Shoppers Delight

We've been in Florida now for almost a week without WIFI ... Ugh!  For me it's sort of like a morning without coffee or a movie without popcorn.  We're currently at the beautiful Florida Grande Luxury RV Resort (www.floridagrande.com) near Webster.  The resort, located in the quiet farmland of central Florida, is just the right place for those seeking a first class, class 'A' resort that oozes tranquility and friendliness.  The pace is easy here so if you're looking for high impact aerobics at 6:00am forget it.  If you're looking for bus trips to the mall ... forget it.  A place designed by rv'ers for rv'ers.  Oversized sites, extra-wide paved roads and did I say quiet? Maybe a cow mooing in the background or birds chirping ...  but no trucks, trains or plane noises.  But no site-wide WIFI (yet) or cable TV (yet).  All forthcoming, but not yet.

One of our first outings was to make a visit to the nearby Webster Flea Market.  Held every Monday, this mega-gathering of sellers of all things quirky, unusual, useful and eatable.  The sleepy little town of 750 souls bulges to some 30,000 as trucks, buses, cars, and bikes crammed with folks seeking that perfect bargain arrive bright and early Monday mornings.  Now I've been to some pretty big flea markets in Texas, Indiana and Ohio but this takes the prize.  It will take all day to get through it, assuming you don't stopped and gawk too long.  I think the entire population of Social Security recipients are there.  More grey here than a winter's month in London.  So the pace here is a little slow too ... and civilized, it's still a blast to visit.  I managed to escape with a new hat, a used ham radio, and a surprise artist signed lithograph of a fairly famous painter.  This may be a candidate for the Antiques Road Show.  More about this some other day.  As you might imagine, I took my camera along and here are a few of the things that caught my eye.

Wall to Wall

Shake it baby

Hats for Vets

Grab Bag

A good stiff belt

Sugar momma

Sweet

Some things never die

Not for the faint hearted

Cord frenzy

Tree Lover

So there you have it ...our first Florida Flea Market.  Pretty exciting eh?  It still beats shoveling snow no matter what you think.

Still livin' the dream in the sunshine state.

Phil

Mercy !

These old dogs of mine are a little tired tonight.  Two days of hoofing it around the FMCA rally in Perry Georgia has taken its toll.  I'm tired but a good night rest should rejuvenate me enough for the drive south in the morning.  We're headed for central Florida for a few weeks and are looking forward to some new sights and maybe a little rest.

The rally experience turned out to be much like the ham radio conventions or the old Comdex computer shows I used to attend.  We want to see it all but sometimes there is just too much to see and do.  Maybe it's what keeps us coming back to these things.  Always something new to excite your mind and expand your horizons.  Yes ... the places get crowded and the temperatures warm .. the line to the men's rooms might be almost too long and the food not so good but the chance to hob-nob with fellow enthusiast is, as they say ...priceless.  And the chance to talk to the technicians and experts who design, build and service our coaches are there and are usually so helpful and attentive.

Though this is our first experience with a big rally, we really recommend attending one.  And one important side-light.  We would not have even thought of attending this rally if it had not been for our friends Bob and Joan from Maine.  We met them but a year or so ago and have kept in touch this past year.  They are well traveled and know where to go and what to see and said 'you've got to go to Perry'.  But the best part is when you see them in person again.  They instantly make you feel like you are their best friends and treated us so very well.  So thanks again Bob and Joan ... We appreciate your friendship, kindness and great recommendations.

We took time to drive through a number of the areas where the rally goers rigs were parked.  It's kind of fun to see what others are driving and if your lucky, peek through the windshields while passing by to see how they are decorated.  My guess is that there were maybe 1500+ of class 'A' coaches parked around the complex plus another 500 or so new ones brought in for folks to tour and dream over.

Here's a view of maybe 10% of the coaches parked at the complex.

Just a little hint of some of the activities that were apart of the rally.  Here's a volunteer band and singing group entertaining in the center court area of the rally.  There are also many chances to learn new things as a wide variety of seminars are offered throughout the nearly week-long event.  From caring for your RV batteries and electrical systems to RVing in South Africa and Europe ... almost something interesting for all.

