Second Day of Travel to Captiva

We rose early around 5:30-6:00 , dressed, packed the car, and had a quick breakfast in the motel lobby.  Had  waffle(Al), bagel, juice, and coffee.  Remember Room # 232 for next time we stay here.  All personnel are very helpful and friendly at the desk.
After filling up with gas across the street right next to the ramp, we were on the road by 7:30 headed to our next stop in Ocala, FL.  We stopped at a Chick-fil-a for lunch which was the quickest service that we ever had.

This was a picture of a rest stop as we entered the state of Florida.

We arrived at the Best Western in Ocala about 5:00 without any traffic jams or slow ups. Smoothest trip in a long time. Our room # 136 was on the first floor near the exit at the end of the hall.

We had dinner at Olive Garden in the bar as the restaurant was very busy with a long line waiting for tables.  I had Linguine di Mare- Shrimp and mussels sautéed with homemade pomodoro sauce and whole grain linguine and Al had Chianti Braised Beef & Ricotta Gnocchi-twice braised beef in a Chianti red wine sauce served over light ricotta gnocchi in a creamy carbonara sauce.

Second Day of Trip to Captiva

 Today  we left Rock Hill, SC about 7:30AM traveling to Ocala, FL which is about 465 miles. We had breakfast of waffle, eggs and muffins in the lobby restaurant.  It was a cold morning and the car windows were frosted over.  Our stay here was very pleasant and the access to the interstate is as good as it could be.  We took I-77S and had a 30 minute delay due to an accident shortly after
leaving.  We drove to I-95 and then took US-301 all the way into Ocala to SW 10th St. (Fl-200)  which goes to the Best Western  at  3701 SW 38th Ave,  We avoided I-75 traffic and congestion.   US-301 was a good route, even with the slower speeds and driving through towns.  There was more traffic on 301 than I remembered last year.  We experienced wonderful weather today with sun all the way.  Temperature rose to hi 60's.  We arrived about 4:00 and was pleased with the room 435 and service here.

 

We had dinner about 6 at the Olive Garden.   As last year we again ate in the bar area at one of the side booths to avoid waiting for a table in the dining room.  But our dinner was not that enjoyable as a group of people (10+) crowded in  around a high top table for 4 next to us and was very loud and noisy screaming out to each other and others arriving for their party in the dining room.  They also flustered the waiter who lost control of his service to the bar area.  We ordered the same items as last year--We started with Calamari and  Al ordered   Braised Beef and Tortelloni - tender slices of slow-braised beef, portobello mushrooms and asiago-filled tortelloni tossed in basil-marsala sauce.   I had Eggplant Parmigiana - lightly fried, topped with homemade marinara and melted mozzarella, served with a side of spaghetti.   My dinner was not good, the eggplant was soggy as if it had been cooked and set for awhile.   The manager ended up quickly comping the dinners .......we think he realized things were a bit out of control as he began checking on some of the other tables who had been complaining. We ordered glasses of wine but never received them and told the waiter not to bother bringing them.  Overall, a bad dining experience. Thumbs Down!

 

I turned in early again but Al stayed up late on the computer and watched TV.

 

Arrival at Captiva

Best Western Ocala

We were slow getting started this am....a we ate a bite at the breakfast buffet which was very crowded. Al made a bagel, egg, sausage sandwich with cream cheese...he was proud that he thought of  making this. We left shortly after 9am for our final leg of our trip south. We stopped in Ft. Myers at Publix to shop for provisions before heading to the island.  Arrived about 4pm at the rental home.  Margarethe had remodeled the kitchen which has an improved layout and all new cabinets. She did a great job with the design.
Finally I got unpacked and organized.  Had some sushi from Publix with gin and tonics.  Headed to Lazy Flamingo for oysters on the half shell with mesquite ribs, fries, and grilled grouper served with Caesar salad and Texas toast.  We shared our meals so we each had some of all the dishes. We are happy to have arrived safe and sound after the 21 hours drive over 3 days. Weather is beautiful and warm!!

Lazy Flamingo for Dinner