Well, here we are again. I had no intention of writing tonight, but something happened that I just have to get off my chest. Was just pretty much a regular day. Put a line in the water just after breakfast, checked it several times, still haven't had a bite.
Put on bike shorts and made several circuits around the park. Wind blowing out of the north at around 17 mph, with gusts that really moved most RVs around. No one left an awning up, for sure! At least I got a pretty good workout going against the wind, but got a free ride all the way back :)
OK, down to why I'm writing tonight: I made a remark on twitter about someone buying a new camper, hooking it up, pulling it to a campsite, setting it up, then going inside and watching TV. This made no sense to me, but right now I regret making that tweet so much that it almost makes me cry to think about it.
I talked with the guy this afternoon. He is retired army-spent 22.5 years defending our country. His wife is a retired RN-spent about the same number of years taking care of sick people. I hold both positions in the highest regard!
Their camper is two years old-they traded a larger camper in on this one so they could handle it a little better in their old age. They only live about half an hour from this campground. They spent many happy weekends here while raising their family, had planned to go RVing full time. Then complications set in. As a result of his service in Vietnam, and the effects of Agent Orange, he is slowly melting away from the inside out. Already has a pigs heart valve, and plans are underway to replace that valve in the spring.
And, just this fall, his wife had open heart surgery-also had a valve replaced. Her doctor says she doesn't need to be out away from close medical care. So, they are having one last week in their camper that they love, in the campground that they love. This coming Saturday they plan to return home, put the camper up for sale, and call it quits as far as camping is concerned.
If I ever again make a remark like I made yesterday, I hope someone appears out of thin air and kicks my butt so hard I can't sit down for a week! And Lord, I ask your forgiveness and also your divine protection for this couple!
Saturday, December 12, 2015
Friday, December 11, 2015
Playing at being a tourist.
OK, I've been here on the banks of the Caloosahatchee (sp) river for a few days now. Let me tell you a little about this place. I originally thought I would be camping on the banks of Lake Okechobee. I found out today why I thought this. The river that I'm on is on the Okechobee river system-that is, it is part of the drainage system that helps protect this part of Florida from floods when hurricanes hit the area. There is a system of dams, dikes (no, not that kind), and locks in place to either move or hold water, as necessary, and the locks permit boats to travel from the Gulf of Mexico to Lake Okechobee and vice-versa. OK, all clear on this? yep. Time to move on.
I've spent a lot of time just exploring the area this week. I keep the Garmin with me for a safety net, but trying to learn the area on my own. I've gone into Fort Myers and Cape Coral twice without the help of the Garmin, and I've gone to both of them two different ways :). Not a big deal, but it is to me. I hate cities-usually get lost if I turn around anywhere. I'm trying to get over this.
Anyway, this is the first time I've been in this area with a vehicle that I can maneuver around and go places I normally can't go. I'm enjoying it a lot. And, if I forget something at a store, I can go back and get what I need.
I finally got some real bait today-may actually catch some fish now. For those who don't know, I went to Walmart the day before yesterday for fish bait. For a place so close to water, you would think there would be bait stores everywhere. Not so :( Anyway, I went to the sporting goods section, found the frozen bait, got a package of frozen squid. Paid for it, went to the truck happy. Got back to the RV, put it in the freezer and fixed a drink.
After breakfast yesterday, decided to take a short bike ride, then go fishing. Bike ride was great, time to catch something to eat. Got out that package of squid, gathered the rest of the equipment, carried everything over to the fishing pier next to the lock where the water rushes under the barriers. That's where the fish congregate, waiting for scraps of food to come through the gates.
Opened that pack of squid---crap!! That squid was nothing but a pack of chicken necks!! I kid you not, I had bought a pack of chicken necks instead of squid! Worst of all, it was marked as squid! I had paid cash and thrown away the receipt, so couldn't take it back. Not a big deal as it was only a little over three bucks. The three bucks wasn't the big deal though-the fact that I still didn't have anything more than catfish bait to fish with was the killer for me.
OK, I did catch one catfish with the chicken neck. I also got to play another one for a few minutes. That swift water and light tackle makes for some fun fishing. The second one got off, but that was good-I hate to handle those suckers!
I got some squid and some shrimp today-both are what the package says they are :) I put out two poles right at my campsite this afternoon and leaned the poles against tree limbs so I could tell if anything happened. Almost dark, I saw one of them shake the limb. By the time I got there, the line was hung on a rock or something on the bottom..I had a float on it and the float was under water. A fish had taken the bait, gone down and wrapped around or under a rock. is my guess. Anyway, at least I now have some bait.
That's about it for now. I'm just enjoying being where it's warm, but I understand it's not bad at all back home. I wish the home folks all the best, but I know I'm still in a better place :)
Until next time, keep the rubber side down!
Jeff
I've spent a lot of time just exploring the area this week. I keep the Garmin with me for a safety net, but trying to learn the area on my own. I've gone into Fort Myers and Cape Coral twice without the help of the Garmin, and I've gone to both of them two different ways :). Not a big deal, but it is to me. I hate cities-usually get lost if I turn around anywhere. I'm trying to get over this.
Anyway, this is the first time I've been in this area with a vehicle that I can maneuver around and go places I normally can't go. I'm enjoying it a lot. And, if I forget something at a store, I can go back and get what I need.
