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. 

Day 50 - February 13, 2017 - Myakka River State Park, Sarasota, Florida

We planned on leaving Endless Summer RV Park at a reasonable time  today but ran into some issues with our leveling jacks. Only one of the three jacks fully retracted with our passenger  rear jack firmly implanted in the ground. I tried  multiple times to get the back jack to release with the electronic leveling panel in the MH. No luck. Ron tried prying the jack up - no luck - it wouldn't budge.

Several of our neighbors came over to offer assistance but no one could come up with a solution. Ron reviewed the manual and determined he would release the hydraulics manually except he didn't have the correct tool. Dave went to his MH and brought back some metric tools and found one that would fit. Once the hydraulics was released nothing happened!

Ron, does not give up and after prying and banging on the jack he was finally able to get a flat bar under the jack and get it to go up by holding upward pressure on it. The two front jacks needed a little help as well. 

Finally, after two hours we were on our way. Ron had planned on taking a leisurely back road drive to Myakka but decided to take the highway instead. Good choice Ron since the back gate to the park is only opened on weekends and holidays!

By the time we arrived and set up it was 4 pm. My plan was to get a CG close to our friends Donna & Wayne in North Port. When I checked on line I found Myakka River and saw that it was only 3.7 miles from them. A coupe of days later we were on line and found a site available so decided to book  So far so good.  We were able to secure seven days at Myakka. However, the  reservations were for Myakka River State Park not Myakka River Resort. So instead of being 3.7 miles from them we are 37 miles from them. DUH!

https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Myakka-River


I called Donna to let her know we had arrived and to make plans for tomorrow. I told her our mistake and that we would work it out. We will be going to their home in the morning to spend the day. 

Our camp site is a very large, beautiful and private site. We spent the rest of the  evening sitting outside and enjoying the good weather.

Site 53

Day 49 - February 12, 2017 Endless Summer RV Park, Naples, Florida

It is hard to believe this is our last day here. The time has certainly flown by. 

We took a ride to the beach today but we were not able to get into Lowdermilk Park. There were absolutely no parking spaces available. There are multiple side streets with parking along the boulevard but still no spaces. After driving for about 40 minutes we managed to  grab a parking space just as someone was leaving. 

We were almost to the end of the peninsula  so there were very few people on that end of the beach. The beaches are directly in front of the most incredible homes (mansions) we have ever seen. Not sure how the people that own these mansions feel about the general public on the beaches but here we are. Of course we still had to pay for parking on the side street not just at the main beaches.

It was nice having this portion of the beach pretty much to ourselves. We really like here on Naples Beach. 

We stopped  for dinner on the way home and sat outside enjoying the rest of the evening. It is the first time in a long time we have found a CG  that we are not ready to leave.

I did the laundry and gave Jewel a bath. No more digging dirt beds, at least not here. Lol

Tomorrow we head to  Myakka River State Park located a short distance from our friends Donna & Wayne. Looking forward to visiting with them. 

Day 47 & 48 February 10th & 11th 2017 Endless Summer RV Park, Naples, Florida

Not much going on here in Naples. Great weather and no snow. lol
We were going to the beach today but got a late start so had lunch at Longhorn's and went to the movies. We saw "The Founder." Based on a  true story and excellent movie but sad to see how two men had their business taken from them. 


This is the young couple that manages the park.


We spent Saturday outside , talking with out neighbors and enjoying the  weather. Tomorrow is our last day here. The last 10 days have flown by. Ron & I have determined that we like this place enough that if we didn't already have reservations elsewhere we could stay longer. Endless Summer is a "no frills" park but is very quiet and centrally located to restaurants, stores and the beach. Everyone here is really friendly and welcoming. Can't ask for much more then that. 

Full Moon

Tomorrow we will be getting ready for our move. Ron wants to take another trip to the beach before we leave here. 

Day 44, 45 & 46 - February 7, 8 & 9 , 2017 Endless Summer RV Park, Naples, Florida

The weather here has been beautiful and we have been enjoying being outdoors from morning until night. Had planned on going to the beach on Tuesday but the day got away from us so we went to the pool instead. Ron loved swimming in the pool while I read. 

We spent a good deal of the afternoon talking to our neighbors from New Hampshire, David & Pat. They are transplants from Dighton and come down to Naples every year for a month to visit family. 

Later that evening we met a couple, Ron & Dot, from Billerica who have spending their winters here for 17 years. There are  several other people here from MA as well. 

On Wednesday we finally got to the beach. Arrived at Lowdermilk park around 11:20  am and were lucky  to get a parking place. It was packed. 

The beach s really nice and the water was beautiful and refreshing. I actually went in much to Ron's surprise.

The seagulls were hovering and grabbed a sandwich from a woman who was about to take a bite. Very aggressive little buggers. 

                              Yes, loving the sun and beach .

We had paid at the kiosk for two hours and received a notice on our phone that we could add minutes via phone if we wanted. Ah, technology. We opted to leave since this was our first venture to the beach in the hot sun. Despite sun screen we were still getting burned. Not much else doing for the rest of the day for us. 

Thursday was a much needed clean the MH day. After 7 weeks on the road it was time for a deep cleaning. We spent the morning and the early part of the afternoon doing just that. Nice & clean and feeling good. Tomorrow we plan to take another trip to Naples Beach.