Last Weeks and Trip Home

Not a lot happening this week, just the usual.  Judy’s knee has been bothering her so her walking has been curtailed and it has been so windy that riding the bikes is no joy.  About two weeks ago while walking Lilly one morning she must have stepped wrong or twisted her left knee somehow.  It is slowly improving but it has cut her out of her long morning walks and exercise sessions.  She has been doing a lot of hand sewing though.

Tuesday’s dinner trip was to Cody’s Roadhouse, a steak and ribs place.  Sort of reminds you of the Texas Roadhouse in Alliance, with peanut tins on the table and the shells swept on to the floor.  This was our last dinner trip as the next two are at places we have either been to or don’t care to go to. 

This was also the last week for Jon’s computer group to meet.  He had positive feed back as he ran it more as a help group than a class.  It was nice using a classroom at the Library and having a good WiFi connection for everyone to use.

Saturday night after church we attended a St Patrick’s Day dinner in the Annex.  The Chapel provided corned beef and ham as well as cabbage and mashed potatoes.  Folks brought either a desert or salad.  We were entertained by a three piece group that included a dulcimer.

Here are a few of the folks from the FamCamp that attended.

On Sunday we drove to New Port Richey to meet Cliff and Ruth Ann Anderson for lunch.  We have volunteered with them in the past.  We had a great lunch in a little place called Caposey’s - real ‘mom and pop’ operation where the food was good and the service outstanding. 

On the way home we stopped by the Sun Coast Trail bike path and did a slow 11 mile ride.  This trail parallels the Sun Coast Toll road.  On the way back to the trail head we spotted a ‘gator.

It was the only one we saw this year, unlike our years at KPPSP where we saw many.

Beginning to be a boring week – just waiting to depart.  Tuesday it was beautiful so we went to the beach for several hours.  More people on the beach than in the past few months, of course it is ‘spring break’ time and there are lots of kids in the campground.

We decided to try the Inter Bay Market for dinner.  We had heard many good things about it.  It is more than a market – a deli and a meat market.  We ordered takeout from their large selection.  For $5 each, Judy had fried chicken and two sides and Jon had Cuban roast beef and two sides.  It was more than enough and very tasty.

Seems like food is mentioned a lot, but here it goes again.  On Wednesday we asked don and Jane Coget (from Arkansas) if they wanted to go to the Coast Guard Station at the St Petersburg/Clearwater airport for lunch on Thursday.  They agreed, but only if Jon drove as the last time they had been there (for Thanksgiving) on the way home they were in a bad accident and totaled their truck.  So Thursday morning we picked them up at 11 and we headed for the Coast Guard.  They serve lunch from 1130 to 1230 but after 1145 retirees are allowed to eat.  We picked the right day!  They had coconut shrimp, grilled salmon and prime rib as the main entrees.  The dinner came with grilled asparagus and Penna pasta.  Everything was very good and the price could not be beat.

Thursday the Coast Guard was at it again off beach area.  Apparently this is prime location for them to practice sea rescues.

Late Friday afternoon Jon had almost finished Lilly’s when the sky’s opened up.  Judy had ridden to the shower house and to get the laundry from the line.  She made it home on the bike without getting too wet.  It rained pretty hard and the sky lit up with lightening, but no thunder.  We had settled in watching an episode of Dexter when the power went out on base.  It was sort of strange as the DVD/CD player kept going but the TV went black – the player operates off 12 volts.  We ended up heading to bed to read about 9:30.

Saturday we made out last trip to the BX and Commissary.  We needed a few things for the trip home and also picked up a few things for home.  The freezer is jam packed.  We were just getting ready to head to Seascapes when Ning and Abigail stopped by to tell us good bye.  Ning did promise to stay in touch via email.

We met Don and Jane for snacks and farewells and headed off to church.  We watched another episode of Dexter and headed off to bed. 

The drive to Darien was an easy one and we were just behind all the nasty weather sweeping across Florida.  As we drove around Jacksonville you could see large areas of standing water.   We hit a few patches of rain, but nothing hard.  After a nice visit with sister Judy it was time for some TV and bed.  Monday’s drive will be a long one, about 420 miles to Wytheville, VA.

Other than the extremely rough road (I95) in South Carolina, the drive up through Columbia and into Charlotte was uneventful. We could see the temperatures slowly dropping.  We had dressed for the colder weather expected in Virginia.  As we proceeded north of Charlotte, the wind began to pickup and we could feel it on the truck and RV.  Though the Ram ‘walked up’ that 7 mile grade, you could still feel the gusts.  Judy called Fort Chiswell RV park to check the weather and was told the snow had stopped and the sun was shinning.   By the time we pulled into the park, the clouds were hanging heavy; the wind was gusting, but no snow.  As they were going to shut the water off in the lower park area, we opted for the upper area.  They are expecting the temperature to drop to the mid 20’s over night – quite a change from MacDill! 