I finally got some real bait today-may actually catch some fish now. For those who don't know, I went to Walmart the day before yesterday for fish bait. For a place so close to water, you would think there would be bait stores everywhere. Not so :( Anyway, I went to the sporting goods section, found the frozen bait, got a package of frozen squid. Paid for it, went to the truck happy. Got back to the RV, put it in the freezer and fixed a drink.
After breakfast yesterday, decided to take a short bike ride, then go fishing. Bike ride was great, time to catch something to eat. Got out that package of squid, gathered the rest of the equipment, carried everything over to the fishing pier next to the lock where the water rushes under the barriers. That's where the fish congregate, waiting for scraps of food to come through the gates.
Opened that pack of squid---crap!! That squid was nothing but a pack of chicken necks!! I kid you not, I had bought a pack of chicken necks instead of squid! Worst of all, it was marked as squid! I had paid cash and thrown away the receipt, so couldn't take it back. Not a big deal as it was only a little over three bucks. The three bucks wasn't the big deal though-the fact that I still didn't have anything more than catfish bait to fish with was the killer for me.
OK, I did catch one catfish with the chicken neck. I also got to play another one for a few minutes. That swift water and light tackle makes for some fun fishing. The second one got off, but that was good-I hate to handle those suckers!
I got some squid and some shrimp today-both are what the package says they are :) I put out two poles right at my campsite this afternoon and leaned the poles against tree limbs so I could tell if anything happened. Almost dark, I saw one of them shake the limb. By the time I got there, the line was hung on a rock or something on the bottom..I had a float on it and the float was under water. A fish had taken the bait, gone down and wrapped around or under a rock. is my guess. Anyway, at least I now have some bait.
That's about it for now. I'm just enjoying being where it's warm, but I understand it's not bad at all back home. I wish the home folks all the best, but I know I'm still in a better place :)
Until next time, keep the rubber side down!
Jeff
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Sitting Pretty in Sunny South Florida
OK, I've put this off long enough. I've already forgotten a few items, but not really a lot to say.
Like I tweeted on Saturday, it was a really mundane travel day. I left home very early-I just couldn't sleep in. I was pulling my truck behind the RV for the first time. I've pulled the boat behind it many times, but the truck is much different.
I spent the first hour just getting used to how it behaved on hills, curves, etc. Chattanooga is about 1.5 hours South of me by car-it took me an extra hour to get there. By the time I got to I-75 though, things were humming along pretty well. Big 18 wheelers still gave me grief, but in the RV, they always do-truck or no truck.
Anyway, I had reservations at a site in Perry, GA. Perry is about 100 miles South of Atlanta. I actually thought it would take me longer to get there than it did. No problems in Chattanooga, Atlanta, or Macon just got me there early. I was pretty worn out though, so did minimal set-up and ate cold chicken and boiled eggs for supper, had a couple stiff drinks, and hit the sheets.
Had a really great 9 hours of sleep, got up Sunday morning with no way to hol--wait, no, I got up feeling good, fixed bacon, eggs, toast with butter and apple jelly, washed down with hot coffee and cold milk. (I'm a milk baby still)
Since I only had to unhook water and electric, it only took a few minutes to get on the road again. I left the campsite a little after 8 AM. I had no reservations for Sunday night. The plan was rough, but simple. I wanted to get as far South as possible, and for sure wanted to get south of Tampa. Tampa is really a busy place, construction on I-75 in that area is a constant. I don't think they would be finished with it if they had 25 perfect lanes going in each direction.
Anyway, I did well on the stops this day. I combined pit stops with fuel stops, so that really saved a lot of time. I did find a problem at the first fuel stop though, and this may cost me a bundle to repair. As I was fueling, I smelled gas. I looked around, stepped away a couple of steps and saw fuel pouring out from under the RV! Oh crap, I've filled it above the overflow! Nope, I had only put about 5 gallons in it :(
Long and short of this is, there is a hole somewhere in the lower part of the filler tube. I found that if I just trickle the fuel in, it all goes into the tank and none on the ground. However, if I pump it at regular speed, there is quite a bit spills onto the ground. This is NOT acceptable. Also, dangerous!
Back to the trip. As I said, I wanted to get south of Tampa, and I made it. Saw a sign for a rest area-next rest area I think was 95 miles. OK, I know I can't make it that much farther-that's where I'm headed :) Just as I pull in, I see a sign "Bradenton-14 miles". Light bulbs flash-I've been here before, know an RV park called Horseshoe Cove Carefree RV resort. I stayed a month there two years ago. It's just about a mile off the interstate, one right turn, make a left one block down right into the entrance.
While I'm at the rest stop, I look them up on my trusty apple, give them a call. Yep, they have a pull through site right up front that is perfect for me. The lady said she would be there until eight. That's fine, it's about five, so I tell her I'll see her in about half an hour, or less. I plug the address into the Garmin and off we go. What can go wrong?? Remember that Murphy guy? Yeah, that guy can go wrong.
