FEB 2013 (First)

Saturday the 2^nd we were up early in preparation for our relocation to “The Field.” We decided to go ahead and stake out our spot and get ourselves moved and then go to the office to register.  We found a nice spot between two units that are parked long term.  We parked our bikes in the middle of the spot and then hooked up the 5^th wheel and moved it in.  Before we pulled out of the FHU site the fresh water tank was filled and the waste tanks emptied. 

This will be our new ‘home’ in the field until we rotate to a partial hook-up site.  We are stuck at number 11 on the ‘confirmed’ list so it may be a while before we no longer have to rotate.

The “Field” as it is affectionately called, is pretty full, unlike when we arrived.  Seems like lots of folks suddenly decided to head for MacDill.

Saturday the Jones’ stopped by to see if we were interested in going to the Oldsmar Flea Market on Sunday.  We had talked about going earlier in the week so we took off about 10 for Oldsmar.  Really just a typical flea market, but we did not walk out empty handed.  Jon found a ratcheting ¾ wrench to use on the wheel chocks Judy found a string for her glasses.

Monday morning the generator stopped outputting.  It would run but no power.  On investigation found that the 20amp circuit breaker had gone bad.  Checking on line found a Honda dealer not too far from the base so after lunch we drove out to see if we could get a replacement.  They did not have one, but would order it and we could expect it in 2 to 3 days.  Nick Jones offered to lend us one of his generators so we will not be without night or morning power.  No, a replacement from Home Depot would not work – special made part for Honda so it will fit in a small area.

Tuesday we were up early as Judy and Jane Coget (from Arkansas) were headed to Manhattan Beauty School for cuts and perms.  Don Coget and I did some shopping and waiting.  Jon made contact with the office and offered to re-start the computer users group.  The man who had been running the program had to leave suddenly.  Thursday mornings will keep him busy, if the group can re-start.

A drive to Siesta Key and a visit with Tom and Deanne Kietrys (Mark’s in-laws) was the plan for Wednesday.  It was a nice 90 minute drive down I275 across the Sunshine Bridge.  While Judy and Deanne walked the beach Jon and Tom took a couple of Kayaks out for a spin in the gulf.  The sea was calm and at one point cruised through an area of jumping fish.  After a good lunch at an outdoor cafe and a stop by the Siesta Key beach it was back to Tampa and another night in the field. 

On Thursday five showed up for the computer group and hopefully with some more publicity more will show next week.  Jon arranged for the use of a classroom in the education wing at the library building where WiFi is available.

Friday morning a call came from Honda of Tampa Bay that the part was in so after lunch we headed out to pickup the part, go by a bank, get the truck tank filled and stop by the commissary.  On the way back from the bank Judy spotted a “Happy Feet Plus” shoe store she had heard good things about.  It is a local chain with eight stores in the Tampa area.  After trying on a number of sandals she decided on a pair of Birkenstock's that felt and looked good and gives her the support she needs. 

While stopped for diesel just outside the base, the FamCamp called and offered us a partial hook-up site – and we accepted.  We managed to get everything done and moved into the spot by the canal just before 6.  As a reward for such a smooth move we went to SeaScapes for the dinner special.

Saturday we decided to ride our bikes to the BX and Commissary with a stop by the filling station/garage.  We needed a bulb for one of our outside lights and wanted to check to see if they could change the oil on the Ram.  The first mile and a half the wind was right in our faces and strong.  After checking out the BX (Judy bought a new top and Jon a new hat) we had a nice lunch at Subway.  The food court was pretty crowded as it was drill weekend for reservists and lots of families. 

As the station did not have the required bulb, after church we drove out to an Action Auto Parts store.  By the time we got back to the camper it was time to shower and settle in for Downton Abbey.

On Sunday Tom and Deanne stopped for a visit and a base tour.  After the tour we drove off base to Ballast Point to “Taste of Boston” for lunch.  The park was jammed and parking was at a premium.  Luckily Jon found a spot nearby as a couple was leaving.  After a good lunch on the pier and a game of domino's at SeaScapes, Kietrys' departed and we went back to our perch by the canal.

This location on the canal is nice but it is awfully dusty.  Last year they had ‘moved’ the road about 25 feet west and planted grass to make these sites better.  Well, over the early winter they dredged Lake Lewis and the trucks carrying the sand came straight up the canal road into the campground and tore up the expanded sites.

Tuesday after quilting, Ning Solon stopped by with Abigail.  We met them last year when we were here and Abigail was just a baby. Ning’s husband is retired from the US Army and currently a contract employee with Central Command.  Abigail knows us as grandma and grandpa.

Wednesday the Jones’ stopped by as they were getting ready to move from a partial site to a FHU one.  They were on site 303, right next to where we had started our time here at MacDill so we decided to see if we could switch sites.  Site 303 in nearer the tent area where Scot and Stephanie will be and near the field where Jon and Jenny will have the rented pop up.  To our surprise, Debbie (Campground Manager) was very agreeable so we did another rapid move.  We are getting very good and breaking and setting up camp!

After the move and before dinner Jon had time to take Lilly for her after dinner/evening walk.  He goes down an old path/road through the woods to Lake Lewis and then back up the canal road.  It is a nice walk, except for the mosquitoes in the first hundred yards or so of the woods.  Armadillo are plentiful here and Lilly enjoys chasing after them.  You can see all over the area where they have been rooting the ground.  This little one was on the canal side of the road as we approached. 

