Posted December 29, 2016 – Narrated by Carmen
We love the idea of a White Christmas … for other people.
In Coronado, when our neighbors strapped a load of snow boarding gear to the roof of their Tesla, crammed the trunk tick-tight with gore tex and hauled off to the mountains, we knew the time had come to break through the white foam of a nitro stout at the Coronado Brew Pub.
So, after Thanksgiving adventures in Tennessee, we invited Dad to go south for the holidays – follow the weather; avoid the polar vortex; hi-jack this good health we’re having and drive it full-throttle into the Florida sunshine.
Daddy was intriqued. He certainly didn’t demure. He urged us to proceed with our plans – said he’d give it some thought and let us know.
Since golf weather was lousy at his favorite course in Mississippi, I figured he’d join us.
The Tree
Now, Daddy loves all things Christmas so, on the way to Pensacola, we stopped at Costco, picked up a cute and fragrant rosemary tree, decorated it with lights from the “Trailer Christmas” box, and texted him a tempting campsite photo …
in the spectacular Gulf Islands National Seashore at Fort Pickins, Florida.
Pensacola
Daddy texted back that he’d be driving into Pensacola within a few days to join us … Great! But for how long would he stay? Through Christmas? Longer?
Next morning, I woke to a Blue Angels fly over.
Jim was outside walking Pico, admiring the weather with a neighbor. I poured coffee and strategized how to capture the trailer shot of my dreams. Hmmmm….
Presently, Jim walked in saying (uncharacteristically), “Well, there goes the neighborhood” and directed my attention to the space next door where the cutest little red camper van you ever did see, had backed into the empty asphalt space – “We have a neighbor.”
“That’s ok,” I said, “These spaces are generous …” Then, Dad steps out of his new Winnebego Travato!!!
We camped side-by-side for a couple of weeks at Ft. Pickens campground near Pensacola.
Carrabelle
And, for another week in beautiful Carrabelle, Florida at the friendly Ho-Hum RV Park …
Yesterday, Dad pulled in his power step and drove out of Ho-Hum, but he’ll join us again soon because we’re a caravan now.
So, life is good.
Christmas is white
and…
…paradise is found.
Paradiso trovato. It’s not so much where you are or what you’re doing, but how you feel when you’re among those you love.
Happy 2017!!!
If you want to see our exact route, click here.
*photos in this post (unless otherwise noted) were taken and copyrighted by Living In Beauty.
LOVE this one! ❤️
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Thank you! Miss you so much and hope to see you when we’re in San Diego! xxxooxo
Fantastic! Thanks for stopping by our place for a couple nites. Safe travels, keep us posted where y’all are, one of these days we’ll surprise you!
Larry and Jacquie
Thanks you two!!! We will be back – same time next year, perhaps? We love this coastline … can’t get enough. Let’s go on road and hang out somewhere! xoxo
Love, love, love Florida and you all being there enjoying all it’s beauty. I so do look toward to all your adventures and your words of wisdom.
Bon-voyage!
Thank you for being with us, Teresa! We are always learning. That’s one of the many unexpected gifts … Something about being in a state of flux heightens the senses and more and different information is able to penetrate the noggin. I know I’m aging myself, but it’s like having a new antenna. Happy New Year!!! xoxo
Love following your adventures, Carmen & Jim!
Thank you Karen! Hugs to you and Coqueeze!!! xoxo
Not too much different here in Chula Vista. A balmy 75 degrees and sunny.
Today was a bit cooler – mid 50’s – but sunny. The tide was extremely low – low winter tide – so we went hiking for a couple of hours in Tate’s Hell – just beautiful!!! We felt like we were on the set of the LOST series. Then, on the way back, we stopped at a fish market. Made a huge gumbo – enough for today and tomorrow. We sure do miss ya’ll – especially during the holidays. We’ll be there August-Sept. Happy New Year!!! xoxo
Merry Christmas and a very happy new year to you all.
(I would have said both, but I am including the dog…)
Hope to see you around the block sometime…
Thank you, Laurie! And, Jim and I are so happy to wish you and Mike the best for the New Year! We’d be happy to see around any block any where any time! xoxo
What a great Christmas. Daddy made a good decision to re-enter the RV lifestyle. He looks terrific in the pictures. Y’all are doing a wonderful job of keeping him young. Love from the yet-to-be-white Smokey Mountains, Deb
He did have a problem with his converter and is having it fixed today, I think. Dad is a born camper. I think this will be a great way for him to enhance his golfing and extra-curricular activities, too 🙂 xoxo
Sounds like you are having very Happy Holidays! Great story. Love the RED Winnebago. Perfect size too. Happy New Year.
Yes, Jan – the red is like the cherry on top of the cake! ROLL TIDE!!! xoxo