thefouramigosblog

Our days flow into one another like a stream that winds around each curve, beckoning to see what lies ahead. We’ve fallen into a regular routine idling away peacefully without a care in the world.

Our morning begins with reading and quiet meditation. Of course we are missing our meditation room at home, but we’ve acclimated to our new surroundings.

After meditation and checking out our phones, we take a walk around the pond. It’s a lovely pond with lots of birds. Today we spotted about half a dozen turtles.

Three days a week we head to Planet Fitness for some strength training. As we get older our muscles atrophy easily if we don’t use them. Bruce seems to get his muscle tone back quicker than I, but isn’t that usual for men.

It was a gorgeous day yesterday with the temperature around 80, so we headed to the beach. After a lot of driving around we finally found a parking space. In Delray Beach they have metered parking on the street. It’s actually very convenient if you can find the space.

The beach was lovely with people social distancing from one another. If I can say one good thing about this pandemic, it’s that beaches have been far less crowded which is ok by me.

Bruce went into the ocean and I put my feet in. Water temp is about 73. It was pretty chilly.

We had a little visitor, a little seagull which hung out with us for awhile. I think he was looking for a bite to eat. So sorry we didn’t have a thing to eat.

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For lunch we headed to Atlantic Avenue where the restaurants were in full gear. We found a little cafe, Serenity and Tea By The Sea. I had a feta and spinach quiche and Bruce had ham and cheddar. We also had scones, raspberry and blueberry.

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In the afternoon we headed over to my sister Linda’s pool. It was a great day for a dip. Linda and Stan made dinner for us and then we played some cards.

Today we went to the gym and then had coffee with friends. We also took a trip to Costco, always a feat in itself. One older gentleman almost ran us over with his cart three times. Boy oh boy. I had to remind a Bruce that people here don’t have the politeness of the people in South Carolina.

I have to admit I am really enjoying our stay here and not missing the colder weather or dreariness of home. For lunch we went to ihop. I had Swedish pancakes and Bruce had the 2x2x2 for seniors.

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Now I’m sitting on my patio, a cool breeze making it very comfortable sitting outside. At this point in my life, I am happy and peaceful almost anywhere and I am grateful for my life, just the way it is.

It’s been a worrisome two weeks but life is finally getting back to normal. Bruce is feeling good with only a little fatigue if we do too much. I had a negative Covid test on Saturday. I would have been surprised if I was positive because I feel great.

Bruce and I took a stroll around the pond this morning. There are always a lot of birds. Today we walked with a Great Gray Heron

And of course there was this guy. He sure looks evil!

My sister and I went to the beauty parlor and the boys went to the barber. Everyone was in dire need of a hair trimming.

My sweet daughter and family gave me a Cheesecake Factory gift card. We went for a delicious dinner this evening.

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I had a skinnylicious shrimp and pasta dish. It was really good but not very filling.

Bruce had a shepherd’s pie which was enormous. He has lunch for tomorrow.

Tomorrow we hope to go to the gym and then maybe hit some balls at the driving range. And if we are lucky it will warm up enough to go for a swim on Thursday.

Bruce and I appreciate all the concern about Covid and feel grateful that it was not any worse than a bad cold. And of course I’m grateful that he didn’t pass it on to me.

Our trip was cancelled to St. Croix and we were supposed to leave tomorrow. We are hoping to plan a new trip soon. I’ll keep you posted but until then let peace be with you.

Bruce started feeling better today. Actually he seemed a lot better yesterday and the doctor said he was no longer contagious after 10 days from the onset of symptoms. So a ride down A1A was just the ticket for getting back to life.

We passed many a mansion traveling south. Many gated houses lined the avenue for miles.

Flowers were blooming, the air was fresh and the sky was blue. We made a stop at the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse.

The lighthouse is only open once a month so in February we plan to visit and climb to the top. Today it wouldn’t work because we needed to ensure social distancing and wear masks. Plus it would have been too much for Bruce anyway. If all goes well, he should be back to exercise by next week.

