Day 30 - Cedar Key RV Resort - Cedar Key, Florida

Last night while we were sitting outside Jewel decided she wanted to dig a dirt bed. On no, Jewel. We were given very specific instructions not to park the car on the grass, no rugs on the grass or anything else. They have a tough time getting the grass to grow and here Jewel was digging up the grass. One of the park employees  saw her and asked if she was digging to China or looking for ants. LOL Jewel was busted. Ron got out the hoe and filled in the hole. BAD Jewel!!!

Last night was also the first night in 30 days that we did not need to put on the heat in the MH. Hopefully we will be able to put away the winter coats for the remainder of the  trip.

Rain was in the forecast for today and sure enough it rained most of the day. We were able to get out for a couple of walks but that was it. We had planned on going into town to explore but that was washed out. 

                                                                                                    Walking in the Rain

I't pretty quiet here considering the place is full. The only time we saw people today was when they were out walking their dogs - lots of doggies here. 

It is suppose to be nice for the rest of the week (high 60's -low 70's) so we will get into town at some point  and also get out to explore the island. 

Day 29 - Cedar Key RV Resort , Cedar Key Florida

Since we have been back in Eastern time it doesn't get light until around 7 am. But when it did this morning the sun was shining and the day was looking bright.

It was just  86 miles to Cedar Key so with light traffic and a grocery run we arrived at Cedar Key by Noon. We are always leery about the term "resort' because that term is used loosely. Although we saw the pictures on line they can sometimes be deceiving. Not this time. The CG "resort" is really very nice as are the people we met. It looks like it was recently redone and every site has a level concrete pad for the MH, full hook-ups with cable TV and a large parking area for the car. The sites are quite large so none of the crowding we've experienced in other "resorts. Good find Ron!

Site 71

We spent another day sitting in the sun enjoying and relaxing. The sunshine isn't going to last though because rain is moving in tomorrow. We've had a lot of rainy days so far this trip and not too many really warm days. But after looking at the Florida weather map this has been the general weather pattern across the entire state.

Day 28 - January 26, 2016 KOA, Perry, Florida

We had planned to move on today but Ron didn't feel like driving so we decided to stay another day here. The weather is finally cooperating and it was 70 degrees and sunny all day.

We spent the day sitting in the sun, reading and took several walks with Jewel. Just what we needed to restore our solar selves. LOL

Chasing Squirrels

We have been in search of a place to stay either in the Tampa area or in Cedar Key. I called around and was told that all the CG's are full because  the "Snowbirds" are in town. Yes. I did know that but hoped we would find something.

Ron continued to research and he found another CG that looked promising. I did call and  was told that they just had a cancellation and we were in luck at Cedar Key RV Resort. We booked for a week and will be heading out in the morning. Yeah! One more week with a place to park our MH!!!

Day 27 - January 25, 2016 - Perry KOA, Perry< Florida

Today was a travel day. We left St Andrews around 10 am and took the roads less traveled not sure where we would end up for the day. Didn't get too far , only about 170 miles then stopped at the KOA for the night. Usually we don't stay at KOA's because they are overpriced but it was cheaper and better equipped then the dump up the road. 

When we arrived it was sunny and 68 degrees. Yes! The sun was out and we got a chance to take a nice walk without winter coats and hats. LOL

Site D10

Again, not much going on and boring reading to boot. We have spent so much time in this area that we can't find anything different to do.

We haven't done much in the Tampa area so will heading in that direction next. If we can get a camp site we will stay for a few days and do some exploring. 

Day 26 (January 24, 2016) Patriots vs Broncos Playoff Game - St Andrews State Park , Florida

Not much doing today. Walks in the brisk weather then Ron & I watched  a very disappointing playoff game. Pats lost by 2 so no Superbowl this year for New England. 

From all of the speculation it is predicted that this is Peyton Manning's last year of playing so a Superbowl win would be a great way to  end his career.

It will be a really tough game because the Carolina Panthers are really on fire and fierce players. Should be an interesting game. 

Day 23 - Thursday - January 21, 2016 Saint Andrews State Park - Movie Day

Today we  took a ride to the Pier Point Mall. Ron bought a new pair of sneakers then we went to the movies to see Star Wars. The theater is an I-Max and we saw it in 3-D. The movie was OK and provided us with something to do in the cold weather we have been experiencing. 

