Annual 2025

Annual

3 Tango Charlie is tucked in the shop at New Garden for her annual inspection. I dropped the plane off on Friday and work began on Monday morning. Mary and I headed north in order to check on the progress. 

Our ride north on SR1 was an adventure. I was doing 70 with traffic when two cars blasted on by like I was parked, absolutely crazy. The best was a white Honda changing lanes like the frogger game obviously trying to advance through the traffic. I said to MAry I wish there was a cop around to bust these crazies. Sure enough maybe ten minutes up the road sat the white honda with a Delaware State Trooper parked behind him with the lights flashing. My day is now complete, justice served. Good job DSP.

Speaking of roads, the new access road to the airport has been repaved, what a smooth ride. The new road made for a good start for me, having done miles of paving in my construction days. Mary decided to wait in the SUV while I investigated the airplane inspection process. 3 Tango Charlie was just getting ready to be let down from the jack stands following the completion of the gear swing test. I asked if an emergency drop was done and if the reservoir will be checked. I received a yes to both questions. 

I asked how the inspection was coming along since I no longer do owner assist. Actually the last few years it's been more of owner watch, ask questions, offer Commander advice since I can't crawl around in and out of the plane any longer. I was told she's in great shape and pretty much done. 3 Tango Charlie  did have one cylinder give a very low reading on the initial compression test but the engine was cold when tested. The plan was to do the leak test and let 3 TC run to warm up. Once the retest was done the questionable cylinder, number 2, came up from mid 40's to 75/80. That's a relief!

Hinge pin (10)

I have a loose gear door hinge/pin on my left main. I have been monitoring the play in the hinge and it's time to address the issue. The shop also noted a bit of oil seepage from the number 1 cylinder rocker panel so they replaced the gasket. I needed a tail nav light replaced. The oil was changed and camguard added. I appreciate the shop adding the camguard for me since I forgot to bring it with me for annual. 3 Tango Charlie was also due for an IFR cert and that was completed with everything checking out perfect. All AD's were complied with, the most important is the elevator spar checks. Here's the breakdown.

Next up the interior upgrade!!

Garmin 480 - The Diversion

 

 

This video is a review on how to set up the Garmin 480 for a diversion. I stumbled through this on my recent flight review but quickly recovered with a nearest selection and then direct. Hope this helps all you 480 users! I had to review the ActFP vs DB selection. Buttonology requires practice so we don't lose our skills. Fly Safe!

Reposition for Annual

Once again it's that time of year...Commander 3 Tango Charlie is heading off to annual. The weather was not looking good for an early flight over the weekend and there were airshow TFR's. My start day on Monday looks even worse, although no TFR's to contend with. 

I tried to coordinate with Charles G for a possible ride home today but he is land locked due to ramp and taxiway paving. My hangar neighbor Chet is headed to New York. Hmmm...I may have to rent a car. Charles said he would ask his instructor who is always looking to fly if he would drop me off here at Ocean City. Julian and I traded text messages and then a call, agreeing to meet at N57 early morning.

I got up around 5:15 and wandered around trying to fully wake up. I had set out my airplane log book (Adlog) and a small bag to carry my ADSB in, a few cameras, battery brick and iPad. I loaded up my SUV and headed to the airport. I had to complete my preflight and sump my fuel. I was ready to start up so I texted Julian to let him know I was getting ready to go and my flight time to New Garden N57 would be 45 minutes. Julian acknowledged. 

I picked up flight following with Dover and rode along in the smooth air Canadian smoke. It was just as bad as my flight review flights. Dover handed me off to Philly as I watched Julian take off from Summitt. The timing was perfect as I crossed midfield to enter the left downwind for runway 6 and Julian soon followed. I made a nice landing and taxied to the shop to shut down and secure. 

Once my log book was handed off along with a spare key set I headed out and climbed aboard the mighty Warrior. The ride took a bit longer but it was smooth. It felt odd being shoulder to shoulder when the Commander has so much room. Nonetheless I was very appreciative of the ride. Julian and I enjoyed the ride chatting airplanes, airlines, and CFI/student teaching practices. It was good to hear the view from the other side. I was so happy to hear that he teaches safety and courtesy, common sense stuff. I was also happy to hear that he teaches a sound departure brief and his students will benefit from that practice. I told him about my accident and that my training saved our lives. I talked about my PPL and instrument instructors and what they drilled into me. I also explained about my friend Mike B. Mike was the driving force in making me a safer pilot and as much as I hate to admit it, I really miss his torture sessions.

