Day 74 - March 8, 2017 - Home Sweet Home! Maybe??????

We left at 7:15 this morning and interestingly we drove  233.4 miles to home. The exact same number  of miles we drove on the day that we left heading home  on March 5th.  How coincidental is that? 

The traffic wasn't too bad and we arrived home around noon. We couldn't get the MH in its' usual parking spot because the ground is too soft so had to leave it parked in the driveway - something we don't like to do. 

Ron called Steve the repair guy to have him come over and go over the plan for replacement  and discuss the demise of our current furnace. 

The new furnace will be installed tomorrow and we are expecting 
them to arrive by 8 am. 

Wish we could say we are happy to be home but not so much! The temps are expected to drop into the teens and a blizzard is heading our way. 

Miles Traveled this trip: 3731.1

Day 73 March 7th , 2017 - Port Jarvis, Pennsyvania - Wal Mart Parking lot

We at 7:40 this morning. Ron is pretty tired so we got  up later then planned. It was a slow going day with lots of traffic, slowdowns from accidents and road construction and fog - lots of fog!

Tractor trailer off the road. Looks like he crossed over from the other side. Cannot believe he didn't hit anyone. 

We drove through around 25 miles of lovely fog.  Are we having fun yet?????

We stopped around 4:30 pm having been on the road  almost eight hours and only were able to travel 372.2 miles. We stopped at a  Perkins Restaurant and got a really delicious meal. Then parked at  the Wal Mart up the road from the restaurant, did grocery shopping and settled in the for night. There are no overnight parking signs everywhere but we have stayed here on at least three occasions in the past without an issue. 



It is off-season so not a lot of people in and out. We will be home tomorrow to face our issues so are trying to relax tonight. 

Day 72 - March 6, 2017 -- Driving Home - Mount Sidney, VA Rest area

We were up and on the road by 6:30 am. Not a lot of down time at this point in our travels. 

Around 9 am we received a call from the repair guy, Steve. He wanted to let us know he had looked at the furnace and it wasn't as bad as he thought. He was making up a repair list and I asked him to send it to us via e-mail after he was done.  I took this to mean the furnace could be fixed and not replaced. Of course we were traveling  at 70 mph with tractor-trailers passing us on the right and left so hearing him clearly was not an option. Anyway we were content to think the furnace would be fixed instead of replaced so it made for a nice travel day. 

Ron drove 471.2 miles today and we stopped at a rest area  in Mount Sidney, VA at 6:30 pm.

 While I was making dinner Ron checked his e-mail and was stunned to see an estimate for a furnace replacement not repair.  OOPHS! I guess I heard wrong. We talked to Wes and then to Steve from furnace repair and both verified that, in fact, the furnace has to be replaced. OK, I was partially right and partially wrong. Steve did say it wasn't as bad as he thought it was going to be - that the furnace room wasn't that small and his guys would be able to work in there ok. On a positive not  it made for a less stressful  ride/ that day thinking our furnace did not have to be replaced.

Thanks again Ginny & Wes for taking all this time to monitor the house and let the furnace guys in. 

Day 71 - March 5, 2017 - Compass RV Park, Saint Augustine, Florida to Hendersonville, South Carolina Rest Area

I had a tough night sleeping last night (painful knee and irritating sciatica) so didn't get to sleep until 5:30 am this morning. I woke around 7:45 am to find a very distraught Ronnie. 

I woke up pretty quickly when he told me the temperature inside our home is 31 degrees. He monitors the house temp on a camera he has set up remotely. He wanted to call our friends Ginny & Wes who are watching the house and have a key. Also wanted to call our oil service but too early and also a Sunday. Not good news so far. 

Around 8:30 he contacted Wes and they both went over to check the furnace. Not good - the furnace did not restart after hitting the reset button. We called our furnace repair people and they would be out around 11 am. All we could do was wait 1100 miles way. Uggh!

We got a call from Mike the repair guy about 2 pm to let us know we had a cracked boiler and it needed to be replaced. Not good news at all! Ginny and Wes set up electric heaters in the bedrooms upstairs  and tuned on our ancillary baseboard heater in our bedroom, office and  master bath to prevent frozen pipes. 

