St John, USVI

Sun, Mar 30

Today we drove from Beaufort to Nashville to see Dad and spend some time with him. He is doing really well to be 98 years old, but doesn't seem to understand why we want to leave again. He thinks the only time we come to see him is when we're going somewhere.  That's probably because we leave so often.

Tonight we're staying at La Quinta near the Raleigh Durham Airport tonight because they will let us keep our car there while we're gone.

Mon, Mar 31

After what seemed like a relatively short flight --- We're here.

It's warm!!!!!

The worst part of this vacation (but vacation is not the right word when you are retired - maybe change of scene) is over – the flight here. We had no problems and the flights were on time, but it isn't a lot of fun these days flying commercial aircraft.

When we got to our hotel, which is right next to the airport and where we've stayed before, our room wasn't ready, so they gave us a couple of coupons for drinks at their bar on the beach.

As we sat down in the beachfront bar, we got into a conversation with another couple, Ron and Jane. They keep their boat here all year, and come down for three months (Jan, Feb, Mar) each year from Connecticut. We enjoyed talking and ended up eating dinner with them. It was a fun evening and a great way of to start our trip.

We have definitely decided that we don't care much for the “bag drag” that goes with staying in hotels. I can't imagine that we would do much traveling if we had to stop every night and stay in a hotel. It is miserable compared to having our motor home with everything in it, and we know where everything is.  Additionally, we find that we don't like having anything scheduled (like airline flights).  About the only thing that we have scheduled anymore are doctors appointment.

It's hard to believe how much time we spend looking for stuff – and we only have two suitcases. I guess it's a small sacrifice with what we have to look forward to.

Tues, Apr 1

This morning – breakfast, land taxi, water taxi, rental car. Before noon we are in Cruz Bay, St John, US Virgin Islands.

This evening we have what would have to be one of the most incredible views where we are staying that there can possibly be.

We are staying in an “eco camp” , Estate Concorida, on the Southeast side of St John. Years ago we stayed here with Bill and Jan. This time instead of a “building”, we are staying in a tent, or at least it has some features of a tent – like canvas wall and ceiling. But it is very much a substantial structure. We were upgraded to the “deluxe” model when we arrived, which means there is sleeping room for 5 people – an upstairs loft – probably designed for kids. 

All electricity is by solar panels. The panels charge 12 volt batteries during the day, and water for showers and the sink is from cisterns. We have to go to watering stations located on the property to fill our 2 gallon canisters for our potable (drinking) water. The “gray” water (sink and shower) is used for watering plants on the property (they don't get a lot of rain here) and the “black” water (human waste) goes through a composting process. But it is definitely self sufficient.

Solar water heater in bathroom section of tent.

The unit is laid out in two sections, one for sleeping and eating and the other is the bathroom which is separated by a few steps. The bathroom also has the water heater, a solar heated water tank for the shower, and there is a composting toilet. In the main unit, there is a small refrigerator that is 120 volt and there must be an inverter for its power (we also charge our electronic toys from its plug).

We are overlooking Salt Pond Bay, one of our favorite snorkeling places in the Virgin Islands. We have spent several nights on a mooring here in the past when we're sailing and we've always enjoyed this place.

This afternoon, after settling into our “eco tent”, we drive down to Salt Pond Bay (just a short drive) and spent the afternoon snorkeling. It is great to be back in the water here. It is beautifully clear and the fish and coral are beautiful.

Tonight, there is only one boat in the Bay. (Next week, that could be us)

Tonight we went to Shipwreck Landing restaurant for a light dinner. Returning to our tent was an unanticipated adventure, as we didn't have a flashlight and there is minimal lighting along all the walkways. The walkways are all elevated wooden structures connecting all the tents, swimming pool, pavilion and other features.

The roads here on St John are among the steepest we've ever encountered.  We've rented a 4 wheel drive jeep and I can easily understand why most of the cars here are jeeps.

To add the the confusion, we drive on the left side of the road.

There is no moon tonight and it is truly dark. From our deck we can only see one light – a single masthead light on the only boat moored in Salt Pond Bay.

Wed, Apr 2

There's a saying “The worst day here (St John) is better than the best day there (Home)”. Well, I guess today was not the best day here (St John), but it was still pretty doggone good.

It rained!!