I felt funny when I was directed off I-75 onto I-275 toward St. Pete, but just figured I was going in a closer way than before. First thing I know I'm in a residential neighborhood, dead end streets not wide enough to turn around, and Garmin says I've arrived! Crap! I dig out the apple again, ask for directions to Horseshoe Cove. Siri has no clue. I ask for directions to Horseshoe Cove Carefree RV Resort. "Getting directions". OK, new we're getting somewhere. "Proceed to the route" I go around one block, right back where I was. "You have arrived"! I see a guy using a leaf blower at the edge of the street. Stop and ask directions while shredding my mancard. He tells me to take a right at the end of the street, go over a hill, and there is an RV park at the bottom of that hill. OK, take a right, street blocked by a fence.
I make a u-turn in a children's playground and head back out of there. Ask siri for directions to I-75. Not a problem-half an hour later I can see I-75. I turn the Garmin back on, put in the address again, tell Siri to direct me to the address. Guess what-they both tell me to take a u-turn! Oh no, not going there.
I get close to I-75, see Caruso Road. I know where I am, but leave the instruments on just to see what they will do. As I'm pulling into the RV park, they are both yelling at me to make a u-turn. I don't know what's with them and u-turns?? Anyone??
Anyway, the lady and I had a good laugh-she said a lot of people have that problem with their address. I didn't think it was very funny, but knew it wasn't her fault.
I again only hooked up water and electric. Took a bath with Action Wipes because I didn't want to heat water, shower, fill holding tanks with that extra weight, then haul it all the way to where I am now.
I saw a lot of signs along the way advertising a new RV dealership and parts store. I decided, since it was so close to my exit, and I was too early for check-in, that I would check them out. It is a huge place, would be hard to count the many RVs they have in stock. It is their Grand Opening week. I was going to try to get them to look at the filler neck fuel problem, but they aren't doing any repairs for a couple of weeks while they get set up a little better. OK.
I got over here to the Corps of Engineers campground a little after noon. The lady at check in asked where I'm from. I start to explain that it's just a little town on I-40 between Knoxville and Nashville. She says, "Oh-Crossville! We're from Chattanooga" :)
They are work campers, and in return for keeping the gate, and doing a few small odd jobs, they get a campsite with full hookups for free for the amount of time they want to stay. It's a great gig for a couple. A single guy like me couldn't do it due to someone having to be there all the time during open hours-sunrise to sunset. And, 7 days per week.
I'm about caught up, so hang in there just a couple more minutes :) Since I've been here I've ridden the trail bike twice-just around inside the small park. This isn't the place where they have the trails all around the lake. This is the Caloosahatchee (I'm sure I didn't spell that right-just sound it out) river. I was under the impression I would be on Lake Okechobee, catching bass, bream, crappie-fresh water fish. Nope, salt water on one side of the park, brackish water on the other. I've fished a little, but just didn't plan on this at all.
I have gone to the park where I'll be spending the winter. Talked with friends I met there last winter, arranged to store the RV there while I go to Sarasota to be with the family during the week of Christmas, friends recommended a place that might be able to repair my fuel problem. I've talked with the guy and he assures me that if he can't fix it, he will find someone who can. I think I like this guy already.
OK, you are now up to date. I'll try not to wait so long on the next one, but at the same time, will wait until I at least have something to say :)
Until then, keep the rubber side down!
Jeff
Like I tweeted on Saturday, it was a really mundane travel day. I left home very early-I just couldn't sleep in. I was pulling my truck behind the RV for the first time. I've pulled the boat behind it many times, but the truck is much different.
I spent the first hour just getting used to how it behaved on hills, curves, etc. Chattanooga is about 1.5 hours South of me by car-it took me an extra hour to get there. By the time I got to I-75 though, things were humming along pretty well. Big 18 wheelers still gave me grief, but in the RV, they always do-truck or no truck.
Anyway, I had reservations at a site in Perry, GA. Perry is about 100 miles South of Atlanta. I actually thought it would take me longer to get there than it did. No problems in Chattanooga, Atlanta, or Macon just got me there early. I was pretty worn out though, so did minimal set-up and ate cold chicken and boiled eggs for supper, had a couple stiff drinks, and hit the sheets.
Had a really great 9 hours of sleep, got up Sunday morning with no way to hol--wait, no, I got up feeling good, fixed bacon, eggs, toast with butter and apple jelly, washed down with hot coffee and cold milk. (I'm a milk baby still)
Since I only had to unhook water and electric, it only took a few minutes to get on the road again. I left the campsite a little after 8 AM. I had no reservations for Sunday night. The plan was rough, but simple. I wanted to get as far South as possible, and for sure wanted to get south of Tampa. Tampa is really a busy place, construction on I-75 in that area is a constant. I don't think they would be finished with it if they had 25 perfect lanes going in each direction.
Anyway, I did well on the stops this day. I combined pit stops with fuel stops, so that really saved a lot of time. I did find a problem at the first fuel stop though, and this may cost me a bundle to repair. As I was fueling, I smelled gas. I looked around, stepped away a couple of steps and saw fuel pouring out from under the RV! Oh crap, I've filled it above the overflow! Nope, I had only put about 5 gallons in it :(
Long and short of this is, there is a hole somewhere in the lower part of the filler tube. I found that if I just trickle the fuel in, it all goes into the tank and none on the ground. However, if I pump it at regular speed, there is quite a bit spills onto the ground. This is NOT acceptable. Also, dangerous!
