Part III On the road again!

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It's funny how familiar everything feels down here. Also one of the reasons I didn't mind not doing that much in Orlando. I still kind of feel like a local, and locals don't do touristy stuff right? Haha. 

Anyway, checked out, went back to the airport. It almost felt as if I was flying home again, but I wasn't. I was just picking up my rental car. I remembered getting in a few days ago and feeling the first beams of Florida sunshine hitting my skin and thinking, worth it! Worth the trip, even if I was going back that same day, still worth it. Instant recharge! Even though I've also noticed how tired I've been and how much I needed a break from my daily life at home. 

I had downloaded the offline map for Florida before leaving home and had set it to avoid toll roads, it would take an extra hour or so every time but what's the rush? I'm on holiday! Getting an unlimited pass via the rental company would mean a daily fee and on top of that the tolls, so that wasn't worth it. I wouldn't pass too many toll roads and also wouldn't use the car every day. I was also able to get a pass at a supermarket but had to make an account and you can already guess my thoughts on that, couldn't be bothered. And so I figured I'll just accept the extra travel time each trip and avoid toll roads. And then it happened, luck helped me out haha. I caught a glimpse of a sign that said 'visitor toll pass' and I had plenty of time so went over to check it out. It was a free pass to use on your trip and only pay the toll fees. It said it had to be returned to Orlando as well (since it's the only location in Florida at the moment that they use these) or pay a $10 fee, I figured I could manage that since I'm not flying out of Orlando. But smartypants me, I got the pass and then emailed them if I could also send it back by mail to avoid the 10 bucks and yes I am. Perfect. Win win! 

Didn't know they had Flixbuses here or am I in Germany?!

Picked up my Toyota Corolla and off I went, on the road again. I've enjoyed driving more and more lately. Maybe cause I'm actually doing longer distances for work or maybe cause it's just me and my music and the feeling of freedom! My first trip was to Crystal River, a 2 hour trip (using toll roads). The sights were nice (after the motorways), it was inland, and there was plenty to see. I saw a dead racoon on the side of the road, which reminded me of Australia where I saw some of my first wildlife dead instead of alive. I also saw a bunch of butterflies, squirrels, birds, not dead. 

Got to Crystal River and checked in, my room had a nice view of the port. Initially I wanted to go here to swim with manatees, it's the place to be! Home to the manatees and they've done such a good job that as of this year they are not endangered here anymore. But after seeing the pictures of people getting up close and personal, seemingly all respectful and stuff but remembering when we went looking for manatees in Belize and keeping a distance, it just didn't feel like I wanted to do that here. And so I went on a granny sunset cruise and loved it. People have often said I've got a  old soul, might be time to start living like it haha. 

The tour was nice, guide was funny. We mostly saw a bunch of birds and a beautiful sunset! We also passed my hotel on the cruise, some story about Elvis and a movie he had filmed here, Follow that dream. And something about him giving out 100 dollar tips. The guide also told us about how the manatees love to play, play with people as well and so if they come up to you, just let them. But obviously if they're sleeping, let them be. This was all if you would go swimming with them.

My hotel

I had dinner after the cruise and went back to the room. Didn't have a great night. I woke up a bunch of times and checked my phone at some point and it opened to my mail with a confirmation of a tour that morning. I did that before going to sleep but because of the bad night I completely forgot I had booked it haha I guess I was out of it a bit haha. Anyways, I was up in time and went on another boat trip! Oh and I quickly booked my hotel for the next two nights before I checked out haha, everything is still last minute.

It was just me and 2 others (an older couple from Texas). It was nice. The guide was funny and talked pretty much non-stop. Lots of interesting facts though! We saw a few manatees at a distance coming up for air and again, some birds. And she told us some of the same stories I had heard the night before. 

I had already checked out of the hotel which was good cause we had to drive to another location to get on the boat that morning, so this way I didn't have to drive back to the hotel again.

And off I went, next stop Dunedin but with a few stops along the way!