TREK NORTH

Saturday morning we were pulling out of the KPPSP campground at 8:45AM and the fire teams were arriving. It would have been interesting to have stayed to watch the burn the 700 acres just across the road from the campground, but it was time to get moving. The drive to Patrick AFB was an easy one and we arrived about 11:30 and were able to enter the Commercial/Truck Gate with out having to call Security Police to open it for us. Most bases have barricades in-place at the main gate making it hard to maneuver a large vehicle. After entering the base we had to drive clear around the north end of the runway and then back south to the FamCamp.

After getting setup on our site for the next three nights, we headed back around the base to the BX and Commissary, but first a little late lunch. Before we shopped, Judy dropped into the beauty shop and set up an appointment for a trim on Monday.

The aircraft noise here is something else. No, not the low flying fighters like we had at Tyndall or the C-5’s and C-17’s at MacDill. This is a constant sound and it turns out it is not aircraft engines causing the noise. We had noticed a converted 747 parked near the Base Operations hanger when we arrived. It looks much like the presidential aircraft – Air Force One. Making all that noise are the APU’s (Auxiliary Power Unit’s) connected to the plane. Apparently it takes a number APU’s to keep all of the electronic gear on board up and running as the plane is one of four – Airborne Command Post the United State has. Here is a picture of one of them. You can see the strange ‘bump’ on top near the front – that is the in air refueling dock.

Sunday evening we took a long walk south out of the campground along the Banana River. We had gone maybe a quarter of a mile when we spotted several dolphins playing in the water. They continued to swim and jump for a long while.

Monday we drove around the islands and topped off the Ram before having a quiet and peaceful night. The E-4B departed sometime during the time we were off base and it was so nice to not have to listen to those APU’s all night.

Tuesday morning we headed off north to Georgia on the drive to Kings Bay Sub base near St Marys. The drive was uneventful and on arrival at the base checked into Pass and ID and ended up getting a government decal for the RAM. The Air Force no longer is using vehicle decals, but the Navy and the Army are still using them. It was either get a 48 hour pass and then renew it as we are to stay for five days, or permanently register the Ram at Kings Bay.

This is our site along the lake. It is a real nice park with probably 50 sites. Right now there lots of snowbirds passing through on their way north. The small (220 acre) lake across from our site is home to several small gators and a number of birds.

Our peaceful night’s sleep was jarred by a distance voice over a loud speaker. Not quite sure of the exact words but it sounds something like: “Warning! You have entered a restricted area. It is unlawful to enter without proper authority.” Near as we can figure there are sensors around either the sub pens or the Lockheed-Martin assembly area. No you can’t see the subs or sub pens. They are within a restricted area deep inside the base.

On Wednesday afternoon we drove to St Simon Island to visit sister Judy. For dinner we had to make the obligatory trip to Crab Daddies. We all agreed it was well worth it. On the way we stopped at an old ‘tabby’ house - it was the largest tabby ruin we have ever seen. Actually it was built as a sugar mill and there are three large rooms standing. Notice the thickness of the walls.

On Thursday we took a five mile bike ride (the base has excellent bike trails) and then drove to “Historic St Marys” to check it out. It was a quaint little spot and we picked up some information on Cumberland Island. Maybe next trip we may take the ferry for a day trip to the island. On our evening walk, we found a tortoise or turtle near our site. It appeared to be looking to lay eggs

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Friday morning we took another long bike ride and then headed to see “Historic Kingsland” to the west of the base. There really wasn’t much to see, although it looks like they are trying to get some tourist traffic. Several of the buildings had nice murals hand painted on the sides. After lunch it was off to the exchange and commissary to pick up some needed items. Certainly is nice not to worry about rationing milk.

There are a couple of small alligators in the lake in front of our unit.

Saturday we began to put things together for the drive on Sunday. We made one final BX/Commissary run and then to church.

The drive on Sunday was fairly easy, however when we arrived at the raceway RV park, the drag races were still on. It took us a while to get in but we did manage to get parked and set up just in time. As we were finishing, the traffic lanes behind us filled with autos and people heading towards their cars. A few campers also pulled out but some stayed. Apparently campers paid for a ‘weekend’ that includes three nights (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) so some are not pulling out until Monday morning. Oh, it cost $400 for the weekend!

watch. Mark left to do some work and we had the boys. They played outside and Jon did a couple of maintenance things on the house. After Kyra got home we had dinner and we headed back to the raceway for the night.


Her are some pictures of the boys and “Grandma” up in the tree house.

Sleep is not good where we are parked. We are in one of the ‘front’ areas very near the boulevard and there is continual traffic and street lights every couple of hundred feet, plus the lights in the campground. We would have much preferred to be in one of the areas nearer the drag strip or dirt track, but there were plenty of campers in there when we arrived.


We picked the boys up a little before noon on Tuesday and headed back to the Greystone for the night. On the way we stopped by a new park being developed by Davidson on an old farm. We hiked into a meadow for a light picnic lunch and then finished the hike. All in all we probably walked a mile. When we got back to the Greystone and got settled we tried to work with Niko on his bike. There are no others near us and we have a wide asphalt road in front of us.


