South Florida

Wed, Feb 12

This morning I was very concerned about finding a place to move to.

We very seldom make reservations, but after doing some checking around for a site to move to, I was finding that everywhere was filled up - for the whole month of February.

Luckily, I found a site on line in the Big Cypress National Preserve, which adjoins the Everglades National Park, so I quickly made a reservation yesterday and this morning we headed out.

When we arrived, much to my embarrassment, I found that I had made reservations for next week rather than this week.  And they were completely filled.  But they recommended another of their parks about 8 miles away which is first come - first served.  So off we go.  And Wow! We've lucked into another gem.

Monument Lake Campground is up there with the top places we've ever stayed.  Almost as soon as we got here, I immediately made reservations for another day - and we may stay more. It's beautiful.

Monument Lake Campground, Big Cypress National Reserve

It's really difficult to comprehend what is happening back at home - both Spruce Pine and Beaufort are receiving nasty winter weather tonight and tomorrow.  We may get some rain tonight and the forecast is for it to cool down a little for a couple of days - to the upper 60's and lower 70's.

Thurs, Feb 13

Today we had a chance to do a little exploring.

We drove to Everglades city.  This is a little relatively isolated community on the border of Big Cypress National Reserve and Everglades National Park.

Soon after arriving, we decided to take a boat tour into the Everglades National Park.  We did not know what to expect.

Everglades National Park should really be called Everglades Ecological Park.  It isn't very scenic and doesn't have any of the features that make other National Parks special places.  It was established only to "save the glades".

It is the second largest park in the lower 48, exceeded only by Yosemite.

I guess I should have suspected what we saw when we saw that the name of the area is "Land of 10,000 islands".  That is indeed what we saw (although only a very small portion).  The 1 1/2 hour narrated tour took us meandering through mangrove islands.   We did enjoy it, but it's not something I would do again.

We took the tour out of the Town of Everglades to the "Land of 10,000 Islands".  There are supposedly 40,000 islands in the area.

These tour boats are run as concessions for the National Park.  I suspect that the vessels that will run out of Beaufort to Shackleford Banks will be much the same.

Mangrove Islands in the Everglades

Clara had heard that the Stone Crabs here are good.  We asked the guide/Captain of our tour boat where we might have a nice lunch of the crabs.  He recommended Triad Seafood and it turned out to be great.

It's in an out-of-the-way place and indeed looks like a fish house.  We had a lunch of coconut shrimp and conch fritters and bought a pound of Stone Crab legs to take back to the motor home for supper.

Stone Crab and Corn.

Boy they were good.  But I certainly understand why they are called Stone Crabs.  We had to use the hammer to crack the shells.

This afternoon we drove to the Oasis Visitor Center on the Tamiami Trail (the road that runs from Tampa to Miami the the Everglades).  They have a pond (I guess that's what it's called) in which there are numerous wild alligators lounging.  They are certainly ugly creatures.

We are finishing up watching the first three seasons of Downton Abbey, anticipating ordering and watching season 4 when we get home.  Tonight we watched next to the last show.  We've really enjoyed re-watching the entire series.

Moonrise over the motor home on Monument Lake, Cypress National Reserve.

Fri, Feb 14

We have reservations, which we've already changed one, at an RV Resort, so we pulled up the anchor from this lovely location and drove a couple hours to North Fort Myers and Upriver RV Resort.  It seems rather nice, and we especially like the pool and hot tub.

Sat, Feb 15

After a very slow start, we headed out for groceries and just checking things out.  First we dropped the laundry off at a place that washes and folds it for us.  Then we started for the beaches.  On the way, I decided I needed a haircut, so we stopped at a small beauty parlor to see if they did haircuts for men.  There was only one lady there and she happily agreed to cut my hair (she did a good job).  Then Clara decided that she needed a haircut.  So this was a first for us - both of us getting a haircut at the same place at the same time.

We finally got to the grocery store and bought the ingredients to make coconut shrimp tonight.

After a nice swim in the pool, we came back to the motor home and we really did make a great meal.  I think coconut shrimp will often be on the menu from now on.

Clara working diligently on coconut shrimp

We've found the RV Resort to be very nice.  There are a lot of people from the North down here and they have formed some great social events.  Who knows, we may join them next year.

Sunday, Feb 16

I never know what's going to happen while we're traveling.

