Saturday, October 2, 2010
The End of Summer 2010
The end of summer is here and we haven’t posted any blogs since spring and the Chicago trip. Just because we haven’t posted any blogs doesn’t mean we haven’t been on the move. The fact is, this summer has been to fast to sit down at the old computer and write about our adventures. Now that it is almost October the pace has slowed just a little.
After the Chicago trip we spent a week at the lake Michigan shore playing at one of Harry’s favorite places the Silver Lake sand dunes. Harry likes the big open white sand beaches and playing out on the dunes with the Jeep.
Another trip was back to the upper part of Michigan to East Jordan on Lake Charlevoix. This time we had the great company of Bud and Carol on this trip. Being the good friend that Bud is, he towed our boat behind his motor home as we towed our trailer behind the Jeep. We stayed at the East Jordan Tourist Park. We have camped here with Bud and Carol a couple of years ago. It is a great place to use as a home base to explore the surrounding area, which we did by car and boat. After about ten days together Bud and Carol had to head for home. We hooked up the trailer and moved over to Interlochen state park, which is just across the road from the Interlochen Center of the Arts. At the center of the arts we had third row seats to see Garrison Keillor with the “A Prairie Home Companion Summer Road Show”. He is the guy who has the Sunday PBS radio show and talks about his hometown of Lake Wobegon. This was one very funny and entertaining two and one half hour show.
A couple of weeks ago Bobbi and her friend Susie took a two-day trip to go shopping at the giant flea market and the town of Shipshewana Ind. While Bobbi was shopping and spending money Harry packed a duffel on the motorcycle and headed up to the Mackinaw City Mi. area to visit with his friend Mel and do some biking around the northern part of Michigan for a couple of days. Almost 800 miles in two days, is just about too much for this not so young rider.
We are almost caught up ! This week, the last week of September we hooked up the trailer and set out for one of our favorite places this time of year, the Jersey Shore.
We traveled the Lincoln Highway (route 30) from Ohio thru Pennsylvania. Not a route to travel, pulling a trailer. The mountains sure put a strain on the truck and braking system. All things considered, the scenery and historic buildings and towns made this route worth it. Two days of travel later we arrived in New Jersey. The next morning we set out for the beach at Ocean City and unload the bicycles to tour the boardwalk and the town. Six miles on the bikes this day. We had some very nice weather for September, and a lot of people were taking advantage of it at the beach, clear in the 90s and a nice breeze. After our day at the beach we go north to Margate NJ. to see the worlds largest elephant Lucy, which was built in the 1800 as a tourist attraction
The next day we go to Wildwoods NJ. to ride the bikes on their three miles of boardwalk and check out the town of Wildwoods. Eight miles on the bikes this day. The bikes are loaded up in the truck and we travel on down the coast to check out the old Victorian houses in Cape May.
Next morning hook the trailer up, and head back west to home.
After the Chicago trip we spent a week at the lake Michigan shore playing at one of Harry’s favorite places the Silver Lake sand dunes. Harry likes the big open white sand beaches and playing out on the dunes with the Jeep.
Another trip was back to the upper part of Michigan to East Jordan on Lake Charlevoix. This time we had the great company of Bud and Carol on this trip. Being the good friend that Bud is, he towed our boat behind his motor home as we towed our trailer behind the Jeep. We stayed at the East Jordan Tourist Park. We have camped here with Bud and Carol a couple of years ago. It is a great place to use as a home base to explore the surrounding area, which we did by car and boat. After about ten days together Bud and Carol had to head for home. We hooked up the trailer and moved over to Interlochen state park, which is just across the road from the Interlochen Center of the Arts. At the center of the arts we had third row seats to see Garrison Keillor with the “A Prairie Home Companion Summer Road Show”. He is the guy who has the Sunday PBS radio show and talks about his hometown of Lake Wobegon. This was one very funny and entertaining two and one half hour show.
A couple of weeks ago Bobbi and her friend Susie took a two-day trip to go shopping at the giant flea market and the town of Shipshewana Ind. While Bobbi was shopping and spending money Harry packed a duffel on the motorcycle and headed up to the Mackinaw City Mi. area to visit with his friend Mel and do some biking around the northern part of Michigan for a couple of days. Almost 800 miles in two days, is just about too much for this not so young rider.
We are almost caught up ! This week, the last week of September we hooked up the trailer and set out for one of our favorite places this time of year, the Jersey Shore.
We traveled the Lincoln Highway (route 30) from Ohio thru Pennsylvania. Not a route to travel, pulling a trailer. The mountains sure put a strain on the truck and braking system. All things considered, the scenery and historic buildings and towns made this route worth it. Two days of travel later we arrived in New Jersey. The next morning we set out for the beach at Ocean City and unload the bicycles to tour the boardwalk and the town. Six miles on the bikes this day. We had some very nice weather for September, and a lot of people were taking advantage of it at the beach, clear in the 90s and a nice breeze. After our day at the beach we go north to Margate NJ. to see the worlds largest elephant Lucy, which was built in the 1800 as a tourist attraction
The next day we go to Wildwoods NJ. to ride the bikes on their three miles of boardwalk and check out the town of Wildwoods. Eight miles on the bikes this day. The bikes are loaded up in the truck and we travel on down the coast to check out the old Victorian houses in Cape May.
Next morning hook the trailer up, and head back west to home.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Chicago June 2010
Tuesday the day after Memorial Day when most people have to go back to work and the kids have to go back to school before their summer break, we are on the road crossing the farm lands of Ohio and Indiana toward our destination of Chicago.
