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!!
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