Poking around some of the nearby RV parks we stumbled across this restored double-decker.
Probably not many of these around but this one was sporting new paint and was quite a rig.  I can't imagine driving this as the driver is sitting in the lower, almost ground level, position but what a view for the passengers   up top.  Such a panoramic vista they'd have.  Sitting perched on the second floor with all that unobstructed view ahead.  Wow!

But not all is polished chrome and five color paint schemes. No convection oven here ... no HD satellite receivers ... no 650hp diesel monster pushing this rig.  No ... just a humble traveler ... maybe a little down on his luck and trying to make ends meet.  Probably doesn't even consider himself an RVer but just happened to be parked in a nearby town today. A true contrast to what we have been seeing.

Taking to the road can take many forms and occurs for many reasons ... but the important thing is that it gives a person a chance to see this great country up close and personal.  It's really is one of life's great treasures.

Still livin' the dream.

Phil

The Big FMCA Rally

Up early ... hustling around to get up to Perry to attend the big RV show. We were pumped.  Bob (we call him Maine Bob) met us at the gate and directed us to his coach where we gathered.  Their friends, Fred and Lynn, arrived about the same time and we soon learned that the big show wasn't really starting until tomorrow. Wait! Tomorrow?  But all the literature said Monday.  The billboards said Monday.  The website said Monday.  I know we had daylight savings time change this past weekend but did I miss something?  Should I have moved my calendar as well as my clocks?  But Maine Bob says no ... all these rallies start a day late. "So how come?" I ask.  'Well that's just the way they do things'   So the newest RV rally rookie learned his first lesson.  Show up a day late.

All was not lost as Maine Bob says 'lets go to the Museum of Aviation' (http://www.museumofaviation.org) just north of Perry. I caught a glimpse of some of the ladies rolling their eyes indicating maybe this wasn't their first choice ... but the men prevailed so off we went.

I usually cannot pass up a military museum so this was right up my alley.  Well kept and lots to see, each of us headed off in different directions focusing on exhibits that interested us most. 

Standing under the wing of modern fighter jet, the size and complexity of this war machine is really amazing.  And to think that some snotty nose kid who lived down the street a few years ago is now the ripe age of 25 and flying this multi-million dollar bullet.

The museum has one of those rare SR71 Blackbird high altitude spy planes.  Considering it was the fastest plane in the US arsenal (though now retired), and it was designed and built in the 1950's, it still is a completely awesome plane. 

Sharon who secretly really does like her picture taken, posed for this touristy shot on a Chinese wall replica.

The display depicted those airmen who flew 'The Hump" from India to China during WW II.  The 'Hump' referred to the treacherous flight path taken over the Himalayan mountains to supply the Chinese with materials

.

One of the fascinating aspects of WW II war planes was the 'nose' art.  'Nose' art are the personal characterizations, usually of girlfriends, wives, or pin-up girls painted on the very front of the aircraft.  Some racy but many just an extension of that aircraft crews personality.  Here's a nice example on this beautifully restored old bomber.

  

The grounds surrounding the museum has a large number of other planes worth looking at.  From four engine Lockheed Super Constellations, to a variety of fighter jets, cargo planes and bombers.  Speaking of bombers,  the real 'wonder' plane that has nearly 50 years of service under its wing is the B52.  This one, all dressed out in camo paint, looks like it may have quite a few missions before retirement.  A proud lady for sure.

So there you have our first day with great intentions of going to the FMCA rally.  Not all things go as planned but thanks to our friends from Maine, a very enjoyable day ... still livin' the dream.

Phil

Settled in

After a short one hour run from Albany, we're now parked in Elko Georgia at the Twin Oaks RV Park (www.twinoaksrvpark.com).  Surrounded by blooming apple trees we're but a 3-wood, a wedge, and two putts from I75.

The park is filling up fast as the big FMCA show starts tomorrow and places to stay around here are at a premium.  Our friends Jim and Carol from Iowa should not be far behind as they left Alabama this morning and our friends Bob and Joan from Maine are already in Perry at the FMCA camp.

