Month: September 2013

09/22/2013

Port St. Lucie RV Resort, FL, 9/17-21/2013


StLucieRVresort (2)
Our maiden voyage! We kept the RV on the vacant lot beside our home.

This trip was our “maiden” voyage in our new 5th Wheel RV! We picked a campground within about two hours of our home, “just in case” and an easy drive. It was so easy, Bill said I should have driven part of the way! Our rig handled great, but Bill still had to figure out how to back into a site! We had asked for a “pull through” but once we were there, it wasn’t such a good site. So they moved us to one they thought he could easily back into. People can’t help but watch and gawk a little, especially when they know you are brand new! So one man watched for a little while and once Bill was in, he ran over and asked if he wanted some advice! Bill promptly said, “NO!” It must have been 90 degrees out, summer time in Florida and in-spite of the easy drive, he was covered in sweat – from nerves! He acted like he didn’t hear the “NO” and proceeded to give Bill a few tips!

First, I want to give a quick “pros and cons” of this resort. Pros: We will visit it again! The location was ideal for the beach (6 miles); the resort was clean and well-maintained. Cons: Location, 6 miles is really a bit far! We wished we could walk to the beach from our “beach” resort; it really wasn’t in the best location with a lot of additional amenities close by as we had to drive a bit to shop (but it really wasn’t that bad); the swimming pool was really small and not always open; very small resort and one thing we like is to be able to have a pleasant mile or two walk around ideal resorts.

Here are a few pictures of the Port St Lucie RV Resort, which was just 6 miles from Jensen Beach, Florida.

The office which houses the laundry room, showers, recreation room and covered lanai by the swimming pool.
Our view from our dining table.
It was off season, so here is our site and we got to park in the site next to our rig.

If you know us, you know we love the beach!  So we spent the days at Jensen Beach and one day, toured the Elliot Museum in Stuart, also close to the Resort.  Here are a few pictures of the beach:

Jensen Beach: Florida beaches are the best for Florida residents!
It is a sufer beach…

We love museums but this was one Bill couldn’t wait to see as it boasts housing over 50 of Elliott’s vintage automobiles.  Sadly, the majority are housed behind glass, in a stacked three story tier system that allows one car at a time to be placed in a rotating viewing site.  There were a number of other cars and many fascinating exhibits based upon inventor Sterling Elliott’s passions.  Here are a few pictures of the museum:

Beautiful newly renovated museum
Just so beautiful on the outside!

From the “Tribute to Genius & Generosity: Sterling and Harmon Elliott, Stuart, Florida, and the surrounding region have long been enriched by seasonal residents. Harmon Elliott, son of prolific inventor Sterling Elliott, was among those who have made a mark on this area. To celebrate his father’s work and bring an educational and cultural resource to the region, Harmon provided the principal funds for the original Elliott Museum. In this tribute to his inventive spirit, visitors can learn about how Sterling Elliott was a problem-solving inventor, risk taker, politician, publisher, and social activist.”

Stuart Main Street
The Stuart Main Street gallery immerses visitors in historic Stuart and the vehicles that were then part of people’s lives, here and across the nation. Recreated facades of the historic Citizens Bank, the Walter Kitching Store, and Krueger buildings harken back to a time when Stuart was emerging as the thriving community it is today. Visitors will see not only the earliest pioneer motor vehicles that changed Martin County’s and the nation’s dependence upon the horse, but also will learn how Model T Fords eventually brought rural dwellers into town and how trucks changed domestic life by delivering goods and services to homes.

Wheels of Change
Visitors will learn how development of commercial and personal transportation had an impact on people’s lives and America’s culture in a dramatic fashion. These are “everyman” vehicles, once owned and cherished by small business owners and municipalities as they looked to create a more professional presence for themselves and expand their own reach.

Let Your Mind Soar
The Elliott Museum is a very organic building. Not only is it an award-winning “green” building, it was designed to blend in with the landscape, matching the colors and mimicking the textures of sand and local rock. On the northwest corner of the building, in front of the Studio at the Elliott, an installation of colorful beams of different lengths are carefully arranged and painted to take the viewer’s eye on an exhilarating ride. It is the work of artist Peter Freudenberg who had been creating this sculpture in his mind for many years, and who donated this signature work to the museum.

Hugh Willoughby & his Hydro-Aeroplane
Hugh Willoughby, a resident of Martin County, had a lifelong passion for aviation and owned 14 different patents for aircraft devices. Soaring overhead the Stuart Main Street gallery visitors can see a full scale replica of the Pelican Hydro-Aeroplane that Stuart resident Hugh Willougby designed in 1910. The replica was fabricated by Ken Kellett who also built the first airworthy replica of the Wright Brothers 1903 Flyer and also was the first person since the Wright Brothers to actually fly the aircraft.