Julian nailed the landing at Ocean City, slow and smooth. After topping off the fuel we parted ways. I thanked him again and offered seat time in the Commander whenever he wanted to fly it. 

Flight Review Day

I previously scheduled my flight review with Tim over in Millville NJ - KMIV.  Today had an early start, Mary was up and out of the house for 6:30 MRI, I got up around 6am.  I packed my flight bag and cameras last night and my log book which I had to sit and think where I stored it. I found it, tucked away in our safe with other important documents. It’s always in the last place you look. 

I headed over to the airport so I could sump fuel and preflight. Everything was good to go and with that I tugged 3 Tango Charlie out to the ramp. I only ran tail and over the shoulder cameras. I started up, taxied for three-two then launched into the haze. Yep, we still have the Canada smoke covering the area. I crossed the bay at fifty five hundred feet, letting down as I went feet dry, now over NJ. 

The pattern was crazy busy! There was another plane entering on the 45 for left down wind three-two. I bugged out making a right 360 to reenter. There was a Cessna crossing midfield to reposition with a teardrop and a plane landing and another on base. I told Tim I should pass the BFR for just arriving here safely.

The flight review went very good and this is just a very brief review of some of the ground portion and items covered flying. 

I started out with a clearing turn and then set up for slow flight. I should mention I do not like slow flight at all. Right from the start I was up and down with holding altitude during slow flight maneuvers but squared it away as I quickly shed the rust. GPS work provided one brainfart as I stumbled through a diversion. I went through the correct process but did not select from database (DB) to enter the airport, instead, I was stuck in stupid on the flight plan (ActFP) page. I quickly recovered and selected nearest (NRST), scrolled down to the second choice Woodbine and hit direct. This was just another way of achieving the same goal with fewer buttons to push.

I knocked out multiple landings at Woodbine and then returned to Millville. As I was on very short final Tim called for a go around and I flowed through the process, Cram Climb Clean Cool Communicate. I got a very good and with that continued for my final landing. 

The ground portion was a review of my flying, and procedures that included V speeds, emergency procedures and some regs. All in all productive and a fun learning experience.

We sat and debriefed while the log book entries were completed. I squared up with Big Sky for the CFII time and then headed out to the plane for my ride home. I made a nice landing in Ocean City and tucked 3 Tango Charlie in the nest. I ordered fuel, taking on twenty gallons for my Friday flight to reposition for annual at New Garden N57. I cleaned plenty of bugs from the leading edges and my gear, it was gross. You're welcome NJ for me reducing the bug population. 

Return from Cape May

This is a video of my return flight from Cape May NJ to Ocean City MD. A fun flight with a few bumps once I let down for Ocean City. 

Cape May NJ

Cape Henlopen DE

Runway 20 KOXB

Cape May NJ for Lunch

I received a message from friend and fellow pilot Dave S asking if I wanted to meet for lunch on Wednesday at Cape May, KWWD. I had an early morning doctors appointment at 7:30 but after that I was good to go. The plan was for a 12:30 meet, perfect.

I headed home after the doctor and filled Mary in. The conclusion is I have arthritis in my joints. My knees are the worst with the hands and shoulders a very close second. The doc asked when did I break my back? I responded my lower back in the plane accident. What about the area, insert some doctor speak, oh between my shoulder blades, no clue.  I know sometimes I have pain there like someone is trying to poke a hole through me and he said that would be the spot. I also informed him that not one doctor addressed my back injuries after the plane accident. The look on his face was priceless. ANyway that's the results and I keep moving forward from there.

I met a Commander 114 driver as I entered the airport. It was nice to meet Mike and Carrol. I gave them a ride to the terminal.

Ok, back to the airplane stuff. I completed my pre-flight and fuel sump before tugging 3 Tango Charlie out on to the ramp. I set the tail camera and climbed aboard. 

Winds favored runway two-zero so I taxied out for departure. With my run up complete I departed and climbed away turning north to follow the shore line. The ride wasn't bad at all and my plan was to cross the Bay at five thousand five hundred. The smoke from Canada had reached the eastern shore and really ruined what could have been a perfect day to fly. After picking up the weather in Cape May I joined the left down wind for runway two-eight to flow with traffic even though winds favored one-nine. 

