It seems like we just left but returning to our summer camp felt good. Owner Hal met us as we pulled up and before the engine had stopped spinning, he was already into his first joke ... it's good to be back, I thought.
Hal got us parked into our usual spot, Jerry stopped by to say hello as did Mary. Even though there were other rigs in camp, none of the owners stayed on but just dropped them off earlier and went back home. Maybe had something to do with the wet and cold. So here we are ... we have the whole place to ourselves. Just like last year when we were the last to leave in the Fall.
We got the rig hooked up then went down to the restaurant for a late lunch. We're in our comfort zone now. A quick bite to eat, a trip through downtown South Haven to see what changed (nothing) and headed back to camp. All is good except ... it's still a little cold up in Michigan. We've been use to 80's and 90's for several months ... but now the 40's! Egads! At least the tulips and daffodils I planted last Fall are in bloom. Soon we might even have leaves on the trees. But what we really need are some people!
So fellow campers ... we've broken the frozen mold so you can all get those rigs out of storage, pack em' up and come on over. Happy hour is still at 4:00pm.
Still livin' the dream.
Phil
ps.. if your Latin is still a little rusty ... "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look around"
State of Michigan's official motto.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Ends and beginnings
We dodged a few storms but Mother Nature finally caught up with us in Elkhart Indiana. We are stopping here anyway for some coach service so the weather is just an inconvenience. Rain and more rain for the next few days.
We're currently at Master Tech RV repair center in Elkhart (http://mastertechrv.com). We met them at the Perry FMCA rally and were impressed so will give them a try. We won't take the time to get all the items fixed but at least we'll get the Aqua Hot system repaired before heading to South Haven.
This winters trip has taken us some 3000 miles through eleven states. Averaged about 8 miles/gal of diesel fuel, have consumed nine '5 Guys' hamburgers, ate about 10 dozen shrimp, visited eleven casinos, dined in more restuarants than I care to recall, stayed in fourteen different RV parks, met a countless number of great people, and visited many neat places. This has been another great experience.
A bright sun has made an appearance this morning, the temperatures are warming and the final work has just been completed on the coach. And for those who got up really early this morning, the royal wedding of Kate and William was going on. Not exactly like our wedding almost 45 years ago, but hopefully they'll enjoy the same outcome as we've had.
We had lost a lot of water pressure to the faucets and the service techs discovered that we had a broken bladder in the water systems accumulator tank. We had the tank replaced and water pressure is better than ever. We have very pleased with the service here at Master Tech and would certainly recommend them. Everyone we dealt with treated us with respect and a high degree of professionalism. So, before long, we'll get on the road and head to South Haven.
Still livin' the dream and getting ready for a great summer.
Phil
We're currently at Master Tech RV repair center in Elkhart (http://mastertechrv.com). We met them at the Perry FMCA rally and were impressed so will give them a try. We won't take the time to get all the items fixed but at least we'll get the Aqua Hot system repaired before heading to South Haven.
This winters trip has taken us some 3000 miles through eleven states. Averaged about 8 miles/gal of diesel fuel, have consumed nine '5 Guys' hamburgers, ate about 10 dozen shrimp, visited eleven casinos, dined in more restuarants than I care to recall, stayed in fourteen different RV parks, met a countless number of great people, and visited many neat places. This has been another great experience.
A bright sun has made an appearance this morning, the temperatures are warming and the final work has just been completed on the coach. And for those who got up really early this morning, the royal wedding of Kate and William was going on. Not exactly like our wedding almost 45 years ago, but hopefully they'll enjoy the same outcome as we've had.
We had lost a lot of water pressure to the faucets and the service techs discovered that we had a broken bladder in the water systems accumulator tank. We had the tank replaced and water pressure is better than ever. We have very pleased with the service here at Master Tech and would certainly recommend them. Everyone we dealt with treated us with respect and a high degree of professionalism. So, before long, we'll get on the road and head to South Haven.
Still livin' the dream and getting ready for a great summer.
