Jensen Withdrawal

Wednesday 19th November - I did nothing but sulk - packing our bags and saying goodbye to the Jensen's upset me so much, Callum decided not to speak to me for the entire day, just incase I ripped his head off! So we drove away from Captiva, over the Sanibel Causeway and into Fort Myers; watched a film, ate some food and found a motel. And that's when I started to really miss home. After being looked after so well for the past 12 days, leaving and slumming it in a not up to scratch motel, sulking to boot - does not make for a great mood and by 6pm I was about to get in the car and head for Orlando airport. Until I asked Callum for a hug and he told me where to go (as a joke but for a split second I thought he was serious!) so that made way for a smile, then I felt bad for him enduring a day of Jenni sulking, so I left the smile on my face and drove us to pick up some beers!

So, once I was talking again, we decided to give Key West a miss. I've been before, and it's not a place I imagine Cal would appreciate after already holding him hostage on Captiva for the best part of two weeks! Packing up again, the next day we headed down to Miami Beach. Nancy's navigating proved top notch this time - no arguments to document, and soon we were parallel to the beach. A lot like Venice Beach, CA to look at on the beach side, lots of places (lots of up market places) to eat and drink on the street side. We drove a little further along Ocean Drive, not being able to find anywhere that looked less than $300 a night to stay, we drove on, the Bellagio 'Complex' playing in my mind.

Nancy found us a motel, just shy of 20 miles outside of Miami - towards Fort Lauderdale. We checked in for three nights and dumped our stuff. It smelt a little and was quite small, but nothing we hadn't seen before on our journey across the States. With it only being 5pm ish, we decided to find a cinema and some food.

Tired and belly's full with a SubWay (I'll express my sheer horror now that I have found out that a Veggie Max is actually OK after years of boycotting this establishment - sheer horror!) we made it back to our room. Having a shower and putting on nicely laundered pyjamas usually makes you feel lovely and ready for a good nights kip - wrong... I got into bed and bowed my head in disbelief as I found one, two, three, four... a bloody million animal hairs in my bloody bed... awesome! Closely followed by discovering curious stains on the sheets... double awesome!

I threw my clothes back on and stormed to the reception. How did they rectify the problem??? They gave me the key to another room and told me to inspect it, not apologising, but to just let them know if I wanted to move. I did inspect it... and it was worse than the first... so I went back... "We don't have any more rooms, ma'am". Oh for God's Sake!!!! The evening ended with me politely asking for fresh sheets and making my own bed up again...

It's nothing like the Jensen's, in fact it's crap (sorry) but it's only somewhere to sleep and we can spend the days in the places that matter - like the beach!! So that's what we intend to do. Beach for three days then up to Orlando for the epitome of touristy weeks! Sea World and Universal Studios - can't wait!!!

Bit of a short blog today, sorry! But I'll fill you in properly when we've spent some time here! So bare with me!

Jen

Hate To Say Goodbye - Hate That We Have To Leave

I'm becoming quite emotional about leaving the Jensen's and Captiva - I have become quite attached to both. We leave tomorrow and start our journey again - South this time in the direction of Key West. Which will be a sight to see, but nothing in comparison to the last 12 days.

Our past week has been spent doing much of the same and we have both made an effort in putting pen to paper in starting a few projects we have intended on doing since landing in San Francisco - It is far easier drawing inspiration from these settings than from the hustle and bustle of an inner city.

A few days ago Couple Deux came back to see us, and once again - tail between legs, I spoke to them. They wanted to say goodbye as they were leaving for home the next day. I would like to take a second to apologise to them if they took offence - none was intended! Anyway, we took some photos and bid our final farewells as I learnt a lesson in how not to judge a book by it's cover - something I did learn as a six year old, but lost sight of in this situation. So - sins confessed, I went back to writing and have made some great headway in a book I have been trying to write for a couple of months now.