Dave's Cherokee 235 C

Dave and Bob were already seated having arrived ten minutes ahead of time. Dave and I had omelettes and Bob had a fish sandwich. It was great to catch up with both guys. Special congrats to Bob for retirement!!  Way to go Bob, enjoy your time as you see fit. Once we finished eating we chatted for a bit then headed out to get back in the air.

1947 Republic RC-3

I was number one to go after a Bonanza landed. I circled over the lighthouse area to build altitude and keep clear of the inbound jet traffic. The smokey haze was just as bad as the ride north so I settled in to enjoy the air time. Once I let down for Ocean City the ride got a bit bumpy. I made a nice landing on runway two-zero and taxied for the hangar. Another fun flight in the log book!

Pilot's Place Lunch at Cambridge

I opened up a post on the Pilot's Place forum that listed a Saturday lunch meet at the Cambridge Airport- KCGE.  I haven’t seen fellow aviator Ron (Cap’n Ron) in over ten years and I also had the chance to meet Tom (TomJ) for the first time. 

 

I set up a couple of cameras and then got the fan turning so I could build some heat in the oil prior to taxi.  Once well into the yellow I released the brakes and headed for runway three-two.  Winds at ocean city were 320° 13G23. At least the winds were straight down the runway. Once completing my run up I  rolled for the runway a set take off power. I was off at the one thousand foot markers and climbed away. 

It was a bumpy ride with twenty knot headwinds all the way to Cambridge. I thought the ride would be a bit smoother when I let down but it was worse.  I made my position calls at ten, five and final. I managed a nice landing on runway three-four and taxied for the ramp. 

The three of us enjoyed lunch and the airplane talk that followed. Ron is a wealth of knowledge and we enjoyed discussing IFR flight, approaches and some of the recent accidents. Tom, retired Navy, has a aviation maintenance shop in Tappahannock Virginia KXSA. It was interesting to hear his take on maintenance and what I noted as the A&P shortage. I think we were at the table for three plus hours. 

We finally decided it was time to saddle up for home. I should have ordered fuel but I didn't. I could have saved sixty-two cents a gallon compared to the Ocean City fuel price. Tom taxied out first in his recently purchased Piper Arrow. I rolled away from the tie down second and Ron followed third. After completing my run up and a short back taxi I turned into the wind, 300° 15G21, and launched.

The ride home was just as bumpy. The tailwinds really provided a nice push with ground speeds between 140 and 150 knots. I entered the pattern on a three mile 45° for the left downwind three-two and rolled 3 Tango Charlie on. 

Annual Valley Flight

Mary and I recently did the road warrior gig to take care of her mom and dad’s cemetery plot. The just under two hour trip led us to the Veteran's cemetery in Bear Delaware. Following our clean up, new flag install and fresh flowers we headed to Chesapeake city md. We had the chance to meet up with fellow pilot Frank of AirDorrin. His lovely bride was busy helping out at the fire house so we certainly missed miss Bev.

Fast forward to this morning and we are headed to the Ocean City airport ready to head north. Today is my parents turn for flowers, mulch and general cleanup. I had completed the preflight inspection Sunday when I took on fuel. The last thing I needed to do was sump the tanks and tug the plane out. Our gardening tools and two gallons of water were loaded into the baggage compartment followed by us climbing aboard. 

It was windy today, 310 11 knots gusting 18 knots. At least it was right down the runway for departure. We faced a constant headwind as we climbed to six thousand five hundred feet. Since Philly didn’t want this bug smasher in the bravo, clearly evident by the expected route change, I decided to fly VFR and skirt Philly and Allentown. 

We rode along on top and I was starting to concern myself with the thought of should I have filed or I may need a pop up to get through this layer. Thankfully there was an opening and I let down for Wilkes-Barre, KAVP as we crossed over the wind turbines. I was cleared to land runway four and ride the bucking bronc to the runway winds 300 16 gusting 19 knots. 

Headwinds

I took on 16 gallons and with that the ramp fee was waved. I was charged a landing fee of $13.  Mary secured the curtesy SUV and once our supplies were loaded we head to the cemetery. The Pittston Walmart had the mulch and a large selection of flowers to choose from. Twenty minutes later we were digging in the dirt and planting flowers. 

Tailwinds

A beautiful day to fly and an annual event that is near and dear to my heart. I miss my folks everyday and to honor them by completing this flight and preparing the grave for Memorial day is very important to me.

Follow the Sand

I decided on a quick hop today since Mary was out with the Women's Club of Ocean Pines. The weather was perfect, I was feeling good, and 3 Tango Charlie was ready to go.

