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.
1 comment:
Hi Dad, I was on Google today trying to see exactly where you are located but I would need a few more digits on the co-ordinates you gave. Anyways, nice to read and see approximately where you are. We miss you
Kevin
ps It's new years day. We're just hanging around this morning then on our way to my mom and dad's to have new years cookies and coffee at 2:00pm and then to Gord and Doreen's for a birthday supper for Rochelle and Gordie jr. They are leaving tomorrow and we are back to route of life with the kids going to school and us to work. I'll try to send you some pics. bye for now
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