We decided we had to head home since this was going to be a major job. Ron let the people at the front office know we were leaving early. We have six nights booked here and there is a strict  NO Refund Policy.

Just another irritant that we had to deal with. We left the CG at 3 pm and drove until 7 pm. We drove 233.4  miles and were pretty tired when we got to the rest area in Hendersonville, South Carolina. 

Ron checked the temp in the house and it is at a balmy 54 degrees. Thanks Ginny and Wes for being there for us. 

Day 70 - March 4, 2017 - Compass RV Park - Saint Augustine, Florida

Today we took the very long 11.4  mile trek to our next destination in Saint Augustine, Fla - Compass RV Park. This is really the first RV park we have been to that is 100 % RV's - no park models or manufactured homes. 

We arrived around Noon and were set up and relaxing at our site by 12:30 pm. Didn't do much today except walk over to the Dollar General to pick up some milk and a few treats. It has been a bit warmer here away from the ocean but still a little cool. 

Later that evening our toilet decided it wasn't going to flush. We have an electric toilet (of all things) and the flapper wouldn't open despite sounding like it wanted to.  Ron had  to take it apart (the joy) and did get it operating again.

We plan to take the shuttle into downtown Saint Augustine tomorrow and tour some of the places we missed on our last visit. The weather is suppose to be cool but comfortable so should be a good day to walk around and site see. 

Day 66, 67, 68 & 69 March 1,2,3 &4, 2017 Bryn Mawr RV Resort, St. Augustine, Fla

March 1, 2017  - Today we left Long Point and made  the 154 mile drive to Bryn Mawr RV Resort in Saint Augustine. It was an uneventful journey with light traffic. We arrived around 2 pm to beautiful weather and bright sunshine. 



We set up and sat outside  enjoying the rest of the day. Jewel is always happy here because she is allowed on the beach so two long walks were on the agenda before sunset. The sites here are a little tight but the upside is we are a very short walk to the beach.

We could not get a beach front site  and the park is full for the month of March. 

We met several couples from MA. One couple from Norton, another from Plum Island and a third from Plymouth. Feels like old home week here. LOL 

March 2, 2017 -  As per our usual record here in Saint Augustine the weather did not stay warm and sunny. The temp dropped to the 60's with the wind blowing and overcast skies. Rain is predicted early so we were up and out the door to get our beach walk in before the rain. 

Cloudy Skies 

We did mange to get a wind blown walk (1.5 miles) on the beach. Had to turn around when it started to sprinkle. About 1/2 mile from our site the wind picked up to gale force and it felt like the temp dropped  20 degrees. With the sand whipping in our faces we hurried back to the MH. 

Within moments of getting inside the MH the torrential rains began and lasted for over an hour. We have been here at least five times and have experienced the same weather pattern each time. Go figure!

It rained off and on all day so we stayed inside reading. The rain finally ended around 5 pm.  I took the clothes to the laundromat (my washer/dryer died) to get that chore out of the way. 

Later that evening Bernice and Ken from Norton came over for a visit. We had an enjoyable time getting to know each other  and planned to spend some time with them on Friday. 

March 3, 2017 - It got really cold last night requiring us to pull out our winter PJ's. This morning we tried for another walk on the beach but it was way to windy and cold so we marched back to the MH. So much for the three beach days we were planning on here. 

We spent some time  with Bernice and Ken again today sharing stories and laughter. It was a fun afternoon - but no beach!

The wind died down around 5:30 pm so we decided to try the beach walk again. This time we donned our jeans, sweatshirts and jackets for the journey. 

Here we are in Anchorage, FLA. Lol 

All in all it has been a great three days here despite our usual weather change  each time we get here. Sure is a lot cooler from where we have been. But then again, we are heading North. 

Bernice & Ken invited us out for ice cream later in the evening so of course we couldn't resist. Lol. We will be staying in Saint Augustine until the 9th but have to move to another CG  tomorrow about 9 miles inland.  No beach but we are OK with that. 

Did I mention that there are recently hatched baby turtles here? We got lucky enough to see one on the boardwalk. I think it got separated from its' brothers and sisters. 

Hiding in its' shell after Jewel sniffed it!