After a Tuesday night movie and some Wednesday morning cartoons we took a short walk in the campground and found a mini geocache. Had to lift the boys up in a tree to retrieve it and then put it back. They were disappointed that it contained only a log….nothing to trade although Lex insisted on leaving a little soft yellow cotton ball.


When we arrived in Davidson, the boys got busy playing with neighborhood kids for a while, but soon they wanted ‘Grandma’ to read to them. So while she read several books and stories, contact was made with all the providers back home to resume services (cable, mail, etc.). In the afternoon, the boys played with Thomas from next door and his sitters. Grandma cooked a roast with potatoes and carrots for dinner and after dinner and coffee cake desert we headed back to the Greystone.


Thursday was a much cooler day and it was near eleven when we got into Davidson. As a change of pace, we took the boys to IHOP for lunch and both of them ordered the “Rooty Junior” – scrambled egg, pancake a sausage link and a strip of bacon. They were both pretty hungry and in fact Niko ate an extra pancake. Back on Lynbrook the boys played, Judy worked on some laundry and Jon replaced a light/fan control switch.


We are both looking forward to getting back ‘home’ as we’ve been gone the longest ever. We left home on the fourth of January and will not be home until the 23rd of April. Both Lydia and Lilly will be glad to have the room to roam too.


A damp and dreary day greeted us on Friday so we spent the day indoors with the boys. Niko has taken to Monopoly and really knows the rules. We played one long continuous game. At one point the adults (we took turns playing the same board) were down to only $5 and Niko had nearly $2000.

While the game was going on, Lex busied himself playing with his toys.

When we decided to end the game, it was no contest. Niko had amassed nearly $3000 and had hotels and houses all over.


After the game we had an indoor egg hunt with the boys.


The drive home on Saturday was uneventful. We pulled out of the speedway at 7:15 and were backing in the drive at 4. We were all glad to be home and were greeted by Matt and the girls. They helped us unload and Matt brought us dinner. Robert had picked up the sticks and twigs from the yard and he had even mowed.


It was another good winter, but being gone nearly four months is too much.

THE PARIRIE – LAST CHAPTER 2011

Monday was a semi lost day for us. We awoke about 5:30 to gentle raindrops on the Greystone roof and by 7 it was coming down pretty hard and there were occasional rumbles of thunder and some lightening. Checking the radar at Weather dot com, it showed a large band of rain all across the mid section of the state. About 9:30 it let up some so we decided to walk to the office to see if there was anything there for us to do. Natalie put us both to work with some little projects and it was good to keep busy when we could not paint. We were able to complete putting numbers on all the site electrical boxes.

It rained off and on all day, which is good for the draught index, but not for painting. Hopefully the sky will clear some on Tuesday so we can complete the main gate sign and move on to repainting the front kiosk.

Tuesday was a bit better and the rainfall total amounted to a little less than 2 inches. It did make the ride to the shop a bit hard though. All that rain on the shell/sand road made it difficult to pedal in some area. We did make the five miles and set about to touch up the front gate sign. This is what we painted.

The touch up did not take long so we pulled out the paint for the front kiosk and started that job. Another volunteer had coated the back side and posts with Kilz (a Charlie favorite) so we needed to restore the original colors. We managed to get the green done and were back home about 1. The camp ground is pretty empty as other than the volunteers, only three other sites are occupied by campers.

On Wednesday we took one of the rangers (Polaris 6X6) to the shop rather than riding our bikes. We needed to take our six foot ladder and the four footer from the chase and you can’t carry ladders on a bike. It was a good choice as the winds were out of the south/southeast and the flags at the main gate were standing straight out. There is a lot more water in the ditches along the road and we expect the mom and baby alligators will be back.

While Jon was digging out and stirring the paint, Judy talked to Charlie about our next project as we will need something to do next week when we are the only volunteers here. Not so sure what he wants will work as he likes things nice and square and that will be difficult to do when camping spots are at an angle to the road. Ah well that is a problem for next week.

It did not take long to finish the trim color and paint the 6X6 posts. After we cleaned up all the paint gear, we started to dig out old lengths of conduit for next week’s project. We found eight pieces and used the chop saw to cut off the rusted ends so we now have lengths to attach blue flag tape to. Charlie is trying to find a way to delineate the camp sites as the shell/sand pads for parking are long gone.

Our excitement for the evening was a lack of water. About 6 we turned on our water and it was just a trickle. After checking other sites it was apparent that the entire campground was impacted. After chasing down the lone duty employee he found that a spider had managed to crawl into the space between the contacts on the pump sensor. Well, the sensor sensed and the contacts moved and the spider was caught, but his/her body was just enough to not allow the contacts to contact.

Thursday was sort of a play day as there was a potluck luncheon for the volunteers and staff. It was a beautiful sunrise and you could hear the gobble of turkeys, along with the cawing of crows mingled with the meadowlarks, an occasional bob white and the pecking of a woodpecker.