Back to the trip. As I said, I wanted to get south of Tampa, and I made it. Saw a sign for a rest area-next rest area I think was 95 miles. OK, I know I can't make it that much farther-that's where I'm headed :) Just as I pull in, I see a sign "Bradenton-14 miles". Light bulbs flash-I've been here before, know an RV park called Horseshoe Cove Carefree RV resort. I stayed a month there two years ago. It's just about a mile off the interstate, one right turn, make a left one block down right into the entrance.
While I'm at the rest stop, I look them up on my trusty apple, give them a call. Yep, they have a pull through site right up front that is perfect for me. The lady said she would be there until eight. That's fine, it's about five, so I tell her I'll see her in about half an hour, or less. I plug the address into the Garmin and off we go. What can go wrong?? Remember that Murphy guy? Yeah, that guy can go wrong.
I felt funny when I was directed off I-75 onto I-275 toward St. Pete, but just figured I was going in a closer way than before. First thing I know I'm in a residential neighborhood, dead end streets not wide enough to turn around, and Garmin says I've arrived! Crap! I dig out the apple again, ask for directions to Horseshoe Cove. Siri has no clue. I ask for directions to Horseshoe Cove Carefree RV Resort. "Getting directions". OK, new we're getting somewhere. "Proceed to the route" I go around one block, right back where I was. "You have arrived"! I see a guy using a leaf blower at the edge of the street. Stop and ask directions while shredding my mancard. He tells me to take a right at the end of the street, go over a hill, and there is an RV park at the bottom of that hill. OK, take a right, street blocked by a fence.
I make a u-turn in a children's playground and head back out of there. Ask siri for directions to I-75. Not a problem-half an hour later I can see I-75. I turn the Garmin back on, put in the address again, tell Siri to direct me to the address. Guess what-they both tell me to take a u-turn! Oh no, not going there.
I get close to I-75, see Caruso Road. I know where I am, but leave the instruments on just to see what they will do. As I'm pulling into the RV park, they are both yelling at me to make a u-turn. I don't know what's with them and u-turns?? Anyone??
Anyway, the lady and I had a good laugh-she said a lot of people have that problem with their address. I didn't think it was very funny, but knew it wasn't her fault.
I again only hooked up water and electric. Took a bath with Action Wipes because I didn't want to heat water, shower, fill holding tanks with that extra weight, then haul it all the way to where I am now.
I saw a lot of signs along the way advertising a new RV dealership and parts store. I decided, since it was so close to my exit, and I was too early for check-in, that I would check them out. It is a huge place, would be hard to count the many RVs they have in stock. It is their Grand Opening week. I was going to try to get them to look at the filler neck fuel problem, but they aren't doing any repairs for a couple of weeks while they get set up a little better. OK.
I got over here to the Corps of Engineers campground a little after noon. The lady at check in asked where I'm from. I start to explain that it's just a little town on I-40 between Knoxville and Nashville. She says, "Oh-Crossville! We're from Chattanooga" :)
They are work campers, and in return for keeping the gate, and doing a few small odd jobs, they get a campsite with full hookups for free for the amount of time they want to stay. It's a great gig for a couple. A single guy like me couldn't do it due to someone having to be there all the time during open hours-sunrise to sunset. And, 7 days per week.
I'm about caught up, so hang in there just a couple more minutes :) Since I've been here I've ridden the trail bike twice-just around inside the small park. This isn't the place where they have the trails all around the lake. This is the Caloosahatchee (I'm sure I didn't spell that right-just sound it out) river. I was under the impression I would be on Lake Okechobee, catching bass, bream, crappie-fresh water fish. Nope, salt water on one side of the park, brackish water on the other. I've fished a little, but just didn't plan on this at all.
I have gone to the park where I'll be spending the winter. Talked with friends I met there last winter, arranged to store the RV there while I go to Sarasota to be with the family during the week of Christmas, friends recommended a place that might be able to repair my fuel problem. I've talked with the guy and he assures me that if he can't fix it, he will find someone who can. I think I like this guy already.
OK, you are now up to date. I'll try not to wait so long on the next one, but at the same time, will wait until I at least have something to say :)
Until then, keep the rubber side down!
Jeff
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Another year gone, a new year just over the horizon..
Here we are at the beginning of December, 2015. Not as cold as last year, only a couple of nights below freezing, no snow at all. Still, I'm ready to get out of here and head to Florida where it's warm.
I've really enjoyed this summer. Spent a lot of time at the lake, caught plenty of walleye, enjoyed camping and fishing with friends and family from around our great country, as well as some from right here at home.
For the past month, I've been taking care of doctor appointments-just routine check ups. Nothing wrong with me that isn't expected in an ancient old man :) I've also been slowly loading and checking out the RV. Got new tires this summer, had the oil changed last month, doesn't even have enough miles on it for a tune up yet. That's a good thing-saves a bundle of cash!
I'm doing something a little different this year. I'm renting a 4 wheel dolly and pulling my old 1991 Jeep Comanche to Florida with me. It will make those trips to Walmart and Publix a little safer. I'll still ride the bike around the Slater road loop, and many other places, but I just don't feel safe trying to cross under that I-75 stretch of road that has no bike lane.
Also, I won't have to depend on someone to take me fishing. I can drive to the beach, and to the boat docks. I caught a lot of fish last year, and hope to do the same this year.
