DECEMBER 28, Thursday, sunny
We were up at 6 a.m. today and packed and ready to go by 8:30. Said our goodbye to our neighbors and our Ontario friends came over to say their goodbyes. Good bunch of people. Hope to see them in the future
We left at 8:45, followed hwy 78 then 80 to I-75, south to exit 140 to "Ft-Myers Axles & Springs". Had them checked the left rear wheel and they suggested to raise the spring bracket however this would take two days and cost $1400. We said we would think about this.
Left and headed north on I-75 to Ruskin and our new campground, Hide-Away RV resort near Tampa on the "Little Manatee River". Cost was $112 for 6 nights through our membership with AOR/ACN. After paying we left and headed to "Tampa Spring & Axle" shop to get a second opinion. After much discussion, he said that we didn't really need the repairs but if we wanted them it would cost approx.$800 (a 600$ difference). He suggested I call Monaco and get their opinion which I did once we returned back to our site. Typical Monaco, they never called back.
We had dinner and then got a call from our friends in Mexico via SKYPE...we are connected to WIFI. Had a bad connection so decided to try again tomorrow.
N 27*41' W 82*27' Alt: 17 feet; Distance today: 396 Km (includes all the run around)
DECEMBER 29, Friday, sunny
Watched the sunrise this morning at 7:29 a.m. The forecast is for a warm day. The truck is empty with only 30 miles to go according to its internal computer so went to fuel. Found one garage and put 11 gal @ 2.65 then went to another, a couple blocks away and filled the rest @ 2.59 for 14 gallons, which means I only had about 4-5 gallons left
We went to the Tampa Bay power plant where the warm water discharge attracts hundreds of manatees. They had an observation platform with all the tourist souvenirs of course but FREE admittance. We spent about 3/4 hour there observing them swimming around and playing. They are fairly big and very slow. I see why they call them sea cows!
On the return trip, we found COSTCO and a shopping mall. Bought much needed bulk stuff and Val bought a new pair of slippers.
We've been guided all day by our new GPS, a Garmin Street Pilot C330 and I tell you that it has saved us a lot of headache. It has a very sexy commanding voice and for a while, I call her "Hooter" but Val decided that was not approrpiate so we came up with "MISS DAISIE" So everyone, meet:
"KENZIE" our Fifth-Wheel
"MISS DAISIE" our GPS Street Pilot
"BIG BERTHA: our F350 Ford
Came home and had BBQ steaks for dinner then called our friends in Mexico. Got a connection and talked to Steve, Lynden and Charlie, Craig and Cathy. It was good to hear them and it really makes want to be there.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
December 25 to 27, 2006
DECEMBER 25, Monday, cloudy, rain
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!! We called our kids today and it made us home sick.
This morning we are on a tornado watch until 5 p.m. wonderful. It is miserable out there. Dark clouds, heavy rain and cooler.
We went to the hall for a smorg. dinner set up by everyone here at the campsite. Lots to eat and a very nice turkey, mash potatoes, ham and all sorts of veggys and salads. PIGGED OUT!!
Was hoping the gang in Mexico would call on the Skype but I guess they had troubles or were having too good of a time to remember!! :-)
DECEMBER 26, Tuesday, cloudy
Rain and more rain! It's getting boring. The tornado never materialized yesterday but apparently, it did touch down North of here.
Installed the "SPRING BAR" on the tail gate. It is a torq bar which eases lifting the tail gate. AND IT WORKS! I can now close the tailgate with only two fingers instead of both hands, and every muscles I could mustered. Also installed a new speedo meter on the bike and downloaded some pictures from the camera.
DECEMBER 27, Wednesday, SUNNY! YIPPEE
Finally sunshine! This morning we are getting to leave. Filled the truck put air int he tires, checked our e-mail and I am bringing the blog to date.
Tomorrow, we leave for Ruskin, about 100 miles form here. I sure hope they have WIFI
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!! We called our kids today and it made us home sick.
This morning we are on a tornado watch until 5 p.m. wonderful. It is miserable out there. Dark clouds, heavy rain and cooler.
We went to the hall for a smorg. dinner set up by everyone here at the campsite. Lots to eat and a very nice turkey, mash potatoes, ham and all sorts of veggys and salads. PIGGED OUT!!