Baseball
The Elliott Museum has a comprehensive signed collection of baseball-related items including autographed baseball cards, baseballs, bats, and other artifacts. The collection of autographed baseballs now numbers more than 250. The collection sports signatures by players from the Major Leagues, the Negro Leagues, and the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). Among the most famous players represented are: Ray Dandridge, the Negro League; Hank Aaron, the Negro and Major Leagues; June Peppas (AAGPBL); and Jackie Robinson, Nolan Ryan, Ted Williams, Derek Jeter, Bob Feller, Ralph Kiner, and Babe Ruth of the Major Leagues.

Our Stories: Treasure Coast History
Featuring items from the Elliott Museum’s General Store, Barber Shop, Dress Shop, to Frances Langford’s Gowns, this exhibit celebrates the life and times of Martin County from its early founding days through progress and innovation. With something for everyone, from Langford fans, to archeologists, the exhibit even lets visitors relive the November 2000 Presidential Election in an original Martin County voting booth. Through paintings by James Hutchinson and Curt Whiticar, the life of the Seminoles and early settlers are explored. While there is more work to be done to interpret and tell the many stories, come explore your favorite pieces of the Elliott Museum’s collection….

Colin turned one month old while we were were touring the museum and enjoying the beach.  He is a good sleeper, but has to wear “mittens” to keep from scratching his face!

Our grand son one month old
Our grand son one month old. So PURE and innocent!

Jesus said, “Don’t stop children from coming to me! Children like these are part of the kingdom of God.”  (Matthew 19:14, God’s Translation)

09/08/2013

Our First RV Resort: Tampa East, FL 9/5-7/2013


After three years of dreaming of owning an RV and traveling, we finally did it!  The road here was not easy, but was bathed in prayer!  And many things came together and we have to give God the Glory as it was all miraculous.  So I’ll try to categorize this to make a long story short.

A slide show follows this narrative.  But first, few pros and cons about the resort.  Pros:  location was perfect, just two miles from Camping World, where we bought our first RV; it really was a resort and we were in awe of the beautiful pool and amenities; the office staff was outstanding, really helpful; the bath and laundry area were kept clean.   Cons:  It was rainy season and the lots were mainly dirt with some grass so it was hard to level the RV.  Will we return, probably not because Tampa is not our favorite vacation location in Florida!

The dream:  Bill wanted one of those Class A vehicles that are like a bus and some are on a bus chassis.  He wanted to carry his motorcycle on the back on a lift and tow our small Toyota Tacoma truck.  So for three years, we went to RV shows and looked in side 100’s of them.  Bill also searched on line for a used one, looking for the perfect one.  My sister and her husband bought one around 2004 and traveled with our mom and step dad for a year or two.  She wanted us to buy one and said she KNEW we’d love the life style.  I hadn’t retired from work and that was the last thing I could think about, but it looked attractive.  I’m not sure when Bill decided that was what he wanted, but it was years later.

The push:  Our first grand baby was due the end of August 2013.  So that caused us to say, it’s time to start traveling, mainly to see him or her.   We got serious but we still were bogged down as landlords.  Although we had sold all but one, we just didn’t think we could leave until it sold – and miracle of miracles, it sold right out from under us mid-August.  The pressure was now on to buy, so we actually found one that fit his dream, offered to us at a bargain price ($150,000 something for a mere $109,000).  As tempting as it was, we had to figure out the financing and sleep on it.  We actually just lost that much and more in our real estate ventures, so that gave us pause.  Plus, after I sat in the driver’s seat, I freaked and said I could never drive it!   Our precious grandson arrived early, August 19, so we were there for about 10 days.  Since I didn’t want him in day care at age 2 months, I offered to come for a month when our daughter went back to work and would watch him until he was 3 months old.  So we returned to Florida knowing we needed an RV soon! I called on some used ones and learned the market was flooded with them and all for sale we the balance owned on the loan!  We only wanted to pay $50,000.  So Bill was so discouraged but I had faith!  So off to one last shot at a small RV show.  We pulled up to a couple in their brand new Ford truck.  We asked how they liked it and they loved it and were there to buy something to tow.