Before we get to Chicago we have to set up camp at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, which is on the south shore of Lake Michigan in Indiana. We have camped here several times in the past. One of the nice things about this campground is that across from the entrance is the train station where we get on the train to head to midtown Chicago. When we arrive at the campground it is mostly empty, the weekend holiday campers have left and we have our pick of campsites. This year we need three sites, one for us, one for Roy and Carol (Dolphin36.blogspot.com) and one for Ron and Nancy (Graciesgreatadenture.blogspot.com) who have accompanied us this year. We find three sites in the shade that are near to each other and setup camp. Now it is time to relax and plan our travels for tomorrow.
Wednesday morning the weather is nice after a rainy night the day is perfect, partly cloudy and in the mid 70s. We board the train and head to Chicago for breakfast, however upon arriving at our favorite breakfast restaurant we find that it has closed. A slight change of plans and we find a restaurant overlooking the Chicago River for breakfast. After breakfast we check out some of the stores on Michigan Ave. also known as the Magnificent Mile. Shopping done we hop the bus and we are on our way to the Lincoln Park Zoo. This zoo is huge, and with many of the grade schools field trips scheduled on this day it is a tiring experience for us old people. After the zoo adventure we should have called it quits and headed back to the train station and the campground. Ron and Nancy haven’t seen the Chicago Navy Pier, so back on the bus and off we go to the Navy Pier for some more sight seeing. It is now time to beat the rush hour outbound traffic and make it back to the train station at Millennium Park in midtown, a bus ride and five block walk and we are back on the train heading for our homes away from home and dinner around the campfire and a good nights rest.
Thursday morning out to breakfast in Michigan City Indiana and then on the train to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. This is located in the museum campus right on the shore of lake Michigan. The aquarium was built in 1933 for the Chicago world fair, A Century of Progress. Beautiful aquarium with many new exhibits added since we were there years ago. One of the many interesting displays was a fish that was put on display in 1933 and is still living and on display now. After a long day touring the aquarium the group is ready to head back to the campground for dinner and a time to sit back and relax. We now say goodbye to Chicago for this trip and board the train back to our homes away from home.
Before we get to Chicago we have to set up camp at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, which is on the south shore of Lake Michigan in Indiana. We have camped here several times in the past. One of the nice things about this campground is that across from the entrance is the train station where we get on the train to head to midtown Chicago. When we arrive at the campground it is mostly empty, the weekend holiday campers have left and we have our pick of campsites. This year we need three sites, one for us, one for Roy and Carol (Dolphin36.blogspot.com) and one for Ron and Nancy (Graciesgreatadenture.blogspot.com) who have accompanied us this year. We find three sites in the shade that are near to each other and setup camp. Now it is time to relax and plan our travels for tomorrow.
Wednesday morning the weather is nice after a rainy night the day is perfect, partly cloudy and in the mid 70s. We board the train and head to Chicago for breakfast, however upon arriving at our favorite breakfast restaurant we find that it has closed. A slight change of plans and we find a restaurant overlooking the Chicago River for breakfast. After breakfast we check out some of the stores on Michigan Ave. also known as the Magnificent Mile. Shopping done we hop the bus and we are on our way to the Lincoln Park Zoo. This zoo is huge, and with many of the grade schools field trips scheduled on this day it is a tiring experience for us old people. After the zoo adventure we should have called it quits and headed back to the train station and the campground. Ron and Nancy haven’t seen the Chicago Navy Pier, so back on the bus and off we go to the Navy Pier for some more sight seeing. It is now time to beat the rush hour outbound traffic and make it back to the train station at Millennium Park in midtown, a bus ride and five block walk and we are back on the train heading for our homes away from home and dinner around the campfire and a good nights rest.
Thursday morning out to breakfast in Michigan City Indiana and then on the train to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. This is located in the museum campus right on the shore of lake Michigan. The aquarium was built in 1933 for the Chicago world fair, A Century of Progress. Beautiful aquarium with many new exhibits added since we were there years ago. One of the many interesting displays was a fish that was put on display in 1933 and is still living and on display now. After a long day touring the aquarium the group is ready to head back to the campground for dinner and a time to sit back and relax. We now say goodbye to Chicago for this trip and board the train back to our homes away from home.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Mesick Michigan
Well here it is our first trip out with the mobile motel of the 2010 summer season. May 8th, and what do we get? SNOW ! That’s right I said snow. After several days in the 70s near 80 at home, we decided to head north to Mesick Michigan for their annual morel mushroom festival. We knew the weather forecast called for cool weather and rain, but we didn’t expect the snow. In Mesick we had no accumulation of snow, however in nearby towns they had accumulations of 3 ½ to 2 ½ inches of snow. Needless to say the crowd for the parade Saturday noon was a little sparse also both venders and customers sparsely attended the carnival and huge flea market. Several of the venders that were set up on Friday decided to close up shop and leave early and forfeit their spots for Saturday and Sunday because of the cold weather and few people.
We did get in a lot of exploring of the Manistee National Forest. The Jeep functioned well, with the heater and windshield wipers working so that it was comfy and we could see to find our way through the forest on the snowmobile trails that we were following. The four-wheel drive was needed on a few occasions to transverse these trails. Many miles of exploring and several stops to check for mushrooms resulted in no mushrooms in our basket.
Something good did come from the foul weather, it gave us an excuse to hop in the Jeep and explore the surrounding towns. One of the towns was Interlochen, Michigan. In Interlochen we stopped at the Interlochen Center for the Arts to check on tickets for the N P R radio show, A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keilor, scheduled to play there in August. It was a good thing we stopped, according to the N P R web site these tickets are not on sale yet, however at the Arts box office the lady there said the 4,000 seats were just about all sold out. We were able to buy two of the few remaining tickets. We now have seats in Row 2, seats 1 and 2. We were also able to reserve a campsite at the state park across the road from the arts center. That means that we should be able to walk from our trailer over to the show.