Taking advantage, again of this opportunity - I would like to thank the Jensen's for the most wonderful of times here on Captiva. It has been a well earned respite from being on the road, especially as I recalculated our mileage to 4,225 !!

It has split our mammouth journey in two with the greatest of treats being able to stay here. I know that the road ahead will make way for many an adventure, but I can't help but wish for more time here. The very prospect of touching down on English soil in a little over 50 days dampens my heart a little every time I look over the Gulf Of Mexico to the blazing sun.

But in lieu of these longings to stay, whenever it rains in Blighty, I can think of our time spent here - in the beautiful surroundings of Captiva.

Onwards, however... still to come; our journey out of Florida, through Virginia, through the Carolina's, up to Washington DC to Philidelphia, New York, Detroit, Christmas in Michigan and finally Chicago.

It seems too soon to be thinking of the end, phoning home to make sure someone will be at the airport come January 8th! But, because we're leaving the half way point, it's hard not to think of home and the cold weather they're all 'enjoying'!

So thank you to the Jensen's and Goodbye to Captiva - I really don't want to leave, but I promise to be back soon!

Jen

A Couple of Couples in Captiva

I always enjoy meeting people on holiday, having an ice cream by the pool, finding out what kind of music they like, do they have a boyfriend/girlfriend... but it's completely different this time around, as I am no longer 13, and this type of conversation just does not suffice!

On our first evening in Captiva, Callum started talking to the couple in the adjoining cottage, which then lead to them coming over for a beer, not an ice cream; talking about their marriage, not their courtship and the music preference turned into Presidential Candidacy!

At some points, I felt I was in over my head (I've already admitted my political failings to you and to them) but mostly I enjoyed myself... and had a few feelings of...oh my lord, I'm getting old! It is a strange feeling, when, having been on holidays many times with my mother and father, not having them around when the conversation grew limited or went, indeed, over my head! However, our neighbours were fantastic, here for another couple of days and more than happy to listen to our stilted opinions of the elections, and excitement towards our onward journey.

We saw them a couple more times, on the beach and around the Jensen's resorts, swapped email addresses and had another beer together. All in all it was a typical holiday encounter, which I really, thoroughly enjoyed.

Getting into the swing of the 'grown up chat' malarky, I was delighted to find another couple on our way back from dropping off our car in Fort Myers. Cal and I had worried over the expense of getting back onto Captiva without our trusty automobile, finding out it was going to cost us 80 bucks didn't exactly fill our little souls with glee.... until we found the 'other couple' (I almost feel we cheated on the first with a younger, hotter couple...which sounds weird, and also untrue!)

He held up a sign asking if anyone was going their way and if so, did they want to split a cab... so that's just what we did. And on our journey we exchanged info; where we were all from; how longing we were staying; where exactly we were staying; had we been before - you know the story.

It was all very pleasant, no one over stepping the mark, everybody's politeness making way for a genuinely delightful holiday chat. Until Couple Deux revealed they were devout church goers and all of a sudden, unexpectedly, I became somewhat uncomfortable.

Not being religious myself, I am whole heartedly respectful of others said religion and take it in my stride to listen to their beliefs; and I really don't think I'm on my own when I say that, as soon as you know that these strangers before you are the God fearing type of fellows - conversation becomes a little stifled. I did not want to offend either of them, and as my every day language can be a little coarse (I know, you just wouldn't believe it) I decided to try and shut up for the rest of the journey without them sprinkling holy water on me or praying for my soul.

Anyway, we'd told them of our writing and they said they would try and check out the Jensen's resort and website - my good deed done for the day, I was happy to say our goodbyes and felt safe in the knowledge that I hadn't, indeed, offended anyone and she sent me on my way "God Bless You." And I feel that's not so bad as we still have another month and a half of travelling ahead.

Breathing a sigh of relief, having saved a bunch of dollars in the cab of religion, I spent the next day reading a great book, 'The Seduction of Mrs Pendlebury' (By Margaret Forster - it's good, look it up) A 1970's British affair, 200 odd pages of good reading... all being well with the world, I absorbed myself in the literature. The ever mentioned waves playing, what now feels like my personal soundtrack, accompanying my reading...

