tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383772857381851632024-02-19T00:47:26.038-08:00Have trailer will travelHave trailer will travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127343312845706218noreply@blogger.comBlogger523125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238377285738185163.post-63228231471693420772021-04-21T08:02:00.000-07:002021-04-21T08:02:24.960-07:00Heading Home Spring 2021<p><span style="font-size: large;"> Falls
Lake State Recreation Area, just north of Raleigh NC was intriguing when we had
stopped there for an overnight stop on our way down and it was going to be an
easy enough ride for our first day heading back home. Now, 2 weeks later, all 3 camping loops at Rolling View
Campground were open but we still chose to park in Loop A – site 15. The gravel parking pad seemed a mile and a
half</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpDE5pu5DOcIfQnMzeFcDX00_E6RAyrlnTgkunSncK3NbDtzKHXRoPmG4Dyj8gWiOtj8U2Etwk_2uDhFsbHB0GJEILtXI0APYjPLYaUJK5WiOFEekQ3GZVgeHJQTuFNNlku_SyBD2SD2y/s2048/01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpDE5pu5DOcIfQnMzeFcDX00_E6RAyrlnTgkunSncK3NbDtzKHXRoPmG4Dyj8gWiOtj8U2Etwk_2uDhFsbHB0GJEILtXI0APYjPLYaUJK5WiOFEekQ3GZVgeHJQTuFNNlku_SyBD2SD2y/w300-h400/01.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> deep and was surrounded by tall still naked trees. The dammed up Neuse River (the same Neuse
River that ran thru New Bern and out to the Atlantic Ocean!) was just down the
steep, brown leaf covered, decline behind our site! Each of the 3 camping loops was perched atop it’s own “mountain”
and the park roads ran up, down, and around each of the small tree covered
domes. We’re going to stay a couple of
nights so we can explore this interesting area more!</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size: large;">A hurricane-induced flood, back in 1945, was used as a
guide for designing the strength of the Falls Lake Dam and the size of the
lake. Today this sprawling 12,000-acre lake
is the main water supply for the city of Raleigh - providing 50 million gallons
a day, and acts as flood reduction system for the many communities that have
developed downstream. We found the
</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWN0AHjHd2ahrW2AHjVwp3mDnhcP_iyndv5aViF4rlZFs_EoqAHgb6bt02BrUoXq_KHvX7E-mVn0IAs_dwIRyAgXq8BHQLHj11XyTCnsVusXt1vBNVpCjCg4GVtbZ8eAK9H0hKtQt5_uF6/s2048/03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWN0AHjHd2ahrW2AHjVwp3mDnhcP_iyndv5aViF4rlZFs_EoqAHgb6bt02BrUoXq_KHvX7E-mVn0IAs_dwIRyAgXq8BHQLHj11XyTCnsVusXt1vBNVpCjCg4GVtbZ8eAK9H0hKtQt5_uF6/w400-h300/03.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">massive earthen structure, which was completed in 1981 but since it was Sunday
afternoon the parking areas below the spillway were all full to overflowing and
the pathways and public fishing areas were in a “flood stage” of pedestrians
out walking their dogs and other folks trying to catch a few fish! We returned the next day and found several
available parking sites so we unfolded the bikes to enjoy a sunny, almost warm
Monday afternoon. We rode along the lower side of the river - rock filled and
splashed with the white water that was escaping from the dam high above
it! It was very reminiscent of the
pathway at the Cuyahoga National Park in Ohio.
Folks greeted each other as we all passed on our bikes. I even spotted a noisy Pileated Woodpecker,
hacking away at a tree near the path!
The visitor center was closed due to the virus but we walked along the
walled sidewalks and viewed the dam from the “high” side. To and from the
campground, the roads we took had names full of fun – Six Forks Rd, Baptist Rd
and even Possum Track Rd! We enjoyed
the names and also the beautiful views as we drove along each one!</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Back
to West Virginia we headed. We stayed
on the expressway and did NOT take any more shortcuts this time! It was back to Camp Creek State Park for a
few more days. The narrow road to the
one loop campground paralleled the turnpike, but led thru a deep green valley,
lined on both sides with small farms and crossed over the small babbling brook
several times - instead of climbing up the</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9eCrG4mC3AKivKMkawz3FSV9rLL7tnaHUCHbKge_OPn1GWY0aTnO3tO70QbRitpqF1XGmVB-tB5Q0a47sS_f4ufHMGpSsE_RWpAplhvkxOPPh14aC6gySdUjG_cdT_aaM1Agzg1eXRnj/s2048/04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9eCrG4mC3AKivKMkawz3FSV9rLL7tnaHUCHbKge_OPn1GWY0aTnO3tO70QbRitpqF1XGmVB-tB5Q0a47sS_f4ufHMGpSsE_RWpAplhvkxOPPh14aC6gySdUjG_cdT_aaM1Agzg1eXRnj/w400-h300/04.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> mountain like the turnpike did. This time we were issued a “back in site”
that had Camp Creek itself babbling right behind the “train”! We had already walked to the waterfall at
the end of the rutted gravel road on the opposite side of the creek, so this
time we drove to the parking lot at the rustic tent camping sites and walked up
stream to see the other beautiful layered curved waterfall that the area is
known for.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Our
intent this stopover was to revisit the New River Gorge and its 3,030 ft long,
single span, 73 ft wide bridge that dominates the valley below it. We’ve been here before - both on the
motorcycle and in the silver Ford pickup that preceded H’s bright blue Ford
truck. In both of those visits there
was a ONE lane, switchback two track “road” that zig zagged down the one side
of the gorge and back up the same way. Now, after parking and walking around
the bridge level visitor area we spotted the wooden walkway and steps that also
zigged and zagged down the hillside.
The plaque at the edge listed 178 steps to the bottom and we KNEW that
feat was not going to happen for us!
Back in the truck we chanced on seeing a sign for another road that
pointed towards the gorge. Part way
down this also hairpin turn infested “path” was a sign that stated the road was
NOT suitable for large trucks. Too
late! We were in too deep and continued
on with </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFR4gaGfVWpApW3dp69yI41foStT0FDk81lWJzm6xbkPLju7DpFwSzNNj1-xxWB3P6MA06UHpxlQyw1iRRAhjRSPacakycXe3xormwPYXmJ59tbSmZH57q2xr_snbqSQ_rwPY8mypISP15/s2048/05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFR4gaGfVWpApW3dp69yI41foStT0FDk81lWJzm6xbkPLju7DpFwSzNNj1-xxWB3P6MA06UHpxlQyw1iRRAhjRSPacakycXe3xormwPYXmJ59tbSmZH57q2xr_snbqSQ_rwPY8mypISP15/w400-h300/05.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">our perilous decent. Down,
around and down some more, crossing back and forth under the 873 ft tall
structure above us, we were finally level with the much smaller, narrow span of
the one lane bridge that crossed the river to the other side. This crossing was just a few feet above the
racing water below us! The mighty
structure above us is the 3<sup>rd</sup> highest in the US. The Golden Gate is 746 ft high and the
Mighty Mackinac is only 552 ft tall!
While there are longer bridges in the US – this amazing structure is the
longest SINGLE SPAN Bridge</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">After
crossing the river, the memories of previous adventures flowed back into our
thoughts! I remembered taking the same
pictures of the same rapids and traveling back up that original road – I
remembered the views from the underside of those mammoth steel beams from
before. This time tho – the roadbed is
paved and there are guardrails now!!</span></p>
<span style="font-size: large;">When the following morning began to peek over
the mountain we knew it was time to head home.
Back up on the turnpike, the highway led up the mountain as the sky
turned peach colored. The haze from the
early fog that had settled in the valleys was still visible in the
background. This peaceful scene was not
to last. Soon we<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXg2zuQUhWOdikkI5RdJO2QVUGOD_T-6JpHdHEqsmqOqMdeftiJsbDB7v8hURZJDMNjyejDGexSQVB2fXdKKoeIsHsHtTUIX6WHXT5p6l1YqCMGC9XPaI9ecs5mM1tPGBNLMrnODiXTPQ/s2048/06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXg2zuQUhWOdikkI5RdJO2QVUGOD_T-6JpHdHEqsmqOqMdeftiJsbDB7v8hURZJDMNjyejDGexSQVB2fXdKKoeIsHsHtTUIX6WHXT5p6l1YqCMGC9XPaI9ecs5mM1tPGBNLMrnODiXTPQ/w400-h300/06.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> were surrounded by the
stampede of semi trucks that had also hoped for an early start on their long
hauls to their own destinations.
Steadily, on we pushed on and arrived safely at home. Soon H would be rested and ready to regroup
for another adventure!</span>Have trailer will travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127343312845706218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238377285738185163.post-18296256834787663902021-04-07T07:44:00.000-07:002021-04-07T07:44:50.046-07:00N. Carolina Spring 2021<p><span style="font-size: large;"> Day Trips each week and visits to Toledo’s well cared for
Metro Parks, kept H’s wanderlust under control for most of the winter. Thankfully, December and January were very
mild in our area but when February hit, she hit with a vengeance – temps in the
teens and 17 inches of snow! I got to
shovel snow and H finally got to make good use of his long neglected mega sized
snow blower. The trailer was still
sitting in the driveway, blocking our view of the yard and grudgingly, it was
snowed in. Not for long tho – March
arrived as did milder temps and soon the snow was just a memory! Now H was really restless!! Doctor visits done and a collection of
un-fun tests endured so now he could concentrate on packing the train and
making a run for the hills - - the “ hills” of West Virginia, Virginia and
North Carolina!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">For being as costly as the Wva Turnpike is – it should have
been better cared for. It was a pricey,
rough ride but our first night out was in Camp Creek State Park, south of
Beckley. Snuggled down in a long narrow
valley, the small quiet campground was just what we were looking for – parked
in an easy in and out pull through so our exit in the morning would be
easy. We had enough time after our
arrival to go for a hike up and around the babbling brook that lead to a wide
rocky waterfall that was noisily splashing it’s white water over the dark rocks
that tried to keep it captive.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4bwy1MXcHKCLIMgh6ugGFk8fKqb29VPXjz4_wUZ-dOItiJyGdlkYImP16yuSFk2S-8ckF4YhNZdfSpJr9rCLtjSXr4gH0XIgc3ldacs8XoCyleKbmAZngEwQxsDOHJvuCnSaI4mKJLO4/s2048/01.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1510" data-original-width="2048" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4bwy1MXcHKCLIMgh6ugGFk8fKqb29VPXjz4_wUZ-dOItiJyGdlkYImP16yuSFk2S-8ckF4YhNZdfSpJr9rCLtjSXr4gH0XIgc3ldacs8XoCyleKbmAZngEwQxsDOHJvuCnSaI4mKJLO4/w400-h295/01.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camp Creek<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Across the mountains of Virginia we leap frogged with all
the semi trucks and their loaded trailers – with them slowing to a crawl up the
mountain and speeding down the long downhill run on the other side. A not so short cut took us off the busy
expressway and down thru Mt Airy in North Carolina. Mt Airy is also known as
Mayberry – as in the gentler days of Sheriff Andy Griffith! Extremely disappointed – we drove thru the
touristy downtown and continued our day’s journey to Falls Lake State
Recreation Area – east of Durham and north of Raleigh. Rolling View Campground is ANOTHER nice
quiet woodsy campground with more than adequate spacing between sites and super
long graveled parking pads! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Croatan National Forest occupies a vast area next door to
Cherry Point Marine Air Station and just southeast of New Bern. Flanners Beach is the one loop, woodsy,
campground that sits up on a high ledge of the Neuse River, which, in that
area, is bigger/wider than some lakes we’ve been to! Our time was going to be short so we had to make the most of
it. We had less than 2 weeks to explore
around New Bern and coastal areas to the east so we hit the roads each
day! New Bern, established in 1710 by
Swiss immigrants was named for the town of Bern in Switzerland. Bern means “BEAR” and is the</span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAq_YAP8clo23LHRCAf_V4-bwVb4KASRYG5VIeNm8pemxVZJLW_l7jDEJ0ETds4_e23DajzEc4PJvkk_syPisp9vGZ94-ynvmkG_hQZ21bMtrS4PEvAewwood4UoASqeZNMyRzoWJGidHf/s2048/02.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1608" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAq_YAP8clo23LHRCAf_V4-bwVb4KASRYG5VIeNm8pemxVZJLW_l7jDEJ0ETds4_e23DajzEc4PJvkk_syPisp9vGZ94-ynvmkG_hQZ21bMtrS4PEvAewwood4UoASqeZNMyRzoWJGidHf/s320/02.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">New Bern city hall</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> town’s mascot and
one can be seen on just about every corner.
The architecturally unique City Hall was built in 1897 and also has its
resident bears – look on the sidewalk and then look half way up each side and
look for the black bears! The town sits
on a huge wedge of land bordered on two sides by large rivers so there are tall
lanky bridges everywhere! Civil War
History abounds, as the town was an important harbor for both sides. It was also the site of the first capital of
N Carolina.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">To get to the barrier islands off of Morehead City you need
either a high bridge or a ferryboat. We
did both! The bridge out to Emerald
Isle also took us to Fort Macon, a pre Civil War reconstructed fort on the
north point of the barrier island. Like
most rebuilt forts it had the usual rooms and cannons but this one also had a
Hot Shot Furnace</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VwK7uFBQpkefYIxMojgMXAm8WNtDgLfzHYWJnBwHs00ofWyp60wI93tQ13xQlqS72WCUm0jGJfPQEgfsP1tsElEi_szycMTPxE5P32ZUYxRHWbJ-Yw9dkJdDPzoFMB5c9oqPX56d5PdU/s2048/04.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VwK7uFBQpkefYIxMojgMXAm8WNtDgLfzHYWJnBwHs00ofWyp60wI93tQ13xQlqS72WCUm0jGJfPQEgfsP1tsElEi_szycMTPxE5P32ZUYxRHWbJ-Yw9dkJdDPzoFMB5c9oqPX56d5PdU/s320/04.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> replica. As seen in
this photo, the BBQ looking brick structure was used to heat non-explosive
cannonballs to a red-hot temperature before being pitched at unarmored wooden
enemy warships. The cold cannonballs
would be placed on the shot rails, thru the wide, low “window” in the back of
the furnace. The cold balls would roll
down over the fire and be heated before being transferred (with care!) to the
awaiting cannon! We also visited the
North Carolina Maritime Museum farther south on the island. While the museum itself was really
interesting, the narrowness of the walkways and the amount of families
strolling thru slowly, made us nervous so we left and crossed the street to
visit the boat building part of the complex.
There we found a gentleman who was eager to explain about the 32 ft
plywood trawler they were building.
Stacks of extra wood and antique outboard motors were stacked or hung
everywhere!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfb0_GrnXF_f18UNdQjNzJqAlLMRIbg9lhmFENtmGz9dgAP8ZFP4d6Mmj_kKboDk3ZZc83xBS0OqdHXc_uoXKLYVKFLxYc0HhuI5Fv9ZbJzeL8EQvxr3QXi5q_4wWBHAMnKgJxFWsP4T-I/s2048/03.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfb0_GrnXF_f18UNdQjNzJqAlLMRIbg9lhmFENtmGz9dgAP8ZFP4d6Mmj_kKboDk3ZZc83xBS0OqdHXc_uoXKLYVKFLxYc0HhuI5Fv9ZbJzeL8EQvxr3QXi5q_4wWBHAMnKgJxFWsP4T-I/w400-h300/03.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">A ferryboat was needed to get from Cedar Island out to the
barrier island just south of Hatteras Island.
We had visited the area a VERY long time ago when we were much younger
and still traveled on the motorcycle!
The ferry left the southern dock at 10 30am and our plan was to travel
up to see the world famous lighthouse and then return via the same
ferryboat. The young woman in charge of
tickets advised us that the last ferryboat back to Cedar Island and the
mainland was at 4 30pm from the island of Ocracoke – which quickly canceled our
day’s plans as there was not nearly enough time to get to Cape Hatteras and back. It was decided that we would just explore
Ocracoke and return in time for the last ferry off the island. What we had
forgotten was just how long that ferryboat actually took – 2 hours! The water on the inland side of the barrier
islands was </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmURDTcD1ET8Elg6qHbWFD9ExIiRVENJSCJGOjyhPDlbEniWjNd2hyzwtECA9IYXvssgszkolMXCXsYdx2bi4r3ilJZqNKCY9BhnOAozHNIDRRxhATidp7bPYsfPUa9Bi01agi6icEqlA/s2048/05.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmURDTcD1ET8Elg6qHbWFD9ExIiRVENJSCJGOjyhPDlbEniWjNd2hyzwtECA9IYXvssgszkolMXCXsYdx2bi4r3ilJZqNKCY9BhnOAozHNIDRRxhATidp7bPYsfPUa9Bi01agi6icEqlA/w400-h300/05.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />almost glass like. Some
places you could not see where the water ended and the hazy sky began. As we approached the island of Ocracoke, the
channel was well marked. It was obvious
where the channel ended and the neighboring shallows began – huge rolling waves
broke over that area and rolled away from the large lumbering vessel we were
traveling on.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The small town of Ocracoke is like a miniature Key West –
small cottages, narrow alleys called streets, a few tourist sites, several</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOLk635eVD4isjrQPtoX_f-mvFD-3H38jmEzJ71wwt7VhejkgJfoSK1hD-t5i34422beeQdLvkSQPJNwkOvFu-O1oijZidktjaIVG4WmAluFXb7PK3s9R5xsgZH7yS1RFpiMPiuDjSKvD/s2048/06.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOLk635eVD4isjrQPtoX_f-mvFD-3H38jmEzJ71wwt7VhejkgJfoSK1hD-t5i34422beeQdLvkSQPJNwkOvFu-O1oijZidktjaIVG4WmAluFXb7PK3s9R5xsgZH7yS1RFpiMPiuDjSKvD/s320/06.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">
restaurants and even a lighthouse - complete with a house and white picket
fence! Parking is minimal and entrance
into or even around the lighthouse is forbidden. North out of town we headed, with a stop so H could get his truck
stuck in the soft sand as he attempted to make it out past the protecting dune,
onto the beach where vehicles were allowed – with, of course, a “permit”. Without his trusty air gauge, he
tentatively let air out of the tires and then managed to complete a small
circle out on the beach before making back to the solid pavement and hopefully
replaced a nearly correct amount of air in the tires. The island also boasts of wild horses, which turned out to be a
pen of sad, bored looking ponies. On
the way up to the north end of the island, we <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhylomtngQCv8pYcNcxT7DQEdwYYuyLyVN3aNakR3Sid_pP97QCfOb3_msFQY197eUPAZkCyb_5YDFF6nxGhON_hauBNBuXNfFhMvqGSuPf9PvL-yUrqIZeTbqUzfUdqYDixq8qUuDSEN/s2048/07.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhylomtngQCv8pYcNcxT7DQEdwYYuyLyVN3aNakR3Sid_pP97QCfOb3_msFQY197eUPAZkCyb_5YDFF6nxGhON_hauBNBuXNfFhMvqGSuPf9PvL-yUrqIZeTbqUzfUdqYDixq8qUuDSEN/s320/07.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>passed a long stretch of sandbags,
the size of mammoth walrus’, stacked by the road in an attempt to keep the
invading sand from totally covering up the narrow strip of blacktop. On the beach side, the gently rolling waves,
lapped at the wide flat sand. Ah, the
peaceful scene! It wasn’t to last long
. . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCPlq5fAzddAs5kcJvaC2hbQgyZ0GKd0SeC_5c4V9epBJ9dOYqX3OAKRFj-J2cvZpsiOpPIwkdb4aRI7g-55b5MlqSztvsoZBQsPVeBX1KAnysYtBLc2hPXl1OeGnpTtWMxQ_nnS5kIh7/s2048/08.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1393" data-original-width="2048" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCPlq5fAzddAs5kcJvaC2hbQgyZ0GKd0SeC_5c4V9epBJ9dOYqX3OAKRFj-J2cvZpsiOpPIwkdb4aRI7g-55b5MlqSztvsoZBQsPVeBX1KAnysYtBLc2hPXl1OeGnpTtWMxQ_nnS5kIh7/w400-h272/08.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Back in Ocracoke, in plenty of time for the ferry, we found
a brightly painted, albeit - tacky looking taco truck parked on a back street
and we bravely ordered chimichangas. The biggest chimi’s we have ever
seen! And SO delicious! We were the first to line up for the
ferryboat. 4 o’clock came and we were
still the only ones there. AND – no
ferryboat! H went up to the Visitor
Center office and knocked. He was told
there was NO ferry that afternoon because the tide was too low to allow the
boat into the harbor. Frustrated and
angry we rushed back up the 35-mile long island and got in line to wait for the
next ferry to take us north to Hatteras Island. We now had to drive up and out the top of that island in order to
get back “home”. It was a peaceful ½
hour boat ride (as the sun was setting!) but we were still agitated that we had
a 200-mile drive ahead of us and - - it was going to be dark! Thankfully we followed other vehicle’s
taillights as they wound up and through the pitch-blackness of the long narrow
barrier island. We know we passed the
famous black and white striped lighthouse somewhere but never saw it!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-size: large;"> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<span style="font-size: large;">Our time was up. Time to head home. We’ve
got more stops to make before we get there tho!</span>Have trailer will travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127343312845706218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238377285738185163.post-54067356879458514312020-12-26T07:14:00.001-08:002020-12-26T07:14:59.380-08:00Summer 2020 Part 2<p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-size: x-large; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5vsPO1I_MWTXaQdsd9yCfqrJ-jzh7bsjUxSzV04-uOj8cDtkiapq6uUNWdlT8Ul_F362bICEQmT_m3FV814OCsMrVK8XlcwhVFP63koUz6vQkJ_RP__zHxlHwa9EzKeTkXZBl5s4LQ4J/s2048/097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1485" data-original-width="2048" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5vsPO1I_MWTXaQdsd9yCfqrJ-jzh7bsjUxSzV04-uOj8cDtkiapq6uUNWdlT8Ul_F362bICEQmT_m3FV814OCsMrVK8XlcwhVFP63koUz6vQkJ_RP__zHxlHwa9EzKeTkXZBl5s4LQ4J/w320-h232/097.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Stow City Park</span></td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br />October was our Fall Trip to the Cuyahoga Valley National
Park. We stayed at Stow City Park. The
sprawling park itself had everything –a picturesque lake surrounded with
brightly colored trees reflecting on the calm water, baseball and soccer
fields, hiking/biking trails and a mammoth dog park that had it’s own
lake! The campground part was small and
had no facilities other than electricity at each site but the bathhouse at the
nearby baseball diamond was very clean and even had nice warm showers! Of course face masks, hand sanitizer and
wipes went with us wherever we went!
Cuyahoga Valley</span></b></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVwRFR3jClslf95YxruO5KYGaAPiTZIfD-THyBs89y_DsMpDzAXMnIn6t4Ln5IuahVma-BVxK_Yk6GMRjYQWVnqadLrOLTDlBMvqwGG8eeVeKHZpU32AiLlebjjVQiZ2FWu2nLy9mBL_h/s2048/cuyahoga.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1461" data-original-width="2048" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVwRFR3jClslf95YxruO5KYGaAPiTZIfD-THyBs89y_DsMpDzAXMnIn6t4Ln5IuahVma-BVxK_Yk6GMRjYQWVnqadLrOLTDlBMvqwGG8eeVeKHZpU32AiLlebjjVQiZ2FWu2nLy9mBL_h/w400-h285/cuyahoga.JPG" width="400" /></span></b></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Bike Trail</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">National Park has awesome bike and hiking trails that
traverse woods, valleys and amble alongside a set of canals and locks from the
old Erie Canal Days!</span></b><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Tuesday was Senior Day at the nearby 64-room Stan Hywett Mansion in Akron and we were the first visitors there that cool yet bright
morning! In Old English, Stan Hywett
means “Stone Quarry” and the 300 ft long Tudor Revival mansion is listed as the
6<sup>th</sup> largest mansion in the US – behind the Biltmore! History was everywhere as we strolled from
room to ornate room! Formal gardens and
mammoth stone porches adorned the four sides of the 64,500 square foot “home”
that was built for FA and Gertrude Seiberling in 1912. Mr. Seiberling and his brother were the co
founders of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Akron. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir07OpoLMnMExHGGam2htu3CV0r4BPC9PyOmpw6TVYlD8TIIeNc_PFQfE_i0P_EKc5MIs57aCDbmCWpci0GWrpc5yGdzNtOkTPFsSnBZkdAh6vUKM4RIJldZEcRbfvyn8HN_Cznr0_CP85/s2048/stan+hewitt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1531" data-original-width="2048" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir07OpoLMnMExHGGam2htu3CV0r4BPC9PyOmpw6TVYlD8TIIeNc_PFQfE_i0P_EKc5MIs57aCDbmCWpci0GWrpc5yGdzNtOkTPFsSnBZkdAh6vUKM4RIJldZEcRbfvyn8HN_Cznr0_CP85/w400-h299/stan+hewitt.JPG" width="400" /></a>Originally the property engulfed 1000 acres
including a quarry but has been slimmed down to 70 acres divided by bricked
paths - lined and covered with delicate birch trees, kitchen gardens, flower
beds, sunken gardens, a gate house, a greenhouse and a former stable, all of
which were artfully decorated in fall attire of corn stalks, pumpkins and every
color of mum imaginable.</span></b></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b></b></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>From Akron we ventured even farther southeast, always on the
lookout for more restored canals, locks and even covered bridges!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fall colors abounded in the small but well
kept Guilford Lake State Park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did
find the canals, locks and even the covered bridge in Beaver Creek State Park
after a morning of wandering back roads thru farm and forest!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also found the Beaver Creek and the
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8Mej09m9yu0kr1hOMcncg1soV_FD2CBest6uhC_NkKl_IV6LmDRti4iB9w9ysQyUrOpiMgaTSWSNO1G9aG-n9D56k-2iF_BUUjKnGkUC9tdZqQ3ZEFW-wrwVQN7UOjZLBMcy0JeXDvBm/s2048/118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8Mej09m9yu0kr1hOMcncg1soV_FD2CBest6uhC_NkKl_IV6LmDRti4iB9w9ysQyUrOpiMgaTSWSNO1G9aG-n9D56k-2iF_BUUjKnGkUC9tdZqQ3ZEFW-wrwVQN7UOjZLBMcy0JeXDvBm/s320/118.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beaver Creek</td></tr></tbody></table>vibrant colors of the trees that protected its jagged rocky banks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A VERY tight corner/curve and a one lane
VERY narrow bridge protected the visitor area from large RV’s and trailers and
luckily, this time, we were not one of them!!</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> On the move again, the “train” pulled out of Guilford Lake
State Park and steadily moved west, this time thru the well kept Amish
Countryside and the busy (in spite of the virus) tourist towns of Sugarcreek,
Berlin, Millersburg and on to Loudonville.
