We made it to our Florida destination.   We went through Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.   We were welcomed to Boynton by Ron and Verna who beat us here (I think they took a shortcut).  We spent 6 days on our last leg after a few weeks in Albuquerque with Marie. We had a relaxing time and beautiful weather,  all well above average.  We did some fun sightseeing, and MJ flew in for Thanksgiving.  We were able to grill and eat outside for Thanksgiving dinner.

Once we left Rio Rancho we stopped first in Lubbock, Texas.  Going East out of Albuquerque is a pretty trip through the mountains and then opening up into rolling hills and plains.  We drove I-40 to Santa Rosa then south to Fort Sumner and Clovis, NM.  I would have to say the roads got better when we hit Texas even though we would not be on an Interstate.  It was mostly 4 lane and well paved through Texas.  Chris and I did not expect to see so many cotton fields, turns out it is a big crop for Texans.   And we were in prime cotton picking time.  We saw truckloads after truckloads of cotton and white snowy fields waiting to be picked.  Our first night stop in Lubbock was a good night.  Our hotel was nice and we had a great meal in a brew pub close by.  The next morning was a start of a day’s drive through Texas to Austin.   More cotton, cattle, and flat lands turning into hill country with lots of variation in Texas landscape.  The hill country provides interesting views.  We drove through many small towns on our way to Austin to visit our nephew­­ Craig, his wife Andria and daughter Evelyn.  It was super to spend time with them.  Evelyn is growing quickly and a joy to watch.  We shared some good beers, Austin Bar-b-que, and quality time.  After a couple of nights in Austin it was on to Lafayette, Louisiana.  A pretty good ride, although Austin and Houston traffic made us happy to have been in the small towns.   Once we made Houston we got on to I-10 heading East.  It’s a good road but is a major East West passage so  we encountered a lot more trucks than we had previously seen.  Being near the gulf was a lot flatter and we saw a lot more water.

A relaxing night in Lafayette and then further East.   We planned a late breakfast and stopped for Kolaches in Baton Rouge.  Chris found the place that made great dough covered breakfasts.   Then continuing on through Mississippi and Alabama into Florida.   Out West we marveled at roads through the mountains and here we marveled at bridges that went on for 10-15 miles through the bayou.  Louisiana was very scenic with lots of tree lined highways.  Mobile,  Alabama calls us back as it looked so inviting, and the bridge there over the gulf was awesome.  Our stop for the night was in Defuniak Springs Fl.  We had a nice bar-b-que dinner with Gail and Larry.  So glad they could share a Friday night with us and catch up.  After a good night’s rest at a hotel we had been at before we continued heading East on I-10 until we reached I-75 and then were able to head Southeast.  Longwood near Orlando was our next stop.  Darren and Sheryl invited us into their home.  We went out to a great German meal and Polka music in Sanford.   Sooo good.  That pork shank should carry me through the week.   Then after a  Manhattan, back to their house to meet some friends and watch the Badger game.  OK, part of that was not so good but we had a wonderful evening.   They treated us to a relaxing breakfast, then we headed south for the shortest drive of our trip.   Now back in Boynton, unpacking, cleaning up, and settling in.  More to come in the next month, but less driving!

New Mexico mountains

Los Alamos museum

Nuf said

Jemez NM

breakfast in Old Town ABQ

there is a balloon up there!

Thanksgiving dinner

balloons floating by Marble Brewery taproom

cotton fields ready to be picked

Chris enjoyed this Texas restroom mosiac

Andria, Craig and Evelyn at Whole Foods