The weather forecast said that it was a 50% chance of rain, and we got our 50% (maybe 30%). But it wasn't too bad. I think we actually enjoyed resting here at the tent with the rain coming down. We can definitely hear the pitter-patter of the rain drops on the canvas roof.

But before it rained, we met our friend Pat for lunch at Miss Lucy's restaurant. We met Pat at the Orchard at Altapass about 3 years ago at their annual benefit auction. They had put a weeks stay in their guest room in St. John up for auction and luckily, we were the high bidder. We spent a week with them two years ago. They also have a home in Western NC and we got together with them in Spruce Pine last year.

Pat is leaving tomorrow to go back to WNC, so we were fortunate that she had time for lunch with us.

We have fond memories of the week here with her and Dave.

The Goat Story:  While we were sitting at our table at Miss Lucy's, we were attached by a goat!  First of all, there are goats (and donkeys) everywhere around here.  We often find them lying in the road sunning, or in yards and just everywhere.  Miss Lucy's is right next to a goat pen.  I don't really think that the pen keeps the goats in, it just provides a place for the goats to go to when they get tired of roaming the area.  Anyway, I notice this goat walking across the parking lot - a fairly large goat.  It comes nearer and nearer the tables and all of a sudden it's right next to Clara and before anyone could react, the goat had its front hoofs on the table. We all yelled and it immediately jumped down and ran off.  Apparently this is a fairly common because we learned from the waitress that the goat is named  "Satin".  

Clara protects here pina colada from "Satan"

This evening we stopped at a sandwich shop down the mountain and picked up a sandwich for dinner and tonight we had dinner in the best setting in the Virgin Island, the deck at our tent.

Hard to believe, but didn't go snorkeling today.  We WILL go snorkeling tomorrow, rain or shine.

Thurs, Apr 3

Estate Concordia is basically built on the side of a very steep mountain. It appears that the slope is around 40-45 degrees on most of the property. Stanley Selengut, who envisioned and developed this property, starting with 18 tent cottages in 1976 must have been either crazy or an incredible visionary.

The maintenance and upkeep of these tents and building must be incredibly expensive. Just getting materials would be a logistical nightmare.

But the views have to be the best in the islands.

This morning we started early – breakfast, then snorkeling until after lunch. I don't believe that Clara would have quit then, except we didn't have much food with us when we went to Salt Pond Bay (about a 3 minute drive from here).

We snorkeled quite a ways off shore to a few rocks sticking up in the middle of the bay. The water is much clearer farther from shore and we could see for 50-75 feet under water. We had numerous encounters with sea turtles, watching them go down the 20+ feet to the bottom, munch on whatever they eat (I guess it's sea grass), then slowly swim to the surface, grab a gulp of air, and back down again.

The fish and coral in the bay are among the best in the islands.

The afternoon was spent relaxing back in our tent and just enjoying the beautiful view. Late this evening we had a couple of rain showers (one while we were on the way back from dinner). We ate at the restaurant here on the estate. There was absolutely no reason to leave.

As this picture depicts, there are cacti growing on the island - and a beautiful woman standing on the porch.  

Tomorrow the rest of the week one sailing crew arrives, so it will be a hectic day – then a week of sailing.

March in Spruce Pine

Fri, Mar 21

We're headed to Spruce Pine to check on the mountain house.  It's been quite a while since we've been up there and it's been a rough winter.

We dropped off the motor home in Garner to get some work done on it so we'll be ready to roll when the time comes.

Then off to Slade's to see the kids for a nice evening.

Sat, Mar 22

A nice drive to the mountains.  The house looks good with no significant damage from the winter. We did lose a portion of one of the downspouts to the wind.  I have no idea where it ended up - probably in the next county.

And of course, we lost some shingles.  That's become a winter ritual.

Tonight we met Kit Truby and  Bill and Judy Carson at the Grassy Creek Club for dinner.  Sure is great to get with old friends and catch up.

The weather is rather pleasant.

We have new neighbors - who actually live on the mountain full time.  Sonny and Barbara have sold their log cabin and a delightful young couple have moved in.  Jarad and Lane Schell are from Michigan and are both in the medical field, he and anaesthesiologist and she a Physicians Assistant.

Sun, Mar 23

So much for pleasant weather.  A cold front came through last night and it rained and blew most of the day - and turned cold - in the 30's.