Knowing that Mohican State Park there would be full, we headed up and
around the corner to Perrysville and the Pleasant Hill Lake </span></b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhrh3uX_3cjyU-0lOGP5qWF1popyjZ20wDvlhUo_E9MiTrMyX0mDc_2mYCjluk-pg02Ux8tMQk0h1RcoGoSNXO7O0M0BrMx4aVq0uZeuCkoJ4Lrds2Qi-pc4_etENcvD1OekLW7B8AP4F/s2048/mid+ohio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1343" data-original-width="2048" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhrh3uX_3cjyU-0lOGP5qWF1popyjZ20wDvlhUo_E9MiTrMyX0mDc_2mYCjluk-pg02Ux8tMQk0h1RcoGoSNXO7O0M0BrMx4aVq0uZeuCkoJ4Lrds2Qi-pc4_etENcvD1OekLW7B8AP4F/w320-h210/mid+ohio.jpg" width="320" /></span></b></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Guilford Lake State Park</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Campground. While most of this huge park has been
modernized, expanded and occupied by semi permanent campers, we chose the old
section and away from the rest. There
were only a few well-spaced campers that moved in after us and we were on our
way early the next morning. It was time
to head home where we knew it was safe.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Now, Christmas is here!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While our pretty little Christmas tree is still securely packed away
under the bed in the trailer – this year, our home is adorned with decorations
from my vast Christmas Collection that we haven’t seen in over 14 years!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Nativity Scene, which I purchased piece-by-piece
when I was a teen, occupies the entire coffee table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A 12-inch tree, from my working days at State Farm, is surrounded
by H’s dollar store plastic train, from pre-marriage days, proudly sits on the
kitchen table!</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">While this year, our holiday may not be as “Merry” as in
year’s past, our wish is still for yours to be a blessing. May you and your family stay safe, stay
warm and stay well! Till we can travel
and be together again - we are
still - H and B</span></b></p>Have trailer will travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127343312845706218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238377285738185163.post-68683660237945978382020-12-22T11:44:00.000-08:002020-12-22T11:44:29.830-08:00Summer 2020 Part 1<p><span style="font-size: large;"> It’s December 17<sup> th
</sup>– Christmas music is playing and I’m sitting at the kitchen table
looking out the big window – at all the falling snow as it gently floats down
outside. YES – SNOW! We should be in our favorite Salt Springs
National Forest Campground in the Ocala Forest – but we’re not. Instead we’re home, wearing long pants and
sweatshirts and shoveling snow! Our
pretty little Christmas tree is packed away under the bed of the big “tan
train” that is still sitting in the driveway.
Our home is decked out with a selection of Christmas items that we
haven’t seen in 14 years – ever since we first began our winter
adventures! H made the decision just
before Thanksgiving that we should stay home and stay safer since the “numbers”
in Florida are way worse than they are up here in Ohio and Michigan! He still gets restless but one day a week we
take a road trip and sometimes never even get out of the car. We do our grocery shopping online with
pickup at the store. Sunday Morning
Church is Dr David Jeremiah on TV!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1p9l8z6lfigvCM9vA1OETtijukWDHY4iLbuKC4sK4NNM6yeuaw10m3f5erTO9XZb04HafuhrPVzMVsxPKblsZ54AEgVANTpIwgrJ-7L7l2NyIc_w33p4lLqbUNYVIyED0Ze8IFih2PO1b/s2048/004.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1p9l8z6lfigvCM9vA1OETtijukWDHY4iLbuKC4sK4NNM6yeuaw10m3f5erTO9XZb04HafuhrPVzMVsxPKblsZ54AEgVANTpIwgrJ-7L7l2NyIc_w33p4lLqbUNYVIyED0Ze8IFih2PO1b/w400-h300/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">During the summer we slid the boat into a different pretty
inland lake each week to see who would catch - the first, the biggest or the
most fish! Or the dice would roll and
we would run the boat up the Maumee River, look for eagles and count all the
freighters that were moored at the various coal or grain ports. Google was always full of information on
each vessel – her origin, where she was from and what she was hauling!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgME2mNe41y41kWhFpXtYKOGUGldOA2IrY5rXJMVFgUTnZbPuV8Fp_Au31IRwHTNi9l4M4z0dlGfx7Ysug3MAaxJmGryZKSZ1g7EUQnmSyutx6ljt72hNLZgnQwCMH0DFmYcnQ-ayMgIj89/s1485/058+croped.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="1485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgME2mNe41y41kWhFpXtYKOGUGldOA2IrY5rXJMVFgUTnZbPuV8Fp_Au31IRwHTNi9l4M4z0dlGfx7Ysug3MAaxJmGryZKSZ1g7EUQnmSyutx6ljt72hNLZgnQwCMH0DFmYcnQ-ayMgIj89/s320/058+croped.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">In July we chanced our first summer camping trip when H
secured 5 nights at our favorite Petosega County Park and Campground up east of
Petoskey. I’ve written about the park MANY times before, but this time was
different – the new management will only allow 7 days camping and we could only
procure 5 because it was fully booked for the weekends. That infamous pipeline that runs from
Canada, under the Straits of Mackinaw and south to Ohio had now been run thru
the campground – taking out 13 campsites.
The pipeline was not allowed 500 feet near any campsite so the pipeline
company agreed to build a new loop, restore 13 new campsites and add a new
modern bathhouse. Our site was rather
secluded to begin with and the nearest neighbors were seniors and doing the
“social distance” thing just like us!
We had to move out of the campground on Friday and had hoped to move to
another county campground for the weekend.
That campground was nothing like our beloved Petosega! It was way overcrowded and absolutely no
social distancing - so we hurriedly moved on and headed farther south. On the AuSable River, right near the
Lumberman’s Monument is the peaceful and quiet Huron National Forest
Campground. No electricity and no water
at any </span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdE9CuhCYIMEtsnC1-GjNwv1HVcmQRL1YVFL2EOxMH16cUzEil4c2oj4cKMBN-SqOwtUV42-AsjaF_v5NN2jujUqnvQdlg4wUO7OEn_M5LkYxunIslM9DLtDxg6UFR5SDL_QA2gkKbQCn/s2048/009.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdE9CuhCYIMEtsnC1-GjNwv1HVcmQRL1YVFL2EOxMH16cUzEil4c2oj4cKMBN-SqOwtUV42-AsjaF_v5NN2jujUqnvQdlg4wUO7OEn_M5LkYxunIslM9DLtDxg6UFR5SDL_QA2gkKbQCn/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">National Forest Campground<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> campsite however, the facilities were the cleanest outhouses we’ve
needed to use in a long time. During
the night the storm hit! We heard later
that several trees in Petosega were uprooted and a big limb had fallen on the
elderly 5<sup>th</sup> Wheel that had taken our site. </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">August’s jaunt was revisiting yet another delightful State
Forest Campground up on Tubb Lake near Big Rapids! See Previous </span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbQP9VGWMVvCVvdyrdkCzWS8Lhyg0lA8dI1dUuAVkWU9_ese0yTCZhv2DpP_gfz6pYm6Jkbhts5DPjRlHmKD_krjQIPPisrL7sXtyM5dekONZ120mL78PX_tI-TzataHOUn-ROhERleS4/s2048/tubb+lake+%25282%2529.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1485" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbQP9VGWMVvCVvdyrdkCzWS8Lhyg0lA8dI1dUuAVkWU9_ese0yTCZhv2DpP_gfz6pYm6Jkbhts5DPjRlHmKD_krjQIPPisrL7sXtyM5dekONZ120mL78PX_tI-TzataHOUn-ROhERleS4/s320/tubb+lake+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tubb Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">Michigan Blog!
We had the Rockwood Trailer back then and the big picture window looked
out over the beautiful little lake!
This time our even better campsite was at the end of the
“cul-de-sac! It was good sized, shaded,
private and had it’s own little path to the waters edge to watch the delicate
colors of the setting sun! And the
fishing wasn’t bad either.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcly72FbDTfQe2X8TDObAY5ubTaVJyPQTsHf6QiHIfQuJ3sWOOn8C6JZcpUdEXJ0Pj9jICCduNndhiDe5z_DqVqp1omlu8U9X6i9ExWp7nAnKDEjriziVNb65Wo13jQ_AzcCm8Gct0-_-D/s2048/tubb+lake+%25283%2529.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcly72FbDTfQe2X8TDObAY5ubTaVJyPQTsHf6QiHIfQuJ3sWOOn8C6JZcpUdEXJ0Pj9jICCduNndhiDe5z_DqVqp1omlu8U9X6i9ExWp7nAnKDEjriziVNb65Wo13jQ_AzcCm8Gct0-_-D/s320/tubb+lake+%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tubb Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">H was really restless AGAIN in September and we headed north
one more time! Our first night was at
the deserted Burt Lake State Park! What
few campers there were thoughtfully spaced out with several empty sites between
each trailer. As we attempted to begin
our run for the Mighty Mac Bridge to the Upper Peninsula (the U P!!) – the
truck would not start. Thankfully H had
brought his battery charger! Our first
stop was the nearest auto part store for a new battery. With that problem solved we headed for the
Woodland Park City Campground in Grand Marais Michigan, up on the jagged Lake
Superior coastline. The campground was
crowded but we were only spending two nights there. Our trusty bikes were unfolded and we headed off for town, which
was just one block away! Not much</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnqBQHXzSI2NFD_6O-iJA_bMRDhDAhUSNOkaV3T9PtpLRG-ssH7shUl7E3l0mGZRqTvbYSWJkhoRXiGpmv1ji-e2oCeBCdEmpIw4Aj0mXcf3HvwlYl30LD4fjl2QpG7vooknswglm6Fw2/s2048/grand+marias.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnqBQHXzSI2NFD_6O-iJA_bMRDhDAhUSNOkaV3T9PtpLRG-ssH7shUl7E3l0mGZRqTvbYSWJkhoRXiGpmv1ji-e2oCeBCdEmpIw4Aj0mXcf3HvwlYl30LD4fjl2QpG7vooknswglm6Fw2/w400-h300/grand+marias.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> had
changed in the quaint tiny town but we still had to make sure the diner where
we had gotten ice cream on our last, warmer visit was still there! Our second day was spent out exploring the
coastline, its myriad of waterfalls and having Pasties in Munising!</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-size: large;"> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">On this Lake Superior Circle Trip, our next stop was to be
at another picturesque lakeside town – L’Anse, but we had to go thru Marquette
first – dragging a 35 ft trailer!
Marquette is a college town whose busy campus takes up both sides of the
main street in downtown! Just north of
town is Presque Isle Pointe Park and H decided we HAD to go see it because it
sat high on the cliffs that overlooked the bay. The views were breathtaking and the roads thru the park were too
- because they were narrow and winding and there were no </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwiGKha8ycYuDuxUAdUpWrxmgXBLNIpN-INZBGv6KlZ9_9dBPLivmizv8wgWxqE__1C2CYZbKx1S2PrKAbsxmT-oyBU4JpQOC59l4uzp6fwplEyXPOOWYT07LRtQZKGEuf2up5V78Fjga/s2048/066.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1420" data-original-width="2048" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwiGKha8ycYuDuxUAdUpWrxmgXBLNIpN-INZBGv6KlZ9_9dBPLivmizv8wgWxqE__1C2CYZbKx1S2PrKAbsxmT-oyBU4JpQOC59l4uzp6fwplEyXPOOWYT07LRtQZKGEuf2up5V78Fjga/w400-h278/066.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />parking lots that
could handle the “train”! We both held
our breath for several of those tight turns!
Just east of Marquette, H found a tourist trap like no other and we HAD
to stop there also! Remember Solomon’s
Castle we visited last winter down in Florida?
Lakenenland is another place that is built out of someone’s junk and
turned into extremely unusual “sculptures”. H failed to see the sign that “suggested” that no buses or trailers be
taken thru the park and we had again held our breath on some of those tight,
rutted roads that rambled thru the cluttered park.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-size: large;"> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">We had one of the best sites in the pretty little L’Anse
Township Park and Campground. The park
sits high on a bluff overlooking the Keweenaw Bay and it was our base for the
next few days as we wandered up and back down the Keweenaw Peninsula and
retraced our steps thru Fort Wilkins.
On our way up we detoured out onto an alternate route that took us up
the coast on the west side of the </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_OmhV5T2PlfAeLHPyo1CAkSmmRLLBXwJigDY_k4Y6skj9mc3Tmbvk8z7OcuQoOxZJLNOWShO-qadC70vj0s2DpDiSfI21A8upk97l5RUjcCmV6sDxb44psU3wPOQyLcKOEKQ0tZ9_1eP/s2048/110.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_OmhV5T2PlfAeLHPyo1CAkSmmRLLBXwJigDY_k4Y6skj9mc3Tmbvk8z7OcuQoOxZJLNOWShO-qadC70vj0s2DpDiSfI21A8upk97l5RUjcCmV6sDxb44psU3wPOQyLcKOEKQ0tZ9_1eP/s320/110.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">peninsula thru Eagle River and Eagle Harbor.
Besides the small tourist town and the unique wooden bridge, Eagle River, named
after the river, also sported a plethora of small waterfalls either along a
narrow footpath or conveniently hidden in a deep crevice on the side of the
road! In Eagle Harbor, nestled in a
natural harbor area we stopped to explore and H got out his drone and got
several great pictures and videos.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0NsFpZCMpO8UH6tzpX50-QB3_RGfVk4rKRqSogJp1dZW1MpfaxCY86ts9sCP64LejSiuqRoSFoIwuatLFzZS73VEhOaWkvItSUi0p6qkbMMeybPJ7Q4JVM-gsZHVSI1tr17UgELo0D3c/s1920/UP+lighthouse_Moment%25282%2529.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0NsFpZCMpO8UH6tzpX50-QB3_RGfVk4rKRqSogJp1dZW1MpfaxCY86ts9sCP64LejSiuqRoSFoIwuatLFzZS73VEhOaWkvItSUi0p6qkbMMeybPJ7Q4JVM-gsZHVSI1tr17UgELo0D3c/w400-h225/UP+lighthouse_Moment%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> Up at the tip of the
peninsula we found the very beginning of US RT 41, which finally ends up in
Florida were it crosses the Everglades to Miami!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-size: large;"> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<span style="font-size: large;">We spent one night at Indian Lake State Park
before we headed back over the bridge to the Lower Peninsula and had one more
night in Petosega – in the now opened loop!
That next morning started with a dusting of frost on the dainty little
mushrooms, nestled in the still growing grasses between the campsites! H still wasn’t ready to <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjln6lFIWWnE_4j7IGcjHoBB2cwZsi2El0EBYI87j8700jyndzwdtTcb1zrWbGJvlr2Dn_CkjHCbY-WJRh9l6KXg2v1EA80blGUEEcX_Hm8eQLKiViFHSYj0uroNc4JDmOQqVvd5w1eWxy6/s2048/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjln6lFIWWnE_4j7IGcjHoBB2cwZsi2El0EBYI87j8700jyndzwdtTcb1zrWbGJvlr2Dn_CkjHCbY-WJRh9l6KXg2v1EA80blGUEEcX_Hm8eQLKiViFHSYj0uroNc4JDmOQqVvd5w1eWxy6/s320/040.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>head towards home
so we meandered down along the Lake Michigan coastline from Petoskey, thru
Traverse City and stopped for the day in Orchard Beach State Park near
Manistee. The park was almost full
because it was Saturday but we selected one of the last 4 sites available –
right on the end of a row with no one next to us!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDnOPl6cQSw4X7d-NM8eQYfi705gx6gBGt7_pkoECaMthRxT1qYdrAfQ9CD1LCMKxoZI3mHkEUc1E086xFvDUEmuWS4nEvNL-KGPApuaBXJ_GM_0B68uraS9Tb3ufI5UppXS76TYd1meHL/s1920/St+Ignis+Mi_Moment.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDnOPl6cQSw4X7d-NM8eQYfi705gx6gBGt7_pkoECaMthRxT1qYdrAfQ9CD1LCMKxoZI3mHkEUc1E086xFvDUEmuWS4nEvNL-KGPApuaBXJ_GM_0B68uraS9Tb3ufI5UppXS76TYd1meHL/w640-h360/St+Ignis+Mi_Moment.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking south over the Mighty Mac</td></tr></tbody></table></span>Have trailer will travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127343312845706218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238377285738185163.post-79809847725270915222020-03-30T07:26:00.000-07:002020-03-30T07:26:42.008-07:00Florida to Michigan<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hello, Dear Blog Friends – we are home – safe but very
tired. The trailer is in the driveway
with its big brown nose pressed up against the garage door like an overgrown
tan puppy, begging to get in. It was a
very rushed long drive home with only daytime stops for gas and 2 nighttime
stops for sleep. Now it’s time to slow
down, breath and stay safe.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_SqxRKMLINQou-eNHYM_NzB_jNilv8joCUy6VMizyS_hb14jCN3n_syDstP8v092VR9Dl9GEXodG2m6sHR5bEqfLBXfG2tJ6PcQkzZc1SgVmeREnX5mW7SHJq3-V-J0UU0f845PVAKA7o/s1600/IMG_20200313_172649_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_SqxRKMLINQou-eNHYM_NzB_jNilv8joCUy6VMizyS_hb14jCN3n_syDstP8v092VR9Dl9GEXodG2m6sHR5bEqfLBXfG2tJ6PcQkzZc1SgVmeREnX5mW7SHJq3-V-J0UU0f845PVAKA7o/s400/IMG_20200313_172649_0020.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cracker lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Our one week stay at cozy Cracker Lake, evolved into two and
then when the virus became more real and more folks were coming down with it,
we stretched it to three! Not wanting
to take the chance on moving, H canceled our next move, which was going to be
another RV park – a bigger RV park. We rode up to Ruskin to see
what the River Vista RV Resort was all about – it was indeed a beautiful
RESORT, resting right on the banks of the Manatee River that runs thru
Ruskin. But – there were OVER 500 RV
sites that were wall to wall. NOT good
unless you didn’t care about catching the virus. It was a very wise choice to stay at Cracker Lake for that week
number three!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDHyaUgY3uda-E4kq4cTZ45DcH0tvdG1OpSqODBiCl1x_K6fGJw36tJGurawVtxNWfxI7NaLCWwQiKUNpwFhfJsmC4NnX-3rhw82hgsXefgkUzhIe-7415A2kidSq8gKJBNg3S9unBdiv/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="1600" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDHyaUgY3uda-E4kq4cTZ45DcH0tvdG1OpSqODBiCl1x_K6fGJw36tJGurawVtxNWfxI7NaLCWwQiKUNpwFhfJsmC4NnX-3rhw82hgsXefgkUzhIe-7415A2kidSq8gKJBNg3S9unBdiv/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">We all know that H gets restless after staying 2 weeks in
any one place so the 3<sup>rd</sup> week was a push. He did get the itch and we did take a ride to see the normally
empty southern end of Coquina Beach.
Even with the instructions to “socially distance”, there were way too
many people on that beach! We distanced
ourselves from the big bodies in not big enough suits, the gaggle of little
kids running back and forth from the waters edge and the </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_N_c9BSNYGrW7JTuexEjMYcFnT0czkTukSj_HRhk2OxSjLeOMeNNBKeRcGZosU5xWGeka6PVm7VNDTI4jMMtaRIfJbLtpE38vC-zJNtJUtd6OgcKa8tWoQnzVDpQP5dwaYNX8-cxK7B2t/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_N_c9BSNYGrW7JTuexEjMYcFnT0czkTukSj_HRhk2OxSjLeOMeNNBKeRcGZosU5xWGeka6PVm7VNDTI4jMMtaRIfJbLtpE38vC-zJNtJUtd6OgcKa8tWoQnzVDpQP5dwaYNX8-cxK7B2t/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">teens - who didn’t
care what was going on. After all – it
was THEIR spring break! We walked to
the much quieter and much less populated very end of the island where the
bridge connects it to Longboat Key to the south. The winds were light and our parking spot was away from everyone
else’s so H got out his drone for a few gorgeous photos of the bay, the bridge
and the vast expanse of the Gulf to the west.
That was to be the last of our days out exploring and enjoying our days
of relaxation. Stress was about to show
it’s ugly head.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">On Wednesday it was announced that Florida was shutting down
all of it’s state and federal parks – that included our next two places to stay
– Ross Prairie Greenway Campground in Ocala and Manatee Springs in
Chiefland. The shutdown was to go into effect
on Friday at noon, but the park manager at Ross Prairie told H we would be
allowed to stay Thursday night but had to be out on Friday. When we pulled into the park that morning –
the rule had changed and we were not going to be allowed to stay – no matter
what H was told two days earlier. We
were only permitted to leave the tan train for a short time while we drove to
my sisters home 3 miles away to pick up items she wanted to send home with us. Without even entering her home we hurriedly
packed the tote boxes in the back of the truck and without as much as a
farewell hug, we returned to the trailer to hastily re-hook up and head for the
highway and north to Georgia.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">From Ocala to almost the Florida/Georgia border we dutifully
stayed in our lane and let the other two lanes of northbound traffic whiz on
past us on I75. In Waycross Georgia,
the Laura S Walker State Park was open and they did our registration over the
phone <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5wcFDaSX381KBiGs_7YXgqxvL0olCNJllVqWyMLpyEO-HGLcaQBpF4HcfrokSym7Muhhmxqfzje7DEvVkY34Uz7F7pP8yTlJFRvMyJLWcoBY237VrOZRcSo2tjViagL5WnIlC1xaYOyH/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5wcFDaSX381KBiGs_7YXgqxvL0olCNJllVqWyMLpyEO-HGLcaQBpF4HcfrokSym7Muhhmxqfzje7DEvVkY34Uz7F7pP8yTlJFRvMyJLWcoBY237VrOZRcSo2tjViagL5WnIlC1xaYOyH/s320/3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clarks Hill </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
from their driveway and even delivered our confirmation to us at the
campsite after we were secure for the night.
Off again the next morning we continued our push for home. As we crossed over the Savannah River via
the Thurmond Lake Dam which bridges RT221 from Georgia to South Carolina we
decided it was past time for breakfast so the Clark Hill Lake Rec Area proved
to be a good spot with a great view of the lake and the dam beyond, for a great
place to fix a delicious breakfast of grilled English muffin with fried egg and
cheese!! The propane stovetop in the
trailer worked great to prepare our buttery treat! For the rest of the day it was stopping only for gas until it was
time to stop once more for the night.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Spring had come to Florida and Georgia – Bottlebrush,
Dogwood, Azalea, and Magnolia were all in bloom. In the Carolina’s Wisteria, Forsythia and Daffodils decorated the
yards and <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiQKHLsdThBA-d2J6KyJB1DKaSohIroeynJjOattl32jSsiDklcNDE6Y7McbRIJAnLVPmc3w9q6cZqN2zKnCruCW36U6K0hnIITol3gncd9VHwKG1rAxH9OSngJ2l8DOUp3TTC-5k87Us/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiQKHLsdThBA-d2J6KyJB1DKaSohIroeynJjOattl32jSsiDklcNDE6Y7McbRIJAnLVPmc3w9q6cZqN2zKnCruCW36U6K0hnIITol3gncd9VHwKG1rAxH9OSngJ2l8DOUp3TTC-5k87Us/s320/4.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottlebrush</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
roadways! By the time we got
to Tennessee, clouds overshadowed everything. Then came the rain. The deluge was finally letting up as we
parked for the night in our less than favorite Warriors Path State Park on the
outskirts of Kingsport. Reservations
were made while still on the road and our misspelled name was already on the
campsite post when we pulled in. Crooked
and JUST barely off the narrow strip called a road - we didn’t care – we were parked. In the morning, heavy fog smacked us in the
face and slowed us to a crawl as we pushed north thru the mountains of
Virginia. Minimal northbound traffic
thru Kentucky and even southern Ohio – until we hit I75 at Findlay, when it was
bumper to bumper, 3 lanes of semi’s and now RV’s pushing in haste to get home
to Michigan, Ontario and even Quebec.
We let them all pass! Then we
were home - - tired, but safe and with NO Covid 19 in our luggage!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">We’ve been home a week. The snow has come like a
thief in the night and is gone already.
Self-quarantine is still the mantra.
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Z-fkRlWsUdbrRPpNKAikWQD36yQNlMVnSWewyMaN7qF7CCZH7Ki0KjXjAvA9t9Xbi2CkyPMw4HVAFa8Ruo3vhTExfghuFWhWw95XAs0jg0twIRfefByEBi5kJRotP0LGoDENwN3e0WdO/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1600" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Z-fkRlWsUdbrRPpNKAikWQD36yQNlMVnSWewyMaN7qF7CCZH7Ki0KjXjAvA9t9Xbi2CkyPMw4HVAFa8Ruo3vhTExfghuFWhWw95XAs0jg0twIRfefByEBi5kJRotP0LGoDENwN3e0WdO/s400/6.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">We’re ordering our groceries online and H has ordered parts, received
them, and repaired his truck! Taxes are
filed and census forms have been taken care of! Next I need vegetable seeds for the garden. It’s time to plant peas!</span>Have trailer will travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127343312845706218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238377285738185163.post-37303488887948086392020-03-17T07:28:00.000-07:002020-03-17T07:28:14.423-07:00Zolfo Springs Fl.<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">We’ve never been to or thru Zolfo Springs in all the years
we’ve been wandering Florida! It’s a
SMALL town at the intersection of North/South Rt 17 and East/West Rt 64. It has
the Pioneer Restaurant on one corner, gas stations on 2 other corners, and a “historic”
Pioneer Park and campground on the other.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0iYwat1fhDBT0RgD58Ea-yChFWwhFGRuhpoTSgeL39zmcJdZ1xc2sE02yFm9zdcOvSFrTiYxfANrZ0FJDaFY25Oqte-CzY4Gd3Vw-picRp501ny097v39X76QN2dqdR7PTPa8XfRanBY9/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1116" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0iYwat1fhDBT0RgD58Ea-yChFWwhFGRuhpoTSgeL39zmcJdZ1xc2sE02yFm9zdcOvSFrTiYxfANrZ0FJDaFY25Oqte-CzY4Gd3Vw-picRp501ny097v39X76QN2dqdR7PTPa8XfRanBY9/s320/1.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Just east is
Cracker Lake 55+ RV Resort! The “lake”
is a pond – home to an equally tiny gator and a plethora of Spiny Softshell
Turtles, which love to be fed – the turtles – not the gator – it is illegal to
feed gators in Florida! The park has
several damaged trailers from a previous flood that are in the process of being
removed, and several more empty sites where </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2ZqRbB9nuVNuRA74IBBDgIim-KnmtlpuZi4wZ2oRi37G1W0nqgGoOJxIn_CFO0cYM2d5gmGw_nFA8Un7LbU6SxYbG9vOguBIvC3a1DAdtZ3-XJ7lT_IvbDSteqDsNm9OEKnQJ1U4GgAS/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2ZqRbB9nuVNuRA74IBBDgIim-KnmtlpuZi4wZ2oRi37G1W0nqgGoOJxIn_CFO0cYM2d5gmGw_nFA8Un7LbU6SxYbG9vOguBIvC3a1DAdtZ3-XJ7lT_IvbDSteqDsNm9OEKnQJ1U4GgAS/s320/2.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">other trailers have been taken out.
The narrow roads thru it are dusty gravel but the grassy sites are green. Our little road is called “Possum
Trot”! The “facilities” are clean. The
laundry room is good! The rec hall is
busy several evenings a week. H and I
have even played bingo three times now and have not lost any money! This little park was down but is slowly
making a comeback! The office manager
is easy to chat <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Gl0OWH286hwSrMN-LKRtqBeNeAh2D1uULHKl7YnN8D6Oegyz3xXLZBMWYdjPXOLmk9pqEacA5pv68YAKRijig1526P_G7lqKcU3B3TgHaA1HJYQwG-Wcmk5zpj0zeXtKMlAvhnAs5gWI/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1600" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Gl0OWH286hwSrMN-LKRtqBeNeAh2D1uULHKl7YnN8D6Oegyz3xXLZBMWYdjPXOLmk9pqEacA5pv68YAKRijig1526P_G7lqKcU3B3TgHaA1HJYQwG-Wcmk5zpj0zeXtKMlAvhnAs5gWI/s320/3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
with and is SO accommodating!
