We are heading there Monday 2/2 -- a week on the road. Check back and see how it went.
Then follow us in March when we head to Brooksville, FL to the Will McLean Festival.
Come May -- it's TEXAS!!!
Baby, it's cold outside and I'm ready to head south for a while. We decided too late to go to the Keys. Absolutely jam packed..not an RV site on the east or west coast of Florida til end of March. As far south as we could go without being turned away at the door is Vero Beach.
We are heading there Monday 2/2 -- a week on the road. Check back and see how it went. Then follow us in March when we head to Brooksville, FL to the Will McLean Festival. Come May -- it's TEXAS!!!
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Our first Christmas in HITCH (our RV) and certainly the first in Disney World. We decided that the Atlanta tribe had their own plans, and we were spending an early Christmas at Frank's sons, Scott, house for the company holiday party; and thus, would see the family, and we had an early Christmas with Patrice and family ... Soooo, we were pretty free to go, do, and see wherever we wanted. We try to take an RV trip once a month and it fell on Christmas this year. A chance call to Ft. Wilderness Campground on Disney Property to discover an available site -- we couldn't turn it down. It worked out perfectly. We went 12/22 and left 12/25, Christmas morning with plans to head to Gainesville, FL to have Christmas with Jenna and Mark on Christmas day. Different for us, but really great and an exciting adventure in The Wilderness!!! ;) HITCH looked pretty good inside and out. We weren't interested in going to the theme parks and decided to do the hotel tour and see if we could get around on the monorail and the boat shuttle. Walk, Walk, Walk, Shuttle Shuttle Shuttle, Walk, Walk, Walk and repeat. Went to each of the hotels in the park ... Contemporary, Gran Floridian, Ft. Wilderness Lodge, Polynesian. To get anywhere -- walk to bus, bus to boat, boat to monorail, walk. This was the boat trip. Not a bad day on the water -- but after a while, became a project. FIRST STOP - Ft. Wilderness Lodge First stop...The Lodge with the biggest Totem Pole I've ever seen. 2nd - Gran Floridian My Favorite of all..the Gran Floridian. Just like old sophisticated Florida. Gingerbread House and All. Loved it Loved it...I hear it is $800 a night ... OMG ... we ran back to HITCH at 75.00/night. Gorgeous though and reservations for lunch were required, so we ate at the snack bar :) ... who knew? We took the monorail from the Lodge to the Floridian ... and somewhere in there we went to the Contemporary, but no photos, so not impressed I'm guessing. Seemed cold. The view from the boat to the Contemporary! Pretty awesome. Fa-Fa-Favorite Night - The Polynesian Hula Show Have no idea where all my photos are ... but we had a great time and a super hula show. Best, even in Hawaii! This is at The Polynesian Hotel on an almost stormy night, but we lucked up. We did have to overcome a few hazards before leaving Ft. Wilderness - like the outside stairs wouldn't fold up - so Frank had to hammer them up and then we had to leave them up and jump or climb in and out for the duration of the trip. Uncertain as to whether or not they would go back in if we took them out, we decided to leave them up. We did manage, and we did get some exercise. Off to Gainesville!! Super fun having Christmas morning (afternoon) with Jenna and Mark. It was cozy and a great little RV Park in Gainesville. Then we went to visit High Springs and have lunch. Not much was opened, but we managed to still shop! Other than one little boo-boo ....which major hindered my special daugher-did-it manicure ... it was A super trip ... time to go home.
'What a great idea,' said Frank, upon my mentioning a combined road trip for our Anniversary and Thanksgiving AND Jaxson's first birthday. Eleven years ago we were married on the beach at sunset in Sanibel, Florida. We returned there for anniversaries on your 1 and 2, and then began enjoying other locations the following years. When, this year, an invitation to celebrate Thanksgiving with my youngest son, Jaret and his family, was extended to us -- we couldn't resist the offer. Not only was it a combined birthday for his son and my grandson, Jaxson, who was turning 1 year old -- it was also Thanksgiving weekend. So, we pushed back our anniversary a week - made reservations for Periwinkle RV Park in Sanibel - and began prep and travel to that location for 4 days with the plan to go to Jaret's which was 45 minutes up the road for an extended Thanksgiving weekend too. So, off we went down that ole dusty trail across the state to the west coast of FL looking for warmer weather during this cold front. We love Periwinkle Park -- more year-rounds than traveling RVs making it nice and quaint. Parrots, monkeys, and geese kept a lively and energetic atmosphere. We enjoyed the park, but we also went into Ft. Myers and down to Naples while there -- enjoying the holiday preparation and the Christmas festivities being planned. The only down side - up side was a quick trip to ER to meet Jaret and Casey as Jaxson had swallowed something and was having difficulty breathing. We were glad to be only 15 minutes away from the ER so we could be support and sit with them during Jaxson's scoping. After much adieu, he was anesthetized and finding a little tip of a clementine embedded already in his left lung left us all unnerved but happy for the successful surgery. Each of us returned to our daytime rituals until meeting again for Thanksgiving. Was so nice to be close. We went to the beach at sunset -- exactly where we were married and marked the spot. Then rambled into Captiva's darling chapel for a mock-renewal of our vows. Didn't really renew, but took a moment to remember and the chapel was the perfect spot. Frank fixed a special dinner using our new grill for the first time. The weather outside was delightful -- our new lights and settings made it very romantic and charming. I'm a lucky woman. After several enjoyable days there -- it was time to head to Jaret's for the birthday party and Thanksgiving Family Gathering. Very excited that Mark and his family and Jenna and her hubby were all coming in for the feast. Jaret is a wonderful cook and we were ready for this first time to be together in a long time. The birthday over and moving into Thanksgiving Day - Jenna and her Mark got there early to spend the day ... so we had a little girl time, feast, play, and then it was all over and everyone headed home. We are so grateful for Jaret and Casey for hosting everyone and to gather despite the long periods of time we miss out.