A lazy afternoon of reading and getting ready for guests this evening.

Tonight we had Bonnie and Will, Bill and Judy, Kit and the Schell's over for dinner.  We had a delightful evening getting to know our new neighbors and enjoying old friends.

Judy Carson, Bill Carson, Jarod Schell, Lane Schell, Kit Truby, Bonnie Schmink, Will Schmink and Clara

Mon, Mar 24

Today is a work/play day.  The weather is surprisingly comfortable for work outside.

The front yard has been inundated with moles.  We've had this problem for the past several years, but never this bad.  So I've gone to the hardware stores and collected everything that they offer to get rid of these "yard destroyers" and spread it on the lawn.  Additionally, I spread fertilizer/weed killer.  I've probably created a toxic waste site, but maybe the moles don't like toxic waste - and I'll have some grass left.

This afternoon I went to the Y in Marion to get a little exercise.  Sure feels good.

Tonight we are invited to Bonnie and Will's for dinner.  They always prepare great dinners and have a wide variety of guests.  It's always fun.

Tues, Mar 25

Last night it snowed.  Thank goodness it wasn't one of those cold air blast that typically comes in with the snow with 80 mph winds.  It's been snowing off and on all day.

It sure makes the scenery change quickly.

Yesterday

Today

Yesterday

Today

It snowed most of the day and by late tonight, the winds have started picking up a little.  We've already recorded 50 mph.  It got to 60 mph during the night.

Wed, Mar 26

The wind howled all night according to Clara.  I slept so soundly I never heard it.

This morning the temperature was 19 degrees, but by mid-morning the wind has died down to less than 20 mph.

I went to the Y.  On the way I dropped Clara off at Kit's.  Kit is closing on a new condo on Grassy Creek Golf Course today and Clara wants to be with Kit to help.

Tonight, we went to our neighbors, Ed and Jan Banta for dinner.  Additionally, Kit and the Schmink's were there.

Ed has an incredible view from his home.

From Ed's home, we can see our home over on the next mountain.

Tomorrow morning will be an early rise and we head back to Beaufort to get ready to leave for the Virgin Islands Monday.

Heading Home

Mon, Feb 23

We think it's about time to start heading North.

Unfortunately, we've checked the weather forecast back in NC and it looks terrible, or at least uncomfortably cool.  We've gotten use to wearing shorts and we don't want to have to go back to long pants, so we are procrastinating heading North.

We left the Pimentel's and headed East to the Atlantic Coast side of Florida, ending at Patrick AFB. We may or may not stay here for a while.  If we do head North, it will probably be a slow trip.

The ladies try for modesty on the statuette.

Tues, Feb 25

We enjoyed Patrick AFB and had planned on staying a couple of days, but this morning we decided that we'd head North on I-95.

We have been listening to another John Grisham novel, "The Appeal", during this trip.  It's another great book that is fun to listen to.  The story line is basically how a Mississippi Supreme Court Justice is elected.  If you ever have a chance to listen/read the book, I encourage it.  As I read it, Clara and I both commented that Grisham has described the most likely scenario of how our most recently elected President must have been "selected" and "forced" on the American public.  It really makes me sick, and I really believe Grisham has a tremendous insight into how many elections are "done".

While heading North this morning, we decided to stop at Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base in Southern Georgia.  There's a nice RV park.  We immediately decided to stay 2 days and see what's here.

It really looks rather strange to see a submarine rising out of the earth.  This is at the entry gate to Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base.

We had an early supper at a local seafood restaurant and went down to the waterfront of St. Marys.  St. Marys is a relatively small waterfront community which is the Gateway for the Cumberland National Seashore.  We hope to go there tomorrow.

The waterfront is unusual.  There are very few commercial businesses and most of the waterfront is very nice parks.  After ice cream, we walked around for a while.  Then I spied a nice looking trawler on the docks.  I headed over to talk to the owners, Steve and Wendy Lancaster.  They had lived in Atlantic Beach several years ago and he is retired Army.  The boat is a 32' Nordic Tug and seems to be a great little boat.

They are taking the boat on the "Great Loop", which goes up the East Coast, through the Great Lakes, down the Mississippi, through the Gulf and back to Florida.