These are some random shots of the folks gathered for the lunch.

After lunch Judy went back to the office to complete a couple of tasks and when she was done we decided to walk the short nature trail. We came upon a deer lying down and then spotted several other small groups in the prairie grass.

By the time we got back to the Greystone, it started to rain again. It rained fairly steady most of the afternoon and then eased up in time to walk over for game night. But while we were playing the lightening and thunder passed over and it really poured. We did manage to walk home with out getting too wet as we had taken an umbrella. It rained much of the night. It will be interesting to see how much more rain fell.

They are scheduled to burn two sections of the prairie on Saturday and we will probably be needed for traffic control as one burn is right along the roadway to the campground. Friday we are not sure what we will be doing. Oh, and we had nearly 3 more inches of rain fall.

Friday we went to the shop area to do some clean up of the paint/oil storage area, gather materials for our next project and maybe pick-up a Polaris ranger for transport. We did manage to throw out some old paint containers and brush cleaner containers and hang the brushes and roller frames. Judy helped Ruthann cleanup the shop area while Jon checked out the fire markers for Charlie. They will use the markers on posts around the burn to check the progress.

When we got back to the Greystone we had lunch and in the afternoon went to the equestrian area to see just what Charlie is seeking from our next project. He gave us site measurements of 20X60 but doing some preliminary measurements, found that no site is 60 feet deep. We will discuss it with him on Monday. In the evening we joined Ruthann and Cliff for dinner. We grilled red potatoes, made a salad and they cooked Tilapia over the fire.

Due to wind and humidity changes the two burns scheduled for today (Saturday) were postponed. The winds had shifted from out of the NW to out of the NE and that would blow the smoke directly into the “astronomy pad” which, as you can see from the picture was full. This was to be a very dark weekend and nearly every site in both campgrounds is booked by astronomers. As we had planned on the burn for work on Saturday, we instead just took it easy. With all the rain that fell within the last week, the Okeechobee County Fire Chief finally lifted the ban on open fires. In the evening we all (the volunteers) gathered at the camp host site for a campfire, conversation and desert. We have all missed having campfires and it was a nice way to bid farewell to two volunteer couples that are leaving early Sunday morning.

This is some of the astronomy gear set up on what they call the "Astronomy Pad" in an area away from all ambient light.

Sunday was are usual church and shopping. The church we go to in Okeechobee did have plans for a large new church when we were here two years ago. Things have changed and now they are looking only at doing some remodeling. The church does not seem nearly as crowded as in past years, but the priest is still the same Irish Fr Duffy.

After lunch we made our last trek to Wal-Mart and headed back to the prairie. We took the long way home, going up 441 out of Okeechobee before heading west on highway 724. Now that volunteers are departing we will have a Polaris ranger 6X6 to use. We will need it to haul posts for the last project we have for this year.

Monday we had a session with Charlie to see exactly what he wants us to mark and what measurements to use to mark the first two sites in the equestrian area. After lunch we worked on marking out our first site location and soon discovered that we needed a measuring rod rather than the tape measure to mark our 3X4X5 triangle for right angles. So we went back to the shop and made ourselves a measuring stick and then went back to square-up our first site boundaries. We managed to get the second one marked and now need to talk to Charlie to see if this is what he had in mind. This is one of the markers and Judy pointing to another in the ground.

Tuesday morning we meet with Charlie and went over what we had marked and made some adjustments. He agreed that some of the site markers (posts with site number on them) need to me relocated. After another trip to the shop to cut 12 inch posts and pickup the other tools and items needed we were ready to put the reflectors in the ground. Judy put in several hours helping in the office, so we are getting both inside and outside jobs.

Bob and Janice, the camp hosts are leaving tomorrow so that leaves us as the only volunteers. In the evening we decided to make one more trip into Okeechobee for dinner. We went to a sports bar called Lunkers (no idea where the name came from) and had a nice dinner. Judy ordered ‘Garbage Nachos’ and she ended up bringing about half home for lunch on Wednesday.

Threat of rain on Wednesday but we made it out to the equestrian and managed to get four of the posts planted before the sky darkened. We made it back to the Greystone just in time as the sky opened and it poured. It was still wet after lunch so Judy headed to the office and Jon took a short nap. We did manage to get both sites marked with posts and reflectors and have new site measurements – we made the sites a bit smaller than before to avoid getting too close to trees and palmettos.

Thursday Judy went to the office for a few hours and Jon headed to the shop to cut a piece of 2X4 to replace a railing section on the ram to the bath house. It took a bit longer than expected as the park staff and rangers from several other parks were getting a pre-fire briefing. They plan to burn about 1600 acres today if the weather holds. They got started on the burn about 10. After the rail was replaced we made a pass though the both campgrounds to check the bath house and Clivus as we are the only volunteers here. Okay, this is the Clivus – or as park staff calls it “the house on the hill.”