We got ourselves all set up and Jon went to fill the truck for the morning drive.  The way we had to park, we had to disconnect from the RV anyway.  While we were eating dinner it began to snow – a real white out.  The snow was almost perpendicular to the ground, the wind was so strong out of the north.  Fortunately none of it was sticking to the ground or vehicles. 

It was nearly 8:30 by the time we got on the road Tuesday.  The winds had calmed some, but were still strong.  The local news talked about the north bound lanes of I77 being closed after the first tunnel in West Virginia.  We ere routed off I77 onto US 460 and up through Princeton and then back onto the turnpike.  It was a nine mile difference on I77, but took us 15 miles out of the way and about forty minutes longer than expected.  Once we were on the turnpike and north of Beckley we ran into snow.  Not bad, but enough to wet the roads and with the salt trucks out, the Ram and RV picked up plenty of grit and grim.

We arrived in our drive at 2020 Tricaso at 3:30 – glad to be back but miss the sun!

MacDill

                      

We’ve been on site 122 for nearly a week now and getting settled in.  Friday we finished getting ourselves settled and rode around the campground looking at sale items.  It was ‘Yard Sale’ day in the FamCamp.  We did pickup a few items including a blouse and book and a set of Bal Chocks and a bike rack. Some folks had lots out and others just a few things.  Five or six in the camp are either changing units or have sold their unit so there was some good stuff.

The base and local are had things going on too.  The Coast Guard was conducting a water rescue exercise off the beach area and the mobile communications unit set up a ‘bare base’ ground control and tower on the south end of the runway.  We had a C5 and two C17’s in for the exercise.

  

This is a C5 with the nose raised for loading.  Both the front and rear of this large airplane open for loading and unloading.

The pallets along the edge of the ramp contain material returned from the two wars.  I just missed getting a picture of both the front and rear opened where you could see clear through the C5.

This is one of the C17’s taxiing for takeoff.

On the way around the end of the ramp Jon stopped to try to get a picture of the mobile communications set-up.  He was ready to snap a picture when a horn got his attention.  A base police unit had stopped and the SP told him not to take pictures on base.

Monday an appointment was made at the base service station to get the oil changed in the Ram.  The appointment was for 10 but it was nearly noon before the truck was pulled in to begin the process.  While waiting Jon did some shopping at the BX including picking up a new bed for Lilly.  He also had time to walk to the commissary at the far end of the plaza and pickup a few grocery items. Found out we got “such a deal” at the service station.  A couple of people had asked about it and when told that it was only $60 for the oil change and lube they could not believe it.  Nick Jones went by and asked and was told – no $90.  The young man who did ours figured it wrong.  Fifteen Quarts of Oil cost more than what he charged us!

Tuesday was a somewhat lost day as a storm moved through about 10:00.  It rained some and the wind really kicked up for about two hours, then the sky really opened up and the rain came down hard.  It was running off all four corners of the RV in steady, heavy streams.  It was the perfect weather for a nice nap.  But by 3:00 the sun was out and we needed to get ready for our dinners night out.  We went to Leroy Selmon’s restaurant, named for the former pro football player from Florida.  Again we had a good meal and a nice ride.  It is really nice to look at the scenery and not have to worry about driving.

On Wednesday we drove to Madeira Beach to visit Jan and Pat (they had visited us here at MacDill earlier).  They have been staying in a KOA for several years during the winter.  After a tour of their park and RV we drove into “town” for lunch.  On the way out of the restaurant we stopped to watch the pelicans as a pleasure fishing boat came in.  These pelicans were all lined up waiting for the boat to pull in.

While waiting on the boat to dock the dolphins were playing in the water.  Try as we might, we could not get a picture of one out of the water.  They seem to know how to beat a photographer.

They were also driving in new pilings for an extension of the dock.  It was interesting to watch how they ‘loaded’ the long pipe into the driver frame.

 Our day was not done when we returned to the base.  We were invited to farewell get-together.  We had lots of snacks and then sausages and Dianna (who is from England) made two big shepherds’ pies.  We also played “corn hole” although they called it something else and there were ‘house rules’ for score keeping.  It was a nice night.

The “Computer Users Group” is becoming more diverse.  So many different operating systems and tablet/e-reader types it is hard to concentrate on one subject. Though we had a nice room at the library building, the WiFi was down and that really put a crimp in our activities.  We did spend over two hours just helping each other some and one of the ladies gave a nice presentation on DropBox for sharing and storage.  Judy made an Easter basket at the last craft session for the year.  In the afternoon we made trip to the Commissary to pick up a few items.  Judy had learned that at the deli counter you can ask for and buy cheese and lunch meat ends so we came home with a couple of small packages of mixed meats and one of cheese.

