Sunrise Resort IV

We think this is our fourth stay at Sunrise Resort.  We missed last year due to my unwillingness to rebook at what I thought was a huge increase in rates.  That turned out to be fortuitous because of Covid restrictions.  But here we are again--in spite of Covid which still adds an element of stress to our travel.

We were able to book an Uber Thursday morning easily and headed to Newark Airport.  The TSA line was as long as I ever remember seeing but it moved quickly as we wound our way along their labyrinth.  Our United flight left on time and arrived on time.  There was some difficulty finding our Uber at the Tampa airport and when we got into the car, I was dismayed to find out the driver was not masked.  He was so opinionated about vaccines and lockdowns and quarantines that I did not dare ask him to put on a mask.  I opened the car window a few times hoping to clear out the air at least.  I will feel relieved when we pass the incubation time for possible exposure to him.  

Boca Ciega Bay

Our unit this time is 506.  We have often rented a penthouse on the 6th floor but thought the savings for this rental would be worth it.  So far it has been just fine--better than fine really.  We have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and three TVs.  However, typically we can't get the remote to work on the one in the living room.  We may have to ask for help.  The view is fantastic as always.  We were delighted to arrive before the office closed so there was no problem accessing the key from a lockbox.

Last night we treated ourselves to tropical drinks at the tiki bar across the street at Tradewinds Resort.  A woman at the next table ordered nachos and it looked so good that we ordered one to share.  It was perfect with chips and chili and chicken on top.   We used our time there to make birthday videos for a friend, toasting him with our margaritas!

We have made two trips to Publix so far and will probably need another one tomorrow.  I was glad for a few benches along the way to rest my weary back and racing heartbeat.  The Dollar Tree at that shopping area was a great place to pick up toothpaste and soap and bottled water.  

Tonight we ate at Snappers where we ordered their stuffed grouper.  We sat outside which was probably safer but was accompanied by the noise of street work.  I have ordered this specialty each year but tonight it didn't taste quite as good as I remembered it.  Last night's meal was superb and tonight not as much.  However, the key lime pie from Publix that we ate at home is a grand conclusion to any meal.

Jim has some proofreading to do on his Charles biography.  I need a good book to read and am finding the Charles De Gaulle biography I downloaded a bit tedious.  We went to the Hertz rental kiosk across the street and asked for a car for next Monday.  Then we can go to the library and their used book area where I have often made serendipitous finds.  

We will get a car for one week which will enable us to go to a few more favorite restaurants in John's Pass and Pass-a-Grille.  Somehow our plans seem to center on eating which I guess is just fine for retirees on vacation. 

 The weather is in the 70s; we know that Princeton had snow today.  It takes a while to unwind after the busyness of the holidays and the stress of travel.  But today was more relaxing and there are 13 days to go! I am wondering if this will be our last trip to Florida.  Jim suggested that maybe a three day leisurely drive here would be an option for the future.  It's a long car trip but you would have more control of your environment.