I had to sump tanks to complete my preflight and then tug the plane into the sunshine. As I climbed aboard I watched the jump plane taxi out, great, meat missiles are hot today. 3 Tango Charlie started up then after a bit stumbled, almost seeming like she was starved for fuel. I quickly turned the pump on and the idle was soon as it should be. 

I taxied for runway one-four, completed my run up and waited for the jump plane that was now on final. I back taxied and turned into the wind for my departure. The climb out was smooth and at a good rate. Once the gear was tucked away I flew the pattern departing to the north from the down wind leg. 

I followed the coast to Lewes Delaware taking pictures of the inlet bridge and some good tail cam shots. I noticed dark shapes scattered along the beach as Cape Henlopen was over the nose. I think it was the seals that have beached to rest and soak up the sun. 

I made a pass over the Cape May Lewes Ferry that was headed into lewes and then pointed for home. I enjoyed the ride today and as Mary says doing that pilot stuff. I decided to shoot a practice approach, the RNAV GPS 14 and set up to fly the updated T approach. I set up for direct OLAND and with no Procedure Turn made a left for PFAIR. I didn't exactly fly this by hand, instead, I flew with the heading bug only. It's a fun exercise and I did just fine. 

Another fun flight to cheer me up since Galveston is not looking like a go. We don't have any flexibility on the return home days but we can leave early and add to the adventure. Sadly, heavy rain and thunderstorms will dominate this weekend and into our original departure target of Monday. There will always be another day to check off this bucket list destination.

Reposition the Pilot

The mission for today was to reposition the pilot. The pilot?  Yes, the pilot.  My friend and fellow pilot Charles G was driving to Ocean City so he could store a car at the airport so he had ground transportation when he flies in. I was going to be his ride back to his home base, N57, New Garden.

I had my ace wrap and knee brace on today just for added protection. I had driven my bride to her doctors appointment in Lewes Delaware earlier this morning. The typical 45 minute trip took an hour and fifteen minutes and that's on the back roads. So many new developments, traffic circles, stop signs and traffic. 

Once Mary was given a clean bill of health we decided on grabbing lunch at Capriotti's. I ordered a Bobbi and Mary had the Cole Turkey. 

What a great lunch and we saved the other half for dinner. I headed over to the airport to get the cameras installed and wait on Charles for a 1pm meet at the terminal.  We ended up getting off to a late start, a push from 1pm to 3:30pm. Charles was running late due to business and I was now running out of steam. We went back and forth about completing the mission and decided to get it done. 

I had some problems with the audio as we taxied out. I just replaced both headsets batteries, not that I think that caused the problem. While button pushing I isolated the crew which disabled the rear seat audio and thus the flight video audio. I discovered this screw up on the way back to Ocean City. 

The flight was bumpy and busy heading north so I picked up flight following. Dover was non-stop and when handed off to Philly they were even busier. I canceled once clear of Wilmington (KILG) and let down for New Garden (N57).

Charles was now safely back at his home base so I made the turn and burn for home. I climbed out of New GArden and pointed direct for OC. The ride was once again bumpy, but not as bad as the north leg. The radio was quiet so I passed on Flight Following and enjoyed the quiet airtime. 

Somewhere south of Dover I noticed the isolate was switched on so I selected all for comms. While editing the video the audio returned.  I made my calls for home and joined the busy pattern for three-two. 1.8 hours added to the total time for this year and I'm looking forward to getting in the air again soon.

Hangar Chat and Short Flight to Shed the Rust

It's been two months since my last flight and today I decided to tug 3 Tango Charlie out and get some much needed air time. My video starts out in the hangar as I address my lack of flight time, health issues, and thoughts of selling the plane.  My arthritis has been really taking a toll since we got back from Florida. I'm not sure if it's the barometric pressure or just the damp air here in Ocean City MD. Either way it has really knocked me for a loop. 

Mary and I have a trip coming up very soon to Galveston Texas with the hope of getting to Sedona Arizona before turning for home. After brainstorming a bit we have decided to delete the Arizona part of the trip and turn for home after meeting our friends in Addison Texas. 

Here is the video, which now seems way more chat then flight time. I also realized I edited out the flight south towards KMFV Accomack. I'll work on getting that uploaded with some iPad Foreflight video added in. 