We did get in a lot of exploring of the Manistee National Forest. The Jeep functioned well, with the heater and windshield wipers working so that it was comfy and we could see to find our way through the forest on the snowmobile trails that we were following. The four-wheel drive was needed on a few occasions to transverse these trails. Many miles of exploring and several stops to check for mushrooms resulted in no mushrooms in our basket.
Something good did come from the foul weather, it gave us an excuse to hop in the Jeep and explore the surrounding towns. One of the towns was Interlochen, Michigan. In Interlochen we stopped at the Interlochen Center for the Arts to check on tickets for the N P R radio show, A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keilor, scheduled to play there in August. It was a good thing we stopped, according to the N P R web site these tickets are not on sale yet, however at the Arts box office the lady there said the 4,000 seats were just about all sold out. We were able to buy two of the few remaining tickets. We now have seats in Row 2, seats 1 and 2. We were also able to reserve a campsite at the state park across the road from the arts center. That means that we should be able to walk from our trailer over to the show.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Heading North
Moving on. A lot has happened since we left the Orlando area. First stop was Wickham park in Melbourne Fl. for two plus weeks with some long walks on the beach when it was warm, and checking out the Melbourne zoo. There where some very nice days intermixed with the cool ones. Over all it was a very nice stay with Ron and Nancy at the campground. From there we moved north to the Ocala National Forest again for a stay at Salt Springs and a visit with Dick and Sharon in Ocala. A few days after leaving the Ocala National Forest we ended up in Pigeon Forge Tn. We followed Rt. 441 the old Orange Blossom trail form Florida into the Smoky Mountains.The snow we had in the higher elevations of the Smokies was the last we hope to see untill next year.
It was nice to have the slower pace of the back roads compared to the interstates. Some of our warmer weather was in the states of Georgia and Tennessee, in the 70s the last few days. Once in Pigeon Forge we had to take the trolley ride back to Gatlinburg to take the ski lift up to a lookout spot to overlook downtown Gatlinburg.
Today is Sat. March 20th and we spent the afternoon at the Knoxville Zoo. Temps in the mid 70s, which made it a very nice day at the zoo. We sure had some beautiful days for site seeing along the way. Tomorrow is planned for a cook out at son Steve’s home and then it is time to hook up the mobile motel and take it home.
It was nice to have the slower pace of the back roads compared to the interstates. Some of our warmer weather was in the states of Georgia and Tennessee, in the 70s the last few days. Once in Pigeon Forge we had to take the trolley ride back to Gatlinburg to take the ski lift up to a lookout spot to overlook downtown Gatlinburg.
Today is Sat. March 20th and we spent the afternoon at the Knoxville Zoo. Temps in the mid 70s, which made it a very nice day at the zoo. We sure had some beautiful days for site seeing along the way. Tomorrow is planned for a cook out at son Steve’s home and then it is time to hook up the mobile motel and take it home.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Orlando Area
February is almost a memory. Her last week and a half have come and gone too quickly. Moss Park is one of my favorite camp spots in Florida. This year, as last, we parked next to George the camp host/resident park photographer and he shared both his knowledge of the park and it’s wildlife and his wonderful film presentation of Moss Park’s creatures. And the Sandhill Cranes that had laid 2 eggs? Their nest was just off shore at the edge of a grassy area and they even allowed George to venture out the small watery path and keep watch over them and their soon to be hatched children. (Zoom in on that picture to see Momma sitting on the nest!) Last Monday the first baby pecked his way thru his shell and the second sibling followed thru on Tuesday. George was a VERY PROUD Grampa indeed! By Thursday the youngster’s parents had them up on shore and pecking their way thru the campground looking for little tidbits of something to eat. Whenever someone ventured too close, the babies flattened themselves down and blended right in with the brown/tan winter grasses. We lucked out and snapped a several good shots of the adorable fuzzy babies and their tall long legged folks keeping watch over them. And the big black headed squirrels that I didn’t know the name of? Per George, they are Sherman Fox Squirrels and George promises to get me a photo of one of them.
Last year when we were parked here, we also met a wonderful couple – Bobbie (!) and Gene from up Georgia way. Gene had had surgery and was confined to a wheelchair. Ofcourse, Bobbie and I clicked right off the bat and we have corresponded throughout the last year. We parked several days with them at Highland Hammock last month and the arrived at Moss Park last Monday. Gene is now MUCH better and is enjoying getting out and around and even rides his 2-wheel bike! Bobbie gave us some great pointers on playing the dulcimer, which has given us a renewed urge to learn to play it better. 2 of their grandchildren came to visit and we enjoyed meeting them.
Our Moss Park stay has ended and we’ve moved on to Melbourne and Wickham Park, which will now be our home for 2 more weeks. I am NOT going to bring up the cold, WET weather that we’ve endured yet AGAIN in this state that used to be known for its warm SUNNY wonderful weather - because this afternoon the sun was shining and the temps made it up to “take off the sweatshirt” temperature. . We are parked just down the way from Ron and Nancy so will be spending some fun time with them. The canoe never made it off the Jeep while we were in Moss Park but it sure did make it easy to find the Jeep in a parking lot whenever we went anywhere!! I should make it to the beach at least once while we are here tho.
Last year when we were parked here, we also met a wonderful couple – Bobbie (!) and Gene from up Georgia way. Gene had had surgery and was confined to a wheelchair. Ofcourse, Bobbie and I clicked right off the bat and we have corresponded throughout the last year. We parked several days with them at Highland Hammock last month and the arrived at Moss Park last Monday. Gene is now MUCH better and is enjoying getting out and around and even rides his 2-wheel bike! Bobbie gave us some great pointers on playing the dulcimer, which has given us a renewed urge to learn to play it better. 2 of their grandchildren came to visit and we enjoyed meeting them.