Once we had checked the equestrian area, we headed out on the Prairie Loop Trail, the five plus mile trail we had marked three years ago. It was something to see all the vegetation and growth. There were some areas where the broom grass and palmettos are really encroaching on the path. We did a little trimming but did not see much wildlife as the vegetation is so dense and high. In the evening we walked to the office to rock in the rockers on the porch and watch nature. Lilly alerts on the turkeys walking by, (Lilly alerting)

The ‘tom’ turkey strutting his stuff for the hens in the area.

Pack up day has arrived. We slept in a bit and did our last load of laundry here. About 10 we loaded up all the tools in the 4X4 Ranger and headed to the shop to return things and fill the gas tank. We were just about to leave when Paul called on the radio about getting additional fire markers. Yes they were burning again. This is the burn from about 3 miles away.

This time it is about 1200 acres adjacent to what was burned on Thursday. He was going to send one of the burn team back to the shop when we responded that we were at the shop and could bring them out. So off we went on a 4 mile ride across the scrub. We got to within 20 yards of where the fire was when we met Paul. It was a sight and no we did not have a camera. We both got pretty black from the soot in the air. Judy really got covered as she had put suntan lotion on before we headed out in the morning. Not too long after an area is burned, wild flowers and grass pop out of the blackened soil.

After lunch we began the packing process. Thursday afternoon we had tried as best we could to give the truck a bath and remove as much sand and shell as we could so that job was done. But it certainly was hot folding up the mat and loading the bikes. About 3 Charlie stopped to day farewell. We told him that we planned on retuning next year for 6 weeks and what we would like to do. About 8:30 Jen, a Ranger, stopped by to say goodbye. She had been on the burn today and was burn boss on the one yesterday. She’s from Paw Paw West Virginia and may weigh 90 pounds soaking wet. It was good to see her, even if she did smell a bit smokey.

Well as the trailer is pretty much loaded and we will be heading to Patrick AFB in the morning this seems like a good place to end the installment. Our plans are three nights at Patrick (it is about a two and a half hour drive) and then five at Kings Bay at St Mary’s, Georgia. That should put us into Charlotte by the time the races are over on Sunday afternoon the 17th.

THE PRAIRIE - PART THREE

Monday we had a late start waiting to get a ranger (a Polaris ATV) to haul our stuff to the equestrian area so we worked a bit later than usual.  Having to work around occupied camp sites can be a chore at times.  We did manager to get five tables sanded and coated.  These tables seem to older and more well used – and dryer so they are soaking up the Thompson’s.

Here are some pictures of the alligator clutch along the main road (Peavine).  A clutch is what you call a group of young gators, much like a flock or heard.  Momma is keeping a close eye on her little ones.  They young ones appear to be about 12 to 14 inches long.  You really have to look close to see them on that mud island.  This is the mom and babies.

This is a close up of just the babies – how many do you see?

After doing what we could do on Tuesday we stopped by the office to let Charlie know we will need more Thompson’s.  He next wants us to repaint the sign at the front entrance. 

Wednesday morning we loaded up one of the Ranger’s and took our sanding gear to the equestrian area to continue table prep and brought the Ranger back.  We then rode our bikes to do the work as we only had four tables to sand, but two of them were in pretty bad shape and took a lot of work. 

After lunch Judy looked at her sock and thought maybe her toe was bleeding and then she looked in her shoe.  She found the remains of a tree frog smashed in the shoe.  We then did the bolt count in the family campground and then loaded up the sanding gear to return it to the shop.  While at the shop we gave Bruce the list of bolts and the need for another five gallons of Thompson’s.  Think we may take all or part of Thursday off – all of it if we don’t have any material to work with.

Well as it turned out we had no more Thompson’s and no bolts so about 10:30 we took off for Port St Lucie on the east coast.  Not a hard drive but a long one along fields and fields of pasture and cows and dairy farms and then acres of vegetables – corn, cabbage, green onions and potatoes.  In some you could see the migrant workers picking cabbage.  Had a nice lunch at a place called The Captain’s Galley just of US1 and then made a couple of shopping stops and headed back home.  On the way out of town pulled into a Raceway gas station and topped the tank of as diesel was only..yes only $3.81.  We had just enough time upon our return to relax for an hour before heading to the office for game night.  As other volunteers had gone into Okeechobee for corned beef and cabbage, it was just us and the Anderson's so we taught them the game “Five Crowns.” 

Our supplies had arrived on Thursday afternoon so Friday we headed to the equestrian to finish up the tables.  But we were short stopped by the heavy dew and fog from over night.  The tables had standing water on them – and not from rain.  We did the legs of the remaining ones and then after lunch and the sun and wind had dried them, finished the tops and benches.  We are glad that task is complete.  Now to go back and put in bolts and screws on the ones which are not tight.

Can’t believe it but we slept in some on our lazy Saturday.  After breakfast we took Lilly for her morning stroll and on the way back she chased a squirrel up a tree.  Then she moved to the next tree and we thought at first she was following the squirrel through the branches and suddenly hair on her back stood up and she growled.  When we looked up we saw a raccoon.  They were just starring at each other. 

