2-13-15
Today was a travel day and it was a good one, even though it was Friday the 13th. We were up and on the road by 9:30 with blue sky ahead of us. The traffic was light most of the way and the roads were good.
Our day began in Florida, but 20 miles later we entered Alabama (Roll Tide). In no time at all we spotted the sign for Mississippi. A few miles later we pulled into a rest area for a break. Have I mentioned how lovely they are in the south? Large buildings with sparkling rest rooms,
FL 1-30-15
Today was a beach day. Well at least afternoon. Although it was only 75 here, it felt plenty warm for us. This time we decided to check out Sanibel Island, specifically Shell Harbor.
It took us just about an hour to get there. No direct routes when you are island hopping. First make note: this and all beaches we could find on Sanibel have only paid parking lots. Three dollars per hour. That can add up quickly. The good news is they were all dog friendly. As we got to the end of the
2-23-15
Today we took off in search of Billy's swamp tours. That didn't work out so well. Garmin could not find him and after 120 miles and 3 stops for directions I gave up. Perhaps I'll try again when we head for alligator alley next week.
We did manage to see quite a bit of the country side. At one point we even stopped to watch sugar cane being harvested. Interesting machine for that task. As we left the fields we spotted the processing plant in the distance.
Lake Okeechobee is easy to fin
6-22-14
Today was just too nice to sit around. Ruth an I put a few more miles on the rental car by traveling to Owls Head, with a few stops on the way. Our first surprise was crossing the Penobscot Narrows Bridge near Fort Knox. It's amazing how something man made can still give you a scenic moment.
We continued on through Belfast and then saw signs for a State park in Camdon. After paying the old folks fee of $3 dollars we scouted out the campground, used the cleanest public restrooms I've se
FL 2-7-15
Today it was a mere 67 degrees with lovely blue skies. The morning was spent doing a few errands. Once it warmed up we headed for the beach in Navarre. It only took about 40 minutes.
Here's a travel tip. If you want to visit the greater Pensacola area, Milton is a great place for home base.
Now back to the beach. Navarre is another white sand beach on the Gulf. This one goes on for about 30 miles. When we arrived today we were told we had missed the Mardi Gras parade. We would have
2-11-15
OK it's time for the rest of you to laugh. It's getting down to 30 here in Pensacola tonight. It still beats minus something and waste deep snow, but Ruth and I did come down here for the warm weather.
Tonight we gave a highly recommended restaurant "Peg Leg Pete's" located on Pensacola Beach a try. Many people told us they are the best in the area for crab. That's of little importance to me since I can't eat shellfish but Ruth wanted to try it since she has never eaten fresh crab legs
1-13-15
Actually got a great nights sleep. Up at 8 and ready to go by 9. We hit the Waffle House on our way back to the highway. Just as I started up the Burb, I realized I didn't try the Waffles! Oh well my eggs and hash browns were just fine.
Drizzly rain and more fog today. Slow going, but we hope to make Jacksonville.
Nothing exciting on the road today. Made Jacksonville about 7 PM and we were beat. However it was eat a good supper night. We found a stake house and I had a wonderful file
12-5-14
Last night ended with being trapped in our new recliner. No matter what I did I could not get the foot rest to go down. So I finally climbed out. Not a great move for a bad back. So, my plan was to drive back to CW (camping world) early this AM.
When I stepped out of Gracie this morning our CG neighbors for the past week were packing up. Skip and his DW Karen are long time campers but as I am, rookie owners of a DP (diesel pusher). In fact they just bought it this week. Anyway we che
6-15-14
Now that we've be traveling for two weeks, it was time to name our Monaco Windsor coach. Melvin decide on Grace after Princess Grace of Monaco. What else? After all the plate reads Castle3 !
Sunday (Father's Day ) was a total rain out. Ruth began our day by making blueberry pancakes for breakfast. The rest of our day was spent relaxing and watching movies.
6-16-14
We woke up to rain again. But it was a travel day, so we broke camp and headed out. Just after the causeway leaving Cape
6-7-14
Today started off by wakeing up to partly cloudy skies. Ruth and I had breakfast and set about securing everything for our next leg to Halifax. I learned you can't put the front side in if one of they storage doors are open. 5 minutes of panic before I figured it out. Hooked up Lucy and off we went.
Today's driving lessen was all about strong cross winds and very bumpy roads. I did a bit of zigzagging before I got use to it. Ruth however had a tough time. Her brake peddle did not work a
6-13-14
The only exciting thing that happened yesterday was paying over $5 a gallon for fuel as we drove from Halifax to Baddeck.
Today we ventured out to the Alexander Gram Bell museum. I. Learned enough trivia to win Jepordy. However,I was disappointed by the meager display of inventions and prototypes. I had also anticipated taking a tour of his home here, but that is privately owned by a Bell descendant and not open to the public. Oh well, the view of lake Bras d-Or, was quite pleasing to
6-10-14
Our morning began with French toast on the stove and bacon from the grill. Both were delicious! After a bit of tidy up in the coach, and putting away some laundry (imagine a washer/drier in the coach), we headed Lucy back to Halifax.
First stop was the Spring Garden. Ruth and I took a 45 minute stroll and loved every part of it. I added some pics if the WiFi lets them through. Melvin posed for a few selfies.