Our Moss Park stay has ended and we’ve moved on to Melbourne and Wickham Park, which will now be our home for 2 more weeks. I am NOT going to bring up the cold, WET weather that we’ve endured yet AGAIN in this state that used to be known for its warm SUNNY wonderful weather - because this afternoon the sun was shining and the temps made it up to “take off the sweatshirt” temperature. . We are parked just down the way from Ron and Nancy so will be spending some fun time with them. The canoe never made it off the Jeep while we were in Moss Park but it sure did make it easy to find the Jeep in a parking lot whenever we went anywhere!! I should make it to the beach at least once while we are here tho.
Friday, February 19, 2010
East Central Florida
No moss under our feet this past week! Saturday, February 13th we pulled out of WP Franklin and the winds were STILL blowing strong. All across the state of Florida we fought the winds. Since the Lake Okeechobee area has always been one of H’s favorite camping areas in the past, we pulled thru several and then drove up on the high ridge of the lake in the town of Pahokee to see what the lake was doing. Its water was dark and the winds were antagonizing the waves that were crashing into the few boats that were trying to stay secured in the small harbor. In the surrounding farmlands the winds were causing the sugarcane field fires to darken up the highways that crossed their path. Talk about pollution! It sure would not be allowed to happen up North, would it? We had lucked out and had secured a spot in Port St Lucie Lock and Dam Campground for 2 nights so our day’s journey ended early.
The winds were still blowing on Sunday and it was still “cool” but we found a big flea market to wander thru. We found the beach but – yep – too windy and cold to even enjoy a beach walk. Monday we moved again - up the outer barrier island on A1A and parked again - in Sebastian State Park. It was a sunny day and we walked out on the fisherman-lined jetties on both sides of the inlet and watched all the pelicans diving for food over and over again. Tuesday we moved again!
Moss Park is an Orange County Park that is just SE of Orlando. It is one of our favorites because it’s in the middle of a tall piney woods and surrounded by two pretty lakes – Lake Mary Jane and Hart Lake. A small channel that is lined on one side by park and the other side by thick jungle joins the two lakes together. This is the park where I caught those huge crappie last year! Yeah – check last year’s blog!
The greeting committee was there to see us within 5 minutes of our arrival! Sandhill Cranes are all over the place! According to George, the parks official photographer, there is a pair that is sitting on eggs again this year. I am hoping to go see her before we leave! The winds have settled down finally and we were able to sit outside and enjoy the afternoon. Yet another Sandhill Crane came to say Welcome Back! Each morning, deer wander just outside our campsite perimeter looking for some morsel to browse on! The trees are often full of unseen birds calling to each other. Crumbs spread on the ground draw down the chickadees and other small birds. This morning a strange looking squirrel came to say Hi by climbing on top of the picnic table that is only 6 feet from our door. Around here, the squirrels are huge creatures almost the size of a cat – bushy long gray tails and dark black heads. I put out a few crackers to lure him back but the only thing the crackers “lured” back was another Sandhill Crane! Oh well. I must ask George what those squirrels are called.
The weather is warming. Imagine – 60’s today and up into the 70’s in just 2 more days. Hopefully the canoe will be taken off the roof of the Jeep again and the fishing lures can be cast into the water – finally.
The winds were still blowing on Sunday and it was still “cool” but we found a big flea market to wander thru. We found the beach but – yep – too windy and cold to even enjoy a beach walk. Monday we moved again - up the outer barrier island on A1A and parked again - in Sebastian State Park. It was a sunny day and we walked out on the fisherman-lined jetties on both sides of the inlet and watched all the pelicans diving for food over and over again. Tuesday we moved again!
Moss Park is an Orange County Park that is just SE of Orlando. It is one of our favorites because it’s in the middle of a tall piney woods and surrounded by two pretty lakes – Lake Mary Jane and Hart Lake. A small channel that is lined on one side by park and the other side by thick jungle joins the two lakes together. This is the park where I caught those huge crappie last year! Yeah – check last year’s blog!
The greeting committee was there to see us within 5 minutes of our arrival! Sandhill Cranes are all over the place! According to George, the parks official photographer, there is a pair that is sitting on eggs again this year. I am hoping to go see her before we leave! The winds have settled down finally and we were able to sit outside and enjoy the afternoon. Yet another Sandhill Crane came to say Welcome Back! Each morning, deer wander just outside our campsite perimeter looking for some morsel to browse on! The trees are often full of unseen birds calling to each other. Crumbs spread on the ground draw down the chickadees and other small birds. This morning a strange looking squirrel came to say Hi by climbing on top of the picnic table that is only 6 feet from our door. Around here, the squirrels are huge creatures almost the size of a cat – bushy long gray tails and dark black heads. I put out a few crackers to lure him back but the only thing the crackers “lured” back was another Sandhill Crane! Oh well. I must ask George what those squirrels are called.
The weather is warming. Imagine – 60’s today and up into the 70’s in just 2 more days. Hopefully the canoe will be taken off the roof of the Jeep again and the fishing lures can be cast into the water – finally.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Fort Myers Area
Wow – how long has it been?? February 10th – we are the furthest south as we will get this winter. The “mobile motel” has been parked at the WP Franklin Lock and Dam Corp of Engr’s Campground on the Caloosahatchee River just east of Fort Myers. One of our favorite campgrounds, this park is on an island in the middle of the river and has only 29 sites, each facing the water. Last year we were on the lock side of the island and this year we face a small cove. Across the water is a huge big live oak tree and 2 eagles roost there every morning and evening!
