A1A

I've managed to get myself into a state over the silliest of concerns. We haven't yet succeeded to secure the rental of a place in Florida for the winter next year. I confess this is hardly worthy of disturbance on almost any level but it does bear upon something resembling one's home and that - with a small stretch - is a sensitive subject for most people.  No doubt a modicum of the perplexity arises from being nomadic, seemingly akin to perpetual agitation.  In any event it has been our habit to arrange the upcoming hibernation at least a year in advance.

The good news is that having to preoccupy ourselves with this domestic enterprise has afforded us instance to broaden our horizons by investigating other venues upon which to settle. Our latest project took us to Jupiter Beach yesterday where in the past we had several times stayed at the Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa, a remodelled old Florida hotel formerly belonging to the likes of the Holiday Inn but now part of the Opus Collection.  It is a sophisticated little place but not stuffy.  The condominiums we were interested to see through a local agent there were very close to the hotel, comprising about 23 acres directly on the beach. We had the edifying tour and stored the information for future reference.  The estate agent feels that the earliest time at which to address a specific rental is next March when the status of return renters (who naturally have priority) will be determined.

After an exceptionally palatable dinner last evening in the hotel dining room - and a subsequent restful sleep - we left early this morning to return to Daytona Beach Shores.  Yesterday when travelling to Jupiter Beach to meet with the estate agent we had taken Interstate 95, the 4-lane highway whizzing through fields and bypassing most cities.  It's generally considered to be the most direct route.  Today however we decided to take A1A when returning home.  This meant we escalated our travel time from 2¾ hours to 5½ hours.  A1A basically follows the coast of the Atlantic Ocean but it twists and turns along the way, filtering through all the coastal towns, dodging tiny islands and treacherous land masses.  Balancing its prolongation and ambulations is the scenic treat it provides.  If you like bridges, this is how to travel!

One of the serendipitous events along the way was a stop at a beach beanery called Billie's at Melbourne Beach.  There we had a satisfying late morning breakfast/lunch.

What a perfect stop - just off the highway, along the beach, adjacent parking, restrooms and great food prepared to order. The attendant (who I fully suspect is one of the owners) was cheerful and personable.  She obviously cared that her customers were satisfied.  I told her my only regret was that I wanted to do it all over again!

Within the last 50 miles of our journey I mistakenly detoured from A1A and capitulated to rejoin Interstate 95 which oddly is like some kind of magnetic draw which must constantly be resisted.  But by that time we were losing interest even in the delightful distractions of A1A and began turning our attention to necessary grocery shopping upon our return.  As a result we missed seeing New Smyrna Beach which has been frequently recommended to us.  We did however catch a glimpse of Hidden Treasure Tiki Bar & Grill  in nearby Harbour Oaks.  It's another Florida dive which possibly we'll frequent for lunch some day en route to New Smyrna Beach.

State Road A1A (SR A1A) is a north-south Florida State Road that runs along the Atlantic Ocean, from Key West at the southern tip of Florida, to Fernandina Beach, just south of Georgia on Amelia Island. It is the main road through most oceanfront towns. Part of SR A1A is designated the A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway, a National Scenic Byway. A portion of A1A that passes through Volusia County is designated the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail, a Florida Scenic Highway. It is also called the Indian River Lagoon Scenic Highway from State Road 510 at Wabasso Beach to U.S. Route 1 in Cocoa. A1A is famous worldwide as the center of beach culture in the United States, a scenic coastal route through most Atlantic coastal cities and beach towns, including the unique tropical coral islands of the Florida Keys. A1A also serves as a major thoroughfare through Miami Beach and other south Florida coastal cities.