From Disembarkation to Daytona

 Disembarkation.  Just the word sounds exhausting.  Thousands of people with hundreds of pieces of luggage all trying to get off the ship and to their plane, car, uber, shuttle, hotel etc all in just a few short hours while also going through immigration and security.

We were slotted for self disembarkation between 800am and 830 am carrying our own luggage.  After a quick cup of coffee (and I managed to download 8 days worth of posts), we headed to deck 3 to wait.  After just a few minutes and before 730am, we were sent on our way.  Yea!  And because we only take the stairs (rarely taking elevators) we surged ahead of everyone. 

                                          The lobby was eerily quiet with only a few travelers.

                                                    The gangway - practically empty.  

                                    By 745am we were in a taxi headed back to the hotel and our

                                     parked car.  With almost no traffic on Sunday morning, we

                                     made great time!

We met up with Marc at Sabor Latino Restaurant in Palm Beach Gardens for brunch.  We all have our favorite dishes on their menu.

                                                Mine - Tostada con Guacamole. 

                                                An elevated version of avocado toast

                                                        Paul - Dos Huevos

                                        Marc - Chorizo con Papas Caseras (and added cholula)

A quick trip to Walmart for snacks, fresh fruit and salads for lunches.  Always something to see there!

                                            Yes, Christmas displays are up already - gross!

                                                  Fashion choices that leave me wondering.

With plans in Melbourne for dinner, we had time to meander up Route 1.  We chose Jensen Beach to explore.  We stopped at the Causeway, pulled out beach chairs and watched the fish (and people and clouds and the inside of our eyelids!). 

    The schools of fish flew out of the water periodically causing quite the scene.  There were lots of people fishing, picnicking and just enjoying the beautiful Sunday afternoon by the water.

                                    Paul even managed a few minutes of quiet time!

                                        Fred visited with a friend.

                                                Who knew 90 degrees would feel like "fall"!

We eventually got back in the car and headed north.  Route 707 was the perfect road to meander.  Little traffic, low speed limit and lots of water views.  

                                        First time I've seen a DIP sign. (Barely a blip in the road.)

                    These sandhill cranes were just strolling down the road without a care in the world.

Then dinner with Richard and Sally at Ford's Garage Viera in Melbourne.  You guys always chose well and the food is always yummy!  Laughing until it hurts - priceless!

                                                                Edsel's Hot Pretzels

                                                My dinner - Blackened Salmon Salad

                                            Paul - Chicken Cobb Salad

                                            Richard - burger with tater tots

                                        Sally - burger with kettle chips.  Check out the bun!

And the decor!  The ladies' room was a bit different:

                                                    The sink!

A very full day filled with good luck (early disembarkation), good food and good company!  Definitely feeling blessed!

The plan - a quick overnight in Daytona (Thank you Don and Kim) and then continue north towards Rhode Island.