The weather has been cool (COLD), windy (VERY) and more rain than we would have liked to have endured. Thankfully when it rains – the winds die down some. But – when we watch the national news on TV and see ALL the blizzards and snow and bad weather up across the states – we realize “it ain’t so bad down here”. The “mobile motel” just gets a bit small after awhile tho!
I did get to have my “Girlfriend Fix”! H took me up to Punta Gorda and Em came down from Port Charlotte and we had a delightful day of shopping, eating and girl talking! The only frustrating part of the day was trying to reach H via his new cell phone that was to have kept the original number - - and didn’t.
B & C came down from Lake Placid to spend a day and we hit the flea market before using up our tickets to the Edison/Ford Estates that we toured last year. Since the Ford winter home was closed then, we were all issued return tickets to visit the estates again. We were looking forward to enjoying the antique car show of over 100 Fords that was to be held on the property. HOWEVER - - when we arrived, all of the beautiful old vehicles were preparing to leave because they too had had enough of the cold and wind! It was even too cold to walk the estate grounds because the strong winds were coming right off the Gulf.
Sunday, February 7th was H’s birthday and his brother R and wife N came over from their parking spot in LaBelle to celebrate the day. Again – cool and breezy. The Fleamaster Flea Market is the biggest in the area and N and I made it thru 3/4th of it before the “boys” called! We sang Happy Birthday to both boys (R’s big day is the 11th!) and then enjoyed another great BBQ dinner at Rib City.
In the 2 months that we’ve been gone the canoe had only been off the roof of the Jeep twice. Now the count has risen to 3! And the tiny craft has made it into this brackish water twice – one venture was uphill and INTO the wind BOTH ways!! It was close but we made it back!
My sewing machine has managed to make it out of its case on a couple of the warmer and less windy days. Up in Highland Hammock State Park I sold a few of my heart shaped potholders and a purse. While here I’ve even sold a few more potholders! I’m working on another purse and a whole bunch more potholders but the weather is not looking to promising to be sewing outdoors.
Today we went exploring over near LaBelle and Ortona and on the way back we passed this pasture with cows and horses - and a huge shaggy camel! H had to turn around so we could take a picture of it! This area is all grazing and groves - - - grazing cows and horses and groves of oranges! One pasture even has llamas! But a camel?!!
Saturday, the 13th we are moving east for 2 days at the St Lucie Lock and Dam campground, just southwest of Stuart. From there we’ll start working our way north to Moss Park.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY, EVERYONE!
The weather has been cool (COLD), windy (VERY) and more rain than we would have liked to have endured. Thankfully when it rains – the winds die down some. But – when we watch the national news on TV and see ALL the blizzards and snow and bad weather up across the states – we realize “it ain’t so bad down here”. The “mobile motel” just gets a bit small after awhile tho!
I did get to have my “Girlfriend Fix”! H took me up to Punta Gorda and Em came down from Port Charlotte and we had a delightful day of shopping, eating and girl talking! The only frustrating part of the day was trying to reach H via his new cell phone that was to have kept the original number - - and didn’t.
B & C came down from Lake Placid to spend a day and we hit the flea market before using up our tickets to the Edison/Ford Estates that we toured last year. Since the Ford winter home was closed then, we were all issued return tickets to visit the estates again. We were looking forward to enjoying the antique car show of over 100 Fords that was to be held on the property. HOWEVER - - when we arrived, all of the beautiful old vehicles were preparing to leave because they too had had enough of the cold and wind! It was even too cold to walk the estate grounds because the strong winds were coming right off the Gulf.
Sunday, February 7th was H’s birthday and his brother R and wife N came over from their parking spot in LaBelle to celebrate the day. Again – cool and breezy. The Fleamaster Flea Market is the biggest in the area and N and I made it thru 3/4th of it before the “boys” called! We sang Happy Birthday to both boys (R’s big day is the 11th!) and then enjoyed another great BBQ dinner at Rib City.
In the 2 months that we’ve been gone the canoe had only been off the roof of the Jeep twice. Now the count has risen to 3! And the tiny craft has made it into this brackish water twice – one venture was uphill and INTO the wind BOTH ways!! It was close but we made it back!
My sewing machine has managed to make it out of its case on a couple of the warmer and less windy days. Up in Highland Hammock State Park I sold a few of my heart shaped potholders and a purse. While here I’ve even sold a few more potholders! I’m working on another purse and a whole bunch more potholders but the weather is not looking to promising to be sewing outdoors.
Today we went exploring over near LaBelle and Ortona and on the way back we passed this pasture with cows and horses - and a huge shaggy camel! H had to turn around so we could take a picture of it! This area is all grazing and groves - - - grazing cows and horses and groves of oranges! One pasture even has llamas! But a camel?!!
Saturday, the 13th we are moving east for 2 days at the St Lucie Lock and Dam campground, just southwest of Stuart. From there we’ll start working our way north to Moss Park.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY, EVERYONE!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Southwest Florida
Two busy weeks in EG Simmons has come and gone. If you want to see pictures – see last year’s blog! Although, I could not resist snapping this beautiful, mellow sunset from our campsite this year! One day, B&C came “up” to visit us and even tho it was too cool of a day to ride bikes, we drove them on a tour of “our” park and then up to Apollo Beach Power Plant to share the amazing sight of all the manatees that were squeezed into the canal. Both cars then traveled down to Ellenton to run errands and enjoy a front row table at the Roaring Twenties Pizza Place. (again – see last year’s blog when we were treated to the Roaring Twenties Theater Wurlitzer Organ with D&S!) Yes, The Phantom was played and it was better than last year! Another trip back down to Ellenton came on Sunday when we met D&S, and Nancy from up home, for dinner at our other favorite – Oyster Bar! One warm day we did make it to the Big Red Barn Flea Market, then Joann’s for supplies and on out to Holmes Beach on Anna Marie Island.
