Today was the beginning of the next leg of our journey – on to Ft. Lauderdale and then the Bahamas. As with the majority of our trip – the day started out sunny but cool. The Floridians say this is very abnormal for them - the coolest in 100 years..
Anyway – we checked out of our hotel, gassed up the car and headed onto I 4 West, journeyed for about 10 miles, then took the Florida Turnpyke. We went through the exit that indicated the Turnpyke, and got about ½ way up the ramp when a State Patrol whizzed by us – only to get about 100 Yds, then reverse and go back past us – then changed direction again proceeded to the next turning area about 150 yards further up the exit and proceeded the opposite direction. We had not been speeding, but it was a relief to have him heading the opposite direction. Shortly thereafter we noticed a toll booth – actually – it was a pick up a ticket booth – to be turned in at some distance down the turnpike or when we reached our destination – whichever came first – so much for toll free!
Anyway – no need to complain – the road was a divided highway – 5 lanes wide each way with a maximum speed of 70 MPH (110 KPH). About every 20 miles or so is a comfort station with a variety of food services, clean washrooms and a gas station. There was also a place for trucks to wash their windows. Very convenient. Part way we saw one really scary thing, a truck carrying cars was on fire on the road - fortunately going the other way. There was thick black smoke for several miles, so he must have been on fire for some time.
Anyway – we checked out of our hotel, gassed up the car and headed onto I 4 West, journeyed for about 10 miles, then took the Florida Turnpyke. We went through the exit that indicated the Turnpyke, and got about ½ way up the ramp when a State Patrol whizzed by us – only to get about 100 Yds, then reverse and go back past us – then changed direction again proceeded to the next turning area about 150 yards further up the exit and proceeded the opposite direction. We had not been speeding, but it was a relief to have him heading the opposite direction. Shortly thereafter we noticed a toll booth – actually – it was a pick up a ticket booth – to be turned in at some distance down the turnpike or when we reached our destination – whichever came first – so much for toll free!
Anyway – no need to complain – the road was a divided highway – 5 lanes wide each way with a maximum speed of 70 MPH (110 KPH). About every 20 miles or so is a comfort station with a variety of food services, clean washrooms and a gas station. There was also a place for trucks to wash their windows. Very convenient. Part way we saw one really scary thing, a truck carrying cars was on fire on the road - fortunately going the other way. There was thick black smoke for several miles, so he must have been on fire for some time.
We stopped mid morning and had a breakfast sandwich from the Earl of Sandwich – and the most awful coffee I have ever been served. Never did finish that. Just outside of Ft Lauderdale – we paid our toll of $13.25 – not bad, then drove on and checked in at our hotel. They were completely full, so we could not check in until after 3, so we jumped back into the car and headed down A1A to Miami Beach. This ‘highway’ is really an ocean drive – delightfully running through a continuous string of small communities all down the Florida panhandle (or at least that’s what I call it). Around 2 we arrived at Miami Beach – turned left on 5th toward the beach and then back up Ocean Drive until we found a parking spot (not an easy task). We were often fooled by fire hydrants and sets of 3 spots for motorcycles. Finally – between 12th and 13th we found a spot – quickly parked and plugged the meter for $2.00 which got us about a hour and a half.
We found ourselves right across from this delightful Italian Restaurant,
so we crossed the street and checked in for a wonderful lunch under an umbrella for shade and a heater to ward off the cold – it was still only 60 F.
After lunch we wandered onto the famous Miami Beach,
very sparsly populated today due to the temperature,
but some 
were still bravely sunbathing with the protection of a tent against the wind, and some were even out in the water, though very few. Barb did roll up her pant legs and tried the water out – it was about the same temperature as the air. Harry was not so brave– so he took the pictures. 
Shoppers would love this place – everything from Tommy Hilfiger to Versace – all with their own individual stores.
After our venture onto the beach we decided to head back to our hotel – about 40 minutes away on the freeway. We went back to 5th – this time turning right and headed onto I95 North. The view was spectacular! We drove across this magnificent bridge
with cruise ships
on one side and huge yachts 
on the other, and the entire horizon filled with tall white skyscrapers. Hanging out the window with the camera, Harry tried to capture some of the sights – while Barb kept her eye on the traffic and the road – still taking an odd glimpse at the horizon. 
Quite spectacular!
Once we arrived back at the hotel, we checked in, then Barbara set about to return the car. There is an Enterprise lot about 1 KM down the road, so she went there hoping to turn it in there rather than fight her way back to the airport (about 5 KM away) and get back somehow – the hotel said they could pick her up in the shuttle. Fortunately – the close by Enterprise was able to accept the car, and offered a ride back to the hotel which Barbara refused in order to have a nice walk back. Along the way was a grocery store, so she picked up some essentials – like wine, rum and a few chicken wings for supper. We are still full from lunch!
Then – just what was needed – a Laundromat! Remember – it was supposed to be warm here – so we brought bare minimum warm clothes – which are in need of cleaning – so – as I write this blog – I am doing laundry along with an interesting group of others doing the same – at the local Laundromat. At least we will smell better when we get on our cruise ship tomorrow. Hopefully Freeport will be warmer.
We found ourselves right across from this delightful Italian Restaurant,
so we crossed the street and checked in for a wonderful lunch under an umbrella for shade and a heater to ward off the cold – it was still only 60 F.After lunch we wandered onto the famous Miami Beach,
very sparsly populated today due to the temperature,
but some 
were still bravely sunbathing with the protection of a tent against the wind, and some were even out in the water, though very few. Barb did roll up her pant legs and tried the water out – it was about the same temperature as the air. Harry was not so brave– so he took the pictures. 
Shoppers would love this place – everything from Tommy Hilfiger to Versace – all with their own individual stores.
After our venture onto the beach we decided to head back to our hotel – about 40 minutes away on the freeway. We went back to 5th – this time turning right and headed onto I95 North. The view was spectacular! We drove across this magnificent bridge
with cruise ships
on one side and huge yachts 
on the other, and the entire horizon filled with tall white skyscrapers. Hanging out the window with the camera, Harry tried to capture some of the sights – while Barb kept her eye on the traffic and the road – still taking an odd glimpse at the horizon. 
Quite spectacular!Once we arrived back at the hotel, we checked in, then Barbara set about to return the car. There is an Enterprise lot about 1 KM down the road, so she went there hoping to turn it in there rather than fight her way back to the airport (about 5 KM away) and get back somehow – the hotel said they could pick her up in the shuttle. Fortunately – the close by Enterprise was able to accept the car, and offered a ride back to the hotel which Barbara refused in order to have a nice walk back. Along the way was a grocery store, so she picked up some essentials – like wine, rum and a few chicken wings for supper. We are still full from lunch!
Then – just what was needed – a Laundromat! Remember – it was supposed to be warm here – so we brought bare minimum warm clothes – which are in need of cleaning – so – as I write this blog – I am doing laundry along with an interesting group of others doing the same – at the local Laundromat. At least we will smell better when we get on our cruise ship tomorrow. Hopefully Freeport will be warmer.
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