Today as we were driving out of the RV Resort, Clara spotted a kayak for sale.  To make a short story even shorter, we are now the owners of "another" kayak.  Clara uses the excuse that it's lighter.  We'll see.  Hopefully tomorrow we'll get a chance to check it out and kayak with the manatees.

She's ready to go!

We made our way across town (which was no easy task - terrible synchronization of traffic lights) to a little island named Matlacha where we had heard there was a arts and craft festival.  Traffic was really bad, so we assumed that it must be a huge show.  Turns out that it was only an arts show, with very expensive art (some of it nice). But there were some craft shops in this eclectic little island village.

I think we've found our next RV

Afterward we had a very nice lunch at Sandy Hook - and ate far too much.  Now we're back in the motor home trying to recover.

We're Warm!!!

Mon, Feb 3

We started early (9 o'clock) this morning and are making this a travel day. We want to get further South down toward Tampa, where the weather forecast is for temperatures in the low 80's.

After a couple of hours on the road, we decide to start looking at a specific destination and settled on a Florida State Park north of Tampa. After a phone call, we found that they were near capacity and we weren't assured of a spot when we got there.

Then we started checking around and saw a series of County Parks along the Suwanee River and started checking them out.

And Wow!, we have stumbled on a jewel. Otter Springs Park and Campground near Trenton, Florida. We've checked in for one night, but I think this might be for more than that.

I love there slogan, "A peaceful Retreat On The Suwanee River".

It's a hidden jewel. There are over 100 spaces, and it's (1)probably less than half one fourth full (2) has a natural spring (which we have yet to see), (3) has a swimming pool, (4) hiking trails down to the Suwanee River, (5) a perfect tree to hang the swings, and (6) IT”S WARM HERE.

That's just about enough to make it a permanent home.

I took advantage of the pool – perfect – this afternoon. We rigged the swing for Clara, and then we started a fire and grill and cooked out. The windows are open in the RV and it's great.

I don't know how long we'll be staying, but it's more than one night."

Tues, Feb 4

Definitely another night!

This morning, swimming (and washing clothes).

An outdoor laundry

Washing the laundry.

This afternoon, hiking to the Suwannee River, and swimming.

Clara tries her luck on a log.  I'm standing by to take a picture of the fall!.  Luckily the fall doesn't happen.

The Suwannee (Swannee, Swanee) River.  Remember the song "Way down on de Swanee Riber" by Stephen Foster

In between all the fun, we're sitting in the swings, listening to great music and reading a book.

Tonight we had a great meal

Don't know if it gets any better!

Wed, Feb 5

We had heard someone mention another spring nearby that is a state park.  Last night we did some checking and found Manatee Springs State Park was only a 30 minute drive away, so we decided to make the move.

So today Clara drove the motor home 3 the 30 minutes over to the park.  About the time we left Otter Springs, a line of thunderstorms moved through and we got a real soaking, but by the time we got to Manatee Springs, it had stopped and we were able to set up.

We were told that these birds are called  turkey buzzards.  There are a lot of them on the river hanging out in the trees and on the docks and piers.  They are the ugliest bird I've ever seen.  This one was sitting on a railing apparently drying out his wings.

We went for a walk around the springs and to the river, and then decided to go to "town" (Chieflan, FL) and find some lunch.  Instead, we ended up buying a quarter bushel of oysters and bringing them back to the motor home and then I pigged out on oysters.  They really are good.

We'll stay here until Friday, then I'm not sure where we'll go.  We do need to be in Ft Meyer. Tomorrow we're scheduled to do a 2 hour kayak trip on the Suwanee River.

Thus, Feb 6

The great thing about RVing is that we can always change our mind.  And we did just that today!

When we got started this morning, it was overcast and cool.  Not good kayaking weather!  So we called and canceled that.

Then we decided, what the heck, let's go to Tampa - so we did.

We checked into Macdill AFB and settled into a boon docking site (that's with no utilities, i.e. water, electric and sewer).  But RVs are made for that - we have everything on board.

Clara did some research on places to eat and we ended up at a great seafood restaurant, Shell's.

Fri, Feb 7

Well, we're supposed to be able to boon dock.  But one of the critical items for boon docking is electricity, i. e. the generator.  I haven't started the generator since we left NC.  And it doesn't start now.  And Clara needs her coffee, and to get coffee, we need a generator.  So we have an emergency!

