New Smyrna Beach FLA

We packed up yesterday morning and headed northeast towards Daytona Beach, arriving at New Smyrna Beach about 2:30pm. This location is about 15 south of Daytona Beach and 30 miles north of Cape Canaveral. We were planning to head out next Monday morning to Georgia but decided to pay one extra day to watch the shuttle Discovery launch early Monday morning from the beach. You can drive your car or truck right onto the beach here, so will plan to do that early Monday morning. They say you can see, hear and feel the launch right here. I saw a launch back in the 70's can't remember which one, but was impressive. This is a nice place we are in - very secure. Last night was a tidge cold - had to start putting blankets back on which is going to be the norm as we start heading back north.


Some of the things we plan to do is go to Ponce de Leon Lighthouse which is the highest lighthouse in Florida, walk and hike the sand dunes and the white beaches, there are birding trails here, possibly take a small boat cruise around the inlet bay, head to St. Augustine north of hear to see the history and whatever of that city, see historic Sugar Mill Ruins, and obviously go to Kennedy Space Center.


I have a concern for Chip - he doesn't seem to be right. His belly is very sore, but he's eating, pooping and cleaning himself and if any of those things stop - he's in really big trouble. Here's a picture of him last night sitting on Dave's lap - something he only does for me. When I try to pick him up or pet him he growls (yeah - he think's he's a dog). Two days ago he jumped up to the back area where windows are and fell off, and I wonder and think this is the problem. He's my baby and I will have to pay close attention to him.

Sunday on the Atlantic Coast

Dave and I got on the road by 9am, weather calling for rain, opted to only use the fans inside the RV again for the cats. Didn't get rain, and it only got to 80, did I say only? When we got to Phyllis's, got some chores and fixing things done that she wanted, headed to a Kosher market to look for some spices which was a bad idea - everyone in there buying and getting ready for Passover - was so crowded - then headed to the Atlantic Ocean. How fun was that? The surf was up, no swimmers because the rip tide was bad and only parasailing was going on - that's a huge parachute type sail attached to long strings and a surfer is hanging on the other end, surfing along. The wind literally pulls the surfer along and at times when a large wave hits, they go airborn. Was really fun to watch. Lots of people on the beach. After that we headed to a flea market. This flea market was not what you think. It was indoors, the size of a Sam's or Cosco, and every kind of vendor was there selling anything from shoes to clothes to jewelry, cosmetics, furniture, food, games, whatever - but not used - all was new. And not cheap! Where were the fleas? I heard one woman in line say that she just got off the plane to come here to the market. What? Seriously? This flea market was called Carnival, there is another smaller - just like it - called Festival. And yes, I did buy some things - as well as Phyllis bought what she was looking for.

From the market we looked for a nice restaurant, trying to get to a Cuban one we have eaten at before, but it was closed. Headed to an Italian restaurant, was amazing. We have dinner for tonight - had the largest portions.

All in all we saw the following cities on the Atlantic over the course of the day: Pompano Beach, Boynton Beach, Boca Raton, of course Delray Beach where Phyllis lives, and Lake Worth. Got back to the RV about 7pm, still no rain, cats are fine. By 9pm we saw tremendous lightning in the distance. By 11:30pm hard rain. And hard rain all night long. No lightning thank goodness.

We do cleanup today, laundry, some little shopping in town, then start putting the RV to travel mode this evening. We need to be on the road by 10am tomorrow and we are heading to New Smyrna Beach, just below Daytona Beach, on the Atlantic side. About 3 1/2 hour drive from here. Will stay there until the following Monday and then head to Georgia. Will be glad to head out of this heat and humidity.

Fort Myers

After a restless night due to very hot and humid conditions, we knew we had to be on the road by 9am to get to Fort Myers to pick up our friends John and Linda to get to a boat broker to see a boat for sale by noon. It's a BIG BIG sailboat! We saw alot of western Florida - Fort Myers, North Fort Myers, Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte. Did I say it's a big boat? Wow! Has some cosmetic problems and lots of mechanical fixes, but Dave and I could certainly see our friends, Dennis and Peggy, living on this boat. Needs some tender loving care - but wow! This could be our sailboat to sail on when we visit them on the Chesapeake Bay. In this picture you can barely make out our truck in back of this boat - it's big!