'That must be Jenni!"

Couple Deux had arrived, stradling their bicycles, they had hunted us out - I felt like they'd come back to ask me to accept Him into my life.

"Don't you look all cute and relaxed!?"

I was before you got here... I quickly hid my book in sheer terror that the title would offend, although the content wouldn't and engaged myself in more polite chit-chat (Callum being no where near to help me out!) I couldn't, however, have felt worse for what could only have been my own short sighted stereotyping. They were a genuinley lovely couple, who were nothing more than excited to hear more about our travelling plans. And even gave us tips about where to get cheap theatre tickets in New York (Which did surprise me, because, isn't NYC full of sin?!)

So me now feeling suitably sheepish, as she announced that she must hug me - we said of goodbyes. I was far too quick to judge and I felt awful, so I gave them a few leaflets for the Jensen's boat rentals, telling them they'd love it and felt right with the world once again for doing another good deed!

We're yet to meet Couple Trois, but we have taken advantage of our quiet time on Captiva. I'm excited about our onward journey, but will greatly miss the hospitality and tranquility of the Jensen's... I'll just thank my lucky stars we're here for another 5 days!

Jen

At Home With My Manatee

Our first few days have been spent acclimatising ourselves to the Jensen's mentality - which hasn't taken me all that long! Peaceful relaxation...don't mind if I do, thanks!

We've moved over to the marina side and I've already asked the locals how much the land goes for... I'd very much like to make Captiva my home, but as Oprah has apparently just bought a plot for a cool $12 million, my piggy bank is still somewhat on the light side...maybe a joint family investment is what's needed!

So going back to that peaceful relaxing; I took the 30 second stroll from our marina cottage last night to the water front with a bottle o' beer and took a seat under the blanket of stars...Move over, Utah... theirs are much brighter than yours!

With the waves lapping against the 20 or so little boats that the Jensen's rent out to explore a little further, I soaked up the atmosphere and called home. Having missed my friends' wedding, I knew I had some catching up to do. So I braved a 1.30 am phone call and was told about the service, which could have only been made better if done here!

Wrapping up the late and newsworthy phone call, I thought of this place with all my friends here - which would only make it that little extra special.

As I watched the sky growing darker and the stars coming out to play, I took a walk onto the pier. Many years ago, my brother and I had been standing in the exact same place as one of the Gulf's manatees had floated by to say hello... all these years later, in the same spot, another slowly bobbed to the surface to greet me. Now I don't know whether the Jensen's sponsor these gentle sea giants, because they mirror their attitude to life; so laid back, not a worry about them - just checking in every now and again to make sure we're all doing OK.

This is a wonderful place to come, whoever you may be; a family, couple, friends, old or young or even on your own. Take a boat trip out to one of the islands scattered around Captiva and Sanibel, look out for the abundance of wildlife, be it a manatee, dolphin, pelican or turtle. Or if you're feeling lazy, just walk the short distance to the beach and crash out there for the day under the sun. You may even live life on the edge and go for a drink or three in the good old English pub, The Mucky Duck.

Whatever it is you feel like doing, just take everything slow and easy, there's no rush. Everything, including the sun, will be here tomorrow.

So I'm going to take my own advice, put down my pen, grab a beer and wait for you lot to join me!

Jen

And So Paradise Welcomed Us

I hope I remember the feelings of excitement I had when driving over the bridge from Fort Myers to Sanibel Island. I swear I have never grinned like that before in my short 22 years of life!

I have to confess that the times I have driven onto Captiva in the past, I have either been extremely young...or asleep! So this time was special.

We stopped to get some supplies before arriving and I asked Callum how he felt (being a Captiva Virgin, he did not know what to expect). The answer I received... "It just better warrant your whoop whoops and your insecent ramblings!" You see, Callum is a partying kind of guy; it takes a lot for him to exude any kind of excitement without either a vodka in hand, or some rock blasting!