We watched the drawbridge open for the larger vessels.

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Bruce has been housebound all week and was feeling quite good. But after we reached Lauderdale By The Sea, I could see he was fading. But it was a great day and Very promising towards his recovery. Tomorrow I will get tested but I’ve been feeling great,

I never thought I’d become a snowbird but for this season, with the pandemic in full swing, spending any lengthy stay out of the United States seemed a little risky. So my dear husband relentlessly looked for a house to rent in Florida with a three month lease. We found our winter home in the gated community of Rainberry Bay.

It’s a lovely two bedroom two bath home with all the creature comforts of home. I’ve been doing a bit of cooking and we brought some of our kitchenware from home.

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The weather has been sunny and mostly in the 70s. Not always the warmest weather to go to the beach or pool but very nice all the same. We haven’t been to the pool in Rainberry Bay but have taken a swim or two at my sister’s condo.

Right outside our back door, we have a pond with a walking path around it. I believe it’s a little over a mile for one time around.

The fountain in the pond is quite pretty but on really windy days we can feel the effects of it when we’re walk along the path. Normally that might be refreshing but on the cooler days, I would rather avoid it.

There is quite a bit of bird life around the pond but thankfully no alligators to welcome us.

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We have visited Wakodahatchee Wetlands where wildlife abounds. There we get to see gators without getting too close.

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We also visited Green Cay Wetlands where I spotted a Roseate Spoonbill.

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There were many more birds and gators here since we visited last year. And Florida is having a problem with too many Iguanas.

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We walked the boardwalk which was almost two miles around if you take the extra loop.

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Bruce and I went to the driving range ay Westchester Country Club. I’m trying to improve my swing so I can get out on the golf course. I need a lot of work because I bob up and down and watch my ball. And to top it off, I pulled something in my back.

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We went to the IMAX with Linda and Stan. No 3D but the surround sound was great. We saw Wonder Woman 84 which we all enjoyed with the exception of Bruce.

Last Friday my daughter Lauren had a long layover in Fort Lauderdale on her way to The Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. We picked her up at the airport and went to Lester’s Diner for breakfast. It was an old fashioned diner and the food was great.

Bruce went to the doctor today. He has an upper respiratory infection. The doctor did a Covid and flu test on him. Keep your fingers crossed it’s not that serious.

All in all we are enjoying our time in Delray Beach. Now to get Bruce to rest!

After 14 flights, 2 train rides, 10 bus trips, 2 live aboard cruises, 7 day cruises, several sampans, an ox cart ride, four tuk tuks, 7 taxis, several Uber’s, a cyclo ride, two rental cars, kayaks, our trip ended with a transatlantic flight.

For flights, EVAs premium economy won out over Qatar or KLM. With excellent legroom, premium economy was two seats across and had its own private section. Food was good and served with China as well as real silverware. They also provided a vanity kit which included eye mask, slippers, socks, toothbrush, lip gloss, and moisturizer. Also the all important ear plugs.

EVA Air is out of Taiwan and is part of the United family. I would definitely fly them again.

Qatar Airline provided a similar kit in economy and served food with China and silverware. In economy seats were 3 across but legroom was ample.

KLM Airlines had extra legroom in their premium economy but no vanity kit. They also used plastic utensils.

Air Asia was inexpensive but if I didn’t have to travel on it I wouldn’t. I think the bumpiest ride I ever had was on the tour from Hanoi to Kuala Lumpur. They did not offer amenities but I had paid for food. It was very poor quality. It included a bottle of water. When I asked for coffee they said that would cost me.

For hotels, the Reverie Saigon was an A+++. In fact, this was probably the best hotel I have ever stayed in. Food and drinks in mini bar were complimentary. The toilet had heated seats and a built in bidet. The room had a walk in closet with a good amount of drawer space. The bed was comfortable and they offered a pillow menu. The drapes had remote controls for day or evening open or closed.

