.
Kennedy Space Center at night
We've also taken a day trip to Savannah, done a Jekyll Island Tour, and taken a boat trip to Cumberland Island. While in Savannah, we ate at Paula Deen's restaurant, The Lady & Sons. Cumberland Island has a rich history, including being the winter home of the Carnegie (steel magnates) family. JFK, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette were married on the south end of the island in 1996. Today it is a a national seashore run by the US Park Service. Wild horses and other wildlife are protected in their natural environment. We even took in the Clay County Fair in Green Cove Springs.
We'll soon be leaving and heading west again, this time to take in the national parks in Utah. We are excited to get going!
