Yesterday we moved the coach from Fort Lauderdale to a small campground in Lake Worth, so we are now closer to our friends and the neighborhood where we lived.
Since we were moving the coach, I decided to change the transmission filter which is recommended service at 5,000 miles. After spending about two hours at a local Allison Transmission dealer, we took the turnpike to avoid the crazy drivers on I-95 and the drive was uneventful.
Greg and Peter stopped by to see the coach and catch up on old times. Both seem to be doing well despite various career and family challenges. Pete proudly talked about his growing family and the birth of his second child. Greg is doing well in his new job. I hope to see both again before we leave the area.
Tomorrow, we’re leaving for two days in Key West. We have never been there are are looking forward to the trip.
The main objective of our South Florida visit was to renew the close friendships with the many neighbors and former co-workers we knew in the area. Over the two week period, we visited with Luis and Adriana, Lisa and Brad, Sheila and Terry, Nick and Barbara, Jack and Joanie, Jerry, Anne and Richard, Larry and Toby, Al and Marilyn and others. There were many fine meals and hours of conversation. We very much enjoyed spending time with each to catch up on the past three years and share plans for the future. Certainly, the personal details should not be part of this site, but Jeanne and I were very pleased to find that without exception, everyone was doing well and moving ahead with their lives.
Marty in a pair of his new glasses that make him look really cool. The glasses have prescription inserts on the inside.
Luis tending bar at his pub.
Luis next to his sleek new car in front of his pub.
We also wanted to catch up on some health-related items. Due to the busy schedule in the weeks leading up to our leaving Los Angeles, we missed long-overdue visits to the dentist and optometrist. We made contact with the health providers we used while living in South Florida and set appointments that we really weren’t looking forward to keeping.
The trip to the dentist was full of unexpected news. Apparently, while we were living in Los Angeles, the Florida dentist bought a new machine that uses a laser to find cavities that will not show up through traditional x-ray or visual inspection methods. Every time the machine beeps, it finds a cavity and we get to make a contribution to the dentist’s retirement fund. After not having any cavities since 1972, the dentist found four (small ones) in me and three in Jeanne. I also need additional cleaning. Needless to say, the trip to the dentist turned into a three week series of appointments, none of which was pleasant. However, our teeth are now as clean and sharp as they have ever been.
The trip to the optometrist resulted in the purchase of several pair of glasses for both of us. This was the doctor that initially warned Jeanne of retinal problems and he is also the only optometrist to ever write us a good prescription. We didn’t want to miss the opportunity to solve the glasses problem. He also had a new machine that uses a laser to digitally image the retina. He performed the procedure on Jeanne and we now have a digital record to share with retinal specialists if the need arises.
We had a visit from Ron and Mary Fennell, who were on their way through the eastern part of the country and headed for the Florida Keys. We very much enjoyed their stay and hope to meet up with them again on our travels.
Finally, we just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to visit Bass Pro Shop before leaving the area. Not having room for any more toys, we ended up with clothes and shoes.
With the errands done, we are looking forward to moving the coach to the Boynton Beach area where we will be closer to our friends.
We crossed the state on Alligator Alley, the famous flat, straight section of interstate that crosses the heart of the Everglades. Nothing here but gators, snakes, birds and miles of cypress swamps.
Getting off the interstate in Fort Lauderdale, we took a wrong turn and almost jackknifed the rig trying to get turned around. It was the closest we came to disaster since starting on our trip. Once we got going in the right direction, the campground was easy to find. Pulling into the campground, we were greeted by an over flight of the Blue Angels who were scheduled to perform at the Fort Lauderdale air show that weekend. Very exciting.
Although the campground itself was clean and secure, it quickly became clear that it was located in an older part of town and running through the local neighborhood could turn into a chase of sorts. I would have to find another venue for my workouts.
The final days in Fort Myers were uneventful. Our morning workout was followed by a refreshing dip in the pool. We made one more trip to Camping World to get awning tie-downs and plastic drinking glasses.
While cleaning the motorhome, it became clear the small hand-held vacuum just wasn’t going to get the job done. In a moment of frustration, we went to Sears and bought an industrial strength vacuum that almost pulls the carpet off the floor. It more than meets our vacuum specification.
The rest of our time was spent relaxing at the coach and keeping the poolside furniture pointed toward the sun. We are looking forward to our stay on the other side of the state.
The day started with a short workout and dip in the pool. Even though it was morning and still relatively cool, the heat and humidity were building. The pool was especially refreshing.
There is a Camping World in Fort Myers and we decided it was time to replace the front lawn. We had been using the same piece of indoor/outdoor carpet for over ten years and, in accounting terms, it was fully depreciated. While shopping, we got into a conversation with a couple who is on the verge of buying their first coach to full-time. They had the same questions and concerns we did and it was fun to share our experience with them.
In the afternoon, we visited the Edison and Ford winter houses. The Edison property was more interesting since it included the gardens and laboratory. Of special interest were the many species of plants Edison planted on the property, many of which had truly unique characteristics. Several pictures were taken, which the reader is encouraged to view.
Spending the afternoon at the Edison house.
Jeanne in front of giant Banyon tree at Edison property.
Wider view of giant Banyon tree.
Edison house where family spent winter in Fort Myers.
Winter home of the Edison neighbors, the Ford family.
Jeanne and the Bipolar Generator.
Manufacturer plate from Bipolar Generator.
Early phonograph on display.
