A Little Day Trip

This morning both Dean and I were feeling really bad so we opted not to go to St. Augustine with Bill, Helen, Henry & Anne. We both wanted to go but the colds we have are nasty causing a lot of coughing and we didn't want to pass them along to anyone else.

By mid-morning we were feeling a little better and both of us had cabin, well, motorhome fever. We decided to take a afternoon drive to Micanopy, FL. We had been through here many years ago when forced off the interstate because of a accident and had to detour. I remembered it was a cute old town. On our way we saw a sign for the Yearling Restaurant and I remembered Helen mentioning something about it. The Yearling was a book written by Marjorie Kinnin Rawlings who lived in Cross Creek, FL. We followed the signs and ended up in Cross Creek. There is a very small but nice state park named after Rawlings along with the Yearling restaurant. Unfortunately it was not open for lunch. After driving around a little we got back on track to Micanopy hoping to find someplace there for lunch.

The drive took us past a lot of beautiful horse farms. It's a area of Florida most people fail to see because they are on the interstate heading to or from the theme parks. What a shame they miss some really beautiful scenery. Hugh oak trees with moss hanging almost to the street, banyan trees with their vines hanging down low and lots of native plants.

We arrived in Micanopy and it wasn't quite as I remembered, hmm, maybe it wasn't this town. Oh well, we were there and decided to look around. The town is very small and consists of one main street maybe two blocks long. Lots of large oaks with moss shade the old buildings, some of which date back to the 1800's. We did find two cafes. The first one was out of their lunch special so we went to the other one. Dean had chili and I had chicken salad. Very good! I even splurged and had a dip of chocolate peanut butter ice cream for dessert.

After our lunch, we walked the couple of blocks and discovered that all the shops are antique shops. We didn't go in any since we really are not into antiques but there certainly was a variety.

It was a nice afternoon out and I think we both feel a little better just having gotten out of the motorhome. The sun was shining and the temps were in the low 70's so I'm sure it didn't hurt us.

I did take a few pictures of the town and will get them posted in a short while. I also have posted the pictures from the trip on Saturday to Sleepy Hollow - the biker bar. Enjoy them!

Till next time....

It's been a week already since we arrived here at Wilderness RV Park. My how time does fly!


Last Saturday we rode with Bill & Helen to Floral City, FL for a afternoon at Sleepy Hollow, a biker bar. We met up with a bunch of other Escapee's that are staying in the vicinity. A highlight is that I finally got to meet Marcia & Joe. Marcia and I have chatted on Facebook for almost a year but every time we thought we might get close enough to each other to meet, it just didn't work out!

Sleepy Hollow is out in the boonies on what I would call a bayou/swamp. They were serving $5 steak dinners that included the steak, corn on the cob and a baked potato. Unfortunately, the day we were there it was so busy that they were cooking the steaks one way - what they called medium rare. Raw was more like it! Neither Dean or I ate our steak, just to bloody. Helen's was done more and I had a small piece of hers and it was really good tasting. What a shame that I couldn't get ours cooked more. Oh well.

If there was one, there was one hundred bikers there, coming and going. Dean and I walked the grounds looking at some really nice bikes. Met one biker who goes by Top Hat. Nice person along with his gal. I have pictures but can't post any right now - internet is to slow.

I forgot to mention that they had a live band with very loud music. The music it self was good if they would have just toned it down or maybe we had sat someplace more away from the stage. It made it very hard to communicate with others and I hate that cause I didn't really get a chance to talk to the other Escapees that were there. Maybe we'll meet again someplace.

When we returned home that afternoon, Anne and Henry had arrived. It is good seeing them again. I'm not sure how long they are staying here but I know at least a week. Should have some good times ahead with the six of us.

Dean has come down with a really nasty cold and it doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon. He stayed in Sunday and was feeling better yesterday so went along with Henry & Bill to Lowes and a few other places. Mistake! Today he is worse! We were supposed to go to a state park on the west coast to see the manatee's today but had to stay home. Oh well. I sure hope he gets over it soon!

