After six hours of driving in holiday traffic and stops at multiple Arby’s, McDonald’s, and even an “official” Florida citrus & souvenir store, we arrived in time for the Pensacola sunset. All I could think of was a filthy, old fraternity chant that went somewhat like this:

“Pepsi Cola (or Pensacola),

Pig’s Ass Hola,

Someone sh**,

In Our Victrola.”

Even with Google, I couldn’t determine the origin of the silly, gross rhyme, but we’re staying at a Springhill Suites Marriott where they only serve Pepsi, so it somehow seemed appropriate. There were more expletives in the following verse, but I try to keep things family friendly when I write. Nonetheless, we’re in a Pensacola hotel room with nothing but Pepsi Cola, but at least breakfast was free. 

We skipped dinner last night in favor of popcorn, and in the course of finishing a bottle of wine, somehow  planned an impromptu excursion to Glacier National Park this summer. Whether we go by Amtrak or car has yet to be determined? More wine and we might have had the answer. Our hotel is right on Gulf Breeze beach on what they refer to as the “Emerald Coast.” We have a beautiful view of the shoreline as well as the downtown area with blue skies and little to do.

Later this morning, we’ll get back in our rental Chevrolet and see more of the U.S.A. The next stop is Destin-Ft. Walton Beach, about an hour south where we’ll spend two nights with less hassle about packing and unpacking. My wife used to vacation in this area, while I had little exposure to the Florida panhandle. My parents went to Gulf Shores, Alabama and my grandparents wintered in Englewood, south of Sarasota. I once owned a condo on Sarasota’s Siesta Key, so I’ve spent a lot of time in the state but surprisingly never ventured to this stretch of the Gulf. The two of us wanted to get a feel for potential retirement life here. I think the rainbow, sunset, tropical foliage, and warm December temperatures have already sold her on the idea.

I’d rather it be Coca-Cola in Pensacola when it comes to rhyme, but I do like this area. My main concern about Florida is the heat and humidity, but the further north we settle it should be more comfortable. We’ll simply trade the fear of Northwest earthquakes for Southeast hurricanes. There’s always something to worry about! We will look at some properties starting tomorrow and get a better gauge on what we can afford. However, the very first “goal-a” today will be McDonald’s for a Diet Coke before we say good-bye to Pensacola and any thoughts of a nasty Victrola.