Phil
Monday, April 25, 2011
The old fishing hole
Mother Nature has been razing havoc with the Midwest for the past few days with tornadoes, rain, and flooding. As our route takes us right through the expected path of this storm, we decided to stop at the KOA in Manchester TN for the night. A very nice park just off I24 with big, long sites and all the amenities. Even a fishin' hole.
I got the coach set up for the evening and came inside to cool off a bit. I noticed a guy with a fishing rod head out to the pond in front of us and start casting. It wasn't two minutes and he had one on. His rod was bent almost to the breaking point, bobbing up and down as the fish continued diving and rising. Before long he hoisted it to the bank and it was a dandy 4 pound catfish. He unhooked it and tossed it back in. About 5 minutes later he landed another, though a little smaller. A couple of minutes passed and yet another. ' Enough' .. I said to myself and told Sharon I was going fishing. I've been carrying fishing gear along for the past three years and have yet to wet a line ... so here's my chance.
I gathered my stuff and quickly noticed that I had plenty of lures for trout, walleye and bass but nothing for catfish. But what the heck. They're almost most jumping out of the water and this guy was making it look so easy I could surely catch some myself. The park had placed nice benches around the pond to make our fishing experience as comfortable as possible so I plunked down on one and began casting. Casting and watching out of one eye the other guy continue to land fish after fish. I changed lures more often than they change Depends at the senior center but to no avail. Finally the other fisherman had tired and gathered his stuff. He stopped over to my bench and I congratulated him on his fishing prowess. He said the secret was hot dogs. Hot dogs?. He reached out his hand and handed me a chunk of hot dog about an inch long. "My last piece ... looks like you could use it".
I took the piece of hot dog, thanked him and he turned to go back to his camper. I looked at this slimy chunk of meat and wonder how am I going to fish with this?. I looked in my little tackle box for a hook of some kind but no luck. Jigs, spoons, Rapala's, Little Cleo's but no single hooks. My last resort was a small sinking Rapala with a small treble hook at the end. I weaved on the piece of hot dog and tossed out the package into the murky brown water. Bam! Bam! a hit right off the bat. I waited ... and waited ... but nothing. I pulled up my lure only to find it empty of that precious hunk of hot dog.
But now I know the secret. I packed up my gear and headed back to the coach. Maybe tomorrow.
Still livin' the dream.
Phil
I got the coach set up for the evening and came inside to cool off a bit. I noticed a guy with a fishing rod head out to the pond in front of us and start casting. It wasn't two minutes and he had one on. His rod was bent almost to the breaking point, bobbing up and down as the fish continued diving and rising. Before long he hoisted it to the bank and it was a dandy 4 pound catfish. He unhooked it and tossed it back in. About 5 minutes later he landed another, though a little smaller. A couple of minutes passed and yet another. ' Enough' .. I said to myself and told Sharon I was going fishing. I've been carrying fishing gear along for the past three years and have yet to wet a line ... so here's my chance.
I gathered my stuff and quickly noticed that I had plenty of lures for trout, walleye and bass but nothing for catfish. But what the heck. They're almost most jumping out of the water and this guy was making it look so easy I could surely catch some myself. The park had placed nice benches around the pond to make our fishing experience as comfortable as possible so I plunked down on one and began casting. Casting and watching out of one eye the other guy continue to land fish after fish. I changed lures more often than they change Depends at the senior center but to no avail. Finally the other fisherman had tired and gathered his stuff. He stopped over to my bench and I congratulated him on his fishing prowess. He said the secret was hot dogs. Hot dogs?. He reached out his hand and handed me a chunk of hot dog about an inch long. "My last piece ... looks like you could use it".
I took the piece of hot dog, thanked him and he turned to go back to his camper. I looked at this slimy chunk of meat and wonder how am I going to fish with this?. I looked in my little tackle box for a hook of some kind but no luck. Jigs, spoons, Rapala's, Little Cleo's but no single hooks. My last resort was a small sinking Rapala with a small treble hook at the end. I weaved on the piece of hot dog and tossed out the package into the murky brown water. Bam! Bam! a hit right off the bat. I waited ... and waited ... but nothing. I pulled up my lure only to find it empty of that precious hunk of hot dog.
