Back to the Beach

Posted on May 12, 2013 by lesleycarter

My ten days in Jordan were life-changing. I journeyed to five of my bucket list locations including Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, the Red Sea, and Jerash. I hiked, swam, walked, and climbed my way through the country. I rode 4x4s, buses, cars, planes, donkeys, and camels; and I am exhausted. After ten days of being a hyperactive tourist, I want some beach time. This week we are relaxing at Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina in Fort Myers, Florida. My plan is to spend as much time as humanly possible in the pool and on the beach. Forget constant exercise and adventure; I’m ready to relax.

The view from the lobby set the tone. White sands, a huge pool, beach umbrellas, and the crystal clear ocean; yep, I see relaxation in my future.

Athena was equally excited about the thought of hanging out in the pool. She stood in the window waiting until I was ready. I don’t think I could be any luckier. My child loves the water as much as I do.

Their slogan at Pink Shell Resort is, “The only thing we overlook is the beach.” I’m going to put it to the test this week. I’ll let you know how it goes. See you in the pool.

62 thoughts on “Back to the Beach”

Ray Laskowitz on May 12, 2013 at 5:48 pm said:

The picture of your daughter looking out of the window is a wonderful picture. Great job.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- lesleycarter on May 13, 2013 at 5:17 am said:
  
  Thanks! I’m very blessed; she is always happy 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
  - Ray Laskowitz on May 13, 2013 at 7:15 am said:
    
    “Always happy.” That comes from mom and dad. 🙂
    
    LikeLike
    
    Reply ↓
Pamela Beckford on May 12, 2013 at 5:48 pm said:

My kind of way to relax 🙂

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- lesleycarter on May 13, 2013 at 5:17 am said:
  
  Beach and pool – count me in 😉 Do you have your next vacation booked?
  
  Have a great week,
  
  Lesley
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
  - Pamela Beckford on May 13, 2013 at 5:29 am said:
    
    Working on it
    
    LikeLike
    
    Reply ↓
    - lesleycarter on May 13, 2013 at 5:31 am said:
      
      I’d love to hear all about it 🙂
      
      LikeLike
      
      Reply ↓
      - Pamela Beckford on May 13, 2013 at 5:32 am said:
        
        They are never exotic like your trips. Will just go to south east Florida and stay with a friend. Just always nice to see sand and ocean.
        
        LikeLike
      - lesleycarter on May 13, 2013 at 5:42 am said:
        
        Which is exactly what I’m doing this week so it is like my trips sometimes 🙂
        
        LikeLike
Greg Mayfield on May 12, 2013 at 5:50 pm said:

What an exciting trip. Enjoy Ft. Myers Beach. O e of my favorites. I enjoyed the piece about Petra. I am going to add to my bucket list.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- lesleycarter on May 13, 2013 at 5:19 am said:
  
  It’s my first time in Ft. Myers. I’m loving it so far. Today we’re going to walk down the beach to explore 🙂 Any suggestions while I’m here?
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
lavapix on May 12, 2013 at 6:03 pm said:

Wave to my mother. She’s on Sanibel Island right now 🙂 Glad to hear the Jordan trip went well.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- lesleycarter on May 13, 2013 at 5:20 am said:
  
  I’ve never been to Sanibel Island. Can I drive there? Maybe it’s somewhere I should explore while I’m here 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
  - lavapix on May 13, 2013 at 5:23 pm said:
    
    Yes you can. Might be a toll for the bridge. Can’t remember. Its really nice there.
    
    LikeLike
    
    Reply ↓
babyjill7...Marilyn Griffin on May 12, 2013 at 6:04 pm said:

Athena growing way too fast…what a great photo!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- lesleycarter on May 13, 2013 at 5:21 am said:
  
  I find it hard to believe myself. She’s already 13 months and growing like a weed. She’s so much fun to be around and happy about everything. I’m blessed 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
  - babyjill7...Marilyn Griffin on May 13, 2013 at 5:25 am said:
    
    You truly are!… and knowing it…keeps you grounded…Best to you and your little family!
    
    LikeLike
    
    Reply ↓
Rusha Sams on May 12, 2013 at 6:04 pm said:

What a gorgeous spot for relaxation and reflection on a fabulous journey. I would love to see any of the places you saw before this stop!!! http://ohtheplaceswesee.com

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- lesleycarter on May 13, 2013 at 5:21 am said:
  
  You get a lot of sights in yourself. What’s been your favorite so far?
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
  - Rusha Sams on May 13, 2013 at 5:47 am said:
    
    We love the beach at Pawleys Island, SC for relaxation. And the excitement of NYC for plays, food, people!
    
    LikeLike
    
    Reply ↓
John on May 12, 2013 at 6:44 pm said:

Sounds great! Full report due at the end of this week. 😉

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- lesleycarter on May 13, 2013 at 5:22 am said:
  
  I’m on it 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Anita Mac on May 12, 2013 at 6:50 pm said:

Love the picture of Athena looking down to the pool….very cute!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- lesleycarter on May 13, 2013 at 5:22 am said:
  
  She’s my cutie pie, always looking for adventure 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
VictoriaJoDean on May 12, 2013 at 6:56 pm said:

Excellent end to a strenuous trip – your daughter is adorable.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
ourjourneytothesea on May 12, 2013 at 7:37 pm said:

Lovely.
And that is an awesome slogan. Very well thought out.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
jessicajhill on May 12, 2013 at 8:12 pm said:

Love the picture of your daughter! That pool looks amazing – enjoy your relaxation!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
Becky98 on May 12, 2013 at 8:16 pm said:

What an incredible pool! I’m craving some beach time right now … Enjoy your relaxing time:)

