Thursday, February 14th, 2013

We enjoyed our new "base camp" at Jim's sister and brother-in-law's, Susan & Randy Cottier's in Pembroke Pines, Florida. We swam in their wonderful pool, played with their dog, Sport, and rested.

 

Friday, February 15th, 2013

Overnight the rains came...so we decided to try a "wet" National Park anyway. Driving down to Biscayne National Park. Unfortunately, the glass-bottom boat tour was not available to us, so we viewed all 5 films available at their visitor center, and enjoyed looking at the many displays. We will have to come back in the summer and get in some snorkeling here. 

 

Saturday, February 16th, 2013

Susan & Randy's grandchildren kept us entertained, and then Randy grilled fantastic steak-kabobs and Susan made delicious side dishes that we all enjoyed.

 

Sunday, February 17th, 2013

We travelled down "memory lane" as Susan took us on a tour of the Blasdel's OLD vacation sites in Ft. Lauderdale, Dania Beach, and Hollywood, Florida. We drove by John's Aunt Eileen's former home in Dania, then stopped at the famous, "Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlor" for an old fashioned ice cream treat. Next, we headed home for dinner with Susan & Randy's son & daughter-in-law, Andy & Alicia, just back from their trip to Key West.

Here are a few pictures of our first 3 days here on the EAST coast of Florida!

 

It's a tropical paradise in Susan & Randy's backyard, around their pool

Plumbago flowering bush

Pineapples that Randy & Susan have started from the
tops of pineapples that they have started

Beautiful swimming pool in Randy & Susan's backyard

Some cacti in nesting pots on the Cottier's patio

Bouganvilla above their privacy fence

Close up of "Under the Sea" bass relief found on the sign for
Biscakyne National Park

Bronze fish sculptures found on the visitor center

Biscayne Bay from the NP visitor center

One of the many underwater scenes on display

Another underwater scene on display at the visitor center

Art is prominently featured at the Biscayne Bay NP Visitor Center
to help promote the park and the area.   This is a photo of
on of the old "Stiltsville" homes in the bay, known as the "A-Frame"

One of the many mansions on the inland waterway in Ft. Lauderdale

Princess Cruise Ship in Port Ft. Lauderdale

A special memory and special stop for John

Beautiful Dania Beach Fishing Pier and Atlantic Ocean Waves,
the site of many Blasdel family vacation adventures