Was hoping the gang in Mexico would call on the Skype but I guess they had troubles or were having too good of a time to remember!! :-)
DECEMBER 26, Tuesday, cloudy
Rain and more rain! It's getting boring. The tornado never materialized yesterday but apparently, it did touch down North of here.
Installed the "SPRING BAR" on the tail gate. It is a torq bar which eases lifting the tail gate. AND IT WORKS! I can now close the tailgate with only two fingers instead of both hands, and every muscles I could mustered. Also installed a new speedo meter on the bike and downloaded some pictures from the camera.
DECEMBER 27, Wednesday, SUNNY! YIPPEE
Finally sunshine! This morning we are getting to leave. Filled the truck put air int he tires, checked our e-mail and I am bringing the blog to date.
Tomorrow, we leave for Ruskin, about 100 miles form here. I sure hope they have WIFI
Sunday, December 24, 2006
December 20 to 24, 2006
This is a summary of the last 4 days as not much has happenned. We are basically in a routine now and getting ready for Christmas.
It has been humid, hot and very uncomfortable the last few days. Today, the 24th, it is 80*F at 10 a.m. and very muggy. Cloudy with the odd shower, as a matter of fact, it is rainig now as I am writing this.
We took a drive around lake Okeechobee on the 20th and found that the north and east side is much more scenic. This lake is the second largest lake in the U.S. just to give you an idea of the size of it. It took over 4hours to go around including all the stops we made.
On Friday we met with some people we met here and had a happy hour with them. It was fun.
We went into Ft Myers yesterday and did some shopping at Camping World....always a "bad" place for me. It's like a kid in a candy store, I can't resist. Proof.....I bought me a Street Pilot C330 for $350. We also bought a checker game for the evenings. Did some shopping for Val but she didn't find what she was looking for. Always bought some needed groceries and much wine to last us over Christmast.
Tomorrow, we are going to a dinner here at the camp resort. It is a potluck but I am sure it will be fun. Also have to caught up to all the e-mail we have received. It is not fun doing this in the truck as the library is closed (sunday)
Anyway, We would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and may Santa be good to all. Will try to write more before we leave but if not, we will catch up once we are in Tampa.
It has been humid, hot and very uncomfortable the last few days. Today, the 24th, it is 80*F at 10 a.m. and very muggy. Cloudy with the odd shower, as a matter of fact, it is rainig now as I am writing this.
We took a drive around lake Okeechobee on the 20th and found that the north and east side is much more scenic. This lake is the second largest lake in the U.S. just to give you an idea of the size of it. It took over 4hours to go around including all the stops we made.
On Friday we met with some people we met here and had a happy hour with them. It was fun.
We went into Ft Myers yesterday and did some shopping at Camping World....always a "bad" place for me. It's like a kid in a candy store, I can't resist. Proof.....I bought me a Street Pilot C330 for $350. We also bought a checker game for the evenings. Did some shopping for Val but she didn't find what she was looking for. Always bought some needed groceries and much wine to last us over Christmast.
Tomorrow, we are going to a dinner here at the camp resort. It is a potluck but I am sure it will be fun. Also have to caught up to all the e-mail we have received. It is not fun doing this in the truck as the library is closed (sunday)
Anyway, We would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and may Santa be good to all. Will try to write more before we leave but if not, we will catch up once we are in Tampa.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
December 9 to 19, 2006
DECEMBER 9, Saturday, cloudy
After filling a bottle of propane for $19., we said our g'byes to our friends and were on the road by 10 a.m.
Took Hwy 435 south to hwy 50 west then S.E. on the Florida Turnpike (toll) to Hwy 95 Cost was $18.
Just before Miami, the traffic came to a crawl for about 3 miles then finally picked up pace. Never saw waht cause the slow down except that there were a lot of cops on the side of the hwy.
We partly drove through the Everglades and then onto the Florida Keys. It is warm and humid at 6 p.m. and we finally arrived at our site around 7 p.m. on Long Island Key in the Park by the same name near Layton.
Quickly set up water and electricity and went to bed by 9 p.m. very tired.