But now I know the secret. I packed up my gear and headed back to the coach. Maybe tomorrow.
Still livin' the dream.
Phil
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Freddie and Angie's place
The last time we were in Forsyth Georgia was last year at this time ... heading home after a long winter's nap in the south. Just another stop for the old stage coach; one of several over the next few days. Usually we never unhook the car but we goofed off at the last place we stayed and neglected to do any grocery shopping so we decided to head into town to stock up.
Since we're firm believers in eating before food shopping (and sometimes after) we thought we'd drive around Forsyth and see what was available. By chance, we actually found the downtown and it was exactly what a classic old town should look like. The court house square with the town built around it. Like so many small towns in America, many businesses were boarded up and it looked a little forlorn. The court house in the square was just the opposite. The spectacular centerpiece of the town. Well maintained and in pristine condition it's tall white peak and broad red shoulders said this place is the center of this universe.
Making the turn around the last corner of the square, I could see people seated at tables with white tablecloths behind large windows in a building across the street from the old court house. There was no sign on the building but it definitely looked like a restaurant, so we decided to see if it really was. We parked the car and ventured inside. I found the yet-to-be mounted sign sitting in the front window ... "The Prime Palate" it read.
With high, stamped tin ceilings, large windows, bright white tablecloths, and no , repeat no, wide screen TV's or blaring music, this was my kind of restaurant. The sign said 'seat yourself' so we headed off to the larger of the two dining rooms. Within about 2 seconds our waitress was asking for our drink order followed by an additional waiter and waitress asking the same thing. No doubt this place wants to please its patrons. Looking around at the other patrons I could see they were getting the same treatment. Nice touch I thought.
Now we've crossed the threshold of many eating establishments and the ones that have lots of customers usually have a few things in common. Good food ... good service ... and good prices. Fail any of these and the doors don't stay open long.
Tonight's menu was either the buffet or a choice of steaks. We checked out the buffet table and it was a no-brainer. Homemade fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, hamburger steak, pulled pork, baked chicken, sausage,salads, and vegetables of all types ... and desserts and cobblers. Sign me up ... I wanted the buffet. And what a great choice it was. However, as we were stuffing our little faces, two gentleman next to us, who had ordered steaks were served and I may have been a little hasty in ordering the buffet. The steaks looked fantastic. None-the-less we were more than pleased with our dinner.
Freddy and Angie Butts own 'The Prime Palate' and to my amazement, it has only been open about 3 weeks. Enough time for the word to get out that this is one fine place to eat. Freddie, whose been in the food catering business for over twenty five years, finally decided to open a store-front restaurant and I think he's got a winner. He and wife Angie both stopped at our table for a visit and we greatly enjoyed meeting them and hearing their story. Maybe I'm old fashioned but when the man who cooks your food comes to your table and looks you in the eye and wants to know how everything was ... it tells me this guy wants to make your eating experience as good as he can. You did Freddie.
Before we left, we thanked him for the great dining experience and wished him luck in his new business. In parting he said he was in good shape because 'God takes care of fools, drunks and idiots'. I think he forgot one ...and good cooks.
So if you're ever in the Forsyth area, maybe staying at the local KOA at exits 185 or 186 on northbound I75, head west about a mile to the downtown court house square area on Main street and have some really good cooking at 'The Prime Palate'
Headed north early in the morning and still livin' the dream.
Phil
Since we're firm believers in eating before food shopping (and sometimes after) we thought we'd drive around Forsyth and see what was available. By chance, we actually found the downtown and it was exactly what a classic old town should look like. The court house square with the town built around it. Like so many small towns in America, many businesses were boarded up and it looked a little forlorn. The court house in the square was just the opposite. The spectacular centerpiece of the town. Well maintained and in pristine condition it's tall white peak and broad red shoulders said this place is the center of this universe.
Making the turn around the last corner of the square, I could see people seated at tables with white tablecloths behind large windows in a building across the street from the old court house. There was no sign on the building but it definitely looked like a restaurant, so we decided to see if it really was. We parked the car and ventured inside. I found the yet-to-be mounted sign sitting in the front window ... "The Prime Palate" it read.
