Deep South Trip Day 6: To the East Coast of Florida

I got a good night’s sleep at Michael’s. After a few days of sleeping in my car, it was nice to be indoors for a while. You don’t know how much you miss the indoor amenities until you go a few days without them. I took a shower and then hit the road.

Residential street at dusk with smoke visible in the cloudy sky, palm trees and single-story homes line both sides of the road Multi-lane highway with light traffic under cloudy skies, white sound barrier wall runs along the right side with power lines overhead

When I visited Florida last, I came from the eastern Florida and headed west. This time I’d be doing the opposite. I did stop at the same 7-11 though. I had fueled up at this 7-11 before heading back to Texas. Instead of heading back to Texas, I grabbed breakfast and headed east.

Gas station pump area at dawn or dusk, convenience store visible in background with vehicles parked at other pumps Busy intersection with 7-Eleven store and gas station, multiple vehicles waiting at traffic lights under partly cloudy sky Two wrapped croissant sandwiches with egg, cheese, and bacon from 7-Eleven, priced at $2.79 each, displayed on dark surface Open rural landscape with green pastures and fenced fields stretching to the horizon under clear blue sky Rural two-lane road at sunrise with sun glare, scattered trees and utility poles visible along the roadside Straight rural highway stretching into the distance with bright sun overhead, trees lining both sides of the road Florida highway with palm trees on both sides, metal guardrail visible on left, clear blue sky with few clouds

I got to Okeechobee and noticed a park along my way that had a bunch of military equipment. It is named Flagler Park. I decided to get out and take a look around.

Military tank memorial display on grass median at busy intersection, vintage tan-colored tank with traffic and buildings in background

After Flagler Park, it was off to more driving. Some of the areas were very wooded.

Canopy road with dense oak trees creating tunnel effect, dappled sunlight on pavement, vehicle ahead in distance Shaded rural road under dense tree canopy, speed limit sign visible on right, sunlight filtering through leaves Tree-lined road with motion blur on sides indicating movement, mix of oaks and palm trees creating natural canopy Narrow paved road through lush Florida vegetation with palm trees and oaks, cloudy sky visible through canopy

I had made it to the other side of Florida. I decided to check out Port St. Lucie a bit before heading a little further north. I have read WaWa gas stations are highly rated, so I stopped there to get some gas and take a look around inside.

Wawa convenience store exterior with red metal roof and tan facade, several vehicles parked in front under blue sky with white clouds

I got a Mountain Dew and headed to Publix. Just like WaWa, Publix is very highly rated by people who live in Florida.

Hand holding large bottle of Mountain Dew with bright green liquid and distinctive logo, photographed on concrete surface Publix supermarket in strip mall with palm trees in parking lot, multiple vehicles parked under partly cloudy sky

I picked up a few things at Publix including a sub. I took the sub and my Mountain Dew to Jensen Beach in Port St. Lucie.

Two-lane road with vehicle ahead, palm trees and tropical vegetation on both sides under bright blue sky Straight rural road with palm trees and utility poles, vehicle ahead in distance, scattered clouds in sky Waterfront view across calm bay or river with distant shoreline visible, palm tree trunk in foreground, vegetation along roadside Coastal road with palm trees lining both sides, cyclist in bright green visible ahead, clear blue sky with white clouds Long concrete bridge spanning over water, minimal traffic visible ahead, white puffy clouds against blue sky Roundabout with landscaped center island and Jensen Beach welcome sign, commercial buildings visible in background

When I was eating, a seagull tried to steal my sub. I didn’t think that wild animals would be so brazen. It could be either that or maybe everyone just loves Publix subs, including the birds. I also got wet feet getting too close to the water. I decided to drive barefoot and let my shoes and socks dry on the dash.

Car dashboard view showing black athletic shoes and green and gold striped towel on passenger seat, palm trees visible through windshield Bare feet resting on black car floor mat near vehicle pedals, showing legs from knees down Urban street lined with tall palm trees and high-rise condominiums, light traffic under clear blue sky Elevated causeway road running alongside bay or inlet, water visible on left, dense vegetation on right Scenic view of turquoise bay waters with white puffy clouds, grass and vegetation along roadside shoulder

My drive took me to a more desolate beach called John Brooks Beach. I drove down a gravel road and saw I pretty much had the place to myself.

Remote gravel road through dense Florida scrubland under clear blue sky, road stretches straight into distance White sand parking area or turnaround with single vehicle parked, surrounded by dense mangroves and tropical vegetation

It was a nice day, and I could have hung around John Brooks Beach for a while. I was going to meet my buddy Mat after he got done with work, so I had to hit the road again. On my way to picking him up from work, I went past the Beachfront Inn. This is where I stayed last time I was in this part of Florida.