OK, this was a test. Not sure how it will post, or even if it will post. I lost most everything when I updated this computer last week. Even the guys at the Genius Bar at the Apple store couldn't help me. I have a friend at the campground that I'm pretty sure can fix it for me. I sure hope so. Until then, I'll limp along with what I have.
Until next we meet, keep yourself safe!!
I've really enjoyed this summer. Spent a lot of time at the lake, caught plenty of walleye, enjoyed camping and fishing with friends and family from around our great country, as well as some from right here at home.
For the past month, I've been taking care of doctor appointments-just routine check ups. Nothing wrong with me that isn't expected in an ancient old man :) I've also been slowly loading and checking out the RV. Got new tires this summer, had the oil changed last month, doesn't even have enough miles on it for a tune up yet. That's a good thing-saves a bundle of cash!
I'm doing something a little different this year. I'm renting a 4 wheel dolly and pulling my old 1991 Jeep Comanche to Florida with me. It will make those trips to Walmart and Publix a little safer. I'll still ride the bike around the Slater road loop, and many other places, but I just don't feel safe trying to cross under that I-75 stretch of road that has no bike lane.
Also, I won't have to depend on someone to take me fishing. I can drive to the beach, and to the boat docks. I caught a lot of fish last year, and hope to do the same this year.
OK, this was a test. Not sure how it will post, or even if it will post. I lost most everything when I updated this computer last week. Even the guys at the Genius Bar at the Apple store couldn't help me. I have a friend at the campground that I'm pretty sure can fix it for me. I sure hope so. Until then, I'll limp along with what I have.
Until next we meet, keep yourself safe!!
Thursday, August 27, 2015
The World According to Dad Burnett-seasonal update
It's been a while since I've posted anything. Just thought I would update anyone who might be interested in what's going on in my world-The World According To Dad Burnett.
Spent the winter in Florida last year. I stayed at Seminole campground for the most part. I did a month at another RV park-a fancy place, but for those that know me, that isn't for me. Yeah, it was a pretty place, great views, had a lakeside camp site. That site was a farce-the fish were about three inches long. Dog friendly park-oh yeah! Dogs had to be transported off site to be walked! Just too fancy for this country boy.
Seminole, on the other hand, requires your pet be on a leash except in the dog park where they are free to romp at will. But, on a leash, they can go anywhere except inside the eating area :) Yeah, they can go into the office with you-not a problem. Oh yeah, they can't go in the pool with you either, but that's due to state law-not the campground.
OK, enough about that, although I'm looking forward to going back this coming winter.
I've spent a lot of time camping and fishing this summer at Center Hill Lake-the lake I consider to be my home lake. It's about an hours drive from home to any of the four places I go there. I spend a lot of time walleye fishing on this lake. That's where I get a little of my food supply. I figure steak costs about $8.99/lb, whereas I can get walleye for only around $50 bucks/lb considering fuel, camp fees, RV and boat maintenance, etc. If I was a better fisherman the price would go down, but heck, I do it for fun. You can't put a value on fun can you? Nope!
I have been on the bike only a few times since I left Florida last spring. Took my grandson, Preston, aka @bike_dude to Charleston, SC this summer. We only stayed a few days, but that kid rode my legs off! He rode a mountain bike, about 10 lbs of air in the tires, and rode circles around my road bike! He never got out of the big ring!! I feel so old :( We stayed on James Island. I thought we would be on Folly Beach. You know, sand, surf, tiki huts, bikinis, etc. Nope. We were at least 8 miles from the beach. Locals told me not to even try to ride bikes to the beach due to road conditions. Preston and I decided to head into town once. We were warned to not try it. Heck, how bad can it be? Let me tell you right now, imagine the worst, add the fact that even the cops will try to run you off the road, and you start to imagine how bad it is. We decided we were lucky to make it back alive, and will never go there again. Sorry Charleston/James Island, but you just lost a couple of tourists!
OK, for the first blog in a while, I've said enough. Looking forward to the coming winter season in Florida, at Seminole Campground just outside of FT. Myers. I've met some good friends there, and looking forward to seeing them again. Until then, keep the rubber side down, and enjoy your riding!
Spent the winter in Florida last year. I stayed at Seminole campground for the most part. I did a month at another RV park-a fancy place, but for those that know me, that isn't for me. Yeah, it was a pretty place, great views, had a lakeside camp site. That site was a farce-the fish were about three inches long. Dog friendly park-oh yeah! Dogs had to be transported off site to be walked! Just too fancy for this country boy.
Seminole, on the other hand, requires your pet be on a leash except in the dog park where they are free to romp at will. But, on a leash, they can go anywhere except inside the eating area :) Yeah, they can go into the office with you-not a problem. Oh yeah, they can't go in the pool with you either, but that's due to state law-not the campground.
OK, enough about that, although I'm looking forward to going back this coming winter.
I've spent a lot of time camping and fishing this summer at Center Hill Lake-the lake I consider to be my home lake. It's about an hours drive from home to any of the four places I go there. I spend a lot of time walleye fishing on this lake. That's where I get a little of my food supply. I figure steak costs about $8.99/lb, whereas I can get walleye for only around $50 bucks/lb considering fuel, camp fees, RV and boat maintenance, etc. If I was a better fisherman the price would go down, but heck, I do it for fun. You can't put a value on fun can you? Nope!