With high, stamped tin ceilings, large windows, bright white tablecloths, and no , repeat no, wide screen TV's or blaring music, this was my kind of restaurant. The sign said 'seat yourself' so we headed off to the larger of the two dining rooms. Within about 2 seconds our waitress was asking for our drink order followed by an additional waiter and waitress asking the same thing. No doubt this place wants to please its patrons. Looking around at the other patrons I could see they were getting the same treatment. Nice touch I thought.
Now we've crossed the threshold of many eating establishments and the ones that have lots of customers usually have a few things in common. Good food ... good service ... and good prices. Fail any of these and the doors don't stay open long.
Tonight's menu was either the buffet or a choice of steaks. We checked out the buffet table and it was a no-brainer. Homemade fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, hamburger steak, pulled pork, baked chicken, sausage,salads, and vegetables of all types ... and desserts and cobblers. Sign me up ... I wanted the buffet. And what a great choice it was. However, as we were stuffing our little faces, two gentleman next to us, who had ordered steaks were served and I may have been a little hasty in ordering the buffet. The steaks looked fantastic. None-the-less we were more than pleased with our dinner.
Freddy and Angie Butts own 'The Prime Palate' and to my amazement, it has only been open about 3 weeks. Enough time for the word to get out that this is one fine place to eat. Freddie, whose been in the food catering business for over twenty five years, finally decided to open a store-front restaurant and I think he's got a winner. He and wife Angie both stopped at our table for a visit and we greatly enjoyed meeting them and hearing their story. Maybe I'm old fashioned but when the man who cooks your food comes to your table and looks you in the eye and wants to know how everything was ... it tells me this guy wants to make your eating experience as good as he can. You did Freddie.
Before we left, we thanked him for the great dining experience and wished him luck in his new business. In parting he said he was in good shape because 'God takes care of fools, drunks and idiots'. I think he forgot one ...and good cooks.
So if you're ever in the Forsyth area, maybe staying at the local KOA at exits 185 or 186 on northbound I75, head west about a mile to the downtown court house square area on Main street and have some really good cooking at 'The Prime Palate'
Headed north early in the morning and still livin' the dream.
Phil
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Low Country visit
After a couple of days in the Jacksonville Florida area, we continued up the east coast to our next destination of St. Helena South Carolina. But before we arrived, our travelling companions and good friends, Bill and June, turned north on I-16 in Georgia and headed to their next stop just outside of Atlanta. Their newly acquired coach, brimming with at least four baskets of stuff from WalMart, two baskets of goodies from Sams Club, and three baskets of whatever from Camping World, they've already stressed the poor coaches load limits. Not without a hiccup or two before getting too far down the road (one bad battery and a step that wouldn't retract), their journey north hopefully will be safe and as interesting as the first few legs with us.
Sharon usually takes care of booking where we will stop on trips, but this last stop was just a little different. She looked around for a place to stay around Beaufort SC where my sister lives. She'd heard that there was a park call Hunting nearby so she searched the web, got a phone number and made a reservation.. This state park sounded like a good spot with full hook-ups and was near where we wanted to be. As we got ready to leave Jacksonville, she called the number back to verify and found that she had booked us into Huntington Beach SC, some 150 north of where we wanted to be; and not Hunting Island State Park where she thought she booked us. As this is Easter week, getting a spot at any location is tough so she cancelled the reservation in Huntington Beach. When she called Hunting Island, they told her they were "full" so she asked for suggestions as to where we might find a spot for a few days. The gal at Hunting Beach said you might try a small place near Beaufort (that we had never heard of) and see if they have room. She called and as luck would have it they did. Full-hook-ups, pull-thru and cable. Nirvana!
So after waving to Bill & June as they pulled off on I-16, we headed north on I-95, and plugged in our new destination ...Tuc-in-De-Wood RV park on St Helena Island SC (http://www.tuckinthewood.com). Now if you just read the written driving instructions to this place you might become a little put-off . It appears that you need to take a lot of turns and road changes to get to the place. Well it's all true ... you do, but ... it's not as bad as it sounds. The GPS did its job and got us to the front gate.