After the movie we stopped at Carrabba's for dinner. Our meals were excellent and the server was top notch. It is a place we will return to. 

Later we noticed a weather alert for  Pensacola. They were experiencing severe thunderstorms and were under a tornado watch/warning. The storm was moving north east so we thought we would be OK and went to bed.

We were awakened around 2 am in the middle of a nasty thunderstorm, high winds and all kinds of stuff hitting our MH. Around 3 am  there was  torrential  rain pounding the MH and a loud constant wind. It felt like the pressure in the MH was going to blow out our eardrums. It finally subsided after about 10 minutes and the storm slowly dissipated.

I checked on line for a weather update only to find that we had been under a tornado warning and were told to take cover. YIKES! Too late for that since the storm passed and we were OK.

So much for it being boring here. Not sure about the tornado thing. It seems like they are prevalent any time of the year now. The weather is pretty bad and it is very cold and miserable. There is a 1000 mile storm that is dumping all this rain and unstable weather.
Hopefully it will get better.

Day 24 - Friday - January 22, 2016

We woke to howling winds and 36 degrees that felt like 10 degrees. Our site was flooded and we couldn't get out without walking through another site. 

One of the Many Flooded Sites

I talked to a woman that we met when walking Jewel and she told me that many of the people in the park were taking refuge in the rest rooms because of the tornado warning. I was surprised that the staff   in  the park never notified anyone about the warning. I guess if there was a touch down we were on our own.

We spent the day indoors because of the bad weather and cold. So much for sunny Florida. 

Day 25 - Saturday January 23, 2016

Today we went to the  movies again today to see 13 Hours. Incredibly sad movie especially because it is true. The theater was pretty full and there were many people crying during the movie and especially at the end. It certainly didn't make one feel much confidence in our government officials.

We went back to Carrabba's  for pizza and again we were very happy with our meal and service. 

Tomorrow is our last day at Saint Andrews. The big trick is to get a site at another CG. All the snowbirds are down here so not sure if we will be able to get into a CG's further south. Ron says I worry to much.  

January 17th, 18th, 19th & 20 (Days 19-20-21-22)

Day  19 - Sunday  - January 17, 2016  Saint Andrews State Park, Panama City Beach, Florida

Today we left for Saint Andrews State Park around 9:30 am. Ron wanted to get there before the start of the play-off games at  Noon. The traffic was slow moving and we hit every light. We arrived at 11:45  am only to learn that our site was still occupied and would probably not be vacated until 1 pm - check-out time. 

TV reception was excellent so Ron settled in to watch the game while we waited in the parking lot for our site. As luck would have it we were able to move into our site  during half-time.

Site # 115  Tucked among the pines and palms

We would have liked a site on the lagoon overlooking the water but they were all booked. 

Between playoff games we were able to take Jewel for a nice walk. It has been a beautiful sunny day so it felt good to get outside for awhile.

Being a holiday weekend there were loads of kids enjoying themselves on the rocks. 

After a day of traveling, watching football and enjoying the good weather we settled in for the night. Not sure what tomorrow will bring but I can only hope more sunshine. 

Day 20 - January 18, 2016 Saint Andrews State Park, Panama City Beach, Florida

It was quite cold during the night and only 39 degrees when we got up this morning. It's not suppose to get above 55 degrees so jackets again today. The temps are running ten  degrees below normal for this area and this time of year. Had to wear winter coats and hats when walking Jewel this morning. 

Looks pretty but very cold when not in the sun. Didn't do too much today except our usual trip to Wal Mart. That seems to be the highlight of our days. Pretty sad, really. We've been here so many times that we've run out of things to see and do.  Just another day of long walks with Jewel and taking advantage of the weather despite being chilly, still better then back home.

Day 21 - January 19, 2016 Saint Andrews State Park, Panama City Beach, Florida

It's been three weeks since we left home and we have been kicking back and relaxing but now we are getting bored!!!!! Not so sure we could hang out in one spot for three months or more. Both Ron and I like to see and do but we've already done stuff around here! Sooo not sure what is next for us. We are here until Monday the  25th so we need to do something  besides take Jewel for walks or we will go stir crazy.

