We arrived in Florida mid-November and left the first week of April, almost four-and-a-half months later. In between our many adventures this winter (the Keys, Sanibel Island, Cedar Key, and more) we spent time with my folks at their beautiful home in Eastpoint, just across the bridge from Apalachicola in the Florida Panhandle. My dad was born in Apalachicola, as were my grandparents, and I’ve been coming to Apalachicola since before I was born. (For more on our visits to Apalachicola, see here.)
One of the benefits of our full-time traveling lifestyle is that we’re able to spend more time with my parents. Given that our home is almost 3,500 miles away in southern Oregon, we previously only saw each other for a few days once a year. We enjoy each other’s company—to keep it that way, we stay in our trailer on their lovely property. This way, it’s as though we’re close neighbors, and we have the best of both worlds.
My folks have lived fully in their respective 83 and 85 years. “We’ve enjoyed life along the way and have been fortunate to do everything we’ve wanted to do,” says my mom. And my dad agrees. They’ve always been active and involved in life, and it’s only recently that they’ve begun to noticeably slow down. Until three years ago, they would meet us for travel adventures—Santa Fe, the Gulf Coast of Texas, a birding festival in New Mexico. But those times are now past.
Our days in Eastpoint were simple and sweet. Most afternoons, we joined my folks for a few games of Rummikub, followed by Jeopardy (they are convinced Eric should be a contestant), a lengthy and relaxed happy hour, dinner, and a movie, generally something from the 40s or 50s. Which was great, because I’ve wanted to see Casablanca and other classics and who knows when I would actually get around to it.
We’re heading back to the West Coast for the summer and fall, but we’ll return to Eastpoint next winter. We’re looking forward to more time just hanging out with my folks.
Beautiful pictures as always. How lucky and wonderful for your parents that you can come each winter and stay with them. Wonderful for you that they live in such a truly beautiful place to be. We loved our time with you there and hope to see you next winter and perhaps even summer of 2015 in Oregon. Safe travels!!
I do feel fortunate that my folks live in such a beautiful place, and that we have so much family history here. We sure enjoyed meeting you and David and exploring the area together — we’re looking forward to more adventures with you next winter!
We loved Apalachicola! Wonderful post.
It’s a sweet town, isn’t it? Looking forward to seeing you guys in Big Bend later in the year!
Beautiful pictures! (except for one ha!) Apalach is such a pretty old town. I will definitely have to go exploring when I go back in June. Been quite a few years since I went across the bridge from Mom and Dad’s. Only wish you all would still be there. Sure missed you all this weekend for Easter! We had a great time:) Lovely picture of the whole Carmichael family! xxoo
Next year, plan to come over for a longer visit, and we’ll “do Apalach” together. And we’ll have Easter at your house together and we can make Dad hide eggs for us. :-) Love you and miss you.
Being close for family is a down side to this lifestyle. Thank goodness for airports. My mother is 82 and still going strong. We like to spend as much time as we can when we are east, also. Great to see you had a wonderful winter enjoying your folks.
Pam, it’s so wonderful that your mom is still going strong at 82! We can all hope for such good fortune. Full-timing has enabled us to spend a lot more time with my folks, and it’s good for us that they live in such a beautiful place.
I have loved seeing Florida through your eyes. I was adopted at birth and found my biological family in Florida [Brooksville]. I went there when it was so hot and humid. Your pictures make me want to go back and explore Florida more. Thanks, and when you’re here to see Peggy again I’d love to meet you, I feel like I know you through pictures.
Oh yes, Karen, you definitely need to return to Florida when it’s not hot and humid! It’s an entirely different experience. We would love to meet you when we visit Peggy in Portland this summer. (So you’re kind of a Florida native too, huh?)
These are special times and memories as each day is a gift. Lucky you that your folks live in a lovely winter location. We are currently camped in my brother’s driveway which makes for great harmony and wonderful family bonding….the many bennies of our mobile lifestyle.
You’re right, Ingrid, it is a gift to have this time together. And even more of a gift that it’s in a beautiful location! Looking forward to reading your family-driveway-camping blog. ;-)
Laurel, you are so fortunate that with your lifestyle you can visit and stay with your parents for months and bond with them. Plus hanging out with friends to boot. While my mom is across the ocean I can only call her once in a while and visit at least once a year, which is never enough for a 96 year old.
I enjoyed all your post with great photos about Florida especially the Apalachicola area. And I would like to believe I have seen your parents house/dock when we passed by there.
PS. I like the new font on this comment section.
MonaLiza, I do feel so fortunate — it would be really hard to be as far away as you are from your mom. I think it’s wonderful that you travel to the Philippines to spend time with her every year. Thanks for noticing the new font in the comment section! I’ve been working with our wonderful web designer Melissa Michaels to make our blog easier to navigate (and prettier) ;-)
Wow….. I’m feeling sad to be leaving your vistas of Flor Ida …. it’s been a lovely portrayal and I appreciate the thought and creativity you’ve invested in your postings. Looking forward to seeing you before too long…
hugs
n
What a sweet comment! I’m so happy to know that you and Bryan have been journeying along with us. The best part about leaving Florida is that we’re returning to Ashland for a bit, and will be connecting with dear friends such as you. xoxo
Hey Chickadee, Perusing your blog a little. Maybe we’ll make it down to see you in Florida next year after I’ve graduated and I’m a little more free.
Love the pics of your Mom and Dad!
Oh my dear Lindi, I’m so happy to hear from you! It would be wonderful to connect with you next year in Florida. We’ll show you a very good time. ;-)