DECEMBER 10, Sunday, cloudy with sunny breaks
We woke up in PARADISE! We are about 10-15 feet from the Atlantic Ocean. WOW! On the other side is the Gulf of Mexico, about 150 yards away. It is 65*F at 7 a.m. and 75 by 9 a.m. What a beautiful place; plam trees, clean facilities, ample room between sites and friendly people. We have power and water but no sewer which is not a problem because we are here only 3 days, UNFORTUNATELY!!!!!!
We (Val) made a lunch and we headed out south to Key West, the souther most Island. we crossed numerous little Island and then the 7 miles bridge (literally), a few more Island and finally Key West. We continued on to the southermost point in the Continental United States at N 24*32'51" W 81*47'53"; 71 miles from Layton, 152 miles from Miami and 90 miles from Cuba.
We reached Mile 0 on Hwy 1 and calculated that we have so far put on a grand total of 4830 miles since we left Drummond'ville, Quebec. From here on, we are travelling back to our home in BC. We have reached our most furthest point on this adventure.
We had lunch a the harbor and watched a big ship docked, We walked the old downtown and bought a couple souvenirs. the place was quiet untill the ship disgorged its human cargo, then the street became very crowded. Very expensive here, fuel is at $2.99/gal andbeer and wine and food is also expensive.
After 2 hours in town, we left and drove back home. Val drove back while I took pictures. She did a good job and got us home sound and safe.
FOOTNOTE: The word "KEY" derives from spanish word "CAYO" which means a low flat Island. The Keys were first joined by rail in 1905 and when it was destroyed by a hurricane in 1912, the present hwy was built and opened in 1938.
Once home, we sat by the ocean having a drink and watched all the different birds around: common gulls, long billed dowitcher, egrets, common snipe, a few hawks and the ever present vultures. there were also a lot of sand pipers. Oh yeah...mustn't forget the old pelican.
Life is good....we feel very blessed being here!
DECEMBER 11, Monday, Cloudy
Very windy today. We went into Islamorada got some milk and looked around. I took on 22 gallons @ $2.699, stopped at a couple shops but didn't buy anything, saw a memorial for the people who lost their lifes in hurricanes in 1935.
We never got to kayak as it was too windy. That was a disappointment as we were both looking forward to that. We walked the beach and a nature trail near by, saw lots of portuge man-of war and got ready to leave tomorrow.
DECEMBER 12, Tuesday, sun & clouds
Light wind and a balmy 70* welcomed us to this day. We left at 10 a.m. and headed for mainland Florida. It is 80*F and humid by the time we left. We will miss this place. It was the highlight of this leg, for sure.
Drove the next 67 miles trying to make it last but were soon at Largo Key and our turn North to the mainland.
In Homestead, we headed north on Hwy 997 where we saw an accident where a truck wrapped itself around a telephone pole. A few miles further we had to detour again due to 7 car pile up. Drove east to the toll hwy and then north for a couple miles and east on hwy 41. That cost us $4 on tolls. Drivers here are ignorant, stupid and the worst kind. I swear they love to cut off people, zig-zag and speed for no reason. There is very little courtesy.
Anyway, we reached our next destination, Gator Park nest tto the Everglades National Park. Cost was $45 for two nights (P.A.) It is 2 p.m.
We set up and then looked around. Saw some alligators fenced in and are looking forward to the airboat ride tomorrow.
BBQ steaks for dinner
DECEMBER 13, Wednesday
Woke up to heat and humidity. 75*F @ 8a.m. we have coupons for the airride (2 for 1) so after breakfast, we took our turn. What a ride it was. Really liked the "river of grass" as it is called. Saw lots of alligators, egrets and heron. Even saw a Iguana that was lost!? The ride lasted 40 minutes and there were about 14 people on board. That boat just glided over the water which was only 10 inches to 2 feet deep.
Afterwards, we had a demonstration on alligators which turned out to be very educational and interesting. For lunch we tried alligator tail and frog legs. DELICIOUS! The only draw back was the server who almost demanded a tip which really turned me off but since it was his birthday, we gave him $2. ( he wanted more)
In the afternoon, we went to Flamingo Bay at teh south end of Florida, in the EverGlades National Park. It was interesting again and we saw different grass and trees, lots of birds, and the destruction that Katrina caused there althoguh they have repaired a lot.