After visiting the Edison house, we returned to the coach for an early dinner and to plan the next few days.
The drive to Fort Myers was uneventful. After a short drive over country roads it was interstate all the way.
The campground is named Shady Acres Travel Park and is somewhat set back from the Tamiami Trail, which is a major highway through the area. The place looks deserted but a quick discussion with the park management confirmed most of the snowbirds recently departed. On one day in early April, over 30 rigs left the park heading north.
Setting up the site, the first thing we got going was the air conditioners. It was 92 in the shade and the air had the feeling of a hot, wet wool blanket. There is no doubt we’re back in South Florida, but at least we know what to expect this time.
Checking in, our mail was waiting for us. We were surprised at how few letters there were and it appears we finally got the mail problem under control. When it comes to mail, less is more.
After making a few phone calls to the family, we turned in for the night.
Exploring the area, we found there are three rivers in the area that provide access to the Gulf. There has been much development and the rivers are lined with homes, marinas, restaurants and resorts. The place is much too developed for our tastes.
Alligator quietly waiting for a meal at wildlife way station at Homosassa, Florida.
A trip to Florida would not be complete without these.
One day we went to the nearby Homosassa Wildlife Preserve, which is noted for its animal rescue activities. Most of the displays were new and included many of the native species of mammals, fish, birds and reptiles. Especially interesting was the “Fish Bowl”, which is a viewing structure submerged in a natural spring where you get the feeling of being right with the fish and manatee.
The rest of our stay was mostly spent exploring the area and lazing around the pool, reading and looking forward to moving on.
The drive was a short 80 miles and the weather was perfect.
There is no doubt that we are in South Florida. The countryside has changed to something tropical. The woods here are a dense tangle of pines, oaks, palms and vines and the air has a heavy feel.
We were expecting something relatively remote, but were surprised to find the area was somewhat developed with a mix of old, very old and new. There is a feeling that the region is right on the edge of big-time development.
The campground looks marginal. It looks like the season is over and many campsites look like they were heavily used, recently abandoned and wanting for maintenance. The staff looks busy and I have no doubt they will straighten up the place over the summer.
During the night, we were awakened twice by a very noisy truck that appeared to be driving along the road outside the campground. A morning inquiry revealed it was the “Bug Truck” the county uses to spray for various flying parasites. The driver lives in the park and gives the area a double dose each month.
What a nice place! The campground (Suwannee River Hideaway) we are staying at is about two miles outside of town (a small town) and about a half mile off of the paved road. The campground is a family business and is well attended and thoughtfully laid out. The place shows real pride of ownership. To get to the river, the owners have constructed a 1,500 foot-long elevated walkway over wetlands, which is a marvel of backyard engineering. The surprisingly well engineered and maintained boardwalk is a nature walk of sorts through and over the swamp.
Picture of Suwannee River from campground dock at end of walkway.
Jeanne relaxing under the awning reading and using the computer.
Picture of 1,500 foot walkway over wetlands to bank of Suwannee river.
Wildlife close up of dragonfly with bent wing.
Indian marker with gliphs near natural spring.
Fried catfish for dinner.
Nearby, Jeanne found a quilt museum. It turned out that the museum is self-supported by locals and is located way outside of Chiefland in the middle of cattle country. The building was impressive and the construction labor was and is supplied by juvenile prisoners. Jeanne enjoyed the exhibits and I inspected the building.
Our second weekend, a local Good Sam rally pulled into the campground and the place was almost full. We made some new friends and learned that several were involved with competitive BBQ competitions. After a long discussion regarding the foods prepared, equipment, entry fees, judging, secret recipes, etc, we now have a healthy respect for BBQ competitions and realize people take this very seriously. Bill gave us a sample of his award winning chili that we have quietly resting in the freezer for the right opportunity. We very much enjoyed talking with our new friends, Bill, Nina, Jim and Beth and hope to see them again sometime.
One day was spent driving to Gainesville for internet access, dinner and a look at the area. We really like it around here and will seriously consider either Dixie or Levy county as a place to settle.
The campground was a good location for our workout. After the weights and pilates, the access road between the campground and highway was perfect for running since it was flat, shaded and sheltered from the wind.
Tomorrow, we head south; our next stop is Homosassa.
The weather cleared and we spent our first day exploring the area.
After scouting out a perfect fishing location we traveled to Chiefland, which is a small town nearby with a Walmart Supercenter. On the way back, we stopped at the Manatee Springs State Park and were surprised to find a huge natural spring that emptied into the Suwannee river. There was lots of wildlife there and we saw a manatee, turtles, fish and even a few snakes. We ended up spending several hours walking around the grounds and along walkways through the cypress swamps.
Jeanne at Levy County Quilt Museum.
Wide view of Quilt Museum building built by prison labor in the middle of nowhere.
Natural spring at Manatee Springs State Park. Picture captures only some of the deep blue color of water. Note rippling water caused by natural spring.
Jeanne on walkway at Manatee Springs with jungle-like vegetation in background.
Log with six turtles sunning themselves.
Look closely -- there is a manatee close to the surface in this picture.
Jeanne contemplating the Suwannee River.
Our second day here was spent very quietly. After our workout and light lunch at a (the) local cafe, Jeanne was assigned to laundry detail and I was assigned to catching dinner. Jeanne was successful with the laundry but I came away empty handed after doing so well catching crappie the previous evening near the campground. How quickly things change and we were forced to have steak fajitas for dinner.