The decision:  Bill decided he would look in every different RV vehicle this time.  So the first one was an extra light 5th wheel.  In my mind, this was the way to go, but I kept quiet.  It was fabulous!  Love at first sight!  WOW, who would have ever thought?  But then Bill said we could never afford the truck to pull it, when a man came in and said, just think, my F150 ecoboost truck can pull this!  Bill said, “really?”  And that was when we realized we could live the dream and travel more economically.  You see, just to get out of Florida from our home is a one day drive in an RV.  That didn’t seem feasible with all the time we wanted to travel to see our grandson.   So we then set out to get the best deal we could and we did!  With in a few days, we bought our truck and new 5th wheel.  I had heard from one sales center they will let you stay in a campground nearby for 2 days to make sure you can set it up and take it down before you head home.

Our sales man set us up for two nights and three days at the Sun RV Resort called Tampa East.  We had no trouble setting up but had a few questions and realized we needed a few more items from Campers World, where we purchased our RV.  Our sales man came our first night, even though it was raining out, and gave us a warm plate of home made brownies with carmel and chocolate!  Sweet!

So here is a review of both our campground, where we are steps from a fabulous pool that we had to ourselves (it was off season in Florida) and the nice nature walk we took at Lettuce Lake Park, near University of Central Florida.  Just an interesting side note, while walking around the lake, we heard a lot of helicopters and sirens.  I said I bet a fugitive is loose – and it was – a horrendous situation.  He had killed one person and he ended up dying in a gun battle.  Sad ending to a wonderful weekend.  Kiss and hug your loved ones!

Meet our grand son then the slide show of the Resort:

Six days old
Six days old

Sorry these are not really in order, I’m new at this!

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09/07/2013

Fifth Wheel RV Travel from 9/6/2013 to 5/4/2015


1) Tampa East, FL, Sun RV resorts, 9/5-9/7/2013 (2 nights)

2) Port St. Lucie RV Resort, FL, a Passport America, 9/17-9/21/2013 (4 nights) 

3) Jekyll Island Campground, Georgia, 10/4 – 10/6/2013 (3 nights)

4) Ocean Lakes Campground, Myrtle Beach, SC, 10/7 – 10/10/2013 (3 nights) 

5) KOA Fredericksburg, VA, 10/10-11/19 (40 nights)

6) Forest Lake RV & Camping Resort, 192 Thousand Trails Drive, Advance, NC 27006 11/19-11/22 (3 nights)

7) Scenic Mountain RV Park, 2686 Irwinton Road/Business 441 N, Milledgeville, GA 31061 11/22-11/26 (4 nights)

8) PANAMA CITY BEACH RV RESORT, 4702 THOMAS DR, PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL 32408, 11/26-12/1  (5 nights)

9) Jolly Time Acres, 289 home Taylor Road, St George, SC 29477, Dec 18 (one night)

10) KOA Fredericksburg, 12/19-1/2/2014 (14 nights)

11)  Pirateland, 5401 S. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC, 1/2-7/2014 (6 nights)

12) Jacksonville North / St. Marys KOA, 2970 Scrubby Bluff Road, Kingsland, GA 31548, 1/7-10/2014 (3 nights)

13) Jacksonville North / St. Marys KOA, 3/22/2014 (2nd stay-one night).

14)  Pirateland, 5401 S. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC, 3/22-26/2014 (4 nights)

15) KOA Fredericksburg, 3/26-4/13/14 (13 nights-total 104 nights)

16) Waterway RV Resort, 850 Cedar Point Blvd, Cedar Point, NC. 28584, 4/13-18/2014

17) KOA Fredericksburg, 4/18-5/1 (13 nights)

18)  North Fork RV Resort (small spaces-staff not very pleasant) Front Royal, VA , 5/1-5/2 (2 nights)

19) Staunton/Walnut Hills KOA, 484 Walnut Hills Road, Staunton, VA. 24401, 5/2-5/4/14 (2 nights)

20)  JELLYSTONE AT NATURAL BRIDGE #160, 16 RECREATION LN., NATURAL BRIDGE STATION, VA 24579, 5/5-5/6/2014 (1 night)

21) Mayberry Campground, 114 Bunker Road, Mt. Airy, NC, 5/6-5/9/2014 (3 nights)

22) Campfire Lodgings, 116 Appalachian Village Road, Asheville,NC, 28804, 5/9-13/2014 (4 nights)

23) Lake Aire RV Park & Campground, 4375 Hwy 162, Hollywood, SC  29449 5/13-19/2014 (6 nights)

24) Jacksonville North / St. Marys KOA, 2970 Scrubby Bluff Road, Kingsland, GA 31548, 5/19/2014

25) Buttonwood Bay, 10001 US 27 Highway South, Sebring, FL 33876. 7/8-16/2014 (8 nights)