Flamingo city is a resort within the park whcih consisted of a motel, restaurants, and stores which were all closed. there is also a camp ground there which looked interesting with limited hook-ups.
Drove back home and found new neighbors, Connie and Wayne, a naval retiree and she was a full-timers before meeting Wayne. Interesting people and we had happy hour together.
FOOTNOTE: The everglades are unique in the world. This is the only place one will find such an extend of wetlands known as the "river of grass". It is endangered by the human factor and modernization and control of water via canals
DECEMBER 14, Thursday, rain
What a change from yesterday. we packed and left in the rain. Headed west on hwy 41 along the Tuniami canal and made a quick stop at a couple of Park visitor centre. One of them we saw a female ahinga dive and catch a fish then bring it to the shore and beat the head of the fish on a rock before eating it.
A tthe first stop, Shark Valley Park, we walked a path where we walked by an alligator on the path and only 10 feet from us. Also saw a mother alligator with its young (about 5). Really neat. Caught up in a deluge, we ran back to the truck and left.
Continued on Hwy 41 to 29 where we turned north to 80 then east to 27 and finally, west to our new site, Moorehaven, Robin's Nest RV park at $12/night. We will be here until Dec. 28. We are 8 miles from town.
DECEMBER 15, Friday, cloudy
It rained overnight and this morning is very humid at 70*F I had a poor sleep...I could smell the humidity and it was uncomfortable.
didn't do much today but relax and set up. Went into town and not much there...actually it is a very depressed place. Not impressed with Moorehaven. The libray has WIFI so will have to come back here to get my blog updated.
DECEMBER 16, Saturday, rain
Up at 8. It is raining and the sky is defintely stormy. It cleared in p.m. so we took a drive to Clewiston, about 15 miles from here. A little bigger but not much else happening. Also checked out Palmdale for a kayak site.
Decided to clean both batteries in the truck and the 5er. Now, my jake is not working???????? Wonder what I did...what didssyou do Pauze?
DECEMBER 17, Sunday, sunny
82*F today Had lunch then dorve to Labelle, about 30 miles from here, then decided to go on to Ft-Myers, 30miles further. Did some looking around and shopping then came home
DECEMBER 18, Monday, cloud/sun
A relaxing day with nothing to report
DECEMBER 19, Tuesday, sunny
Took the truck in to be service: oil change and brakes and have the jakes checked out. We biked back and I did some internet and blogging
CHECK OUT ALL THE NEW PICTURES
After filling a bottle of propane for $19., we said our g'byes to our friends and were on the road by 10 a.m.
Took Hwy 435 south to hwy 50 west then S.E. on the Florida Turnpike (toll) to Hwy 95 Cost was $18.
Just before Miami, the traffic came to a crawl for about 3 miles then finally picked up pace. Never saw waht cause the slow down except that there were a lot of cops on the side of the hwy.
We partly drove through the Everglades and then onto the Florida Keys. It is warm and humid at 6 p.m. and we finally arrived at our site around 7 p.m. on Long Island Key in the Park by the same name near Layton.
Quickly set up water and electricity and went to bed by 9 p.m. very tired.
DECEMBER 10, Sunday, cloudy with sunny breaks
We woke up in PARADISE! We are about 10-15 feet from the Atlantic Ocean. WOW! On the other side is the Gulf of Mexico, about 150 yards away. It is 65*F at 7 a.m. and 75 by 9 a.m. What a beautiful place; plam trees, clean facilities, ample room between sites and friendly people. We have power and water but no sewer which is not a problem because we are here only 3 days, UNFORTUNATELY!!!!!!
We (Val) made a lunch and we headed out south to Key West, the souther most Island. we crossed numerous little Island and then the 7 miles bridge (literally), a few more Island and finally Key West. We continued on to the southermost point in the Continental United States at N 24*32'51" W 81*47'53"; 71 miles from Layton, 152 miles from Miami and 90 miles from Cuba.
We reached Mile 0 on Hwy 1 and calculated that we have so far put on a grand total of 4830 miles since we left Drummond'ville, Quebec. From here on, we are travelling back to our home in BC. We have reached our most furthest point on this adventure.
