March 27, 2019 - places we have been before

It has been a while since the last post and some of the places we have been in the last 2 weeks are places we have been before.
After we visited the Bok tower we went to visit 2 Winthrop friends in Lake Wales to catch up on each other since the last time 2 years ago.
The next morning we went to Vero Beach, again where we stayed for 4 days again catching up.
On the 16th, we checked into Discovery Beach resort where we ar getting to the end of our 2nd week.  On the same day we checked in, we went to Sanford to pick up 4 family members who will be with us for several days.

This weekend happened to be the last 2 days of the Surfing competition sponsored by Ron Jon.

When the sun comes out, the people come from everywhere.  This also also the beginning of the school vacation week. 

Competition winnere is based on total time of the longest 4 rides.

From out on the water, the competitors can look to shore to see who (by color of vest) is in the lead with competition time running out.

Meanwhile up on the shore there are other activities going on.

The Red Bull truck (with speakers) was here to provide commentary on the Billabong demonstrations featuring current age class winners of competitions.

 There were 2 huge pools of water separated by jumping ramps.  The landing pool was only 60 feet long.

For those of you who have retired but looking for a source of income...a traveling pizza oven.

 The things that continue to make the day are a good seat on the balcony, or a view from the waters edge of the sunsets and sunrises. Cocoa Beach is further west that Newport Me and the location west is similar to that of Cleveland Ohio so the Sunrise and sunset times are later by about 49 minutes.

 Some people like to decorate the beach...

Or just like to take in the view (Cape Canaveral) from 6 miles away)

...or to see what they can find...

...or to have some fun.

 Well maybe all the exersise was not on the beach.  A grandson wanted a game or 2.

 Has anyone done better than these picks yet?

The trip to Cocoa Beach wouldn't be the same without a trip to the Ron Jon shop.

Do you see Grammie yet?

Maybe this will help.

 Picture opportunities outside.

Just across the street is the Key Lime shop.

There were a lot of things in the shop to buy, however the Key Lime pies were in the cooler in the back.

Thanks for keep an eye out for Grammie.

March 11, 2019 - Bok Tower

Bok Tower is known for its Carillon Bells We arrived in time for a Carillon Bell concert.  For info on the Bells, click here..... Bok Tower Bells
Edward Bok was the inspiration for the Tower as well as the surrounding flower gardens.
Today, the National Historical Monument is a non profit and is aided by a supporting members.
"To inspire a better and more beautiful world by sharing Edward Bok’s legacy: 'Wherever your lives may be cast, make the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it.”

There were plenty of flowers around and in bloom.

Tom, waiting for the concert.

There is a special Children's Garden also.  Sometimes it is hard to keep youngsters in just flowere and bells that you can't see but can hear...if you are there as scheduled.

It was another hot, but enjoyable day.

The Bok Tower is located in Lake Wales...and would you believe it...more Mainers were found here too.    If you have a chance,  visit   Bok Tower Gardens 

March 10, 2019 - Anna Maria Island

Today we headed out early to beat the Sunday morning traffic on the hour drive down.  We met up with some more Maine friends, and yes why would you drive 2400 miles to see your neighbors.  By 10 am, the sun was up and getting warmer.  Today was probably the hottest yet.

 We had front row tables to listen to the music.

 A little Jazz to go along with our breakfast.

A great day for everyone.

March 8, 2019 - MacDill

Hi everyone.  The last couple of days we were on the road as we left the panhandle area and headed towards Tampa.  On the way, we stopped in Ocala for a visit with Maine friends. Chuck and Julie were glad to see Maine friends.  Sometimes you think to yourself, why do we have to drive 2400 miles to see them when back home they are only about 15 miles away.

Once we got to the Tampa area, we headed towards MacDill AFB where we spent 3 nights. But, when we got there, the computers were down and we couldn't check in. We had plans to meet with Charlene and Joel up in Clearwater  and then eat at Casear's.  Charlene lived in Tom's hometown which made the visit even more special, and the meal was great.
Back to MacDill for a very late check in.  We were given a room on the first floor.  People have often asked us where we stay when we are at military bases.  This building was opened in 2016.  It was probably one of the nicer bases where we have stayed.

With 2 golf courses and a beach area, no wonder the placed is booked.  We got there on the right day as they were offering different meals down by the beach, including prime rib.

The beach is well kept with plenty of space for laying in the sun.

Meanwhile out in the bay, the cruise ships were heading out.  

March 6, 2019 - Fort Walton Beach

Today, we took a drive in to town and found what appeared to be a local restaurant, but is really chain over 6 states.

The Tijuana Flats Burrito Co was a good choice. The back table had a display of what is available to go with your food.  Bottles were available to purchase to go with Your meal, or water, or bread or whatever, to cool down the taste.

View  Tijuana Flats

 

March 5, 2019 - Pensacola

The last that you heard from Grammie was while we were in Atlanta.  Since then, we stayed a night at Fort Rucker and then into the Panhandle section of Florida.  On Tuesday we went to Pensacola to visit the Naval Aviation Museum. The museum has a huge display of planes but includes ships that are a huge part the naval history. Each carrier of the Nimitz Class is designed to operate for about 50 years, requiring just one mid-life overhaul. The 1106 foot USS Gerald R. Ford  is the newest aircraft around.

 One of the important reasons that the war in the Pacific was won was because none of the American Aircraft carriers was a destroyed in the attack on Pearl Harbor and were instrumental in the sinking of 4 enemy aircraft carriers...in the Battle of Midway.

 Not the original but a good replica of one of the first airplanes.

 A panoramic view of only a section of the museum.

 The Blue Angels.

 During the Vietnam War, this showed how captives were able to communicate.

 When a plane comes in for a landing, the bolt that you see may determine whether you survive the landing on deck.  The "hook" on the back of the planes has been improved over the years.  The hook catches the cable on the deck of the carrier and brings it to an abrupt stop.

For more information...  Visit  Naval Aviation Museum. 

Thanks for seeing where Grammie has been.