Sunday Feb 26 - We were wrong. The party raged on until after 10. These folks have stamina, starting at 4 in the afternoon and going on that late. Lots of hilarity heard from our site, and a lot of good music played. Not like us to miss a good party, but the timing wasn't right, as they all seemed to know each other, and it's hard to crash a party when the folks are already in their groups and enjoying their food (at 4:30 in the afternoon...we weren't quite primed for dinner that early).

Anyway, I'm sure if we were here for any length of time, we'd be right into the social thing, as the folks we've encountered are very friendly. Pickle ball, anyone?

It's a beautiful day, so we'll hang out here, getting some laundry done, loitering around the pool, getting our t.v. set up so we can watch the Academy Awards tonight. We have to hook up a box in order to access cable, so hopefully that can be accomplished without screwing up our regular cable. One of the challenges of r.v.ing.

Hope everyone back home has a nice Sunday. More later. Stay tuned.

Saturday, Feb 25 - Just a quick note to let you know we are checked in at Club Naples. We're a few miles from downtown, out in the boonies, but it's a nice park, so it's fine. We came across Alligator Alley, and actually saw three gators at one of the nature stops. I think they were swimming over to where we were standing hoping for a treat.

We enjoyed our park at Lake Worth, as the bike trail is really fine. I did it 6 times in the four days we were there, and Gail did 4 circuits. So we got a good work-out on the bikes. Gail became captivated by the numerous iguanas along the way, and will no doubt send a picture. Or if I can figure out how to do it on the blog, I'll post one, as they are very handsome critters.

This park is full of northern Americans and a lot of Canadians, quite a few of the latter from Ontario. Most are here for the season, and enjoy socializing, we gather, as there's a sizable block party going on just down from us. We may wander over later. But I have to say, staying in Florida r.v. parks is a little like being in a retirement home. Guess that's not surprising, as the folks staying here are all retired. Lots of organized activities in this park, everything from pickleball to bingo to mah jong. Necessary if you're here for four or five months. We're not at that stage yet. Maybe some day. After all, we're not spring chickens anymore. But I think Texas and Arizona are more appealing, so that's probably where we 'll go next trip south.

We have three full days here, then move up to Largo. We'll do a couple of day trips, perhaps to Marco Island and to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. The party down the way was just getting started when we arrived at about 4. God knows when it'll end...maybe as late as 8? It's rockin'.

More later. Stay tuned.

Thursday, Feb 23 - We have lost our immunity...to rain. We like to 'brag', although being humble folk, I hesitate to use that verb, that we somehow never get rained on when we do our road trips. That ended yesterday. Almost two inches of the stuff dampened our day, and our spirits just a little as well. But today has been beautiful, so no complaints.

We are now in a park that we like a lot, a County park in Lake Worth. Situated on Lake Osborne, we have a 10 mile bike trail that runs around this long narrow lake. Birds are in abundance. I managed to do the circuit yesterday before the rain, while Gail took it easy, a bit under the weather for some reason. Today, we did it twice, for a total of 36 kms. Doesn't show on our fitbit, but let it be known we deserve solid fives on our little screen.

Neat things, from a nature point of view. Last night we were doing a walk-around after the rain stopped, and found a large horned owl, perched up in a tree not far from us. He attracted quite a lot of attention, so moved over to near our site, where we found him again. Loved to hear his soft hooting, so a treat to see and hear.
And today, we saw a number of iguanas along the shore of the lake, out sunning their impressive 5 foot lengths. Most of the five feet consists of a long tail, but they were fun to peer at. They didn't  mind, but if we got too close, they scurried into their bushes with great speed.

We're here two more nights, and then move over to the west coast, where we're booked in for four nights in a site near Naples. First time we've stayed in that area. I spent all afternoon yesterday doing research as to where we might plan to stay for the next 3 weeks, as we're finding the r.v. parks very busy, some with no room whatsoever. So we're going to have to book earlier that normal, for us. No deals either, as there are no discounts in the first three months of the year at most places.