It's located in the heart of South Carolina's Low Country. A special coastal place for South Carolinians, as St. Helena Island is Gullah country. The Gullah are African Americans who have maintained their linguistic and cultural heritage more than any other African American community in North America, according to Wikipedia. If you're a history buff this is a place to visit. Antique shops, art shops, unique restaurants, old ruins ... lots of interesting people and things to see. And, but 10 miles from equally historic Beaufort (http://www.beaufort.com) with its spectacular antebellum homes, beautiful marina, even more art galleries, and eateries; you just have to stop and look around. Check out Wikipedia for more information: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gullah)
Anyway we arrived at Tuc-in-De-Woods about noon after motoring through a tunnel of live oaks and winding roads. Maybe a little tight for some but our rig and tow car made it through without a hitch. Once in the park it's all gravel roads and heavily wooded, but it was neat and well maintained. We were guided to our large pull-thru site and got set up in about 15 minutes. A big picnic table and fire pit were included on the site. The woods make for lots of shade, which helps when the temperature nears 90, but the humidity was rising so we cranked on the A/C and cooled off inside.
We showered and headed over to my sister's place in Beaufort; about a 10 mile trip. My sister's Grandson Ben (my great Nephew) and his girlfriend Vanessa were visiting from Germany so it was great seeing Ben and meeting Vanessa.
It seemed like only yesterday that he was a youngster and I was teaching to fish and now he's almost 21, has obviously lost his heart to the lovely Vanessa, and has his sights on a career. The two of them are headed off via train today for a tour of New York city and will be back in a few days before heading back to Germany the first week of May.
Brother-in-law Bob has turned his sloth-like former self into a modern day Andrew Agassi and Tiger Woods all wrapped into one. Either golfing or tennis almost everyday, he is fit and sharp and almost as handsome as me. Even though quite a bit older than me (480 hrs), he keeps a torrid pace and can still cook a mean steak. He remains my role model. My sister has too adopted a more athletic regimen and is more trim and more agile; and looks far younger than me. Somebody in the family had to get all the looks and by the time they got around to me ... well that's a story for another day. Bob and Judy are still the most gracious of hosts and we had a great dinner and spent the rest of the evening catching up on old times.
And so it goes ... another day livin' the dream and another day a little closer to heading back to Michigan.
Phil
Sharon usually takes care of booking where we will stop on trips, but this last stop was just a little different. She looked around for a place to stay around Beaufort SC where my sister lives. She'd heard that there was a park call Hunting nearby so she searched the web, got a phone number and made a reservation.. This state park sounded like a good spot with full hook-ups and was near where we wanted to be. As we got ready to leave Jacksonville, she called the number back to verify and found that she had booked us into Huntington Beach SC, some 150 north of where we wanted to be; and not Hunting Island State Park where she thought she booked us. As this is Easter week, getting a spot at any location is tough so she cancelled the reservation in Huntington Beach. When she called Hunting Island, they told her they were "full" so she asked for suggestions as to where we might find a spot for a few days. The gal at Hunting Beach said you might try a small place near Beaufort (that we had never heard of) and see if they have room. She called and as luck would have it they did. Full-hook-ups, pull-thru and cable. Nirvana!
So after waving to Bill & June as they pulled off on I-16, we headed north on I-95, and plugged in our new destination ...Tuc-in-De-Wood RV park on St Helena Island SC (http://www.tuckinthewood.com). Now if you just read the written driving instructions to this place you might become a little put-off . It appears that you need to take a lot of turns and road changes to get to the place. Well it's all true ... you do, but ... it's not as bad as it sounds. The GPS did its job and got us to the front gate.