Vero Beach 2025

It’s that time of year again, time for the annual get-away to Vero Beach. Mary and I are really looking forward to heading south. We have had three snowstorms so far this year and two were plowing events. Did I happen to mention how much I DO NOT like the cold? This winter has been pretty rough on me, between the rain and snow my body and its after market metal parts are aching. Our plan is to head south for Vero and spend a week then make the short cross state hope to Estero to visit friends from our community that are snowbirds. 

Weather Checks

All the weather checks to this point for a Monday departure are calling for rain all along the east coast. I'm not really looking forward to a day of heavy rain at times with chances for boomers in Florida and mainly around Vero Beach. 

I'm going to bump up departure day to Friday, March 14th. The weather along the route looks better but with low IFR here at the beach for most of the day today and Saturday until 10pm it looks like a drive vs flight. This does not make me happy.

Departure Day -  Friday 3.14

Ughhh... Time to saddle up and point south. I'm not looking forward to another drive let alone the longer drive home from Estero (Ft. Myers). The bags are packed and loaded into the brides GLC300. The drive checklist is completed, snacks, full fuel, fluids checked, and new Pirelli tires. 

Wow, what a drive. 16.5 hours straight through with two fuel stops. I should note that when passing through Norfolk a man had crossed the road wearing all black clothing and he jumped clear of my right front fender as I swerved left as I passed him at 50-55 mph. If there was a car on my right they would have taken him out. We did pass another accident in the Carolinas with the concrete barrier taking two cars out, one was a roll over. Thankfully the rest of the drive was uneventful. It is so much safer to fly!

We arrived at the Hampton Inn in West Vero Beach about 10:30 in the morning. Checked into the hotel and our rooms were not ready. They would call when we could get in. Mary got the call at 2:30 that the rooms were good to go. I was worn out, I looked and felt like a zombie. I should mention that I drove down in sweats and a T-shirt and my slippers. Honestly, as bad as I looked, I would’ve passed for a homeless person. I honestly didn’t care.

We didn’t unload all our baggage, but packed a small go bag. I laid down about quarter of three and didn’t get up until about 7:15 Sunday morning.

Vacation! Sunday 3.16

Good morning Vero Beach! Wow! 16 hours of sleep sure does a body good. After fantastic showers, Mary and I went out to look for breakfast. We stumbled across a place we really fell in love with the last time we were here, the Kountry Kitchen.  

This breakfast hotspot is located right across from station 49 one of our favorite dinner places, which to our surprise has sadly closed. More on that later. It was a short wait and we sat outside and enjoyed the 70+ degree temps and a nice breeze. Once seated, we ordered breakfast and let me tell you it was tremendous. Excellent service, excellent food, We’ll be back this week. We ran a few errands, car wash, grocery store, and Ulta for my bride. 

Once the errands were completed we headed over to the Ocean Breeze hotel, and checked in. They took our information, but the room was not ready. Since we had some time to kill, we pointed north for the Sebastian Airport. I have passed on multiple offers for a hanger over the last couple of years since we haven’t secured a place to live over the winter. More on this later. The drive north from Vero was 18 miles and just over 20 minutes. I should add that living the retired life has left me with no clue of what day of the week it is. It’s Sunday! Sebastian Airport was locked up, no signs of life. I’ll call tomorrow morning to inquire about covered tie-downs. I did call and there is shaded tie downs. Of course there is a wait list, I’m now on it. I think I was told it would be around $260ish, I did not write it down. Either way it’s better than the $750 hangar rent. 

With a mission fail, we regrouped and picked a lunch place since it’s now about 1 o’clock. I found a great parking spot at the hotel right next to the elevators, locked up the SUV and headed to lunch. We decided to try Bobby’s, which is located just two buildings to the north. Somehow, I managed to walk back to the SUV with this full belly. Mary went to check if the room was ready and if not, she was gonna hit a couple of stores located next-door to the hotel. I on the other hand took our dessert, started the truck, cranked up the air-conditioning and waited for my bride while I caught up this blog post. Not a bad view of the ocean while I type this out, life is good.

Monday 3.17

Rise and shine it’s time to find some breakfast. Mary and I went back-and-forth on a few places and then decided to just go back to the Kountry Kitchen since we are headed that direction to look at property. It’s a bit scary that I can find my way Back across the Merrill Barber bridge and navigate to the breakfast location.  Good eats an excellent service once again leaves us with full tummies ready to explore. 