Day 64 & 65 - February 27 & 28, 2017 Long Point Park, Melbourne, Florida

The last two days have been very peaceful, bright and sunny. Didn't do much but walk, read and enjoy the view from our site. On one of our walks we checked out this Banyon tree growing around a Palm tree. 

It has been a very nice four days here and we will definitely come back next year. 

Trying to Find Some Shade

I will say it has been extremely hot and humid most of this trip. Very unusual for this time of year. The weather people keep saying the temps are 10-15 degrees above normal and humidity above 65 % most days. I guess we shouldn't be too surprised since it has been in the 60's back home.

 We will be moving to St. Augustine for our next stop. It is generally cooler there. We shall see. 

Day 62 & 63 February 25th & 26th , 2017 Long Point Park, Melbourne Beach, Florida

February 25, 2017

It was a tough drive today but Ron got through it. The 11.5 miles  from Whispering Palms to Long Point Park was a killer. Lol We had to vacate our spot at Whispering Pines by 11 am. By the time we hooked up and stopped to talk to several people we were on the road at 11:15 am.

We arrived at Long Point at 11:45 am and were immediately told we were too early  for check in. Check in is not until 2 pm. I told him we knew that but had to vacate our other campground. He backed off and told us where to park but we may have to wait a hour until our site is available. Ron drove to the site and the people had already left so we pulled in and set up.  Ron went back to get the final paper work and we are here for four nights.  

It is blistering hot and the humidity is a killer. Ron and I are both sweating like  crazy. We put on our back AC  and set up fans. Cannot wait until we get the front AC fixed. 

It did cool down when the sun set so we were able to grill and eat  outside comfortably.

February 26, 2017

It had really cooled down so we had a great night's sleep. The wind has been howling all day and there are riptide warnings. Not a good day for the beach.


We hung around most of the day and took four walks around the park with Jewel. 

It is really beautiful here and we hope to get in next year for an extended stay. 

Day 60 & 61 - February 23 & 24th , 2017 Whispering Palms RV Resort Sebastian, Florida

February 23, 2017  -  Happy 46th Birthday to our son Tom. Boy have the years flown by. It was suppose to rain again today but the clouds cleared and the sun came out. Not much doing today. Hanging around , taking long walks and reading. Life is good!

February 24, 2017 - It is our last day here at Whispering Palms. This 555 site resort is full to capacity! What a cash cow this place is. 

We had to pick up a few items at the grocery store so decided to take a ride into  Vero Beach.  We stopped at  Jaycee Park overlooking the ocean. It is very windy here and the waves quite brutal. We saw only one brave soul in the water.

We had a light lunch at the Jaycee Diner before heading to do our chores. 

Back at the CG we relaxed, read and did more walking. We have walked around 2-4 miles daily. Good for us and Jewel. 

Days - 57, 58 & 59 February 20, 21 & 22, 2017 Whispering Palms Resort Living, Sebastian, Florida

This morning we left Myakka around 10 am. Miraculously the jacks went up without any difficulty! Not sure if it because it was cooler outside or if it had to do with Ron putting blocks under them, or if was starting the engine  before retracting them. We are just glad Ron didn't have to fight them again. 

It took about three and one - half hours to cross to the east coast of Florida on the narrow two -way roads and slow traffic. As we were driving along we heard a banging noise and thought it was coming from something bouncing around in one of the side compartments. It stopped after a few minutes so we continued on. 

We got to our destination around 2 pm and were put into a very short site that just barely fit out MH. We had to park our car across the street because there is no space at the site. 

 This park has over 500 sites and is a mix of permanent trailers and RV sites. This is an over 55 resort and there are approximately 85% Canadians here with a Canadian flag flying outside the park along with our flag.  No exaggeration. We were lucky to get in for the five days we secured. There are signs posted at the office stating "no vacancy."

Since the park is so huge it is a great place to get a lot of walking in. That makes Jewel very happy. There is a lake on this side of the park and supposedly has alligators in it. 

February  21, 2017 -  On day two here we decided to hang around and enjoy the day. Ron caught up on some financial things he had to do and I caught up on the blog. It is good to have good internet access again. 