Sunday Anne and I went grocery shopping - didn't do much else. Monday was laundry day for Anne and I did one load. All of us went out for chinese for dinner. It was good. It was a buffet so we had lots to choose from.

Tomorrow we are supposed to go to Daytona Beach to meet up with Ken and Sandy. I'm going even if Dean isn't up to it. It's been two years since we've seen them.

The weather hasn't been bad but not as warm as I would like. The high today is in the mid-sixties but there is a very cool wind blowing so it just doesn't feel warm. Soon I hope, Florida will begin to warm up.

Till next time - safe travels....

Wauchula to Silver Springs

This past Tuesday we drove about 150 miles north to visit our friends Bill and Helen in Silver Springs, FL. I know, north is not the direction that we want to go but fortunately it's still in Florida and the weather has really gotten quite nice. Anyway, we are staying at Wilderness RV Park where they own their lot. This park is divided into three sections, one is the original campground - the Village I think, the second is new - Town Park if I'm correct - and where Bill & Helen have their lot and we are staying in the newest part - the Preserve - a motorhome only area. Helen kids and says it's the "snob" area. I haven't encountered any yet but then there are only about 7 lots sold with motorhomes on them. The streets here are nice and wide along with the RV pads. We have full hook-ups and cable TV. Very nice place to park for a couple of weeks.

Tuesday night there was a chili cook-off which we attended. Helen had made a big crock pot full of chili but unfortunately, she didn't place. All the chili was good and it was hard to decide which to pick but I had to remain loyal to my friend.

Yesterday, they drove us around Silver Spring and into Ocala to acquaint us with where everything is. I think I like Ocala - lots of stores and most all the major ones. We ate lunch at Mimi's Cafe and then drove out in the country past John Travolta's estate. Darn, really couldn't see much from the road at all. Just a lot of ground and road - the house is very well hidden! No paparazzi pictures! I did take one of the entrance - he flies in and out, thus the name - Jumbolair.

After returning back to the park I decided it would be a good time to get caught up on laundry. I was going to do it before we left Wauchula but just didn't get it done. They have a really nice laundromat on the grounds and am glad I waited. I have decided that early evening is a good time to do laundry - no one else using the machines.

So there you have it - our first day here. I heard whispers about going to someplace on Sat. that serves a $5.00 steak dinner - also heard it's a biker bar! The seafood restaurant for Friday night was pointed out to us on the drive. I believe we are planning a pontoon boat ride after Henry and Anne get here along with going to see some manatee's. Helen says there is really a lot to do from the park. We are half way between the ocean and the gulf. What is next? I don't know, you will have to check back. I did post just a couple of pictures I took on the way here - enjoy. Till next time - stay safe....

We're In Florida

I'm past due on a update to this blog, I know. Well, here goes -

Tuesday morning we saw Jake & Nancy drive out of the park. They were headed to Orlando for several weeks during which they will be taking a 7 day cruise on the Liberty of the Seas - lucky them!!!

We spent Tuesday catching up with Henry & Anne - it has been over two years since we've seen them - wow how time flies when your having fun. We checked out the changes they have made to their motorhome, adding a desk area in the front, expanding the credenza in the dining area and having the mirror wardrobe doors removed and having wood ones put in. All the changes are very, very nice. I now want my mirror wardrobe doors taken out and wood one put in! I would also like to expand the credenza to add two file drawers so I don't have to tote the portable file box around. One other thing that they have had done while in Florida was replacing the fluorescent lighting with halogen spot lighting. I really like it and it was done locally so I'm thinking.....we may come back to Alabama with new lights!

Wednesday I went shopping with Anne. They are heading to Orlando tomorrow for a Trailer Life Directory convention. Anne & Henry work for them, grading the campgrounds that are listed in the directory - neat job! Anyway, she needed a dressy top. Well, there isn't much choice for shopping here in Wauchula but we were able to find one that is really pretty on Anne. I think she will be a knockout when she wears it!

