West Palm Beach

On February 12th we headed to West Palm Beach, Florida. Dad had an annual meeting to attend beginning on Saturday afternoon so we decided to go down a few days early and take advantage of the opportunity. We arrived on Tuesday afternoon and once we checked into the hotel we headed next door to The Cracker Barrel for dinner. They sky was clear and the weather was warm. We had taken our small telescope in case we wanted to star gaze. We decided to wait until the next evening as it was getting late.

The following day we headed to the beach. It was about 15 minutes away. The weather was great. It was mostly sunny with a few patches of clouds. We had taken our beach umbrella, bought some food and just relaxed on the beach. We were there from late morning until after 4:30. Mom decided she didn't need sun block and ended up getting very sunburned.

 

We didn't notice the sunburn until we had left the beach. She had a great "Rocky Raccoon" sunburn around the eyes. In the late afternoon the lifeguards had everyone get out of the water due to a concern with "marine life". Some people tried to get back in but they told them to get out. Shortly after, dad noticed that several people were gathered at the beach area and mom walked down. Dad's curiosity got the best of him and he walked to the waters edge. People had spotted multiple sharks swimming within a few feet of the beach. Mom had not gotten into the water at that point and she definitely didn't get in afterwards.

 

That night we found a great little seafood restaurant in downtown West Palm call Tin Fish. It was great and not too expensive.

 

 

The next day was rainy and overcast. It was a good thing since mom was sunburned. We went to a museum and spent the morning looking at exhibits and the aquarium. It was nice but not great.

 

Even though it was raining we tried to go to the beach. It was raining too hard and we got drenched. We gave up and went back to the hotel. We went back to Tin Fish for another great meal and called it an evening.

The next day we headed to John D. MacArthur State Park and Beach. We were the only ones there as it was a little bit drizzly. We had a great time exploring the park, walking the beach, looking at wildlife and going to the visitors center. The park was close by so it was easy to get to. We had packed our lunch so we had a picnic on the beach.

The next day, Saturday, was work. Dad had the board meeting for OPEAA. This was his last meeting as President of Outdoor Power Equipment Aftermarket Association. We stayed at the PGA National Resort and Spa. Since dad was the president, we were upgraded to the President's suite. A very nice room with a pool table. It was actually two adjoining rooms with one side a bedroom suite and the other a living and entertainment suite. That night was the silent auction so the day was taken with association events.

Sunday was the first day of the annual meeting. Dad presided over the morning meeting. After a networking lunch, we headed back to MacArthur park for the afternoon.

Monday was day two of the meeting. Afterwards we went on a fishing outing in the intercoastal waterway. There were 24 total of us on four different boats. We had a competition and mom beat everyone. She caught 18 fish total.

Her biggest fish was 20lbs. Dad caught a few and had a 22lb jack and also the most unusual catch, a pelican!

This was our guide. When we threw the bait overboard, the pelican swooped down and grabbed it. We had to reel the pelican in.

 

That evening was the annual banquet  and the final day of meetings was Tuesday. We headed home Tuesday afternoon. It was the last hoorah for OPEAA for dad!