However, give the guy his dues, he was more than pleasantly surprised when after 3,500 miles, we arrived at Jensen's. In fact, there was even a smile...

Clambering out of the car, with our feet being met by those Captiva shells - I was once again in Paradise. Beside myself with that excitement, we found the Jensen's office (much easier than those Route 10 motels, Nancy and I had argued over!)... Very well sign posted - well done, boys!

Having never met a Jensen brother, I was elated when one of the clan, Dave, instantly recognised me (must be that British charm!) and welcomed us right in to the bosom of the resort!

Casting my memory back - long before I usually care to rememeber, my first Captiva trip; I saw my mum, dad, brother and I walking out on the pier in front of me; my dad pretending to throw me in to the water... as you can imagine, whinging quickly followed... but memories of a great holiday!

So, Dave tells us we're staying on the 'Gulf Side' (and I love him a little more for this! As, by now you may have guessed, I'm partial to a good sunset!) And also, while I'm rabbiting on - for those of you that don't know, Captiva is on the west coast of Florida, the Gulf side (On the West) of the Island housing the marvelous sunset theatre shows and the first of the two Jensen's locations... and then the marina side on the east, which houses the Jensen's cottages. So off we go to settle in...

I open the door to the 'Post Office Sweet' (Pun intended!) and let out a little cry of joy. 3,500 miles seems like nothing for this little piece of heaven.

..."I love you very much, Callum - but I'm not top and taling with you!" One bed - huge living room; Callum quickly opts for the plush sofa and stops an argument over the most beautiful bed before one even starts.

He has also reached nirvana - a television; patio and freezer for his vodka - he is more than set. He's now starting to understand my gushes of excitment! So in my rush to take everything in, I had to ring home to gloat. My mum is beside herself with jealousy, so I say goodbye and ring the father. Tired from a long week in the office, he too is envious of my said geography; I once again bid my farewells and almost circle myself for the next thing to do.

The beach. Thirty paces and we're there. Callum now fully understands and is in the sea before he hears my next bout of cries.

...For our welcome party had surfaced - a dolphin, just ahead of him in the surf. For what more could anybody want, I do ask you?! This place is, quite honestly, a modest slice of perfection.

And as I write this now, the sun has just disappeared into the sea and the sky is lit with it's fading embers - painting it with the richest of pinks, reds and oranges; the beach is getting dark, there's not a soul around, and I couldn't and never have been more at peace with this beautiful world.

Election Day in Louisiana

Having decided to have a days rest from the road, we laid our hats for a couple of nights in Louisiana. Cal had wanted to stop in New Orleans, thinking it was a great party place, but our motel was far from the partying and nearer to the Election Enthusiasts. We arrived the night before the presidential election - quite possibly one of our lesser laid plans.

During our time in America, Callum and I have become quite enthralled in this election who-ha. Having quite graciously accepted a 'U' (Unclassified - because the only mark they could give me was for spelling my name correctly) for my Politics A Level at school, I will admit that our British way of doing things goes a bit over my head; however, America seems to have it sussed. The folk over here actually care who runs the country, and the people who want to run the country actually care about those who live here... quite simple, quite effective, people bother to vote.

However, having been following the candidate we wanted to win and venturing out on our first day in Louisiana, seeing four women in the middle of the road holding signs up to vote for the opposition... we didn't really feel like being sociable... I had been told by a friend who has also driven across this fine country that, as a foreigner - don't bad mouth any of the politicians - you just don't know who you're talking to - just don't talk about the government, full stop! ... Quite hard to do on the eve of the elections!

So we kept ourselves to ourselves and crisped by our swamp of a pool, not talking to anyone. Then we went shopping... Then we went to a movie... Then we went back to the motel... not speaking to anyone! And then Obama made history, and we were happy... so then we went to sleep... !!