Besides that – she’s from Lansing Michigan! All the folks here are welcoming and very friendly, too –
especially the ones from Wauseon and Defiance Ohio!! </span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Pioneer Park is a re-creation of </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">parts of an old Cracker
(Cowboy) Village. On our first weekend
here was the annual Pioneer Park Days Engine Display and Show. Rows and rows and rows of antique tractors,
hundreds of “hit and miss” engines running various types of old equipment,
washing machines and even ice cream makers!
Our dear friend from <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PWBHYPgVl24ahpvzQQCVTyAD6mFWZbnQdKwRYrrDyQAtSeJi_jCHp18qawU1NFkhPkbUkSG94R8Pw3K05Eo5ioPbiA3wiwyrTiH3yFzozhFi4-A6z7MhI8WvgaqeehT9GLVC7_UNukYq/s1600/026+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PWBHYPgVl24ahpvzQQCVTyAD6mFWZbnQdKwRYrrDyQAtSeJi_jCHp18qawU1NFkhPkbUkSG94R8Pw3K05Eo5ioPbiA3wiwyrTiH3yFzozhFi4-A6z7MhI8WvgaqeehT9GLVC7_UNukYq/s320/026+%25282%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Lakeside Ohio was there with a line up of folks
eagerly waiting to “make a donation” and receive a big dollop of his very best
homemade delicious creamy, icy treat.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">One day we drove west on Rt 64 with the intent on re-touring
the long touristy island at the west end of the road! As we traveled west, in the distance we saw yet another dark
plume of smoke filling the sky. Oh no –
more sugarcane? But, wait - we were in
orange grove and cattle country! No –
it was a prescribed burn. As we passed
the smoking landscape, the park rangers and firemen where out along the edge –
keeping the blowing flames controlled as the fire was removing the dead brush
under the tall pine and palm trees! We
detoured to check out a new to us state park – the 550 acre Lake Manatee State
Park that sits on 3 miles of the 2400 acre, Lake Manatee Reservoir! We’ve now added that campground to our list
of new places where we want to stay! Rt
64 runs straight thru Bradenton and out onto Anna Marie Island with all its
traffic and beachgoers. We avoided
riding the shuttle bus that runs from one end of the island to the other and
drove out to where the </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKi181Jt_Jjb9m0IUvJVy08vUqsi3uXRxdI8YbTijqi_EZd3eQL6-9Elwat3uWfWu8RisFk59SlkWn-CV-FbSx7hEc7lcyAKkF0mwo80CCADr2parsqmlrHVHIZb6MHKHuu6TkTtNm2RG/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKi181Jt_Jjb9m0IUvJVy08vUqsi3uXRxdI8YbTijqi_EZd3eQL6-9Elwat3uWfWu8RisFk59SlkWn-CV-FbSx7hEc7lcyAKkF0mwo80CCADr2parsqmlrHVHIZb6MHKHuu6TkTtNm2RG/s400/6.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Historic Anna Marie Fishing Pier used to stand with her
long legs piercing the aqua waters.
It’s been years since the storm destroyed the old scenic pier but the
new pier and restaurant are finally taking shape</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">WAY back in the woods in the rural area called Ona, is a
well kept secret called “Solomon’s Castle”.
Thinking that it was not going to be crowded we chose to go
explore. We were one of the first tours
to go thru but by the time we were ready to leave – the parking lot was
full! Howard Soloman was a wiry little
man with an </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhAP219_E5GGiN2EryZjc8XKIwt7cwAbIuSRuIA40AfRQTC5hyphenhyphen7_g-f724-lARhG1PLNxz7se8KbOjHk_XPND0DgYVtHhGuqxBmIUa5Ma_yWzQkX2If-J4hHZH8JONlkKJrWLr-Vuv4OF/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhAP219_E5GGiN2EryZjc8XKIwt7cwAbIuSRuIA40AfRQTC5hyphenhyphen7_g-f724-lARhG1PLNxz7se8KbOjHk_XPND0DgYVtHhGuqxBmIUa5Ma_yWzQkX2If-J4hHZH8JONlkKJrWLr-Vuv4OF/s400/7.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">imagination of a wizard! I
would need all the space that H allows me - to just tell you about the man and
his shiny silver castle that he built out of throwaways and junk. He was the original recycler! Instead – go online and put in: “Solomon’s
Castle – Weird US”. Read for
yourself! You’ll want to come and check
it out too! It’s a HOOT!</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">We’re putting miles on the truck – besides west as far as we
could go, we’ve gone south to Arcadia to get the oil changed in the bright blue
truck and ended up strolling along the sidewalks of the historic downtown,
lined with multiple antique shops and past the block </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pw1cSSgs64C0mxJ3XrOudSuRDuDgVoYbbwB1impD7W541Hepv9CJxhkjLugbX9qqcHFP6bCOJHhVfJNiTTsZkscuEVliR7eMWWqBokuWPEaWjFVe250lj9_3saVi0ypcvakbmjPmKEkH/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1129" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pw1cSSgs64C0mxJ3XrOudSuRDuDgVoYbbwB1impD7W541Hepv9CJxhkjLugbX9qqcHFP6bCOJHhVfJNiTTsZkscuEVliR7eMWWqBokuWPEaWjFVe250lj9_3saVi0ypcvakbmjPmKEkH/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">long pink and white
building – the Rosin Arcade - built in 1926 after a fire destroyed most of
downtown. On the opposite side of the
street is the 1906 Opera House and Museum.
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">We drove east and then up to Avon Park’s historic downtown
area and one day we headed north to Wauchula and Bowling Green to see the
Hardee County Park and Campground which has FOUR lakes and shaded camp </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">sites on
another! Very pretty setting! Yet another day we again headed for B.G. to
check out the Payne’s Creek Historic State Park. Not impressed with the park or the eroded banks of the ignored
creek that runs thru it. Closer to home, Charlie’s Creek with it’s bare rooted
trees clinging to the high banks for dear life were much more interesting as
the creek meandered towards the Peace River and eventually the Gulf of Mexico.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYVteN2Jma59c5LYuoGb5IN0g5G3QditE6ae-kWGOiFjwujpNRZ5cZ5N1o4dtYzT5Wj2a7vKtsE063K3jOVnOWxn4HdEkDNGpc7kwuf4HMX4Q2FzXyikeJDUEs1QWbxvT1EIlwn3s1Fwo/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYVteN2Jma59c5LYuoGb5IN0g5G3QditE6ae-kWGOiFjwujpNRZ5cZ5N1o4dtYzT5Wj2a7vKtsE063K3jOVnOWxn4HdEkDNGpc7kwuf4HMX4Q2FzXyikeJDUEs1QWbxvT1EIlwn3s1Fwo/s400/8.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Our one week at Cracker Lake turned into three.
The coronavirus has hit all the counties west of us – from Collier County in
the south, to several counties north of us.
Florida’s Governor and the President have called a State of
Emergency. H has chosen to NOT go out
to eat anymore and is even concerned about going thru any fast food drive
thru’s. Definitely no more Walmarts! </span>Have trailer will travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127343312845706218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238377285738185163.post-2472832261481844992020-03-02T05:57:00.000-08:002020-03-02T05:57:07.574-08:00South Bay and Sebring Fl.<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Having left the busy traffic of Lake Worth and pointing the
nose of the bright blue truck to the west, we retraced or reversed most of our
path of several previous trips. As
always - thru sugarcane fields in various stages of growth from fresh plowed
black fields with seagulls soaring in circles overhead, scouring for any turned
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcBdxwcnu4-bZmdPWapcPDiP8aJFtpIwYbNFgqWAH-FJ6DQ9XuIu7dRcMV3qkvAZLqonjt0Tc6hu79rE8SO9mcKSJIYb-rMXv4JquMPX_Bluq7yn8IwF3hBiU-JdRT2qY7QoC4WmW9IZK/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="1600" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcBdxwcnu4-bZmdPWapcPDiP8aJFtpIwYbNFgqWAH-FJ6DQ9XuIu7dRcMV3qkvAZLqonjt0Tc6hu79rE8SO9mcKSJIYb-rMXv4JquMPX_Bluq7yn8IwF3hBiU-JdRT2qY7QoC4WmW9IZK/s400/1.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">over rodents for a quick lunch, to waving fields of tasseled grassy growth that
would soon be enveloped in massive clouds of black, orange and gray smoke.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">South Bay Campground is not new to us –SPFB –Feb 19, 2018,
Feb 2. 2016 and Feb 10, 2015! This far
south and this far into winter should not have been as cold or as windy or as
wet as this one has been. And to make
matters worse – the steep ramp up to the top of the levee that keeps Lake
Okeechobee from spilling onto </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWN_BV8E3500SxKnUyVr6hdnxlxH1ihGbwrJINPwt37zykUQVix5CiXPX7cFNzUfsZEKqtryxQSmODQioLhGXq-eAIu-EcnRUM5r1IfPEH5mGo4rg_gC4Qv4y_gQFgpS38iv6BAh9C8PfG/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWN_BV8E3500SxKnUyVr6hdnxlxH1ihGbwrJINPwt37zykUQVix5CiXPX7cFNzUfsZEKqtryxQSmODQioLhGXq-eAIu-EcnRUM5r1IfPEH5mGo4rg_gC4Qv4y_gQFgpS38iv6BAh9C8PfG/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Hwy 27, this county park campground and the tiny
town that bears that same name – was closed to all traffic. No one could get to the boat launch on the
other side nor could any one wishing to ride their bikes or hike make the trek
up the steep drive to the top. The
reconstruction of the levee is still going on after what seems like an eternity
instead of a half dozen years or so. On our last visit the huge piles of rock
and the large dump trucks that hauled them were farther west, towards Clewiston
and we could still ride our trusty bikes towards Torry Island Campground around
to the east and 5 miles up to the town of Belle Glade. This time, our trusty little bikes never left
the security of the truck bed. Instead,
it was the bright blue truck that drove up and over the levee at any other
available site to check the water level on the other side or to see how far in
either direction the repair work was progressing. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Torry Island Campground was full! And our friends that we had met there on several trips before
were not in their usual spot on the corner, right by the channel and under the
big sprawling tree! Up the road in
Pahokee, the campground, which is on the INSIDE of </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgt1q7pQiDAwn_PSESP4gVesm6Fhh2m3jfTTzPgxKHLSB0FJbOjk2-sSBPtY1ZTeFxbQ2jwlVEN4TDjFqucK4GroHJ6pSuP4llZXcOOg-wocSdHHM_z_Qt-VkuXnRTCywg250CdUHP74l/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgt1q7pQiDAwn_PSESP4gVesm6Fhh2m3jfTTzPgxKHLSB0FJbOjk2-sSBPtY1ZTeFxbQ2jwlVEN4TDjFqucK4GroHJ6pSuP4llZXcOOg-wocSdHHM_z_Qt-VkuXnRTCywg250CdUHP74l/s400/3.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">the levee, was also occupied
by more big RV’s and motor homes than we had ever seen in the past. The break wall of the harbor still wrapped
around and was protecting another eclectic collection of strange vessels. Along side one lengthy dock was moored a 195
foot silver barge that looked like it was from Star Wars or some other alien
movie. The Counterpoint II still
carries the banner on her side of “American Waterways Wind Orchestra” from her
days as a floating concert hall that has traveled around the world! In the center of the barge is a hydraulic
powered steel cover that rises 25 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDfZDVYjnO53oDQP1GKenicLOI-QUGtWs-rX_dIFX68eRUzLMcDiqr2cz4BP110mK03Y-hW3-BFXPzvg7v6CJ_BZVsIJEBhu8I6Mn3nk6F1EY9izbisMcrz63IHUZHcKF_Q7YuxmMizGo/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1183" data-original-width="1600" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDfZDVYjnO53oDQP1GKenicLOI-QUGtWs-rX_dIFX68eRUzLMcDiqr2cz4BP110mK03Y-hW3-BFXPzvg7v6CJ_BZVsIJEBhu8I6Mn3nk6F1EY9izbisMcrz63IHUZHcKF_Q7YuxmMizGo/s400/4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
ft in the air to protect the center stage as
an overhead canopy and diffuses the sound.
In 2017 there was a bidding war to purchase the vessel to keep it from
being dismantled and destroyed. The
bid was won by the town of Pahokee and is now to be used as a center of music
education for the local children – including those from Pahokee - one of the
poorest communities in Florida. Go
online and enter: “From Pittsburgh to Pahokee Florida” to read more!</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sunday morning arrived and so did the sun! The temps were finally warming up! As H was finally getting to visit with our
neighbors and I was showing the ladies my “wares” of potholders and other
handicrafts, H was approached by the office staff and was advised that his
reservations were up but if he wanted to, he could sign up for one more
day. We thought we had till Tuesday in
our now warm and sunny site. After
checking his schedule, H realized that she was right and we hurriedly packed
and made haste to move to our next reserved spot – in Highlands Hammock State
Park in Sebring! Whew! Good thing we had fixed breakfast already!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In Highlands Hammock we were on the backside of the
campground and across the little road was the “hammock” of palmetto bushes, tall
skinny palm trees and thin waving pines.
Our site this time was pie shaped and the electric and water were up by
the roadway so we parked close to the power supply - as did the tiny, rough looking OLD 1960’s era trailer with
various shades of </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSDOyG_qjoNatjH2Bmmz6jvJdnqpUxg3gxvVHR1AhZ1p_PArXGZVlHpjplGqLWOUs9mul6P8lQvVIDo-Mqshc4hcoA_VOoAesYxOtbgER-XaaiErl2qXliyhJTFFQMgIV8216-dzQqoDY/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="1410" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSDOyG_qjoNatjH2Bmmz6jvJdnqpUxg3gxvVHR1AhZ1p_PArXGZVlHpjplGqLWOUs9mul6P8lQvVIDo-Mqshc4hcoA_VOoAesYxOtbgER-XaaiErl2qXliyhJTFFQMgIV8216-dzQqoDY/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">faded paint and/or rust.
She also sat at a slight tilt!
We finally got to meet the proud owners of “Ilean” (get it? Tilt! I lean!) and were given the grand tour of
her well done, COMPACT, rebuilt interior in colors of black and white and
trimmed in turquoise and peach! Their
goal for her is to take her to ALL of the National Parks and have stickers on
her front and back windows to brag about their trips – just like I do with my
jacket of many patches! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our “to do” list was checked off in good order - rode our bikes out around the 3 mile,
shaded blacktopped road loop. Still no
armadillos! The walking trail and
NARROW boardwalk out thru the swamp and over the quiet, dark patch of water,
ladened with water lily leaves was still a must do. A visit with B&C, just down the road in Lake Placid at their
winter home in Camp Florida RV Resort was our top priority since we’d not seen
them since last November up home before we each started our separate winter
adventures!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you ask H where he wants to go for lunch in Lake Placid,
without hesitation the reply is Mexican – at Casa Tequila Restaurant! Our plates are always clean when we are
done! We all met at Galati’s Family
Restaurant in Sebring the evening before we were to move on. The pizza is not as good as Buddy’s Pizza up
in Dearborn Michigan but it was really good!
None is ever wasted!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Now we’re on to unknown territory. We’ve never been to Zolfo Springs or the
Cracker Lake 55+ RV Resort. Let’s go
see something new!</span>Have trailer will travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127343312845706218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238377285738185163.post-74893311961877246032020-02-20T16:50:00.001-08:002020-02-20T16:50:56.492-08:00John Prince Park Palm Beach Area<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sun, Sand and Beaches is what we were hoping for and we got
it all! And a whole lot more – it was
hot, muggy and windy too! Along with
bike rides, new friends, huge yachts and odd birds! Let’s start at the beginning!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Palm Beach County has some of the prettiest beaches on the
shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean. To
the north, we visited our favorite beaches as far as Juno Beach and even
Jupiter Beach and the peaceful Dubois Park, right on the Jupiter Inlet.
SPFB-for Jan 10, 2019 and Feb 23, 2018!!
Blue is my favorite color and the deep blue water that flowed outwards
from the cement walls and boulder barriers that lined the inlet did not
disappoint as it reflected the blue shades of the blue sky above. A visit to
the beaches in that area also calls for a stop at the Loggerhead Marinelife
Center. The large “swimming pool”
enclosures, each with its own “picture window” still held individual sea
turtles and listed their name and reason for being there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To the south, the Ocean Reef Park, at Boynton Inlet is
another favorite with its tree-lined parking spaces and wide fishing walls and
jetties that stretch out into the deep blue ocean. When the tide is in a hurry to get out to the ocean, the incoming
white capped foaming waves crash into the outgoing current! Boats must still run the gauntlet to
escape! When the waves are really
rolling, the biggest ones, on the far side of the jetty, get ridden by surfers
trying to see how close to the shore they can ride!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioO9gPrNb8gPMPM7JLjWJ1M3Nz52VRbuH1C9inhM1n_Nt3djAakUaSGXmKFm3f9v65h4A24XIk7Fk7ILwMb8ACzLEk0Vm-TDzQr5lqcjI50vjLJoQBwjeMcpDFwPThnznPF3eBlWOU5nkB/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1174" data-original-width="1600" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioO9gPrNb8gPMPM7JLjWJ1M3Nz52VRbuH1C9inhM1n_Nt3djAakUaSGXmKFm3f9v65h4A24XIk7Fk7ILwMb8ACzLEk0Vm-TDzQr5lqcjI50vjLJoQBwjeMcpDFwPThnznPF3eBlWOU5nkB/s320/3.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As in the northern end of the county, the Gumbo Limbo Nature
Center down near Boca Raton also has big blue tubs with the large picture
windows to see the injured sea creature inside. Smaller aquariums hold other tinier sea creatures like my
favorite seahorses!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgGGU53sMZ1IqHyhC4kAQW9le8H6XNhM0H7Dtp8QD2OyaepbRlw7vnbwjwgCsBCNRUVNfxvvFTjzLDP1pFG-RrcjR0JhTgMpROkSlqcTKAVq1OE8575r643qXnLze9pPtSYRFv-UGi3tw/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgGGU53sMZ1IqHyhC4kAQW9le8H6XNhM0H7Dtp8QD2OyaepbRlw7vnbwjwgCsBCNRUVNfxvvFTjzLDP1pFG-RrcjR0JhTgMpROkSlqcTKAVq1OE8575r643qXnLze9pPtSYRFv-UGi3tw/s400/4.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Downtown West Palm Beach held an Antique/Farmers Market one
sunny Saturday and we found a shady parking spot a block away and strolled thru
the booths and vendors for 4 blocks till we reached the grassy park and
Lakeshore drive that lined the waterway that divides the rich West Palm Beach
from the even richer Palm Beach out on the barrier island. In the WPB harbor were more than just a few
mega yachts that rested their 150 lengths at the gated docks! One mammoth white
beauty is up for sale and can be rented for $180,000 PLUS for a week! The landing craft for that dark blue
sailing/motor-yacht was bigger than any of the boats H ever owned!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Back in John Prince Park, we enjoyed the water view out our
back and side windows and the collection of shore birds that visited! While the pythons multiply in the
Everglades, this park’s invasive specie is STILL the Iguana! This big guy came to visit most
everyday! One day there were TWELVE
that lazed around our “backyard”! While
this 4 ft long lizard was one of the biggest, the rest ranged from bright green
foot long ones to the bigger darker green/gray guys. On our bike rides we saw all the usual Herons and Roseate
Spoonbills and Limpkins, scratching and catching small crustaceans for lunch!
There was even this odd pair of large “ducks” which actually turned out to be a
pair of Egyptian Geese!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Our bike rides
ALWAYS involved wind. We did manage to
ride the 5 miles of blacktopped bike trails thru the 378 acre park several
times - past the almost 100 tents of the homeless that are, for now, living in
the park, and over the several wooden bridges and around all the canals and
lagoons. Once, we did follow the
winding pathway around the northern end of Lake Osborne, past the children’s
water park, the boat docks and several more small bridges to the eastern side
of the long, odd shaped busy lake – sometimes WITH the wind and sometimes INTO
the wind. Although the eastern side of
the lake went past a residential neighborhood, there was still the tree lined
walking and biking trail that followed the waters edge with plenty of resting
areas and good views of the sprawling John Prince Park on the opposite
side. In the photo – look just over the
left end of the small island and find the dark green round shrub. That is our “tan train” just to the left of
it. 10 miles from the start of our ride
at our campsite, with the assistance of the long lasting batteries of our
trusty electric bikes, we powered around the lake, up Lantana Road on the wide
sidewalk that took us up and over the lake below; past the </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">collection of white
buildings at the Palm Beach County Airport; past all the airports runways seen
from Congress Ave and FINALLY back into the comfort of John Prince!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We were in John Prince for 2 weeks and the two sites on
either side always had folks in transit - folks from as far away as Wisconsin
or even Quebec. New friends made and “cards” exchanged! They were mid sized motorhomes, custom vans
or trailers. The first neighbor tho, was
an elderly Winnebago that had been painted with flat white house paint and trimmed
in bright turquoise and green. The
front bumper was cardboard painted black!
Thru out our stay, we saw it had moved to a different site every few
days! </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Our Sun, Sand and Surf days have come to a
close. It’s time to head west. It’ll be a long journey - - out of the big
cities and 50 miles across the sugarcane fields to Lake Okeechobee and South
Bay Campground.</span>Have trailer will travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127343312845706218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238377285738185163.post-70661617429870725762020-02-09T18:23:00.003-08:002020-02-09T18:23:37.766-08:00 Mosspark Orlando area<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Moss Park! We’re
Home!! Or are we? The camp roads are the same white grit
packed, yet potholed, sand roads; the campsites are still spacious and
sheltered by tall Slash Pines and Live Oaks; and the bathhouses are still tiled
and clean. Yet, it’s different. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmjxN3xxsDyzpjbWLSn92c9suPRuS7QIUar6snDOWIIeHwHCx1Uq4Hn9jvdxO0RLG0sU684cy3L62X9n0FefZwwr5jrQU0TOTPmeLENYatFGRTzH5LHOpgkWfLPcof18O2nZpVVbyd-Re/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmjxN3xxsDyzpjbWLSn92c9suPRuS7QIUar6snDOWIIeHwHCx1Uq4Hn9jvdxO0RLG0sU684cy3L62X9n0FefZwwr5jrQU0TOTPmeLENYatFGRTzH5LHOpgkWfLPcof18O2nZpVVbyd-Re/s400/1.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Something is missing. George isn’t here on his site. We weren’t greeted by begging, squawking
Sandhill Cranes. I looked ALL week and
never saw an Armadillo, a Sherman Squirrel or any turkeys! George was the park’s resident
photographer/wildlife expert and was one of the reason’s we came here and
always parked next to him. As we all
get older, health becomes an issue and now he stays up in New York close to
family. A lot of us miss you George!</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Two deer did come wandering thru our site the first morning
we were here but there were only 2 and not the half dozen that used to mosey
thru each morning AND each evening. Each time we rode the bikes or drove out in
the truck, my eyes searched the wooded areas along the roadway for any gray
rocks or tan clumps of dead grass that would move and finally look like the
armor of a armadillo. No reverberating
Jurassic Park squawks from the handful of mated cranes – just one pair that
only called out on occasion. But one evening they did call out from somewhere in
the swamp grass behind site #29 – were they nesting out where they used to?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The tiny songbirds were much more friendly! One afternoon while I was sitting at the
picnic table with the sewing machine busily</span></div>
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</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBik8jJmCzAG04x4_BpEI0eEYso2kD6vH6rokuuqQd9vYB8ZhA7ECt4iumLE4zrLXGLUAsDyy3dXxnhVw1KeVlm5lv7PcQbcLYlmZ2zzaTPPtrXO5QnE5iYWpZCArMizWMcqI5numdeCWo/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1189" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBik8jJmCzAG04x4_BpEI0eEYso2kD6vH6rokuuqQd9vYB8ZhA7ECt4iumLE4zrLXGLUAsDyy3dXxnhVw1KeVlm5lv7PcQbcLYlmZ2zzaTPPtrXO5QnE5iYWpZCArMizWMcqI5numdeCWo/s400/3.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
buzzing away and H was nestled in
his lounge chair with his tablet in hand, a tiny yellowish bird came to see if
there were any tasty morsels to pick up from the table area. It’s tail bobbed the entire time it was
there! Soon a matching bird in shades
more of tan with soft stripes on her tummy joined him. My Audubon Book confirmed that they were
Palm Warblers! The crust from our loaf
of wheat bread kept them happily gobbling up crumbs. A pair of shy Cardinals even joined in on the banquet! The Fox Squirrels got shooed away. Now – if they had been Sherman’s . . . . . .