The Call of the Wild -- The Wild Woods - The Wild Music - The Wild Colors - The Wild Child --- it was the weekend plus for all of the above. Even HITCH went from a traditional RV with rug and table, to an ever-expanding hippie wagon. Roll your CURSOR over the photos for details! We were HOT HOT HOT during the day and then as the evening settled in, so did the moisture and dew ... a perfect weekend for layering and experience the 'camping' energy. Even had my birthday celebration over the weekend, making 67 not just a year, but THE YEAR!!! I was in Key West Florida in 1967 and if that ain't hippie, nothing is. Was treated like a Queen by Franky Baby and Celebrated with the Dietz's ... up close and personal. We cooked a little, retreated a little, and played a lot. We were tired-out and tie-dyed out by Monday. Signing up for next year. Will we see you!!!?
Grandsons grow at an exceedingly fast pace. My youngest one, Jaxson, is in that amazing first year growth spurt and if I don't get down there every 3 months or so, I really loose out on the stages of crawling, walking, first teeth. So, what to do??? VISIT! At the 9-10 month mark, we decided to stop by and see my daughter in Gainesville and from there go on to Cape Coral to see Jaxson. We would celebrate Frank's birthday along the way. We pulled HITCH to Gainesville and stayed at an adorable RV park off of i-75 complete with Emus, Parrots, Goats, and horses. Had it not been for my broken toe, I would have purveyed the area a little, but took it on hearsay that it was a great place. Did an over-nighter there and went to dinner with Jenna and Mark at Great Outdoor Inn in High Springs, FL. Who knew? Great restaurant and great band. Cupcakes from Jenna and we were complete. Headed to Cape Coral the next day where waiting for us was a growing JAXSON, a birthday cake, excellent meal cooked by head chef and son, Jaret Rogers ... and lovely assistant Casey (daughter in law) ... what a treat. Wow, can they put a meal together. Hitch was fine alongside the house as usual until all the storms started descending upon the area. By the time we pulled out Tuesday morning, we weren't sure if we would need to be sea-towed out or stay until it dried up. Fortunately, a quiet night in the rainclouds allowed us to win the tug or war with the muck .. and off we went headed back home. It was a such a fun weekend, just hanging around in our two locations and enjoying Jaxson, Brayden, and Jaret and Casey. Good weekend all in all. Our trip to the Smokey Mountains was fabulous. Bitter-Sweet in Asheville - but lovely to return to those mountains and some of those precious spots shared with my parents just 8 years ago and beyond. Stayed at the Bear Creek RV Park which was ok ... but not as good as the one in Franklin. It was also delightful to be sharing a couple days in Asheville with our friends from Jacksonville, Kate and Richard Cordell. The Drum Circle was our meeting place, as it is for many most likely on every doggone Friday night of the year .. .the drummers get in the groove and the tourist and local onlookers enjoy the show. I shopped til I dropped on Wall Street; which was even better when my son, Mark, and his family visited us up there from Atlanta. So much closer to visit than Florida and it worked perfectly. The kids got to see a 'real downtown' ...HA! Hard to believe we don't have that many charming little places to visit in our sprawling towns anymore. It was the first time we introduced them to HITCH also; and they loved it. The kids thought it was like a big tree house in the woods. Score! Donna, my daughter in law, had never been to the famous Grove Park Inn, so it was a real treat to take her there and share in that most awe-some experience. Even Matthew went up the little ole mine shaft elevator. Nope, no photo! A high point was really a high point --- 5000 ft in the smokey mountain high .... we traveled to Mt. Pisgah for breakfast at the famous restaurant and drove up through the Blue Ridge Parkway -- It was so much fun and Frank really really enjoyed that spot. Enjoyed a patio lunch at my parents old friends Ann and Ken Vasilik's house in the mountains the day before we left Asheville; and of course a stop off at the downtown Asheville City Hall to visit the Walter F. Ashe USS Asheville Memorial (looked great dad!) - it was the perfect way to end our trip there before leaving. Easy to go on and on with loads of photos, but a quick summary ..... In Asheville: In addition to the above: Skinny Beats Music Store -- drum lessons and purchase of a new crystal bowl. Also, was there for the labor day festival in Hendersonville for the Apple Fest....had a good time, shopping and sight-seeing. I wasn't feeling all that well, but managed! Frank and I decided we were so close to his ole stompin' grounds in Saluda and Tryon that we would go by and visit his family's old restaurant. It is still there .. up and running with the same bridge that his grandfather built many many years ago. It was a sweet moment. Even though they were closed, we trespassed and enjoyed listening to the creek woven in with the still silence in the back woods and off the main highways. Loved visiting the Caro-Mi! And, of