26) Savannah South KOA, 4915 US-17, Richmond Hill, GA, 31324 7/16-7/17/2014

27) Four Oaks RV Resort, 4596 U.S. Hwy 301 South, Four Oaks NC 27524.  7/17-18/2014 (1 night)

28) KOA Fredericksburg (7/19-9/15/2014)

29) Mayberry Campground, 114 Bunker Road, Mt. Airy, NC, 9/15-20/2014 (4 nights)

30) Green Mountain Park RV, an Encore Resort, 2495 Dimmette Rd., Lenoir, NC 28645. 9/20-9/27/14 (7 nights)

31) Moonshine Creek Campground, 2486 Dark Ridge Rd, Sylvia, NC 28779, 9/27-10/2/2014 (Doug & Karen in nearby hotel looking at cabins.)

32) The Great Outdoors RV Resort, 321 Thumpers Trail, Franklin, NC 28734, Dates: 10/2-10/8/2014 (7 nights)

33) LAKE PINES, 6404 GARRETT ROAD, MIDLAND, GA 31820, Dates: 10/8-10/13/2014

34) SANTA ROSA SOUND RV RESORT, 8315 NAVARRE PKWY., NAVARRE, FL 32566, 10/13-17/2014 (4 nights)

35) E-Z Stop RV Park, 181 SW Howell Rd, Lake City, FL 32024, 10/17-10/18/2014 (1 night)

36) Ocala Sun RV Resort, 2559 SW Hwy 484, Ocala, FL (Visited the Gentners) 10/17-10/21/2014 (3 nights)

37) Buttonwood Bay, 10001 US 27 Highway South, Sebring, FL 33876. Dates: 10/21-11/11/14

38) Savannah South KOA, 4915 US 17, Richmond Hill, GA, 31324,  Dates: 11/11-12/14 

39)  Pirateland, 5401 S. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC, Dates: 11/12-20/2014

40) KOA Fredericksburg, dates: 11/20-1/7/2015 (38 nights)

41) Swamp Fox Campground,1600 Gateway Road, Florence, SC 29501 (1/7-8/2015)

42) Jacksonville North / St. Marys KOA, 2970 Scrubby Bluff Road, Kingsland, GA 31548, Dates: 1/8-11/15 (3 nights) 

 43) Ocala Sun RV Resort, 2559 SW Hwy 484, Ocala, Fl, Dates: 1/11-13/15 (2 nights) Visited Gentners

44) Tampa East RV Resort, 4630 McIntosh Road, Dover, FL 33527 Dates: 1/13-20/15 (7 nights) Visit Matt and family

45) Buttonwood Bay, 10001 US 27 Highway South, Sebring, FL 33872 Dates: 1/20-2/19/15 (30 nights)

46) Crystal Isles RV Park, 11419 W. Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429 Dates: 2/19-23/15 (4 nights)

47) Florida Caverns State Park, 3345 Caverns Road, Marianna, FL 32446 Site 006, BH1 Dates: 2/23-27/15 (4 nights)

48) Fallings Waters State Park, 1130 State Park, Chipley, Fl 32428 Site 017 Dates: 2/27-3/4/2015 (5 nights)

49) Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, 7525 W. Scenic Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, Fl 32459. 3/4-8/15. (4 nights)

50) Blackwater River State Park, 7720 Deaton Bridge Road, Holt, Fl 32564  Sites 024 & 020. 3/8-14/15. (6 nights)

51) Ochlockonee River State Park, PO Box 5, Sopchoppy, FL 32358. Sites: 024 & 027. 3/14-17/2015 (4 nights) John and Patsy Dunning

52) Torreya State Park, 2576 NW Torreya Park Rd., Bristol, FL 32321. Site: 008.  3/17-21/2015. (4 nights)

53)Talbot Island State Park, 12157 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32226. Site 16. 3/21-25/2015 (4 nights)

54) Buttonwood Bay, 10001 US 27 Highway South, Sebring, FL 33876. Dates: 3/25-31/15 (7 nights)

55)Walkabout Camp & RV Park, 742 Old Sill Rd., Woodbine, GA 32569. Dates: 3/31-4/1/15 (one night)

56) Swamp Fox Campground,1600 Gateway Road, Florence, SC 29501 Dates: 4/1-2/15 (one night)

57) R & D Family Campground, 22085 Sparta Rd, Milford, VA 22514, 4/2-5/4/15

Our truck was totaled in a freak accident. We had just sold our Cougar 5th wheel. Insurance settled quickly (the man who ran into it admitted his guilt). It worked out so we were homeless for 10 days! We were incredibly blessed and taken care of!