In our area, in fact right behind us, four families came in after dark and set up tents.  They have three or four little ones under 6 and they are having a good time.  They made little noise setting up camp and getting the kids into bed.

We decided to go out for lunch with Janice and Bob.  What used to be Cissy’s is now called The Prairie Cafe and under new owners.  The reports are accurate as the food is good and they have done some little things to improve the atmosphere.  The rest of the day was just taking it easy.  Saturday night’s moon rise was spectacular.  The moon was at a point closest to the Earth and rose so red and full.  Tried to capture a picture but it just would not work, but did mange to get a shot of sunrise Sunday morning though.

We made a day of it on Sunday, church, flea market and grocery shopping.  The flea market is nothing special but we can say we made it this year.  For a change we hit the Publix instead of the Wal-Mart and picked up the few items we needed.

Monday it was back to the projects.  Jon had to finish working on the tables (adding bolts and tightening others) and Judy was off to the office.  Judy was busy reconciling billings filing, she just loves office work – not – and Jon completed the main campground and rounded up what will be needed to power wash the ramp entrance to the Clivus.  The “Clivus” is like a large porta-potting but it composts waste and does not need to be emptied.  The wooden ramp and railing are dirty and in some areas green with mold.

The campground is full of lubber nymphs.  They are baby Lubber grasshoppers (Romalea microptera (Beauvois)), an interesting species very common down here.  They are flightless and really don’t hop very well either. 

Tuesday saw the conclusion of power washing and the end of office work for a spell.  By the time everything was done and all the equipment put away it was after 3.  We may take Wednesday off and go looking for long needle pine trees so we can collect more needles for Judy’s next crafting idea.  Saturday morning there will be a ‘sparrow roundup’ in the prairie area east of the campground.  They will flush the birds into a net and check and band the ones they catch.  This prairie is home to the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow – an endangered species.

     

Well Wednesday turned out to be a full day on the prairie.  About 9 we received a radio call from Mike and Carol (also volunteers) about going out in the park manager’s truck to check out the primitive camp sites.  We had originally suggested sites in 2008 and then added two in 2009 and last fall they done more work on the locations.  So off we went, spending all morning to the west locating and inspecting three locations/sites.  A little after noon we came back to the campground for lunch and discovered Lilly still outside – tied of course.  We thought that she may have started winning after we left and Bob let her out.  She has started that business when we are visiting Bob and Janice two camp sites away.  Well she looked pretty guilty and we thought for sure that is what happened, but it was not.  When Judy had returned with Lilly from her morning walk, Lilly’s paws were very sandy, so she tied her out to let her feet clean up some.  Well, between the radio call and then a phone call and getting ready to go out to the prairie, we forgot that Lilly was tied out.  She often goes under the trailer to nap and we just did not see her.

On our way back from locating the sites to the north, we pulled into an old citrus grove and picked some grapefruit.  This area also has several orange trees, but they are very bitter.  These wild citrus are nothing like the orange trees one sees in the many groves here in Florida.  These trees are big, thirty to forty feet high and because of this, many of the best fruit are too high to get to.

As we were making the four mile trek along a dirt road that serves as a fire break, we spotted three swallow tailed Kite drifting in the air currents.  These are rare to see in this area.  They are mainly found along the northern countries of South America.  They don’t use their wings to navigate – they use their “V” shaped tail as a rudder and sometimes as a pusher.

As we did not get to ‘play’ on Wednesday as planned we decided on Thursday to go out for lunch and search for long pine needles for Judy’s new craft.  We did do some work in the morning, putting site numbers on the electrical boxes in the campground.  After lunch at the Prairie Cafe, we headed for a trail head north/west off 98 passed the river.  We did not have to walk in too far and came upon lots of long pine needles.  We gathered a good bunch and will probably go back for more.

Friday morning was very foggy, but we got on our bikes a little before 9 for the five mile ride to the shop area where Charlie had set out the paint for our next project.  The big sign at the main entrance required painting.  As we were painting the background and back of the sign, Judy stepped on a red ant hill and she knew it right away.  Luckily she came away with only one bite.  We finished the base color and had a nice lunch overlooking the prairie and about 12:30 checked the paint.  Because it was old, old oil based paint and was applied over a sign made of compressed foam and other man-made materials, the paint was slow to dry.  We decided to take a break rather than sit and watch the paint dry so we drove back to the Greystone and took a two hour rest.  About 2:30 we went back but in some areas the paint was still tacky.  We did mange to get one coat of yellow on the letters so the sign looked good for the weekend.  However, Monday we will have to do some touch up and make it look better.

Saturday Jo, Amy and Missy drove up from Jupiter/West Palm Beach for a visit.  Some how they managed to miss the two foot by three foot sign for the park and drove 15 miles into the little town of Lorida, but finally did make it.  We had a nice visit and enjoyed a good meal of Jambalaya and corn bread.

 

Sunday will be our day in town and means we only have two more weeks here.  We plan on beginning our trek north on Sunday the 10^th.  Most of the other volunteers depart next weekend so it will be a lonely last week.
Slow getting this blog 'published' as we had a busy Sunday and Sunday evening.  It is now Monday morning and it is raining so no work for a while today.