This weather will certainly make the Georgia peaches ripen as it's in the mid 70's, a slight breeze and blue skies. Should be a little warmer tomorrow.

So we're about to take on another adventure: a big RV rally with about 10,000 people to mingle with and about 800 new coaches to look at.  Oh my aching feet.  Later tomorrow.

Still livin' the dream

Phil

Slow lane ... continued

A trip into Albany this afternoon took us to the Ray Charles Plaza located on Flint River.  A unique little park with a great view and Ray Charles greatest hits playing through speakers everywhere.  With his bronze likeness seated at a grand piano, it was a nice tribute to one of the best.

Embedded in the design of the small park was an area that represented keys on a large piano keyboard.
Sharon is standing on a C note (don't I wish).  In the background the old bridge over the Flint River is currently closed for repairs/

I'm always amused at cleaver uses of our language.  Hopefully this repairman will get as much business as laughs.

So there you have it.  We're back in camp and hamburgers will soon be sizzling on the grill.  The park is full up today with many getting ready to move on to the Family Motor Coach Association rally in Perry tomorrow.  We'll fall into the line headed that way about 11:00am and get to our next camp in about an hour or so.

Livin' the dream

Phil

Another day in the slow lane

Betcha' ya thought Albany Georgia was just another wide spot on the road we're travelling this winter.  Au contraire mon frere'.  For those old enough ... you will remember Harry James.  That great band leader and trumpeter of of the 40's through the 80's  was born here and ... what about soul singer Ray Charles ... who doesn't remember him?  And did I mention that lady pro golfer Nancy Lopez still lives here.  (We were going to invite her over lunch but we just couldn't fit it in our schedule)  And what about singer Ray Stevens ('Ahab the Arab' and 'Little Red Riding Hood') was born here as was famous southern cook and TV star Paula Deen.  I think I going to have to get an autograph book if we stay here any longer.

The weather here is near perfect with the highs today in the low 70's and a cloudless azure blue sky.  I just returned from the fishing pond where I was feeding the local ducks and geese and seeing the spring flowers starting to emerge from the ground.  This is great.

I almost forgot ... yesterday we headed over to the Monaco pre-rally in Moultrie.  What is a pre-rally you ask?  Well I think it is a gathering of people who have the same make of motor coach who meet prior to a larger rally ... in this case the FMCA rally in Perry.  Since we're still a little dumb on all these things we thought we'd attend one to find out what happens.  We were suppose to pay a visit on Thursday but because of our delays, Friday was our only option ... the last day of the rally.

We did get up early again and made the 25 mile drive to Moultrie only to find the place almost empty.  All but one of the vendors had already left for Perry; many of RV's had pulled out already but at least admission was free.  Like I said ... only one vendor was left and it was one of the Monaco dealers with maybe a dozen new coaches still parked on the grounds. We had a chance to tour the new Vesta model.  A snazzy 32/35 footer with a front placed turbo diesel engine and, according to the manual, comes standard with a chrome tipped exhaust pipe.  That was enough for me.  How cannot I not own one?  A real chrome tipped exhaust pipe.  I'm not sure who writes the copy for these brochures but my guess if they have never owned a motor home.  Anyway it was a pretty radical design that will surely take advantage of the apparent trend of offering these slightly smaller coaches.

So I still don't know a thing about these pre-rallies.  I didn't learn of any special hand signals, secret words, or  about clandestine rituals held under the cover of darkness.  No badges, ornate hats or vests to earn or buy.  Maybe I should try some other pre-rally in the future.  All the people that attend these things must surely be as sane as I am.

We off to find a place for lunch.  So you know ... we're still livin' the dream.

Phil

Dodged another bullet

Mother Nature has once again tried to spoil my winter vacation.  Planning to leave for Georgia yesterday, we were all packed, hooked up and ready to roll.  We knew a major storm was brewing out west and thought we could get ahead of it but no such luck.  We awoke to strong winds and tornado warnings.  As it turned out we headed for the clubhouse for shelter but ultimately returned to the coach as conditions improved.  The storm was a dilly with 10 tornadoes within 60 miles of us and with some places getting nearly 7 inches of rain.  With all of the morning wasted and part of the afternoon, it was now impossible to make the 300 miles I needed to drive to our next stop (Albany Georgia) so we spent another day at Bella Terra.

