surviving winter, part 2: escape it

This looks nice right about now, right?

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida. March 2010.

When I wrote about embracing winter, I mentioned that my favorite way to survive this dreaded season is to escape it. And taking a trip somewhere warm when your home state is buried in snow is pretty much the best thing ever.

I first discovered this in 2004, when Larry and I took our first vacation together - to the Caribbean. He knew that I hated winter, so we traded February in D.C. for some turquoise water and white sand...

Virgin Gorda, BVI. February 2004.

Of course, a yearly jaunt to the Caribbean isn't exactly in our budget, but I'm happy to settle for a few days in Florida. Luckily, my Dad owns a condo there - convenient, right? Last March, I packed up my flip flops and spent a few days in South Florida soaking up some sunshine...

View from Dad's balcony:

View from my beach chair:


View while dipping my toes in the clear clear water:


Dad contemplates a late afternoon swim:

Another fun thing to do - ride an airboat through the Everglades:



And look for gators. Found one!

The river of grass:

We always take a tram tour through Everglades National Park. More gators...


"That's a fine piece of tail, she-gator!"

George, our tour guide:

Also, I have no idea what this sign means, but it cracks me up:

A congregation of gators:

They look fake. (They aren't!)

See ya later, alligator!




Where do you go to escape winter?