I have been on the bike only a few times since I left Florida last spring. Took my grandson, Preston, aka @bike_dude to Charleston, SC this summer. We only stayed a few days, but that kid rode my legs off! He rode a mountain bike, about 10 lbs of air in the tires, and rode circles around my road bike! He never got out of the big ring!! I feel so old :( We stayed on James Island. I thought we would be on Folly Beach. You know, sand, surf, tiki huts, bikinis, etc. Nope. We were at least 8 miles from the beach. Locals told me not to even try to ride bikes to the beach due to road conditions. Preston and I decided to head into town once. We were warned to not try it. Heck, how bad can it be? Let me tell you right now, imagine the worst, add the fact that even the cops will try to run you off the road, and you start to imagine how bad it is. We decided we were lucky to make it back alive, and will never go there again. Sorry Charleston/James Island, but you just lost a couple of tourists!
OK, for the first blog in a while, I've said enough. Looking forward to the coming winter season in Florida, at Seminole Campground just outside of FT. Myers. I've met some good friends there, and looking forward to seeing them again. Until then, keep the rubber side down, and enjoy your riding!
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Day two-Siesta Key.
Day two in Siesta key.
Woke up at a decent time this morning-almost 6 AM. Had hoped to sleep a little longer, but what the heck. I did get a good night sleep, despite the pub just across the street. They keep it down pretty good.
Took a stroll around the area. I don't usually walk a lot due to blood clots in the legs, but it's good for me. I'm sure I didn't walk far, and I made two stops along the way. I just sat on a bench looking out over the ocean for a few minutes. Saw a couple of guys fishing, and a couple of birds waiting to steal either their bait, or their fish.
I saw one of them catch something, so I went down to talk to them. He had just caught a black tip shark about a foot long. They had both caught sharks, but nothing else. And, this one was about the size they were catching. Nothing dangerous, but nothing to keep either.
Talked with another guy who said there was a bait shop about a mile up the road. After breakfast I decided to go get some bait. This guy is about as good at estimating milage as I am. It was 2.2 miles by the cateye on my bike before I found the bait shop. Got a bonus while looking for the bait shop though-found a barber shop! I needed a haircut really bad.
The lady said she could take me in about 15 minutes. OK, I'll just walk around this little shopping center while I wait. Lo and behold, I found the bait shop right around the corner from the barber shop. Turns out it was the samp place we got out bait last year when we rented to boat for the day to go out riding the intercoastal waterway.
Anyway, I went back and got my hair cut. Did I mention it cost 18 bucks for a buzz cut? Yep, it does cost more to live in paradise I guess :) I get the same cut for 8 bucks at home. Think I'll let Vic or Anita take my electric razor to my head before they leave after Christmas :)
I finally got my bait. Frozen shrimp & squid. I don't have a way to keep live bait, so this was my best option. The guy across the street from the park said I could fish off his dock. I tried it for a while. Not a bite :( I need a net though, because that place was full of Mullet about 12-15 inches long!
Came home, cleaned myself up, went across to the pub & had a drink & some french fries, came back and got things ready for supper. Made a drink, went to the beach for the sunset, came back and ate supper. now I'm ready to close this off and watch NCIS. Have to watch it via computer since I don't get TV here. Need to find a cable connector so I can take care of this.
See y'all on the flip side! Going to try to fish early tomorrow on the beach side, then ride into town to see what I can see.
Jeff
Woke up at a decent time this morning-almost 6 AM. Had hoped to sleep a little longer, but what the heck. I did get a good night sleep, despite the pub just across the street. They keep it down pretty good.
Took a stroll around the area. I don't usually walk a lot due to blood clots in the legs, but it's good for me. I'm sure I didn't walk far, and I made two stops along the way. I just sat on a bench looking out over the ocean for a few minutes. Saw a couple of guys fishing, and a couple of birds waiting to steal either their bait, or their fish.
I saw one of them catch something, so I went down to talk to them. He had just caught a black tip shark about a foot long. They had both caught sharks, but nothing else. And, this one was about the size they were catching. Nothing dangerous, but nothing to keep either.
Talked with another guy who said there was a bait shop about a mile up the road. After breakfast I decided to go get some bait. This guy is about as good at estimating milage as I am. It was 2.2 miles by the cateye on my bike before I found the bait shop. Got a bonus while looking for the bait shop though-found a barber shop! I needed a haircut really bad.
The lady said she could take me in about 15 minutes. OK, I'll just walk around this little shopping center while I wait. Lo and behold, I found the bait shop right around the corner from the barber shop. Turns out it was the samp place we got out bait last year when we rented to boat for the day to go out riding the intercoastal waterway.
Anyway, I went back and got my hair cut. Did I mention it cost 18 bucks for a buzz cut? Yep, it does cost more to live in paradise I guess :) I get the same cut for 8 bucks at home. Think I'll let Vic or Anita take my electric razor to my head before they leave after Christmas :)
I finally got my bait. Frozen shrimp & squid. I don't have a way to keep live bait, so this was my best option. The guy across the street from the park said I could fish off his dock. I tried it for a while. Not a bite :( I need a net though, because that place was full of Mullet about 12-15 inches long!
Came home, cleaned myself up, went across to the pub & had a drink & some french fries, came back and got things ready for supper. Made a drink, went to the beach for the sunset, came back and ate supper. now I'm ready to close this off and watch NCIS. Have to watch it via computer since I don't get TV here. Need to find a cable connector so I can take care of this.
