Given the opportunity, I will continue to travel, regardless of the roadblocks we may encounter.
We just returned from a two week road trip that provided interest, relaxation, and just a little excitement. Headed across country from the Southwest, our final destination was Panama City Beach, Florida before returning home.
My initial beach destination was to be Gulf Shores, Alabama. However, shortly after I had determined that location, sadly Sally hit. How ironic. I had not yet reserved a hotel, as this trip was planned somewhat last minute, given life circumstances. When I went to reserve a room, I did not find anything available in Gulf Shores, so I checked nearby Orange Beach and was able to secure a room. I had then planned to move east to Panama City Beach, Florida for a few more days, so I secured that reservation as well.
We had a few things planned coming and going, including a possible stop in New Orleans on the return trip so I could take my husband for coffee and beignets at Café Du Monde along the beautiful water.
Yes, you guessed it, the day we had planned to visit New Orleans hurricane Zeta hit. Our hearts broke for those in it’s path, as we saw the massive destruction caused by hurricane Sally weeks earlier.
We watched the news and determined we did not need to cut our visit short in Panama City Beach. Instead, we got up early to check out, and drove 13 hours straight, crossing Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and landing in eastern Texas for the night. We experienced a few intense rain storms, but dodged the path of Zeta.
Despite the storms and COVID limitations, our road trip was filled with joy, relaxation, some life lessons (staying calm during times of frustration), and a new understanding of the folks who endure the ocean storms to live by the sea. We were welcomed and treated with kindness regardless of life situations. We heard a few stories, and we saw what destruction these storms can create. We also saw hard workers out there doing what needs to be done to keep life moving forward. Although we did see a lot of political signs (!) I don’t recall any political conversations, but instead an equal enthusiasm for life and nature, as we spent a lot of time outdoors.
Soon I will post more details and photos, but my take-away is that regardless of what happens in this world, it is still worth exploring, and people are amazing!
“Don’t sit and wait. Get out there, feel life. Touch the sun, and immerse in the sea.” ~ Rumi
peace of life today 
Sounds like you were still able to have a great time despite the set-backs. 🌴 It’s all about being together and getting out with nature. We were also in Orange Beach last week and left two days before Zeta hit, we headed east. We ended up and are now camping in Port Charlotte, FL. Same vibe, just a different place…. 🙂
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Wow, that is amazing! I fell in love with Orange Beach ❣ It was laid back and less commercialized than some, and we loved the Gulf State Park. I was looking for birds and didn’t find too many. I met a guy who said Sally may have pushed the birds out (hopefully temporary).
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We fell in love with OB too exactly the same reasons as you. Gulf State Park’s bike trails were awesome, our campground was connected to one of their trails. We both still miss their trails. You’re right, the birds were few, I did get some along with alligators, we even encountered three snakes in one hour during one outing on the trails, one hanging from a tree! I didn’t stand under any more trees after that, lol.
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LOL! I found three snakes too! But none in the trees!
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Wow… the last image!! Glad you enjoyed the trip, Lisa.
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Thank you Amy! Funny, I was sad we didn’t have a direct view of the sunset on our beach, but when I looked at the photos I thought the sun and the silhouettes of the people was kind of cool!
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Yes, agree with Amy. Absolutely love the sunset photo!
Glad you enjoyed your trip, in lieu of the hurricanes causing chaos, and sadly destruction, but so glad you had a safe travel adventure!!! 🙂
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Thank you Teri! It was really a wonderful wonderful time!
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So glad you had a wonderful and safe trip.
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Wonderfully encouraging, post. Thank you, wholeheartedly! Being in the high risk group, I have cancelled all travel and fun activities (flying/travel, concerts, dining out, socializing with most friends) and certainly feel the ill-affects. Thankfully, nature has been my soul reprieve this year, but your post reminds me that nature expands beyond my mountainside garden to the delightful sea. Safe travels for more adventures!
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Thank you! I don’t remember specifically searching for parks and walking areas in the past. We found fantastic and easily accessible areas in both of the beaches we stayed at. It was amazing!
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So glad you are still finding ways to enjoy life during 2020’s craziness, Lisa. Warm wishes to you.
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I’m with you. We need to travel, discover and enjoy life. Just went to Carmel & Big Sur last Sunday. It was a day trip but it was enough to feel joy and inspiration again. Family all happy & satisfied. Take care & happy adventures always.
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Sometimes it doesn’t take much to refresh your mind and soul!
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We love going to Orange Beach! Cheers to the Flora Bama.
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Flora-Bama…looks like an eating establishment we missed out on, huh? Maybe we will be back. Truly a lovely place! 💙
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Lisa,
Well …. a minor eatery … but most importantly, it’s a local institution for music. A place musicians love – including Kenny Chesney https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqzM7bP6aRY
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That was an awesome video! Thank you for sharing! …and if we ever go back (well, it will not be during spring break) but I would want to visit! …and I loved my heron take off at the end of the video. So missing that beach 💙
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That wasn’t spring break … But a concert Chesney did at the beach. He’s known to play inside if he is in the area. Overall, Flora Bama musicians are top notch.
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Still pretty sure I don’t want to go at spring break 😉
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Agree
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Because you like the beach, hope you give Beach Walk Reflections a chance.
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It looks like a beautiful blog!
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Thanks
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