December 21, 2020
Since we are still in a pandemic and can’t go to NY for Christmas this year, we decided to go on a little hiking trip. We were able to get an Airbnb in Pensacola, Florida. We invited Patricia to join us! We packed up the car and were on our way:
We drove to our first hiking location: a section of the Florida Trail.
We went to check out the river before we started the hike:
It was a very nice start for the day ahead!
Time to get on the trail!
Luna was ready to go but mom wanted a pic of the map.
The Florida trail is usually very well marked and maintained. However, we did come across a blow-down (a fallen tree across the trail).
We got to see sections of the river along the trail:
At times we were able to make it down to the river:
This hill was fun to slide down:
It was also fun to run up!
Dad and Lizzy raced up. Although Lizzy had a very large head start…
Dad still made it to the top first:
We found entertainment along the trail as well:
We discovered a cool sink hole:
Rachel found this fungus!
And then we came upon this!
It was a loop trail and we made it back to the trailhead!
A very nice hike!
We headed to our Airbnb located right on a peninsula near Pensacola, FL.:
The canal was right in the back of the house!
The beach on the gulf side was just a few minutes walk from our Airbnb. We decided to use our flashlights and go check out the beach:
We got some rest and the next day we went on a second hike. We parked near another river and took a moment to prepare for the day:
The trailhead was a short walk down the road:
This is a big old tree Rachel pointed out!
This trail also went along beside a river. We found this little beach area to explore:
The sandy beach was great!
Back to the trail. Portions of this trail was also part of the Florida Trail. We came upon a shelter:
The trail was well maintained but we did come upon a very easy blow-down:
And some little bridges:
We even did some trail running:
We found another beach!
Time to explore! Lizzy decided to JUMP to the island!
Rachel’s right next!
Back to the trail Lizzy found a throne:
Another beach!
We heard about a sandstone formation that was a must see on this trail. After some searching we finally found it!
We climbed down and had fun exploring this awesome site!
We made it back to the road.
When we got back we decided to head to the beach before the sun sets!
Then this:
Santa!?
The next morning Lizzy, Luna, Mom and Dad went for a early morning walk on the beach; Rachel and Patricia stayed in bed.
We had one more short hike as we headed back home:
We decide to visit a ghost town:
This was also the site of a famous mansion:
There was also a small hiking trail:
And this cool abandoned bridge:
We had a nice time exploring but now it’s time to get back home and get ready for Christmas!
There is one more BIG thing that has to happen before we celebrate Christmas. . .
Dad Has Surgery!
December 24th, 2020
Christmas Eve.
This was a planned and scheduled double hernia surgery, not an emergency situation, but it needed to be done, so why not Christmas Eve!
6am getting ready for surgery:
He did great! Well. . . the doctor did great:
Because of the pandemic we could not go to NY this year and spend Christmas Eve with our cousins so later that evening we decided to each open one small present. The girls exchanged gifts and mom and dad exchanged gifts:
To Rachel from Lizzy:
To Lizzy from Rachel:
To Dad from Mom:
To Mom from Dad:
