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.

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

Florida 2013 - Still in NC

Still at Davidson for another 36 hours.  The time with the boys has been going along with out a hitch.  The weather turned warmer and nicer so Friday after school they played out until nearly 6.  By the time we got dinner over and they watched some movie and had popcorn they were in bed later than a school night.  They have been out since 10:30 (it is now 3 on Saturday afternoon) this morning playing hard.  Judy packed them a lunch and they went to the "green" (a park) with the boy next door and played.

The cat seems content back at the RV.  This is a shot of the campground we are now using.  It is 2/3 the cost of the raceway and less than half for the entire week.

This is a close-up of the area where are in.  The RV next to the third road to the left is just where we are parked for now.

Moving on Down

Monday morning the 7^th we began the move south again.  Had planned on beating the Charlotte rush-hour traffic, but it did not work out that way.  We both were sleeping so good that by the time we took care of all the issues and got on the road it was nearly 8AM.  It was a bit fun going down I85 through the construction zones and then on to I77 through the heart of Charlotte.  Once we made the South Carolina border things smoothed out and it was not too bad of a drive.  Because of the late start we decided to try to get into Kings Bay Sub Base for the night rather than our usual push on to Valdosta, GA.  We soon found that the GPS coordinates for the park are good, but Esther (our GPS voice/director) lead us to a long ago closed gate on a dead in street with barely room to turn the RV around.  A gentleman was leaving a local business, saw our distress and gave us good directions to the gate.  When we arrived, the place was full.  They put us in ‘overflow’ but we had water and electric and even limited cable – but no ESPN so missed the lopsided BSC game. 

We had heard of a local restaurant called Aunt B’s so thought we would try it and skip the ice cream social in the park.  After driving around and around and getting directions we found it – closed!  Judy had spotted a place on our trip to the wrong gate so we tried to find it again – and did.  St Mary’s Seafood restaurant is a place to go if you ever get in the area.  It is local (lots of locals and families) and the food was great and lots of it.

On the way back into the base, the guard asked to see both or our ID cards.  He kept Judy’s as it had expired in April of 2012.  So that’s another task to add to our list of must does at MacDill – get her a new ID.

MacDill

The Tuesday trip to MacDill was without incident.  We arrived expecting to go into dry camp/overflow but were put in a partial hook-up site for 14 days (we have water and electric but Jon has to ‘dump’ our grey and black water).  We are number 27 on the list for a full hook up ‘permanent’ site so maybe we won’t have to stay in this spot too long.  For now we will spend our time on site 302.  An interesting thing occurred when we checked in.  When I told the clerk the last name – “Sample” – he put it in the computer and asked “From Wasilla, Alaska?”  It turns out that there is a John Sample who has been at MacDill from Alaska.

Unlike last year, only a couple of units are in dry camp.  Not sure why but it is okay with us.  We’ve meet several folks from previous years and Judy has started ‘exercise’ three days a week and on Tuesday’s it is quilting and Thursday’s crafts. Jon is busy making more modifications to the RV and fixing things to our liking. 

Sunday we had visitors from Ohio.  Jim and Karen McGir from our camping group were staying at a state park not far from us.  They came on base and we did the tour and had a good late lunch/early dinner of grilled chicken and broasted potatoes.

We had Lilly to the Vet for her annual check and shots and now we have to take Lydia too.  It seems that even cats must have the rabies shot on bases.  Because of her size and age, the Vet wants to see her.  The Tech said that quite possibly because of her age, size and fact that she is a purely indoor cat we would get a waiver.

How quickly our days begin to fill.  Friday nights will be the camp pot-luck dinners and we signed up for the dinner trip on Tuesday the 15^th to Miller’s Ale House.  Tuesdays will be quilting for Judy and Thursday Computer’s for Jon. We signed up for the “Walk Your Buns Off” program through the Base Fitness Center.  We begin our step counting on Monday the 14^th with new pedometers.

This is what Google Earth shows for the FamCamp at MacDill.

Wednesday night the 16^th we went to an outdoor performance by the “Tops In Blue” – a talented group of performers from all over the Air Force.  They put on a good 90 minute show.  Only drawback was the over two hours on metal folding chairs.

Our above normal temperatures broke early on Thursday.  Wednesday it was in the low 80’s but by 2 Thursday afternoon it was 59!  Supposed to have a couple of below normal days and then by early next week back to more normal temperatures – highs in the low to mid 70’s and down to the 50’s at night.

Friday we headed to the Florida RV show with Brenda and Nick Jones from Tennessee.  We had gotten to know them last year and re-acquainted this year.  The Recreation Office was giving out free “VIP” tickets (good for two) so we took advantage.  We saw maybe only a third of the RV’s on display.  Prevost had an entire building of their products.  One unit you could only look at through the windows – price tag 1.8 million!!  Lots of ‘toy haulers’ some had triple axles and an unloaded weight of nearly 15000 pounds.

