Jersey Shore and the 4th

We left Freeport the morning of July 3rd and headed south. *Sigh*  As the temperature started to climb we all wondered if we really should be headed south...I drove the first leg of the trip because we all knew for the sake of the family I should not be driving through, near or around NYC.  SO that was a good call.  My poor husband ended up driving that section and man was it stressful. I believe I held my breath through New Haven until we crossed the George Washington Bridge.  Yes, you did hear me correctly.  We literally did drive through NYC which was not planned.  We were following our Tom Tom and were not really paying attention..until we realized somewhere around New Haven that there were no trucks, trailers, or buses...then we noticed the bridges --- they got smaller and smaller and we kept seeing low clearance signs but did not see the height until we were right on top of the bridge.  We cleared the 9'2 bridge our smallest.  John and I both held our breath.  So John's Dad has mentioned "Make sure to check the map and don't drive through NYC."  John's reply "Of course, dad, we will." What a bunch of morons.  I am pretty sure that is the first and last time any New Yorkers will see a truck pulling a Casita.  Man, did we get some funny looks.

Sorry, there are no pictures for proof you are just going to have to believe me.  

We spent the 4th with my family at the Jersey Shore.  My cousin Liz and her husband Doug and kids Parker and Harley have a summer home on the shore.  My other cousin Jeannie (who we saw in KC earlier in the trip), Matt and Jackson and my aunt and uncle Al and Cheri were also there.  What fun!  We enjoyed the beach in the afternoon, good conversation and a fun 4th of July party that night at Berry and Patty's house (good friends of the Febo family).  We had great food on a beautiful deck looking onto the bay and watched some amazing fireworks (but forgot to videotape for Laur :(

Me, Harley and Liz

View from porch -- we saw fireworks in 360! Amazing!

Doug's parents also live there and are so sweet and welcoming.  The Febo's are from a big Italian family so they enjoy get togethers and good food.  And, yes, I had my cheek kissed more than once!  :) We wished we could stay longer but we have more family to see!  Onward to see Laur and the boys in Tybee!

The campsite

Oh--our campground was less then desirable so we were glad to spend most of our time at Liz and Doug's and walking our dogs in a nearby park.  The roads were muddy and gravely -- with no grass -- we were by a creek so there were tons of mosquitoes.  They also packed you in like sardines in that place.  We were glad to leave the campground----

Headed farther south---

C+J & 4 happy to be goin home pups :) 

Lessons Learned

1. Do not always follow the Tom Tom

2.  Seriously, when are we going to learn to just stay in KOA's?

3.  Always have back up bug spray -- we gotten eaten alive on one our dog walks

4.  Italians know how to make you feel welcome and make some amazing food!