THE PRAIRIE - PART TWO

After a peaceful Sunday it was back to the tables on Monday. Judy has been “asked” if she would mind working in the office some – she will do it but not a choice project. She met with Natalie on what it would entail and may do it some, but only if we have nothing else for her to do.

Tuesday we went to the Equestrian campground and found that only four of the sixteen tables there had been scrubbed and power-washed. Before we started sanding we headed deep into the hammock to locate the orange trees. There are three wild orange trees, probably 30 feet tall. All of the lower branches have been picked clean, but we had our step ladder and extension picker. We picked three bags – probably three dozen or a more. Some are okay for eating but mainly they are good for squeezing into juice.

During dinner we were entertained by several musicians. There was a banjo, fiddle and guitar and it was enjoyable. Latter Charlie stopped by with another five gallons of Thompson’s so guess when we are done cleaning those other eleven we will be coating them.

When we got ready for bed, there was a very bright light at the rear of the bathhouse. It looked a little like a small light house – white tent/Tepee bottom and this very bright light on top. On Wednesday we learned it was ‘moth-ers’…..did not know there were people out there who like moths and take pictures of them. Apparently that light attracts them to the white tepee and they photograph them. In the office they were all excited to show Paul, the biologist, all the great pictures of moths they had taken.

Judy spent Wednesday working in the office – not one of her favorite things to do. Natalie is showing her some things and she is helping out. She has inventoried all the stuff for sale, completed the gas/mileage usage sheets on each vehicle for February and has been answering the phone. Meanwhile Jon has been busy power-washing picnic tables in the equestrian campground. Today he completed six and has but five more to do, if the rain holds off. Thursday’s forecast is calling for isolated and scattered (yes that’s what it says) thunder showers nearly all day.

Have not mentioned the wildlife but maybe that’s because we are used to it. Along Peevine Road, the main road into the park, there is a small mother alligator with a number of babies. Ruthann took a picture and counted nine sets of little eyes. The mother looks to be no more that five feet long, a young mother. And along the south side of Military Trail between the office and the equestrian section a small one can be seen in a mud hole. We think this one will be moving on soon as the water is beginning to dry up. Nearly every night and sometimes early in the morning the coyote are going at it. Sometimes it is just howling and others it is yipping as they run across the prairie. Of course we also have seen lots of turkey buzzards (though not nearly as large as their Texas cousins), crows, Caracara and many of those little shrub nesting birds in the palmetto. There is a burrowing owl with a nest along the main road, but it is in a pasture with cows and several donkeys and is hard to spot. We will have to make a trip out to several of the sloughs and see what is there too.

Well the weather guys were right. Thursday started out sunny but clouds were building in the NW. Weather dot com indicated that the rain would not hit our area until about 11. Judy headed off to the office and Jon loaded up the power-washer and headed to the equestrian campground where there were five more tables to clean. It was a good thing he packed his old shelter half (military rain poncho) as at 9:15 the skies opened and it poured. Though it rained for nearly four hours, the rain gages only collected a half an inch. Late in the day Jon finished the tables and Judy completed unpacking Charlie’s office goods. They had packed everything up to remodel the offices late last year and just never got them unpacked.

As we are to man the park booth at the Speckled Perch Festival on Saturday, after putting numbers on the electrical boxes in the equestrian we decided to have some fun. Shortly before noon we headed to Sebring to look for a couple of items and have a late lunch. Judy needed a 5/16” furl or sleeve and some thread material to tackle the pine needle weaving and Jon needed some socks. We also needed to find a special florescent bulb for our reading lamp. We accomplished it all and even stopped by a Sweet Bay Market and picked up a few grocery items.

We had only been back a bit when in the northeast sky you could see this long and wide contrail with a shinning dot at its head. We watched as the dot separated from the contrail and moved further into space. Checking the internet we discovered that it was a military launch form Cape Carnival sending a new GPS satellite into orbit – an impressive sight. Almost forgot that on Wednesday we were sitting in the Greystone having lunch when we heard two loud booms and the trailer actually shook some – it was the shuttle coming back in for a landing.

We completed our tour as booth watchers for the park’s booth at the annual Speckled Perch Festival. It was an interesting four hours as we meet some folks from all over, including Louisville, Ohio. We were surprised at the number of folks that live in Okeechobee that did not know of the park’s existence. A highlight of the booth was an alligator skull. It came from a ‘gator found dead near Gum Slough near the north park border. There were no signs of trauma and the park staff is not certain what caused its death. The mud hole he used had dried up, but that was not why he died. By the measurement from the nostrils to the eye socket the length figured to be between 11 ½ and 12 feet – a big one for sure.

This is the preserved skull on the display table.

Judy waiting for more ‘customers’ to walk by.

As the park will be full all week, Sunday we had to do a little work. We had three tables to sand and coat in the main campground and coat the two near the visitor center. We managed to get all but one done in the campground. So we this next week will be finishing up the tables in the equestrian area and then work on tightening up tops, legs and benches using deck screws and bolts.