A very nice waterfront park in St Marys

We really are beginning to dread getting back to Beaufort where the forecast for the next week or so is for cold and rain.

Wednesday, Feb 26

We awoke this morning to the pitter-patter of rain on the roof.  After looking at the forecast, it looked like it is going to rain all day.

So, what the heck! We might as well face the music and head North.

Do we unplugged, got on I-95, and made a day of it.

We are now at Little Pee Dee, a South Carolina State Park.  Interestingly, this is the same park, same site and within two days of the same date we had stopped when we drove back from Florida 3 years ago just after we bought our motor home.  It's a gray, dreary day.  But I'm sure that in the summer, this is a wonderful place.

Settled in at Little Pee Dee State Park on the Pee Dee Reservoir as we start our acclimatization back to the land of "cold"

We still have about an 8 hour drive to get to Beaufort.  I don't know if we'll try to make that in one day.  We usually try not to drive over 4 hours a day.

Thurs, Feb 27

After getting up and having breakfast, I put "home" in the GPS and it showed only 5 hours.  So, we hitched up the dinghy and headed North for a rather pleasant drive back to Beaufort.  The temperatures were in the 30's Thursday night - reminding us that we don't like cold.

It's been a very nice trip.  A slow meandering drive to New Orleans, a cruise with old friends from the Air Force days, a harrowing departure from New Orleans, an interesting drive along the Gulf Coast constantly trying to find a way to get passed the bridges that are closed because of ice, a fun time learning and exploring the Everglades, an equally interesting and fun time staying in a RV resort, reconnecting with Tony and Jill for a few days, and a drive back to the land of "cold".

On this little adventure, we drove the motor home 3,358 miles and the Honda 1,345 miles.

Now we've got to clean up the motor home, put it back in storage, and get ready for the next adventure - The Virgin Islands.

South Florida - Phase II

Mon, Feb 17

For the third time since arriving in Upriver RV Resort, we move again.  However, this time we got a premier site on the canal.  I think we can stay on this site at least two days, and then we may have to move again.  We're fortunate to even be able to get a site here at all, so we don't mind the moving.

We are tucked in between park model RVs

Before we even got settled in and hooked up, neighbors were coming by to welcome us and chat. This is one of the friendliest places we've ever been.  And they seem to really take pride in being friendly and welcoming.

Clara met Kathy Hernet from across the street and she enjoys kayaking, so they had a kayaking trip all planned by the time I finished hooking up.  However, they did let me go out a few minutes before they took off for a couple of hours.

Trying out the new kayak

Kathy and Clara head out for an afternoon of kayaking

When Clara got back, we went to the swimming pool for a while, then back to the motor home to change and get ready for the community happy hour (which occurs at 4 pm everyday).

Happy Hour occurs at 4PM in the carport of a neighbor at the end of the canal.  People drift in and out over the next hour, then promptly at five, the party's over.  It has provided us a great way to meet everyone.

While at happy hour, I was invited out on a fishing trip to leave at 5:30 with 3 other guys.  This morning they had caught a 150 pound tarpon, so I was anxious to take off.  We didn't catch anything, but it sure was nice to get out on the water and meet new people.

This is a very interesting community.  It seems to be mixed about 40/60 with park model RVs and traditional RVs.  The park models are basically trailer RVs that are set up on foundations and are semi-permanent.  The owners pay a monthly fee and do not own the land.  The park model is treated as a vehicle for tax purposes, so the only tax is for registration each year, just like a car.

Not a bad day:  kayaking, swimming, partying, and fishing.  I can get use to this.

I'm thinking it might be real nice to own a park model right here on this canal.

Tues, Feb 18

Swimming, breakfast, kayaking - all before lunch.  I could learn to like this!

This squirrel is after bananas

I am told this is a shark.  It is only about 3 feet long and it moved very slowly through the shallow water

We're going to have to carry the new kayak on the car, so I've had to rig up a system to make sure it stays with the car all the way back to NC

However, the afternoon was a little frustrating.  We mistakenly tried to get across town. The traffic is really awful, and I think I've mentioned the traffic signals.  I don't think I can remember a more frustrating or irritating town to drive in.  There is a lesson here - stay put!

We came back right about Happy Hour and settled down a little, then we went out to dinner with our new friend, Kathy.  Great ribs and key lime pie.