Day 22 - January 20, 2016  Saint Andrews State Park Panama City Beach, Florida

Ron and I discussed doing a few things today but couldn't get motivated. After a very long walk/hike with Jewel we stopped to talk to a couple from Maine. They are full-timing now and have been doing so for eight months. They haven't gone very far  and still seem to be getting their bearings on the full-timing life. We gave them some ideas of things to see when  they get to Tuscon. Hopefully they enjoy living on the road and embrace our beautiful country.

There are a Lot of Deer here

We had planned to go out to dinner at Carrabba's but somehow that got derailed so ate in instead.  Maybe tomorrow. Not much to report. Both the blog and we are boring and bored. 

Days 17 & 18 January 15th & 16th

January 15, 2016 

Today is moving day  to another site. We had a really bad rain storm last night so the site we were scheduled to move into was flooded. We drove up to the office and asked if we could get into different site The volunteer there changed out site from  E 57 to  E 40  wrote out the tag and sent us on our way. He didn't make any changes in the computer when we were there but I was pretty sure he would have made the change after we left. 

Ron took the MH to the dump station to empty our holding tanks and we were in our site and set up within 30 minutes. We had planned to go back into Pensacola and take in the museum but it was such a beautiful day we decided to stay put and sit in the sun, walk Jewel and just enjoy!

Site 40 E

The CG really filled up with the weekenders and it was very busy. Lots of kids and lots of campfires. Everyone appeared to be enjoying themselves. 

Ron  and I watched the Pats game and were happy that they had won. On to the second play-off game for them and hopefully to another Superbowl win. 

When were walking Jewel we noticed a MH with a car on a tow dolly stopped in the middle of the rode on the curve. His tow dolly was twisted and the passenger door pushed against the dolly wheel. He couldn't get his car off the dolly and couldn't drive his MH either. They had to wait for a tow tuck to help them. It made it very difficult for other RV's to get by them. Most had to go over the grass or come into the CG the wrong way. Ron stopped with a couple of other men to see if they could help but nobody had a floor jack with them so it was a no go. 

We can't believe that we have turned into relaxing travelers and are enjoying staying in one location for an extended period of time. 

More rain is expected tonight with strong winds and thunderstorms. Jewel won't be happy about the thunder.  It was another relaxing day here in Florida which makes for a sightly boring blog. 

January 16, 2016

It poured again during the night but cleared by this morning. It was another bright and sunny day. I was up early, showered and dressed by 7:30 am. My goal was to get up early and get to the laundromat before the crowds. At 8 am there was one other person doing laundry so I was lucky to get the last two machines. Unfortunately one of the machines wouldn't drain and spin. I had to redo that load in another machine. By the time my clothes were drying there were at least  four other people waiting to use the only two working washers.

I was done by 10:15 am and back at the MH sitting in the sun. Ron wants to watch the play off  games today so we won't be going anywhere. 

Around noon a CG host came to the MH and told us there had been a mix up with our camp site and that we were going to have to move. I guess the guy that put us here never changed us in the system so we were still registered in site  E 57  not   E 40 . Ron told the host we would not be moving since we did our part by going to the office to change our site and we had the the site tag stamped by the office. I guess the people who drove up and asked for a site decided they wanted it and wanted us to move. The host  informed the rangers and they would be getting back to  us. Ron doesn't usually take a stand like that but he really didn't want to move for one day. As it turned out we didn't have to move and they were not happy with the volunteer that put us here and didn't change it in the system. The other people took another site and were ok with that. I guess they didn't have much choice. 

After the games we watched a little TV then it was off to bed. We noticed some bright flashing lights outside and at first thought  someone had  a spotlight they were turning off and on. No- in fact it was lightening then some really loud thunder. We were at the start of another really bad storm!

After two weeks here , tomorrow we will be heading to Saint Andrews State Park in Panama City. Ron wants to get there early so he can watch two more play - off games.

Day 16 - January 14, 2016 Fort Pickens CG, Admiral Mason Park, Historic Pensacola Village

January 14, 2016

I wasn't sure if I wanted to venture out today because my eye is even worse then yesterday and I didn't know if I should subject other people to having to look  at my ugly eye.

 Anyway I opted to go out and wear sunglasses when I could. Didn't work too well indoors though. 

Our first stop today was at the Admiral Mason Park in Pensacola. There are multiple monuments throughout the park dedicated to our armed forces and the wars and conflicts fought.

There is also a smaller version of the  Washington, DC Vietnam Memorial. We were very touched and emotional when we first saw the memorial in Washington and felt the same way when we saw this one here. 