We have gone out to eat just about every meal since we got here. The "in" restaurant in town in Paul's Kitchen. Breakfast is only $1.99 for two eggs, bacon or sausage, home fries & toast. Can't beat that price! Evening meals range around $8.99 but you get more food than you can eat!
We did try the Bread Basket one evening and it was not very good at all. Don't think I'll go back.

Wednesday night we played games with Anne & Henry. We had a lot of fun and laughed a lot!

Thursday morning, after a farewell to Henry & Anne, Dean & I took off for Tampa and the Super RV Show. I've been having some problems with my legs and was kind of worried how I would manage walking this show. I know from past experience that under normal circumstances your legs are tired after a day at the show and I knew mine would probably not hold up well. I used a cane and I was surprised, but it really helped! We really didn't want to look at the RVs but wanted to do both the vendor areas. Had to find out if there was something we just could not live without. Much to my surprise, we came out with just a couple small purchases and a free new tension rod for one of our MCD blinds. We even checked out the new Tiffin motorhomes and thankfully, I wasn't bitten by the "gotta have a new one" bug. As a matter of fact, I like my bus better than the new models except for the flooring. I hate the carpet! I would love to have tile throughout except maybe in the bedroom. Oh well, another thing for my list.....

It was almost 8pm till we got back to Wauchula from the show. Boy was I tired! And yes, my legs were beginning to hurt. A couple of Tylenol and some rest will help that!

Friday we didn't do much except clean the inside of the motorhome and wipe down the outside. Because Florida has a water shortage, there is a no RV washing policy in place. It sure does need a good washing but it will just have to wait. May get it done while we are in Montogmery in March. There is a guy that works at Capital City RV Park that does a good job washing RVs and is very reasonable. He has done our before and we were happy with the results.

Saturday we drove to Punta Gorda to meet Joel and Ava for lunch. They are not full timers but part-timers. Most winters find them in Florida to get out of the New Jersey cold and snow. Anyway, we met at Fisherman's Village which was a nice place with lots of little shops and places to eat. We chose Harpoon Harry's which overlooks the water, and was open air dining. It was a beautiful day with temps in the 70's and a slight breeze. Perfect for our choice. It was great seeing them again and catching up. We may get to meet with them one more time before they head back to NJ for the birth of their grandchild in mid-Feb. I sure hope so.

After saying farewell to Joel and Ava we decided to drive up the coast to check out a couple of Encore parks. We can stay at them for a reduced rate because of our 1000 Trails membership. Well, we stopped at two and I have to say that I wasn't impressed at all. Glad we looked before making reservations!

Driving back that afternoon from the Venice area I decided that all Florida county roads are straight and flat! Very boring drive except for the orange orchards, strawberry farms and tomato farms. We wondered as we drove how much that we saw was lost to the freezing that was here just a week ago. We passed many truck trailers loaded with oranges headed to the plant to become orange juice, so I guess many were saved from the weather. As you drive along you see oranges along the side of the road where they have fallen from the trucks. Reminds me of cotton pickin time in S. Alabama only then you see cotton balls by the road.

Yesterday was church day. We decided to be lazy most of the day and do nothing. We did go check out the SKP Co-op park about 3 miles from us and it is very nice. May try to come back and stay there, we'll see.

So now it is Monday, our last day here at Peace River. Will spend some time catching up on filing and making some phone calls. Was going to do laundry but have decided to wait until tomorrow or Wed. Nothing else planned except that I would like to go to Beall's. When there with Anne I saw some really cute pants and tops and I'd like to check them out.

Tomorrow we head back north to the Silver Springs area, near Ocala. We will be staying at Wilderness RV Park, where Bill and Helen own a lot. Looking forward to seeing them again - it's been awhile. Anne & Henry will be joining us this coming weekend. I'm sure I'll have lots to report on while at this park - Helen stays busy and I see a lot of leg ache in my future - LOL! Where's my Tylenol?