course, enjoyed the Arboretum and the Folk Art Center ... just places one must visit. Visited Black Mountain and the Light Center out of Montreat and Lake Lure and crossed the path of fear of long windy back roads. .. glad I was with Frank and he was driving the truck. Stumbled upon the amazing Meditation Center there and educated myself on Chakra Light Session. They also had a great labyrinth ... it was my week and month for labyrinths for sure. Decided to head on over to Franklin and take HITCH instead of just visiting for the day. GREAT DECISION. We loved Franklin, the Highlands, and Otto, NC. Met several really nice families in the RV park and ended up doing a Full Moon Ceremony for them. So all in all, it was great. Franklin: Not much of a town, but surrounding and higher was The Highland area .... up up we went .. I loved it. Cool little mountain time and lots lots lots of shops. Picked up some cool jewelry and Native American feather arts, etc. On the way down, ran into the best little produce stand with a famous Skip Keller selling his produce. Part of my purpose for going to that area was because I wanted to visit the Mountain Valley Center in Otto, NC....after another weaving thru a curving mountain road, we came upon a little house with a BIGGER banner .... was it the MVC? yep, it was and inside was full full full of everything I could ever want to add to my spiritual items. After purchasing a Tibetan Singing Bowl, Chakra Jewelry, Books, CDs, Candles, and more ... I spent time getting to know the owner, Dr. Jill Henry. Who knew? Not me...Dr.! She was the most down to earth woman and full of enthusiasm, light, energy, and joy. We connected. I came back that night for the drumming and labyrinth walk. I'm changed forever by her inspiration and journey. One highlight of Franklin was the Pickin on the Square on Friday night. It did rain, but we managed to hang in there and enjoy the great music of Miss Kitty and her band. Music is always a leveler. Then, a little trip to Waynesville - that was an adorable town and shopping was pretty good too. I was happy and complete, Frank was happy and complete, and all was well and time to return home. A perfect 10 days and HITCH did great. Glad to be home, but ready to go again SOON! Last Days -- Franklin
Looking for #1 RV spot in Florida, we stumbled upon Williston RV Park. Where's Williston you ask? CENTRAL FLORIDA and sitting pretty between Cedar Key and Gainesville and Ocala. An hour each way and you have LIFE. Otherwise, you have Small Town Living at its best. Not my cup of tea, but somebody must like it. Ok. So I'm bored...where do we go? Ocala -- Silver Springs and it's only 95 degrees outside...sure, let's do something outdoors.....no choice really! Was it any cooler on the water....NOPE! Was it any cooler under the big oak trees? NOPE....get me out of here. Want to go swimming? NOPE! Let's go back to the RV camp and ride around on the golf cart and check out the grounds.....oh my .. rock quarry and old antique car dump! Geez Louise! As luck would have it, my daughter and her husband had just moved to Gainesville, Florida and had nothing to do that afternoon. Yay! Company. So - TRUTH??? Is wasn't all that bad. I was with my Franky Baby and we were on an adventure of sorts with HITCH .... each time is a lesson.
A little clip as we entered into the State Park Gates .... this was a first-run for us. Our first visitors at the weekend campsite.....my daughter and her husband -- Jenna and Mark. Since the campground is a local spot, it was great to have family visit and join us for afternoon snack time. We were definitely tucked away in the dense wooded area that surrounds this delightful preserve located in Mayport Beach in Jacksonville as we learn the ins and out of site selection and maneuvering around the trees and tree stumps. Quite a quest. Found these little treasures on the miles-long stretch of beach just steps away from our campsite. The perfect spot. Just 2 steps the other direction, we found the huge lake surrounded by loads of fun things to do .. bike trails, water park, picnic areas, canoeing, and much more. Ok Ok .. it's true. We decided not to cook out at the campground. We were way to close to the amazing Mayport Harbor where Singleton's Restaurant is and I couldn't pass up.... Crab Legs!!!!! Yummy Yummy Crablegs with Oysters on the 1/2 for appetizer!!! Wowser. Glamping! I'm so lucky to have this sweet Landshark - Franky Baby- taking such good care of us as we move closer and closer to retirement and leading the GOOD LIFE! Beautiful evening walk to the lake .. Even though it was only 3 days .. it was our perfect trial run. We are preparing for our next trip to visit Jaret and his family in Cape Coral. This time, we will be pulling right up on his property and next to his house. Should be another adventure! Big weekend planned with 7 other couples....a full weekend of music, fun, concerts, food, and jamming. Loading up the guitars, congas, percussion, and anything musical. A concert for the public on the lawn in front of the Inn on Saturday and the rest of the time, it is kickin' back and juke'ing. I know photos will follow! |
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