We were torn as to what to do about the cats before we left - leave windows cracked open, vents open, fans drawing up the hot air out, or, put on the air conditioning. We opted for no a/c and did the window and vent thing. It got to be 88 today, forecast had said only 80 - they lie! When we got back to the RV about 7pm, it was 81 inside. Not bad considering. Both cats are alive and well, sitting in the open screened windows as I type.


Tomorrow we head back to West Palm Beach to visit with family again and spend the day. Weather is calling for thunderstorms so I think we'll have no choice but put on the a/c. We have also come to the conclusion that Florida is just not our place. We want to find other warmer climates for wintering in the RV - like Texas. We know all about Arizona - and have found a couple of campgrounds we would consider to be at during the worst of the winter. But, who knows?

West Palm Beach and such

Driving to West Palm Beach and then on to Delray Beach to visit with sister-in-law was not a bad drive. Took about 1 1/2 hours each way, but compared to big city traffic, this was a dream. Since last post we have been suffering from the heat and high humidity. Even the cats are uncomfortable - you ever see a cat pant? Nights are yucky - hot, rained last night so we had to close the windows, and humid. Did I tell you that I don't like heat? We can't wait to leave Tuesday to start heading up more north to a little cooler temp.

We have been able to ride our bikes on the levee of Lake Okeechobee even in this heat and hope to do it again before we leave. As you look out from the top of the levee you are above the 40feet high (or so) trees. And in the distance you can see the Lake. Lots of ospreys, pelicans, ducks, birds, all different kinds that I cannot identify. I was surprised that the Lake wasn't right on the otherside of the levee - instead the Intercoastal Waterway runs along the other side, pleasure boats use this to transverse from the Atlantic (via canal) across to Fort Myers and the Gulf and then there is raw swamp land for abit - then the Lake. Never the less, it is scenery I will never forget.

We also made it to the Seminole Indian reservation museum. Was impressive what they did but disappointing. They need help with displaying and lighting. Didn't allow flash pictures to be taken inside which made it very dark, no spotlights on displays, small print to read about displays.

Tomorrow we head to Fort Myers and visit with friends who sailed their boat from Sandusky to there for the winter. While with them we will go look at a sailboat for sale, representing friends from PA. Then back to John and Linda's boat to maybe do a quick jaunt around Fort Myers on the water. We'll see. Again, drive time is about 1 1/2 hours each way - so time may run out for that.

Quebec, oui, eh?

Monday we spent cleaning, laundry, etc. Very boring day, but still needed to rejuvenate. Broke our spell of traveling - it DID NOT RAIN! Was out by 10:15am and made it to here at Clewiston, FLA campground, about 1 mile from Lake Okeechobee. Was a very pleasant drive down Route 27. Lots of orange groves and many many cows. Got here about 1:45pm. Then I got sick. I didn't realize it when we started to unpack the get the RV settled that it was about 86 out. And very very sunny. Dave and I sat outside for awhile - then I started to crash. Stupid me - I forgot that I can't tolerate heat - being red head/fair skin and low blood pressure. Ended up with heat exhausten. Luckily (or unlucky?) I have had this at least 6 other times and I know what I have to do. Today is a new day - feel great but won't get into trouble like I did yesterday.

Did I say Quebec, oui, eh? 90% of the folks here are from the Province of Quebec. As we were getting the RV backed into the spot (right on a small lake and it's so scenic!) two men came over to help - we were having some trouble. I am talking with them, and they aren't responding, until one said something to the other - in French. Dah. The office told me that last year they marketed this campground in Quebec and got 90% filled in January. And next winter they are already 80% full from Quebec with reservations.

We plan to go to Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museam which is the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation museum. Then head over to Lake O and walk/bike the levee. They say you can bike/hike/walk around the entire lake - about 136 miles. Don't feel that adventurous.

Thursday and Friday we will go to West Palm Beach to visit with family. Saturday we head in the other direction to Fort Myers and catch up with friends there and go look at a sailboat for sale for friends of ours from Allentown PA. Sunday we will be back in West Palm Beach, and not sure for Monday. We leave Tuesday for ? haven't a clue where to.