First stop Walker Woods. We previously had a tour scheduled for Friday, but decided that we wanted to get on the road to head to Fort Myers right after breakfast. With rain in the forecast today we decided to tour potential winter getaways.

When we arrived, the ladies in the office remembered us from last year. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. We decided to look at two apartments. The first was a one bedroom fully furnished first floor unit. The layout was very nice but the furniture was huge, way too big for the rooms. Their fully furnished apartment would run about $500 more a month, we don’t think it’s worth that extra fee. 

Next, we looked at a two bedroom unfurnished and it would be a perfect fit. The two bedroom one bath unit had a small dining area, walk-in closets and a separate dedicated washroom, which would be good for the boys litter box. My bride did say it’ll be fun shopping for furniture… Yay, I’m excited, insert eye roll.

With the winter home plan in place Mary set her sights on the outlets. As we left the apartment complex and turned onto Route 60 west there was a Wawa. Having a Wawa that close is definitely a big-time pro versus con. 

In a real surprise moment, my bride said we should go look at the places in Village Green, which is an over 55 community. We ended up touring three homes. Again these homes were not very expensive but they all had a $900-$1100 land lease. We decided to pass on the second properties we visited, even though we liked the community. This community had a land lease, and we would have to maintain the home. In comparison, there would be no maintenance cost associated with the apartment. There would also be no land lease on top of the rental price. Different strokes for different folks, this is what works for us. We headed back to our hotel to get some beach and pool time and we’re convinced that the apartment is the way to go. 

There are so many logistic decisions to be made when it comes to living down here for a few months in the winter. Number one the cats, our boys, they would have to be with us. Next is the transportation issue, to and from Florida, and ground transportation for a month or three. There is no way we could rent a car for multiple months, that’s just crazy. So much to think about and still have to work the numbers to see how it all plays out.

Time for some sun and fun on the beach. The company that provided beach chairs and umbrellas under contract with the hotel did not have their contract renewed. Hmmm… no sun protection  on our Casper the ghost bodies, that’s a no go. We opted for the pool with comfortable chairs and an umbrella. Let the grilling begin. 

Mary and I looked for a new to us restaurant and decided on Coopers Chop House and Seafood. The restaurant was very nice and the service was excellent. Mary had baked lobster thermidor over yukon mashed potatoes with asparagus. I had bolognese over linguine. 

Dessert? Don’t be silly. Yes, dessert to go. I selected carrot cake and Mary had red velvet cake. 

Tuesday 3.18

A bit later of a start than normal for Mary and I. We headed out for breakfast at 9:30 making our first stop at the Lemon Tree. The wait was at least thirty minutes so we saddled up for a second  location. We made the short drive over the Merrill Barber bridge and in just a few turns we parked at TooJays. 

As you walk in the door you have to pass the bakery case and then the deli case. We managed to safely pass and entered the seating area. I ordered a waffle with home fries and sausage links. Mary had two eggs with fresh fruit and rye toast.  The food was very good and the rye toast was especially tasty. Once we settled up the bill we made a stop at the display cases. Yes, we purchased some oatmeal raisin and macadamia nut cookies along with a few macaroons. A loaf of the rye with a stick of butter would have worked too. 

Time for the beach! On the way back to the hotel we ducked into Walmart for a beach chair and umbrella. Why one chair? The office gave us two beach/sand chairs to use but that’s way too low for me. A benefit of driving to vacation is no weight and balance to deal with, said no pilot ever. 

A relaxing day now winding down with our dinner selection of Vero Prime scheduled for 5:30. 

Mary had veal picatta and I had a filet with a twice baked potato and maple glazed carrots. Good eats and good service. We took dessert home, bourbon pecan pie for me and chocolate cake for my bride. 

Wednesday 3.19

I missed another sunrise. Maybe I’ll get a video tomorrow. Once up and dressed we headed a block south to the Lemon Tree for breakfast. No line this morning at 8am so we were quickly seated. I still think Kountry Kitchen is better but Lemon Tree is closer. 

Once back to our room we changed for the beach. Mary packed a beach bag and we carried our chairs and umbrella. The beach to water distance is very close here compared to our Ocean City beach. We quickly set up, my bride in the sun and me in the shade. I watched the air traffic in and out of Vero and the planes tracking along the shore. I did notice there are no banner planes here. 

We packed up and headed to the room at 1pm to shower and relax. We met my brother and his wife along with my sister-in-laws sister and her husband for an early dinner (3pm) at Craby’s Dockside in Fort Pierce.