Luckily, we quickly find a place that can work on it.  We drive across Tampa (not as bad as I expected) and got the generator running.  Turns out that it's a breaker tripped.  I'm not foolish enough not to have checked the breakers, but it turns out that there is a circuit breaker in a place that I never guessed, or even knew about.  It turns out that this breaker is very likely to be the same one that controls the leveling jacks, which haven't worked at all on this trip.  After tracing out the electric system, the technician finds the breaker (well hidden), resets it and we're on our way. However, the leveling jacks still don't work and we highly suspect a pump motor, so we'll work on that next.

Tonight there is a pot luck dinner here in the park and we decide to participate.  And we really enjoyed meeting some new people.  After we were seated and the introductions are made around the table, we find that the couple sitting next to us is from Morehead City.  Wow! What a small world.

Tampa skyline from Macdill AFB

Sat, Feb 8

For the second time since arrival, I went to the Base gym to workout.  I can tell that I've been missing a lot of days.

Then, Clara had seen an Ikea store in Tampa, and of course, we're going!

Well, I ended up spending about $130 on stuff that I had no idea I needed our wanted - but we had a good time doing it.  And I guess we'll find some use for all this stuff that I never knew I needed.

Tonight, we went to a really neat restaurant near the RV park.  I wish we had gone earlier.  I'd bet it's a really great place in the summer.  It overlooks Tampa Bay and has a wide sandy beach.

Sun, Feb 9

Not a particularly exciting day.  After a workout in the gym this morning, we loaded up and headed to Ft. Myers.

Tonight we're staying the the Camping World parking lot.  Tomorrow, we're scheduled to see if we can find out what's wrong with the leveling jacks.  Thankfully, we haven't needed them this trip, but they still need to be fixed.

This evening we went out to eat at an open air restaurant in a huge shopping center.  The weather is perfect!  After dinner, we had a yogurt and are settled in for a quiet night.

Mon, Feb 10

This weather is absolutely wonderful.  It makes it even more wonderful when we realize what is happening at home.  From what we've seen and heard, Beaufort is suffering yet again with wintry weather.  Hopefully by the time we get home, it will all be behind.

Unfortunately, we had a bit of bad news today.  The slide at the front of our motor home - the big one - has a problem caused by a defective drain line from the refrigerator.  We don't know what the damage is yet, but it will be fixed tomorrow.

But that's okay.  It's just the price of having the opportunity to live and travel as we do.

Again tonight, we are pleasantly situated in the Camping World parking lot.  It's free and they provide us with electricity.  We might just make a habit of this - at least the staying in their parking lot, not the repairs.

We'll see what tomorrow brings.  We know we'll have to come back next week because they had to order a part for the leveling jacks.

We did purchase a new type of shield to keep rocks and debris from hitting the front of our CRV.
We have found that the "bra" that we purchased and have used for a year is not working very well.  Dirt and small rock collect in it and eventually work their way under the cover, potentially scratching the paint.  We purchased an add-on to our Blue Ox tow bar that covers it between the car and motor home.  Hopefully it will do the job.

Tues, Feb 11

We're switching from heat in the morning to air conditioning in the afternoon.  I love it!!!!!

We got the slide fixed today and we're ready to roll.  We'll need to come back next week when the parts are delivered to get the leveling jacks fixed.

We've actually enjoyed staying here in the Camping World Parking lot.  There are very interesting people coming and going all day.  Next to us is a retired Army 2 star General who just bought a new Class A motor home, upgrading from a much smaller Class C.

And tonight, we went out with a delightful couple, Roger and Mitzi Ellis, who have recently sold there home and starting there full-timing on a beautiful new 44 foot motor home.  Unfortunately, they've had numerous issues with their new home and have been here at Camping World since early January trying to get everything fixed.

They are from New York and really loved living the the "big city".  Interestingly, she had been a member of the world famous Rockets at one time.  I found one of her comments to be very interesting, "We were world famous, but no one knew you on the street."  So true.

I think it has been over 20 years since we have been out to a Japanese Habachi Restaurant.

Trying to get where it's warm!

Thurs, Jan 30

Another balmy day in paradise?????

For the third day in a row, it appears that the Gulf Coast of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida are totally shut down due to the weather.

Wonder what the alligators and snakes are doing?????

We left Biloxi this morning. Try leaving Biloxi without crossing a bridge.  It's not easy, but after a few futile attempts, we finally find a way that doesn't involve a high rise bridge (which are the ones that are causing the problems) and get to I-10 and were merrily rolling along through Alabama.