FIFTH INSTALLMENT – THE PRAIRIE

Monday morning the 28th we packed up and headed for what we call “The Prairie” 35 miles NW of Okeechobee. It was just nine when we pulled out of the dump station and headed for the gate and almost 9:15 when we left MacDill AFB. We took a sort of zig-zag course to Sebring and then southeast on 98. It was just after 12:30 when we pulled through the main gate at the park.

As we pulled into the office parking lot, we saw the ‘swamp buggy’ coming to wards us on Military Highway. As we got to the office (which was closed for lunch) the buggy pulled in and here it was Charlie Brown, the park manager, with thee volunteer couples. Two of the couples depart on March 1 and he was giving them a last tour of the park. He told us that we could park on V3 or V4 (V for volunteer), and that is what Natalie, volunteer coordinator, told us. This is the spot from Google Maps.

We opted for V3 as it is a bit longer and wider. As we setup Cliff and Ruthann Anderson and Bob and Janice Lewis stopped by to welcome us. It took a couple of hours to get all setup, but this will be our home for the next five to six weeks and wanted to make it just right.

Tuesday we went by the office twice to make connection with Charlie about what he had on the list for us, but we could never make the connection. We did chat with two couples that had been here during February. Guess it was just as well as we had some good (good for here) rain in the afternoon. The entire county is under a fire ban, so no campfires or planned burning.

After dinner we walked the nature trail and had not gotten a quarter of the way when we spotted two deer watching us. After the walk we sat on the porch of the visitor center for a bit and then started towards home. On the way we met up with Charlie as he was driving home. He laid out a number of things for us to attack so we know we will be busy for the next few weeks.

Our first task will be picnic tables. One of the volunteer couples that left had used a power washer to clean them and remove the mold. Not exactly how familiar they were with a power washer as the wood was pretty feathered and gouged in some spots. It raised the grain and will make coating them a real task.

Wednesday morning we drove over to the shop area to gather materials – belt sander, sand paper, etc. As usual it was a bit of a challenge to find everything. It was interesting to see that the five gallon bucket paint mixer we had made the first year was still being used as were the old Maxwell House Coffee cans for painting. Thing is they never cleaned the coffee cans out so we dumped a number of them. We got started about 10 and realized that there was no way to get the tops and seats smooth again, so we just worked on the real rough parts. We managed to get five tables done and then after lunch took the ‘ranger’ to the shop to pick up the Thompson’s Water Seal. Charlie had pointed out a one gallon and a five gallon can so he thought that would keep us going. Well, the five gallon can was empty but the gallon was full.

We managed to get three tables done, but did not do the underside – just the exposed parts. That leaves about 35 more to work on so we will be busy for a while for sure.

Judy is applying some Thomson’s to a table already sanded and Jon is tightening all the carriage bolts and finding ones that need to be replaced.

Natalie, the Admin Assistant, asked us to help with the Speckled Perch Festival in Okeechobee the weekend of March 12-13. They will use the swamp buggy in the parade and have a booth that will need to be staffed. More about the festival later - when we know more.

Thursday nights are Domino's at the office so we went up and were introduced to a new game called Wildfire. It’s sort of a cross between Mexican Train, Chicken Foot and regular domino's. It was fun and an interesting game to learn. It allows much more conversation and interaction than Mexican Train. Judy came through the winner on our first night playing.

With a full campground expected for the weekend, we planned on working on tables only until about noon. Charlie bought us five gallons more of Thompson Water-seal so we have plenty – for now. We worked on all the tables we had sanded on the inside of the circle and sanded a couple on the outside, but had to give up about noon. A storm front blew in and we had high winds and a few drops of rain. Before we had to call it a day we managed to get all but eight tables completed in this campground section.

While sanding on one table Judy ran a splinter up under her right thumbnail. She worked on trying to get it our, but it is under the nail and no way to get to it with a needle or tweezers. For now she will use all sorts of potion to try to draw it out and peroxide and alcohol to keep it clean.

Awoke on Saturday to another beautiful, but windy day and time to ourselves. Just before dark what appears to be two families moved into the two sites behind us. They set up three large tents and a dining fly. We tried to count the kids, but they did not stand still long enough. After breakfast Judy took Lilly for a long walk and Jon worked on a couple of things in the trailer. We will head into town about 2:30 to accomplish a few tasks before church and then get a bite to eat and do our weekly grocery shopping.

Not a whole lot has changed in Okeechobee. We first stopped by the CVS drug store and Judy talked to the druggist about her splinter. The druggist recommended a salve and a drawing cream and to soak the thumb in Epsom Salts. It should work out so long as it does not become infected. After church we ate at Beef O’Brady’s and then to WalMart. We did’t get back home until after 8….a long day. So Sunday was just a day of rest and dog walks and just chatting with folks. Lilly enjoys soaking up the sun and Vitamin D.

