Sunday. Feb.17
8:45am 21C with a few drops of rain as we hit the highway. Not a moment too soon as the skies darken to the tune of yet another tornado alert for this area. Straight north on 75 to roughly Gainsville and then NW into the Panhandle. Apparently back when, Florida offered to sell this territory to Alabama. They had no money at the time so no sale.
Highway chitter chatter. For me the name Wells Fargo conjures up images of stage coaches and money. Well a most lovely transport just passed us by – red with gold lettering; today’s version announces ‘caution horses’.
We are now in quite the rainstorm; obviously we’re heading into it and not away. Wipers are going at max speed. Guess we might just as well be driving as couped up in the trailer. So much for all the windows I washed yesterday.

We’ve just crossed over the Suwannee River and I learn that there is a ‘u’ in Suwannee and two n’s. Gray skies continue to follow us along with intermittent rain squalls which reduce our speed significantly due to visibility. What a dreary day, but then folks back home are expecting sleet & rain.
We’re now approaching Townsend, near Mayo in Lafayette County and which brings to mind my friend, Doris, who sent me the following undoubtedly knowing today’s posting would need some humourous & creative content… “the Washington Post's Mensa Invitational once again asked readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing just one letter, and supply a new definition, thus creating a new word, or...neologism. Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with. Bozone ( n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future. Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.
Also “to supply alternate or to create meanings for common words - Coffee, n. The person upon whom one coughs. Flabbergasted, adj. Appalled by discovering how much weight one has gained. Abdicate, v. To give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach.

12 noon and we’re beginning to pray for a miracle. There has been nothing, and I mean nothing except trees along this coastal highway. Just when we’re looking for a suitable place to pull over a sign advertising a Best Western rather deflates our hopes of a gas station. But then – out from behind some trees, a Chevron station. Ford is saying ‘0 km to empty’ as we pull in. Time to record a first: 22 gal. in a 22 gal tank! We declare this stretch of the highway in need of a ‘warning, no gas for x miles’ The price you ask? $3.05, the lowest we’ve seen today.
Weather has changed for the better. We’ve got clear skies again and 19C.
As the highway closes in along the shoreline, for sale signs appear all too regularly. Either owners feel the price is right or maybe it is to do with erosion problems as witnessed by the road construction crews working on the sea side.
We cross to the island via a newly built bridge & concrete causeway alongside the old one mostly left standing like an afterthought. I’m surprised someone is not trying to sell condos there as well. A narrow strip down the centre of the island is pure sand and up for grabs. Mainland prices seemed to start at $600,000. Island price seen on billboard, not beach front - $950,000
This posting compliments of Subway's free wireless, so no time for proper editing. Pictures & editorial comment about the two-tier taxation system to come.
BTW - the park is lovely, but allows dogs only on campsite and paved areas! No beach walks even on leash. Well except we're told for the public beaches in town. More about that later