Greeted by a bright blue sky and crisp air we headed out this morning actually getting on the road by 8:30am.  That's not a typo folks ... we really did.  Motoring up to I10 about 30 miles up the road, we made our first stop at a Love's fuel station.  Getting in line behind a bunch of 18 wheelers is kinda' cool but I really think they would rather we rv'ers not mingle with 'real' truck drivers.  Love's didn't have any problems dealing with me as they cheerfully let me buy 110 gallons of their finest fuel at a princely sum of $3.96/gal. Ouch!.

So we finally got on I10 and headed east.  Moving along somewhere between 60 and 65 mph we saw a 5th wheel ahead.  As we going a little faster, we pulled along side it to pass and quickly realized it was Tom and Mary who had paid us a visit a few days ago.  We had no idea they were leaving their park the same day and to actually run across them on the road was really amazing.  We quickly called them to talk of our unusual coincidence and suggest that at the next rest stop we would pull in and give Mary her umbrella back.  She had left it at our coach several days earlier but agreed she could wait until we were all back in Michigan before she got it back.  I think she and Sharon figured it was such a lucky day maybe we should try to find a casino but probably knew what Tom and I would say.

We arrived late this afternoon at our next stop (www.albanyrvresort.com) to find a very pleasant layout with loads of trees and large, paved sites.  In the morning we'll check it out a little closer before heading to the Monaco rally in Moultrie.  Stay tuned.

Still livin' the dream ...now in the Peach state.

On your mark ... get ready

The pace is quickening.  Time is running out.  We're soon pulling up stakes and taking our motor-tent to new vistas.  We've been four months here at Bella Terra and have enjoyed the great people and the beautiful facility.  But wanderlust is rearing its adverturesome head again and we headed for two RV rallies in Georgia.  We're not too savvy about these events so we really don't know what to expect.  But ... what would be bad about getting together with a bunch of folks who like to do the same thing? 

Our first stop will be in Albany GA.  I think a quaint little spot on the map that is about 25 miles from where the first rally we're attending in Moultrie GA.  Since I waited far to long to get reservations, it was the closest place I could get a site.  We'll be in Albany about four days then move on to a resort just south of Perry Georgia where the big RV gathering is.  Thousands they say, will be in attendance.  I suspect we'll need knee transplants before this one is over.  Lot of acres to see lots of stuff.  We'll be there about four days then move on to Florida for a few weeks.

Anyway lots to be done before the coach is ready for the trip.  Check the air in the tires, check the oil, check the water, fill the fresh water, empty everything else.  Put away the lawn furniture, grill and outdoor lighting.  Whew! It's wearing me out just thinking about it.
But is all will get done and with another powerful storm at our back, we hopefully get to our next desitination without any issues.

Oh ... and did I tell you about our friends Tom and Mary who stopped by on their trip from Phoenix to Florida.  It was sure great seeing them.  We all were invited to have a Mardi Gras party with another back-home couple John and Linda at their fantastic beachfront condo.  Plans were dashed to see the big parade as a violent storm raced through the area with high winds, rain and a couple of tornadoes west of us.  We did manage to slosh down a little vino and find our way to a local eatery to round out the evening.  Mother nature may be fierce but when folks want to party ... look out. 

Seeing back-home folks is a real treat for us.  The old adage ... 'absence makes the heart grow fonder' couldn't be truer.  Sharon and I are so fortunate to have just a great group of friends.  We appreciate each and everyone of them.

Still livin' the dream and gettin' ready to see what's over the next hill.

Phil

ps ... looking forward to see my friend Jerry quickly recover from surgery and waggle his wings on a South Haven flyover

Plea to China

I'm giving the Chinese government and Premier Wen Jiabao, another chance to reinstate my blog. It was unceremoniously  banned in China almost a year ago. I can only imagine the throngs (well maybe one or two) who have protested in Tiananmen Square or the Great Wall on my behalf.  So free my peeps ... let them learn of the western ways of RV travel.

Still livin' the dream and waiting for the Chinese.