Back in Florida After a Short Visit to Virginia Beach

We had a wonderful time in Virginia Beach seeing our kids and grandson and extended family and friends.  We arrived on Wednesday and returned here to Mayport Naval Station at the Pelican Roost Campground.  Our 1200+ mile round trip was worth it in every way!  Even though our kids are grown and married and left home a long time ago, I still miss them!  So this short trip came at a good time.

We got to see Brooks who is growing and growing up by leaps and bounds!  He is turning into quite a little personality.  Lovable, affectionate, friendly, funny and very mature for his age (said another Grandpa...).  He is no short of amazing.

And it was great to see Adam and Melissa who came down from Fairfax for the weekend.  And Jon's parents made it up from August to also celebrate Brooks' birthday.  It was really fun to see everyone and catch up.  It's one of the most fun things we do.

We were also able to squeeze in some medical appointments and I got in to see Jake, the same Physical Therapist Kelly and Pam have seen in the previous months.  Pam got some help in alleviating some foot pain and got on track with some good walking/running shoes that are a good fit.

This time I got in for a couple of sessions to see if I can actually start running again.  It's been years and years since I have regularly run, but I'd like to get back to doing that again.  We'll see.  I was very pleased with the plan of attack (Return to Run -RTR) program he put me on.  It focuses on flexibility, stretching and a very conservative approach to move from walking to running again.  I have already been surprised with the stretching results so hopefully I can stick with it and start running again.

I also got in to see the Opthamologist and get my eyes checked.  A few months ago, I had an 'event' -- something I described as an 'oil spill/floaters - that came and went in my left eye after about 30 minutes.  I knew something was going on and I tried get in to see an eye doctor in December.  But I had some Tricare administrative issues.  Those got fixed and I had a complete eye check in both eyes with dilation and the doctor's scrutiny under his laser light.  It all checked out fine so that was a relief.

Thankfully, the return drive to Mayport was without incident.  I drove a couple of hours, Pam drove while I took a nap.  Then we stopped to fill up and grab something to eat.  We arrived back in the Jacksonville area about 5:30 PM.  We decided to go out to eat.  I asked our campground neighbor if he had any suggestions.  He thought for a moment and then said, "Seafood Kitchen" near Jacksonville Beach.  Great food, low price, modest looking restaurant".

Boy was he right!  Pam and I each had a shrimp dinner.  I opted for cheese grits while she had french fries and we both had cole slaw.

 Definitely one to put on your list if you are in the area.  I love these kind of 'local joints'.

This morning we were treated to a Navy ship getting underway right in front of us.

Nothing like a 'room with a view'.

And a few hundred yards away an aircraft carrier getting some work done.

We've been able to get the wash done, caught up on our mail and done some work around the Roadrunner.

We'll be here for a few more days and aim to enjoy it.  Hopefully the great weather will hold up.

Thanks for joining us today on the Roadrunner Chronicles!