.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Y5RpY1Fs7saVxKcERU8_pMl7H9e8rVPYd2Wy0JPoQdhMTsPlvGg9fIR8Bngy4dd_WfcpUJfpl5cqUXJi6xKPqIOC35ZUyTXoQk8WbsHwC6TqdoIICEZdar7GmPxeF2i75zKWu6pOn3f3/s1600/2+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Y5RpY1Fs7saVxKcERU8_pMl7H9e8rVPYd2Wy0JPoQdhMTsPlvGg9fIR8Bngy4dd_WfcpUJfpl5cqUXJi6xKPqIOC35ZUyTXoQk8WbsHwC6TqdoIICEZdar7GmPxeF2i75zKWu6pOn3f3/s320/2+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">SPFB! We’ve already
done the Disney “thing” –including riding the transportation means from one
resort complex to the next, Downtown Disney, Disney Springs, and even Disney
itself. We’ve seen downtown, the Orlando Eye (the huge ferris wheel) and
beautiful Lake Eola that is featured as the backdrop on every evening news
program. We’ve played tourist up and
down the road from St Cloud to Kissimmee to Celebration and back. This time we visited Old Town that is a
remake of a fake old town, but is just a collection of quirky restaurants and
over priced shops. Right </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPlLnLhxwXIqk1s84ob_En6tDY6U6P9dG_tOAr5v9gL_BTIoQj-3O_Fkn8Sr2qQROH89z6GPXmX1laJ_j1qmzJpX3GwWKuMjmchj1E1L3SsOPNqIIxs85jpRpqVhQ63Z25VkzBMvZfxkI/s1600/4+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPlLnLhxwXIqk1s84ob_En6tDY6U6P9dG_tOAr5v9gL_BTIoQj-3O_Fkn8Sr2qQROH89z6GPXmX1laJ_j1qmzJpX3GwWKuMjmchj1E1L3SsOPNqIIxs85jpRpqVhQ63Z25VkzBMvZfxkI/s400/4+%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">behind it is
Fun Spot - the amusement park with its bungee rides and roller coasters. It was a cold windy morning so no one was
there yet.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">One evening, H had his nose in his Nook Tablet and I was in
the bedroom, on the phone, when a persistent knocking came at the door. It was friends that we had met at Trimble
Park a few years ago - during the tornado warnings while we sheltered in the
bathhouse!!! They had just arrived in
Moss Park and had read our blog saying that we were headed there/here! While out for their evening walk they
spotted the bright blue truck and came to call!! What a treat! We
reestablished our friendship and shared travel stories during the rest of our
stay as neighbors! They even joined us
for our last visit to the Catfish Place for lunch the day before we were to
leave. Cheryl and I both love to take
photos. Don and H looked like bookends
as they stood with their backs to us, hands in pockets, discussing Jeeps, Ford
trucks and all the other problems of the world!!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Titusville had the rocket launches; Mt Dora had the
seaplanes; here in Moss Park in SE Orlando we are within 5 miles of the Orlando
International Airport which brings visitors from all over the world to visit
the theme parks, and this year the Super Bowl!! The sleek beauties in the sky above circle the airport and when
they are up over the campground, line up with the landing strip out in front of
them and then slow their powerful engines in order to lower their massive
crafts - like hotrods downshifting - whining and then rumbling, deeper and
deeper - until the aircraft’s sleek bodies touch down on the solid land once
more. Sometimes this would happen every
few minutes – as soon as one plane would land; yet another was in line to slow
and drop gently out of the sky. </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Our week of doing almost nothing has come and gone. It’s time to head out again. The weather has been cool and we are heading
farther south – Lake Worth – south of all the “Palm Beaches” and north of Del
Ray Beach. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sun – Sand and Beaches is what we are hoping
for.</span>Have trailer will travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127343312845706218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238377285738185163.post-61516622954662894402020-01-29T15:12:00.000-08:002020-01-29T15:12:21.834-08:00Trimble Park Mt Dora Fl.<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The ocean is behind us – we’ve headed west, going inland to
another collection of beautiful bodies of water – calm, fresh water lakes
bordered by cattails, palmetto, palms and pines! Lake County Florida is famous for it’s chains of lakes! Here it is: SPFB – See Previous Florida
Blogs! And – if you want to see our
photos better – click on them once to enlarge! </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3POR2X6sU83EKlnZQriCIy-Va_qBRMp8P5Zi25Zj5Eq2cdTmEZEIs5a-OC2BW1HbreaXKRpve4t4apIkQXcYjpR7kb87M40OWfVhG6-n-i04QxfvAB52CkEnQOAL0MngeCEtN4_L2FSg/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1095" data-original-width="1600" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3POR2X6sU83EKlnZQriCIy-Va_qBRMp8P5Zi25Zj5Eq2cdTmEZEIs5a-OC2BW1HbreaXKRpve4t4apIkQXcYjpR7kb87M40OWfVhG6-n-i04QxfvAB52CkEnQOAL0MngeCEtN4_L2FSg/s320/2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Beauclair</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Trimble Park Campground is on the very northern edge of
Orange County and occupies the peninsula between two of those beautiful <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3K_LgBvmYCBdzXeksiLUo9u8LedM99S1LtzEGgePT12Rg-xeFAeZJm97pbjMgXjdoQ_bvwPvoTIQ9zIoUVKltEHDGvBeOrkTHiHhJXElxSrKGS6yYCFh8sTHht3hjxs5_JnLfqRhkgqJ/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3K_LgBvmYCBdzXeksiLUo9u8LedM99S1LtzEGgePT12Rg-xeFAeZJm97pbjMgXjdoQ_bvwPvoTIQ9zIoUVKltEHDGvBeOrkTHiHhJXElxSrKGS6yYCFh8sTHht3hjxs5_JnLfqRhkgqJ/s320/1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lake Carleton</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
lakes -
Lake Beauclair and Lake Carleton. These
lakes are joined to Lake Dora and several more lakes by canals or rivers! One year we put H’s portaboat in Lake Dora
and followed the Dora Canal thru to Eustis Lake and one winter we flew in the
DeHaviland Beaver seaplane - up and over ALL of the lakes below! That was a thrill to remember!! The sound of that low rumbling engine would
always signal when the “Beaver” was about to fly over the park! Check the blog for Feb 3, 2016 and also
March 8, 2015.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">That neat old plane no longer comes from Minnesota each
winter to fly out of Mt Dora. In nearby
Tavares, The Seaplane Capitol – seaplanes are still buzzing overhead or plowing
thru the water trying to gain speed and then altitude! The day we visited the lakeside park in downtown
Tavares, we paused to enjoy the </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpTwpjhMw6KaZwZKP4ACgh6xcmFcTGQ47B5MpS7xIluWH6S85mWho1NQoytnuy5Zmm8eiiDne_YDuGeimfI3HRTpg7mehAB0hkx37ZssgY6XoMUoX4mzfqEQFoMQvRoBoD3jGnF-T82Z5/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1116" data-original-width="1600" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpTwpjhMw6KaZwZKP4ACgh6xcmFcTGQ47B5MpS7xIluWH6S85mWho1NQoytnuy5Zmm8eiiDne_YDuGeimfI3HRTpg7mehAB0hkx37ZssgY6XoMUoX4mzfqEQFoMQvRoBoD3jGnF-T82Z5/s400/3.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">sunshine and watch one of the planes for hire,
load it’s passengers and then slowly wheel down the boat ramp, into the water
until the mounted wheels were <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
submerged and the sturdy craft was afloat on it’s
large pontoons. The spinning prop,
balanced on the tip of its nose, propelled it down the waterfront to turn and
then charge back up the lake till it finally lifted itself up out of the water
and climbed higher into the blue sky.
Twenty minutes later it floated down out of the sky and slowly returned
to the boat ramp. Reviving its engine,
it slowly climbed the steep incline back to dry land. </span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Apopka Lake is still polluted. The North Apopka Lake Trail is still open each weekend. The day was sunny and almost warm when we
chose to drive along the 11 miles of one lane, one way gravel road - out and
thru the 20,000 acres of farmland returned to wetland area. The speed limit was 10mph but H has trouble
going that slow – especially when someone in front of him would stop in the
middle to take pictures of yet another black lump of gator. “How many pictures of gators do you need?” -
was his normal query. I managed to snap
ONE more picture!! Flocks of various
ducks, </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmti9XmQISv4u8Zc12IGbEDDBSzx96JGF8Ovi0_yTkQa05mRMVJT8ZXa1pkZWDSHulsIY8sQUhYEq0BFGvKtAZ877KTirDE_tdlVChocek0GMnOOxLxTvEl6UfV0H6s1MaF1H_D5DqWyx/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1098" data-original-width="1600" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmti9XmQISv4u8Zc12IGbEDDBSzx96JGF8Ovi0_yTkQa05mRMVJT8ZXa1pkZWDSHulsIY8sQUhYEq0BFGvKtAZ877KTirDE_tdlVChocek0GMnOOxLxTvEl6UfV0H6s1MaF1H_D5DqWyx/s320/4.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">including these Blue Winged Teal – were everywhere - along with Coots,
Gallinule, Blue Heron, Egrets, Ibis, Hawks and Osprey!</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Since Lake Carlton was only 20 feet from our big back window
we also enjoyed the usual plethora of God’s winged creatures. Each day the group (flock) of swamp
chickens (Ibis) paraded up and down the shoreline with their long curved beaks
skimming the water looking for tidbits to snack on. Blue Heron, Egret and a little Tri-colored Heron took their turns
too! </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Each time we are fortunate enough to stay in Trimble Park,
the sound of the resident owls greeted us – every day and every night! “Who-cooks-for you? Who-cooks for you” was
heard and the </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pIdMMKmdxvm4vw2TyKCF-pDLoRRAJMDBNydlxeDPHus46PfYlb4NMV5HmkHlEJJfEGeSRMdv5LF4UgVyEbwfnmQGZ7VaFyP51tVGYWypyuWaRfgSSTxfcCIuWzRsBAO0cTB3Uev-cnBo/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pIdMMKmdxvm4vw2TyKCF-pDLoRRAJMDBNydlxeDPHus46PfYlb4NMV5HmkHlEJJfEGeSRMdv5LF4UgVyEbwfnmQGZ7VaFyP51tVGYWypyuWaRfgSSTxfcCIuWzRsBAO0cTB3Uev-cnBo/s400/5.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">responding “Who-whoo” would come back, but the ones calling out
were never seen! On this visit, H was
sitting outside, catching some sun, and called me to come out – the owl was
sitting up in the tree that arched over our neighbors trailer! As I snapped picture after picture – the
Barred Owl above us just watched as I walked around his perch high in the tall
live oak.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Yes – we have eaten well – seafood at The Catfish Place in
Apopka is always on the “to do” list.
Capt D’s in Winter Garden and The Whales Tail in Eustis. We even snuck in a Pizza Hut once!! We’ve been to the big flea market on the
441 bypass of Mt Dora but the only thing H got there is a bad cold! NOT GOOD.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">H has gotten to fly his drone while in Trimble Park. While we </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOVN_JJBAw2qeYYhT0uDYBCyf3e7RCMzN7e-NucFPlCDbgw3NZIj54GEnVHs1EPFRuaStXcL0AK2V5UBJ-GeUjQJTzxtwLZpIZwNkIIYDlB3bArpZPX1U0QrL0Hft3VsJxgCYrHP9te8W/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOVN_JJBAw2qeYYhT0uDYBCyf3e7RCMzN7e-NucFPlCDbgw3NZIj54GEnVHs1EPFRuaStXcL0AK2V5UBJ-GeUjQJTzxtwLZpIZwNkIIYDlB3bArpZPX1U0QrL0Hft3VsJxgCYrHP9te8W/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">waited to be allowed to park on our
campsite he flew it up high over the tall live oaks at the picnic area. He also
flew it up and out over Lake Carleton later in the week. It looks like he was buzzing close over
those two kayakers - but they were our
neighbors!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNk3NpAb6hA4w8KeQ9zOYUbC0k_6rh6gXxPTzLk-7FPtnv2s1MJlT0mmuuUX6kYv7ngjvRzwAovsJHs7qEwzYynam5TeZAqWeJSa4rINyqx6Pg6okTnXRBNjsLz__zbG6t5r2ib8krrXLa/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1269" data-original-width="1600" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNk3NpAb6hA4w8KeQ9zOYUbC0k_6rh6gXxPTzLk-7FPtnv2s1MJlT0mmuuUX6kYv7ngjvRzwAovsJHs7qEwzYynam5TeZAqWeJSa4rINyqx6Pg6okTnXRBNjsLz__zbG6t5r2ib8krrXLa/s320/6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">We’ve been blessed by making more new friends at each
campground where we have stayed. In
Manatee Hammock, our new friends were Sandy and Bill. Here in Trimble Park it was Fred and Jean from Minnesota. The
four of us seem to have a LOT in common – from boating to biking and
camping! Too bad F’s bike of choice has
the initials HD! We like him anyway!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Our eight days at our FAVORITE Trimble Park are
complete and it’s time to move on.
We’re moving to another FAVORITE Orange County Park –Moss Park. This reservation had to be in my name
because if we used H’s name it would put us over the 2-week (14 days) limit
stay in the Orange County parks. We
need eight days more! Do the math - - 8
days at Trimble<sub> </sub>+8 days at Moss = 16.</span>Have trailer will travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127343312845706218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238377285738185163.post-91842203435337207722020-01-19T11:44:00.000-08:002020-01-19T11:44:07.300-08:00Manatee Hammock in Titusville<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Trains, Planes, Rockets, Kites, Trees and even Manatee and
Tortoise – I’ve got to cover them all this time! I’d better hurry, eh?!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Trains and Trees: Manatee Hammock is a Brevard County
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OTqzx5QnGTgx5xHc6hzcjFv81DUZz6L7fXzuLcGtTHDPUk8ycf3YipuuhcdTfNBoqV4-uK8m1FGAa0JCgCEWAFPv-_qu1kps4aD2t69T9qhdkJnD35z36FiD8ED3OdVf2cpqlvuAcEra/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OTqzx5QnGTgx5xHc6hzcjFv81DUZz6L7fXzuLcGtTHDPUk8ycf3YipuuhcdTfNBoqV4-uK8m1FGAa0JCgCEWAFPv-_qu1kps4aD2t69T9qhdkJnD35z36FiD8ED3OdVf2cpqlvuAcEra/s320/1.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Campground that sprawls between St Rt 1 and the vast expanse of the Indian
River Lagoon, just south of Titusville.
On the west side of the road are the multiple railroad tracks and the
north and southbound trains do not allow the tracks to get rusty! Two long, one short and another LONG blast
on the trumpeting horn announce each train.
Good thing that once past the first day – you don’t “hear” them anymore
- - unless it’s 6:30 in the morning!
Our campsite on this visit was less than great – short and narrow. The only way H could get the “train” into
the site was to pull into the (thankfully) empty site across the way. He backed into our site as far as he could
and still leave room to get the slide out.
That tall pine tree was maybe 6 inches from the back of the slide! A cluster of palm trees was almost as close
on the other side! </span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Planes and Rockets:
When I was a kid (a long, long time ago!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYttheVUwP4hjy8AARjkF-fJOeen2Furl5aOshJeUviP7gGGOiq7Pba42Me9A4bHt7dawRS9qEWer1L09b5s0QAMJAQzOvYsH5L3S9hOeTUFvx3MnRSPlKl3ZEj9CL1Sxm9gD2PpKnogR/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1185" data-original-width="1579" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYttheVUwP4hjy8AARjkF-fJOeen2Furl5aOshJeUviP7gGGOiq7Pba42Me9A4bHt7dawRS9qEWer1L09b5s0QAMJAQzOvYsH5L3S9hOeTUFvx3MnRSPlKl3ZEj9CL1Sxm9gD2PpKnogR/s320/2.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">there was a Ford Tri-motor
Airplane that flew out of Pt Clinton Ohio to Put in Bay Island out in Lake
Erie. The number of these 1920’s rumbling planes has dwindled down to just a
handful that are restored and on display in aircraft museums throughout the
states. Several years ago H and I got
to fly in one of the restored and still flying “Tin Goose” aircraft and flew
out over the same areas that it flew in years past! What a thrill! That same
plane is on tour again and was flying out of the War Bird Museum and Airport in
Titusville. For $77 you could take a
15-minute ride. Every half hour the low
rumble could be heard and the plane would soon appear up over the trees that sheltered
the campground! Memories!</span><br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Right across the wide Indian River is the Kennedy Space
Center. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkk4gu9j7ILKpGXG-D7QhUTNZ5jnbb4nNur-qbP7Pqu6VHrplKj4qYfdqEUv-NKo_UC3w-rQzPgZT1MOrK5RHDKbmQaH3u_5Iy1Ozwtu6mZUB0kxGRrQOSW_AREIIxeZIziCuPCf0nGuN9/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkk4gu9j7ILKpGXG-D7QhUTNZ5jnbb4nNur-qbP7Pqu6VHrplKj4qYfdqEUv-NKo_UC3w-rQzPgZT1MOrK5RHDKbmQaH3u_5Iy1Ozwtu6mZUB0kxGRrQOSW_AREIIxeZIziCuPCf0nGuN9/s320/3.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> The Space X Falcon 9 with 60
Starlink satellites inside lifted off with in a bright glow – right on time,
the Monday evening after we arrived.
Along with the rest of the campground residents, we gathered on the
rivers edge. H and I stood on the rock
walled shoreline while lots of folks filled the long fishing pier – vying for a
good spot to see the blast off, taking photos with their cell-phones – their flashes
causing twinkles in the dark night!
After a moment, came the boom that signaled the sound barrier being
broken! The rocket’s sections separated
and the golden glow got smaller as it went farther away into the dark sky.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Manatee and Tortoise: We were heading out to the fishing
pier one day and as we walked out onto it I got concerned because the little
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">girl from across the road from us was there and seemed to be all alone. Her 2 bigger sisters were farther out at the
end of the pier and I had not seen them!
As H and the 2 girls were looking down into the water, he spotted a
large manatee slowly lumbering along under the dock. As it appeared on the other side, heading out to the deeper
water, you could count the deep white grooves across it’s back – like rungs on
a stepladder - scars caused by someone’s powerboat prop. </span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Every time we’re out exploring, we search for places that
we’ve not been to before. This time we
found several wildlife parks. The
Enchanted Forest Park has several hiking paths thru the “forest”. Outside the visitor center was a small area
enclosed by long boards </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSa-Dm7EWFzp0xHO6WTV_3pTqzUgwBF0vPoIXTzzfVYMUsxb9dw9r4Nu_kLe4BphyphenhyphenOnLbePOv1LHQPocl9GJSxqoXoWtCQ1kmkAg1G-El49rDeV3ilSvsq_em283QvBhOgA2j60bWwQMfy/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1197" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSa-Dm7EWFzp0xHO6WTV_3pTqzUgwBF0vPoIXTzzfVYMUsxb9dw9r4Nu_kLe4BphyphenhyphenOnLbePOv1LHQPocl9GJSxqoXoWtCQ1kmkAg1G-El49rDeV3ilSvsq_em283QvBhOgA2j60bWwQMfy/s320/4.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">forming a wall only a foot high. Several informative signs explained who and
what was inside! “Austin” is a
good-sized Gopher Tortoise who was an illegally kept pet and was given to the
park. The sign stated he could not be
released back into the wild. Read the
sign to learn about the bumps </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqGp_uIiB0hUMD6kXG1D1mYGxbUpXsPXsgF5FWtAmhGv8kabhFGYsWyB0_ew9D6jWTUa-hp79cXe6zQJ6zQPU5vF6v7yMoLXeeETABolRVPrlbILX5PFtLuQnGruYPNQs_w8i7b7ZluCj/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqGp_uIiB0hUMD6kXG1D1mYGxbUpXsPXsgF5FWtAmhGv8kabhFGYsWyB0_ew9D6jWTUa-hp79cXe6zQJ6zQPU5vF6v7yMoLXeeETABolRVPrlbILX5PFtLuQnGruYPNQs_w8i7b7ZluCj/s320/5.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
on his back!</span><br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">More parks were found the day we re-visited Port Canaveral
to see the ocean freighters in the industrial harbor and the collection of
mammoth cruise ships. Standing in the
small park in the interior of the harbor we saw them all – the pleasure boats,
the long sleek black ocean freighters and the 15-story tall cruise ships! From there we found the small well kept Dolphin
Park and the bigger Manatee Preserve Park with it’s soccer fields, ponds, play
area and elevated boardwalk. Obviously,
H </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGrTOxRey7DAc2IXIKukSjCVecz4du50WiGoYvOGkIFA112qAMYAY5nTRvdpzYE8RJIeiy1Gt3I6KgSJiAoTwuA4v5pzScmBCfJP_WxV4sUmM7TjBaaZ0DPFD-1BsKW-Y8TIXhi7R1uuJ/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGrTOxRey7DAc2IXIKukSjCVecz4du50WiGoYvOGkIFA112qAMYAY5nTRvdpzYE8RJIeiy1Gt3I6KgSJiAoTwuA4v5pzScmBCfJP_WxV4sUmM7TjBaaZ0DPFD-1BsKW-Y8TIXhi7R1uuJ/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
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</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">found an open spot to fly his drone and capture a good view of the port and
the harbor area. The square white dot
in the left background is the Kennedy Space Building!</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Kites: Each time we
crossed over one of the high bridges that connect the islands to each other,
there were usually a collection of bright colored kites flying high and zipping
out and back across the water, just off the adjoining causeways. Each kite had a water </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7faHLucTM9WtcfK3YJaRRQBZ07pwucEk-5hNxgCQDqDUa4RxkF8RANHx9eYefmRkp-y3REOpy0inb6jrT2SQJVTidOLEQhRkcf1rHgiSZFlCgMNGqvPHQ9kDL4Z1SGYjVaDPIGw0XN1rR/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="1600" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7faHLucTM9WtcfK3YJaRRQBZ07pwucEk-5hNxgCQDqDUa4RxkF8RANHx9eYefmRkp-y3REOpy0inb6jrT2SQJVTidOLEQhRkcf1rHgiSZFlCgMNGqvPHQ9kDL4Z1SGYjVaDPIGw0XN1rR/s320/8.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">board and human
attached by a secure harness and long, long line to the U shaped kite soaring
above in the wind. One day the sky was
dark and threatening but no one was leaving!
The next day, we parked at another spot and several guys were skimming
across the water – just a few </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLR4r0pyeBTUDCgk52ruHBAqdNFDTERedhOHAkF_mhvvg47KSL4GZvvaGxdbIiaaLtlBnz3eIZUIcrT7uAI7ubRbb10pPIRWpGzTz6agPl9ZoOzDUsvqYjRjDFJ0w8vRSSY7W_MqdwYcr/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1186" data-original-width="1600" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLR4r0pyeBTUDCgk52ruHBAqdNFDTERedhOHAkF_mhvvg47KSL4GZvvaGxdbIiaaLtlBnz3eIZUIcrT7uAI7ubRbb10pPIRWpGzTz6agPl9ZoOzDUsvqYjRjDFJ0w8vRSSY7W_MqdwYcr/s320/9.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
feet from the shore! One skimmed across in front
of us, throwing a wake behind him. He
leaped up in the air and flew high, attached to the kite above only by that
thin line! Was that a parachute on his
back?</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">We got to visit with H’s brother and wife 3 times during our
2-week stay! The “boys” got to go shoot
skeet twice and we girls went shopping followed by the 4 of us eating out –
Mexican, then Seafood and then Lowland Comfort food! Good eating!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Getting the “train” out of that compact car slot
was worse than getting backed into it.
We will NOT go into details! We
had Trimble Park to look forward to and we knew what the size of the site was
and the view out the big back window was going to awesome!!!</span>Have trailer will travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127343312845706218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238377285738185163.post-68135129493952319092020-01-03T15:59:00.000-08:002020-01-03T15:59:18.713-08:00At the Springs<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Belated Merry Christmas one and all! If you look back to our blog from December
2018, you see our pretty little Christmas tree that graces our dining room
table and lights up the entire big window.
The same brightly lit tree is on the blog for Christmas 2017! In 2016 it was the two tiny melting snowmen
on the sparkling white sand on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico! 2015 saw the beautiful white nativity set at
Sharon’s home! Mr and Mrs Santa Claus
at Salt Springs was our official Christmas photo for 2014! This year, our great neighbors from up home
have given us this sparkling Cardinal snow globe lamp and it brightens up our
dark kitchen corner!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWKrvFOJS1AKggJRtmvDIZ8zJgy41gsM7R6mZ1D1RW7ng4gBlTMkTo5lTMhefUNjRYY3CNMmQ2_nHTJ4Wf5TK16xshBB87AnjpM38OVrCE_GJsWN6ig6ZGW96ntsP2Of6dAjdR_NEeTOr/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1216" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWKrvFOJS1AKggJRtmvDIZ8zJgy41gsM7R6mZ1D1RW7ng4gBlTMkTo5lTMhefUNjRYY3CNMmQ2_nHTJ4Wf5TK16xshBB87AnjpM38OVrCE_GJsWN6ig6ZGW96ntsP2Of6dAjdR_NEeTOr/s320/1.JPG" width="243" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> As usual, the bright
blue truck has been out exploring the forest back roads, always on the hunt for
bear or deer. Lots of other trucks were
out in the woods this time but their drivers were all dressed in bright orange
hunting garb! Once we saw a dark spot
in the road way ahead of us and .
. wait . . . was it a bear? Nope –
just 2 hunting dogs sauntering up the road!
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Out wandering the main route of FL RT40 we stopped just
before the high bridge that crosses up and over the St John’s River. Strolling along the short boardwalk, we
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoncZobf6nM1EaxHx854X8KnrjuAL1Hr-XeXlhkGXPMWgPEqnRoIwX4FmqODkJIQagXivv5rO2CwOZPQj_MFxBQrFAtwcFqfx-YGAsupbhu9vIqUwDqX0niU1sEnvV0ofvZ6W6Sk3NMB4B/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoncZobf6nM1EaxHx854X8KnrjuAL1Hr-XeXlhkGXPMWgPEqnRoIwX4FmqODkJIQagXivv5rO2CwOZPQj_MFxBQrFAtwcFqfx-YGAsupbhu9vIqUwDqX0niU1sEnvV0ofvZ6W6Sk3NMB4B/s400/3.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">passed a gentleman on a dark brown airboat. The engine roared to life and swung
out into the middle of the vegetation clogged waterway. High up on the bridge, the bridge master
told us that this massive island of green just congregated in, under and around
the main channel and bridgework guides in less than 24 hours! This floating mass of plants and their river
clogging roots started gathering the evening before and now all passing boats
had to squeeze thru the narrow, rocky side passage. Another boater came down river and joining with the airboat,
fought together with anchors and ropes to dissuade the river-jamming
clump. The boater would drive into the
clump as far as he was able and then throw his anchor as hard and as far as he
could. The airboat would make sure the
anchor was deep enough into the jungle of roots and then park his craft on top
of the metal hook. The boat would pull
back and the airboat would slowly work his craft forward guiding the buried
anchor. By the time we returned to the truck an hour later, half the channel
was open and they continued to push and pull the clog out of the way, letting
it continue to float freely on down the river.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Ocala National Forest is the oldest forest west of the
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdt_RQNI4xPyOxUgGJLY3XWxDQ18dp2JHeiMKnr8pqzhPUJUgbkr3LaV8bckBXkjAHgHz56Ub93Hwoc4z2klmHUR0-B6HCQibkL0BTG8PGuhgLuchgEFi_yxYSJoKITM7ORNIgr4EPO3D/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdt_RQNI4xPyOxUgGJLY3XWxDQ18dp2JHeiMKnr8pqzhPUJUgbkr3LaV8bckBXkjAHgHz56Ub93Hwoc4z2klmHUR0-B6HCQibkL0BTG8PGuhgLuchgEFi_yxYSJoKITM7ORNIgr4EPO3D/s400/5.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alexander Spring</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mississippi River. The 3 best
campgrounds that include beautiful springs within the forest boundaries include
our favorite Salt Springs, Alexander Springs and Juniper Springs. Alexander <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTv6iTCfWH1FDgfUhwXcVn_I-hIpxBYcAF42VngKVQCUQBCd365fQWznVWWineL9SxyxmidRAHfEgJK_F-TJZNLAh7_4sDKUPRsqlobGmUFfFcoSqKB6AKFomkj3gUE4o4y-BUkN7Ivqz/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTv6iTCfWH1FDgfUhwXcVn_I-hIpxBYcAF42VngKVQCUQBCd365fQWznVWWineL9SxyxmidRAHfEgJK_F-TJZNLAh7_4sDKUPRsqlobGmUFfFcoSqKB6AKFomkj3gUE4o4y-BUkN7Ivqz/s400/4.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alexander Spring</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Springs is wooded with
non-electric camping and the spring area itself is deep and dark blue. The canoe/kayak launching area is just past
the buoyed swimming area. Juniper Springs
is also a wooded, non-electric camp ground and the beautiful springs are
smaller but has a rustic CCC mill with a working water wheel that is run by the
excess water that rises from the deep blue spring. The area where all the kids used to dive off of is now protected
by a black wrought iron railing, but you can still stand up over the deep
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoS-ot3J3vwqMt60FyttSwsntYsKqhla3gqlJTQmgficlJD3iza5O4if-H2JPwPmbOHwzel5U8aQNtF3aijU5kRyVlY4tdIvNV_n62gC0IuPYMDDv5vKdWZqdYoB6FIfN2AHDHFDXB3v1/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoS-ot3J3vwqMt60FyttSwsntYsKqhla3gqlJTQmgficlJD3iza5O4if-H2JPwPmbOHwzel5U8aQNtF3aijU5kRyVlY4tdIvNV_n62gC0IuPYMDDv5vKdWZqdYoB6FIfN2AHDHFDXB3v1/s400/6.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juniper Spring</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
spring and look down into the blue depth.
Check the blog for last year to see H’s drone picts of Salt Springs and
also Silver Glen </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Springs - which is beautiful swimming area with no
campground.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">It has been so good to get to visit with my sister in
Ocala! Of course we HAD to go see her
as soon as we arrived so H could get his new drone. Then there was Christmas
Day! Wednesday, the day before we were
to head out once more we met her for lunch at Logan’s Steakhouse! We were stuffed!!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">H got to shoot skeet up in Palatka and it is always followed
by lunch at Corky Bells on the high bank of the St John’s River, just north of
the “forest”. The truck has even gotten
a fresh oil change. Our friends from
previous years have been visited with.
New friends from Wellsboro, Pa have become “Happy Hour Friends”. Too bad Dick’s bike of choice is a PURPLE
Harley! He did like taking my little
white electric bike out for spin tho!!