The pool and hot tub on the 6th floor were beautiful at night, with neon lights aglow.  In the distance we could see another skyscraper with a landing pad attached.  I don’t think I’d want to land on that.

The bullet train from Madrid to Malaga lived up to its reputation.  It felt like we were going faster than a speeding bullet.  With the speed it was surprisingly steady do we didn’t have much trouble walking about the cabin.  Traveling in business class we were served a lunch.
Of course I loved Malaga.  We had a lovely little apartment in the middle of everything.  We visited with my friend Adriana and rented a car to explore Ronda.

10XTravel
It was a fabulous trip, much of it using points and miles.  I learned a bit from @10XTravel how to maximize points and miles and it paid off.

Fort Macon State Park

We had wonderful weather for most of our trip so I’m not going to complain about our last day. We knew it was going to rain so we slept in and had a late start. I thought it might be interesting to get some shots on a dreary, rainy day and I was right. Our first stop was Fort Macon State Park.

There were no tours today, maybe any day because of Covid. So we darted in and out of covered spaces, escaping from the pouring rain, within the fort learning about its history during the Civil War. After the war it served as a federal prison until 1876 and was eventually closed in 1903. It became North Carolina’s second state park in 1924.

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After our visit to Fort Macon, we headed into the town of Beaufort to get a bite to eat. We had breakfast sandwich wraps.at this cute little cafe.

In the historic section of Beaufort, the road was lined with live oaks. The homes were lovely, looking out on the inlet.

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Riding around in the rain, we took a drive to Cedar Island. The entire island appeared to be an estuary.

We stopped to read a sign about a little town called Sea Level. I am not sure how people live in this area since we couldn’t find a grocery store or gas station anywhere.

After much driving around, we decided to call it a day. For dinner we ate at Island Grill on Atlantic Beach. I had the best crab cake ever. Very little bread and big chunks of crab. Delicious. Bruce had scallops and shrimp over grits. He thought it was wonderful. What a great dinner to end our little vacay!

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Until next time!!!

Our journey south on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore began with the crossing of the Oregon Inlet. This Inlet separates the Atlantic from Pamlico Sound and it’s home to a thriving fishing industry. There are several long bridges throughout the Outer Banks and we loved traveling over them. We stopped just over the bridge for a photo op and to check out the trail to the beach.

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Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

At Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge we took a short walk along the trail. It was midday so very limited on bird activity at this time.

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Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in North America standing 208 feet high. It was built in 1870 and the black and white diagonal stripes were painted in 1873. Unfortunately, it was closed for climbing due to Covid but it was worth the stop.

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We stopped for a late lunch or early supper at the Froggy Dog where the catch of the day was mahi. I had the platter and Bruce had the sandwich. It was delicious.

In Hatteras We stayed at the Villas of Hatteras Landing. It was a cute little place with a kitchen and living room. We went to the local General Store to get a few supplies and snacks. We weren’t very hungry after our huge lunch.

Ocracoke Island

Bruce and I decided to take the free ferry to Ocracoke Island. I have to say it was good but we didn’t count on a two hour wait to get on the ferry. And the ferry ride was over an hour.

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By the time we arrived on the island it was 1pm and I was starved. We found a restaurant at a marina, SmcNallys, and had the same meal as the day before. It must be Mahi season.

We visited the Ocracoke Lighthouse which is not open to the public and is owned by the Coast Guard.

We visited the Pony Pens where they keep the wild ponies in pens so they don’t get hit by traffic. They do have some roaming space on the sound side beaches.

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Bruce and I stopped for ice cream at the Sweet Tooth before our ferry ride back to Hatteras.

This morning we toured the Graveyard-of the Atlantic Museum. There were exhibits about pirates, the Civil War ironclad the USS Monitor, and other shipwrecks.

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We took a brief walk to the beach and then headed out of town.

On our way we spotted a group of kite surfers in Sandy Bay. Boy does that look like fun!

