We are really getting tired of cold, rainy days. It seems that the weather for the past month has alternated cool and wet, and cold and wet. or just plain cold. In fact, there has already been a 22 inch snowstorm at the mountain house.
Anna decided she needed a Beaufort weekend, so on Friday, Dec 7, she drove down for the weekend. Then on Saturday, it snowed in Cary and schools were closed on Monday and Tuesday. We were excited that she was "marooned" in Beaufort. Although the weather was miserable the whole time she was here, we always find something to do when she is around. And no matter what, we love having her around.
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| Ready to go |
Anyway, it's time to head South. We spent the past week "moving" into the motor coach and on Monday morning, we put Beaufort (and cold, wet weather) in the rearview mirror. We got as far South as Florence, SC before stopping (and it was still cold), Then on Tuesday, we got to NAS Jacksonville, Fl. (and it's still cool).
We WILL find warmth!
Dec 19 - We've arrived at Thornton Creek RV Resort near Arcadia, Fl, and more importantly about 6 miles from Tony and Jill's.
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| Thornton Creek at Butch's pad |
Last year when we came South, we had made a reservation here to check out the place. It is a very upscale motorcoach resort that I had seen in an ad that was offering a free 3 night stay to check it out. At the time, there were a few "casitas" (small homes) and motorcoaches here. We told our friend Butch Kurfees about it, and on their way to Key West stopped here like we did; for a 3 day stay to find out more about it. Butch bought a lot.
And now we're staying on Butch's lot - he and Linda are on an extended cruise to South America right now. The resort has filled up fast, with lots of new casitas. However, very few people are here. I guess they've gone home for the holidays.
We feel we're in the lap of luxury RV style being able to stay at such a nice place.
Clara has spent every day with Jill since arrival. I still can't figure out what they do all day - they love to shop. Tony and I enjoy rehashing old tales of our days in the Air Force flying B-52's.
Unfortunately, the day after our arrival, there was a massive 3 day storm that inundated the area with ran and lots of wind. So we were somewhat limited in our activities, but on the 23rd, the weather cleared, but unfortunately, it's turned cooler than normal.
Each evening we get together with Tony and Jill for dinner and fun.
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| Tony and Jill talk to one of their many grandchildren |
It's a great way to spend a few days.
Dec 24 - An unusual Christmas eve dinner of sandwiches at the Pimentel's. This is after my first Catholic Christmas Eve service at Tony's church. I know virtually nothing about the Catholic faith except what I hear on the news - which usually isn't good.
I am truly thankful that I had the opportunity to observe this most sacred of holidays Catholic rituals on Christmas Eve. I know 1000% more than I ever knew about Catholicism and the rituals that are part of their worship. It was very meaningful and unforgettable.
Dec 25 - We spent this Christmas with our dearest of friends. Other than being with our own children, being with Tony and Jill is very special.
We start with a brunch breakfast casserole around 11 am, followed by conversation, walking, talking and just relaxing, followed up by a delicious dinner of prime rib.
An unforgettable day!
Dec 26 - Time to head South. Our reservations at Key West are Dec 28. Tonight we are a Midway Campground in the Everglades. We've spent several days in the past here in this quiet, isolated campground. It's always relaxing.
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| At Midway Campground |
Tomorrow, we drive an hour or so to an Indian Casino, then South to Key West.
December 31, 2018 On the way to the casino, I thouught about it and decided I'd rather spend the night in Key West than a casino parking lot. I called the base and found that we could check in on Dec 27, so we skipped the casino and headed down Hwy 1.
It's supposedly about a 3 1/2 hour trip, but 5 1/2 hours later we pulled into Sigsbee. Many parts of the trip down Hwy 1 were a parking lot. Never really saw any problems other than more cars than highway.
We checked in with a camp host (the office closed at 3pm and we arrive around 4). After some paperwork, Clara rode with the camp host to the park while I got gas for the coach.
We got a great site - one of the big ones real near the "beach" on the Northern edge of the park. While I was getting set up, Clara was socializing. We were immediately invited to dinner next door and Steve's and Kathleen's (new friends) with Vince and Candy (Maine) and John and Nancy (SC).
Shortly after dinner, we crashed.
On the 28th, we continued setting up, getting the bikes and kayaks off the car and settling in. We were soon in the water kayaking, swimming and sailing.
Unfortunately, we've found that we may not be able to extend beyond the 30 days we reserved. I was told when I made my reservation on July 3 that we could only reserve 30 days, so I assumed that like last year, we would be able to extend until April. But we've found out that we had bad information from the reservation center and we could have reserved until April. Unfortunately for us, every site is reserved through March.
We're working every angle we can come up with, but so far no luck.
So we're taking max advantage of our time here. Primarily, in and around the water, reconnecting with old friends, and enjoying fantastic weather (80+ highs and 70 lows).
We haven't even bothered going downtown. Been there, done that. Maybe later. That's not the reason we're here. We are WARM! And that's the purpose of the trip.
New Years Eve Vince and Candy had a nice get-together at their place and we actually stayed up until 9 PM.
So much for 2018! Now on the 2019.