He and Connie have been camping at Salt Springs for years – so why
haven’t we met before now?? We’ll make
up for that in the future, for sure!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Our Salt Springs stay has come to an end and we
must move on - down Fl Rt 19 with our usual stopover in Eustis to check out the
lakeside boardwalk. After all the rain
we’ve had in the last 3 weeks, it was so very nice to enjoy the sunshine! We saw a sign for an “Estate Sale” being
held in a sprawling white tent in a mall parking lot and it drew us in! A nearby empty Beall’s Outlet store had been
turned into yet another antique mall and beckoned us to visit them also! On down the road and thru a massive amount
of new road construction, we finally reached Sanford on the shores of Lake
Monroe – also part of the St John’s River.
Unable to maneuver the “train” around the snug traffic circle at the
edge of downtown, we took a longer route to get to the city’s marina and the
collection of boats - from the authentic paddle wheeler tour </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELs8kpmasQ0uGsssKA6TQkmPyP6g0HnJspH7jkwr4hmauqkb7nBe_vCQT72ocmMwyo3NN9WM9-_yUwl7Qg0mGbT0p_2wS4BYa-TueigmMbGIaRgvUoJUfuJ34gI41alOxwVzA0tqwuJF6/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELs8kpmasQ0uGsssKA6TQkmPyP6g0HnJspH7jkwr4hmauqkb7nBe_vCQT72ocmMwyo3NN9WM9-_yUwl7Qg0mGbT0p_2wS4BYa-TueigmMbGIaRgvUoJUfuJ34gI41alOxwVzA0tqwuJF6/s400/7.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">boat, to tall
masted sailboats, to the massive houseboats all moored and resting at their
docks. Whew! This day’s journey was getting long – 90 plus miles! Time to end it and park this “train” in
Manatee Hammock for awhile! There’s
going to be a space launch on Monday and we are hoping to see it!</span>Have trailer will travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127343312845706218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238377285738185163.post-1912763996522525102019-12-26T06:20:00.003-08:002019-12-27T14:53:30.457-08:00Daytona Area<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Moving day - - we’re always up early. But we only had 40 some miles to go so we
didn’t need to hurry - - but we did anyway.
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6taFkyJT7k_ZeZleTm9y87O3nLyOGdXwyFJrZOw5svTsKU-uDsnf77Tj-OTaZ6C9MvMMqoXmxzyTJTMPf-Y-Qy8znXBuqJCKxglZNNY4YiqrfgK3zgDrTj6an9BWQnPnQFBKDeOjNKic/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6taFkyJT7k_ZeZleTm9y87O3nLyOGdXwyFJrZOw5svTsKU-uDsnf77Tj-OTaZ6C9MvMMqoXmxzyTJTMPf-Y-Qy8znXBuqJCKxglZNNY4YiqrfgK3zgDrTj6an9BWQnPnQFBKDeOjNKic/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">10:30am – Tomoka State Park, the rangers were not gonna let us get near
our site. We parked at the “Outpost” –
the boat launch/kayak rental/camper store with the big deck overlooking the
peaceful Tomoka River. Looking farther
downriver it reminded me of the Ausable River up in Michigan – just trade the
palm trees for the red and gold maples from our October trip up there! At noon, we moved to the large </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFbRWZbx5unZHB6wR9oJY7icdG-uJbgFd4OJFc9aPWPw98qeeS9oB3VXdqbIoXPDBwFhJVkqlk5rIFdD_M-OmAK-4hvtxSbX9tzKkSEbHIQNuMJM70lLoifCuVMjgJOqyvm6fJNYyshHc/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFbRWZbx5unZHB6wR9oJY7icdG-uJbgFd4OJFc9aPWPw98qeeS9oB3VXdqbIoXPDBwFhJVkqlk5rIFdD_M-OmAK-4hvtxSbX9tzKkSEbHIQNuMJM70lLoifCuVMjgJOqyvm6fJNYyshHc/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
overflow
parking area in the campground to be ready to move to our assigned site and
while we waited – H got the trailer wheels all cleaned and shiny once
more. Check out time was 1pm and the
site residents took up every second of their available minutes. H maneuvered the “train” thru the squooshy
sand and jockeyed, and re-jockeyed until he wiggled the trailer back into the
long but narrow site. The site was not
our very best but the hot showers in the very clean bathhouse sure were!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tomoka State Park is 3 miles north of Ormand Beach (Daytona)
on<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjky8Xy6GcG0IZqsJDFj1U0QxRlr4nvXM1terJOkFfM7Z47hXGTyYCViIeJBmKsH1z9V2ZOA-_BrbbWVHKCtgWI2nPMEX8clQyegneDDj7wmQAO4rEdnflcg_xYjQZGA7DCm8XcwyKdrXBY/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjky8Xy6GcG0IZqsJDFj1U0QxRlr4nvXM1terJOkFfM7Z47hXGTyYCViIeJBmKsH1z9V2ZOA-_BrbbWVHKCtgWI2nPMEX8clQyegneDDj7wmQAO4rEdnflcg_xYjQZGA7DCm8XcwyKdrXBY/s320/005.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chief Tomoki</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
a peninsula bordered on one side by the calm Tomoka River and the other side
- the faster moving Halifax River with the barrier islands </span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">and their busy
beaches to the east. This area was home to Native Americans who’s chief was
Tomokie. At the very end of the park,
where the two rivers come together is his impressive but crumbling statue. When the original residents were forced out
– rich plantation owners took over and with the servitude of hundred of slaves,
cleared more land and planted rice and sugarcane. One of </span><br />
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</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
those plantations is now part of another state park and we
toured the 1821 ruins of the then largest sugar cane mill in east Florida at
Bulowville Plantation. Even part of
Tomoka State Park was once the Oswald Plantation that grew indigo! Across the road from the campground is a
mile long cement bike path that weaves thru the <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBs83iX0PRnIoyP6E9ZtbGxKIJvkUtxhR5kTpzYm-8zJPqi7nHSRJ9q1CeGvNOxVGWepwm7Yruqp8IpEVvEgB_YIiOleiREJnZ0fvXBwvTGzuxUWlOsjyH9gc5gdfXoTjYFdF643HzQeEx/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBs83iX0PRnIoyP6E9ZtbGxKIJvkUtxhR5kTpzYm-8zJPqi7nHSRJ9q1CeGvNOxVGWepwm7Yruqp8IpEVvEgB_YIiOleiREJnZ0fvXBwvTGzuxUWlOsjyH9gc5gdfXoTjYFdF643HzQeEx/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
woods and across a canal that
was dug by hand for the plantation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Daytona Beach has its fishing pier and famous, wide expanse
of boardwalk that is the perfect way to walk the beach without getting sand in
your shoes! This wide walkway is lined
with shops, restaurants and view blocking mega motels. In one pass thru mall
area, an empty Santa Beach Chair sat, waiting for someone to occupy it. </span><span style="font-size: large;">While the day was sunny with a blue sky, and we have driven on the beaches before - on this day the driving beaches were closed to vehicle traffic because of the strong winds and high tides. No, H would not have paid the $20 anyway!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0P_X-S2kM4lHON0TU5atfRVINBnzHXKeOW1qP62GbhHuqGAho02moy_epseTJg3d2VA7co0IA1dzAATL-nh14Me-P1uoUduUXBAHMX4uEYsNJNk5suACgdpg0O2DZknMgrkG2o3wvM7g-/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0P_X-S2kM4lHON0TU5atfRVINBnzHXKeOW1qP62GbhHuqGAho02moy_epseTJg3d2VA7co0IA1dzAATL-nh14Me-P1uoUduUXBAHMX4uEYsNJNk5suACgdpg0O2DZknMgrkG2o3wvM7g-/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Daytona has the
massive Speedway and the Volusia Mall – which was not very Christmas-y at
all! The huge flea market out near I95
and the airport was a great way to spend some time and get more exercise! Tee shirts, socks and cell phone accessories
took up most of the inside but we did finally find the real “flea” area!! One booth should have been bulldozed under
– but I did find a booth that had Gnomes! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Then came the rain.
Noah had 40 days of it and I think Florida was working towards
that. All Saturday night, ALL Sunday
and ALL Sunday night it rained – 40 hours at least! </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> At Salt Springs Campground
in the Ocala National Forest, there were plenty of “walk-in” sites open and, even in the rain, H expertly backed up
onto the long black topped parking pad in one fell swoop – no sand and no
impending trees to worry about! Parked
and plugged in we were off again - to Ocala.
H's drone quit working a week and a half ago and his new one was already
delivered to my sister’s home! As you
can see – it works well. See how good
we look when parked in the “forest”?!!
Obviously, the sun did come out to shine on Monday, just so H could fly
his new drone. We’ve made more new
friends and have even found some of the friends from our last stay here!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7xPIWisxdZABak1nprzSiRq_bBkI8KJwQotaoVopMKRBtMwoHFPJ1eNOUOJt6WPw75YktXdj-OITTSZaZXSZlebzzc1VEYY1k4xW42w5YJWeLusoNQuwwsS7ac23r19S07f970N49AWe/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1195" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7xPIWisxdZABak1nprzSiRq_bBkI8KJwQotaoVopMKRBtMwoHFPJ1eNOUOJt6WPw75YktXdj-OITTSZaZXSZlebzzc1VEYY1k4xW42w5YJWeLusoNQuwwsS7ac23r19S07f970N49AWe/s400/009.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Christmas Eve Day – it has rained again for most of last
night and today. For Christmas dinner
tomorrow, I am in charge of the pork roast and green veggie (from our
garden!). I baked the pumpkin (from our
garden, too!) pie this morning in our toaster oven! Sharon has the potatoes and all the rest!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">To our friends near and far, old and new – We
wish you all the peace of Christ’s birth and a VERY Merry Christmas HUGS and HELLO’s!</span>Have trailer will travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127343312845706218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238377285738185163.post-76590131357583780372019-12-17T15:39:00.000-08:002019-12-17T15:39:45.311-08:00Hanna & Faver Dykes Parks<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Not our first time to Hanna Park! Not our first time to eat at Safe Harbor Seafood Market &
Restaurant either! YES the Shrimp and
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRw7-HOB0sGZwVKPE4mfgaZI7mWCCLipH0qKYu0-CbzOyCA66MjvaZOvz39a3y4cOdTc4n5z_9kOZgOaR6HXem-1UAlL8OR51HJWGvCWOpDyX5l9k0xbJYiy2VoZH-00NOHtcKk2dXz8M/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRw7-HOB0sGZwVKPE4mfgaZI7mWCCLipH0qKYu0-CbzOyCA66MjvaZOvz39a3y4cOdTc4n5z_9kOZgOaR6HXem-1UAlL8OR51HJWGvCWOpDyX5l9k0xbJYiy2VoZH-00NOHtcKk2dXz8M/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Grits were EVERY bit as delicious as last year! YES – the fishing boats were moored to the docks just off the
dining porch but this time clear plastic “curtains/ windows” were dropped down
and the tall, enclosed fire heater was keeping everyone toasty. Downriver, a lone fisherman looked as tho
he were competing with the big <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
commercial fishing boat, Mattie Fay, with her
massive arms outstretched and greedy hungry pelicans swirling all around!</span><br />
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyiYqFWkCQIU2UIXra2gHROUjz8KdkhtjTvxeupahZ0EcR5tN2U3GBI57KM0UhwhHLRcuKfAoEiietpqeQLVPVXY6XhyphenhyphenpCK2mba6NaFUJN241sw0vB5Ir5ApPl7QalE2JgSnN4k5JnFu4/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyiYqFWkCQIU2UIXra2gHROUjz8KdkhtjTvxeupahZ0EcR5tN2U3GBI57KM0UhwhHLRcuKfAoEiietpqeQLVPVXY6XhyphenhyphenpCK2mba6NaFUJN241sw0vB5Ir5ApPl7QalE2JgSnN4k5JnFu4/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Singleton’s Seafood was open for business this year but we
could not tell what, if any, remodeling had been done! The day we ate there was warmer so we sat
out on the open deck area to watch the boat traffic. The car ferry was busy and </span></div>
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</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">there were tugboats going up and down
the wide river. One tug was pulling a
large barge while another was behind, pushing the big black box up the river –
against the outgoing tide. Speaking of
big black barges – check out the classic big boat convertible sitting
outside the restaurant! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJf7ohd-vc_H9xU0MWGXBm0vRiXAQ7-KTXYRBkNgRGvZ7gra2Px9lObHcwwhLy0qA1G4-UvuF7UJtqxOLxWLPBxl-2Zx8TqrJdzWoGbfl6C3deIy9kyIAX27orMcBv52xbP75h66UE7Ic/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="1600" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJf7ohd-vc_H9xU0MWGXBm0vRiXAQ7-KTXYRBkNgRGvZ7gra2Px9lObHcwwhLy0qA1G4-UvuF7UJtqxOLxWLPBxl-2Zx8TqrJdzWoGbfl6C3deIy9kyIAX27orMcBv52xbP75h66UE7Ic/s400/015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Out in the
ocean there was yet another <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
bright colored foreign freighter waiting for its
own tug to guide it into safe harbor!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCorGTDJIQphyPFojaXJRp3X4ticXMjpC4LZlHXe_KhrSTThP2s-iMI2JKqU-51Dr3UUhXaERTGUIVhWef7BavzQT_wd68BKBGKLEwD7o7KSgtI26qJa0_wXibUO3RsN0zrSQvLEWwudUF/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="1600" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCorGTDJIQphyPFojaXJRp3X4ticXMjpC4LZlHXe_KhrSTThP2s-iMI2JKqU-51Dr3UUhXaERTGUIVhWef7BavzQT_wd68BKBGKLEwD7o7KSgtI26qJa0_wXibUO3RsN0zrSQvLEWwudUF/s400/017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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</div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Being right next to the Mayport Naval Air Station, there is
always activity in the air above. Helicopters are either zipping up and around
the curves in the river or, as the day we were going by, were practicing their
hover maneuver while dropping a line with a weight on the bottom and seeing if
they</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
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</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">could stay in one spot and hit a target area on the ground with the
“bobber”.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXIWMHeUzOwrRR3djhH-2d9dykfD5wkt-esd4IPpNtSXaEVdhoBcJwrPfPw4I0YwuRVy7HLPmD8eDQQXyWPPWXk4E9JQMUYQUdWd6J2Rwq1pWDaJKe5u_w0nAyqpPPyiNKmu7PMROoTvo/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXIWMHeUzOwrRR3djhH-2d9dykfD5wkt-esd4IPpNtSXaEVdhoBcJwrPfPw4I0YwuRVy7HLPmD8eDQQXyWPPWXk4E9JQMUYQUdWd6J2Rwq1pWDaJKe5u_w0nAyqpPPyiNKmu7PMROoTvo/s400/018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Still heading south, our next campsite was just south of St
Augustine, about 15 miles and just off of RT 1 at the junction of I95. Faver Dykes State Park is down a one lane
sand driveway that leads to a small campground in a palmetto and hardwood
hammock (woods). The park is outlined
by the scenic Pellicer Creek, which then empties into the Matanzas River. In the campground, each spacious site is
carved out of the bushy palmetto and most often you cannot see your
neighbor. Clean facilities sit in the
middle of the loop made by the narrow tree lined path that is called the
road. After setting up, our immediate
visitors were a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers and later after the sun had set,
but our door and windows were still open, an armadillo came by to see what
treasure he could dig up in the dry oak leaves surrounding our site!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Always the need to explore, we ventured out and finally made
it </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpTJKEughsF99fQiOnCB3bcgpPPJ2Oz0nJujGwEOAVXIc9sl3MUa2oRy3cJ0v936wCJrkZsSc7PHQWhVH4vTkda1NkiQJSZR4F-C7JAhTRnAhzRwcCBaKYRfCJEeVsxRpMMIaGPHfpm9P/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpTJKEughsF99fQiOnCB3bcgpPPJ2Oz0nJujGwEOAVXIc9sl3MUa2oRy3cJ0v936wCJrkZsSc7PHQWhVH4vTkda1NkiQJSZR4F-C7JAhTRnAhzRwcCBaKYRfCJEeVsxRpMMIaGPHfpm9P/s320/028.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">over the bridge to the barrier islands and stopped at several parks to see
if we’ve missed anything in our past travels.
One public beach park had several out croppings of coquina rocks jutting
out of the multi colored sand. Each
day brought its own set of weather and you can see that yet another storm was
attempting to interfere with our lovely afternoon tour. </span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">During the EARLY morning hours on Saturday, the weather
radio started blasting its tornado warning.
It was 3 AM! By 4 am we were in
the truck and heading to the security of the cement block bathhouse! It was Trimble Park all over once more and
H was again concerned about sitting in a cardboard box on wheels during a
tornado. You meet the nicest folk in
lady’s bathrooms during bad weather warnings!
In Trimble Park it was J&A and now it was Arlene who was camping in
a tent! The storm passed without much
adieu but later we had heard an EF0 tornado touched down between Palatka and
Hastings – less than 25 miles from here and an EF1 did flip a camper over in a
state park just south of us!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The St Augustine Boat Parade was Saturday evening! Last year we missed it by one day. With the storm long gone, we made an
afternoon of lunch out and some shopping and always more exploring with the
intent of arriving in St Augustine in plenty of time to procure a parking spot
in the lot near the river. We even had
time to revisit the waterfront by the famed lighthouse!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82TSjzGaGPvJQqaqdyFheuqHw0x6dP2yej3yw8KlckXc-X99on_hhEheroCKVlnv6RaA9-CISBNhEY-E3Y23Du-nT6SBtSqGMqCgPUJcXxEbwIoMLVi1OKLUQWRhbxpy1iWbrY0X3DQO-/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82TSjzGaGPvJQqaqdyFheuqHw0x6dP2yej3yw8KlckXc-X99on_hhEheroCKVlnv6RaA9-CISBNhEY-E3Y23Du-nT6SBtSqGMqCgPUJcXxEbwIoMLVi1OKLUQWRhbxpy1iWbrY0X3DQO-/s320/030.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Everyone in Florida must have planned on attending the
parade too since the streets were clogged with vehicles and horses pulling
decorated buggies. Pedestrians were
swarming the town like hordes of angry ants escaping a disturbed nest! Cars were stuck in line in the parking lot –
waiting for a treasured parking spot.
We sat behind one such car – until he was forced to move when the
trolley cars with their wagons trailing behind, beeped their wonky squeaky
horns, forcing the stopped offender to move.
Then we were the stopped offender.
Cars were AGAIN backed up out of the lot and down the street. H moved over to let some cars go by - and the car that passed first - got the
parking spot that WAS supposed to be ours.
Did that happen just once?
NOPE! Was H angry and
frustrated? YUP!! Did we finally give up and go home without
ever seeing the parade? Another really
big YUP!! The parade would have to be
put off for another year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our big move was Sunday morning. The sun was up early and so were we. Tomoka
State Park was just 50 miles down RT 1 in Ormand Beach.</span>Have trailer will travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127343312845706218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238377285738185163.post-69632681097007259512019-12-09T06:34:00.001-08:002019-12-09T06:34:35.151-08:00Winter 2019-2020<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">We DID take our October trip up and along the Lake Huron
coastline in the eastern portion of Michigan!
A mix of gray, rainy, windy weather greeted us but soon gave way to
bright, sunny, colorful few days of exploring the oft visited Scenic River Road
that runs along side the even more scenic AuSable River that curves and winds
thru the colorful northern woods.
Before heading back home to prepare our house for our annual winter
jaunt to Florida, H chose to follow the 2-lane blacktop road that </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUqY9x2gG_Yh6IwYMfRWb2pxmWsr5ctulQakcONDSATCaSGBsfc-hNOznu7Prx-z594XETERTTD-y9O9Hc88nMb0u1ZqmN9MJdiGDc8Zh9Ci1YTnxHv9FmNjTHRcNcuOm2xNO3K9Tg61i/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUqY9x2gG_Yh6IwYMfRWb2pxmWsr5ctulQakcONDSATCaSGBsfc-hNOznu7Prx-z594XETERTTD-y9O9Hc88nMb0u1ZqmN9MJdiGDc8Zh9Ci1YTnxHv9FmNjTHRcNcuOm2xNO3K9Tg61i/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">encompasses the
“thumb” of Michigan. The eastern side
of Michigan is much more relaxed than the rest!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanksgiving was fast approaching and the push to remove the
mega amount of leaves from our yard, to get the trailer winter ready and the
bright blue truck road ready was upon H.
He WAS planning on pulling out on Sunday, December 1<sup>st</sup> but
our Good God had other plans for him.
On the Monday before Thanksgiving he was admitted to the hospital once
again - with severe chest pains that after extensive testing, proved to be
blood clots in his lung. His pain
relieved and meds secured, he was released after 5 days. On this Thanksgiving Day we are thankful the
attack happened when it did instead of Monday December 2<sup>nd</sup> – when we
were to be driving in the mountains of Kentucky and Virginia. His doctors also released him to do
ANYTHING he wanted! Rush and stress
ensued but the “train” pulled out only two days after the original departure
date. Yes, a whole bunch of things got
forgot!! But that’s why we have super
neighbors at home and Harbor Freights along the way!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Paintsville Lake State Park is always the intended 1<sup>st</sup>
night stopover and like our dear friends, B&C, who left Michigan several
weeks before us, the bushy white bearded, Santa looking, host greeted us and we
parked in the usual pull thru site nearest the clean, warm bathhouse! The next morning as we were heading </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsz_11p7nzK55yHISh1zRU8-MdwD8KzKp8HLlKBblZ4pSlbN7tYA_RsXAkh8nD4d6Q9ZBDFJxoWdsNNoA8v-IdCJoAcpcyXsPC_ZEnQ3q0VweFS5ia3eAcZfGZEF_2MceKSBfl2GbE96nT/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1241" data-original-width="1600" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsz_11p7nzK55yHISh1zRU8-MdwD8KzKp8HLlKBblZ4pSlbN7tYA_RsXAkh8nD4d6Q9ZBDFJxoWdsNNoA8v-IdCJoAcpcyXsPC_ZEnQ3q0VweFS5ia3eAcZfGZEF_2MceKSBfl2GbE96nT/s320/023.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">south on
our favorite US23 we saw a dusting of snow on the distant mountains. As we approached the top of a 3500ft
mountain crest a snowplow/salt truck was going north and spewing salt as he
went. Over the crest we saw flashing
lights at the bottom. Cautiously
passing them and slowly going around the wide curve at the bottom, we saw the
reason – the mangled car was being removed from the snowy ditch and drug up
onto a flatbed truck. All the way thru
Kentucky and the top half of Virginia the mountains and roadsides were snow
covered-but not the roads. Starkly
pretty but not without concern when you are pulling a “train” behind you!</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I NEVER enjoy running the gauntlet thru Ashville NC but it
is still way better than the treacherous north/south route of I75 – including
the danger of truck filled Cincinnati.
Peaceful Georgia was on our minds!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tallulah Falls State Park is perched on a knoll, high above
a 300 ft deep gorge with its handful of rushing waterfalls. Hiking paths are a
plenty for viewing them all -IF you have enough stamina! The </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJQJHUG_qe2lXGEYoL1dxJwaEBUJUzBwg8GCtfCBZLTCkCd-2VfbsX81m6oz-5k59wHDZC9ABJcoO6fA1YkdVZaUbIfVi9lR7gm4eyXQ6OnfWXbogtmTsvqzYE6QbU5rsqfBf-Wv2WpPR/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJQJHUG_qe2lXGEYoL1dxJwaEBUJUzBwg8GCtfCBZLTCkCd-2VfbsX81m6oz-5k59wHDZC9ABJcoO6fA1YkdVZaUbIfVi9lR7gm4eyXQ6OnfWXbogtmTsvqzYE6QbU5rsqfBf-Wv2WpPR/s320/045.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">campground is nestled deep in a pine and
hardwood forest. A great place for a 2<sup>nd</sup>
night out stay! At the visitor center,
the center court area is filled with wildlife dioramas that are surrounded with
gently sloping ramps to exit and begin your hike to the falls. We managed to view 3 of the prettiest falls! </span><br />
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<!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">About 30 miles west of Tallulah Falls is the small Frankenmuth
Michigan wannabe town of Helen Georgia.
Each Christmas season the Swiss style town is decorated with a multitude
of white and twinkling lights and various other holiday displays. Too bad we went to revisit them on a
Wednesday evening and all the shops were closed! But they still wanted $5 to park! We took a chance and parked anyway (without paying) to walk the
empty street and still enjoy the bright lights on the gazebo in the park on
Main Street!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Wim0aBJkgamoDhIzQkFPbvj5uIfHwBMcHPE3k8XvdZBGIBZznga4KZleXItbe3Kft3vq8oxuWS4NXQCjtAU_R6k4_qMS3eQrTY9tjhhmx36AiODgZWrbZnxlwFXFQDY-slCXMtEb5C1p/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="1600" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Wim0aBJkgamoDhIzQkFPbvj5uIfHwBMcHPE3k8XvdZBGIBZznga4KZleXItbe3Kft3vq8oxuWS4NXQCjtAU_R6k4_qMS3eQrTY9tjhhmx36AiODgZWrbZnxlwFXFQDY-slCXMtEb5C1p/s320/035.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">On Thursday we set out once more with high hopes of a good
travel day with sunshine and blue skies.
We were hit with 2 near misses of what could have been tragic traffic
accidents - neither of which would have been our fault. The brakes on the truck and trailer got 2
heated up workouts that day. A lot of friends have been praying for our travel
safety and believe me - the prayers (and H’s reflexes) have been working.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Little Ocmulgee State Park, just outside of McRae Georgia is
weird to pronounce but is another good stopover place for the night! The campground is hidden behind a pristine
golf course and rustic lodge but the sites are generously sized and the
magnitude of crunching brown oak leaves had been freshly blown off of the
gravel parking pads. Jim, the friendly
camp host from Illinois came over quickly to see if we needed anything! It quickly turned into “happy hour” because
Jim smoked his cigar and H enjoyed the forbidden odor! (He’s not enjoyed his
favorite bad habit since before his June surgery!) He did enjoy his beverage of choice tho!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Friday noon we finally crossed over into Florida
and we drove over the swamps and the St John’s River via 295, up and around
Jacksonville proper to Kathryn Abby Hanna Park. Now our days can relax a little!