See y'all on the flip side! Going to try to fish early tomorrow on the beach side, then ride into town to see what I can see.
Jeff
Monday, December 15, 2014
Beginning of the winter Florida trip
First blog of the trip. I had meant to start this when I got to Cedar Key, but since wifi didn't reach my campsite, despite a router on a pole about 20 feet away, I decided to hold off until I got to Turtle Beach RV park in Sarasota, Florida.
OK, I'm here now, and ready to give a little account of the trip:
The trip was very routine this year, except for one little minor detail. It all worked out well, but I'll tell you, I was a worried little puppy for a few minutes. I had spent the night in Valdosta, Georgia as planned. Valdosta is about 5 miles from the Georgia/Florida state line. I've stayed there before. It's a nice place for an overnight stay, but I wouldn't want to make it a destination. Too far from anything fun to do. A little shopping mall about half a mile away, but even my daughter could run through that in an hour or so. Then what??
Anyway, I left Valdosta as planned, about 9:00. I was going to Cedar Key, Florida. No hurry-only about 2 hours away. Just a nice little jaunt down I-75, off onto a nice state road with a few small towns along the way. Those small towns seemed like they were about 5 miles apart and each one had a 30 MPH speed limit and red lights every 100 yards!
I saw I was finally getting fairly close-was on a good road and was out of the small towns. Garmin says take a right at the next road, then turn left. OK, this happened. Made that left onto what looked like another good road. Big mistake. Oh I was on the correct road alright-problem is, that road wasn't made for an RV! About 40 yards in that road turned from asphalt to sand! I kid you not, it just went from paved to unpaved all of a sudden.
The speed limit was 45 MPH. Are you kidding me? I never was able to go above 9.4 MPH on the whole road. I saw 2 cars on that road. One guy in a small car of some kind was in front of me. He drove off into a ditch to get away from me and let me pass. He was dressed in camo, so I guess he may have been deer hunting?? A mile or so down the road a car came out of an even smaller road and turned right. It was 2 females (just going by the long hair). We met and I had to take the ditch on my side to keep from hitting them. They gave me the evil eye and kept on going.
This went on for about 4-5 miles, Didn't see another car, but it did start to rain a little. Somewhere in the back of my head a little knot of worry started to move forward. Suddenly I saw light up ahead-I was out of the woods and back onto the main highway. The Garmin had taken me on a "shortcut".
Within a short period of time I had found the RV park at Cedar Key, got checked in, found my space and started making new friends. I kid you not, people were gathered around me almost as soon as I got backed in. Not to gawk, make fun of me, or anything else other than to offer friendship and help setting up. I've never seen anything like that. These people at that park were great!
I would probably go back to that park. Not to see the sights or any of the things the area has to offer. They really don't have a lot to offer unless you are a clam or oyster fisherman. There is minimum traffic on the road, so riding the bike into town isn't a problem at all. Sidewalks almost all the way make it even safer. If I do go back, it will be for the people there. From park management down to all the campers, it was a great experience. I hated to leave, but was really looking forward to getting on down south to Sarasota.
It took almost 5 hours to get here today. Garmin said it was about a 3 hour drive, but I didn't go the way Siri wanted me to go. No way was I going to go over that Sunshine Skyway bridge in an RV if I could help it! No sir, no way, no how!! Final!! OK, I got out the Atlas, plotted a course, turned on the Garmin and left at 10:03. The plan was to leave at 10:00, so I was very happy about that. I also made the mistake of trying to get Siri to help navigate. Word to the wise-never use 2 separate instruments to navigate!
To keep this a little shorter, I'll leave out a couple of times where they took me in a circle and brought me out right where I started.
I saw a sign to I-75 which is what I was really looking for. Both instruments tried to reroute me when I made that turn, but I decided since I was paying the bill, I was the boss! It payed off-10 miles later and I was headed South on I-75.
I did make a couple of stops along the way. These were planned. I found a Publix grocery store where I got fresh eggs, bread, hamburger buns (I like these for breakfast. Use them like plain bagels), milk and some potatoes. Had to make a pit stop at a rest area, but this is not unusual for me (whizking). Also knew that even though I had enough fuel for the trip, I wanted to fill up the tank before I got here. I found a Pilot station, almost filled the tank. Pump cut me off at 75 bucks which is not uncommon. Not completely full, but plenty close enough.
I got here at 3:10 this afternoon. Check in time is 3:00. Pretty good timing I think :) I did a minimum setup. Water, sewer, electric. TV cable connection will not work. The lead coming out is a male connection, too short to reach the RV. The extension cable I have has male ends on both connections. I'll try to find a connector in town somewhere tomorrow. They don't have a lot of choices within my bike riding abilities, so I may have to wait until the family gets here this weekend. Not really a big deal to me.
This park is nothing to brag about-just somewhere to park, take a shower and sleep. There will be no in park fun I don't think. That's OK, there is a nice beach within easy walking distance even for me. I can fish there if I choose, or walk across the street and fish on a pier. This area is very bike friendly, I'm familiar with the area, so can get groceries or whatever else I need, and there is a world famous white sand beach about 4 miles away. I do expect to spend a little time there :)
Sorry this post is so long, but there was a lot of catching up to do. The following posts should be a lot shorter. Also, I'll try to get Anita to show me again how to import pics here so I can incorporate them into the blog. Meanwhile, please stay tuned to regular twitter for some great beach pics. (Or you might just want to mute me).