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Manteo

I wasn’t quite sure where to go and where to stay when visiting the Outer Banks. I knew we wanted to drive the entire length of the Outer Banks and decided we’d stay somewhere in the northern part and somewhere further south. I had points from Chase so I booked the first place in Manteo. It was approximately a 3-1/2 hour drive from Raleigh. On our way we stopped in Plymouth to see the Roanoke River Lighthouse.

Our hotel in Manteo was nothing to write home about. The only thing I can say is I didn’t pay for it. It was a bit shabby and needed a lot of TLC. It was conveniently located near The Lost Colony site. Unfortunately the play was canceled this season due to Covid but we learned a lot about the Lost Colony in the museum. We ate some seafood at a little restaurant in a marina. It was very empty.

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Roanoke Island

The little village of Manteo was typical of any beach town with shops and restaurants. We walked across the bridge to the island but the museum with the Elizabethan II was closed on Mondays. So we walked along the boardwalk next to the inlet.

As we walked along the boardwalk we came upon the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse. This one was built very similar to the Roanoke River Lighthouse.

Wright Brothers Museum

We crossed the Inlet on the Virginia Dare Bridge and headed up the coast through Nags Head to Kitty Hawk. We visited the Wright Brothers Museum and walked the path up to the monument.

Currituck Beach Lighthouse

Our next stop was the Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla. We wanted to do a wild horse tour but they were booked until Wednesday. Maybe next time!

On our way back to Manteo we ate at a lovely restaurant in Duck called Aqua. We watched the sunset and shared a tuna dinner.

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It was a gorgeous sunset!

Roanoke Festival Park

Our next full day we visited the Roanoke Festival Park again and this time climbed aboard the Elizabeth II. This is not to be confused with Cunard’s QEII – but a small sailing vessel that carried 50 sailors.

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Also in the park we saw examples of American Indian villages. It was a small area but filled with a lot of information. There was also an inside museum which highlighted the Lost Colony and Sir Walter Raleigh.

Bodie Island Lighthouse

The Bodie Island Lighthouse was a very typical lighthouse with the white and black stripes. Unfortunately due to Covid it wasn’t open to climb. Nevertheless it was well worth a stop to see it. We also walked along the marsh where we saw a few birds and quite a few birders.

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Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Jockey’s Ridge State Park was well worth a visit. It has the tallest sand dunes on the east coast and some kids brought boogie boards to try and sled down the sandy slopes. Unfortunately it didn’t go too well. Here’s also a hang gliding school here and we were able to watch a few take off.

Alligator River Wildlife Refuge

I read about the Alligator River Wildlife Refuge where 40 species of mammals live including the black bear. From what I read, the best time to see a bear is early morning or close to dusk. We headed over there and drove miles of trails through the refuge. I really didn’t expect to see a bear when a big one came lumbering out of the dense foliage on one side of the road and crossed in front of us. The skeptic I was, my camera sat idly on the car floor not at the ready for the shot. So I missed my opportunity. However, I did see a very large copperhead and a small snake.

For dinner we shared a fried seafood platter at Dune’s Restaurant in Nags Head. it was a nice ending to a perfect day! And another awesome sunset!

My darling granddaughter turned 12 on September 30th and her Mimos and PopPop were there to celebrate. In fact, we haven’t missed a birthday yet! Our first night with the birthday girl we ate at her favorite restaurant La Cocina. She was surprised to get so many presents; she is not one of those kids who just expects it.

Bruce and I played a round of golf at 401 Par Golf. It was a beautiful day and a great way to spend some quality outside time. I think the golf lesson my daughter gave me months ago helped a bit too! We did a bit of shopping with Kadyn. We went to Joann’s Fabric Store for material. Kadyn’s new endeavor is fashion design. We also went to Michael’s for art supplies because she loves to paint.

Angus Barn

It was five days of celebrating Kadyn with our final nights feast at Angus Barn in Raleigh. The food was delicious and the place was very interesting. It’s definitely a place to go for that special occasion. Bruce and I shared a prime rib and Kadyn ordered a lobster tail. I don’t think she was that crazy about that.