Rainy Sunday

Yes, of course it's raining! We had planned to move today, and rain came in about 4am. Light drizzle, nothing bad. Was manageable taking 'down' the RV and getting hooked up and out. We left Suwannee campgroud by 10:15am and within 10 minutes - you guessed it - hard rain. All the way here to Lakeland Florida. We decided not to get on the interstate and stayed on the main drag, Route 98, all the way here. Very nice ride, no hassles other than the rain. We could have made the trip all the way to Lake Okeechobee but decided that 6 hours on the road, plus one hour prior to take down, and add one hour at the end for set up - 8 hours is just way too much. Instead - we made it here by 1pm - in the pouring rain, naturally!

Dave decided to wash the RV and truck while he was soaking wet and proceeded to do it as soon as electric and water were going. My job always is to open up the sliders, get the cat's litter box ready for them while Dave is handing in each one's carry box. Chip is always the first into the RV. After they are in and Dave is continuing with his things outside, I continue with setting the kitchen back up, unhooking tables and chairs that were secured together during travel, opeing up the shades that are drawn while traveling, getting the bedroom secure, fixing the bathroom. When you travel you have to put EVERYTHING away because if left out - they become projectile missles and could break and cause lots of damage. We pretty much have this down to a science now.

We will only stay here until Tuesday morning, then head to Lake Okeechobee. We need to clean inside and I have to do laundry again since we got so thoroughly soaked today. This place we are staying at is way typical of a snow bird site. It is so packed in, everyone keeps their shades drawn because you are literally looking right into your neighbor. Don't like this place, but it's safe, convenient, has all the things we need, and is only 2 hours to our next location.

This is the longest we have been on the road and the longer we are gone, the more we don't want to go home. We are getting very comfortable living in here, small as it is, and Dave has made so many changes this trip to make it even more homey.

Alligator hunting

Today was a day to just relax, sit outside (yes, sunny and 75) and grocery shop, getting ready for our move tomorrow. Dave and I went alligator hunting (looking). There are 2 alligators in one of the ponds here and another in the front pond as you come into the campground. We found Alli but never saw Gator in the near pond. And we did see a really big one in the front pond, he was sleeping underwater and so we just watched it for a few minutes, then left. That one was kinda scary - was big.

Late afternoon we walked down the boardwalk to the river, sat on the boat landing and watched the world go by. We did see a pontoon boat motor on by, so that was exciting (yeah - little things thrill us!). When we got back to the RV and were sitting talking we heard a number of boats' engines as they were going up the river. Probably were down in the Gulf fishing all day and were headed back.

Tomorrow we head to Lakeland Florida. Will be there only 2 days, leaving Tuesday for Lake Okeechobee and a town at the bottom called Clewiston. We hope to be there a week. Have already contacted our family that we will be within 1 hour drive of her, and will be getting ahold of our friends who are living on their boat in Fort Myers. We also want to look at a sail boat for friends who are looking at a particular boat and we won't be far from it. Hopefully when we pack up and go it won't be in the rain!

Suwannee Kayaking

What an amazing day! Beautiful weather, light winds, temps about 72, sunny. Couldn't ask for any better to go kayaking down the Suwannee River. We got to Manatee Springs State Park and signed in, picked out our kayak of choice, and by 10am we were on the river. We cast off from the Springs where the water is fed from underground springs and there were manatees staying there - so we were not allowed to 'paddle' per se until we got out into the river. No boating, swimming, snorkling, etc. of any kind is allowed until after March 31. Since this trip was sponsored by the Florida State Parks and a Ranger was with us, they allowed this trip to happen. Not a disappointment at all! Here is a picture of Dave floating down the river.


The current in the river was at least 6 knots so we didn't have to do much paddling - only stick them in for a rudder to steer basically. When we got to where they were going to pick us up and take us back - it felt that we could have gone on the other 20 miles to the Gulf. After being brought back to Manatee Springs State Park we walked around and watched the manatees that were lounging in the springs, walked some of the trails - just had a nice day outside. Dave has lots of pictures and I'll be sending them on separately.