I will be posting a few pictures on Picasa from Punta Gorda. Haven't got back into the picture taking mode just yet.

So, there you have it, our first week in sunny warm Florida. Come on back in awhile and see if I've added anything new....

On The Road - Again!

SUNRISE AT PEACE RIVER, WAUCHULA, FL

It feels so good to be on the road again. Our trip that began last Saturday, the 9th of Jan., brought us to Florida - the one place I had said I didn't care if I ever went back to. Guess I'll have to eat those words.

We took our time with late starts and short driving distances. The first day we overnighted in Bonifay, FL at Florida Springs Campground. Not the best campground we've stayed at. It is one of those nickle and dime you to death campgrounds! But this is how you learn!

The second day we drove to Lake City, FL and stayed overnight at Oaks N Pines Campground. Much nicer experience. The sites were close but for a overnight or even a couple of nights it is a good park.

Yesterday, Monday January 11th - this would have been my Dad's 84th birthday - we drove to the Thousand Trails Peace River Park in Wauchula, FL. This was our longest day and ended up being even longer due to a accident on I-75 just north of the I-275 interchange. Traffic was at a dead stop about 2 or 3 miles back and when we got to the interchange they had I-75 closed and forced us to head to N. Tampa. Well, that added about a hour travel time for the day - and through town and lots and lots of traffic lights which always seemed to be red for us!

Funny how one incident can just make a perfect travel day go sour. I thought we would never arrive at Peace River but finally at 4 something we arrived. We were told to select a electric/water site for the night and there would be a lottery tomorrow for the electric/water/sewer sites. Oh well, we will manage. Two really nice things about this park is that our friends Anne & Henry, whom we haven't seen in over 2 years are here along with Nancy & Jake who we saw last fall in Ohio and NY. It is so nice to pull into a park and see old friends.

As we were setting up in our site, we had one jack that decided it wasn't going down! About this time Henry came over and he and Dean began check out why. I decided to go back to the ranger station to tell them what site we had taken and when I got back to the motorhome there were Henry, Jake & Dean working on the jack. Anne and Nancy were standing talking and I joined them. I figured the men can handle the man stuff!!! Seems that they hyd. fluid tank or whatever it is called was almost empty. Thankfully Henry had some fluid and Jake had a hose/funnel and they were able to get fluid in the tank. Now we are sitting on all four jacks - yea. Thanks so much guys for helping Dean. Not sure he would have known what to do. (Another story for another time).

After the guys got cleaned up the six of us went to Pauls Restaurant in Wauchula and we treated them to a delicious meal. Talk about way to much food though. I ordered the Country Fried Chicken and it came with 2 large chicken breasts, mashed potato's, mixed veggies, lentil (that's bean) soup, hot home made bread and their speciality - a spicy rice. We all had leftovers which we brought home - lunch today!

We had a really great time catching up with our friends and are looking forward to seeing them again during our stay in Florida. Nancy and Jake are leaving this morning for Orlando and a 7 night cruise on Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas - lucky them! Anne and Henry will be here until Thursday then they also head to Orlando for some business meetings. They rate campgrounds for Trailer Life. Neat job - huh?

We have more friends we hope to catch up with while in Florida - Ava & Joel, Bill & Helen, Ken & Sandy and Susan & Jack. Looking forward to seeing them all I hope! That's the fun part of rv'ing - catching up with old friends. Of course making new ones also.

I don't have a clue what we will be doing this coming week while here at Peace River except one day we are going back to Tampa to the Super RV Show for the day. No we are not looking to buy another motorhome, just want to check out the vendors and see if there is something we just can't live without!

So there you are, caught up for now. I'm back and will be posting here again as things happen, so please come back once in a while and check on us. Safe travels all.....