My daughter, Karen, started hinting (pulsing with excitement is a better description) around Easter that she had a special Mother’s Day gift for me. But, since it was Easter and not Mother’s Day, I didn’t really want to know any details! Otherwise, what would she give me on Mother’s Day? Well, she had to tell me before Mother’s Day, since we wouldn’t be home that day. So, with four days notice, I received a beautiful card from her. The inside hand-written note quoted a song written by John Denver – “Leaving on a Jet Plane”. Yes, my wonderful daughter has surprised me (spoiled me is more like it!) with another trip! She won’t tell me where we are going, only that the temperatures will be in the upper 80’s. WARMTH! Hooray!
After a game of 20+ Questions, I still don’t know where we are going. I do know that it’s to be a stress-free, relaxing, no passport needed, oh and pack your swimsuit stay at a Four Seasons hotel. We will be setting the alarms and leave early Sunday morning (5:30AM) and I won’t know our destination until we get to the airport.
I’ve been trying on summer clothes, digging out the white capris and sandals. We went shopping and I found a new pair of walking sandals and also got a nice RFID Baggalini backpack. With a couple more upcoming trips this year, I’m sure I’ll get some excellent use out of both of them. Two days before we leave, I had to get her ideas about what to actually pack. The suitcase is open, there is some stuff inside, just waiting for the last minute to put a couple items in, zip ‘er up, and head to the airport (DCA).
DESTINATION: Surfside, Florida
HOTEL: The Surf Club at Four Seasons
Definitely a surprise location! I didn’t know where we were going until after I passed through the initial Pre-Check point and got my boarding pass handed back to me! We flew Southwest Airlines into Fort Lauderdale. A note about our Southwest flight from DCA – I was met at the door from an escort with a wheelchair. WOW! She saw me through TSA and to the gate. Before boarding the plane, one of the pilots was not happy to have to circumvent the pre-boarding line at the gate. I haven’t flown Southwest in a while, but remember it as a fun flight because of the crew. Not the case this time. Upon arrival into FLL, a wheelchair escort met me on the jetway and, as the pilot had the seatbelt sign on most of the trip, I asked to be taken to the ladies restroom. He said he would be right back with the motorized cart. Several minutes later, we saw him whisk by with a full load and not even a glance our way. There was another passenger also waiting for him to come back. After a few more minutes, we decided to walk. Eventually, the same cart and driver passed yet another time with no recognition. The walk to the rideshare area was quite a ways away, with lots of passengers and luggage to navigate. Yes, I did it…20 steps at a time!
Our Uber driver was chatty and we enjoyed the ride. Don’t be afraid to ask to sit in the front seat! It’s much easier for me to get out of a vehicle from the front seat than the back. Our room was ready for us when we got to the resort. After a quick orientation to this historical building, we headed to our room. Let me just say that I loved that they retained the old original part of The Surf Club. Beautiful archways. Original terra cotta tile floors. Greenery. Ambiance. I could just close my eyes and see The Rat Pack there. Or Winston Churchill painting the seascape. What a place this must have been back in the day!
As we often find when we travel, the weather clouded over a bit, and we even had quite the rain shower during our visit. We just took advantage of those times to rest or enjoy a beverage on the terrace. We headed to the beach on a sunny morning then took a dip in the pool. I liked the easy steps into the pool. Also of note is the handicap chair lift into the pool. While I do love the beach and being near the water, the soft sand was very difficult to navigate. Good thing Karen was at my side helping me along the way! The steps from the main hotel area to the lower beach/pool area were a bit blinding for me due to the bright sun on white steps. There is a lift nearby for transport to the lower level.
We enjoyed the poolside restaurant, terrace restaurant, room service and Mother’s Day dinner at The Palm. All too soon the trip was over and we headed back to the airport. It’s always sad when the trip is over, but it’s also always nice to come home. Until the realization that there is no chef and no housekeeping service!
We are off again in two weeks, flying Southwest again. Hoping for a better experience and no rain! Check back for my post about Karen’s birthday trip to Nashville!
Twenty Steps at a Time 