Tomorrow is supposed to be even nicer - high near 80. I need to find our next campground in the morning and make reservations, do grocery shopping. Then we'll take our bikes and go in the other direction we went yesterday. Very pretty place, so very dark at night, lots of spooky sounds from the swamp right here, and the cats are loving it.

Biking and Picture Taking

Was supposed to be a nice sunny day - but. Overcast and sprinkling to hard rain off and on all day. That didn't deter us. We packed up the bikes and headed for the Lower Suwannee Birding Trail that goes for miles and miles along the Gulf. Found it - but could not figure where to park the truck. And Cleveland's metro park system for biking should be a role model for everyone else. This trail was a dirt packed, although very scenic, path that lead to forever. I ended up driving us down this dirt road for about 10 miles, found an area to turn around and headed back.

It was scenic - this is an area where they do control burns of the forest to keep out unwanted vegetation and diseases of plants. Could smell the burn. We think they did this particular burn not long ago. Would like to see how they do it and how do they control it so it doesn't get out of hand?


Back tracked into Old Town where there is an old railroad track that they have paved over and is now a trail that goes for over 40 miles. We finally got the bikes out and road we think about 4 miles one way, crossing over the Suwannee River at one point. We stopped on the bridge of the river and there were 3 young women there who told us when the water is low you can see a sunken paddle boat there. Try as hard as we could to see it - no luck. We found out when we were at the campsite that the two ponds right near here have alligators in them. No wonder there is a sign to keep your pets close and on a leash and that children can not run free without supervision! Hopefully tomorrow or Saturday we'll try to find these buggers and get some pictures.

Campgrounds and happy campers

Thought you'd get a kick out of our observations. Being on the road 16 days - we have eaten out only 2 times. One was lunch at Panera Bread and the other dinner at the Fish Market in Alabama. Otherwise - we grocery shop and I prepare our meals. Much much cheaper - and we can control what and how much we eat. No surprises.

The average age of campers is about 72. And most seem to have alot of money - by that we know that some of the Class A (big motor home style buses) are at least starting point of $300K and we have seen a couple that are definitely in the 3/4 million $ range. And, we have seen very basic, low class, rigs. It they are 5ver's (5th wheelers) - they have a heavy duty truck to pull the rig. If it's a Class A or C they are also pulling a car or truck behind their rig - usually a small to midsize car.

Pretty much 50/50 with Class A and our type - 5th wheel. Very few Class C (that style is all inclusive with a cab overtop of the driver/passenger). The Class C is typically for the younger families where you can load up lots of kids in that overcab sleeping area. Another style we do see is the travel trailer - we call it the box. Those campers are few. And it makes sense - they are generally lower price, do not have the ammenities of a Class A or 5th wheel, and very little storage. You again see these with younger families - lots of them are bunk-house style.

The folks we have seen - those 72 age folks typically are limping, stiff legged, or have hands that are deformed from arthritis or such. They all seem healthy otherwise - little or no smokers. And we are the oddity - we don't have a southern accent. Ya'all see?

Campgrounds - Good Sam and Passport America and Escapee campgrounds are the way to go. This site is $16/night - full hookup and cable TV and free wi-fi for internet access. And it's a beautiful rustic sight. Will be sending pictures tomorrow so you can see. But, you have brought your home with you, and where else can you go for $16 a night and have a toilet, shower, kitchen, TV, internet access, and have your pet with you? We have not spent more than $24/night - this was the last one in DeFuniak Springs (King Lake), but that campground was very classy.

Suwannee River - Old Town

Yesterday was spent just relaxing (me) and Dave working. Not real work, but things that he wanted to get done on the RV - putting in shelves in the bathroom, put up a new light over the counter in the kitchen, installing 3 additional fire extingquishes. The day was nice and then of course - rain came in during the night. Why is it that when we plan on moving - we do it in the rain? Left Sunset King Lake by 10:15am and headed east towards Tallahassee and then south. Had rain all the way until 1/2 hour of getting here. Was a 4 1/2 hour ride - very very comfortable. We moved off I10 right after Tallahassee and got on the Florida Georgia Dixie highway (route 27/19), divided road, 2 lanes each way - and was so lightly traveled - was amazing. Mostly saw logging trucks.

