California Road Trip: Forney, Texas

by Rob | Apr 25, 2026 | Road Trips

From Biloxi Beach to Forney, Texas: A Peaceful Stop for Saturday Vigil Mass

After enjoying our time along the beautiful shores of Biloxi, we continued west on our cross-country road trip toward Forney. This stretch of the drive gave us a mix of long highway miles, changing scenery, and one especially meaningful stop along the way.

Driving across Louisiana and into Texas always feels like a major milestone on a road trip. The miles seemed to fly by as we crossed state lines and watched the landscape slowly change heading farther west. The Jeep Gladiator continued to handle the long drive comfortably, making it easy to settle into the rhythm of the road.

Our destination for the evening was St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church for Saturday Vigil Mass. After spending most of the day driving, it was nice to slow down and take a break for worship before continuing the journey. The church was beautiful, peaceful, and welcoming, providing a much-needed moment to recharge during a busy travel schedule.

St Martin of Tours Outside

St Martin of Tours Inside

St Martin of Tours Divine Mercy

St Martin of Tours, St. Michael

St Martin of Tours Inside 2

One of the things we have enjoyed most about this road trip has been finding meaningful stops along the way instead of simply rushing from one destination to the next. Taking time for Mass in Forney became one of those memorable moments that helped make the trip feel more personal and grounded.

As the sun began to set over Texas, we left Forney grateful for safe travels, a peaceful evening, and the opportunity to experience another special stop on our adventure across the country.

California Road Trip: Biloxi Beach, Mississippi

by Rob | Apr 24, 2026 | Road Trips

Biloxi Beach, Mississippi: Our First Stop on the Road to California

Our first major stop on our road trip from Florida to San Jose, California was the beautiful beach town of Biloxi. After a long day of driving west on I-10, it was the perfect place to relax, stretch our legs, and officially kick off the adventure.

Biloxi Beach has a completely different vibe compared to the beaches back home in Florida. The shoreline is wide and peaceful with soft white sand, calm water, and rows of palm trees lining Beach Boulevard. The views of the Gulf were beautiful, especially in the evening when the sun started setting across the water. It felt laid back and welcoming, which made it a great first overnight stop before continuing the long drive west.

Treasure Bay Casino and Hotel

Biloxi Beach

Biloxi Beach and Boat Ramp

We stayed at Treasure Bay Casino and Hotel, which turned out to be a convenient and comfortable place to stay. One thing that stood out immediately was that bell hop service for luggage is mandatory when checking in. The staff handled everything smoothly and were very friendly. The hotel also has a massive parking lot, so parking was never an issue. They offer both free self-parking and valet service, which was nice after spending all day on the road.

Another thing we liked about the property was that there were plenty of food options without having to leave the hotel. The casino and hotel has five different restaurants, and for dinner we decided to try The Den.

At The Den, we ordered the Fried Oyster Salad and the Fried Catfish Po’boy, and both were delicious. The oysters were crispy and flavorful, and the catfish was perfectly cooked with great seasoning. After driving all day, it was exactly the kind of comfort food we were hoping for.

Fried Catfish Po’Boy

Fried Oyster Salad

Us

Biloxi ended up being a great first stop on our cross-country road trip. Between the relaxing beach atmosphere, the convenient hotel stay, and the excellent seafood, it was a memorable way to begin the journey to California.

From Florida to California and Back: 6,169 Miles of Adventure in Our Jeep Gladiator

by Rob | Apr 24, 2026 | Road Trips

From Florida to California and Back:
6,169 Miles of Adventure in Our Jeep Gladiator

There is something special about packing up the Jeep, pointing it west, and watching America unfold mile by mile through the windshield. What started as a road trip from Florida to California quickly turned into an unforgettable 15-day adventure covering 6,169 miles across beaches, deserts, mountains, casinos, historic towns, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.

Our trusty Jeep Gladiator handled every mile of the journey as we crossed multiple states, explored famous landmarks, and made memories we will never forget.

Our first stop was beautiful Biloxi along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. After leaving Florida, Biloxi Beach was the perfect place to relax and officially begin the adventure. The calm water, white sand, and palm trees gave us a chance to slow down after a long day on I-10. We stayed at Treasure Bay Casino and Hotel and enjoyed some excellent seafood at The Den before getting back on the road the next morning.

From there, we pushed west through Louisiana and Texas with overnight stops in Forney and Wichita Falls. Texas roads seemed endless at times, especially while driving through severe weather and tornado warnings, but the open highways and changing scenery kept things exciting.

One of the most unforgettable roadside attractions of the trip was the massive cross in Groom. The Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ stands 190 feet tall and is impossible to miss from the highway. Seeing it in person was incredible and made for one of the most memorable stops of the journey.

As we crossed into the Southwest, the scenery completely changed. The landscapes around Gallup brought classic desert views, red rock formations, and long stretches of open road that felt straight out of a old western movie.

The next major highlight was arriving at the Grand Canyon National Park. No matter how many pictures you have seen, nothing compares to standing on the rim and seeing the Grand Canyon in person. The size, colors, and depth are almost impossible to describe. It was easily one of the most breathtaking moments of the entire trip.

After leaving the canyon, we continued through Kingman before stopping at the legendary Hoover Dam. Standing above the Colorado River and seeing the engineering masterpiece up close was incredible.

Soon after, the bright lights of Las Vegas appeared in the distance. Las Vegas was a complete contrast to the quiet desert roads we had just traveled. The casinos, lights, crowds, and nonstop energy made for an exciting stop before continuing toward California.