It's located in the heart of South Carolina's Low Country. A special coastal place for South Carolinians, as St. Helena Island is Gullah country. The Gullah are African Americans who have maintained their linguistic and cultural heritage more than any other African American community in North America, according to Wikipedia. If you're a history buff this is a place to visit. Antique shops, art shops, unique restaurants, old ruins ... lots of interesting people and things to see. And, but 10 miles from equally historic Beaufort (http://www.beaufort.com) with its spectacular antebellum homes, beautiful marina, even more art galleries, and eateries; you just have to stop and look around. Check out Wikipedia for more information: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gullah)
Anyway we arrived at Tuc-in-De-Woods about noon after motoring through a tunnel of live oaks and winding roads. Maybe a little tight for some but our rig and tow car made it through without a hitch. Once in the park it's all gravel roads and heavily wooded, but it was neat and well maintained. We were guided to our large pull-thru site and got set up in about 15 minutes. A big picnic table and fire pit were included on the site. The woods make for lots of shade, which helps when the temperature nears 90, but the humidity was rising so we cranked on the A/C and cooled off inside.
We showered and headed over to my sister's place in Beaufort; about a 10 mile trip. My sister's Grandson Ben (my great Nephew) and his girlfriend Vanessa were visiting from Germany so it was great seeing Ben and meeting Vanessa.
It seemed like only yesterday that he was a youngster and I was teaching to fish and now he's almost 21, has obviously lost his heart to the lovely Vanessa, and has his sights on a career. The two of them are headed off via train today for a tour of New York city and will be back in a few days before heading back to Germany the first week of May.
Brother-in-law Bob has turned his sloth-like former self into a modern day Andrew Agassi and Tiger Woods all wrapped into one. Either golfing or tennis almost everyday, he is fit and sharp and almost as handsome as me. Even though quite a bit older than me (480 hrs), he keeps a torrid pace and can still cook a mean steak. He remains my role model. My sister has too adopted a more athletic regimen and is more trim and more agile; and looks far younger than me. Somebody in the family had to get all the looks and by the time they got around to me ... well that's a story for another day. Bob and Judy are still the most gracious of hosts and we had a great dinner and spent the rest of the evening catching up on old times.
And so it goes ... another day livin' the dream and another day a little closer to heading back to Michigan.
Phil
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Movin' on
It was time to leave Florida Grande and start our trek north. Our friends Bill and June had picked up their coach in Ft Meyers the day before and we met up with them for a little 'just like old times' trip. Long before the RV bug got us we use to set out for long weekend. vacations around the Midwest. So it felt good to travel with them again. It's been long overdo.
We head to the Jacksonville area and pulled into the Flamingo Lake RV Park (www.flamingolake.com) for a few nights stay. Sharon and I had stayed here last year and enjoyed it so here we are again. Located on a beautifully clear spring fed lake, on-site restaurant, pool and small store ..., this is a perfect stop for all ages. Though not as fancy as some places we've stayed, it is still a comfortable and safe place to stay. Considering most of the spots are taken; and I've heard taken for months to come, says volumes of its attractiveness.
We'll probably stumble down to the lake side cafe in the morning for breakfast then try to figure out where we're going next. This life style isn't for everyone. These kind of big decisions take their toll on us. We'll probably have to stop for cocktails around 3:00pm tomorrow for the next round of decisions. Wish you all were here in the fantastic weather to help us along.
Still livin' the dream.
Phil
We head to the Jacksonville area and pulled into the Flamingo Lake RV Park (www.flamingolake.com) for a few nights stay. Sharon and I had stayed here last year and enjoyed it so here we are again. Located on a beautifully clear spring fed lake, on-site restaurant, pool and small store ..., this is a perfect stop for all ages. Though not as fancy as some places we've stayed, it is still a comfortable and safe place to stay. Considering most of the spots are taken; and I've heard taken for months to come, says volumes of its attractiveness.
We'll probably stumble down to the lake side cafe in the morning for breakfast then try to figure out where we're going next. This life style isn't for everyone. These kind of big decisions take their toll on us. We'll probably have to stop for cocktails around 3:00pm tomorrow for the next round of decisions. Wish you all were here in the fantastic weather to help us along.
Still livin' the dream.
