We woke about 7 to a huge storm, torrential rain thunder and lightening. So much for checking out the beach today. Average breakfast (far from what we expect from a Hyatt) and we were on the road again. We took the more scenic route along the gulf coast. The weather cleared to a sunny, hot windy day, apart from the wind it was far more pleasant than it has been over the last few days. We passed a number of military bases. At one stage with the gulf on our right...

We slept badly, waking far too early perhaps aware of the need to be ready by 9am to be picked up by A& A. They dropped us to the car rental place where we collected our ride for the next week. I asked for a free upgrade having only paid for a Camry it was a nice surprise to be offered a charger. First order of the day was a trip to the nearby IHOP for breakfast, the best deal included a breakfast desert; doughnuts with either strawberries or maple bacon. ...

It was a slow start eventually rising and walking to meet A&A at Huck Finns Diner for lunch at 12.30. Classic southern fare, gumbo, jambalaya and blackened alligator. I think it was our first time with alligator and it was delicious. From there we walked a block to the Ruby Slippers Cafe. The Abyzz boys and Julian raved about the Bloody Mary there. They make it with bacon infused vodka and it comes with a strip of bacon in place of the usual celery and green...

After breakfast and an easy check out we waited outside briefly for Aaron and Angela checking out which way the weather was going to go. The news broadcasts had Harvey heading our way but so far today it's been just dreary skies and a bit of drizzle. They picked us up and we headed straight out to the airboat tour. We were the last to arrive, everyone else was early. It worked out well as were on a much smaller boat than the rest, just us four and another couple...

Pete went down for breakfast alone, I stayed in bed just a little bit longer....... Once he was back I got up and we left together, him to head over to the convention hall me to the lobby to do a bit of catching up on emails etc until we left for our brunch. While waiting Harvey finally arrived, driving rain on the atrium ceiling and thunder. It was then I decided to go back up and change, not the weather for a summer dress and leather sandals! It had eased off...