Vero Beach Florida Get-Away

Photo Curtesy Vero Beach Recreational Department

The plans for a quick get-away started over a week ago. Mary and I decided we wanted some sit on the beach and bake relax time, so we came up with a few locations. Key West is a favorite and so is Sanibel, however we have already been there, we were looking for someplace new.

My first thought was Fernandina Beach on the north end of Amelia Island just below the GA/FL line. There was an airport just a stones throw from where we wanted to stay and the temps were slowly starting to climb into the high seventies. High seventies, not sure that will be warm enough for water play time. We decided to look a bit further south and agreed on Vero Beach.

This trip will require one stop that will be  about three hours into the trip. I am planning on KGGE - Georgetown, SC for our fuel stop with KLRO - Mount Pleasant, SC as a back up.  Our last hop will be down the east coast of Florida to KVRB - Vero Beach. 

Just for comparison I checked round trip tickets for Mary and I and did a quick calculation on fuel burn for comparison. Round trip commercial flight SBY - FLL for two was 1.5k and fuel burn round trip for 3 Tango Charlie would be 120 gallons, $6 a gallon average for $720 total fuel cost.

Departure Day March 20th

Just in case our readers were wondering, the zoo is safe, all the furbabies are being boarded at our local vet clinic. Two cats and one dog will cost us around $660 for a weeks boarding. I try and think of it as having a second rental car for the week and just parking it. I know, sick mind. 

1600 UTC Sunday March 20 2022

Mary and I are up early and arriving at the airport by 7:30. My preflight and sump was completed yesterday so we will launch by 8am. There is a POTUS TFR over Rehoboth and Ocean City sits in the outter ring, thankfully we can get out.

Winds favored runway three-two and once we picked up our IFR clearance with Patuxent we launched. With the presidential TFR active you must have a squawk code prior to take off.  

The air was smooth as we enjoyed the ride down the peninsula and across the Chesapeake Bay. Mary and I counted sixteen tankers, a cargo container ship, two sail boats and two tugs pushing barges. I don’t think there was much room left to park! 

I kept to my four thousand feet despite my wanting to climb higher.  The problem was the headwinds more then doubled above us compared to what we were facing at four.

Fleet at Norfolk

Some ATC funnies along the way. As we’re riding along south I said in to Mary it would be nice if they gave me direct Brunswick SSI, to follow the coast and not fly over Savanah. I barely got that out of my mouth when Approach did just that. My response, you need to get out of my head, I just told my bride I would like that shortcut. 

The next funny was checking in with Orlando. I’m not sure how or why but I said Orlando, Comando 453TC level four thousand. Yes, I laughed my way through that call. Mary just had that look and said, Comando, really? Yikes!

Our first stop was Mount Pleasant, SC - KLRO.  This is strictly a gas and go, pick up our clearance in the air, and keep pushing south. Charleston approach was great, gave us our clearance then handed us off to Savannah. Approach moved us around for some jet traffic. Savannah thanked me multiple times. 

St. Simons - KSSI

Once Savannah handed me off approach didn’t call out traffic until handed off to Orlando. I wasn’t to happy but at least it was VFR conditions, see and avoid. 

Passing over St. Augustine

All the beach airports were a beehive of activity. This is serious head on a swivel eyes outside and pay attention to every radio call time.

Daytona Beach

KDAB - Daytona Beach International

As we approached Vero Beach I caught a quick glimpse of the airport then continued in IMC. Approach gave me vectors to final and once below two thousand I had the field for the visual runway four. The only problem I had was not loading the approach and following through it, instead I clicked on something and totally wiped my destination off the flight plan. This could have been a real issue but I had the field, no harm no foul. In the video you see me spending way too much time with the GPS, I was entering KVRB direct just in case. I still think I should have been more eyes out then fiddle time on the GPS. Always learning, always trying to improve.

Once shut down at Sun Jet Center I took on thirty gallons of fuel, we are ready for Friday’s departure. Mary secured our rental, a Ford Escape. 3 Tango Charlie will be safely tucked away in a hangar for $40 a night until we return.

Hotel Check In and Eats

Our room was ready so we schelped our bags to the room on the second floor. This place is older with only one elevator on the far northeast corner of the building. We were rooming on the southwest side and I got pretty familiar driving the baggage cart all over the place. What a PITA. 