Now we are tucked in the wilderness at Suwannee River Hideaway Campground, right on the river. Old Town is right in the middle of nature, hiking/biking/horseback riding/trails/camping/canoeeing and kayaking/etc. There is a long boardwalk right here and before dinner we trekked down the boardwalk and came to the river. They say you can see manatees here, if you are here at the right time (?). Tomorrow we plan to spend some time at the river - just relaxing, Dave taking pictures, then get our bikes out and head into town and pick up the scenic biking trails that run along the towns here.

Friday I made reservations to kayak down this river from Manatee Springs to the Gulf - they say about 15 miles - and then they (rangers) bring us back to the startubg point and Saturday - who knows? We have the site until Sunday - and if we decide to stay - we stay. Else, we head down somewhere near Lake Okeechobee. Ain't retirement fun? We are pooped if that gives you any clue!

Quiet Monday

Today was a down day, doing nothing in particular. Did some cleaning, went to the grocery store, did reading, even took a nap. Some days you just have to do this to rejuvenate. Made a great dinner and now we are sitting just kibbitzing about tomorrow and where we are headed Wednesday. Will be doing laundry tomorrow, and hopefully it will be warmer where we can sit out and watch the world go by. Then pack up to leave Wednesday morning. Temp today was supposed to be 70 but our thermometer only read 59. Brrr. And sunny. Can't complain that way.

Lots of RVs have left and lots more came in to this campground. Fun to watch them come in and set up. We leave Wednesday morning for Old Town, Florida which is on the Suwannee River that empties into the Gulf. It's about a 4 hour drive from here, we found that driving anywhere 5 or more hours is just too much. It's located below Tallahassee but north of Orlando. On the Gulf coast. Made reservations for Friday morning 10am to 3pm to do kayaking on the Suwannee River with the Park Rangers as our tour guide. They rent us the kayaks and we depart from Manatee Springs State Park and head towards the Gulf. Wildlife, birding, manatees, fauna, this is what they guarantee we will see. Don't know yet how long we will stay at this next campgroup, probably until Monday? Then head to Lake Okeechobee where we will be not far from family in Delray Beach on the Atlantic, and near friends who have their boat in Fort Myers. This will be the farthest south we'll go as far as taking the RV - we will do day trips south to the Everglades, but not go to the Keys since we have been there 3 times in the last 3 years. We can always go back there when we visit with family (drive down).

So much to do yet. After Florida we need to get to Georgia to do some camping on the coast, then on to the Carolinas, Virginia, up to Maryland (to go sailing with friends) and then on to PA and home.

Spring Break

We were going to wait until Monday to go into Panama City Beach to do some sight seeing, but found out that the "Museum of the Man in the Sea" was closed on Mondays. And then we tossed around adding another day to our stay here in DeFuniak Springs just to give us one more day of down time if we opted to go to PCB on Tuesday, leaving on Thursday. Instead, we hiked down to PCB today and got right in the middle of college spring break. Ugh. Too many kids, awful traffic, and no one was allowed to go into the Gulf due to heavy seas and riptides. So all the kids were walking along the roadways which made driving pretty hazardous. By 1pm many of the kids were getting blatto - and rambunctios - so we got out of that Dodge quickly.

We did go to the museum, was not what I thought it was going to be, interesting never the less. Got back to the RV by 3:30pm and chilled the rest of the day. Talked over what our options were since we will be in the middle of spring break for the next 2 weeks - and decided not to take the RV down to the Keys. Just too much traffic and college students plus families that are on school's spring break - pulling 15,000 pounds behind us - not fun. This evening I am beginning our new search as to where we will go next. Our thoughts are to hug the Gulf coast down, probably ending somewhere near Bushnell or Brooksville. Not sure - will have to do some calling tomorrow to see if we can get into either one. Would prefer the Bushnell - called Sumter Oaks - which is an Escapee RV owners place. We were very impressed with the Heiskell TN - Raccoon Valley - and it's only $15 a night.

Monday and Tuesday we will just hang here, by Tuesday doing laundry one more time before departing on Wednesday for somewhere? Weather is fine, could be a little warmer - was 68 today but windy. Had to where jacket regardless because of the wind. We are receiving our mail that was forwarded on, so that's not a problem. At least it's sunny and we are healthy.