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- lesleycarter on May 13, 2013 at 5:24 am said:
  
  What’s your favorite beach location?
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
  - Becky98 on May 17, 2013 at 11:38 pm said:
    
    I live in Australia so pretty much the entire coastline has great beaches 🙂
    
    LikeLike
    
    Reply ↓
Jonathan Kieran on May 12, 2013 at 8:34 pm said:

Great slogan, Pink Shell Resort! Savor the recharge-time, Lesley. Release that inner-Waterbaby and contemplate all the amazing things you’ve experienced. I’ll share your entry about the grandeur of Pink Shell with some friends who are planning a late summer trip to the Gulf Coast and who are still quite undecided about their specific destination; they’ll love the photos and write-up. Much thanks!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- lesleycarter on May 13, 2013 at 5:29 am said:
  
  If they have any questions, please send them my way. I’d be happy to answer. [email protected]
  
  I hope you have a great week filled with happiness and laughter 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
picksfrommystick on May 12, 2013 at 9:06 pm said:

Congratulations! Five from your bucket list ticked in one trip. Well-done! Happy Mother’s Day, too! Athena is growing fast.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- lesleycarter on May 13, 2013 at 5:26 am said:
  
  Thanks for the Mother’s Day wishes. I love your photos; do you have a personal favorite?
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
xpatdiveguide on May 12, 2013 at 10:14 pm said:

Ahhh, but you missed the best of the Red Sea….underwater!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
ilamont on May 12, 2013 at 10:17 pm said:

Others have mentioned it, but it’s worth saying over and over. The picture of your kid looking down on the pool is a lovely one. I hope you get the rest you thoroughly deserve!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
Dilip on May 13, 2013 at 12:45 am said:

Lovely place for a holiday. Have a lovely time 🙂

LikeLike

Reply ↓
Piggletino on May 13, 2013 at 1:15 am said:

You were in Jordan! Wow!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- xpatdiveguide on May 13, 2013 at 1:41 am said:
  
  No, Egypt, but very close! Glad you enjoyed the region and I enjoyed your posts. I am looking forward to exploring Jordan soon!
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Butterfly Jewel on May 13, 2013 at 1:26 am said:

Wow, you really made the most of your time in Jordan, really!!!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
rwaaslance on May 13, 2013 at 1:37 am said:

Wow! Five location in one trip is amazing… I wonder how many are left on your bucket list?

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- lesleycarter on May 13, 2013 at 5:23 am said:
  
  It’s constantly growing. Regardless of how many I cross off, there are two more to replace them 😉 Do you have a list?
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
overmanwarrior on May 13, 2013 at 3:18 am said:

Wonderful pictures, as usual!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
@dirgadiver on May 13, 2013 at 5:08 am said:

Hope my reply does not get lost in the mix. Love your blog!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- lesleycarter on May 13, 2013 at 5:12 am said:
  
  I try to respond to all comments; sometimes it takes me a little while but I try 🙂 Thanks for the encouragement. Have a great week!
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
lesleycarter on May 13, 2013 at 5:24 am said:

Thanks for the reblog! I love the support 🙂

Have a great week,

Lesley

LikeLike

Reply ↓
fibot on May 13, 2013 at 8:50 am said:

That pic of Athena looking out over the pool is amazing!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
narniaforever on May 13, 2013 at 9:11 am said:

Do you use an agency to help you get good deals bc I can’t seem to find the budget to try to accomplish all these wonderful things. LOVE it… great posts!!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
artistspromenade on May 13, 2013 at 10:26 am said:

I love all your adventures and I can relate to needing a vacation after sightseeing.
It seems Athena has taken well to your life of adventure how wonderful for you both.
Can’t wait to read about your next journey.
Nikki

LikeLike

Reply ↓
Becky on May 13, 2013 at 11:33 am said:

Such a cute pic of your daughter! 🙂 Have fun in the water! And enjoy the time of relaxation too!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
justinmbutler on May 13, 2013 at 12:39 pm said:

That photo is a winner Lesley. You should enter it in a competition.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
Let's CUT the Crap! on May 13, 2013 at 1:14 pm said:

Athena is getting so big. What a lovely photo of her. You’re a busy lady. Do rest up.

I have a question. How did you manage to send posts when you were out in the open in Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, the Red Sea, and Jerash? It boggles the mind that you could.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- lesleycarter on May 13, 2013 at 2:32 pm said:
  
  We had internet almost everywhere. Jordan Tourism provided it for us. In some extremely remote places, it wasn’t an option but that was rare. 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
waterhealthsolution on May 13, 2013 at 6:27 pm said:

Reblogged this on waterhealthsolution.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
paranoiasnfm on May 14, 2013 at 2:49 am said:

You’re so lucky!! I want sun! 😀

LikeLike

Reply ↓
asni_aja on May 14, 2013 at 4:44 am said:

wow..it is beautiful and wonderful place. suddenly, I have idea to visit jordan 🙂

LikeLike

Reply ↓
cteachr on May 14, 2013 at 5:37 pm said:

Sounds like a great week ahead. Enjoy!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
@p49it on May 15, 2013 at 1:47 am said:

Hei, I’ve been back from Pink Beach also. But this beautiful scenery is located in Flores, Indonesia 😀

LikeLike

Reply ↓
roseshadows on May 24, 2013 at 5:53 pm said:

Hope you got to relax. I am totally jealous.
I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award, if you are interested the details can be found here.
http://roseshadows.wordpress.com/2013/05/24/the-versatile-blogger-award/

LikeLike

Reply ↓
Pingback: The Versatile Blogger Award | roseshadows
Pingback: Back to the Beach | waterhealthsolution
Pingback: Back to the Beach | healthyheartworks