It’s always fun catching up with my brother. I miss him living so close when they lived in Delaware and now he's in Port St. Lucie Florida. 

Thursday 3.20

A beautiful sunrise at 7:24, a great start to our day. Following breakfast we claimed our place on the beach to soak up some sun and enjoy our last day in Vero. Tomorrow we travel across the state to Estero, just south of Fort Myers. 

Negative Ghostrider, the pattern is full. It’s a busy day at Vero Beach, KVRB. Plenty of pattern work and airplane noises to keep me occupied. 

We headed back to our room and enjoyed some downtime in the air conditioning. Dinner this evening will be at the Scampi Grill. Every time we pass this place the parking lot is full, that has to be a good sign.

The only reservation available was 4:45. That’s a bit early for us but better than eating after 7pm. Mary had salmon piccata and I had chicken piccata. 

Friday 3.21  

Fort Myers/Estero

Wakey wakey time for eats and then get on the road to Ft. Myers. Mary and I made a stop at TooJays for breakfast and yes we did take a monster loaf of rye bread to go. Three hours later, many cattle ranches and sod farms passed, and we’re checking into the Hampton Inn. 

Our friends Anna and Bob picked us up in their new to them golf cart. It was just a short ride back to their winter rental. We sat and chatted for a bit then headed out to lunch in Bonita Springs at Coconut Jacks.  

I had blackened mahi tacos with black beans and rice. My bride had scallops. Dinner was very good as well as the service. 

I took this picture that shows how high the water line was for each storm. Hurricane Ian in 2022 topped the door openings by a foot. Irma (2017) was about a foot above floor level. 

We took a drive through Bonita Springs and parts of Ft. Myers. There are so many homes still needing repairs. I did get to see major ongoing bridge work and took some photos along with a short video. 

We hung out with our friends until another couple we know from home wanted to catch up for drinks and appetizers. Lynn and Clark now joined the four of us and we headed out. As we approached the restaurant I tripped on the wheel chair ramp. Yep, yours truly took a header landing on my left wrist and knee as I have learned to protect all my metal parts on my right side. All the outside diners let out a collective gasp as I stood back up, some asking if I was ok. I replied; Yes, thank you, I’m good, maybe I need that first drink now. Laughter  erupted and I made it into the restaurant without further incident or embarrassment. 

We sat and laughed, shared munchies and enjoyed our drinks. Before we knew it we actually closed the place. I sure haven’t done that in forty plus years and back then it was bars. 

Saturday 3.22

We did get to sleep in this morning, which is always a good thing. I woke up with a sore back and swollen left knee as a reward for my stunt work last night. It will be a two Advil day. 

Mary and I did a quick breakfast here at the Hampton. It was food, at least the juice was good. The plan is to catch up with Anna and Bob this morning around 10:30 and figure what’s up from there. 

The crew of six headed out to the Vanderbilt Beach Resort in Naples. We had reservations to dine at the Turtle Club, the onsite restaurant on the beach. The service was excellent and our waiter, who was from Serbia, did a remarkable job and he had a sense of humor too. 

Clark and Lynn had a commitment for the afternoon so Anna, Bob, Mary and I headed to Tin City for some shopping. The ladies enjoyed the shops while Bob and I kept the bench seat warm and people watched. After checking out all the shops we headed back to Ana and Bobs for some R&R. We sat and chatted for hours sharing laughs and having a good time. Bob gave us a tour of the property with his new golf cart and then dropped us off at our hotel. We had an absolute blast and the trip across the state to spend time with treasured friends was a lot of fun for Mary and I.

Sunday 3.23

It's 6:30, time to finish packing up and getting on the road by 7am. We drove for a few hours then stopped to top off the tank and grab some quick eats at McDonalds. As I started to pull out I caught traffic coming from my left and made a hard stop, saving a potential ugly accident that would have been my fault.  Ughhh...wake up! 

Once I gathered myself up we continued north. We made three fuel stops, two at Buc-ee's, Florida and North Carolina. I also did a top off in Emporia Virginia. Traffic was really slow along Route 4 through Florida and then there were a few accidents in the Carolina's that slowed the pace. We finally arrived home at 1am Monday morning. 18 hours of driving with three fuel/two of those were also food stops. 

Next year is a fly or no vacation!!  I'm too old for this road warrior gig. Here are some numbers.

Total Miles- 2352

MPG- 28.6

Hours driven - 38 (not counting around Vero)