We've now left the party state of Louisiana (!!) and have driven through Mississippi today and landed in Alabama. Alabama is just how I imagined it to be. It's like we walked into the set of Forrest Gump; the streets are lined with the oldest of trees, whose leaves are just changing to a luscious golden colour. It's beautiful and I wish we could stay for longer, but Jensen's is calling and I swear if I wasn't in the most quietest of libraries I would be screaming with delight that in 48 hours we will be there... a whoop whoop is quite definitely appropriate right now!!

Whoop Whoop!

Jen

Atticus Finch, Butterflies and Sunsets

Each time it happens, I am truly moved at the resounding effect that a piece of music has upon us at various moments through our days. Driving from Phoenix to El Paso caught me completely off guard.

As the sun melted behind yet another 'fall' coloured mountain, making a true beauty of a silhouette out of it, we eased along the road listening to... Cold Play... now let me just take a second to reassure you that I am very much of the opinion that Cold Play made the one good song, and this was now accompanying us along Route 10. With Chris Martin and co singing 'Fix You' through the loud yet appauling stereo system of our loud yet appauling new car... I saw a sunset that was very nearly worthy of my Grandad.

There's definately one thing that America allows you to do - and that's to think. There is so much space here... so much empty space, and if you're not careful it can catch you off guard like this drive did for me and reduce you to driving open mouthed, completely in awe of your exact location on this planet, thinking of those you love.

It took us 7 hours to drive to El Paso, on Halloween, no less. During those 7 hours I really had to try with all my being to pull myself together before Callum realised I was holding back the tears and I got an earful for being an emotional female.

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To quickly borrow the words from Ms Harper Lee in a speech given by the infamous Atticus Finch, "...but it is a sin to kill a mockingbird." ... a quote I agree with; from a book which is, by far the best piece of literature ever written. This quote that also rang true in my head today, but with slightly different lyrics... "it is a sin to kill a butterfly." (There aren't many Mockingbirds where I come from). Butterflies are beautiful; I have always thought so. Not so beautiful, however, when they are stuck to the front of the car.

With every one that flew onto the window screen, I really did feel truly awful. Callum jumped at every little scream I let out with each death, apparently thinking I was about to crash the car - so I stopped, but the culling continued.

So much so that our once white car bonnet is now a rather ugly mix of black and yellow. It was two days of driving done in one, but at what price, I ask you???

Dead cheap petrol.... (!!!)

We've spent a few days on the road now, making our way down to Florida. The road has taken us through El Paso, San Antonio, Houston and now into Louisiana, in a few days we will arrive in Captiva and I am so excited, I think Callum thinks I've lost a little of my mind... but I physically can't wait to be standing on that beach outside of Jensen's watching, what I hope to be another of those beautiful sunsets.

Jen.

The Phoenixan Devil and The Phoenixan Angel - Part Two

A quick catch up to let you know more about our angels and demons... As I said a few days ago, the demons emerged when picking up our new car...

(We've decided to drive across America, instead of battling the Greyhound buses [Sorry, Grandma - but don't worry, we are safe!])

So, they took more money than we deemed appropriate... hence their title... Devils/Demons... call them what you will... my words were a little harsher! And when I say more than appropriate, I mean we were trying to cut bits out of our travelling to make up for this 'faux pas'.

Anyway, driving bitterly back to our motel in Phoenix - we decided to try and forget about the money and relax. Callum went and chilled by the pool, while I sulked and wanted a hug from one of the parentals.

That's when my angel turned up - I was talking to the manager of the motel about our tale of woe... half an hour later, as I was about to swim my troubles away, she appeared outside of our room... with four gift vouchers for free nights in any of their motels within the U.S... my angels name... Kristine.

People like Kristine restore my faith in society. She had nothing to do with how badly the car hire agency treated us, yet saw how it affected our travelling and produced these four golden tickets...

So now we're leaving Phoenix with a spring in our step and a smile on our face - onwards to El Paso... a littler closer to Captiva, a little further from those demons...

Jen