We’re here!</span>Have trailer will travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127343312845706218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238377285738185163.post-41757468871572520482019-10-22T16:36:00.002-07:002019-10-22T16:36:40.060-07:00Northeast <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;">Hello Dear Blog Friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know
it’s been several (okay – a lot!) months since we’ve last posted a travel blog
on Havetrailerwilltravel and I do apologize.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you are still looking for us – let me give you an explanation and
then attempt to catch you up.</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent2">
<span style="font-size: large;">H was not feeling well last March in Florida and
our usually more casual trip home was speeded up by his health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In June he endured pancreatic surgery and
all of our travel plans were put on hold during his recovery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our annual trip up to Northern Michigan and
Petosega Campground was canceled outright. Yes – he has recovered completely
and his restlessness to travel has returned!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, let’s go –</span><span style="font-size: large; text-indent: 1pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-indent: 1pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">N East was the
chosen direction and the vehicle selected was the Jeep Cherokee due to
quickness of travel and gas mileage - 33 mpg vs. 10!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4B7kZ2E5mMA7nw4D4QezQnSTUjZ5dHmoD5dMHhFuz8_9XLB7LnfzPcBvmQFBP_2jNfUUXhOXCjS7kSjX9zVqc6WWPRGqwG8Zy-5DWIwLd2j8kr1snVszlG3vV_aISPANavlWvsD5p7hAz/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4B7kZ2E5mMA7nw4D4QezQnSTUjZ5dHmoD5dMHhFuz8_9XLB7LnfzPcBvmQFBP_2jNfUUXhOXCjS7kSjX9zVqc6WWPRGqwG8Zy-5DWIwLd2j8kr1snVszlG3vV_aISPANavlWvsD5p7hAz/s400/015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Clayton New
York, just around the corner from Lake Ontario and on the edge of the St
Lawrence River is home to the Clayton Antique Boat Museum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our 1<sup>st</sup> mission on this trip was
to revisit it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been at least 20
years since we were there last.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Man,
has it changed and expanded!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
magnificent collection of shiny varnished beauties that once cruised the waters
carrying the elite folks of their day are now artfully displayed in not just
one crowded building but throughout several buildings on a well maintained
campus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sleek racing boats have their
own building and smaller canoes and runabouts are in another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Outside, several restored large vessels are
moored in long protected boat slips and even accompanied by informative
plaques.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Following the
river to the east, the next quaint town was </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Alexandria Bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heart Island and the romantic but sad story
of George Boldt of the famed Waldorf Astoria in New York City fame is legendary
here.</span><br />
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent2">
<span style="font-size: large;">George bought the island, changed the name from
“Hart” to “Heart Island” and proceeded to erect a castle in honor of his
beloved wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The castle was to be
dedicated to her on the holiday of hearts – Valentines Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She became ill and died that January.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>George was heart broken and never returned
to the island so the castle was never finished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>20 some years ago the castle was still a cold gray shell but is
now being completed and furnished as tho George was still overseeing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the sprawling marble </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVnfuSEz8r-tA80qW7mZ1UOniLYhcPZpQoabw1QCfsgHtOgTHgR5OwoRYekj-qaGkDhVEmlpDK63WJW9zQ5o-28iYEmLr64b5NGfkNeb72pGx22ptxYN27m8eX8PMpz4Gsj-nF80xSnoN/s1600/077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1266" data-original-width="1600" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVnfuSEz8r-tA80qW7mZ1UOniLYhcPZpQoabw1QCfsgHtOgTHgR5OwoRYekj-qaGkDhVEmlpDK63WJW9zQ5o-28iYEmLr64b5NGfkNeb72pGx22ptxYN27m8eX8PMpz4Gsj-nF80xSnoN/s320/077.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">staircase, to the
backlit stained glass dome (4 stories above!), to the ornately decorated
bedrooms – it is magnificent!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
powerhouse, on it’s own little island, the groomed gardens, the small enclosed
harbor and even the miniature castle for the children – all exude the love that
George had for his family!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it
weren’t for all the tourists snapping pictures and the tour boats coming and
going – we were in the wealthy past of the early 1900’s!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Up across northern Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine
the weather changed from sunny to gray and cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Calais Maine is the cross over town to New Brunswick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>St Andrews was the first destination to
revisit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>20 yrs has sure changed that
quaint little town too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now there is a
long cement fishing pier with lots of charter boats moored out in the bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was low tide so there was alot of muddy
ground now showing around the edges of the breakwalls and shorelines. Nearby
Minister Island is only </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">accessible at low tide and we tentatively eased the
Jeep out onto the wet, temporarily high gravel “road” and drove to the island
and back!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later, on our way back to
Maine, the once visible roadway was now totally under the fast moving water of
the returning tide.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent2">
<span style="font-size: large;">St John New Brunswick sits on the edge of the Bay
of Fundy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tides in the Bay and the nearby
St John’s River raise and lower by 22 feet each time the tide changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Reversing Falls is caused by the tide
either coming in or going out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
arrived at almost high tide but the water was still rushing in, causing swirls
and lots of rushing white water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a
few more hours the “falls” would be rushing the opposite direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We drove thru the growing </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">downtown area
next to the moored floating cities that are modern cruise ships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We even located and drove thru the hilltop
campground that overlooks the city below it. </span><br />
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent2">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">South, out of Calais Maine, the road took us along
the rugged coast and its tiny towns to Desert Island, Bar Harbor and Acadia
National Park. All morning long it was gray, foggy and even a drizzle now and
then but now it was getting worse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
drive thru tourist filled Bar Harbor and finally into the National Park proved
to be futile – fog, mist and clouds enveloped the top of the mountain so we
didn’t even drive thru any more of the park and H took the exit road off the
island.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">New Hampshire and the White Mountains was much more
scenic, although still hazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The clouds
hung close on top of each </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6e8iRDzYELYiJJiw6NZdBJBKdsxF4oFgFa79vrAQTE9YslVCfcjVNpzfJW0kV8LfxH4maEs6o_eFPdorE3CryDEevlI3RqFD7j_4YFXzR0YQYV6bIoh96WTRqPijT04ZXBU_USGSid-K2/s1600/260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6e8iRDzYELYiJJiw6NZdBJBKdsxF4oFgFa79vrAQTE9YslVCfcjVNpzfJW0kV8LfxH4maEs6o_eFPdorE3CryDEevlI3RqFD7j_4YFXzR0YQYV6bIoh96WTRqPijT04ZXBU_USGSid-K2/s400/260.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">mountain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
stop at Willey Pond gave us a good view and an opportunity for a few nice
photos of the dark lake and the deep colors on the hillside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back in New York - Lake Placid’s colors were
mostly bright yellow and shades of green.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Olympic <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYkBve26GEDB_2S9c2Y-wra6u0cCQTCE_x2rR-8qQvWN2edwIT3_eG3LXEcCsJAFBIfUQ0H_sdJSbiIrA8oincLtdX6twytKwyhkoChOmuM5zKpNgWLmC4dLHP7YoP2OTYKojWiOUE-ba/s1600/284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYkBve26GEDB_2S9c2Y-wra6u0cCQTCE_x2rR-8qQvWN2edwIT3_eG3LXEcCsJAFBIfUQ0H_sdJSbiIrA8oincLtdX6twytKwyhkoChOmuM5zKpNgWLmC4dLHP7YoP2OTYKojWiOUE-ba/s400/284.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
venues are still there and signs of the past event are
everywhere!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lake Champaign was in our
way so we drove the Jeep onto a trusty ferryboat and waited to cross the
white-capped water of the still busy lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Moored sailboats of every size were still bobbing in the gusty wind as
we waited for the other cars to be loaded.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">South into Pennsylvania, the colors were just
starting to pop but </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Lr7_n0gNMC_b29EpFsJW0gN0mhjlxjUpDULtf0GVRttQM30KMJgaGRyU83bU4oFtMjBLmea7r307VwcjFo4sS1UDS9XtbC79QU8pl6ZV5PZoQEOeunWPTJkqgtXDZeoQwN5tuM03Wqn1/s1600/250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Lr7_n0gNMC_b29EpFsJW0gN0mhjlxjUpDULtf0GVRttQM30KMJgaGRyU83bU4oFtMjBLmea7r307VwcjFo4sS1UDS9XtbC79QU8pl6ZV5PZoQEOeunWPTJkqgtXDZeoQwN5tuM03Wqn1/s400/250.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">unfortunately the rain had still not quit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The colors may have been mostly green but Rt
6 was scenic and passed the time as we headed for Ohio and home.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jBjPiewTDe9y-s4I5fyuMqGF7UcTasGC8PkpdkkW8Cy4qf87ZCelbYfvqIqO1k2pc_rOH0RFchawiuy1afP52y84yOk5j7doDnGX8Es_vDbgWcQXcZ3qlILgdZt48LHiITAQsftNX-PV/s1600/265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jBjPiewTDe9y-s4I5fyuMqGF7UcTasGC8PkpdkkW8Cy4qf87ZCelbYfvqIqO1k2pc_rOH0RFchawiuy1afP52y84yOk5j7doDnGX8Es_vDbgWcQXcZ3qlILgdZt48LHiITAQsftNX-PV/s320/265.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next is a short trip to eastern Michigan with the
hopes of still catching some of the state’s famed fall colors!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it’s pack for Florida!</span></div>
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<br />Have trailer will travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127343312845706218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238377285738185163.post-68281479903184003992019-03-18T15:51:00.000-07:002019-03-18T15:58:39.279-07:00Florida Panhandle
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<span style="font-size: large;">Rocky Bayou – See Previous Florida Blog – for last
March!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">The home of the dainty pale
green “deer moss” that dots the forest floor alongside the hiking paths!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Rocky Bayou - located north of the emerald
green waters of the gulf and across the Choctawatchee Bay from the other two,
way more popular state parks – Topsail and Henderson Beach.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Rocky Bayou Park sits along side the Boggy
Bayou.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">The town of Niceville also used
to be called Boggy but the folks thought the name was not appropriate since it
was such a <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQjMmTb3pEAwWYLLEpp-7GNPvfzIuwZR7q_w9Ce1yo1VGmdXljp4KcBaSxhfjdUhHW0wvI8h-mE1wXNw-vkUz2esMng5k5JB36fXKSvFth73OM-4NuUOWIWALTRHYBW-pBMxcQR5r_-i5/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQjMmTb3pEAwWYLLEpp-7GNPvfzIuwZR7q_w9Ce1yo1VGmdXljp4KcBaSxhfjdUhHW0wvI8h-mE1wXNw-vkUz2esMng5k5JB36fXKSvFth73OM-4NuUOWIWALTRHYBW-pBMxcQR5r_-i5/s320/1.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky Bayou shoreline</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
NICE town and changed the name in 1910. The park is also the former
home of the WWII gunnery and bombing practice range for Col James Doolittle’s
B25 squadron!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">It seemed like every
night you could still hear bombs being dropped in the lake.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">We knew better tho since the bombing
practice was stopped before 1950 when neighboring Elgin Air Force Base turned
the land over to the state.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">But each
day the roar of jets and the drone of helicopters were seen and felt as they
flew low overhead after they took off or before they landed at the nearby
bustling military base.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Something to learn – a “bayou” means a flat, low lying area,
a slow moving stream, a marshy lake or a wetland where the current changes with
the local tide.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">It contains “brackish”
water, which means part salt and part fresh water – the amounts depended on the
direction of the tide.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fat Tuesday came and went.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Mardi Gras was being celebrated in a newly developed area of Destin and
H felt we should make the </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcY3Sr2bvvsYx4KajPBAeSRxt_AWg3jrmu5OnG12H9hxh44PorIm4NYSrHsbHh8puZlGFsDbI7MfuLkatwV_TswMpTOH5oVAEmnUMRGiTLoGerPAABaVu81fEahVGjvO-5lF_ONsKFzw0u/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1233" data-original-width="1600" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcY3Sr2bvvsYx4KajPBAeSRxt_AWg3jrmu5OnG12H9hxh44PorIm4NYSrHsbHh8puZlGFsDbI7MfuLkatwV_TswMpTOH5oVAEmnUMRGiTLoGerPAABaVu81fEahVGjvO-5lF_ONsKFzw0u/s320/2.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">effort to locate and partake in the festivities.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">This new area, built on the edge of another
bayou was a village unto itself with homes, condos, shops, restaurants, a man
made river with boardwalks and bridges and even a golf course.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Hours before the parade was to begin, the
patios and walkways were being filled with party going revelers, bedecked with
silly hats and mega strains of shiny beads, mimicking the gold, purple and
green bejeweled strands that were strung across the narrow pedestrian
streets.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Music blasted the area and the
announcement was finally made that the parade had begun!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Soon, heavily decorated golf carts in
various themes began dividing the already thick crowd.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">They <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-nkYrWDpg-ymCw7ccC1EA8XdObnw3mM_COeY0H_Ap9Yaa83AAbwwEDoZC3g1hucAfrgCUXcpkCAVhX_UhvWjwDW_cCBVjoWk420gDVfj-6aye7XIgw5gl1KBHg8vvPSyi2sVHrSnGimj/s1600/3+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-nkYrWDpg-ymCw7ccC1EA8XdObnw3mM_COeY0H_Ap9Yaa83AAbwwEDoZC3g1hucAfrgCUXcpkCAVhX_UhvWjwDW_cCBVjoWk420gDVfj-6aye7XIgw5gl1KBHg8vvPSyi2sVHrSnGimj/s320/3+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
were led by a ragtag group of musicians
playing New Orleans style music. There were costumed dogs and their matching
owners!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Each golf cart entourage
included costumed characters flinging more strands of beads or tossing candy
into the outstretched hands of all the excited children.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">One KREWE group was decorated to the hilt in
gaudy hot pink flamingo attire.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">A
“KREWE” is a social origination that puts on a ball or parade for the carnival
season –aka Mardi Gras!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Another KREWE
was drenched in green, purple and black metallic everything with skulls tucked
in everywhere and a large stuffed gator, presided on top.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">It pulled a 3wheeled trike being ridden by a
tuxedo-wearing skeleton groom and his be-gowned skeleton bride!</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">From the coastal highway, there are 3 ways to reach
Niceville and the/Rocky Bayou State Park – Rt 20 from the east, Rt 85 from the
west or the two-lane Mid Bay Bridge that divides the lake in the </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpxzQw2TR1RsCt3QEdUNvFC8_xGcDGbOWI2GN70UXFc8OL8IXUgtdl7Xf7uHJPSbYokQDiLF7oclxkXK44Ym8ez3uDTYAxKJTwgBnJo4VQHUaRUkzGFCGJrR4RCN4o4uhnSne7CxH2-Qc/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpxzQw2TR1RsCt3QEdUNvFC8_xGcDGbOWI2GN70UXFc8OL8IXUgtdl7Xf7uHJPSbYokQDiLF7oclxkXK44Ym8ez3uDTYAxKJTwgBnJo4VQHUaRUkzGFCGJrR4RCN4o4uhnSne7CxH2-Qc/s320/5.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">middle.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">The 3.6 mile long bridge is a toll bridge
but is the quickest and easiest way to reach the town of Destin or the stunning
beaches along the coast.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">At the
southern end of the bridge is the Legendary Marina building - a huge blue
structure that is painted all around with a Wyland Mural of whales.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">The entire roof of this mammoth structure is
the biggest painted American flag mural in the USA and was dedicated in
2016.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7ax-zRkk00IaNacq_Lu5KzUKpN4lel2tPuTPgXxBD6SXrI7b0XcKx2roSFmxpAp0QErl3-V2qdZFxc4L_c_XPiiibxAult46DEuskIZDIMJ1KlkQjHLTiSzFDrHbZ6dpOejnJx4OROwi/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1177" data-original-width="1600" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7ax-zRkk00IaNacq_Lu5KzUKpN4lel2tPuTPgXxBD6SXrI7b0XcKx2roSFmxpAp0QErl3-V2qdZFxc4L_c_XPiiibxAult46DEuskIZDIMJ1KlkQjHLTiSzFDrHbZ6dpOejnJx4OROwi/s320/6.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Walton Beach is the tourist area to the west of Destin and
the beaches there are also stunning - snow white sand and amazingly clear water
on a sunny day.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">It’s Spring Break in
Florida and there were bikini-clad teens huddled up near the shelter house and
restaurant areas, inspite of this cold and breezy day.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">The boys were brave enough to attempt a fast
moving (to keep warm?) game of volleyball!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;">The shoreline was peaceful and almost quiet - other than the howl of the
wind and the squawk of </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtOZhRixwx9rMeum0-vbsWKtsU4uLUL3BF2vw2rFPp1AtZQdmmZfx2PdddTvVVgFqb-aWybNWzmO0E5A19yuPMLzIbw1ZYI8iOTFw1B9qv5ajlYafSqtm0349lvuEkKhJZXlcRlbmMW74v/s1600/4+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtOZhRixwx9rMeum0-vbsWKtsU4uLUL3BF2vw2rFPp1AtZQdmmZfx2PdddTvVVgFqb-aWybNWzmO0E5A19yuPMLzIbw1ZYI8iOTFw1B9qv5ajlYafSqtm0349lvuEkKhJZXlcRlbmMW74v/s320/4+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">seagulls.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">The
volleyball courts near the water were void of any of those goose-bumpy skinned
teen bodies!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wow – it’s time to bid adieu to our new Michigan
friends and their bouncy granddaughter M <span style="font-family: inherit;">and energetic puppy Emma and hit the
highway once more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like me – they also
make an annual trip to Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan Hospital!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are still heading west but we will be
stopping before we reach Alabama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’d
better stop - - this next campground is on an island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The road dead-ends at Ft Pickens in the Gulf Islands National
Seashore and on the other side of the watery passage IS Alabama!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This “train” don’t float!</span></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Have trailer will travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127343312845706218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238377285738185163.post-3465035177866606802019-03-05T07:44:00.000-08:002019-03-18T15:58:39.216-07:00Central And North Gulf Coast
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It’s time to go – time to move farther north, up the Gulf
Coast to the tiny crossroads town of Inglis.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;">We were dreading dragging the “train” thru the hectic traffic of
Brandon’s fast growing city sprawl and then fighting more heavy Tampa traffic
on I 75.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">So we didn’t!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Backtracking a few miles on St Rt 460 to NB
St Rt 39 was a much quieter MUCH more peaceful way to bypass all the
stress.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Breakfast was at the Roosters
Café in Brooksville and then on to Village Pines Campground, RV Park and Mobile
Home Village.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Spacious sites and
friendly folks made up for all the sand and the very old bathhouse.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">It was a good spot for a couple of nights
stay – close enough to Ocala and a good place to get the laundry done! </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Withalacoochee River flows 141 miles north and northwest
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28TdAzx7aXoq9yygqhMzx6mM4qmn_7KncGWNnAf5Nl4dz1qwvz_-0eZmvsJtr3nAkpUid6iO4UnJVpOIoMPvZOvtLj241F0wOgBYJD0g7UgTA-Uwsu-CwCWFd6Ht4K6AwLLITpEfcQEPp/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28TdAzx7aXoq9yygqhMzx6mM4qmn_7KncGWNnAf5Nl4dz1qwvz_-0eZmvsJtr3nAkpUid6iO4UnJVpOIoMPvZOvtLj241F0wOgBYJD0g7UgTA-Uwsu-CwCWFd6Ht4K6AwLLITpEfcQEPp/s320/1.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">from central Florida and then opens up to the Gulf a few miles west of the
Inglis intersection of St Rt 40 and St Rt 19/98.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Rt 40 passes thru the also tiny but interesting fishing village
of Yankeetown and dead ends at a rough and rugged boat launch.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Yankeetown was settled by a gentleman from
Indiana and the local mail deliveryman started calling the settlement “that
Yankee town” – and it stuck!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Looking
west, out over the salt marshes and islands that border the bay, the sky was
various shades of threatening gray.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Looking back inland, the sky was blue and boats were navigating the
river with ease!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Manatee Springs State Park just west of Chiefland was our
home </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHaELQ9dBiWdwD6_OmvTIGtySP7OrkEu0WKSzkEupVY0gmwxvWhoFE26LqBBpFZP6uy-tycwt1CPEYp_rE_ae06TsRb21ajV9fDzWhDnbrLUJB4Ioi5RUSwEF5HQ-WlY1JYmjUC5vMETg/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHaELQ9dBiWdwD6_OmvTIGtySP7OrkEu0WKSzkEupVY0gmwxvWhoFE26LqBBpFZP6uy-tycwt1CPEYp_rE_ae06TsRb21ajV9fDzWhDnbrLUJB4Ioi5RUSwEF5HQ-WlY1JYmjUC5vMETg/s320/4.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">for two more nights of our hop-skip and jump week of moving.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Site 67 was open and easy to back into but
was surrounded on 2 sides by fallen trees, and scrub, covered in fresh, green,
spring growth.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Each evening a group of
beautiful young does strolled thru the back yard, munching as they went.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">When they heard the whine or bark from a
distant dog, their tiny black noses would raise up and their long white tails
would do the same!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">When the supposed
possible danger passed, down their noses went – back to the business of
grazing!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">With all the rain this area has had this winter, the springs
were full and up over their banks.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">The
boardwalk that meandered along the </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ip8V9mmMH9zS7hGftL_3uHKQE4y92uC3KUt2W6FfVUfQBIdElZSCkMcuuegxwNsAC0wFc4YwbbA4FrOOMoJw18kElzBJ_-Xsd7h-77qVs0rPAHc2az396t-bcPb44vEl6P1SAVhiVR5d/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ip8V9mmMH9zS7hGftL_3uHKQE4y92uC3KUt2W6FfVUfQBIdElZSCkMcuuegxwNsAC0wFc4YwbbA4FrOOMoJw18kElzBJ_-Xsd7h-77qVs0rPAHc2az396t-bcPb44vEl6P1SAVhiVR5d/s320/2.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">spring run that led to the Suwannee River
was now surrounded by dark water and covered with reflections mimicking the
tall Cypress trees growing in their depths.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;">The abundance of rings in shades of yellow, white and brown marked the
different levels of where the invasive tannic water had risen to and then
receded.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">The railings that enclose the
actual spring were slung with a mossy mess of slime.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Workers were busy power washing the railings and walkways</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">- <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoSFm3XLdbNjTyJcsVOZaixp_rabnGRRJZ9zufkjF-x4BQKYwjRNXbGHM9zZ23g79t_KDwoR1-iNNDVeyiz9Dc-rR4Cl5tHNJBpj41Erk73CBMz27g3C80P83Cvf-n_YpqzR3tvUHl8XX/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoSFm3XLdbNjTyJcsVOZaixp_rabnGRRJZ9zufkjF-x4BQKYwjRNXbGHM9zZ23g79t_KDwoR1-iNNDVeyiz9Dc-rR4Cl5tHNJBpj41Erk73CBMz27g3C80P83Cvf-n_YpqzR3tvUHl8XX/s320/3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
throwing a mist of water out across the
deep turquoise depths. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Newport Campground is good place for an overnight stop that
is out and around the curve of the Big Bend of the Gulf of Mexico on the scenic
Gulf Coast Highway – Rt 98.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">The only
thing exciting about this old wayside park was the wild azaleas that were in
full bloom!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">While there we revisited
the St Marks National Wildlife Reserve and finally saw a bear!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">We had been “hunting” and searching all
winter long and there he was – </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TxRhwVtFpss9lHk2MUvx5CXedhgReeupCKnEbzNZ7UgwkwcJaftrdqTx1jLajy2YhMZXIBtKU4m-xToEE2fbqQdA7GTbba8_-J50RAwcGKG_F2ZRipb5A6xh0Ga32D-pXp7Bj0AR-zfS/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1183" data-original-width="1600" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TxRhwVtFpss9lHk2MUvx5CXedhgReeupCKnEbzNZ7UgwkwcJaftrdqTx1jLajy2YhMZXIBtKU4m-xToEE2fbqQdA7GTbba8_-J50RAwcGKG_F2ZRipb5A6xh0Ga32D-pXp7Bj0AR-zfS/s320/5.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">stuffed and in the Nature Museum at the Visitor
Center!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">And he looked so life like
too!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">At the end of the 11-mile long road, stood the tall and
proud St Marks Lighthouse.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">The original
one was built in the early 1800’s.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">This
time the lighthouse was open and we paid our $2 each and stepped inside.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Outside, several uniformed re-enactors were
learning marching maneuvers.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-kjaly_UUp91Jzegl5X8MzcPWOP9ZxPO6T7oJJM5Tid-C1eUYoO7aLvUAkSg0_H7huQscmiMTeaoEsnn_Wx4d_RCURxhIiltf0l5X5xv8EK7sgo2s5KtbPm1IOWRJ65MQpkRkbqMy3JQ/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1138" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-kjaly_UUp91Jzegl5X8MzcPWOP9ZxPO6T7oJJM5Tid-C1eUYoO7aLvUAkSg0_H7huQscmiMTeaoEsnn_Wx4d_RCURxhIiltf0l5X5xv8EK7sgo2s5KtbPm1IOWRJ65MQpkRkbqMy3JQ/s320/6.JPG" width="227" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Following the scenic Gulf Road we quickly passed thru the
pretty little town of Carrabelle and Apalachicola the touristy fishing
town.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Apprehension grew as we drove
farther west and approached the destroyed town of Mexico Beach where Hurricane
Michael ravaged the coastline just 6 months ago.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">The roadway became dotted with orange barrels and splotches of
gravely blacktop where the washed out roadbed had once been.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Our mood was as dark as the sky and the
downpour of rain we drove thru. Where once a happy bright coastal town once sat
was now a desert filled with just </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">skeletons of pylons where homes used to
be.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Rows of pastel townhouses and
cottages were now rags of their once fun loving spirit.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Empty lots that once held rentals and small
mom and pop businesses were now parking lots for tired looking RV’s and
motorhomes.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">If a building did survive –
most were still covered in bright blue shrouds.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Everywhere you looked were mountains of broken cement, shattered
wood and shredded trees.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">The beautiful
white sand on the shore was now in plain site from the road, but <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjy5feMjlY_slogCbtfgYr5OwWgt8EtyW-dAlSYsQWPFM011cBH_mQojTAv_ziKruzZj6KcBhG_J4PNhgS24PsVrlFLouptskVezqgc5FMdZfqwmsU7D8D_gwmCtqMkzVOdQdj_0Qaqfp/s1600/081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjy5feMjlY_slogCbtfgYr5OwWgt8EtyW-dAlSYsQWPFM011cBH_mQojTAv_ziKruzZj6KcBhG_J4PNhgS24PsVrlFLouptskVezqgc5FMdZfqwmsU7D8D_gwmCtqMkzVOdQdj_0Qaqfp/s320/081.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
was dotted
with earthmoving equipment trying to remove the remains of the houses that had
once called the beach home.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Tyndall Air
Force Base to the west also suffered loss.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;">The huge tract of pine trees that camouflaged the airstrip was now
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCorHgXN0ODo6Y6sYjP6B5s3g7lA77d6oqB2AG8aTMGlsAFC2ydXGPj33-QZ7M8HuTFck3kNM7JDoyt4FlfKGe_9Ts1On_P1tupS7vGybejuqk_16u5yx3Cx_VQgwp6tBFdZWJ1rN5XHc7/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCorHgXN0ODo6Y6sYjP6B5s3g7lA77d6oqB2AG8aTMGlsAFC2ydXGPj33-QZ7M8HuTFck3kNM7JDoyt4FlfKGe_9Ts1On_P1tupS7vGybejuqk_16u5yx3Cx_VQgwp6tBFdZWJ1rN5XHc7/s320/8.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
gone.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Roofs were missing off of mammoth
quonset huts and other buildings.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">On
one side of the road, all the snapped off trees were lying towards the west
looking like a cemetery of toppled grave markers.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Across the road, they were lying to the east.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">We had to keep moving.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">We finally arrived at our next destination –
Rocky Bayou State Park – our home for the next 6 nights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New places to explore and old places to
re-visit once more!</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Have trailer will travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127343312845706218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238377285738185163.post-21818735599598094282019-02-25T07:46:00.000-08:002019-03-18T15:58:39.121-07:00Tampa Area
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Lithia Springs<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-
we’ve camped here NUMEROUS times, so there shouldn’t be much to say about the
park – it’s an old county park just south and east of Brandon and has a spring
fed swimming area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The park used to
have a limit of 2 weeks camping – now, just the 4 sites that are next to the
Alafia River are limited to the 2-week stay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The rest of the other 40 sites are with a 3-month limit of stay – and
some units look like they’ve been here even longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the Sunday morning when we arrived, we were first in line for
one of two sites that were going to open up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The fella next in line wanted site 45.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We took the prized site 45 and he had to crowd into site 10!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Site 45 has been
called the Honeymoon Suite by some of the </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6qsO_gSOVAXj-e0uzK8D_oFStRf6z2qoI9lfu1C-mf9cdfgvTG_dzUbg4DdcMnz_-NueaKT4EhkNWRM9n99Uh6o2wqqtibrW21MV0xIUEy7iI8JgsUqG4b2siVZyqjvAjI6O_ClbmgA-/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6qsO_gSOVAXj-e0uzK8D_oFStRf6z2qoI9lfu1C-mf9cdfgvTG_dzUbg4DdcMnz_-NueaKT4EhkNWRM9n99Uh6o2wqqtibrW21MV0xIUEy7iI8JgsUqG4b2siVZyqjvAjI6O_ClbmgA-/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">campers because it is right on the river,
is down and around a curving driveway and is VERY secluded!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This photo was taken from halfway down the
crushed shell/gravel drive!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone (we
won’t mention who) has since removed the palmetto frond in the foreground!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the two trees that are opposite each
other and close to the edge of the drive <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0O0I7GTqqupCuAKSZ2s0x7t3rE2F3bRAZkPf3ZfzyzCwi1dtwGmWS4CQbBllp2u_yetwwm339SIbVUqg_CSyxhGLXjSz-5alcdzll5Gn0V9mNtKgFTcvVv-eYOKW5tF-kM924dzk150Bd/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0O0I7GTqqupCuAKSZ2s0x7t3rE2F3bRAZkPf3ZfzyzCwi1dtwGmWS4CQbBllp2u_yetwwm339SIbVUqg_CSyxhGLXjSz-5alcdzll5Gn0V9mNtKgFTcvVv-eYOKW5tF-kM924dzk150Bd/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
seem far enough apart, when you’re
backing a train down and around (already having smacked into that
aforementioned palmetto frond) – they are not! There is another hefty tree just
to the left of the truck that is blocked from view but was also a bit of
frustration when trying to bend a 35 ft billboard around it and also miss that
tall sturdy fence AND electrical post on the other side!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The river is just below that fence!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The site is HUGE and so is the ancient
(leaning) live oak tree that is securely anchored near the middle of the
site!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily, but with some
maneuvering, we managed to get the awning out and wedged between the two knarly
fat limbs!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The greenery that is
growing <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5r3U8MOEsHgzsEV1PbvSaoWCPRPaQO5S2yuNvhrdlWg6wQg6pTD_NU3gzeomw333ki-cifoxv4doZOAsG_OcU9dRDMWki4C1cddbfz1BFS8D_Z72ExPNYrd9t8aOdECE5oesLBDh_RpW/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5r3U8MOEsHgzsEV1PbvSaoWCPRPaQO5S2yuNvhrdlWg6wQg6pTD_NU3gzeomw333ki-cifoxv4doZOAsG_OcU9dRDMWki4C1cddbfz1BFS8D_Z72ExPNYrd9t8aOdECE5oesLBDh_RpW/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
lushly on its limbs is called Resurrection Plant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it rains – the tiny fern like plant is
healthy looking and green.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several
days later, if there is no more rain – the plants shrivel up and turn brown –
waiting for the next reviving shower!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In our two weeks stay – they have been green twice!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And wildlife – from fish in the river, to
the chattering gray squirrels, the squawking hawks, the always noisy
woodpeckers and the echo of owls before sunup, the most unusual creature turned
out to be THE frog!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One night after
coming back down the driveway from the bathhouse, I saw a frog climbing the
side of the trailer, up past the kitchen window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>H came to look and it quickly tried to take refuge in the vent
cover!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several days later, thanks to a
Florida website, we learned that our little hitchhiker was a Cuban Tree Frog –
an invasive specie in America!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’ll
eat anything it can get in its <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVw1iGq3Ym5OcTfdK-scLz865kP-4OUzs74elgoi43m5o3yk9Ktsol82f7z_743_8MN-Lte1CLnenLWdV9ynf4UPdB0lLV8AQA-sZQENGRKUmjn5v59bAQCsK2NZRQHS4kzfVccU8kGyF/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1243" data-original-width="1600" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVw1iGq3Ym5OcTfdK-scLz865kP-4OUzs74elgoi43m5o3yk9Ktsol82f7z_743_8MN-Lte1CLnenLWdV9ynf4UPdB0lLV8AQA-sZQENGRKUmjn5v59bAQCsK2NZRQHS4kzfVccU8kGyF/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
mouth – even other frogs!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have to make sure that when we leave, we
don’t take him with us!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">We are always adding new friends to our list of favorite
friends!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year at Lithia Springs
we’ve gotten to know our campground hosts/volunteers - P&A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These ladies have done a wonderful job of
keeping everything in order and clean and making us all feel welcomed!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will miss them!</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">We have visited friends B&N and went to the Red Barn
Flea Market and finished up the day with our annual trip to Anna Marie’s Oyster
Bar in Ellenton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We met our Michigan
friends, G&D from Petosega, in Brandon for lunch another day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet another dear friend from Swanton and her
daughter met us in Tarpon Springs for lunch there!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>H and I strolled along the sponge </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigX0s8J103SUL9DRxHm6UE31EmfHrgOJrt_EEuGg7o0L7t_zKwvyuHQW4v91nCv8eUwwEAIUb0vsvNZqnWu3dAze26voxksNmFYSNUpYuV4HpcLy-CbShc9hI_Kc4gUPGsYTGEphFFma4z/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigX0s8J103SUL9DRxHm6UE31EmfHrgOJrt_EEuGg7o0L7t_zKwvyuHQW4v91nCv8eUwwEAIUb0vsvNZqnWu3dAze26voxksNmFYSNUpYuV4HpcLy-CbShc9hI_Kc4gUPGsYTGEphFFma4z/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">docks and watched the boat
traffic in the river before we fought all the auto traffic on our way back to
quiet Lithia Springs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We met J&A
(H’s drone buddy from Illinois) in Brandon for our forth lunch outing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you must know - neither H nor I am
losing ANY weight this winter!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To walk
off that lunch we drove east on Rt 60 and visited the “Metals & Nature”
Garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The owners work with wrought
iron so the 2 acres are full of fancy gates, fences, benches and other
bric-a-brac including cement statues and such.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Wandering thru the flower filled gardens is a couple of beautiful, long
tailed, turquoise <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TPLg8IlrzlmC0LCrjQuPGQvIibu6p7AUxocMhq-LqD09VcmYaKGqESsDHO7oDBkEgxI2vh4v9Tf7ixSN8_V-kuQZHK_PAzKwlHCN-WXjHrH8Xv8Kw7toRZruXMmZdS8Zu3q5jRElUpZF/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="1600" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TPLg8IlrzlmC0LCrjQuPGQvIibu6p7AUxocMhq-LqD09VcmYaKGqESsDHO7oDBkEgxI2vh4v9Tf7ixSN8_V-kuQZHK_PAzKwlHCN-WXjHrH8Xv8Kw7toRZruXMmZdS8Zu3q5jRElUpZF/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
peacocks!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In various
cages and pens are various other colorful birds, an iguana and Boinky the
Potbellied Pig!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if that’s not
enough – we’ve also enjoyed our annual strawberry shortcake lunch at the
Brandon Farms Strawberry Barn!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NO
weight loss at all!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">A trip to this area would not be complete without checking
out the Manatee Viewing area in Apollo Beach but the day was warm and sunny so
the giant sea creatures were all out in Tampa Bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we were that close we drove thru EG Simmons, one of the
other Hillsborough County Parks in Ruskin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We parked and walked out to the beach area where I used to find
Horseshoe Crab shells and ended up watching several young men throwing and
dragging long ropes with chicken legs tied to the end, thru the calm water.