Sinkholes and Caverns

Dave and I decided that we needed to be outdoors today, so I found that two state parks were within 1 hour of driving. Yesterday was spent sightseeing historic, often sad since they were battlefields and people died, and yet - very much part of United States history. Today definitely nature stuff. The first state park that we visited was Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna FL. This park was founded in 1937 when a private citizen's tree on his property fell over during a storm, and when he went to cut it up found that a hole was formed and it was hollow and caves were below. For the next 5 years the government hired people at $1/day to dig out the caverns to make it accessible to the public. Yesterday there were many tornados and huge storms (we missed them, thank goodness) in this area and all the rain caused major flooding in this area. As we toured the caverns we were dripped on by the stalactites with rainfall seeping through the earth. Pretty wet below, but awsome. About 1300 acres of the park, of which we saw just a small amount that was open to the public. Campground that was part of this park was flooded and the canoeing that is usually done was closed due to the high velocity of the water's current.

From there we drove back towards the campground (headed back west) and stopped at Falling Waters State Park in Chipley. This park houses the largest waterfall (73 feet) in Florida. We are spoiled - we have seen the largest waterfall on the eastern coast of the US - saw Hueston Woods waterfall in Maine last September. This FL waterfall has a 100 foot drop into a 20 feet wide hole. Amazing thing is we could not see the bottom of the sinkhole, and where did the water go? Underground - but where then? Also, this state park does controlled burns to keep the unwanted vegatation at bay, allowing the pines to florish.

Tomorrow, Sunday March 14, we will sit tight at the RV, relaxing, then Monday possibly head to Panama City Beach to a museum that houses diving exhibits and see the Gulf of Mexico.

Pensacola

Of course the day started out again with rain but quickly stopped. I forgot we are in Florida - that's what it does! Traveled south to near Fort Walton Beach and went to Eglin Air Force Base and visited the Air Force Armament Museum. Nicely done. Lots of history of the Air Force. AF fighter pilots pass through this base at least once in their training to learn tactical shooting and maneuvers. This base has supported every conflict and operation since World War I.

From there we traveled the coast along the Gulf Island National Seashore west to Pensacola. Had to travel through the Pensacola Naval Air Station to get to Fort Barrancas National Historical Sight and visited the Old Pensacola Lighthouse, which is still in use. Long day but got to see some things.

Today, Saturday, we will find some more things to see and do and hopefully get back to the RV sooner than last night - which was 7:30pm. Seems this trip we are doing more historical things which is fine. Seeing RVs pull out daily, a number will leave tomorrow. We will be here until Wednesday morning, starting to head south towards Tampa.

Catching up and cleaning

Last night I thought we'd get a great night sleep - and about 2am - another rain storm came in. Only this time only rain, no lightning and thunder, thank goodness. Reminded us of when we had our sailboat and we lived on it every weekend, rain or shine. Neat noise, for a while, then, got on your nerves. Dave and I took turns thrashing about, he went out to the couch in the livingroom, then I did. So, by 6:30am he decided that the truck and RV needed washing - only it was still pouring rain. Out he went and washed down everything. Amazing the Alabama Crimson Tide - that soil is really red! Looks awful on a white truck and RV.

By 9:30am the rain had stopped and the rest of the day was absolutely beautiful - about 78 and sun, sun, sun. We are in a campground that is predominately snowbirds - those that have come to FLA for the winter and will be leaving shortly. They are typically on their way out by now, but due to the bad winter they had, they are trying to scarf up as much of the good weather before heading home. I think we are about the youngest here, and the amazing thing is most of the RVs are 5th wheels. The other 3 places we camped, we were the minority - they were those big Class A Motorcoaches. King Lake is really big, you can rent a small boat if you want, or just fish off the pier.

There is a restaurant right here at the campground - will go there tomorrow for breakfast and then head to Pensacola and the Air Force Base Museum (Elgin) for a tour. Then head to the beach for some photo ops for Dave. From now until next Wednesday the weather is supposed to be wonderful, thank You!!