We found the names of two of our friends that were killed in that conflict and still feel saddened by their deaths so many years ago.

The park is beautiful and a real tribute to our men and women in uniform.

After  touring the park we took a ride to Historic Pensacola Village. 

http://www.historicpensacola.org/

We stopped at the T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum to purchase tickets to tour several of the historic homes in the district.
We were surprised to hear that the tickets are good for seven days.

Our first stop was Tivoli High House that had been reconstructed for the bicentennial in 1976. Then we toured the Manual Barrios Cottage(1888)  with its' pyramidal roof common in Pensacola in the  late 1800's. Then it was on to Lavalle House (1805), the Lear/Rocheblave house (1890)  then the Old Christ Church (1832).

Ron didn't get many picture, just a few of the church because the battery in his camera was almost dead. He didn't have a back-up battery - unusual for him!

The church was built in 1832 and is one of the oldest surviving church buildings in Florida. Old Christ Church has served the community as an Episcopal Church, public library and museum. Today is continues to serve West Florida as a special event facility and meeting hall. 

After touring the homes we decided it was time for a very late lunch/early dinner. The area is very quaint and interesting. We decided that if the weather clears on Friday (big storm expected later) we will return and finish checking out the other historic homes. 

We stopped at O'Riley's Irish Pub and had delicious pulled pork sliders with the best barbecue sauce I have ever had. 

By the time we returned to the MH the skies were really getting dark and ominous looking. Ron took Jewel for a walk and I decided to lay down and catch a few winks. I'm still not recovered from the trauma of my fall and was feeling out of sorts. 

I no sooner got comfy when there was a  knock on the door. Hmmm, who could that be. It was a Ranger letting us know that a pretty significant storm was on its' way with seas projected at over 9 feet. And that it was possible that we may have to evacuate because the only access road could be  blocked with water and sand. We are at sea level here so when the sea rises the road is impassable. OK then. What next. She told us the rangers and National Weather Service people were meeting to make a determination and would get back to the campers.

We didn't here anything by 6 pm and noticed that there were quite a few new arrivals so I guess we weren't going to be evacuated. The rain didn't start until quite late and it poured with gusty winds and thunder. It woke me around 2 am with the shaking of the MH.  Ron slept right through. Lucky him.

We have to move to a different site on Friday so will be up early to make the move.  Hopefully it will be a nice day so we can finish our touring of Historic Pensacola Village.

Days 13, 14 & 15 - January 11, 12, 13 Fort Pickens - OH NO, NOT AGAIN!

January 11, 2016 (Day 13)


We had several things we wanted and needed to do on Monday so we were off by 11 am. Our first stop was the Naval Live Oaks Preserve.

"Naval Live Oaks Preserve outside Pensacola was our nation’s first tree farm, established in 1828 by President John Quincy Adams to protect a significant coastal stand of live oaks for military use. In those days, our navy’s ships were made of wood, and Pensacola was a significant deep-water coastal port. Once a supply of live oak was no longer considered important for national security, the land remained under federal protection, eventually becoming part of Gulf Islands National Seashore, which stretches west across three states."

We watched the video presentation and as usual it was excellent. The National Park Service does a great job with their educational videos. There are several hiking trails in the preserve but because Ron wanted to see Star Wars we left to find the movie theater. 

Interestingly  we  didn't find it and neither did our GPS system. So we stopped for lunch instead and then did our grocery shopping.

Back at the CG we sat out in the sun and did a short hike with Jewel. Not a very fruitful a day as we would have liked but still great. 

January 12, 2016 (Day 14)  AGAIN!

Cannot believe we have been away for two weeks already! Time does fly. It started out as a great day, bright sunshine and clear blue skies. We opted to stay at the camp site and enjoy the weather. 

All was going well and we mentioned several times how fortunate we are to be able to do this. It was time for Jewel's walk when all that was right in the day went WRONG!!!!!

I had Jewel by the lease and she was prancing around. I thought she was so cute and was not watching where I was going. Once again I tripped over the curbing and went flying. As I was going down all I could think was not to land or hit my left knee (knee replacement knee) on the pavement. Somehow I twisted my body to protect my knee but didn't do such a great job at protecting my face!  WHAM! I hit the pavement and right away new I was going to have a black eye. Ron helped me up from the middle of the road and I immediately put ice on my face and eye. I think I pulled some muscles in my chest wall because that hurt as well. No broken bones just broken pride. Ron wanted to know why there was blood on his favorite shirt. Could that be because I cut my finger when I hit the pavement. Yes! I think I will not be the holder of the lease in the future until we are on a flat surface. It wasn't like I haven't walked over the curbing a hundred times, it's just that I wasn't paying attention - Again.

