Safe Arrival in Florida

January 4 , 2013

We lucked out for the second time this year by leaving to drive to Florida on a holiday for both Canadians and Americans.  As we drove out at 8 a.m. on January 1 st, on highway 407 , we were quite literally the only car on the road, in either direction.  It was eerily like being the last people on earth, as everyone else was clearly sleeping off News Years Eve.  This made for great time, and the weather was also clear.

Being the traveller that I am, I have to comment on what we saw along the way.  As we approached Chatham, we were amazed at the expanse of an Ontario wind farm that goes for miles along Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair.  Good to see these giant slow moving generators.     Detroit reminded us of all the signs we saw in South America, of boom times, left like skeletons in the bust times.  As you cross the border there is a building, that was probably built in the boom of the auto industry, standing, starkly, empty, even devoid of windows, its once glorious history, still evident in a classic design.  The Michigan roads are simply awful, and one must drive with a watchful eye, not to damage your car in the potholes.

Once we were into Ohio ( where they had huge amounts of snow) , and for the rest of the trip through Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia, along this well travelled corridor, the roads were excellent.  You cannot help but wonder what will be the new economic engine to replace the once mighty industrial cities of Dayton, and Cincinnati..where again, you realize just how significant the movement offshore of manufacturing has been and will be.

We thought we had escaped toll free, but Florida made up the gap, with 7 tolls in 30 minutes!!

The weather is cool, 59F, and rainy, but there is no snow.  Tonight our group of 6 has been invited to friends of Karen's and Jonathan's for a farewell dinner, then tomorrow early morning we head for Fort Lauderdale to board our ship.  We are leaving our car where we are, and we are all going in a privately hired shuttle with driver, who can handle the ridiculous amount of luggage you have to take for 4 months.  We will have 19 formal evenings, many themed dinners, and all require thought unless you were born lucky and can just pack a tux, and a suit.  Good thing I love to dress up!

For those who wish to see our ship sail, turn into www.portevergladeswebcam.com. Tomorrow before 5 pm.  Last year we got off quite late.  This year we are dining at early dinner, so we may not be able to wave goodbye, but if we can we will be on the Lower Promenade deck towards the stern on the port side.  You will recognize Mutt and Jeff.  I am the shrimp!

Bittersweet, to think of all that is before us, but hard to leave our family.  Hope you will help keep us company.