De Funiak Springs FL

Yesterday was an overcast day, temp about 60. Drove into Birmingham (Elyta) and toured the Arlington Antebellum mansion. Antebellum means pre-Civil War era. Was built in 1845 and since then there has only been 4 owners. In 1956 the last family donated the mansion (called Magnolia Groves) to the city. The mansion was very historical with furniture and artifacts of the time and was nicely kept up. Difference between Antebellum mansion and a plantation is that this particular home was not large enough for a plantation - this one being ONLY 95 acres. From there we grocery shopped and at the campsite began the process of closing down and putting things away for the trip today to Florida. About 2am this morning one of the worst storms I have ever experienced came in, and it didn't stop until about 6:30 this morning. Lightning, tremendous thunder, and probably 2 to 3 inches of rain. Forecast was an additional 2 to 3 today, and another 1 to 2 tonight. We beat feet out of there just to avoid getting sunk into the mud.
Ugly putting away the outside this morning, got so drenched and dodged thunderstorms while doing it. Couldn't get the RV out - had streams of water flowing under and around. Ended up backing it out into the street, going down some, then turning around and heading out. Traffic was awful through town and very harry with very heavy rain. We got a rest from the rain by the time we drove to Montgomery which was about 1 1/2 hours south of where we were.
Got here to De Funiak Springs Florida about 4:30 (central), could not get the truck and RV separated for the longest time. Not sure why, but was very frustrating. And we were very tired from being on edge from the morning and driving in the rain. This camp ground, Sunset King Lake Resort, is one hour from Pensacola which is to the west, and to the east - drive 2 hours and we are in Tallahassee. One hour due south and we will run into the Gulf (Panama City Beach). I chose this place because we are going to sit tight for a week. Dave has some things he needs to do on the RV and I have to get this inside clean. Temp when we pulled in was 78. How nice! Even have all the windows open. Will be sightseeing from here - but not until Friday. Tomorrow is laundry, cleaning, etc. And naps.

Motorcycles galore!

After settling in Sunday we looked over what there was to see and do. Yesterday we went to the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Leeds which houses the largest motorcycle collection in North America. Represents 17 countries, 125 manufacturers and builders and also houses a collection of Lotus and Porsche cars that the founder, George Barber, raced and won. Talk about sensory overload! After wandering around for 4 hours, we decided that we couldn't take anymore - would have to spend a couple of days if you were a cyclist or into bikes/racing.

And the temps here! Wow. Shirt sleeve weather - was 78 during the day, and no furnace and space heaters last night. Finally. Supposed to have light rain showers today and that's okay - it's warm and that's all we care about. Will be heading to an Antebellum mansion (pre Civil War mansion) for a tour today. Then grocery shop to get ready to hit the road tomorrow morning. We are changing our plans a little - not head to Summerdale (near Mobile) but instead head to Panama City Beach, east of Pensacola.

Birmingham AL

Spent a couple of days in Knoxville TN and then moved here to Helena Alabama which is outside of Birmingham, today. Got here about 3pm Central. Back track a couple of days and this is what we did.... Stayed at an Escapee (we are members) campground at Raccoon Valley in Heiskell from Thursday morning till today. This is a great way to camp - the sites are very inexpensive ($14/night) with full hookup. Very clean, very secure. Only members of Escapees can camp at these parks. And there are many through out US and Canada. Anyhow, once we settled in we spent the first full day just getting our breath. Grocery shop was the only thing on the agenda. Yesterday, Saturday, we did our first real sightseeing since leaving Tuesday.

We started out by going to the AMSE which is the American Museum of Science and Energy. Euuuuu, you say! But very fascinationg. A good part of the museum was dedicated to the Manhatten project and the secret city (Oak Ridge) and the part the Manhatten project played in WWII. They developed the bombs that landed on Japan and ended the war. Then we went on to the Museum of Appalachia. An outdoor museum as well as indoor buildings that housed artifacts of every day life in the Appalachia. Lots of history, and it was done by one man. He had bartered, bought, swapped, whatever to get what he needed - banjos, old furniture, Mark Twains' house, Indian artifacts, complete houses and buildings (schools/outhouses/barns/private homes) whatever. Very nicely done. And, the museum was having auditions for their homecoming days - so musicians were everywhere playing and practicing, waiting their turn to play old time music. Kinda felt like Nellie and Jeb and Granny Clampet were just around the corner! Dave took lots of pictures and I'll send them on in separate email. Here's a tast of what we saw...