Phil
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Strange noises
As our time here is winding down I took a few moments late the other evening to sit out on the patio and stare up at the crystal clear starlit sky. The air has still but 'what in the world was all that strange noise?', I asked myself. Out in the country side there are lots of strange little noises that occasionally quickens ones pulse but this noise was far different. Loud cackles, burps, blugs (new word), and chirps filled the air night like some diabolical colony of mutant baritones. I got up from my easy chair and walked slowly towards the noise. I was about 100 feet to the waters edge. It was dark ... but I was armed. I had grabbed a small empty propane bottle by the grill and moved out ... almost fearless. As I neared the pond, the noise became increasingly louder ... Much louder. As a looked cautiously about, my eyes caught movement ... lots of movement in the dark evening. Alligators maybe? No. But everywhere I looked ... there they were ... frogs. More frogs that I have ever seen in one place. And this leaping mass of green was excited. The earlier rain was the catalyst that awoke frog nation and tonight was 'date' night. This Calliope of sweet nothings echoed around the pond. I suspect the old phrase 'choose me' ... 'choose me' was in the air because these little hopping mating machines were paying no mind to me ... they had something and somebody else in mind tonight.
I returned to my chair, now calmed by the knowledge of what these creatures were and not, as I imagined, some creature from the black lagoon. My how the mind wanders.
Last night we were invited to a shrimp cook-out at the activities directors site. Tables were set out on the patio overlooking the lake and a fantastic, and unusual (for me), combination of foods were served. OMG ... and what great food! Park manager Amy expertly cooked the many skewers of succulent shrimp on the' barbie', as well as the supurb grilled broccoli (write me and I tell you Sandy's secret recipe), spinach salad, sort of a cajun rice, good wine and lots of good conversation. With the park emptying out for the summer, it was a nice finishing example of good old southern hospitality. Thanks to Sandy and Peter and the many greats folks we've met here. This is a good place.
We saw our new friends JD and Cheri off this morning as they were beginning their trip home to southern Michigan. The were the first of the residents to greet us when we arrived and have treated us as if we were long-lost family. Thank you both.
So there you have it ... another great stop on the RV retirement trail. We're soon headed north as well and looking for new adventure. And ... still livin' the dream.
Phil
I returned to my chair, now calmed by the knowledge of what these creatures were and not, as I imagined, some creature from the black lagoon. My how the mind wanders.
Last night we were invited to a shrimp cook-out at the activities directors site. Tables were set out on the patio overlooking the lake and a fantastic, and unusual (for me), combination of foods were served. OMG ... and what great food! Park manager Amy expertly cooked the many skewers of succulent shrimp on the' barbie', as well as the supurb grilled broccoli (write me and I tell you Sandy's secret recipe), spinach salad, sort of a cajun rice, good wine and lots of good conversation. With the park emptying out for the summer, it was a nice finishing example of good old southern hospitality. Thanks to Sandy and Peter and the many greats folks we've met here. This is a good place.
We saw our new friends JD and Cheri off this morning as they were beginning their trip home to southern Michigan. The were the first of the residents to greet us when we arrived and have treated us as if we were long-lost family. Thank you both.
So there you have it ... another great stop on the RV retirement trail. We're soon headed north as well and looking for new adventure. And ... still livin' the dream.
Phil
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Time flies
One would think I'd have all the time in the world to scribble down a few thoughts here and keep you updated on our travels ... but oh no ... not the case. I have been busy wrapping up this photo assignment I've been working on for the past few weeks. Still a few more things to do then we'll be heading north for more adventure.
So, if you're interested ... we're both doing okay. The recent tornadoes passed us to the north and south, the wild black panther that apparently escaped from a nearby home zoo is still roaming the area, when it rains here the animals really do pair up, and they've got towns down here with names like Okahumpka.
So life is still interesting and we're still livin' the dream.
Phil
So, if you're interested ... we're both doing okay. The recent tornadoes passed us to the north and south, the wild black panther that apparently escaped from a nearby home zoo is still roaming the area, when it rains here the animals really do pair up, and they've got towns down here with names like Okahumpka.
So life is still interesting and we're still livin' the dream.
Phil
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