We finished our visit with our friends in Kissimmee in high style. We had a fine time at the Wards for dinner on Sunday, and did a nice walk on Monday with Donnie and Pat at Celebration, followed by a pizza dinner at their condom, with the Wards. Worked out just great, and was good to see our good friends. We really appreciated their warm hospitality.

No t.v. here, so we're blessed with no news about the Donald. We were in the check-in center upon arrival here, and an older woman was angrily holding forth about how much it has cost Palm County because the Pres insists on coming to West Palm almost every week. When he comes, they have to shut down the County airport, which is nearby, for security reasons. A helicopter company has had to move to another airport. And it's cost the County nearly a million dollars in lost revenue. Donald does leave a wake as he cruises along.

That's enough. Glad Evie Forsyth's remarkable mother has done so well with her surgery. At 99 years of age, she is something else. Stay tuned.

Sunday, Feb. 19 - Clad in forest green, with staves and bows at the ready, here we are in the Sherwood Forest R.V. Resort, in Kissimmee. You'd think we'd have been assigned a site on Friar Tuck Way, or Maid Marian Trail, but instead...Peanut Lane. Good place for a couple of nuts, I guess. No doubt this large park, located not far from Disney World, was named to sort of fit in with the fantasy of the area. Anyway, it has a pool and a hot tub and a workout room, with reasonable facilities, so no complaints, except it's almost twice what we pay elsewhere. Close proximity to the Disney empire is no doubt the reason. Lots of Canadians here in this park.
We are here mainly to see friends, so very happily met Donnie and Patricia for dinner last night. Had a fine time at a place called Chili's, where Donnie, in his usual fashion, was well schooled in the bargains to be had there. Three course meal for 10 bucks. He was very happy. Also, drinks were 2 for 1, which made it even better. Lots of catching up was done, and it was great to see the two of them enjoying the Florida lifestyle. They have been staying in RCI facilities, moving every week or two, enjoying the change each time. All stays have been around this area, and when you total up the cost, Donnie is happy that he's paying a lot less than if you rented a condo or a house or even a double-wide. Always looking for good deals. Generally finding them.
Today we will go to Steve and Kathy's for dinner with Donnie and Pat, and tomorrow hopefully (President's Day Monday) all 6 of us will find a place for dinner in Celebration, the only locale in this area we really like. The rest is all freeways, busy streets, shopping malls, and so on, but Celebration has nice walking trails, and a pleasant market area with good restaurants.
All of that done, we'll be out of here on Tuesday, hopefully finding a spot at a County Park in the Lake Worth area that we've stayed at before. Lots of birds and good bike trails.
Watched a bit of Fox News last night, and continue to be amazed at the split that now exists in the U.S. Watch the left channels, like CNN, and what's happening is a disaster, almost laughable if it weren't so tragic. Watch Fox, and all is great, with the left media totally out to lunch, noses out of joint because they don't have the same privileges with the White House as before. Trump is already running a campaign for 2020, as witnessed yesterday by his rally here in Florida. He loves being on center stage. Time will tell how all of this plays out.
Meanwhile, we shall continue on our way, footless and fancy. No...footloose and fancyfree. Meantime, enjoy the warm temps at home. Stay tuned.

Thursday, Feb 16 - Finally we have wifi in our campsite. It's been five days since our last intimate conversation, one way though it be, You'll be amazed to learn that we're still in Georgia. Although our sort-of destination has been Florida, where it's warmer than anywhere, we're still here one state north. Why, you ask? We like this area. Simple as that.
We had such great weather that we extended our stay at Skidaway for three more days, finally leaving this morning after a week there. Quiet, good hikes, good biking, and warm weather for the most part. Only a little bit of rain, but mostly clear blue skies. Truth is, we're finding a lot of people don't go south of Georgia, because they like the temperate climate here. Some just find Florida too darned hot.
We did a trip into Savannah on Tuesday, and had a nice day. First we visited a a Wildlife Center, east of the city, which was pleasant, as it involved a nice walk, and several species that are housed here because they have limiting injuries. Cougar, bobcat, some raptors, a couple of bison, some lovely white-tails, that sort of thing .It's owned and operated by the local school district, so is ideal for classes, some of which we encountered. Lovely children, friendly and polite. Just like at home.