From EG Simmons, our next move was further east and south to Sebring and a few days in Highland Hammock State Park – one of, if not the oldest state park in Florida. Since this park is only 20 miles north of Lake Placid where B&C are staying, they came up for a day and all 4 of us climbed on board the tram ride for a back woods tour provided by the very knowledgeable park ranger. As Kevin, drove and repeatedly stopped, he explained about the diverse ecological areas and the animals that we might (and did) see! He pointed out ALL the big mama alligators and the clutches of last July’s babies that were not too far away. We startled several mammoth turtles, two of which had been nestled within inches of the snout of one of the “mama’s”! We saw deer, herons, egrets, buzzards AND a beautiful soaring bald eagle. Last year while camped up in Moss Park, we met Bobbie and Gene from Georgia and it was a joy for me to renew our long distance friendship since they were camped right down the row from us! A special treat for me was to get to enjoy a girl’s only lunch and a bit of shopping with her! Then, Thursday evening there was a Sunset Tram ride that I did not get to sign up for because of a communication glitch in the front office. Thanks to B&G, the ranger who was leading this ride was actually going to drive to our campsite to get me!! Luckily, H had told me to go see if there was any room on the tram for me and I was on my way when I heard them call to me and hollar: “RUN!!” What a lovely sunset ride thru a different portion of the hammock (forest) it was. Again, this ranger would stop and explain the types of trees and why they grow where, along with the types of animals we might see. An eagle’s nest was pointed out and we were advised that we might see bats. He said we might see deer but it was very observant lady in front of me who spotted the big eyes and broad pointed rack on the buck white tail deer standing just on the other side of a clump of tall broom grasses! The truck was slowly angled towards the deer so the headlights shone on him and the rest of the passengers enjoyed the special view also.
Friday, January 29th, I said goodbye again to B&G and we pulled out to meet B&C for breakfast on our way south. Now, I must tell you that we never double-checked our reservations for WP Franklin until last night. All this time, we thought we were to move there today! Nope! Tomorrow!! We were homeless! Not to fear – H knew that there were several campgrounds between Sebring and Ft Myers. But, Bud had a coupon for 3 “free” camping nights at a RV resort in LaBelle! For tonight we are nestled in next to a nice couple from northern Indiana and a 5th wheel from Illinois. The Jeep has even been washed without being unhooked from the trailer. Whispering Creeks has minimal trees, full hookups, cable, really friendly people and - - - fire ants.
H’s ankle is swollen and itchy but he’ll survive. Now, for sure – tomorrow we’ll be in WP Franklin!
From EG Simmons, our next move was further east and south to Sebring and a few days in Highland Hammock State Park – one of, if not the oldest state park in Florida. Since this park is only 20 miles north of Lake Placid where B&C are staying, they came up for a day and all 4 of us climbed on board the tram ride for a back woods tour provided by the very knowledgeable park ranger. As Kevin, drove and repeatedly stopped, he explained about the diverse ecological areas and the animals that we might (and did) see! He pointed out ALL the big mama alligators and the clutches of last July’s babies that were not too far away. We startled several mammoth turtles, two of which had been nestled within inches of the snout of one of the “mama’s”! We saw deer, herons, egrets, buzzards AND a beautiful soaring bald eagle. Last year while camped up in Moss Park, we met Bobbie and Gene from Georgia and it was a joy for me to renew our long distance friendship since they were camped right down the row from us! A special treat for me was to get to enjoy a girl’s only lunch and a bit of shopping with her! Then, Thursday evening there was a Sunset Tram ride that I did not get to sign up for because of a communication glitch in the front office. Thanks to B&G, the ranger who was leading this ride was actually going to drive to our campsite to get me!! Luckily, H had told me to go see if there was any room on the tram for me and I was on my way when I heard them call to me and hollar: “RUN!!” What a lovely sunset ride thru a different portion of the hammock (forest) it was. Again, this ranger would stop and explain the types of trees and why they grow where, along with the types of animals we might see. An eagle’s nest was pointed out and we were advised that we might see bats. He said we might see deer but it was very observant lady in front of me who spotted the big eyes and broad pointed rack on the buck white tail deer standing just on the other side of a clump of tall broom grasses! The truck was slowly angled towards the deer so the headlights shone on him and the rest of the passengers enjoyed the special view also.
Friday, January 29th, I said goodbye again to B&G and we pulled out to meet B&C for breakfast on our way south. Now, I must tell you that we never double-checked our reservations for WP Franklin until last night. All this time, we thought we were to move there today! Nope! Tomorrow!! We were homeless! Not to fear – H knew that there were several campgrounds between Sebring and Ft Myers. But, Bud had a coupon for 3 “free” camping nights at a RV resort in LaBelle! For tonight we are nestled in next to a nice couple from northern Indiana and a 5th wheel from Illinois. The Jeep has even been washed without being unhooked from the trailer. Whispering Creeks has minimal trees, full hookups, cable, really friendly people and - - - fire ants.
H’s ankle is swollen and itchy but he’ll survive. Now, for sure – tomorrow we’ll be in WP Franklin!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Tampa Bay Area
Lithia Springs County Park SE of Brandon and now EG Simmons County Park in Ruskin on Tampa Bay. 25-degree weather and now 70-degree weather. Just like Michigan – give it time- it all changes.
