Florida is the state of sublime

Florida is the state of extremes, excitement, excess, contrasts, continual change, big theme parks, surprises, immigrants, evangelicals, toll roads and turnpikes, and different ecosystems.

Spring Break was the perfect time for our family getaway and we were eager to experience warmer climes in the Sunshine State. Here are some samples from our visit.

Day 1 – To Destin, Fla.

Leave home 0845. Take I-65 south for five hours, then turn east on Hwy 31. Cross into Florida. 1600 arrive Destin. Drive around this beach town. Check out the expensive houses on the seashore. Beaches! Love the musky ocean smell (as always). Ate dinner at the Crab Trap, a restaurant on the beach. Crabs for the girls. $118 bill for me.

Day 2 - Delicious Destin

Morning stroll on the white sands of the beach strip. Feed the seagulls the morning waffles the girls wouldn't eat.

Great fun at the go kart track. I cut off Naomi and forced her and Lady E. into rubber guard, Victory was sweet for M. and me.

Lunch at Joe's Crab Shack. More crustaceans. Another $100+ tab.

Walked to the $5.99 gift store. Then the Emerald Isle hotel and boarded the Destin Snorkel adventure cruise. Out on a boat to see dolphins in the wild. Saw plenty of those but also a group of manta rays that gracefully traversed under our tour boat. Found out such groups are called a “squadron.” Thanks, Google.

Our exploratory visit to Destin garnered a thumbs-up; we’ll be back again.

Day 3 - Trippin’ to Tampa

Leaving Destin, I was caffeinated and ready to d-r-i-v-e. I thoroughly enjoyed the first flush of the journey, going through the wealthy beachfront home areas in Sandestin and beyond…slow, two-lane roads but lush greenery and Mayberry feel. Motored up through the hurricane devastated inland areas to I-10, hauled ass east, and then made a beeline southward.

Touchdown at the Tahitian Inn in downtown Tampa. Described online as a “boutique gem” it actually lived up to its name. 1950s allure and palm trees, faded but still glorious. Peter Lawford and lesser Rat Pack members’ hangout vibe here.

Had another seafood dinner at Crabby's in Clearwater (another shoreline Shangri-la). YET MORE LOBSTER AND CRAB! These women in my life are remorseless seafood eating machines.

-to be continued-