In the afternoon we visited the Nova Scotia archives to do some research. Fou
FL 1-31-15
Today was fairly simple. I spent some time replacing the connector for the Burb lights when towing. I crunched it the last time I folded up the hitch for storage.
About 2 PM we took off for Yoders restaurant in Sarasota. We called some more Bradford friends, Jarna any Gary Perkins and Joyce and Perry Tiel, to meet us there. We thought we we meeting half way for both of us. But as it turned out they stay in Venice and it was out of the way for all.
Who cares? The food was plentiful
After many frantic phone calls this AM we did find an inspection place. All is well. No problems found and new sticker on windshield. Also got two new front tires. Old ones had 12 years on them and still looked great. Even the inside was inspected very closely. Oh we'll, peace on mind as we take off for Canada.
11-25-14
I spoke a bit too soon yesterday. Last night as I was relaxing watching Fox News, Ruth screams from the bedroom water water. I rushed in to discover the bed had about a 2 foot circle of wet that Ruth found as she was getting in. Soon we discovered the source. No it wasn't Oscar. That was our first guess too. It was coming from the bedroom AC intake. We grabbed a pan and a few towels and I opened the filter access. Fortunately, that did not result in a waterfall. Just a steady drip drip
Today began with Dunkin Doughnuts coffee delivered by John Burd. Saw the twins for a good bye and hit the road.
George (our GPS) took us over some interesting country roads. After purposing over hills and small bridges, I think I'll look into new shocks.
Rt 22 was much better but full of 18 wheelers. We stopped in Carlisle PA for lunch with Bro-in-law and nephew. As we returned to Gracie, Bobby pointed out the Dash Hound ( see picture).
Upon our return to 81 South we rounded a blind corner t
We are headed for warmer weather in FL. Our dog Oscar is going on a trip with us for the 1st time. He's a bit restless but otherwise he did fine on the first leg. We stopped in Danbury CT for our first overnight at a Walmart. Sub shop was walking distance so supper was easy. Stopped in Walmart to make sure it was OK to stay. 30 outside but comfortable 70 inside. Furnace works great.
Ruth says my driving has improved
Last week I moved the TV to the curb side behind front seat. Now we can watc
11-24-14
In just a week we have gone from electric blankets and furnace heat to just sheets and AC. Today's temp was 79 and a bit humid. Sure glad Joey helped me repair the rear unit this summer.
About noon today we went back into St. Augustine. What a lovely city! It's well laid out, clean, and full of things to do and places to see. We took a leisure stroll through the market. Interesting shops and loads of eateries.
When we returned to Gracie we took a few minutes to clean things up and th
1-26-15
Yesterday was a down day. Saturday afternoon we walked to the function hall and enjoyed an hour of Gospel singing quartet. What else when the State is half southern Baptist. That was followed by a very tasty meatloaf dinner at a mere $6 a plate.
Before going to bed last night I had "Black tank" duty. That went fine, I'm getting use to it. However, I left the door to Gracie open. As the last light went out we realized Oscar was nowhere to be found. As I hurried to get dressed and comen
11-30-14
I didn't have much to write yesterday. A blister the size of a quarter grew on my big toe the night after my many mile march at Daytona. I administered fluid evacuation surgery without anesthesia. Painful but successful. However I needed a day to recover so I nixed another trip to Daytona. Hope the show car judges managed without my input.
Today was a moving day. Just a shot trip to Lazydays CG in Tampa. It was a uneventful trip until I was 500 feet away and took the wrong turn. I re
6-18-14
Melvin
At 6 AM I woke up to pouring rain. With visions of being stuck on this hilltop due to wash outs, I asked Ruth to get us ready to go. First time I got stuck prepping the outside in a downpour. Frankly that sucked.
So, down the mountain we went. First gear only, frequent braking, and dodging trees that were drooping from hard rain weighting them down. What a relief to see that last turn. Water was running the ditches full and spilling onto the gravel one lane road.
Next another
6-21-14
Today was another low key day. I could get use to this FAST. I started out by putting away a few things that I bought yesterday. A filter wrench, some oil and 4 more small propane tanks. Those buggers are only good for 3 meals. Then I did my pre trip checks, engine and generator fluids. And, to my surprise the grey tank was full again. Guess we are water hogs! Ruth and I discussed it and decided we're not changing, except for no more sites that don't have full hookups unless we're only
F1-17-15
Yesterday was a banner day. Nothing to do but a trip to HD. We slept in until 9:30. The grill was already out so it was a good time to try out the grill mat I purchased at the RV show. It's primary use is cooking vegetables, but it's intended to stay on the grill all the time. So I decided to cook some bacon. It worked like magic. The bacon browned nicely and all the grease stayed on the mat. Clean up later was a cinch. Wipe the worst with paper towels, then heat it up and wipe the res
FL11-21-14
Today was a Lazy day. We decided to just stay put and relax. We're at Jolly Acres CG in St George SC. There are several full timers here, so I asked what the rates were out of curiosity. Monthly rate is $325 plus metered electric. Storage is only $65 per month. Yes it's outdoors but so much cheaper than NH rates.
I spent some time on the iPad while Ruth slept in. We both needed to catch up. About noon we freed up the Burb and headed to town for lunch and some groceries. I hate it wh