Finally, we reached California with stops in Nevada City and Campbell. One of the most memorable parts of the journey was visiting Nevada City, a charming Gold Rush town that also served as the filming location for the movie “The Christmas Card,” which added a special sense of familiarity while walking through its historic streets. We also spent time in Campbell, where we attended Sunday morning Mass at St. Lucy’s before beginning our journey back home.

A major highlight of the entire trip was attending our nephew’s wedding at Testarossa Winery. The winery setting in Northern California was beautiful, with rolling vineyards and a perfect backdrop for a celebration, making the long drive completely worth it.

After spending time in California, it was time to begin the long drive home. We crossed the desert once again with stops in Blythe and El Paso before continuing east across Texas to Columbus.

The final major stop before returning home was New Orleans. After days of driving through deserts and highways, the French Quarter felt alive with music, history, incredible food, and nonstop energy. We stayed at Hotel St. Marie, which was perfectly located just steps away from Bourbon Street while still offering a relaxing place to unwind after long days of exploring. Walking through Bourbon Street, visiting St. Louis Cathedral, and enjoying amazing Cajun food throughout the French Quarter was the perfect ending to the adventure.

North Anclote Key

by Rob | Apr 26, 2025 | Boating

Boating on North Anclote Key presents an extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of nature, where tranquil waters invite you to discover secluded coves and untouched beaches. The recent hurricanes have altered the landscape, providing effortless access to the Gulf of America side from the intercoastal waters.

As you navigate your boat into the serene waters of the intercoastal waterway at Anclote Key, the anticipation builds for a delightful adventure just moments away from your vessel; once anchored, a short stroll will lead you through sun-kissed sands and gently swaying sea oats, unveiling the breathtaking expanse of the Gulf beach where the rhythmic waves kiss the shore, inviting you to bask in the sun, hunt for seashells, or simply let the soothing breeze carry your worries away, all while surrounded by the untamed beauty that makes this hidden gem truly enchanting.

While you recline on the soft sands of North Anclote Key, your gaze drifts over the sparkling turquoise waters, where the playful dance of dolphins captivates your heart and the gentle presence of manatees gliding beneath the surface enchants your spirit; the sight of these magnificent creatures weaving through the waves adds a touch of magic to your idyllic escape, reminding you of the remarkable harmony that exists in this coastal sanctuary, where every splash and ripple tells a story of nature’s wonders, inviting you to revel in the serenity of the moment as the horizon blushes with the hues of the setting sun.

As the day draws to a close and the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the tranquil waters of Anclote Key, you find yourself enveloped in a sense of profound gratitude for the day’s simple joys; the laughter shared with loved ones, the thrill of coastal exploration, and the peaceful moments spent in nature’s embrace combine to create a tapestry of unforgettable memories. The vibrant colors of the sunset mirror the joy in your heart, and as the gentle sea breeze whispers through the palms, you reflect on the beauty of this untouched paradise, where time feels suspended and each wave seems to carry a promise of return. With the soothing rhythm of the ocean still echoing in your ears and the soft sand lingering between your toes, you leave with a deeper connection to this magical haven, knowing that Anclote Key will always call you back to its shores for another day of blissful exploration and serenity.

As you sink your toes into the warm, white sands, the gentle rustle of palm fronds provides a soothing soundtrack to your escape, while the sun envelops you in a golden embrace that feels like a warm hug from the universe. Sipping on your favorite beverage, whether it be a refreshing mimosa or a tropical smoothie, each sip transports you deeper into pure bliss as the ocean breeze carries the faint scent of saltwater to awaken your senses. The rhythmic lull of the waves creates a tranquil symphony, inviting you to unwind, while the vibrant horizon stretches endlessly, painting a perfect backdrop for the serene moment you never want to end. Here, in this paradise, time stands still, allowing you to bask in the simplicity of life’s pleasures, where every thoughtful sip celebrates the beauty around you and the peacefulness within.

As you glide your boat into the tranquil embrace of the secluded island’s beach, the anticipation of adventure fills the air, beckoning you to explore the hidden treasures that await just beyond the waves. Anchoring your vessel, you feel a sense of freedom wash over you, as the gentle sway of the boat harmonizes with the whisper of the tide. A short stroll along the shoreline leads you to vibrant sea shells and the sun sparkles like diamonds upon the water’s surface. With each step, the warm sand cushions your feet, grounding you to this moment of blissful seclusion, inviting you to leave behind the world and immerse yourself in the beauty of an untouched paradise.

Merritt Island Airbnb Thanksgiving 2024

by Rob | Nov 30, 2024 | Road Trips

This is our second wonderful experience at this charming Airbnb, which we found to be the perfect retreat both before and after participating in the Space Coast Marathon during the Thanksgiving weekend, making our stay even more memorable and enjoyable.

The space feels like a cozy studio apartment perched above a garage, offering an inviting atmosphere and a delightful view of the tranquil Indian River, where the gentle flow of water creates a sense of peace and relaxation that enhances your experience.

From the private dock, you can see where the race starts, which is conveniently located just three miles away, making it incredibly easy to access the excitement of the event on race day and witness all the action unfold right before your eyes.

The stunning Cocoa Beach, located just seven miles from the property, presents an ideal destination for unwinding and enjoying a variety of activities after the race, whether you prefer lounging on the soft sands, taking a refreshing dip in the ocean, or indulging in beachside eateries that offer delicious local cuisine and refreshing drinks to enhance your post-race experience.