Once settled in and sucking up plenty of air conditioning we searched for dinner. Our first pick was Ocean Grill, a short walk across the street from our hotel. Not a chance, wait time was an hour and a half. I haven’t eaten since 8:30ish right after take-off. I wasn’t waiting to eat. I have a tendency to get a bit grouchy when hangry. 

Definition Hangry

1. bad-tempered or irritable as a result of hunger. 

   "I get very hangry if I miss a meal"
2. 
   

Choice number two was Mulligans, right behind the hotel, on the beach. Wait time was maybe thirty minutes so Mary and I had a drink at the bar. Super strong drinks with no food since this morning and I was feeling a buzz, so was my bride. Mary had a blueberry mahito, I had a grapefruit crush, strongest drink I had in years. I’ll end this tale right here. 

My Cheeseburger bowl

Mary's Asian tuna bowl

Monday, March 21st

Rise and shine! No pets, we're on vacation, an excellent time to enjoy sleeping in. Who said life was fair? The trash truck emptied its first of three dumpsters at 7:13am. Honestly, banging them each three times to make sure they’re empty can’t be necessary.

Mary and I made our way just a half mile south of our hotel and checked in to the Lemon Tree restaurant for breakfast. Service was excellent and the food was good.

We also checked out a shop just a few stores south to meet with Mary's friend and store owner Jen. We didn’t realize her store was this close to where we were staying, small world. Mary purchased two outfits for her great nephews while there. Jen's shop, Lily Pad, is beautiful, well stocked, and you can’t beat the personal service. 

With full tummies it was time to hit the beach. The winds were really blowing and the water temps were just 73 degrees. The ocean still felt cold to the touch for me. We had a relaxing time, listening to the waves crash, and the winds made the temps feel comfortable. Can you say sizzle....we each got some burn. Mary worse then me.

I actually got some tan going on. Tomorrow we will continue to erase our Casper white look for the we live at the beach look.

Tonight’s dinner choice is Station 49. Just a short drive west from the hotel. This place got very good reviews for wood fired pizzas and they have an excellent selection of Italian dishes. When we arrived the building doesn’t strike you as a restaurant but more like a pizza place. Picture old gas station/body shop structure.

Once inside it really was a pizza place! I learned many years ago to never judge a book by its cover. We were quickly seated and gave the menu a good once over. We would have to try the appetizers. I ordered the Arancini;

Crispy, cheesy, risotto balls, with san marzano tomato dipping sauce. They were excellent. 

Mary ordered the Burrata Caprese with basil, beefsteak tomato and aged balsamic glaze.

Mary said the cheese and the tomatoes were perfect. We both agree the appetizers would have been enough for dinner, but we took one for the team and each ordered an entrée. Mary and I both ordered the house made Pappardelle Bolognese with authentic Italian meat sauce. It too was excellent! If you’re in Vero this is a must stop for dinner.

Somehow we made it back to the car and the seatbelts still engaged. 

Tuesday March 22nd

Todays breakfast mission takes us back to the Vero Beach airport and CJ Cannons restaurant. 

Mary and I met up with fellow Beech Aero Club member Dan J. Dan was in town flying a Cessna Conquest for a client and the timing worked out perfect. Thanks for breakfast, Dan. 

Once we finished up Dan gave us an up close look at the Conquest, Mary was loving the air stairs and the big comfy leather seating. I had to remind her it’s never going to happen. 

It was fun to check out the Conquest and the hangar owners Caravan.  We also watched the hangar owner fly his Bell Ranger into Vero, landing on the ramp just outside his hangar doors. 

We said our goodbyes and thanked Dan for the tour and the owner of the hangar for letting us stop in to see all his toys. By the way he is selling his King Air. 

It is just under a fifteen minute hop back to the hotel and with a quick change of clothes we are headed back to the beach. It’s windy again today but the sun feels good on these old bones, even the metal parts. 

Tonight’s dinner selection took some planning. Every place we called for a reservation was booked solid until after 7pm. We tried a recommended place as a walk-in and still got shut out. 

We each searched steakhouses and found Vero Prime, located a few blocks from Station 49. This place was an old time steakhouse, plenty of wood wall covering, lighting a bit dim but on target, and smells of a wood fired grill. Is this Heaven? 