Thanks for reading,
Jeff
OK, I'm here now, and ready to give a little account of the trip:
The trip was very routine this year, except for one little minor detail. It all worked out well, but I'll tell you, I was a worried little puppy for a few minutes. I had spent the night in Valdosta, Georgia as planned. Valdosta is about 5 miles from the Georgia/Florida state line. I've stayed there before. It's a nice place for an overnight stay, but I wouldn't want to make it a destination. Too far from anything fun to do. A little shopping mall about half a mile away, but even my daughter could run through that in an hour or so. Then what??
Anyway, I left Valdosta as planned, about 9:00. I was going to Cedar Key, Florida. No hurry-only about 2 hours away. Just a nice little jaunt down I-75, off onto a nice state road with a few small towns along the way. Those small towns seemed like they were about 5 miles apart and each one had a 30 MPH speed limit and red lights every 100 yards!
I saw I was finally getting fairly close-was on a good road and was out of the small towns. Garmin says take a right at the next road, then turn left. OK, this happened. Made that left onto what looked like another good road. Big mistake. Oh I was on the correct road alright-problem is, that road wasn't made for an RV! About 40 yards in that road turned from asphalt to sand! I kid you not, it just went from paved to unpaved all of a sudden.
The speed limit was 45 MPH. Are you kidding me? I never was able to go above 9.4 MPH on the whole road. I saw 2 cars on that road. One guy in a small car of some kind was in front of me. He drove off into a ditch to get away from me and let me pass. He was dressed in camo, so I guess he may have been deer hunting?? A mile or so down the road a car came out of an even smaller road and turned right. It was 2 females (just going by the long hair). We met and I had to take the ditch on my side to keep from hitting them. They gave me the evil eye and kept on going.
This went on for about 4-5 miles, Didn't see another car, but it did start to rain a little. Somewhere in the back of my head a little knot of worry started to move forward. Suddenly I saw light up ahead-I was out of the woods and back onto the main highway. The Garmin had taken me on a "shortcut".
Within a short period of time I had found the RV park at Cedar Key, got checked in, found my space and started making new friends. I kid you not, people were gathered around me almost as soon as I got backed in. Not to gawk, make fun of me, or anything else other than to offer friendship and help setting up. I've never seen anything like that. These people at that park were great!
I would probably go back to that park. Not to see the sights or any of the things the area has to offer. They really don't have a lot to offer unless you are a clam or oyster fisherman. There is minimum traffic on the road, so riding the bike into town isn't a problem at all. Sidewalks almost all the way make it even safer. If I do go back, it will be for the people there. From park management down to all the campers, it was a great experience. I hated to leave, but was really looking forward to getting on down south to Sarasota.
It took almost 5 hours to get here today. Garmin said it was about a 3 hour drive, but I didn't go the way Siri wanted me to go. No way was I going to go over that Sunshine Skyway bridge in an RV if I could help it! No sir, no way, no how!! Final!! OK, I got out the Atlas, plotted a course, turned on the Garmin and left at 10:03. The plan was to leave at 10:00, so I was very happy about that. I also made the mistake of trying to get Siri to help navigate. Word to the wise-never use 2 separate instruments to navigate!
To keep this a little shorter, I'll leave out a couple of times where they took me in a circle and brought me out right where I started.
I saw a sign to I-75 which is what I was really looking for. Both instruments tried to reroute me when I made that turn, but I decided since I was paying the bill, I was the boss! It payed off-10 miles later and I was headed South on I-75.
I did make a couple of stops along the way. These were planned. I found a Publix grocery store where I got fresh eggs, bread, hamburger buns (I like these for breakfast. Use them like plain bagels), milk and some potatoes. Had to make a pit stop at a rest area, but this is not unusual for me (whizking). Also knew that even though I had enough fuel for the trip, I wanted to fill up the tank before I got here. I found a Pilot station, almost filled the tank. Pump cut me off at 75 bucks which is not uncommon. Not completely full, but plenty close enough.
I got here at 3:10 this afternoon. Check in time is 3:00. Pretty good timing I think :) I did a minimum setup. Water, sewer, electric. TV cable connection will not work. The lead coming out is a male connection, too short to reach the RV. The extension cable I have has male ends on both connections. I'll try to find a connector in town somewhere tomorrow. They don't have a lot of choices within my bike riding abilities, so I may have to wait until the family gets here this weekend. Not really a big deal to me.
This park is nothing to brag about-just somewhere to park, take a shower and sleep. There will be no in park fun I don't think. That's OK, there is a nice beach within easy walking distance even for me. I can fish there if I choose, or walk across the street and fish on a pier. This area is very bike friendly, I'm familiar with the area, so can get groceries or whatever else I need, and there is a world famous white sand beach about 4 miles away. I do expect to spend a little time there :)
Sorry this post is so long, but there was a lot of catching up to do. The following posts should be a lot shorter. Also, I'll try to get Anita to show me again how to import pics here so I can incorporate them into the blog. Meanwhile, please stay tuned to regular twitter for some great beach pics. (Or you might just want to mute me).
Thanks for reading,
Jeff
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