While parked in Lithia Springs, a “must do” was to enjoy our annual strawberry shortcake lunch from the Brandon Farms Roadside Market. Surprisingly the cost has not gone up, in spite of the cold weather devastation they have endured in the last 2 weeks. The portions were still good and the taste was still DELICIOUS. For almost 2 weeks, the temperatures have dropped below 30 degrees each night and to save the acres and acres of half ripened berries and the blossoms for the coming promise of berries, the farmers turned on the sprinklers and literally covered the entire field with frozen water. Then - the aftermath of all that constant, county wide irrigation – the water levels fell, both in neighboring household wells and in the ground “levels” causing monstrous sinkholes in front yards, driveways and even in the middle of I 4, the cross state highway. The radio reports said that one sinkhole took 400 cubic yards – 80 truckloads - of cement to fill in just that one void.
Tampa Bay and EG Simmon’s wildlife has suffered from the cold also. As we walked the beach, the fishing areas, the sandy peninsulas and the boat areas, the other day, the shorelines were mottled with all sorts of dead fish from 2-inch fingerlings to large catfish that were over a foot long, porcupine fish and several cownosed rays. The resident raccoons have dined in style each night after a fresh batch of seafood is washed ashore when the tide comes in.
Not all the wildlife is lifeless tho! In Lithia Springs we were visited one chilly afternoon by this Red-shouldered Hawk that perched right above our campsite. The other day we checked in on the power plant that is 5 miles north of here in Apollo Beach. The canal and lagoon are fed with the heated water from the plant and were “mammal to mammal” full of various sizes of manatees and even some rays that were leaping out of the water. Today, Saturday, January 17th we visited the Mote Aquarium and Marine Laboratory out on Longboat Key, just west of Sarasota. Rays, different kinds and sizes of sharks, and several kinds of large sea fish occupied the outside tanks and inside were many more unique displays of interesting sea creatures including a preserved 37 ft long squid. Across the way in a second large structure of more large tanks were the bottlenose dolphins, the green sea turtles and another large sea turtle that came right up to face H thru the thick window. We stood for a long time, watching Hugh and Buffet the resident manatees. Several times they would swim right across their very large, temperature controlled, water filled enclosure and face H on the other side of the 3-inch thick clear acrylic window. Here’s lookin’ at you!
We’ve driven down to Ellenton and met Bud and Carol and their friends at the Ellenton Outlet Mall. The guys spent a boring afternoon waiting for their female shoppers, but were rewarded with a wonderful seafood dinner at another area favorite – Anna Marie’s Oyster Bar. Monday, B and C are coming up to visit us here in the campground and then we plan on taking them out to the beaches and another yummy seafood lunch!
While parked in Lithia Springs, a “must do” was to enjoy our annual strawberry shortcake lunch from the Brandon Farms Roadside Market. Surprisingly the cost has not gone up, in spite of the cold weather devastation they have endured in the last 2 weeks. The portions were still good and the taste was still DELICIOUS. For almost 2 weeks, the temperatures have dropped below 30 degrees each night and to save the acres and acres of half ripened berries and the blossoms for the coming promise of berries, the farmers turned on the sprinklers and literally covered the entire field with frozen water. Then - the aftermath of all that constant, county wide irrigation – the water levels fell, both in neighboring household wells and in the ground “levels” causing monstrous sinkholes in front yards, driveways and even in the middle of I 4, the cross state highway. The radio reports said that one sinkhole took 400 cubic yards – 80 truckloads - of cement to fill in just that one void.
Tampa Bay and EG Simmon’s wildlife has suffered from the cold also. As we walked the beach, the fishing areas, the sandy peninsulas and the boat areas, the other day, the shorelines were mottled with all sorts of dead fish from 2-inch fingerlings to large catfish that were over a foot long, porcupine fish and several cownosed rays. The resident raccoons have dined in style each night after a fresh batch of seafood is washed ashore when the tide comes in.
Not all the wildlife is lifeless tho! In Lithia Springs we were visited one chilly afternoon by this Red-shouldered Hawk that perched right above our campsite. The other day we checked in on the power plant that is 5 miles north of here in Apollo Beach. The canal and lagoon are fed with the heated water from the plant and were “mammal to mammal” full of various sizes of manatees and even some rays that were leaping out of the water. Today, Saturday, January 17th we visited the Mote Aquarium and Marine Laboratory out on Longboat Key, just west of Sarasota. Rays, different kinds and sizes of sharks, and several kinds of large sea fish occupied the outside tanks and inside were many more unique displays of interesting sea creatures including a preserved 37 ft long squid. Across the way in a second large structure of more large tanks were the bottlenose dolphins, the green sea turtles and another large sea turtle that came right up to face H thru the thick window. We stood for a long time, watching Hugh and Buffet the resident manatees. Several times they would swim right across their very large, temperature controlled, water filled enclosure and face H on the other side of the 3-inch thick clear acrylic window. Here’s lookin’ at you!
We’ve driven down to Ellenton and met Bud and Carol and their friends at the Ellenton Outlet Mall. The guys spent a boring afternoon waiting for their female shoppers, but were rewarded with a wonderful seafood dinner at another area favorite – Anna Marie’s Oyster Bar. Monday, B and C are coming up to visit us here in the campground and then we plan on taking them out to the beaches and another yummy seafood lunch!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Chasshowitzka
Today is Sunday, January 10th. It’s COLD in Lithia Springs Florida. 28 degrees when I awoke this morning. Both heaters have been called into duty. We moved down from Chassahowitzka Wildlife Refuge Campground just south of Homosassa Springs yesterday and it’s a good thing we have because the temperatures there are in the teens this morning!