We had lunch a the harbor and watched a big ship docked, We walked the old downtown and bought a couple souvenirs. the place was quiet untill the ship disgorged its human cargo, then the street became very crowded. Very expensive here, fuel is at $2.99/gal andbeer and wine and food is also expensive.
After 2 hours in town, we left and drove back home. Val drove back while I took pictures. She did a good job and got us home sound and safe.
FOOTNOTE: The word "KEY" derives from spanish word "CAYO" which means a low flat Island. The Keys were first joined by rail in 1905 and when it was destroyed by a hurricane in 1912, the present hwy was built and opened in 1938.
Once home, we sat by the ocean having a drink and watched all the different birds around: common gulls, long billed dowitcher, egrets, common snipe, a few hawks and the ever present vultures. there were also a lot of sand pipers. Oh yeah...mustn't forget the old pelican.
Life is good....we feel very blessed being here!
DECEMBER 11, Monday, Cloudy
Very windy today. We went into Islamorada got some milk and looked around. I took on 22 gallons @ $2.699, stopped at a couple shops but didn't buy anything, saw a memorial for the people who lost their lifes in hurricanes in 1935.
We never got to kayak as it was too windy. That was a disappointment as we were both looking forward to that. We walked the beach and a nature trail near by, saw lots of portuge man-of war and got ready to leave tomorrow.
DECEMBER 12, Tuesday, sun & clouds
Light wind and a balmy 70* welcomed us to this day. We left at 10 a.m. and headed for mainland Florida. It is 80*F and humid by the time we left. We will miss this place. It was the highlight of this leg, for sure.
Drove the next 67 miles trying to make it last but were soon at Largo Key and our turn North to the mainland.
In Homestead, we headed north on Hwy 997 where we saw an accident where a truck wrapped itself around a telephone pole. A few miles further we had to detour again due to 7 car pile up. Drove east to the toll hwy and then north for a couple miles and east on hwy 41. That cost us $4 on tolls. Drivers here are ignorant, stupid and the worst kind. I swear they love to cut off people, zig-zag and speed for no reason. There is very little courtesy.
Anyway, we reached our next destination, Gator Park nest tto the Everglades National Park. Cost was $45 for two nights (P.A.) It is 2 p.m.
We set up and then looked around. Saw some alligators fenced in and are looking forward to the airboat ride tomorrow.
BBQ steaks for dinner
DECEMBER 13, Wednesday
Woke up to heat and humidity. 75*F @ 8a.m. we have coupons for the airride (2 for 1) so after breakfast, we took our turn. What a ride it was. Really liked the "river of grass" as it is called. Saw lots of alligators, egrets and heron. Even saw a Iguana that was lost!? The ride lasted 40 minutes and there were about 14 people on board. That boat just glided over the water which was only 10 inches to 2 feet deep.
Afterwards, we had a demonstration on alligators which turned out to be very educational and interesting. For lunch we tried alligator tail and frog legs. DELICIOUS! The only draw back was the server who almost demanded a tip which really turned me off but since it was his birthday, we gave him $2. ( he wanted more)
In the afternoon, we went to Flamingo Bay at teh south end of Florida, in the EverGlades National Park. It was interesting again and we saw different grass and trees, lots of birds, and the destruction that Katrina caused there althoguh they have repaired a lot.
Flamingo city is a resort within the park whcih consisted of a motel, restaurants, and stores which were all closed. there is also a camp ground there which looked interesting with limited hook-ups.
Drove back home and found new neighbors, Connie and Wayne, a naval retiree and she was a full-timers before meeting Wayne. Interesting people and we had happy hour together.
FOOTNOTE: The everglades are unique in the world. This is the only place one will find such an extend of wetlands known as the "river of grass". It is endangered by the human factor and modernization and control of water via canals
DECEMBER 14, Thursday, rain
What a change from yesterday. we packed and left in the rain. Headed west on hwy 41 along the Tuniami canal and made a quick stop at a couple of Park visitor centre. One of them we saw a female ahinga dive and catch a fish then bring it to the shore and beat the head of the fish on a rock before eating it.