The Jones’ were particularly interested in some of the ‘single wide’ units for set-up in a mobile home park.  They are really nice.

We definitely got in our steps for the day.  Camping World had a taken over an entire display barn (site of the show is the state fair grounds) and we did make one purchase, a “Jack” antenna head.  The reviews indicate it is much better than the ‘bat-wing’ antenna currently on the RV.

Saturday afternoon after doing a little shopping we got the call to move to a full hook-up site.  It did not take us long to get moved.  We are good here for 14 more days and at last check we were 15^th on the list for a ‘permanent’ site.  Hopefully we will get it before we have to move to dry camp.  But we can’t be to sure as the dry camp area is beginning to fill up.

This is our site for two weeks – site 37.  The location seems familiar and we think we were on this site once before.

Sunday we had a call from the Hlavic’s from home.  Mary is the church organist and Ken leads bike rides on the towpath.  They were in Florida doing ‘rides’ with a bicycle club.  They were on their way from Orlando to Venice so they stopped by for a visit.  After a tour of the base we had a nice lunch and they moved on.

Tuesday night’s dinner trip was to Campanalla’s in Pinellas.  It is good to meet new folks and experience some local restaurants.  Both of us brought home about half our meal so no cooking for dinner on Wednesday.

Each Thursday one of the fellows in the FamCamp runs a “G” rated movie for everyone at the ‘closed’ base theater. Folks take snacks and food and enjoy the movie.  This week we saw “Diary of a Wimpy Kid – Dog Days.”

Friday Judy was off to a day of quilting.  A small bus and a van took 22 ladies to a quilt show and stops at two quilt shops near St Petersburg. She got back just in time to make the Friday night “States Night” potluck.  Unfortunately, Michigan again had the most in attendance, but Ohio was second with 12.

Sunday we headed to the Tarpon Springs area with Nick and Brenda Jones.  We loaded all the bikes in/on the Ram and left a little after 9:30 for the 40 plus minute drive to Wall Springs Park.  The park is a beautiful place and just a little under five miles from Tarpon Springs.  We had a nice ride on the Pinellas Trail (a 35 plus mile rails to trails bike path) into downtown Tarpon Springs.  We walked the old town called the sponge capital of the world.  It is a Greek community with plenty of good places to eat.  About 1:30 we stopped in Plaka’s for lunch.  On the ride back to the park, we went several miles south of the trail head where we had parked.  All in all we did 15 miles on the bike and lots of walking.  Lilly was certainly happy to see us when we got back at 4:30.

Monday we had guests from Ohio.  Two teachers Judy knew who winter in St Pete.  They drove over and we gave them the base tour and enjoyed lunch at SeaScapes.

The rest of the week was pretty much as usual.  Wednesday we did decide to head to the Mustang Flea Market near St Pete.  Another camper had mentioned that on Wednesday parking was free and there were many fruit and vegetable vendors.  We walked around and bought a few things. 

Judy bought a red hat and some socks and a scarf and Jon bought some bungee cords.  On the way home it was so late we decided to just stop by a Taco Bell for a quick snack.  Bad plan as it was lunch time for a nearby high school and the place was full of kids and it took 20 minutes to get our $4 lunch.

Tomorrow (Friday the 1^st of Feb) will be our last day in a FHU (Full Hook Up) site with all the amenities.  Hopefully we won’t be there too long before we can get to a “partial” site where we will have water and electric.  We’ve been stuck at number 12 on the ‘confirmed/permanent site’ list for over a week

Saturday dawned beautiful but cold – 41 – and the groundhog says it will be an early spring.  After it warms up a bit we will head off to the dry camp area.

Home for Summer/Goodbye Greystone/South again

We made it home with the rental and shortly after Scot's wedding Jon flew down to pickup the Ram and the RV.  The trip down and back was without incident and we soon fell into our normal summer routine - yard and flowers and garden.

We did mange to get the 5th wheel out several times after we had the front axle replaced. Jon did some forum readings and found that the fading front cap on the RV was a known problem by Heartland.  He negotiated a settlement, but found further problems including a rotting bedroom slide and broken bed.

In October we bid farewell to the Greystone and picked up our 'new' Forest River Wildcat.  This one is nearly five feet shorter and 2500 pounds lighter. It is laid out like our last Cougar, except it does have a bedroom slide.  After making some alterations and 'improvements' (including removing the sleeper sofa and replacing it with a rocker/recliner) we are set to move south for the winter.  The Christmas tree and decorations are down and most of the items we will need for the winter are loaded. We plan to head to Charlotte, NC on Monday the 31st.  We will spend about a week there watching over two grandsons before making it to Tampa and MacDill AFB.

But mother nature is not going to let us out easy.  We've had plenty of snow in the past week.  That snow blower bought in October 2011 has gotten a little use in December 2012.

Sunday Morning and had to clear some more snow.  Matt stopped to say goodbye.

Have a few more things to load and later today will hook it all up so we can be moving early.