Sunshine State?????
Open for Business???????

Then we hit Florida (hoping to get to the Gulf Islands National Seashore) and wham, another traffic stoppage.  The bridge on I-10 North of Pensacola is closed - due to the weather.  And we are stuck in a massive traffic jam
.

We quickly got on the IPAD and found an RV park close by and ducked into it for the night.  After all, what is a motor home good for if you can't just stop where you want to.

We're in an RV park in someplace, I have no idea.  We're settled in and HOPEFULLY, tomorrow they will get their one snow plow out and clean off the bridge.

This must be the only snowplow that exists in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida

We can't wait to get somewhere that it is warm AND the bridges are open.

Fri, Jan 31

When we started preparing for today's trip, we realized we were only about an hours drive from our intended destination - Gulf Islands National Seashore.  I think we could have made it if I had done a better job of checking our location.  I remember that all I wanted to do was get out of the massive traffic jam, so I just took the first thing I could find.

We decided what the heck, we didn't want to drive much today, so we put Gulf Island NS in the GPS and took off.  FINALLY, the bridges are clear of ice and for the first time in 4 days, we can travel unimpeded.

Snow is still on the roadways this morning on the road to Santa Rosa Island (our destination)

Gulf Islands National Seashore is comprised of 12 areas on the Gulf Coast that include historic forts, picnic areas, trails and campgrounds that go from Cat Island in Mississippi to Fort Walton Beach, Florida.  It is mostly comprised of small barrier islands that dot the coast, some accessible by car and others accessible only by boat.  It was established in the same time frame as our own Cape Lookout National Seashore, 1971.

That's not snow.  It's the sand.  And yes, Clara is cold!

The sands are beautifully white.  It's hard to tell the difference in snow and sand.

After settling in, we went to see Fort Pickens, a fort that was first developed after the War of 1812. The fort reminds me in some ways of Fort Macon, but is much larger and has been used for a larger variety of uses.

Then we drove back into the developed areas we passed on the way in and got the car washed and had a late lunch at a really neat restaurant, Flounders.  The oysters were a great appetizer and the coconut fried shrimp is becoming a favorite of ours.

It's still only getting up to 50 degrees, but that's actually feeling pretty warm.  So after a walk , I washed the motor home, which was caked in road dirt.

Brrrr!

Reminds me of White Sands NP, New Mexico

I think we are now beginning to see some possibility of warmer weather.  We plan to follow the coast line of Western Florida South until we get to the Keys, or somewhere close.

Sat, Feb 1

We may be seeing warmth!!!!

As we traveled East today, it has become warmer.  I thought for a while that we might even have to cut on the air conditioning.  I put on shorts for the first time since Cozumel.  And tomorrow it's supposed to be 68 degrees.

We are in St Andrews State Park.  It is so great to keep finding nice places to stay.  We've stayed on Military bases, National Parks, or state parks every night but two.  They are so much nicer than commercial parks.  This park is on the end of the island with the RV park on the sound side and a beautiful beach on the Gulf side.  We've decided that we will stay at least one more day, and then we'll see.  We're really in no hurry at all, so why not?

And if it's warm, what difference does it make if we're in Northern Florida or Southern Florida

We had been told by a couple that we had met at Gulf Islands that this park had lots of deer and this afternoon as we were driving around we saw several along the roads.  They seem to be very tame.

Just an interesting picture of the high-rise condo's rising out of the fog

Sun, Feb 2

Today is a catch up day with a few things I need to do around the house.  I installed an outside thermometer that we can read in the cockpit.  Probably won't be needing it to determine freezing conditions for a while - I hope.

This afternoon we got out and road around the town of Panama City Beach.  I would hate to be here in the summer.  I can imagine that traffic would be like Myrtle Beach, or worse in the summer.  There are dozens of high rise condominiums on the beach.  This is obviously a family vacation destination as there are many theme park type facilities.

We had a great brunch at Dusty's.  It is quite the place - and the food was great!

Mainly, it's been warm, but overcast.  Mainly, it's warm!!!  Tomorrow we will start turning the curve to head South toward Tampa.  The forecast is for the temperature to get up in the low 80's.  No complaints here.

A great seafood platter that was enough for us to split

The ceiling and all the walls are covered in thousands of $1 bills.