Fourth Installment

Monday evening we played “Jokers” with the Woolridges and another couple. Their rules a bit different but at the end of the evening it was even – two games each for the ladies and men. Wednesday we headed to the Florida State Fair as it was ‘Senior Day’ and admission included entry to the recreated Cracker Village next to the fair grounds. The first cracker village building we entered found two ladies doing pine needle weaving, a new craft that has Judy’s interest. They were very helpful and gave us several tips, including what to keep the needles together – a 5/16” copper ferrule.

While strolling around we found this one-man-band. Well not really one-man as his wife was trailing him playing drumsticks.

We wondered into one of the arenas in time to watch calf cutting/roping by teams. It was interesting and fun to watch as they tried to rope a calf, bring it to the ground and then a girl had to run out and ‘brand’ the calf with a powdered branding iron.

On the way out we stopped by a 4H exhibit and Judy made some butter and picked and squeezed her own cup of orange juice.

Thursday we had Floyd and Mary for dinner and after introduced them to ‘Golf’ as we play it. They play a version but they are dealt 8 cards and must use the card they draw. Over dinner we discussed making a trip to Bok Tower and Gardens in Lake Worth and possibly taking a free tour of the Tampa harbor.

The weather has really turned great so after washing down half the trailer we headed for the SeaScapes restaurant for lunch. It is located near the Marina at the south edge of the campground. Finished the other half of the trailer but not sure how long the cleaning will last as the dew is very heavy and the dust is flying as people drive by. After lunch we managed to get hold of the harbor and setup the tour for next Wednesday morning. We will make it a full day and after the tour head on to Bok Tower at Lake Wales.

As we have decided to stay put in partial hookups, we are constantly changing neighbors. Folks will move in from dry camp for a day or maybe two then be offered a full hookup site in the ‘sandpit’ area and move. Some of them move over for just one or two days before they leave the park. Saturday was another beautiful day and as it is a long weekend, many families have joined grandparents for some time in the sun and at the beach. The water is still pretty chilly, but that does not deter the young ones. We made a run to Home Depot to get some carpet for the Greystone outside steps and picked up a geranium plant to brighten up the spot and take home with us.

Wagon Wheel Flea Market called to us so we made the drive across the Gandy Bridge into Pinellas Park to one huge venue. As with most Florida flea markets, this is a series of connected and lined up pole buildings, plus outside vendors. We only walked the main buildings and did some outside vegetable shopping. Saw some strange vegetables. A number of large root types and some large yellowish fruit about the size of three grapefruit plus fish – all kinds of fish being sold by Koreans were at the outside stalls. After the a couple of hours of shopping and seeing all the sights we headed toward home and on the way looking for some ice cream as it was Judy’s birthday. Mary suggested a spot in a park on Bayshore not too far from the base so that was where we headed.

It is a nice little park with a long fishing pier and a small restaurant that also has ice cream. As it was nearly 2 and we had not had any lunch we decide to eat a little before ice cream. As the fish and chips basket is pretty good sized we ordered one and we split it between the two of us. It was a huge piece of fish and really good fries. Floyd bought ice cream for desert and Judy’s birthday. We were all pretty tired by the time we got back home.

Monday Jon worked on the carpet for the steps. At first he thought he would attaché them with grommets and wire ties and did that with the top one. The grommets tend to bunch the carpet up so the bottom two steps are held down with double faced tape. We will see if that works. After dinner it was back to the game room for some more hand and foot. This time we were joined by Lawrence and Helen Ryder from North/South Carolina. They say North/South because they would prefer to be North Carolinians, but live just across the border a bit west of Charlotte.

Tuesday we awoke to dense fog and clouds. The weather had predicted it and it certainly came true. During the night you could hear the distant fog horns sounding but by noon the sun was bright and it was time for some ‘rays’ and maybe a nap.

To show exactly where we are at Tampa, below is a screen shot from one of the mapping programs. You can see that MacDill is at the southern tip of that peninsula that extends into Tampa Bay and sort of separates Tampa and the Florida mainland from St Petersburg. The campground is in the bay.

The Security Police on this base are also sailors. There are signs in the bay around the base indicating that entry is prohibited and they boats to patrol and respond to craft that enter the zone. Here are two of their boats.

From the beach at the marina you can see the tall buildings of downtown St Petersburg.

 Birds, birds, birds, always lots of birds and be found around the beach area.

Thursday was a full and busy day. We picked up the Woolridges at a little before 8:30 and headed for the Aquarium. After some false turns we found an open parking deck and picked up our token as we entered - more about those tokens later. At the Aquarium we joined about one hundred other folks and boarded a boat for a tour of the Tampa harbor. The tour was nearly and hour and a half long and we learned a lot about the harbor and all the activities therein. Among the sights were a number of dry docks and ship/boat repair facilities. We also saw a four story barge that is towed out into the gulf for fishing. It is a floating hotel/fishing camp and people are ferried out to it for one to seven day fishing expeditions.

Ships in dry dock in these shots.

Mary, Judy and Floyd are watching the sights as we cruise the harbor.