Then into the city. Walked through several of the famous squares, then along the waterfront, and finally had a bite and a beer on a little balcony at Lizzies Bar and Grill, right on River Street. Watched a huge ocean-going container ship pass right by. Didn't remember, but Savannah is one of the busiest ports on the east coast, only ranking second behind the combined ports of New York and New Jersey.
Bought Gail a hat in a neat upstairs second time around clothing emporium in Savannah. Was served by a person of uncertain gender. When the transaction was completed, I said "Thank you, sir". Going down the stairs, it suddenly struck me that using the word  'sir' was not good. I wasn't sure if he's a he about to become a she, or a she about to become a he, or what. He/she had beautifully painted finger nails, and although somewhat feminine in voice and manner, had the appearance of maleness. Very confusing for we old people. Next time, I'll just say, "Thank you very much".

We headed south on route 17 this morning, avoiding trucky I95, and reaching the entrance to Jekyl Island, decided to have a look. We're still here, camped at the State campground. Only for one night, as they're booked solid for the week-end. If there's a cancellation, we'll stay the week-end, as it's quite a delightful place. We had lunch at the poshy Jekyll Island Club, and did about 18 kms. of biking along the very nice trails that circle the island. Great beaches here. There are even a few Canucks camped here, one from Belleville, we noted from the  Bayview Subaru insignia on his vehicle.

About how things are under Trump!! We watch CNN every evening, and find Breaking News at 10 with Don Lemon as exciting as a soap opera, only somewhat more significant. One thing after another. We haven't talked to many people, but met a delightful 93 year old while having lunch. She didn't say much about Trump, but said the country definitely needed a change after that last 8 years, to get the country out of the Washington trough. So there! She should know, as she and her husband only reluctantly voted for Franklin D Roosevelt after he created massive restructuring jobs and made people work for their welfare.  One state, two states in the Middle East? Whatever they want, that's fine with me, said the Donald. Nettanwhatshisface couldn't believe his ears. Neither could we! By the way, all liberals should check in on Fox News once in awhile, just to realize there is another side that thinks the Donald is great, and all the lefties are a crock! Keeps you balanced.
That's it. Stay tuned. More later, sometime.

Feb 11 - Four days since we last posted an entry. Sorry about that, faithful readers, but we haven't had internet for most of that time. We are now at one of our favorite places, Skidaway Island State Park, just south of Savannah, Georgia. We stayed here last  trip for a few days, and decided it would be a good place to set up again for a breather from the interstates. Trucks, trucks, trucks on all of the interstates, and while they are generally very courteous, one gets tired of the constant stream of big rigs. They're either right in front of you or right on your tail, so it means vigilence is necessary all the time, when you're driving an r.v.
At any rate, the trip so far has been just fine. We had wonderful weather on Wednesday in the south of Virginia, so weren't in a hurry to move on. We found a very nice County park at Rock Hill, NC, on Wednesday, on a lovely lake, so enjoyed the evening there. Getting there, we did a diversion up onto the Blue Ridge Parkway for about 30 miles. It truly is a ridge, offering wonderful views of the valleys below on both sides. The valley to the west is the Great Valley, a broad area that extends from New England all the way to Georgia. It was formerly the old Indian trail that settlers heading this way traversed to get to their new homes.
We found some neat little roads along the ridge, especially "Off the Beaten Path" and "Dog Town Lane". We also saw a work gang of local convicts, guarded by a hefty looking gal totin' a mean lookin' rifle. Three lovely white tail deer further along the way offset that rather sad image.
But back to the interstate, Wednesday, and Thursday, enjoying cheap gas in North Carolina, at $1.85 per gallon. Contrast that with $2.65 in Pennsylvania. This time we enjoyed staying on route 81 all the way down to Roanoke, where we picked up 77 over to Columbus, then down to Columbia, where we remembered a recent trip going north on a secondary route, 301/321, so we took it all the way to the I95. Passed through towns named Norway, Sweden and Denmark, the latter the most prosperous of the 3. We stopped for a bit in front of a little war memorial further along, made up of a marker listing all of the veterans of WW 1 and WW2. Very nice. Beside it was an equally sizable marker listing all of the African Americans who had served in the very same wars. A little example of segregation in the south?
There are some nice trails here in the park, so after surviving a low temp of plus 2 Thursday night, we awoke to a pleasant day, and did about 6 miles of trails yesterday. Today, we rode our bikes hither and yon around the very upscale settlement that makes up the residential component of Skidaway. First day total: 24 kms. We had a nice lunch in the local pub, and being bears for punishment, then went on a 3 mile walk on the trails. Not many birds this year, although yesterday we did see a red-headed woodpecker and a piliated, so it was okay.\
We're here until Monday, and aren't really sure where we'll go next. Today was plus 25, and tomorrow the same, so happy to be here for the week-end. Monday..? Who knows. Stay tuned!