A tthe first stop, Shark Valley Park, we walked a path where we walked by an alligator on the path and only 10 feet from us. Also saw a mother alligator with its young (about 5). Really neat. Caught up in a deluge, we ran back to the truck and left.
Continued on Hwy 41 to 29 where we turned north to 80 then east to 27 and finally, west to our new site, Moorehaven, Robin's Nest RV park at $12/night. We will be here until Dec. 28. We are 8 miles from town.
DECEMBER 15, Friday, cloudy
It rained overnight and this morning is very humid at 70*F I had a poor sleep...I could smell the humidity and it was uncomfortable.
didn't do much today but relax and set up. Went into town and not much there...actually it is a very depressed place. Not impressed with Moorehaven. The libray has WIFI so will have to come back here to get my blog updated.
DECEMBER 16, Saturday, rain
Up at 8. It is raining and the sky is defintely stormy. It cleared in p.m. so we took a drive to Clewiston, about 15 miles from here. A little bigger but not much else happening. Also checked out Palmdale for a kayak site.
Decided to clean both batteries in the truck and the 5er. Now, my jake is not working???????? Wonder what I did...what didssyou do Pauze?
DECEMBER 17, Sunday, sunny
82*F today Had lunch then dorve to Labelle, about 30 miles from here, then decided to go on to Ft-Myers, 30miles further. Did some looking around and shopping then came home
DECEMBER 18, Monday, cloud/sun
A relaxing day with nothing to report
DECEMBER 19, Tuesday, sunny
Took the truck in to be service: oil change and brakes and have the jakes checked out. We biked back and I did some internet and blogging
CHECK OUT ALL THE NEW PICTURES
Friday, December 08, 2006
December 4 to 8, 2006
DECEMBER 4, Monday, cloudy and cool
Left our camp site at 10 a.m. Followed Hwy 13 to 20 then through Palatka and south on hwy 19. Drove through a National forest Park and stopped for lunch 3/4 of the way across.
From here we continued on 19 to hwy 441 south through Apopka and finally our site Sun Resort RV Park. Arrived at 2;15 p.m. A very nice place with lots of services. It is definitely an RV resort with all kind of planned activities. We are at site 2102 at $9./night + 2.50 for cable
All set up by 5 p.m. and dinner on the go.
N 28*38' W 81*30' Alt. 132 feet distance today: 220KM (138 miles)
DECEMBER 5, Tuesday, sunny
A warm day. Left the house at 10:30 a.m. and followed hwy 436 East around Orlando then Hwy 50 to Cape Kennedy. Took just over an hour to get there. Stopped at the visitor centre and got info and tickets. Decided to take the full tour, a little bit more expensive but as it turned out, the wiser choice. On the tour we got within a mile of the shuttle and although we could see it, it wasn't as close as we would have liked, however it was awsome and very impressive. From here, we visited the Apollo program and its building. A huge building containing the Saturn V that took Apollo to the moon plus the command module and the Moon landing Craft. It was awsome! We also got a live display of the first landing which was very well done.
From here, we went back to the visitor centre and after buying some souvenirs, we saw an IMAX movie on the Space Station in 3D WOW! Very IMPRESSIVE! You almost felt like you were there. After that it was time to head home. we stopped at Cracker Barrel for dinner and got home around 9:30 p.m., tired but pleased about our day.
By the way, Tucker stayed at a kennel a the Centre which was FREE and so was the parking; Tucker was not impressed though and barked a lot when we left him. Also fuelled at $2.539 time 20.088 gallons
DECEMBER 6, Wednesday, sunny
Up at 8 a.m. and on the road by 9:30 heading back to the Cape. Our tickets allow us free entrance and free access to everything for two days so we are taking advantage.
We saw the second movie in 3D on the landing of the moon and then visited the other buildings and exhibits and also the Hall of Fame in honor of all the astrounats.
We tried a few exhibits such as a ride on Mars, tried my hands at landing a Shuttle. They also had a machine that would let you feel G force but didn't try that.
We left at 4:30 and tookk the toll hwy back. Much faster and Tucker had stayed home so we were anxious to get back asap but like a good boy, no mess, no fuss.
DECEMBER 7, Thursday, cloudy
Today is the shuttle launch so we are going to watch it. we took hwy 441 out then headed for Melbourne on the coast. Once there, we followed A1A north to Cape Canaveral where we parked at the Jetty Park and waited for the launch.
WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT! It was cancelled due to the cloud coverage. Mother Nature won this one so we went back home. What a busy ride it was too. Bumper to Bumper almost all the way. Got home at 11:30 p.m.
FOOTNOTE: People that we had met in St-Augustine, Bill and Michelle, arrived today and are parked two doors down from us. After saying hello, we made arrangement to get together for a happy hour.
DECEMBER 8, Friday, cloudy
It rained overnight and never got over 55*F all day. Loaded all our toys and readied to leave. As I was loading the kayaks, I heard this voice asking me wher in BC we were from. when I turned, I was looking at a couple we had met back in P.E.I. What a small world. Totally amazing.
At 5 p.m. we met Bill and Michelle and had a happy hour that lasted until 10:30 p.m. It was a GOOD one! Lots of fun and laughs.
Left our camp site at 10 a.m. Followed Hwy 13 to 20 then through Palatka and south on hwy 19. Drove through a National forest Park and stopped for lunch 3/4 of the way across.
From here we continued on 19 to hwy 441 south through Apopka and finally our site Sun Resort RV Park. Arrived at 2;15 p.m. A very nice place with lots of services. It is definitely an RV resort with all kind of planned activities. We are at site 2102 at $9./night + 2.50 for cable
All set up by 5 p.m. and dinner on the go.
N 28*38' W 81*30' Alt. 132 feet distance today: 220KM (138 miles)
DECEMBER 5, Tuesday, sunny
A warm day. Left the house at 10:30 a.m. and followed hwy 436 East around Orlando then Hwy 50 to Cape Kennedy. Took just over an hour to get there. Stopped at the visitor centre and got info and tickets. Decided to take the full tour, a little bit more expensive but as it turned out, the wiser choice. On the tour we got within a mile of the shuttle and although we could see it, it wasn't as close as we would have liked, however it was awsome and very impressive. From here, we visited the Apollo program and its building. A huge building containing the Saturn V that took Apollo to the moon plus the command module and the Moon landing Craft. It was awsome! We also got a live display of the first landing which was very well done.
From here, we went back to the visitor centre and after buying some souvenirs, we saw an IMAX movie on the Space Station in 3D WOW! Very IMPRESSIVE! You almost felt like you were there. After that it was time to head home. we stopped at Cracker Barrel for dinner and got home around 9:30 p.m., tired but pleased about our day.
By the way, Tucker stayed at a kennel a the Centre which was FREE and so was the parking; Tucker was not impressed though and barked a lot when we left him. Also fuelled at $2.539 time 20.088 gallons
DECEMBER 6, Wednesday, sunny
Up at 8 a.m. and on the road by 9:30 heading back to the Cape. Our tickets allow us free entrance and free access to everything for two days so we are taking advantage.
We saw the second movie in 3D on the landing of the moon and then visited the other buildings and exhibits and also the Hall of Fame in honor of all the astrounats.
We tried a few exhibits such as a ride on Mars, tried my hands at landing a Shuttle. They also had a machine that would let you feel G force but didn't try that.
We left at 4:30 and tookk the toll hwy back. Much faster and Tucker had stayed home so we were anxious to get back asap but like a good boy, no mess, no fuss.
DECEMBER 7, Thursday, cloudy
Today is the shuttle launch so we are going to watch it. we took hwy 441 out then headed for Melbourne on the coast. Once there, we followed A1A north to Cape Canaveral where we parked at the Jetty Park and waited for the launch.
WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT! It was cancelled due to the cloud coverage. Mother Nature won this one so we went back home. What a busy ride it was too. Bumper to Bumper almost all the way. Got home at 11:30 p.m.
FOOTNOTE: People that we had met in St-Augustine, Bill and Michelle, arrived today and are parked two doors down from us. After saying hello, we made arrangement to get together for a happy hour.
DECEMBER 8, Friday, cloudy
It rained overnight and never got over 55*F all day. Loaded all our toys and readied to leave. As I was loading the kayaks, I heard this voice asking me wher in BC we were from. when I turned, I was looking at a couple we had met back in P.E.I. What a small world. Totally amazing.
