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.

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