Weather has been great - have had to have the furnace and space heaters on at night, but during the day has been about 50. When we got here in Helena it was 66, and we don't have the furnace on for tonight, will have the space heaters ready to go just in case. Tomorrow 'sposed to be 70 - but rain. That's okay - it's even green here! And right now I hear tree frogs (peepers) singing. How cool! The road (I59) from Chattanooga to here was just awful - we called it the horsey trail - was bumpty bump bumpty bump for about 2 hours. Chip didn't like it, nor did we. I have to say that the cats have gotten the hang of it - Chip only talks for about an hour, then quiet. Grace doesn't say a word, just stares at me, then lays down. Once we get to a site and about 10 minutes after shutting down the truck, the cats are moved in and they get reaquainted, and life is good for them.

Knoxville

Phew! We made it to Knoxville, Kentucky this morning. Dave and I didn't sleep much last night, each worrying that when we got to the dealer a:) they couldn't figure out what was wrong and would hem and haw about it, b:) they could figure it out and they didn't have the parts, and c:) we broke Big Foot big time and would be delayed for days/weeks on end, waiting on parts forever. So, with that said, we got zilch sleep and then got up by 5am, took showers, then got the rig on the road by 7:15am. The 120 mile trip south seemed to take forever!!! Got to the dealer at 9:38am and bless them......they were waiting at the road for us to pull in. Dave was right - valve was broken - and they got us back on the road by 11:30am. Warranty work - thank goodness no money out of our pockets. Our nerves were shot, we are so very tired - so we decided to hike back up 10 miles north and camp at Raccoon Valley RV Resort, in Heiskell TN. Oh - and the truck worked fine this morning - heat and fan and defrost working perfectly - go figure!

And here we'll stay for days. We are right by the Appalachians, near the Smokey Moutains, and just a beautiful area (sans any foliage - too early for spring). Will stay here until at least Sunday morning, then problably head to Rainbow Plantation in Summerdale Alabama.

Weather - brrrrrr - last night. We think it was about 25, and when we left this morning was about 28. We saw 50 when we pulled in here about 1:15pm. We were told that it will get below 30 tonight, so will disconnect the water hose again, but fortunately we have water inside. Using buckets just isn't fun. Was nice to actually wash dishes tonight in hot water. By Saturday it's supposed to be in the high 50s. Again, met folks that were heading north - can you believe that? - because it was just too cold in Florida. Well, do they have a rude awakening when they get to Ohio and Michigan. This is wonderful right now, and getting better by the day.

Berea Kentucky

We are here in Berea Kentucky, as planned, but not as planned. We need to get to Knoxville Tennessee tomorrow morning - to a dealer, because we have no water inside the unit. Yes, we have plenty of water outside, and we can fill our fresh water tanks, but no pressure. Dave thinks the manifold and valves are broken that control using their direct link of fresh water (right into the RV for 'right now' use) and also to fill out the fresh water holding tanks inside the RV for use later - when he does that - it just doesn't shut off and runs out the back of the underbelly of the unit (overflow). So, we manage by using they public restrooms for showers, eating off of paper plates, heating water inside for whatever dishes, and using a pail of water to go to the toilet inside. A bummer none the less. Snowing here today, but we are nice and toasty inside with a propane furnace and space heaters. Cats are loving it - they only sang to us for 1 hour when we left then slept the rest of the trip. And they have been sleeping and watching out the windows since then. They are content (Chip is never happy with Grace in his face all the time.)

We managed to get everything put away that we threw in prior to leaving home, found what works and what doesn't. Spent today just reading and trying to figure out just how and why this water thing happened. If we can't get fixed tomorrow at the dealer, will ask that we camp there in their lot overnight, or until it is fixed. We can't go on until this is rectified.

Dave has taken pictures, and we are working on a link for you to see. We are not turning around and coming home - this is our dream of sailing the land (yep, we were water sailors before we were land sailors) and we aim to get to warmer sunnier places south. This trip.