He had his head deep in the hole and did not hear or see us.  When he did sense our presence, he scampered across the sand road and into the woods. 

Saturday, after some waiting we finally took possession of the A-Liner “popup” trailer that Jon and Jenny will be using.  We had staked out a nice spot not far from us earlier in the day and between the two of us got it erected.  This will be Jon and Jenny’s ‘home’ while here and Scot plans on putting up a tent.  It started to rain and the cold front blew in as we were erecting it.  Tonight they all will stay in it as it will be too late to put up Scot’s tent in the dark.  And we are to have the coldest nights of the winter here in Tampa!  The generator is hooked up and a small electric heater came with the A-Liner so it may not be too bad.

The group arrived about 9:30 and after some unloading enjoyed sloppy joes and dump cake before heading off to bed.  They had departed Suffield at 4:40 Saturday morning and were pretty beat after the long drive and ride.

This is the A-Liner setup in the dry camp area.

Sunday dawned chilly but sunny so after Judy fixed a big breakfast we headed off to Tarpon Springs and the Sponge Capital of the world.  Before we left the base we made a quick trip through the BX and Clothing Sales where Scot picked up a hat just like Jon’s.  We ate a late lunch at Plaka’s and did some shopping.  

Here we are ready to leave Tarpon Springs. It was cold for Florida.

When we got back to base, Scot and Stephanie selected an area and put up their tent.  Scot had a difficult time stretching out in the A-Liner but should be fine in the tent. 

After another chilly night, Monday dawned clear and bright.  The kids saw dolphins in the bay and Stephanie says she saw a whale too, but no confirmation.  As it was President’s Day the base was essentially closed we headed off to Apollo Beach and the Manatee viewing area by TEMCO – the local power company.  When we arrived at 10:45 the parking lot was full.  There must have been sixty manatees in the bay area by the plant.  We saw shadows of several with calves.  It is not easy getting a picture of one out of the water.

  At least the kids got close to one manatee!

All bundled up but Scot – he would not admit to the chill.

Jenny taking a picture of Scot taking a picture

On the way to the viewing area we came across a big fire in the recycle facility on the way to Apollo Beach.  There were two big aerial trucks pumping water down on to the area plus several pumpers and long lines of hose stretched out - a highlight for Scot!  By the time we came back it was mostly out and a number of the fire units have left. 

After our visit with the manatee, we stopped by “Crab Shack” for a late lunch.  By the time we got back to the campground we were all pretty tired.  Scot and Stephanie were delighted to see an armadillo in the area behind the camper.  These creatures have very poor eye sight so it is easy to get close to them. 

Sot went for a long walk and happened upon one.  He got close enough to touch its back and videoed his actions.  He was as startled as the armadillo when the armadillo bucked back at him.

About 4 the girls left for Leesburg and Jenny’s niece’s wedding shower.  They will return on Tuesday evening.  That left the rest of us to rest on Tuesday.  Jon, Jon and Scot made a trip to the BX and Commissary for a few items.  After Lunch Scot took a long bike ride and stopped to visit both of the fire stations on base.  The troops there took him in and showed him their gear and equipment.  He even was able to get his picture taken in one of the big trucks.

And even took a few pictures of their crash and crash rescue units.

This is the “Crash” fire station bordering the runway.  Doors on one side open directly to the runway/ramp and the other to the base proper.

He also captured a couple of jet just sitting at the old alert ramp.

Wednesday we had reserved a pontoon boat for a tip to Beer Can/Shell Island and a tour of the bay.  We boarded the boat with our ‘captain’ – Brenda Jones.

Here Brenda is at the helm piloting the boat on the way out the channel to the bay.

Scot and Stephanie looking for dolphins and enjoying the sun and ride.

We walked the beach for about an hour and the kids found a number of nice shells and lots of complete sand dollars.  There were two other boats pulled up to the beach.

Jon, Judy and Jenny in cruise mode.

Brenda let everyone who wanted pilot the boat. Here Scot has taken over under the watchful eye of Jon and Brenda.  Hey Scot, what’s that little button on the side of the throttle for??

As we cruised along Bay Shore, Judy and Brenda tried to pick out some landmarks.  There are markers all along the shore to keep boats out a half mile from the base.  The base security (formally Security Police now Force Defense) has several powerful patrol boats on the water at all times.

When we got back to the RV we had had a call from the FamCamp offering us a ‘confirmed’ site for the rest of our stay here.  Unfortunately, the lady in charge had left for the day by the time we got back. We were all pretty tired after a day on the water and it seems like everyone was in bed early.  Thursday after breakfast, Jon and family worked on breaking down the A-Liner and Scot’s tent and Jon headed off to the Computer User session.  About 10:30 we hauled the A-Liner back to the office and signed up for our new site – 122.  Everyone pitched in and helped with the relocation and by noon we were set up on our new site and we all headed to SeaScapes for lunch.

After Lunch the kids headed off for the weddings and we finished our setup at the new location.  The afternoon sun is really hot coming in and Don Coget stopped by and is loaning us a sunshade for the western end of the awning.  Jon put it up temporarily and it really does cut down on the sun.

This is the view from our dining room window.  Yes that is Tampa Bay you can see through the RV’s.

So much for this blog chapter