Dateline Dayton — Three weeks ago, Pauline and I left for our annual Florida vacation, and this time we did something different. We started with a cruise.

On a Thursday morning we were on the road by 6 o’clock and still encountered heavy traffic in Cincinnati.  Although I don’t normally make hotel reservation for this trip, we have experienced problems because the time clashes with spring break. I made a reservation for the first night in Macon, GA, and the second night in Ruskin, FL.

With our stops for food, restroom or a break, we arrived at the north side of Atlanta by 4 o’clock.

I was going to take the bypass until I saw a message posted on the overhead sign – Major Accident on the Bypass. That meant a huge backup.

I was surprised that we had no problem getting through Atlanta. We arrived at our hotel by 6 and went out to eat.

We moved right along on Friday, even though – or because — we did not get an early start.  Our plan was to arrive at my aunt’s home by 4 o’clock, and we did.

We had a nice visit with three of my cousins who had stopped by to see their mom.  The son actually lives in the same development and two of her three daughters have  purchased units in Sun City for their retirement.

We were on our way to the Port of Tampa on Saturday to board our cruise ship.  Unfortunately, just like my California experience, I made a wrong turn and got lost.  After trying to reach our son Chris who had lived in Tampa, I reverted to Google, who finally got us to the port.

After going to our cabin, which was very nice and much roomier than the one we had on our cruise last October, we headed upstairs for a meal.  On this cruise we were part of a group touring as Song of the Mountain, a great cruise.

At 5 o’clock we were in a private room being entertained by various country western groups, including our favorite, the Radio Ramblers.  The Mayberry Deputy was there, and he did a great job impersonating Barney Fife. He even had his bullet, although it was only paper.  They wouldn’t let him on the ship with his gun or the bullet.  The entertainment was just outstanding. We  would highly recommend a Song of the Mountain Cruise.

Sunday in Key West we did a tour on our own.  The trolley tour was fun and the woman driver was a wealth of knowledge.  More entertainment that evening.

We were at sea on Monday, entertained by various groups, morning, afternoon and evening.  We did have pool time, although cool, and also took in the ship’s entertainment.

We were in Cozumel on Tuesday, and all we did was walk around downtown since we have been there on a couple different cruises.  Returning to the ship we ate ice cream, took a nap and then enjoyed more entertainment.

Wednesday was a very windy day at sea and it was cool at the pool, so again we took advantage of all the entertainment options we were provided.

By Thursday we were back in Tampa and on our way to Venice, FL, for a few days.

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net