On one of our walks we stopped to talk to our neighbors two sites over. They asked if we were aware that our front AC cover was missing. No we are not aware! We had done several walks but always leave walking away from the MH and coming back on the entrance door side so could not see the AC. Great! Now we know what the banging sound was!!! The cover breaking loose. Geeze, can't seem to get away from issues with the MH this trip. 

There is a huge rain storm coming in tomorrow so Ron got up on the roof and covered the AC unit. One more thing to fix when we get home. Our issues are small compare to our neighbors. They have a new MH (8 months) and have had it in the shop multiple times and still do not have it fixed. 

We took a short ride along Sebastian River. There are multiple restaurants and more gorgeous homes. It was not a good beach day today. Lots of clouds and wind.  Not looking forward to the storm expected later tonight and into tomorrow. 

On our last and fifth walk of the day we came upon a beautiful flower that was a bright light in the dreary day. 

 February 22, 2017 -  I was awoken around 5 am with loud pounding  that sounded like rocks hitting the roof. The rain had started.  During the course of the day the rain would come down in torrents then stop just long enough for us to take Jewel out for at least two walks. Then the rain would start again and we had to hurry back.

A very  Brief Moment of Sunshine

Around 4 pm the rain got worse and the wind picked up rocking the MH. The rain was coming down side ways and it was difficult to see out of the windows. 

After about 15 minutes the wind and torrential rain stopped and the rest of the evening it rained  steadily but lightly. The news stated that we had received over  two inches of rain today more then they have experienced here in the last two months. The rain finally ended around 9 pm and all was quiet for the rest of the night. 

Day 56 - February 19, 2017 Last day at Myakka River State Park

Once again, another week has flown and this is day 56 or 8 full weeks we have been on the road.  First thing this morning I defrosted the refrigerator. It has been frosting up quickly d/t all of the humidity in the air. 

We were fortunate to get camp sites at two different parks that will get us through March 1st. We have 5 days booked at Whispering Palms in Sebastian and 4 days booked at Long Point Park also in Sebastian. Then where ever we end up after that will be a surprise!

Later that evening we went back to Asaro's to try out a different  dish. Ron opted for a different flavor of pizza and I had eggplant Parmesan. Delicious once again.

Tomorrow we head out to  a new CG and adventure.

Day 55 - February 18, 2017 Myakka River State Park, Dinner with Donna & Wayne

In the  early afternoon we did the 14 mile round trip tour of the park. It has been overcast and threatening all day. We stopped and took the river walk out to Myakka river. 

Myakka River

Then it was on to the Birding area. While we were there it began thundering and looking like the 4 pm storm was rolling in early.

No Birds!

There was a couple sitting on the bench asking if anyone could give them a ride back to the concession stands. They had parked their car there and walked to the birding area. Someone told them it was a ten minute walk and was actually a one hour walk. No one was biting on giving them a ride so Ron & I offered to take them to their car. Stan is from the Boston area and Debra from Canada. Stan had a knee replacement 3 months ago and his knee was quite swollen. We dropped them off and went back to the CG stopping at the bridge to check out the gators. 

The entire trip took about 10 minutes by car. Within minutes of arriving at the MH it began pouring. We had gotten Stan and Debra to their car just in time.

It rained for about two hours while Ron napped and I read a good book. Then it was off to Donna and Wayne's for a clam boil. Donna makes killer clam boils.

On our way to Donna's another friend of ours called to let us know they were camping in North Fort Myers. Their CG is 71 miles from ours so a quick visit isn't in the card this trip. 

We had a great dinner with the Cunha' s and two of their friends. As usual the calm boil was great. Around 8:30  pm  we said our good bye's and we would see them back home. 

Putting our stuff and Jewel in the car, Ron slammed his finger in the door. OWCH!  He was hurting all the way back to the CG. We don't have anything planned for tomorrow and the Cunha's have family stopping in for a visit. 

Day 54 - February 17, 2017 Myakka River State Park - Nokomis Beach , Florida

Today we spent the day with Donna & Wayne at Nokomis Beach soaking up the sun and red tide!

There was a dolphin playing in the ocean and having a grand time. We were unable to get a good picture because he/she was too quick. 

After sitting on the beach we headed to the White Elephant in Inglewood. We had broasted chicken and potato logs. They tasted exactly like how BB Bink's used to make them. Delicious!!!