While camped in Chassawowitzka we revisited Homosassa Wildlife Park, found the ruins of the 1850 Yulee Sugar Mill, visited with friends whom I went to high school with, got the canoe off the roof of the Jeep and canoed/motored almost out to the Gulf on the warmest day of the week and on Friday, the coldest day of the week, finally got to go see the famous mermaids and see their shows at Weeki Wachee State Park. In Homosassa we ate at Riverview Seafood Café which was right ON the water and overlooked Monkey Island which was the home to 6 monkeys.
While camped in Chassawowitzka we revisited Homosassa Wildlife Park, found the ruins of the 1850 Yulee Sugar Mill, visited with friends whom I went to high school with, got the canoe off the roof of the Jeep and canoed/motored almost out to the Gulf on the warmest day of the week and on Friday, the coldest day of the week, finally got to go see the famous mermaids and see their shows at Weeki Wachee State Park. In Homosassa we ate at Riverview Seafood Café which was right ON the water and overlooked Monkey Island which was the home to 6 monkeys.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Homosassa Springs Fla.
HAPPY NEW YEAR! May this New Year be better for you than the last one! Our 2009 ended when the 11 o’clock news was over and H turned out the lights. The new year of 2010 looked just like how the last year ended – cold and wet! I thought we were in Florida to get warm and stay out of the cold damp weather! Silly me! The week between Christmas and New Years passed quickly – and other than a royal hassle with State Farm Bank over my “compromised” credit card – our week was pleasant, with me shopping with Sharon, dinners out with them and over to their home while H got to watch Ohio State win the Rose Bowl. We visited several times with Ruth and Jerry, which is always great!
We’ve moved west and south from Ocala to just south of Homosassa Springs Florida. We are in the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Reserve at a county park, which is woodsy and kinda like a fishing camp on the river. It’s still COLD! For the last several nights we’ve unplugged the water hose so it wouldn’t freeze. It never made it up past 45 degrees Sunday and just barely 50 on Monday! Next to us is a couple in a tent who, until Sunday, didn’t even have a heater! They spent most of that night in their truck with the engine running. They finally went to Walmart for an electric heater. They have no air mattress - just 2 sleeping bags and we instructed them to zip them together to better keep the warmth in. H has also helped cover the tent with a tarp.
As we always do when we move to a new neighborhood where we’ve not been in a while, we go exploring. Saturday when we moved here, we found the grocery store and the closest wifi location. Sunday, after I baked some cookies (to help warm up the trailer?) we found Beale’s Outlet and Walmart and in spite of the cold – we returned to Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park.
Winter coats, sweatshirts and hats helped but after a slow ride on an open pontoon boat we were chilled to the bone. Walking fast and ducking into different buildings helped! The zoo has been updated and remodeled since our last visit and the raised boardwalks guided our paths past the enclosures for the owls, bald eagles, the tiny Key Deer, the 3 red wolves, the BIG black bear and the slinky pacing cougar! The path went out and around the waterfowl displays, complete with beautiful wood ducks, whooping cranes, swans and the ever-squawking sand hill cranes! The Homosassa River actually starts there at the springs which is home to 6 VERY large 3000 lb female manatees and a kazillion swarming shiny fish, swimming round and round the under water observation area. Back at the campground the native birds were also putting on a late afternoon concert and we were treated to a great view of an enormous owl in the tree above us!
Monday’s journey led us south to Weeki Wachee State Park in hopes of seeing if the Mermaids had frozen. When we arrived we found out they have Mondays off. Rather than waste the trip we found Big Lots so H could replace the laptops mouse, lunch and a visit to Joann’s!! I needed my fabric fix! Back at the park, we invited our tenting neighbors, Ricky and Robin over for dinner and a respite from the cold, even if it was just for a few hours
We’ve moved west and south from Ocala to just south of Homosassa Springs Florida. We are in the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Reserve at a county park, which is woodsy and kinda like a fishing camp on the river. It’s still COLD! For the last several nights we’ve unplugged the water hose so it wouldn’t freeze. It never made it up past 45 degrees Sunday and just barely 50 on Monday! Next to us is a couple in a tent who, until Sunday, didn’t even have a heater! They spent most of that night in their truck with the engine running. They finally went to Walmart for an electric heater. They have no air mattress - just 2 sleeping bags and we instructed them to zip them together to better keep the warmth in. H has also helped cover the tent with a tarp.
As we always do when we move to a new neighborhood where we’ve not been in a while, we go exploring. Saturday when we moved here, we found the grocery store and the closest wifi location. Sunday, after I baked some cookies (to help warm up the trailer?) we found Beale’s Outlet and Walmart and in spite of the cold – we returned to Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park.
Winter coats, sweatshirts and hats helped but after a slow ride on an open pontoon boat we were chilled to the bone. Walking fast and ducking into different buildings helped! The zoo has been updated and remodeled since our last visit and the raised boardwalks guided our paths past the enclosures for the owls, bald eagles, the tiny Key Deer, the 3 red wolves, the BIG black bear and the slinky pacing cougar! The path went out and around the waterfowl displays, complete with beautiful wood ducks, whooping cranes, swans and the ever-squawking sand hill cranes! The Homosassa River actually starts there at the springs which is home to 6 VERY large 3000 lb female manatees and a kazillion swarming shiny fish, swimming round and round the under water observation area. Back at the campground the native birds were also putting on a late afternoon concert and we were treated to a great view of an enormous owl in the tree above us!
Monday’s journey led us south to Weeki Wachee State Park in hopes of seeing if the Mermaids had frozen. When we arrived we found out they have Mondays off. Rather than waste the trip we found Big Lots so H could replace the laptops mouse, lunch and a visit to Joann’s!! I needed my fabric fix! Back at the park, we invited our tenting neighbors, Ricky and Robin over for dinner and a respite from the cold, even if it was just for a few hours
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