See You Next Year, St. Pete Beach!

Yesterday we packed up and visited a couple of our favorite places before settling down for the evening. It was hot and the beach was very crowded, so packed that I thought to myself that it was definitely time to return to Minnesota. We had intended to stop on Pass-a-Grille for a beer, but there wasn't a parking space anywhere.

We had dinner at Oyster Shucker after 4:00 PM Mass. Bob thought we should sit indoors but I lobbied for one more outside meal ... and I have to say that he was right. The heat was sweltering and the glare from the setting sun left me wishing I had kept my mouth shut. Nevertheless, we had an excellent dinner (salmon for me, mahi-mahi for Bob) and then headed home to finish loading up the vehicle.

This morning we were on the road by 6:45. No problems around Tampa, but the drive to Alabama on Hwy 231 -- stop and go traffic and lots of it -- was time-consuming and exhausting. What am I talking about? I myself drove only about 70 miles, all in Florida. I cracked the whip to get to Athens, Alabama, this evening.

We're in a Holiday Inn Express under renovation. Everything is brand new and there are enough wall outlets for all our phones, laptop and iPad. The desk chair is modern and comfortable, and the desk lamp is a touch device. I also love the smell of new construction, so I really am perfectly happy.

On to Tennessee, Kentucky and Illinois tomorrow. I booked a room at the Hampton Inn in Rockford for the night, so no worry about a dump for our last evening on the road.