Prior to heading up Florida’s east coast, we visited Biscayne National Park and then camped in Key Largo at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Biscayne is 95% underwater, offering a unique and beautiful ecosystem, while Pennekamp gave us some welcome beach time—though both locations challenged us with high winds.

From there, we traveled to Merritt Island to spend time with best pal Kathy Brady and her good friend—yes, really—Harry Potter. Harry shared the story of how he was invited onto the Today Show by Katie Couric when the first Harry Potter book was released.

Along with Tracy Dunning and Julia King-Tamang (photo below is for Julia), Greg considers these three his non-fraternal sisters. Each has provided wisdom, support, and, when necessary, helped keep him in line over the years.

While on Merritt Island, we toured Port Canaveral, spotted some great birds, spent time at Canaveral National Seashore, and enjoyed a terrific Thai dinner. Catching up with Kathy was a highlight—she truly is the host with the most.

Next, we traveled to Ormond Beach to visit Larry and Jan Nelson. Otto enjoyed some great walks, we had a delicious fish dinner, and Jan treated us to an amazing fruit cobbler. Most importantly, Larry fixed our blinker and phone jack issues, so we are once again road-ready—and able to enjoy books and music along the way.

Jan also told an incredible story about winning a Price Is Right contest on a cruise she and Larry took—getting every price right on the first try! The next time Jan is in Jackson, we’ll have to convince her to share that story at one of the Whitney Community Center’s storytelling nights.

We also want Librarian Meg to know we’ve been keeping up with our reading and listening. Greg has finished The Travelers, Mule Boy, and On the Calculation of Volume 1. Melinda has also finished On the Calculation of Volume 1, along with Heartwood, More Than Enough, and Leaving Everything Most Loved.

After time with Kathy, Jan, and Larry, we’re once again reminded how fortunate we are to have such wonderful friends and family.

And now, we’ve arrived on Jekyll Island, Georgia.