They were hoping to catch some blue crabs, we were told.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This area </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRcUc5WHgS9Khyphenhyphent6yWe3BimM8TunrhwyXwd8EWemPJmDARsx0c2ACH6_xfoC_nCLq6V7ElgeF44juuGfOvUO2CGS4NrJdN5LRNPA8s7hs0-SlY2dG1H0XL1xQp-H6eVlNJFUBc8A1h2Bq/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRcUc5WHgS9Khyphenhyphent6yWe3BimM8TunrhwyXwd8EWemPJmDARsx0c2ACH6_xfoC_nCLq6V7ElgeF44juuGfOvUO2CGS4NrJdN5LRNPA8s7hs0-SlY2dG1H0XL1xQp-H6eVlNJFUBc8A1h2Bq/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">used to be a peninsula but thanks
to one of the previous storms, it is now an island!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Our little bikes are folded back up and put away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The awning has been swept clear of all the
tiny brown live oak tree leaves that have been accumulating on it for the last
2 weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s once again time to move –
we’re heading north – little by little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But not with any amphibian hitchhikers!</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Have trailer will travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127343312845706218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238377285738185163.post-79117022987266791002019-02-11T06:18:00.000-08:002019-03-18T15:58:39.373-07:00Fort Myers Area<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">All summer long we anxiously await the chance to land a site
in the beautiful WP Franklin Corp of Engineer Campground.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">SPFB!!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;">IF we secure one of the extremely difficult to get campsites, then we
book the rest of our winter trip around those 2 weeks.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">We </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibs50Y5lX7LWbrLe4TvlH2aOxiBOKGKMs-TY1PtqlqOgmqQXgWp11SGEsC9gUqfHzjxqTCqUc091Rk6CZuCpbt2LGoYSGYMHKTjy-AgVOuil46b0M58LjVm0fBpyFPc-pmDTV0HeedNphu/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibs50Y5lX7LWbrLe4TvlH2aOxiBOKGKMs-TY1PtqlqOgmqQXgWp11SGEsC9gUqfHzjxqTCqUc091Rk6CZuCpbt2LGoYSGYMHKTjy-AgVOuil46b0M58LjVm0fBpyFPc-pmDTV0HeedNphu/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">anticipated!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">We secured!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">We
arrived!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Now, we’ve used up our
allotted two weeks on site #2 and sadly, it’s time to move on.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Most things have comfortably remained the
same – wonderful camp sites, the dark tannic waters of the Caloosahatchee
River, favorite restaurants, and favorite neighbors - the eagle that roosts
across the way, the grazing cattle and horses along Rt 78, and always the
shorebirds that stalk and search for a morsel along the banks of the river just
below us.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">(The little Tri-colored heron
is still one of my favorites!)</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">In the
early morning light, on our little niche of this island, the smooth surface of
the liquid glass that is water still amazes me with the calm reflections of the
trees and rocks and docks across the way, in such a clear mirror of the real
things.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Then the sun comes up fully and
the breezes begin.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">The image is gone
and the expanse of still water turns to dancing ripples!</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The bustling downtown Ft Myers is still the same as is the
Oasis Restaurant.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Flea Markets have
been dissected as usual and a few items have even been procured!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">B&C made the trip from Lake </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSt-NRCskn4W2kyHs9_lYxzbCDtyZBHQRfqf-Q5h3cMm3CGHK3P4qIa_wjwHVs-RlAU5bSW_IwwVMtz6k0mVIcP38d08QYOSC_hBdBC1MWWw_jCKxWRp3DBRhSox2EPP3KTjI5hnnRpk8/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1600" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSt-NRCskn4W2kyHs9_lYxzbCDtyZBHQRfqf-Q5h3cMm3CGHK3P4qIa_wjwHVs-RlAU5bSW_IwwVMtz6k0mVIcP38d08QYOSC_hBdBC1MWWw_jCKxWRp3DBRhSox2EPP3KTjI5hnnRpk8/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Placid to
visit and the day was topped off with BBQ pork dinner at the Log Cabin Inn over
in Labelle! YUMMM!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">And while the best
way to get to Ft Myers Beach is still taking the trolley, all of its beach
going passengers are now deposited at the busy Times Square area of the island,
just off the causeway.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">There is a FREE,
much smaller open tram system that runs from one end of the </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwosZlAQ89abkIuf00kNK7LlLZ4VceHKuMvXZq2ssC34GxwdI6yrqO9KCmjafghEDsIXLNCdgee2DgIywrRoIRV0oFxTiYHjNJ3HolKYUZjYHEG6ONQJdr7xnHZF_qMFrOIlH3BRhySW57/s1600/009+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwosZlAQ89abkIuf00kNK7LlLZ4VceHKuMvXZq2ssC34GxwdI6yrqO9KCmjafghEDsIXLNCdgee2DgIywrRoIRV0oFxTiYHjNJ3HolKYUZjYHEG6ONQJdr7xnHZF_qMFrOIlH3BRhySW57/s320/009+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
island to the
other.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">As always we indulged in our
annual mile or so walk from Bowditch Park at the north end of the island, back
up to the crowded Fishing Pier.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">We
finished the day’s sandy hike with our ice cream at DQ!</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">New for this trip, and checking it off my “to do” list was
to finally see a burrowing owl, the highly protected symbol of Cape Coral!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Once you know how to locate a burrow in one
of the many vacant lots in the 100 sq miles of the </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4z9TGtQ623mEBKdvg2S_OAKsVb9r3na1QJNfIYmP6TE3DSF5HXlR5Dkh5HeMuWRrefMHK9o6f1IJSKdR8tYozABXHoJV_vdOR8FXx346ltdf19An9tFM-aFLH7aYc_TaxmTJiwiCChMo/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4z9TGtQ623mEBKdvg2S_OAKsVb9r3na1QJNfIYmP6TE3DSF5HXlR5Dkh5HeMuWRrefMHK9o6f1IJSKdR8tYozABXHoJV_vdOR8FXx346ltdf19An9tFM-aFLH7aYc_TaxmTJiwiCChMo/s400/009.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">city, the chances of
actually seeing one of the 8-10 inch, well camouflaged little birds is a bit
easier!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">To protect the burrows, the
city has placed 4 white PVC pipes in the corners of a 10ft square space.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">In the center of each outlined square is
most often a rough perch made of slats of wood – near the hole dug by the birds
in the dry dirt.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">On our way to one of
the beaches, we saw a BUNCH of such setups in a BUNCH of unmowed vacant
lots.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">These little birds are most
active during the day and we gratefully saw a pair sitting on the edge of their
burrow!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Mission accomplished!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Another “new to do” activity was to visit the Six Mile
Cypress Slough Preserve and walk the 1.2 mile boardwalk trail.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">A “slew” is a type of forested wetland with
slow moving freshwater that </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5NU6hOIVIiR0w4AC0Ap4e95jArnwzlQChG9fEVt9vtouQ5kszDjTmpEQrJygM_NtB_zw0WDGJHb9YKlDjowx1CeKT8IJZh1Z-Z7vS9XTP3q8vU_Y3Q_lzqb41SpjAN8zHwB2IMm0ucWl/s1600/010%253D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5NU6hOIVIiR0w4AC0Ap4e95jArnwzlQChG9fEVt9vtouQ5kszDjTmpEQrJygM_NtB_zw0WDGJHb9YKlDjowx1CeKT8IJZh1Z-Z7vS9XTP3q8vU_Y3Q_lzqb41SpjAN8zHwB2IMm0ucWl/s400/010%253D.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">sometimes gathers into small ponds.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">The Slough got its unusual name in the early
1900’s when travelers in wagons would get stuck in the swampy area on their way
to Ft Myers. From experience they knew it was SIX MORE MILES to town!!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Talk about “Are we there yet?”!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Back in the 1970’s, land development began
to encroach on the area and a group of teens started the effort to save the
slough.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">The boardwalk was opened to the
public in 1991. The wooden boardwalk is dotted with signs and matching
descriptions for visitors to learn about the trail.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">We saw gators warming themselves on floating platforms, darting
little warblers in the trees, noisy woodpeckers, snow white egrets and even a
tall blue heron meticulously building her nest of twigs in a low tree.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Then there was the Cottonmouth snake –
nestled all coiled up on a dead palmetto frond.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">It looks big in the picture but actually it was only a baby –
thankfully!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">One weekend morning, we made the mistake of finding the
“free” Home and Garden Show at the Hertz Arena – the home of the Everglades
Hockey team!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">The “show” was a waste of
good time but we did hesitate long enough to watch some young men in the </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLC_VKT05KC4fbRHAKs_xP0yRXZIDxRmBBy1aK-RS431eA4xO74b_YRuu6-kbwJcOv82e52ZELhuRJo26od6juQQvXO5dFGOsPvZXbGM4MSSv1xLmK-UACgV5tuXRZoKTWpBJI4gnTVKi/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="1600" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLC_VKT05KC4fbRHAKs_xP0yRXZIDxRmBBy1aK-RS431eA4xO74b_YRuu6-kbwJcOv82e52ZELhuRJo26od6juQQvXO5dFGOsPvZXbGM4MSSv1xLmK-UACgV5tuXRZoKTWpBJI4gnTVKi/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">middle
of a fast paced hockey game on one of the smaller rinks in the building.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Across the parking lot and a rather large
retention pond, we noticed a gathering of classic cars - growing in numbers and
lining up in several very long lines.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;">We could hear the music and the announcer on a loud speaker.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">We were drawn in and HAD to investigate!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Rows and rows of hot rods, trucks, muscle
cars (a RED 65’ GTO!), and a plethora of marvelous Chevy’s – all years, all
colors, all styles and ALWAYS – Corvettes!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;">This fabulous blue one is just one of the many! H had to stop and drool
over a low slung Lamborghini that </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsF9TSz8UQsLif0A71gJdHP6CPJ70AzfsS1lZLRK7WAcuPh7paiiQ6PxCN33UaZSJ1Q0rLDVna03TfNaJ5eGKV0a_9wKrnZBcq27znhDG7l__43pXcNtcs_8QTzRbjKeK_J2NdBpfU20xr/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsF9TSz8UQsLif0A71gJdHP6CPJ70AzfsS1lZLRK7WAcuPh7paiiQ6PxCN33UaZSJ1Q0rLDVna03TfNaJ5eGKV0a_9wKrnZBcq27znhDG7l__43pXcNtcs_8QTzRbjKeK_J2NdBpfU20xr/s320/029.JPG" width="320" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
he knew he’d never be able to fold up and
slide down to even get into!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">And MORE new friends!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>J&B from Ohio, R&C from Michigan, C&J from
Wisconsin!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ladies shared and the
guys swapped advice and hard to believe stories!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AND – H is now without his drone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just like last year – sold before we even finished up our
trip!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our email addresses have been
exchanged and promises made to keep in touch but now it’s time to shake out the
rug and hook up the “train” – it’s time to head north!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But not too far!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our adventure is not over yet!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s time for Tampa!</span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Have trailer will travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127343312845706218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238377285738185163.post-57202072422952510592019-01-28T09:44:00.002-08:002019-03-18T15:58:39.248-07:00Everglades and Labelle
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Huge Black Monster of a Walking Dredge is still proudly
on display at Collier Seminole State Park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It and others like it were used to dig the miles and miles of ditches
along side the Tamiami Trail that runs from Tampa, down and across the
Everglades to Miami Florida.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without
those ditches, there would not have been enough muck and dirt to pile up and
make the roadway now called Rt 41.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once
again we followed the ditches and the high road that lies high and dry between
them out and across the Glades. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes there were shallow ponds and shorebirds, fishing for
their next meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes it was miles
of swamp grass or a cluster of low trees and palms on swaths of higher ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We passed the road to Everglade City and
various airboat ride </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91UsL4hgbiNsXc1Lagh7ZKx2kcqxr6EpMHdtRjo9gtulB_boSZTILc9qUYM7pNa_vUo7lCuckcA85jAk4guccPo9sI2wJVOxazLtJQw5Vz5C9Fu7IQzyMIpZPz2U7yFE8vwPuAR6GJkiI/s1600/04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91UsL4hgbiNsXc1Lagh7ZKx2kcqxr6EpMHdtRjo9gtulB_boSZTILc9qUYM7pNa_vUo7lCuckcA85jAk4guccPo9sI2wJVOxazLtJQw5Vz5C9Fu7IQzyMIpZPz2U7yFE8vwPuAR6GJkiI/s320/04.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">concessions along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had several birthday cards to mail and we stopped at the
smallest Post Office in the entire United States to mail them!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the Ochopee Post Office was formerly
an irrigation pipe storage shed for a local tomato farmer, the local postmaster
pressed it into service after a disastrous fire in 1953 burned down the
original general store and post office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This structure has been in continuous use ever since, as both post
office and ticket station for the Trailways bus lines!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope Becki and Bobbie checked their
postmarks!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">The National Park System normally operates Midway Campground
and reservations are placed with Recreation.Gov but with this ridiculous
“partial government shutdown”, no one knows <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5KEJKz6NfzmWXmg1MLznN4P9IEL2V_MoDCccxWtB5vYU4Z4Azsu7BeFdizt8s0ubVHeT31v-nxKYROAFYVUwUVp4oKrARJLN80gFKj8s92WWnP7ZM5CoVvWQSkhpnUuvVlTU6GbJNz-J/s1600/06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5KEJKz6NfzmWXmg1MLznN4P9IEL2V_MoDCccxWtB5vYU4Z4Azsu7BeFdizt8s0ubVHeT31v-nxKYROAFYVUwUVp4oKrARJLN80gFKj8s92WWnP7ZM5CoVvWQSkhpnUuvVlTU6GbJNz-J/s320/06.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Midway campground</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
what’s going on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>R.Gov is telling people it’s first come
first serve. One host is saying they can’t stop anyone from parking and staying
on any open site.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other host has
put out a “campground full” sign and “reserved” signs on all 24 sites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>H was obviously concerned since we needed
those 2 nights to fit into our camping schedule so we left Collier Seminole
early that morning and arrived in Midway by 10am. Our reserved site was open
and we backed in and quickly hooked up to the electricity!</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The next storm was to arrive on Thursday so we grabbed a
bite to eat and headed out to explore via blue truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The “Loop Road” is now mostly level gravel and posted speed signs
say 25mph and sometimes only 15mph.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
drove thru jungle areas with the </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclzUtJkc7Je5c_8IYHif26ajMm23EVKEnAJeNCSPpFZ0p_GWaqkCZjTkNnGDyTx2YSjNU6xwzt86-cijVmFcTpEZJ8ZEgi2VPAV8_3M1gA7uRA3C3BCTz2URkMoqGmsSr1Gf9aXHa0_rX/s1600/05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclzUtJkc7Je5c_8IYHif26ajMm23EVKEnAJeNCSPpFZ0p_GWaqkCZjTkNnGDyTx2YSjNU6xwzt86-cijVmFcTpEZJ8ZEgi2VPAV8_3M1gA7uRA3C3BCTz2URkMoqGmsSr1Gf9aXHa0_rX/s400/05.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">palmetto and Cypress trees hugging the edge of
the narrow road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were areas of
swamp with pools of calm water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tall
thin Blue Herons blended in with the tall strange looking gray Cypress trees,
covered with stringy, spooky looking Spanish moss that swayed in the breeze.