Three inch curbing

First day with black eye - It will get worse!

January 13, 2016  (Day 15)

I was unable to sleep because of the discomfort so sat up and read until 2 am. Another beautiful day is predicted. We originally planned to go into Pensacola to a couple of places we hadn't seen on our previous visits  but I was still under the weather. Instead we went out to lunch at Peg Leg Pete's and  we had to get the obligatory picture of Ron posing with the statue. 

The food was excellent and service great. After lunch we sat on the beach for an extended period of time taking in the blue water and bright sunshine. The breeze was a little brisk so we left our long sleeves on. 

Back at the CG we spent some time with our neighbors and enjoyed chatting and laughing with them. The two couples are from Texas and were certainly entertaining. It was a good day overall and by the evening I was feeling more like myself despite the shiner! LOL

January 8th, 9th, 10th - (Day 10. 11. 12) Fort Pickens CG

Friday - January 8th

Ron wasn't feeling too well most of the day (stomach bug)  so we pretty much hung around. It was overcast with more rain expected later that evening. Indeed it did rain and hard- torrential downpours for a couple of hours then gone! It sounded like the MH was being pelted with large pebbles. 

Saturday - January 9th

The sun was up and shining brightly on Saturday morning. Jewel was too! She was in the stairwell at 6:45 am so I threw on some clothes and took her for a much needed walk and bathroom break! LOL

While out walking I noticed that many of the camp sites were flooded. We were to be moving to site 57 on Sunday but it was completely flooded so we decided to go to the office to change our site if possible. I was told by some people that they have actually closed the CG  and evacuated all the campers due to significant flooding in the past. 

We stopped at the office and were able to secure  5 more days in our current site then will be moving on Friday the  15th to another site - maybe 57.  Generally we  wouldn't move for just  two days but since we have no other reservations until the 17 th we'll do the move. 

We purchased Powerball tickets and took a  ride into Pensacola Beach for a couple of hours. Although it was bright sunshine the wind made it a little chilly - around 55 degrees. We do like it a little cooler and can't take the humidity which has been at 58 %.

Sunday - January 10th 

Let's Go

Another sunny day around 58 degrees. I went to the laundromat (no septic at the sites here) and got caught  up on 2 weeks of laundry. Ron was watching football and  what an ending to the Seahawks vs Vikings. Cannot believe the Vikings missed the game winning (in this case losing) field goal. We felt so bad for the kicker. Bet he didn't sleep that night. Later we took a hike with Jewel to enjoy the weather and fresh air. 

We have spent several days doing very little and I  think it is getting to us. Can't seem to just relax for an extended period of time. We will be doing something on Monday even if it's wrong. LOL

Day 9 - January 7, 2016 Fort Pickens CG

Not much happening today. Cloudy and colder just as predicted with a pretty brisk wind. We did get out for two walks with Jewel before the rain began around 2 pm. 

Overcast but  Still Pretty

O

Needed our Hats Today

Flowers Blossoming 

We had talked about taking in a movie today but watched TV instead. never knew how many judge  shows there are but I think we watched every one of them. LOL

Very restful and quiet day.

Day 8 - January 6, 2016 - Fort Pickens CG

It was another beautiful day today with bright sunshine and temps near 70. We took a very long walk with Jewel on the trail that she loves.

Later we went to the museum to attend a Ranger Program. There were about 16 people waiting for the program but no ranger. One woman called the number on the brochure but was unable to get an answer. After 20 minutes a few of us walked to the visitor center to find out if the program had been cancelled. The volunteer there  finally spoke with someone. The ranger that was suppose to do the program said he wasn't told so hence no program.  Oh well, maybe next week. 

We went back to our site and sat outside for the rest of the afternoon taking advantage of the sunny day. Tomorrow it is suppose to be overcast and rain so we'll enjoy the sun today.

OK, we've been hanging in the same spot and mostly relaxing. We haven't gone crazy yet but it's only been three full days. Still have until the 17th here so we'll have to wait and see how  we do by then.