At 5 p.m. we met Bill and Michelle and had a happy hour that lasted until 10:30 p.m. It was a GOOD one! Lots of fun and laughs.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
December 1 to 3, 2006
We got up Friday, Dec 1st to a balmy 70*F at 7:30 a.m. We went into town and got some groceries and mailed 2 birthday cards which cost $2.39 WOW! If this is going to be the cost for mailing X-MAS cards, there won't be many. That is ridiculous and a real robbery as far as I am concerned.
Also found the oil filter loose and had to tighten it by hand. I found it by pure luck as I was looking at something else and saw oil spread on the rear shaft and then saw the oil coming out of the filter and when I looked up at it, I saw the oil seeping out. Took the truck to Green Cove Spring and had it tighten more at no charge, I might add. Came home after Val picked up some vegetables and salad stuff. We have the A/C going full blast in "Kenzy" It is 75*F outside and it is 9 p.m.
DECEMBER 2, Saturday, cloudy,
It is a bit cooler today. A cold front is coming through. Loaded the bikes on the rack and put away a few things, getting ready to leave on Monday.
It is 1 p.m. and raining. Not pleasant but it beats the snow they are getting at home.
DECEMBER 3, Sunday, cloudy
Our last day here. Loaded the kayaks and put everything else away. It's really heavy with humidity and it looks like it's going to rain but so far, it has held.
Tomorrow, we move to Apopka so my next entry will be from there.
There is a space launch scheduled for next Thursday, Dec 7 so we hope, no we will be there to watch it. A life time opportunity, just cannot be missed
Bye for now
Also found the oil filter loose and had to tighten it by hand. I found it by pure luck as I was looking at something else and saw oil spread on the rear shaft and then saw the oil coming out of the filter and when I looked up at it, I saw the oil seeping out. Took the truck to Green Cove Spring and had it tighten more at no charge, I might add. Came home after Val picked up some vegetables and salad stuff. We have the A/C going full blast in "Kenzy" It is 75*F outside and it is 9 p.m.
DECEMBER 2, Saturday, cloudy,
It is a bit cooler today. A cold front is coming through. Loaded the bikes on the rack and put away a few things, getting ready to leave on Monday.
It is 1 p.m. and raining. Not pleasant but it beats the snow they are getting at home.
DECEMBER 3, Sunday, cloudy
Our last day here. Loaded the kayaks and put everything else away. It's really heavy with humidity and it looks like it's going to rain but so far, it has held.
Tomorrow, we move to Apopka so my next entry will be from there.
There is a space launch scheduled for next Thursday, Dec 7 so we hope, no we will be there to watch it. A life time opportunity, just cannot be missed
Bye for now
November 26-30, 2006
It's been a fairly quiet 5 days. On Saturday the 25th, we went into town and visited the fort. It was well done and interesting. There was a 2 mast sailing ship that sailed past and as it did, it fired a a canon and then the guys in the fort fired back. It was a surprise and very well done. Afterwards, we went into the old town and had a beer at the "Old Mill". A warm day and evening.
Actually, it was warm the whole 5 days and got as high as 80*F (25C) for a few days.
On Sunday the 26th, we had happy hour with our neighbors, Keith and Jenny form Ontario. They are leaving tomorrow and are new full-timers.
Tuesday the 28th, saw us going kayaking into the St-John River. A bit boring and not much to see. It rained later in the afternoon and overnight. Hot and humid the whole time
Called UPS to have our mail forwarded to Apopka as we are moving there Monday next. Looking forward to get out of here.
On Thursday the 30th, we went into town and cycled around the beach and the State park. Another hot day, evening and night
Actually, it was warm the whole 5 days and got as high as 80*F (25C) for a few days.
On Sunday the 26th, we had happy hour with our neighbors, Keith and Jenny form Ontario. They are leaving tomorrow and are new full-timers.
Tuesday the 28th, saw us going kayaking into the St-John River. A bit boring and not much to see. It rained later in the afternoon and overnight. Hot and humid the whole time
Called UPS to have our mail forwarded to Apopka as we are moving there Monday next. Looking forward to get out of here.
On Thursday the 30th, we went into town and cycled around the beach and the State park. Another hot day, evening and night
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