Of course sitting by the water we were affected by the red tide. Our throats were burning and we were coughing like mad. I never knew that the red tide had such a detrimental respiratory effect and when we got away from the water our coughs went away.

It was another great day!

Day 53 February 16, 2017 Myakka River State Park, Sarasota National Cemetery

Today we got off to a slow start. Donna & Wayne had errands to run as do we. Our first order of the the day is grocery shopping. We headed out around 11 am and decided to stop at the Sarasota National Cemetery just down the road from us. 

We have been to several  National Cemeteries including Arlington in Washington but have never seen one set up like this one.  

Within the cemetery there is  " Patriot Plaza " set up and donated by the Patterson Foundation. 

The purpose of Patriot Plaza:

"Our nation's national cemeteries are the final resting places for men and women who served our country with unmatched valor. Patriot Plaza, a 2,800-seat ceremonial amphitheater at Sarasota National Cemetery in Florida, features commissioned art that honors veterans, inspires patriotism, and embraces freedom. The space is a place of peace and reflection and exists for our community to honor veterans through ceremonies and events for generations to come. Patriot Plaza was dedicated and donated to the National Cemetery Administration on June 28th, 2014, in front of more than 3,000 community members and dignitaries"

http://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/patriot-plaza.html

There were several school bus loads of students from the Sarasota school system taking part in the tours and education provided by the many volunteer retired military. 

As we were reading all of the script beneath the photos of our military from the civil war to today we stopped to talk to the tour guides. They were all very dedicated and informative. You could feel the pride these men had in our country and our flag. Hopefully they were able to impart that feeling to the very young students that were here today. 

There are multiple plaques throughout the plaza with pictures and text relaying the history of our military men, women and service dogs who have dedicated their service to our country, sometimes with great loss to themselves and their families. It is a very touching place  as are all National Cemeteries. The monuments here added a very special poignant touch.

Soldier and soldier dog jumping out of a helicopter

At the end of the student tours a retired marine read a poem he wrote about the American flag and what it stands for and why our flag should be respected. Not because it is a piece of cloth but because it represents the sacrifices that our soldiers have made for us to keep our country free. It was very touching and taps was played at the end to honor those whose lives were lost fighting for our freedom. 

A Soldier being taken off the plane returning to his family - sad

We thought we would be stopping by for 20 minutes but we were there for  two hours!

We stopped for lunch at Asaro's Italian restaurant and had the best pizza ever! Everything is made to order so very fresh and tasty. After lunch,  grocery shopping then back to the MH. 

Donna called to let us know that they had done their errands for the day and we made plans to go to the beach with them in the morning.

Another great day here in Sarasota.

Day 51 & 52 February 14th & 15th, 2017 Myakka River State Park, visit with Donna & Wayne

February 14, 2017 - Happy Valentine's Day!

Last evening we discovered quite quickly that our cell and internet service was going to be a challenge. If we stand in a very specific spot we are able to get a week cell signal that is intermittent at best. If we walk to the other side of the loop we get a better signal. 

We spent the day with Donna and Wayne enjoying a nice lunch and catching up after not seeing them for almost two months. Jewel was happy to see them and when it was time to head back to the CG she did not want to come with us. No surprise there. Lol

February 15, 2017 

Today Donna & Wayne came to the park to join us in the boat ride on the river and tram ride through the park. They brought us some very delicious donuts and apple fritters from a bakery near them. YUM!

We arrived at the boat dock just in time to get the last tickets for the boat ride.

Our air-boat was awaiting us at the dock. Not very impressive looking is it, but is the largest air-boat we have ever seen. 

It was so windy that the alligators chose not to surface today. We did get to see a couple of hearty alligators but only for brief glimpses.

 After our boat ride we took a tour on the tram pulled by a pick-up truck. The narrator was amazing and belongs on the National Geographic channel. He is the man with the beard in the tan shirt and pants. What a great narration and he has a beautiful voice as well. Everyone was so impressed with the tour. 

After the tram tour we took a walk  to the dam to see if any gators were sunning themselves. But not luck.

Later we went to dinner and enjoyed a good meal. We had a full enjoyable day with Donna & Wayne. Back at the CG we took Jewel for another walk and settled in for the night. The weather has been perfect , so no complaints here.