12/15 to 12/21 - Delray Beach, FL

   12/15 to 12/21

DelRaton RV Campground

Delray Beach, FL

Greetings. Welcome to Delray Beach and Merry Christmas. This year, the Hannukah season coincides with Christmas. This occurs about every two to three years as each holiday is based on a different calendar. The Gregorian Calendar is solar based whereas the Hebrew Calendar is Lunar based. And so, this year, Happy Hannukah is appropriate as well. 

My 74-mile trip north from Miami to Delray Beach was as expected: a rat race. Miami traffic is awful to begin with. Today, add windy conditions that could buffet a high profile vehicle (like Winnie) from lane to lane. Slow and steady won the race.  A stop for fuel and some items from Walmart across the street from my destination all went as planned.  The weather, still windy, will see temperatures with a high of 79 and lows in the low 70's. Not bad at all. 

This will be my seventh year spending time here at the DelRaton RV Park.  Michelle and Dad, Arthur, and family are the proud owners of the campground and for 51 years. 

This year my site #4 was situated close to the front of the park making it convenient for me to walk and meet the folks who stop by to pick me up. The site is crushed stone with an adjoining concrete slap and offers both 30/50 amp service, water and sewer. The only amenities available are the buildings that house bathrooms/showers and laundries.

Tuesday, I was able to squeeze an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) appointment in Boca before their holiday closure; a follow-up for my NY eye doctor keeping track of glaucoma. I've had the Peripheral Laser Iridotomy in both eyes, so these follow-up are keeping track of pressure. BTW, follow the above link for more info on the painless, well worth procedure if glaucoma is a now or a pending situation. 

Afterwards, Chuck and Silvia treated me to brunch at the nearby Hen and Hog Restaurant.

With the huge smoker at work in the rear of the building, the aroma was a welcoming invitation for patrons to enjoy the warmth of Southern comfort food in Boca Raton.

Though a tad noisy with Old Dixie Highway traffic street side, we opted for the outdoor patio.

Thank you, Silvia and Chuck who made the trip down from West Palm Beach to pick up and drive me five miles further south to my eye appointment in Boca Raton.

My go-to brunch favorite.

Silvia's fresh fruit bowl

Chuck's beef brisket special with pan fried sweet potatoes.

Amazing carved wooden bench for seating near the entrance. 

Wednesday, cousin Norma and Carlo picked me up for a trip to Luigi's di Roma in Deerfield Beach and named the "Top 5 Best Places for Italian Food in the State of Florida." Quite a claim, for sure. As with all restaurants I visit, it's strongly urged that you take the time to check out the website and its menu.

As usual, it was another great selection. Their go-to restaurants have always been top-notch and enjoyable. 

With loads of selections, I chose Gnocchi alla Caprino: Potato pasta, marinara and Caprino cheese which is made primarily of goat cheese. Half went home for the future. I enjoyed a Sangiovese with the meal after a Montepulciano d'Abruzzo during the happy hour. Thank you Carlo and Norma

Entertainment for our evening meal was singer, Alexandra Lewis

The acoustics and background noise of the restaurant doesn't do her justice but she stopped by our table, so it's a sampling.

Thursday morning, bright and EARLY, I was picked up and joined Carlo and Norma for breakfast at their go-to breakfast place, the Original Pancake House on Glades Road in Boca Raton. 

Originally founded in Portland, Oregon in 1953, the chain has grown to over 100 franchises coast to coast. 

Following breakfast we headed for the beach at Deerfield Beach. The day beginning with foggy conditions in Boca, cleared nicely at the beach.

Looking north, one of nine life guard stations can be seen on the beach which also boasts of the 976-foot Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier, their crowning jewel of the beach.  

As our visit approached noon, we took our leave and the crowds gradually grew and filled in prime spots on the beach. This was Thursday, imagine the crowd on weekends. 

And as soon as I was settled enjoying the concept of Florida in Delray Beach and comparing it to back home, it was time to move on. This time, again further north to West Palm Beach and a 12-day visit with son and family for Christmas.

But before I left, I enjoyed yet another highlight with being with family: dinner in Boca with Norma cooking up her usual outstanding dinner BUT with the addition of more family, grandson Scott and great-granddaughter, 7-year old Mia Grace. Thank you, again.

A journey is best measured in the company of those who share your history and love.