The food did not disappoint! Mary and I each had an 8oz fillet, hers with a side of asparagus, and mine a twice baked potato. The taste of the steaks grill rub was good to the last bit. We made our way back to the hotel and enjoyed our desserts to go.

Wednesday March 23rd

No sleeping in this morning. Mary and I will be meeting Jen, the owner of Lily Pad, for breakfast. 

Jen suggested a quaint little shop, Chelsea’s on Cardinal. This shop is a coffee house/juice bar with hot sandwiches and baked goods. 

It was fun catching up and mary got to spend some extra time with her friend from back in the Pottery Barn days. 

The plan for the rest of the day was more beach time. Once we returned to our room to change Mary and I passed out, the beach and wind had obviously taken a toll. We did wake up in time to go check out a few properties and selected a dinner location. 

The Edgewood Eatery was the choice for dining. I was a bit hesitant when she read some of the menu items but Mary convinced me to give it a try. Thankfully there was beef on the menu. We both selected the Burger in the Grass, fresh local greens with a delicious burger with cheddar cheese, onion, and no bun. We also ordered truffle fries and shared the big bowl. 

We ordered dessert to go and then went to look at a few more properties. We really like the condo at Palm Estates, a gated community, just fifteen minutes from the ocean and five minutes from the Vero Beach airport. This property is on the western edge of Vero.

Mary and I would rather be on the east side of the Indian River, closer to the beach and farther from the downtown and industrial area. Since the weather is sketchy for tomorrow we’ll look for more condos. For now, time to eat our take home desserts. 

Thursday March 24th

A little bit of a late start this morning but we got it in gear and headed over to Mulligans for breakfast. Food was good and the service excellent.

The plan was to either hit the beach or sit poolside. With the sky clouding up Mary was happy to take a pass on both and instead we’ll do a bit of exploring. 

I found a few properties but I’m thinking I would have to sell a kidney to make a dent in the asking prices.  Everyone asks, why not find a single family home, because we are not selling our Ocean City home, we just want a winter get-away. The perfect find would be a single bed and bath, first floor, no maintenance, allows pets, the search continues.

We made a reservation yesterday to have dinner at the Citron Bistro this evening. We figured it's our last night in Vero why not have a nice dinner. It’s just a short drive north on A1A and the food and service was fantastic. Mary had the duck and I had braised short rib. Of course we got desserts to go.

Friday March 25th

It’s time to head home. Mary and I packed last night and headed out this morning for breakfast before heading to the airport. I had to top off the rental and then squared up my bill with Sun Jet Aviation. 

I gave 3 Tango Charlie a good pre-flight paying extra attention for any hangar rash, she was clean. A check of the oil is showing a quarter low from six quarts. I’ll add a quart at our fuel stop. 

Taxi for runway 30L

I picked up my clearance with Vero ground. Radar vectors to Melbourne (MLB) then join V3 then as filed. We were third in line for departure and launched when it was our turn. 

Our climb out was smooth but when we leveled at five thousand the rodeo ride began. Approach was much better with traffic as we made our way to our fuel stop in South Carolina. 

Once north of Brunswick Georgia we were cleared direct Mount Pleasant. As we let down for the pattern the ride got even crazier, then we turned final. The ride to the runway was intense, and somehow I still managed to salvage a good landing. 

While mary walked over to the terminal for a soda I added a quart of oil, we’ll most of it. As I picked up the oil to add at the filler tube it slipped from my hand. Instead of letting it hit the ground I tried to make a save, it flipped, and ended up spraying the top and side cowl along with my shirt. Not a pretty sight. I cleaned everything up then walked over to the terminal to clean myself up. 

Let’s saddle up for home. I taxied out for runway one-seven and launched. I contacted Charleston approach and picked up my clearance for Ocean City. The rodeo ride continued north until across the Chesapeake Bay. It was a welcome relief for the last hour, a smooth ride. I entered the pattern at OXB for runway three-two and made a nice landing. It’s good to be home! My tug was dead so Mary helped me push 3 Tango Charlie in the hangar. I’ll clean her up tomorrow while I let the oil drain for her oil change. I guess I'll also trouble shoot why the tug is not charging.

Flight time Start up/shut down - 12 hours

IMC - .2

Fuel consumed - 120 gallons

Miles - 1600

New Airports - KVRB Vero Beach

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)