Wed, Feb 19

We've been here in the canal site for several days, and it appears we may stay here until we leave the park.  It is an ideal location to meet people and enjoy the water.  I guess if we could stay on this site for another week we probably would stay.

This is a very active community and there is something different scheduled every day.  Just a sample of February's events:  Pancake breakfast, Chili Cookoff, Barn Dance, Wine Tasting, Italian night, Banana Split afternoon, Pontoon boat picnic, Beer tasting, Movie night, Blood Pressure check, and the list goes on.

This is canal behind our motor home

Clara dropped her IPAD yesterday and cracked the glass.  This created a minor crisis.  She quickly found a place that could fix it so we dropped it off yesterday and today's mission was to retrieve it - fixed.  It is now good as new.

This morning we heard from our dear friends in Ohio, Wendell and Dawn Lantz, that Dawn's mother passed away last night.  Shirley, her mother, had slipped on some ice about a week ago and had hit her head.  The injuries were very significant and she lost her fight after two surgeries.  If we were at home, we would have immediately gone to Ohio to be with Dawn and her family.  It is a sad day.

All week we had heard about a singing group that is at the convention hall tonight, but the tickets were sold out before we arrived.  However, this afternoon about 20 minutes before the show was to begin, a newly met friend came by and said his wife wasn't feeling well and offered us his tickets.  So we quickly got ready the see a quartet, the Atlantic City Boys, sing songs of the 50's and 60's.  They sang beautiful harmony and we really enjoyed their show.

The Atlantic City Boys

Thurs, Feb 20

After we got back from kayaking this morning, we found out that we had to move again.  We hated to leave this site, but it's always fun moving into a different "community" within the park and meeting new people.  It's interesting how nearly every street has a social scene of their own.

Kayaking up the canal

After a dip in the pool (it's gotten rather warm - 80's), and lunch, we picked up some laundry we had dropped off yesterday and stopped by Manatee Park.  Manatee Park.

This afternoon we have made a list of our favorite sites in the park with the idea that we might come back next year for a few weeks.

Kathy came by on her bike and we sat outside well after dark enjoying the beautiful weather and chatting.

Tomorrow we'll be leaving Upriver.  The parts that were ordered to fix our leveling jacks came in today.  Tomorrow morning we'll take the motor home to Camping World to get them installed. Tony and Jill arrived at their place about 30 minutes from here yesterday, so we'll probably get together with them and do something and then we'll spend a couple of nights in their driveway before heading back home.

Fri, Feb 21

This morning we got up early (7AM) so as to get the motor home over to Camping World when they open at 8.  After dropping it off, we got in contact with Tony and Jill and made arrangements to meet them later.

We ended up meeting them at Edison and Ford Winter Estates near downtown Fort Myers.

These two adjoining estates were established in the late 1800's by Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. They were good friends, having met when Henry Ford worked for Edison in his newly established company making light bulbs.

Of course, Ford went on to become the founder of Ford Motor Company.  They remained good friends and neighbors until their deaths.

We enjoyed a guided audio tour of the two estates with Tony and Jill, followed by lunch at the Ford Restaurant in Fort Myers.

Then the fun begins.  Tony and I leave the girls and go back to Camping World to pick up the motor home.  Soon after arrival, we learn that the part that we have waited 10 days for is the wrong part!  It does not fit the hydraulic system on the coach that controls the jacks.  This has me a little upset, but it isn't a crisis because we haven't needed our used the jacks for this trip.

After settling up for the work that had been done, we start to hook up the car to go to Tony's.  However, when we start the motor home, the "jacks down" warning buzzer starts buzzing - and we aren't traveling to NC with that noise.

So back in the service department I go, a little more irratated.  Finally, after 5 o'clock, they figure out that some sensor had been reinstalled incorrectly.

I left with a little bad taste for Camping World

Sat, Feb 22

A quiet day at Tony and Jill's, starting with coffee in the enclosed porch watching golfers on the golf course just a few feet away.

Then, of course Clara and Jill went shopping.  I'll never understand the fascination with shopping, but they sure seem to enjoy it.

Tony and I met them for a nice dinner at a restaurant in Punta Gorda.

Sun, Feb 23

A nice, casual day at Tony and Jill's.  But I got to swim at the Y, a first on this trip.

The girls (probably looking at something not nice)