Autumn in Florida is not herald with bursts of colorful leaves, cool, snuggly sweaters, or the aroma of pumpkin spice lattes. No, Autumn in southwest Florida trickles in with daily rain showers, an abundance of creepy-crawly bugs, and a hint of cooler temperatures. And by cooler, of course, I mean in the 80’s, and although fall decor is proudly displayed here, there are times I do miss that New England weather, that snap of change that seems to come overnight and engulf you in change – a change of colors and temperatures, and always, a change of attitude.
And for this retired teacher, it means the first fall in twenty years that I can plan several week-long excursions to visit new places and enjoy the slower pace the pre-holiday season allows.
Gary and I are setting off again in the RV for a week-long stay in Panama City Beach, Florida. I have not yet explored the Florida panhandle, so I am excited to travel the coastline and make that big turn west once more.
Gary has been busy with his commercial drone assignments, and I am excited to follow him again for this job. I won’t be affording him my newly acquired talents as his camera assistant, but I will be able to be with him between his busy work schedule. The dogs and I will take long strolls along the beach, shop and poke around the town, and check out some historical sights, too.
I hear the waters of the panhandle are different than the southwest gulf, and that the vibe is altogether different than here.
And isn’t that why we like to venture away, to go somewhere, anywhere, that is just a little different from here?