Yes - we saw gators.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We REALLY saw
gators as we drove back up to the Visitor Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was warm enough by then for all the big black lumps of leather
to haul themselves up on the banks to grab some warm rays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One even smiled at us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the Visitor Center, the rustic wooden
boardwalk still stands above the area’s ditch and there are still a magnitude
of the black monsters lurking in the dark waters or sunning on the <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIs4evnUGwo8_ATlqPw6ZwwN2GXHmeiWKYpEVocMJVll9eCzso3qsF4lELiAdfimP_8RQ0hDjOyiivlPTT2oH_3m72k17VEzKfxJosP5CSSHMAYCDtv8vy-ZTShgPVt5kIWKPziR4qanE9/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIs4evnUGwo8_ATlqPw6ZwwN2GXHmeiWKYpEVocMJVll9eCzso3qsF4lELiAdfimP_8RQ0hDjOyiivlPTT2oH_3m72k17VEzKfxJosP5CSSHMAYCDtv8vy-ZTShgPVt5kIWKPziR4qanE9/s320/015.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
rocks –
RIGHT below your feet!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">As promised the storm arrived and we were forced to stay
inside most of the day Thursday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>H got
to read and I got out the sewing machine!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Friday morning was another moving day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Backtracking on westbound Rt 41 we reversed our route and then headed
north on Rt 29 – the way we arrived 2 weeks previously!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we had seen on the way down, there were
several areas that were bordered by high fences topped with barbed wire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every so often there were big yellow signs
announcing “panther crossing” areas- complete with under the road passageways
for the stealthy endangered big cat to travel safely thru his domain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up in the “forest” – it’s bears. In the
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz9igDRia3udnU5vdQck7d3d-vVyVZrSJO7Q9G9WL8pKWTTrd98UpxA-eM7Ek7X-3GGjzBTFb5QwJ3lHFCiP9NHuomPdh0L7Sp-6YxWtIzR_hd6j0BcjtVCyhyLa3dq4lgwQDX6D6o8Dvk/s1600/07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz9igDRia3udnU5vdQck7d3d-vVyVZrSJO7Q9G9WL8pKWTTrd98UpxA-eM7Ek7X-3GGjzBTFb5QwJ3lHFCiP9NHuomPdh0L7Sp-6YxWtIzR_hd6j0BcjtVCyhyLa3dq4lgwQDX6D6o8Dvk/s400/07.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Glades – it’s panthers – and we didn’t see any of them either!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Our travel schedule had us booked for 2 nights in Ortona
Lock Campground before we would move into WP Franklin Lock and Dam
Campground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember, we had just
camped at Phipps Park in Stuart – within walking distance of the Port Lucie
Lock Campground and now it was Ortona.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>See Last Years Florida Blog!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our site was great!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The back
window of the “tan train” overlooked the lock and dam. The side door and
windows looked up the Caloosahatchee River!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The sun was shining and the boats were slowing down to enter the
lock!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>H got to spend his afternoon at
the Ford Dealer in nearby Labelle getting <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5c4mxWkxev5cOY_rykho-MUAaosgLi03ypqwY0c3zTpgtUmDqVZnrc1a58eicXBVsXKjwPAopyb_GqLtHnkLXw2hMzo4ESgOWoVx20rQ0MPNKGO6kdPbPLQrd1qajX8YPEWecMMisZu1Y/s1600/08.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1157" data-original-width="1600" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5c4mxWkxev5cOY_rykho-MUAaosgLi03ypqwY0c3zTpgtUmDqVZnrc1a58eicXBVsXKjwPAopyb_GqLtHnkLXw2hMzo4ESgOWoVx20rQ0MPNKGO6kdPbPLQrd1qajX8YPEWecMMisZu1Y/s320/08.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ortona campground</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
the latest truck problem tended to
and lucky me – I got to tend to the laundry and have some “me” time!</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">More rain was predicted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Scattered showers for Sunday morning, then clearing, then the real
storms were to arrive from the south during the afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weatherman missed it again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The DELUGE started before 5am and just
barely let up by 9am when we made our dash for the highway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Poor H was just about drowned trying to get
the “train” hooked up and the tanks drained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>See the lovely view from our doorway, looking up the river?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See the low area just past the gravel
patio?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sunday morning it was FULL of
water! </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;"> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">We made it to WP Franklin without further
incident and we hurried to set up before the next round of wind and rain
hit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Squishing around in the deep
waterlogged grass would have been more fun if it weren’t so cold and windy
out!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve got two weeks here so we’re
good!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our shoes should dry!</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Have trailer will travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127343312845706218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238377285738185163.post-7874749714484019152019-01-22T09:26:00.000-08:002019-03-18T15:58:39.342-07:00Naples - Marco Island Area
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It seemed forever to get from Stuart on the Atlantic side of
Florida to Marco Island and Collier Seminole State Park on the very</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">western
edge of the Everglades!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We crossed
south of Lake Okeechobee and across to Labelle before heading south on the
comparatively calm Rt 29.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anything but
getting on hectic I 75!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;"> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We squeezed into site 67, which was too short and narrow for
this “train” but it was right across from the bathhouse and tiny laundry
area!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was for only 4 nights and our
neighbors were great, plus - I didn’t have to lug the laundry too far!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve met so many nice folks – it seems like
this was Michigan week – folks were here from Livonia, Traverse City, Warren,
Brownstone Twp and even Temperance!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’ve moved now to a bigger site and our neighbors next to us are from
Angola/Lake James, Indiana!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">With the government shut down, nobody was sure about whether
Midway Campground in the Glades would be functioning when it was our turn to
park there so we took a chance and drove that way to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We learned there had been squatters in the
campground that wouldn’t move when the real campers arrived so the camp hosts
finally put out the “campground full” sign and put “reserved” signs on all the
campsites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also wanted to see if
Shark Valley was </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiak7IcqvnCIM0eGD_KxBwyIfA7In1RZBgUZZKZoYVfmljeL9BXcUCra-PAKlzoO6uFUswhO6Ju5t6eGzVaH2bB0TI3rLGBFXcPUqUxil1U5e2pXLIA33JH8lCDNU336w7_C6cz3ZXaB9Xx/s1600/04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiak7IcqvnCIM0eGD_KxBwyIfA7In1RZBgUZZKZoYVfmljeL9BXcUCra-PAKlzoO6uFUswhO6Ju5t6eGzVaH2bB0TI3rLGBFXcPUqUxil1U5e2pXLIA33JH8lCDNU336w7_C6cz3ZXaB9Xx/s320/04.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">open and available to ride our bikes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shark Valley, while part of the National
Park System is operated by a separate concession, so it was open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The day was sunny but cooler – low 70’s, as
we began peddling our trusty little bikes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The first half of the day’s ride was easy – not as many bikes and not as
many gators lying in the roadway like last time!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tall spiral observation tower came into view and then stood
right before us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The uphill walk was
more tiring than the 7-mile bike ride but the view was still worth it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking back to where we had come – you
could see the stick straight bike/tram path and to the right the curvy line
that was the longer route was visible and then the vast grassland that lay
beyond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>H decided that we should
venture back <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFbIDahx9RGC1RJKTcchAkArTrysitfau3lGjgDOTTua-YQHrPNPjaLJVgoSMuevnO_LVOofAYCEFxjAdyxUel8DsuMRogDmzudCT0vZ3L00HuDuzHValY5FC-ANLo3hjjZlaZF8BE_Wr/s1600/05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFbIDahx9RGC1RJKTcchAkArTrysitfau3lGjgDOTTua-YQHrPNPjaLJVgoSMuevnO_LVOofAYCEFxjAdyxUel8DsuMRogDmzudCT0vZ3L00HuDuzHValY5FC-ANLo3hjjZlaZF8BE_Wr/s320/05.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
to the parking area/visitor center via that route this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trip out was 7 miles, level and WITH the
wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trip back was 8 miles,
curved, a bit uphill and INTO a 15 mph wind!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>AMEN to the power of the electric bikes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while the Everglades are referred to as a River of Grass –
it’s been way too dry down here and this part of the damp glades have dried up
with just a few pockets of water remaining along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But – we still counted gators – 83 of them
on this round trip. And a million birds!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The beaches have been visited!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As usual, in Naples we parked and walked the mile up the beach to
the public pier and back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time we
finally got to go visit the much acclaimed Tigertail Beach on the north end of
Marco Island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However – it was the day
after we rode our bikes on the Shark Valley trail and H’s legs and knees were
not up to too much beach/sand walking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We did make it to the main beach area tho and saw all the shells strewn
about on the white sand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One family had
even created a sand sculpture of a </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OPXW7e5RhaaqRzV6TJ9n8-6rVkFCswVXxTYthQyesZ2NGWJfnI8Jhvw16YUcqXS74anGvveP8nzBExX5kV1jjshn3GiDeBbEAmFJ6lFyLUWGh8G0woWXAW_Iy_R6qBH1vpvJR_vUDOZT/s1600/06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OPXW7e5RhaaqRzV6TJ9n8-6rVkFCswVXxTYthQyesZ2NGWJfnI8Jhvw16YUcqXS74anGvveP8nzBExX5kV1jjshn3GiDeBbEAmFJ6lFyLUWGh8G0woWXAW_Iy_R6qBH1vpvJR_vUDOZT/s320/06.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">giant dragon!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had it been up north it would have been snow!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Caxambas City Park on the south end of Marco Island – is
where we normally park the truck and ride our bikes to the public access
pathways to the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the boat
launch area we had to stop and watch a group of men dressed as what seemed to
be pirates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were filling a small
wooden sailboat with way too many supplies and gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually they completed their tasks and shoved off from the
dock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Long skinny looking oars were
dipped in and out of the water in synchronized time and the much overloaded
boat was pointed out to the open water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Finally, as we stood watching, the small, heavy looking canvas sails
were hoisted to assist in their slow moving process.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-SB7JjpnybGmSyU2nj95RRWn6xi-4BQRxhVI_P691a-Mh6imVmuM3kmF8q9Zq9PzNa1E8rVi5fEN0xK7rKyhQo-Jjk-wNhPY7qTQAP2tKkmTAFAGoxy5szgQ_8xoJD0QWRE7D38VYkITR/s1600/07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-SB7JjpnybGmSyU2nj95RRWn6xi-4BQRxhVI_P691a-Mh6imVmuM3kmF8q9Zq9PzNa1E8rVi5fEN0xK7rKyhQo-Jjk-wNhPY7qTQAP2tKkmTAFAGoxy5szgQ_8xoJD0QWRE7D38VYkITR/s400/07.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><!--[endif]--><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;">Then the storm that has dumped all the snow on the northern
states arrived at our little section of SW Florida.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully it passed Saturday night/Sunday morning and was only
much needed rain!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sunday brought the
strong winds!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>H felt the need to head
back to the Naples Pier and document the size of the waves at high tide and to
see how much of the beautiful beach was now under water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we parked and approached the gathering
area for the pier, the crowd was getting thicker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pier was packed with people who had the same idea as we
had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We side stepped around several
groups and worked our way to the front of the crowd to check out the long
wooden fishing dock but the pier itself was closed and a chain was draped
across the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where just a few days
before the beautiful blue green water was gently lapping at the snow white
sand, now HUGE, 6 to 8 foot, angry gray waves </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcAurMR0Xv47Z2agn9fu4w-7N6cvlBgR8dc599FOCJPPJNYF3hhv_eolvtubU9qFXVtFVqCgyK4RJxdoRFYm6Yo6cXkkFWtyTFNUqNzvOAa-mgMw9QM-aGFm55aSLBSJHzgvTBhAuFQPt/s1600/08.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcAurMR0Xv47Z2agn9fu4w-7N6cvlBgR8dc599FOCJPPJNYF3hhv_eolvtubU9qFXVtFVqCgyK4RJxdoRFYm6Yo6cXkkFWtyTFNUqNzvOAa-mgMw9QM-aGFm55aSLBSJHzgvTBhAuFQPt/s400/08.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">were beating at the higher
section of the beach and at the sturdy cement legs of the pier itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few foolish surfers were trying to find a
wave they could handle and about a dozen hardy kite surfers were hanging on for
dear life as they skipped and bounced along on the raging waves, up the
coastline.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;"> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">We’ve watched as our new friends have come and
gone and we’ve said our “Goodbyes” to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s our turn to hitch up and hit the road to our next area of this
winter’s adventure.</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Have trailer will travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127343312845706218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238377285738185163.post-84764416022495600272019-01-10T15:20:00.000-08:002019-03-18T15:58:39.434-07:00Southeast Florida Coast
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">While Phipps Park and the surrounding areas are not new to
us – H always manages to find new places for us to explore and learn
about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But first we had to test our
little bikes - across the wooden </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwUf0sbaF2IKGRUOy_LygfuGlJHcewV22gpM6YJOteyf65u5N70r3aN0r7tVj1bTpjZpHvthx2lELvrix3WiT1AYjvYngmUJCWW135VfqS8z74HikHQzh9dVdVyeu5og2FZj7tBiMDGrw/s1600/01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwUf0sbaF2IKGRUOy_LygfuGlJHcewV22gpM6YJOteyf65u5N70r3aN0r7tVj1bTpjZpHvthx2lELvrix3WiT1AYjvYngmUJCWW135VfqS8z74HikHQzh9dVdVyeu5og2FZj7tBiMDGrw/s320/01.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">bridge and on the grassy path on the small
island in the middle of the pond that is also in this park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>H even found an alligator hiding in plain
sight and a small blue heron stalking his next meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Past the pond, at the end of the park is the boat launch, which
is conveniently located in the shade of the turnpike bridge. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
The Atlantic coast is lined with barrier islands and dotted
with expansive beaches - between all the massive mansions and <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPUN500vgBNx1jg7l1YSCHrcHgkx3QaAU_Yt4kI28UJzEseIApknpx9C74jl_3XBdjNML7banU_0qo_7TS16lW_VLt5J4qBOYRF1d2KRQDmVPHB9ZEF6NPzveQmtOv0L048VLkbyOhOBr/s1600/02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1183" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPUN500vgBNx1jg7l1YSCHrcHgkx3QaAU_Yt4kI28UJzEseIApknpx9C74jl_3XBdjNML7banU_0qo_7TS16lW_VLt5J4qBOYRF1d2KRQDmVPHB9ZEF6NPzveQmtOv0L048VLkbyOhOBr/s320/02.JPG" width="236" /></a></div>
conglomerates of
high-rise condos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hutchinson Island
stretches from Stuart and has the “refuge” with its New England looking rocky
shoreline at the southern end and the Ft Pierce Inlet Jetty and beach on the
northern end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pelicans still sit
and preen and wait for a fisherman to catch fish for them to swipe!<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-size: large;"> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">To the south is Jupiter Inlet and Jetty!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was our first time to visit and explore
this delightful park with plenty of people watching benches, picnic areas and a
continuous</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHM_93wMxpLlBIQXFJd20jRzfZQXd4PQCgO76-ULit3bcTqAka96xu1SsWs8ySGqgcVjG1LQI8ruwY2kiOVNxRMJK8XPiP3oDc5nC_AQlZNk9kjSMRPvdnlQhIGDIx7XMHAFFEvlozpgS/s1600/03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHM_93wMxpLlBIQXFJd20jRzfZQXd4PQCgO76-ULit3bcTqAka96xu1SsWs8ySGqgcVjG1LQI8ruwY2kiOVNxRMJK8XPiP3oDc5nC_AQlZNk9kjSMRPvdnlQhIGDIx7XMHAFFEvlozpgS/s320/03.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> parade of boats coming and going and the Jupiter Lighthouse in the
distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the ocean end of the jetty
the ocean waves caused such a turbulence in combination with the outgoing tide
it was especially amusing to watch as some boats wallowed in the swells and
others just gunned it and charged on thru!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One beautiful sailboat came in the whole way under sail and at a good
tilt to boot!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJmPBZElrRC2xSc7jlFfQcTZKXvQ0E-g8JWQd8OGXsDbZxTFEM_0Lgk0Kjg7XskZ82a4dJd7guAxOVcmfbbx57WraeFsTDuicW5_Pi9ilAYCtfAaAWo9Ql9HWpjAlJ8qOwaWni7bThrBP/s1600/04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1098" data-original-width="1600" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJmPBZElrRC2xSc7jlFfQcTZKXvQ0E-g8JWQd8OGXsDbZxTFEM_0Lgk0Kjg7XskZ82a4dJd7guAxOVcmfbbx57WraeFsTDuicW5_Pi9ilAYCtfAaAWo9Ql9HWpjAlJ8qOwaWni7bThrBP/s400/04.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-size: large;"> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Further south from that park was Carlin Beach Park – another
first to visit!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was ample free
parking and cool, shaded picnic areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Out on the beach was a bright red flag with the word “ROCKS” waving in
the breeze. As we strolled along, we approached a weather worn area of pinkish
orange rocks being attacked by crashing waves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unique formations for sure and by placing the camera almost on </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwTFr_OsTIuLiiutJt-G5kOt4enLvIavK9SmA-Gl0l6fUEVutAB49n3LY5_irQgXnPo50oL5JyazFAprea-cS6cXMsbA6w14sT0fpdcj-TjYzBQpHS3NNRtwcvKGSb28jSQEev9u9B_Ux/s1600/05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1600" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwTFr_OsTIuLiiutJt-G5kOt4enLvIavK9SmA-Gl0l6fUEVutAB49n3LY5_irQgXnPo50oL5JyazFAprea-cS6cXMsbA6w14sT0fpdcj-TjYzBQpHS3NNRtwcvKGSb28jSQEev9u9B_Ux/s320/05.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">the wet
sand – I got a good shot of this “Florida Arch”!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you think?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We even explored Jonathan Dickinson State Park, which is
also down RT 1 near Jupiter!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While
we’ve never stayed there, the park is massive and interesting!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It claims to have the highest spot in SOUTH
Florida!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we climbed the 86 ft high</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvicxOg2IlGEuD1euz-yxaDxh0c6HGztqDkVF8HmSgwlBS-YA32YnZeuFk3Ex9fdz1doHbZGNiQdE605XAFcmv0Xis-8MoY0dOIYqKOr6MlbkQ3qHFSxGXOUUnjtfljI79AV5hGiy4COH/s1600/06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvicxOg2IlGEuD1euz-yxaDxh0c6HGztqDkVF8HmSgwlBS-YA32YnZeuFk3Ex9fdz1doHbZGNiQdE605XAFcmv0Xis-8MoY0dOIYqKOr6MlbkQ3qHFSxGXOUUnjtfljI79AV5hGiy4COH/s400/06.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
“mountain” and the sturdy wooden tower atop it to view the surrounding vista
below!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should have counted the
steps! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">10-mile long Jupiter Island sits between the town, also
called Jupiter Island, and Stuart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
majority of mansions are behind high concrete walls with ornate wrought iron
gates, or 10 ft high manicured hedges that are at the narrow roads edge. We’ve
been told there are only 900 people who live on the island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We passed Tiger Woods 12 acre estate,
complete with practice golf course and 60 million dollar, 10,000 square ft.
mansion but we never knew which one of the mega mansions was his!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nor did we know which one was the Bush
estate, or the home of Jack Nicklaus, or Alan Jackson or Michael Jordan!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Island’s website boasts of seclusion and
privacy!</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Our early mornings are spent watching the collection of
various boats pausing behind our temporary home - coming and going, up and down
the river, riding our bikes and trying to keep track of all the different birds
we’ve encountered – all the herons – blue, green, tri colored and white, osprey,
the murder (flock!) of crows, the committee of vultures, the squadron of
pelicans or even the </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3ZdFDukfeZDOw026a-bRqtWovu0nq844X1YdoNjVOSOQrXTQRuvVSC2BS2_vna2Vf_75Tc5rTbaUiVjAvtxRG6J1HLniw_-p08F8RuPxY2J4llaxQ2RdxNMtZ2W3imjGQJbmhkja-fPB/s1600/07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3ZdFDukfeZDOw026a-bRqtWovu0nq844X1YdoNjVOSOQrXTQRuvVSC2BS2_vna2Vf_75Tc5rTbaUiVjAvtxRG6J1HLniw_-p08F8RuPxY2J4llaxQ2RdxNMtZ2W3imjGQJbmhkja-fPB/s320/07.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">pandemonium of bright green Monk Parakeets we saw at one
of the parks we visited!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even got out
the binoculars to inspect the tiny flitting Swamp Sparrows that hunted for
seeds in the dry grass outside our doorway!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-size: large;"> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Our “happy hour” afternoons and early evenings have been
dutifully spent watching wispy clouds gather, join together and then disappear
again before the sun finished setting over the darkening lock and dam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Attendance gets taken almost daily in this
stretch of trailers, 5<sup>th</sup> wheels and motorhomes that like us, line
the rivers edge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the usual
Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas, to Delaware, New York, Connecticut, New
Hampshire and Maine, there is also New Mexico, South Dakota and even
Alaska!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Talk about diversity!</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJ6tj61wNqOTx5qq72DKa5VHi18p9mXcDaizaqcy7ajPlj8OwhDyeR28RhfPPFaccbJUrPqLwvBbqdnHzYLQ1yhPKSdGAI6TLmXENwQ6bYUlBBPcMQXBxdtPAQQ_MTYqX-iC3D8OvIs34/s1600/08.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJ6tj61wNqOTx5qq72DKa5VHi18p9mXcDaizaqcy7ajPlj8OwhDyeR28RhfPPFaccbJUrPqLwvBbqdnHzYLQ1yhPKSdGAI6TLmXENwQ6bYUlBBPcMQXBxdtPAQQ_MTYqX-iC3D8OvIs34/s400/08.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On our last day in Stuart we found and visited the Treasure
Coast Wildlife Animal Hospital and Sanctuary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were allowed to roam around each of the enclosures for the
“residents” of the park – the ones who cannot be released back into the wild
because of different disabilities and are now used for educational
purposes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Among others, there were
turtles, owls, hawks, eagles and even Crested Caracara!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The young woman there brought several of the
disabled birds out and introduced us to them and told of how they each came to
be at the Sanctuary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very interesting
and VERY informative!</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">It’s time to go. West this time – back across
the state to Collier Seminole State Park and Marco Island!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come along!</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Have trailer will travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127343312845706218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238377285738185163.post-29118235597492395072019-01-03T06:20:00.000-08:002019-03-18T15:58:39.153-07:00Happy New Year
<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Christmas may be over but the enjoyment lingers on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That afternoon may have been spent enjoying
the company of D&S in Ocala but the morning was spent strolling the
beautiful walkways of Silver Springs Park - the 2013 addition to the Silver
Springs </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlAjUceS83TnKkk1Z27i7iIlDbmjPIVGJa0ceZO2dYSMYdfLdx9gq2A9o0K7p_Cbdusw4eNUAqDRXVCLya9YEmD0kg0eMD-gPs_FdD0Vvgmbn85eqitr3YA0vndSl4LsqBh0cexFW9gzs/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlAjUceS83TnKkk1Z27i7iIlDbmjPIVGJa0ceZO2dYSMYdfLdx9gq2A9o0K7p_Cbdusw4eNUAqDRXVCLya9YEmD0kg0eMD-gPs_FdD0Vvgmbn85eqitr3YA0vndSl4LsqBh0cexFW9gzs/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">State Park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The famous
entertainers no longer perform on its stage and the animals in its zoo are no
longer there but the gardens are still full of blooming shrubs and flowers and
the famous glass bottom boats still transport their passengers up and down the
river and pause over each of the deep blue springs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In winters past, H and I would ply the boat or canoe up the clear
sparkling river, counting alligators, beautiful wading birds and even wild
monkeys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’d follow behind the much
larger passenger boats in the main spring area and listen to each explanation
before we’d gently glide back down the jungle-engulfed river.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time we strolled all the paths and
boardwalks, enjoying the Christmas decorations and talked about our fond
memories of being out on that water!</span><br />
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our next stop over on this winter’s journey was at Highlands
Hammock State Park in Sebring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Highlands County was named for its high terrain, and a “hammock” is
defined by Wikopedia as a fertile area in southern US (Florida!) that is
usually higher that its surroundings and contains hardwood vegetation and deep
humus-rich soil – hence the name of this park!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back in 1931, the local </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiduTAgzrbuvJQ3ymdVIREDZNPAg3bRMyGjnYHCybFojesdXgpZJOBKKZ95FIPXlKEw-CqvGMcIop8sNUE2pNnTBjYVOjmwFJ5pEVxWM2-yvWAeJ2rnQp49goh9F609Q7Sw_a0tBmdNcy/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiduTAgzrbuvJQ3ymdVIREDZNPAg3bRMyGjnYHCybFojesdXgpZJOBKKZ95FIPXlKEw-CqvGMcIop8sNUE2pNnTBjYVOjmwFJ5pEVxWM2-yvWAeJ2rnQp49goh9F609Q7Sw_a0tBmdNcy/s400/005.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">citizens collected funds to purchase the
land so that the area could not be cleared for farming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Civilian Conservation Corps put the
young men of the area to work, constructing the buildings, bridges and roads
throughout the park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A 3 mile
blacktopped loop affords cars, bikes and pedestrians a chance to experience the
deeper portions of the park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>H and I
rode our bikes around the loop two times during our stay and of course we HAD
to walk out thru the swamp (SPFB!) and walk precariously over the narrow
boardwalk!</span><br />
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFvu048zo-0e42xnEFPZJgyR4lU3pOgse-zjbaY4RcH4t5bxB4LcyMnQ2KDtjHOc_MCEuVphxPEr2Wtehz0paM4k_hZ1aOB1HOMBeYGUuQzSL2bk5UBH-l1APFGX3_VQ1o47GfNMR78No/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFvu048zo-0e42xnEFPZJgyR4lU3pOgse-zjbaY4RcH4t5bxB4LcyMnQ2KDtjHOc_MCEuVphxPEr2Wtehz0paM4k_hZ1aOB1HOMBeYGUuQzSL2bk5UBH-l1APFGX3_VQ1o47GfNMR78No/s640/006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We explored the small town of Lake Wales in the rolling
hills of the highest ground of peninsular Florida and the home of Bok
Towers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had already visited those
beautiful gardens years ago so this time, our adventure called for finding
SPOOK HILL!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We finally found the Spook
Hill Elementary School and then the big sign that explained the legend of the hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did as the sign directed: stopped on the
white line and put the truck in neutral.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We slowly rolled back UP the hill – just as these two vehicles in this
photo are doing!</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZb-gsA_Il3504JiUG87QRSc9F2vcCGYmUABPYEaX1KJtpjc079DhgIlACwk06sORsE3u3V6MwL3AX6Z9lpOifXGU1-VZj7_9Yhbs1RSzMUosECr7eG7kpCYDFH6_qQ-VAnH3gNlXRrEIs/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZb-gsA_Il3504JiUG87QRSc9F2vcCGYmUABPYEaX1KJtpjc079DhgIlACwk06sORsE3u3V6MwL3AX6Z9lpOifXGU1-VZj7_9Yhbs1RSzMUosECr7eG7kpCYDFH6_qQ-VAnH3gNlXRrEIs/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">HAPPY NEW YEAR!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
park was jammed full of RV’s of all sizes and styles but since we reserved a
site so late – we did not get the best one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were surrounded by a gaggle of tents, bikes, trucks, kids and
dogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately they were mostly well
behaved and New Years Eve came and went peacefully and quietly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made new friends who were camped several
sites away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debbie & Rich have a
2015 Hemisphere – built just several months after ours!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Same size but it is the yellow tan instead
of our beige tan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of a big
back window they have a gorgeous fireplace. The guys are the same age but D and
I are 10 years minus 3 days of being the same age!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sews and she knits!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Imagine! </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Several times we drove down Rt 27 to Lake Placid to visit
with B&C in Camp Florida!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
returned the favor and we met in Historic Downtown Sebring and we enjoyed a
pizza - almost as good as the ones at Buddy’s Pizza up in Dearborn
Michigan!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This restaurant opened at 4pm
and by 4:10pm they were lined up out the door! </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our stay at Highlands Hammock was not without its
problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our long narrow site was also
occupied by several tall trees whose roots spread out across the top of the
sandy, leaf strewn earth and kept trying to trip us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes successfully!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One day the water in the park was shut off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On our moving day, the dump station had an “out of order” sign
across the driveway! Ugh!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, our
next campground surely would have a dump station that would be open for
business.</span></div>
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</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqiso1B6eQtXOBWeVRbaTw3YyxOf6rZD7bdCkK7RxjsGVMHa4IucbgBoPWTXfMyIGq_xlHZxstgGY6U2tTuALJSvoKXlgNSufcsk-Xd1rQ9Hp93y3qeWz7OCKvdz9f9InCtqTCoipBtklE/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqiso1B6eQtXOBWeVRbaTw3YyxOf6rZD7bdCkK7RxjsGVMHa4IucbgBoPWTXfMyIGq_xlHZxstgGY6U2tTuALJSvoKXlgNSufcsk-Xd1rQ9Hp93y3qeWz7OCKvdz9f9InCtqTCoipBtklE/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And that campground is Phipps Park in Stuart Florida.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Phipps Park is a county park - right on the
St Lucie Canal that flows from the Atlantic Ocean in Port St Lucie to Lake
Okeechobee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, yes – we’ve camped
here before but the campsites didn’t look like they do now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, the mammoth sites were deep and backed
up to a rough hedge row of palmettos and other small trees that lined the canal
– blocking the views of the peaceful river.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now the still ample sites are full of sun and include wide-open views of
the dark tannic water and the variety of boats that prowl the river.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now we can see the St Lucie Lock and dam
just to the west.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can see the wading
shorebirds and the fish that jump and tempt them!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The osprey that fly overhead, also!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just to the east of the campground is the Florida Turnpike and
past that is US 95 that runs from Maine to Miami!</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">It’s a new year!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s to hoping that we all have a healthy and happy one!</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Have trailer will travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127343312845706218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238377285738185163.post-84515766669882976742018-12-25T15:25:00.000-08:002019-03-18T15:58:39.404-07:00Merry Christmas
<br />
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4CFHARffu6amAxAj4yq48G2wqHnGZb52U3rk68MSRRJmr5ctldf6_0ard0uOYpQU5j8TYL9g68afpTJOAABYTRTIojtnwM0_tuzfC3dKB-1hJXMD6FlhNjBQvvLbmsOOekS5TvNiGtG-/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4CFHARffu6amAxAj4yq48G2wqHnGZb52U3rk68MSRRJmr5ctldf6_0ard0uOYpQU5j8TYL9g68afpTJOAABYTRTIojtnwM0_tuzfC3dKB-1hJXMD6FlhNjBQvvLbmsOOekS5TvNiGtG-/s400/017.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFC6Opp-WCu2r8BeeRoPYrxZL1ASZhdlwaiD7xW-jeuWHZ0DJArmRjRR1Fr9VKszL9ACm_bSOAjazCRw9FWDcUVPuh71xsc1_yonFJ7NpDmaec47bhJ-5q-4xVpXFknDwG5jtXUPulN54/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1110" data-original-width="1600" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFC6Opp-WCu2r8BeeRoPYrxZL1ASZhdlwaiD7xW-jeuWHZ0DJArmRjRR1Fr9VKszL9ACm_bSOAjazCRw9FWDcUVPuh71xsc1_yonFJ7NpDmaec47bhJ-5q-4xVpXFknDwG5jtXUPulN54/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<h1 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<em><span style="font-size: large;">To all of our Dear Friends – Our New Friends and Our Old Friends –</span></em></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">To our families in
Florida, Michigan, Ohio and all our family elsewhere –<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36zArDx9GwTPqwhzX2dRpF1ZHR0vWdSorwLIajTcuXK4p2EMUS8kLWHMI-Qc30LahsqjiN_J1wWLOBa2p131VSRswgzX5I2BitzXUefojRe4vIlzDActaimMDkC4GGvQhkNxbtaC7bLwd/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1133" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36zArDx9GwTPqwhzX2dRpF1ZHR0vWdSorwLIajTcuXK4p2EMUS8kLWHMI-Qc30LahsqjiN_J1wWLOBa2p131VSRswgzX5I2BitzXUefojRe4vIlzDActaimMDkC4GGvQhkNxbtaC7bLwd/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">We are sending our
warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas, a Safe and Warm Winter and the Happiest
of New Years!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDzF6Y4Zi_1ewDfiy-MrD9RFke6iAxnTzRIPiiM2h5GFTiLeTZazfgx5-yTO72tJSlhPNVn47X0V7cf7Dof48H2JMO5vd2l1KyYxZxSNRD206aQ3WVLhQOiSoinqtepvshNkVubvpmRFB/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDzF6Y4Zi_1ewDfiy-MrD9RFke6iAxnTzRIPiiM2h5GFTiLeTZazfgx5-yTO72tJSlhPNVn47X0V7cf7Dof48H2JMO5vd2l1KyYxZxSNRD206aQ3WVLhQOiSoinqtepvshNkVubvpmRFB/s320/015.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here are a few of our
favorite Christmas Pictures that we would like <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">To share with all of
you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Count these as our Christmas Cards
for you!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Just
remember:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>JESUS is the Reason for this
Season!</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></i></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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