Weather app screenshot showing Fort Pierce, Florida at 80°F, mostly sunny conditions with wind speed of 18 mph Waterfront street with palm trees bending in wind, decorative street lamps, clear blue sky Coastal road with wind-blown palm trees, blue buildings visible on right side, clear sky Beach road with severely wind-damaged palm trees, person walking on sidewalk, yellow and black warning signs visible

I kept driving past and then went to the Best Buy in Vero Beach. This is where Mat works. Since I had some La Quinta points, I decided to book the closest available La Quinta. That La Quinta was a ways away in Melbourne, FL. The funny thing is there is two La Quintas in Melbourne. I ended up driving to the wrong one since searching La Quinta on my GPS didn’t differentiate the two.

High concrete bridge over water with dramatic white clouds, light traffic ahead under blue sky Bridge view through car window showing turquoise water and distant shoreline, bridge railing in foreground La Quinta hotel search results screenshot showing two properties, Fort Pierce location unavailable, Melbourne-Palm Bay showing rates from $209 Multi-lane highway with moderate traffic, trees lining both sides, puffy white clouds in blue sky La Quinta Inn & Suites four-story building exterior with palm trees, covered entrance portico, vehicles parked in front

After my little mishap, I headed to the correct La Quinta. This one was a lot nicer than the other one anyway.

Days Inn hotel exterior with sun flare from left, palm trees in foreground, multi-story building with covered entrance

In the hotel, I was looking for cool places to discover. I saw there was a Sunrise and Sunset Park. Sunrise Park is facing east, and Sunset Park is facing west. Mat and I raced to see if we could go to both before the sunset. Traffic ended up being bad, but I guess it wasn’t as bad as people going the other way.

Two-lane highway with wide grassy median separating opposing traffic, scattered vehicles and commercial buildings visible in distance

I first made it to Sunrise Park. I fed the parking meter and took a look around.

Two weathered parking meters with rust at base, mounted on single pole near wooden boardwalk at beach or waterfront Damaged wooden pavilion structure with partially collapsed roof, palm trees and beach vegetation in background at dusk

The interesting thing is Sunrise Park has parking. Sunset Park does not. I drove around trying to find close parking, but could not before sunset. I guess I’d have to catch the sunset while driving.

Residential street intersection at sunset with large oak trees silhouetted against orange sky, vehicle passing through Parking app screenshot showing Waterfront road at sunset with dramatic orange sky, white bridge railing on right, silhouetted trees and street lights Coastal causeway at sunset with bright sun low on horizon, white guardrail beside water visible on right Road along waterfront at golden hour with sun setting ahead, palm trees silhouetted on right side near water Busy intersection at dusk with church building featuring bell tower on right, multiple vehicles waiting at traffic light under orange sky

Mat and I were hungry, so we drove into Downtown Melbourne. We ended up at a place called Mustard’s Last Stand.

Restaurant or bar exterior at twilight with yellow illuminated sign, outdoor seating area with umbrella, palm trees and dark cloudy sky

After eating, it was time to head back to the hotel. Mat and I decided we’d get a 12 pack and then hang out by the pool and BS. It had been almost a year since we last hung out. We walked over to Cumberland Farms gas station to get some beer.

Gas station at night with brightly lit canopy and convenience store, viewed from across dark street with traffic

Mat and I then walked back to the hotel. We went to the pool and just chilled out. The weather was really nice, and it was perfect just to relax and knock back a few beers.

Man in black Batman t-shirt holding Busch Light beer case, standing outside building with arms spread wide in welcoming gesture Rectangular hotel swimming pool at night with underwater lighting, white fencing around perimeter, lounge chairs along deck Three blue mesh lounge chairs arranged around small round table on pool deck at night, white privacy fencing in background First-person view of hand holding Busch beer can while reclining on blue lounge chair beside illuminated pool at night Weather app showing Melbourne, Florida at 76°F and partly cloudy conditions at 8:16 PM with wind speed of 12 mph

It was especially nice considering Marshfield, WI was 14 at the time.

Weather app showing Marshfield, Wisconsin at 14°F and partly cloudy conditions at 7:16 PM with wind speed of 4 mph

Even Austin was only 43. The weather was sure looking good in Florida!

Weather app showing Austin, Texas at 43°F and cloudy conditions at 7:16 PM with wind speed of 7 mph

Before we knew it, we were out of beer, and it was just in time for the pool to close. The next day we were planning on hitting up the Navy SEAL museum, and then I’d be heading north to the Carolinas. We called it a night to get a decent night’s sleep for the next day.

Overhead view of open cardboard box containing four Busch Light beer cans on concrete surface with person's shadow visible

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