Judy Grillo
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An Insane Asylum Developed on a Sandbar

3/11/2019

10 Comments

 

Thank heaven I'm returning to blog as I have no idea where February went and now March is nearly half over! Is time flying by because I'm lackadaisical or is it my ostrich in the sand behavior?

It's sunny, hot, and the ocean in Central Florida is in the low '70s right now. Honestly, it feels like summer in Florida, with really warm temps and brief afternoon showers or thunderstorms. So, no surprise, it appears that most everyone from Canada to Texas is here. I've met a couple from South Dakota, with their life in tow, moving to Sebastian, and another couple from Vancouver BC who have been driving their humongous RV cross-country for a number of years.  The solution? This spring, they're moving to Prince Edward Island to make the winter commute simpler every season.

I'm not sure how this eroding sandbar is going to hold the influx in the years to come. I continue to hope that climate change will heat things up a bit to the north! Florida now has 21 million residents, nearly a million snowbirds, and an unknown number of tourists in any given week (with March as the busiest month). While most of 95 and the Turnpike are 10 lanes, the brain surgeons in charge don't seem to recognize what happens when people get off the exits (yes, A1A is still two lanes in most places).

Public transport? Don't be ridiculous; we can't survive without income tax and gas tax!  My two favorite road observations to date -- waiting to cross Federal Highway and counting NINE cars going through the red light before stepping off the curb (in Stuart). Then, in the no-longer-peaceful town of Sebastian, the car behind me driving onto the swale & sidewalk to take a right turn on red. I'm sure it was an emergency.

Need to food shop? Don't go early, as there's some reason why people queue up with their shopping carts 20 minutes before Aldi opens, and don't joke ("Are they giving something away?"), as very few people will laugh. Need a tire rotation? You best have 2-3 hours to wait as only the very hungry show up for the $11/hour job. Plan accordingly.  

Now, it's March and the real amateur tourists are here. My favorites so far are a couple from Michigan who spent an hour in the nearby campsite on speaker phone calling friends to brag how great it is here. I checked out and got a refund, which was a very brave act, as tent camping is limited and restricted to 2-week stays at most locations. Every square of dirt is worth far more as an RV parking spot. Best story yet from a "green" Ottawa couple -- the Okeechobee RV "Resort" (yes, mid-state) offered them a pop-up space for just $85/night.  Sleeping indoors via AirBnb has become cheaper and quieter, but I want to be outside!

Perhaps you're wondering why I'm not already pointing north today. A simple answer -- it's Bike Week (no, not bicycles) in Daytona, so even if I could ignore the noise and smell, every sleeping spot within a 50+-mile radius is booked. I'm ​no longer finding Carl Hiaasen novels funny.

Read the title of this post again. I wasn't kidding.

For those of you who remember my summer tour, I will say I am oh-so-missing Marysville, Kansas, Plainview, Nebraska and Dubuque, Iowa.  As I chant "serenity now, serenity now," it is these small towns with kind people that I imagine. It's also been a good time for me to be constructive -- working one day a week freelancing; getting taxes done; prepping my car for travel; reading a bundle of books; and pondering 2019, as well as life in one place perhaps, in a year or two. Of course, I've clocked more than a thousand miles on the bike seat to date; my only true relief.

Has it really been all insanity in Florida for me this year? Of course not. I've reconnected with many friends & acquaintances, with more reunions still to come.  I've enjoyed many beautiful spots by the water at peaceful times of the day.  I also recognize that what many people now seem to accept as "normal" just isn't normal or necessary to me. And, thanks to years of being on the road now, I've developed the ability to simply shake my head, walk away, and (I hope) be a more civilized person.

Yes, George, "We're trying to live in a society here." I think.
   

10 Comments
Barb
3/13/2019 02:10:52 am

Hey J,
Glad you surfaced. I was worried. Also, the blanket with the animal paws. My point! Meanwhile, maybe you can put Western NY on your spring or summer travel map. New place to set up. And bike paths to discover. And my liberation even though I'll be super house poor for awhile. Thanks to idiot orange head and having to absorb huge tax hikes. Please arrest them soon.

Reply
Judy
3/14/2019 01:12:07 pm

Bo, thanks for visiting! I'm laughing that after all my ranting you are focused on the raccoon paws! Don't get me started on having to pay taxes on my below poverty income! I have no interest in sending $ to DC. Not sure what my schedule is. Making two new stops in FL before I head out at month's end. Seem to be managing in small increments this year so far! J

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Anne-Marie
3/14/2019 01:24:49 pm

Just reread your 2018 posts from St. Lucie and Sebastian and am disheartened that one of your favorite spots has so devolved within one year's time. Nonetheless, you've captured some lovely views--bridge ones, in particular. But no FOOD photos??!!

Reply
Judy
3/19/2019 12:07:09 pm

AMG: Yes, the push of people/cars just keeps going north! There's a space limit from the ocean to the Everglades so the funnel just keeps on filling. Curious what will happen when it gets to Georgia! I really don't think I can think in what's accepted as society these days. The screen addiction is frightening. Funny you mentioned food! I pondered bragging about my campfire grilled cheese & seared asparagus but held back!

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Suzanne Tyler
3/20/2019 07:31:23 am

Just finished reading your post and was beginning to think you woke up on the wrong side of your air mattress. Then I got really worried that you didn't have one mention about Pie Day! I checked the date of your post and you are now forgiven. Thank God for the last paragraph and sunsets! 102 days until retirement. Happy Travels

Reply
Judy
3/29/2019 06:05:13 pm

Sue T: Indeed, I was worried about me, too, but I know many camp workers & park rangers who are exhausted & in disbelief at what is considered "normal" human behavior.The screen addiction of the Pavlovian dogs is frying their brains. Add to this the permission to be the ugliest Americans we can be and I can tell you, it isn't pretty. It took me 2 weeks in hiding with a large bottle to come back out, trust me. I'm now happily among the living mid-state and will be catching up on the blog very, very soon! J

Reply
Emily
3/31/2019 06:22:31 pm

Great read, enjoyed it! :) Sorry Florida is leaving such a bad impression this time around. Sometimes people suck. :(
Kind Regards,
Emily

Reply
Judy
4/1/2019 07:13:19 pm

Emily: Yes, they do! but not always! Rolled out today feeling just fine. The beginning and the end were just dandy! Stay in touch! J.

Reply
Kathy
4/2/2019 09:26:38 am

I'm always hearing about how crowded Florida is with people passing through and retired people, but this post really captures it. But also sounds like it's still worth it. Loved the pictures.

Reply
Judy
4/3/2019 10:56:32 am

Kathy ~ Indeed, it takes patience and the ability to move to where you need to be! I do wish climate change would warm things up a bit to the north & keep some folks there! :)

Reply



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