Feb 7 - With the weather being so nice, we felt no urgency to get on the road today. Slept til 8, and didn't get away until nearly 10. We didn't have any particular destination in mind, so took our time, and rambled along. We decided to follow our good friend Raymond Brant's advice, and so stayed on 81 rather than going across to 95 via 66. Get those numbers I'm throwin' around. Almost think I know where we're going.
When we got to Staunton, Virginia, we stopped for lunch at a place called Country Cookin'. We only wanted a light lunch, soup and crackers, but we were not to be let off that easily. Full unlimited salad bar, which included a whole lot of stuff, including a chili soup, tons of veggies, hot veg dishes, desserts, for only $6.95. But get this. You could also order a meat dish, like chicken, liver and onions, and so on, which also gets you access to the full unlimited salad bar. And all that for $7.95. Only a dollar more. Go figure!! If this is typical of what the normal restaurant patron is exposed to when confronting a menu, it's little wonder there is a major problem with obesity. Being virtuous, we stuck with salad bar only, and were reasonably modest in our selections. I did take a couple of cookies and a brownie with me for later. Weaknesses are hard to guard against.
Weather did nothing but improve. By the time we got to Natural Bridge, still in Virginia, the temp was in the range of 25C. So Gail found a KOA r.v. park that is open year round, and here we are, second day on the road, still in Virginia, and already set up in the r.v. Gotta love it.
Before we set up, we went up to the nearby State Park, and did a very nice walk to see the natural bridge. Quite an awesome sight, high above the rather modest river that created it over the centuries, Also did a nice one mile walk up to Lace Waterfall. Very nice area, once owned by Thomas Jefferson, who bought it for about 3 bucks. George Washington did the original survey, and left his initials on the rock wall under the bridge, but we couldn't find his etching, so have to take the word of the park officials that the GW is actually there.
A good day. Who knows how far we'll get tomorrow, although the temp is going down rather drastically after tomorrow. Better get a move on.

February 6 2017

We're back on the road again. After the debacle of a 51st Super Bowl, the result of which shockingly left me on the short end of various wagers, we hit the road today. Looming in the west is a rather severe sounding ice storm, coming in tonight and lasting up to 12 hours. Could be some power shortages as a result.
So we beat it out of the County, on the road with the person who loves to sleep in at an amazing time of 6:30 a.m. We headed for the 6:30 ferry, and found it backed up, to the point that we didn't get on. Who would have guessed that so many people were up so early?
Result: we went around the other way, hit the border, after a short visit to the Duty Free, only to find no line up. We drove right up, and were through in 30 seconds. Never happened before.
The rest of the day was spent on route 81. Steady as she goes, to exceed our goal of Harrisburg, coming on to Chambersburg PA, not far from the Maryland border. Weather was good...only a couple of light snow squalls, and once we cleared Scranton, no more snow to be seen on the ground.
It's plus 9 this evening, so hopefully the ice storm will be well north of us. We had dinner at a typical American steak house, and met a lovely server named Jesi, who is a graduate of linguistics. She was lovely, sharing our views of Trump in a very insightful way. Lovely girl.
Good start. We feel like we're on holidays. At our stage of life, it's all a holiday. Lucky us.