We are in for a cold spell – well cold for here – the next couple of days.  Highs may not make it into the 60’s and lows in the 40’s at night.  For certain 60 would be a warming trend in some areas, but here it is downright cold.  The jet stream has dropped down and those winds are mighty cold! By the middle of the week our temperatures should be back to normal.  It has not been good weather for the Plant City Strawberry Festival but folks still head out that way for strawberry shortcake and local berries.

There have been lots of planes flying around and now we know why.  Those two on the ramp Scot got a picture of were the first of a squadron of CF-18’s from Canada.  The Canadian Air Force had deployed a squadron here for some winter exercises and flying.  You can hear and see them streaking overhead.  Quite a different sound than the KC-135’s based here at MacDill.

When they take off in pairs or do a flyover it really is loud.

Friday after the weekly potluck we had a presentation by a US Park Ranger from De Soto National Memorial.  It is located south of the Sunshine Bridge near Sarasota.  This is the 500 year anniversary of the Spanish landing in Florida and he talked about those early times and the advanced Native American civilization that was here.  Interesting that the name of the state came from a festival that is celebrated on the date De Soto landed – hence the name –Florida for festival of flowers.

This is a representation of the type of dwelling built by the De Soto group and patterned after the dwellings used by the natives they first encountered in Florida

That cold front brought strong winds and grey skies so on Saturday we decided to go see the movie Argo.  It was a good show based upon a true story during the Iran hostage crisis.  Sunday was another chilly day so we made a trip to the Sunshine Thrift Shop where Jon bought a new/used watch.  After Lilly’s dinner we took a long walk down through the woods and up the canal.  It was near time for the cruise ship to be leaving so we went to the marina and after a few minute wait, the ship came into view.

As it sailed west it came into a break in the clouds and the sun highlighted the bow.

Several minutes after it passed the wake reached shore.  It was like a mini tsunami rocking the docks.  We remember from last year when we were parked along the canal and you could hear and then see the water raise as the wake pushed the water in the canal.

Over the weekend Jon found on Craig’s list a set of JT Strongarms for the RV at a great price.  They are braces that attach to the front legs and by reviews on line do help to steady the unit.  As we were going to Brooksville on Sunday to meet with the Lewis’ we arranged to pick them up on the way.

We meet Janice and Bob Lewis (volunteered with them in the past) at an Applebee’s.   After lunch and visiting we found a quilt shop (Nana’s) before heading back to MacDill.  It was a long, but enjoyable day.

The weather turned much cooler – well almost cold.  Though the sun was bright and the sky blue the winds were high and out of the North making the air cold.  It was like that both Tuesday and Wednesday.  Tuesday’s dining out trip was to Outback.  We had a full 15 passenger van plus the small bus.  There must have been 30 of us descending on the restaurant.   On Wednesday Jon had an appointment to get a chip in the windshield repaired (it was just a surface mark and not in need of repair) and we had a “Volunteers Appreciation Luncheon” to attend. 

Since Jon re-grouped the FamCamp Computer Users Group, he was invited and could bring a guest.  The Base “Chief’s Group” did the cooking (Hamburgers and Hot Dogs) and served the group. This was for all the base volunteers so it was quite a crowd.  We talked to several permanent residents of the area who volunteer on base and they provided us with some possibilities for next year.  It is looking more and more like we will return to next year and look at other volunteer opportunities.

As ‘Crafts’ is over for the season, Judy went with Jon to the Computer Users session at the Library.  She wants to learn more about her Nook and download some books and apps and use the WiFi in the building there.   Also, as we were close to the gate, she needed a few things from Hancock Fabric.  The Nook was acting up so after the session and the stop at Hancock we headed to Barnes and Noble.  We were able to learn some things and downloaded several free books and games.

Birds have begun to return to the cleaned out lakes now that the restoration work is nearly done.  They have planted plugs of some sort of grass along the edges. 

Friday Jon scrubbed down the roof of the RV and then had to do the windows.  Those ‘miracle’ cloths bought at the RV show really do a job on the windows.  No window cleaner and no streaks! 

We were planning on cooking some Tilapia on the grille but had an invitation from Gloria and Morris (from Maine) to go to a church for a fish dinner.  Then Don and Jane Coget asked us to play Mexican Train later in the evening.  We had a full Friday.

Saturday we drove to De Soto Park.  It is an historic fort location on the gulf coast with a beautiful long white beach.  The fort was originally used during the Civil War and came to full use and expansion during the Spanish American War.

It was only dedicated as a park in 1963 and is supported by Pinellas County.  Even though it was a bit cloudy there were quite a few people on the beach.  The park also has a long paved bike path and lots of folks were ridding and using roller blades.

Quiet but busy Sunday with the time change.  We played Mexican Train Saturday night and by the time the game ended, we said farewell to Cal and Gerry, changed the clocks and got into bed it was after midnight.  So we took it pretty easy by doing some shopping outside the base and picked up some grocery items at the commissary.

Two weeks from today we will be on our way north so will leave the last for the next installment.