Somewhere is frequently a rest stop. We’ve grown to appreciate rest stops, sometimes for the view or history, but usually to pee and change drivers. Many states do an amazing job at creating a little highway oasis. We rarely drive more than a few hours to get from one place to another as we look for something interesting along the way. If it isn’t rest stops it’s gas stations with food like Flying J’s, Pilots or Loves truck stops. When we were kids, it was Stuckey’s. Even though we pass Stuckey’s along the way, we won’t stop at one, worrying it will change a fond childhood memory of pecan rolls, key chains, geodes, and scorpions embedded in resin. This time, we just needed to get to Tampa, Florida.
Somewhere in New Mexico
It was difficult being so close to so many great places to visit like Carlsbad Caverns and White Sand Dunes National Parks. But that will have to be another trip. We did have good weather and our Ford truck ran great.
Somewhere in Texas
It always takes us a couple of days to get across Texas when traveling across country. We would have loved to visit family and some favorite places like Texas Hill Country, but we were on a tight schedule and said we will be back. The perks of TripAdvisor, a well rated and delicious Italian restaurant somewhere in Texas had portions large enough to feed us for a week. We left them there since we didn’t have a refrigerator.
Somewhere in the Florida Panhandle
We finally made it to the panhandle of Florida just in time for fresh seafood, a beer and a sunset over the ocean.
Tampa, Florida
We were there the week before Thanksgiving. The traffic and crowds were insane. Panera Bread for lunch at a local mall where a huge Christmas tree was decorated.
Lutz, Florida
We’ve stayed here a few times. It’s a favorite. A nice gated community, paved sites, dog park, great spa, and friendly residents. The clubhouse and pool are the best part. We spent Thanksgiving with friends Richard and Marge. Their grilled turkey was cooked perfectly.
Terry was the original developer of the property, is still a resident and enjoyed a career as a fantastic singer. Willie Nelson autographed a guitar for her.
We love this sites fire-pit and outdoor shower. Jake enjoyed spending the days outside watching squirrels, lizards, alligators, and Sand Hill Cranes. Occasionally, the neighbors dog would come to play.
One of the perks about the Land O’ Lakes area is that everything one could need is close by. It was a great place to spend a couple of weeks getting organized and provisioned before we headed to the Florida Panhandle.
