Day 9: Punta Gorda, Sarasota and the Rancks

Our next destination, Valrico, FL and the home of Scott and Gayle Ranck is just an hour and a half from where we stayed last night in Punta Gorda, so there was no real need to get up early. So we didn't!

Lesson learned today: "Hot Breakfast" in motel lingo doesn't mean what you might think.

Our first stop today was the AAA office to get some trip books, maps, etc. They loaded us up. One of the best deals in the country is a AAA membership.

Then we needed to get a few things at KMart. I packed a bit too lightly, it seems.

If you need a job, the IHOP in Port Charlotte could use your help. They were short today in servers (although our server, Jane, did a great job) and the manager was in the kitchen cooking.

Gail had to pick up a little stapler, so next stop was Staples. You can't believe how crowded the shopping centers are here this time of year. The parking lots look like the week before Christmas and traffic is nuts, esp. when you realize that the majority of the drivers in Florida this time of year are probably past their ability to legally drive.

We found an oil change place that took care of us in short order, then set out for Sarasota and the keys off the coast there. (So far we've put over 1700 miles in.)

It was rainy, so when we got to Siesta Key we sat in the car, hoping the rain would subside so we could walk out on the beach and see its incredibly white powdery sand. But it dumped rain. So, it was a great time for a nap!

After an hour or so (who's keeping track of time?) we ventured north to Lido Key and Longboat Key. Finally the rain quit when we were at Coquina Beach Park in Bradenton Beach. So we walked out there for a brief look.

Scott and Gayle live about an hour from there. I got to know Scott when he pastored up in Chesapeake. We've stayed in touch over the years. He and Gayle are hosting us tonight. She fixed a super meal, dessert and all. Now we're enjoying use of their internet while watching the Olympic opening ceremonies.

Tomorrow night we should be having dinner with Mark and Sue Burns. Sue promises stuffed flounder! It will be good to see them.

Oh yeah. All of you who have been praying for cold weather to hit Florida while we're here can stop praying. It's down in the 40's with wind chills in the 20's and 30's. Hope you're happy! Everybody here apologizes to us for the weather, like it's their fault.