Well, the picture posting plan of yesterday did not work out. I tried but they would not go through. Frustration set in so I just closed up the computer and went back to the motor home.

Woke up today to very humid and rather warm weather. It was still sunny but bad weather was on the way so we packed up to head south. Before leaving we took time to walk the beach and enjoy the warmth of the wind and sun, and the solitude of being the only ones on the beach as far as could be seen in any direction.

Ended up in Homosassa, FL in an RV park. What a disappointment it is. Did not even unhook the car. Leaving in the morning, but plan on stopping by Homosassa Springs Wildlife Preserve State Park to see manatees since it is just down the road from here. They do not offer camping at that park.

Our reservation for Fort DeSoto Park on the Gulf in St. Petersburg does not start until Sunday and we can't get in early so have to find a suitable spot to stay Wed - Sat. We might go back north about an hour to Cedar Key or head inland to a State Park.

Ok, here comes the pictures. I took a video of the beach secen today while we were walking and will try to get it onto U-Tube tonight or tomorrow. You will find it, when I do, on the home page of the Blog along with all future videos.


From this
To this! In just 54 hours.
If you look closely you can see Blue Boy nestled into his four day "spot" on the beach
Jim on a dog walk
Ellen with the dogs as far as allowed
Bummer!
View from the road into the campground
Another
And another
Sunset views below

Is it almost empty or one-quarter full?
Ah! Life Is Good
Going
Going (and I forgot to post gone)

Monday morning and another blue sky day! Little wind so the 60+ temperature feels more like 70's to us.

I discovered that by driving to the park visitor center I could access my Verizon high-speed data signal, so I'm sitting in the car in a parking lot "online". I'm going to post some pictures while I can but I don't have the time to put them in any particular order.

Rain and thunderstorms are due to roll in tomorrow and Wednesday, so we will leave in the morning. It's so peaceful and quiet here leaving will be hard.

It's Sunday morning and a sunny 42 degree start to the day.

Yesterday we enjoyed the 68 degree early afternoon warmth and sunshine by taking the girls on a two hour walk. We were ready to sit on the beach when we got back, but the clouds moved in and cooled down enough that it was not comfortable to just "sit" outside.

We wanted to check out the area a little so we loaded up the dogs and drove off the peninsula - no easy task as the nearest town is about 30 miles away. Ended up in Apalachicola, the oyster capital of Florida. At least this town, as old and run down as it was, had some human activity. Mexico Beach, Port St. Joe, and the Cape San Blas area, leading into the State Park we are camped at, looked like ghost towns and every property was for sale.

Anyway, found an oyster bar and had oysters and beer. What else would you do in an oyster capital? Did not stay long being so far away from camp and it was getting late. If we had more time there were about 20 different oyster related items on the menu to try. We might go back.

The weather forecast looks good for the next couple of days so the decision was made to stay put for two more nights before heading further South. "Brilliant Sunshine" for today so maybe the beach chairs will be unloaded.

It's pretty remote here and because I have a "booster" antenna and an "amplifier" for the cell phones and data card, we are the only ones here with phone and data service. Aren't we special? However, the signal for the internet is not very good so no pictures can be put on the blog at this time. I'll add them later when in a high speed signal area Tuesday or Wednesday.

That's about it. Emily, thanks for being the first to leave a comment. Sorry about the cold and snow you have to put up with, but not sorry to miss it.

34 degrees this morning in Montgomery, AL but the sky was blue and the air was warming quickly. A very nice park we were at, but only as overnight stops go. Could stay there a long time for the cleanliness, but not much else for the travelers we are.

We left around 10:30 and made our way 246 miles to St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Fl. Located straight south of Montgomery, AL to Panama City, FL, then south to the park.

Can't complain - 58 degrees. Seemed warmer when the sun was out, but it clouded over and the 58 degrees seemed more like the 58 it really was than the 65+ it felt like with the sun shining.

Never seen so many "for sale" signs as there are around here. Right now, December, this area is DEAD. It may have it's busy seasons but this is not one of them. All the "for sale" signs suggest this is not a seasonal lull in activity. We feel sorry for the beautiful area!

So we are here for two nights, and maybe four, to take advantage of some sun and warmer temperatures on the way. The beach here, about 200 feet from our camp site, is pure white sand - just beautiful! But, as usual, dogs not allowed!

Got in here late, about 5:30 pm so not much time to check out the area. We are here for two nights and perhaps four, so more tomorrow.

We drove 442 miles today to arrive in Montgomery, AL. Our goal was a near-by state park but with all the rain we were worried about mud so we looked for an RV park instead.

Found a very nice park and 55 degrees when we arrived in town. Super clean showers, concrete patio, Big fenced-in dog run, lots of room, and only $27.00. We got screwed last night at the KOA south of Louisville for $48.00! I've been asking myself all day today why did I not question that charge. But, it won't happen again. We were the only ones there and they must have had some bills to pay and figured we could just pay for them ourselves.

It did rain all day today, and I mean for all 442 miles.
Gas was $1.75 when I filled up but had I waited it would have been the same $1.55 I paid yesterday. Still only about $60.00 to fill 'er up.

We saw an Oyster Bar 1/4 mile from the RV park entrance on our way in and knew immediately we were going back. Walked the dogs, took quick showers, and drove to the bar.

We temporarily crossed into the Central Time Zone so it was only 5:30 when we made our entrance into the bar. It was happy hour until 6:00. So we got happy! Oysters, shrimp, blackened cat fish, and beer.

We plan to be camping in a State Park on the the Florida Gulf tomorrow. Will let you know what happens. Hey, it's not warm here, and not expected to get warm for awhile. Better than Elkhart, but we still have the space heaters on.

Good night!

We have proved it once again, no matter when we want to leave in the morning - any morning, anywhere, any trip - can't seem to get on the road until 11:00am. Today 11:05! We were trying for 10:00am but knew it would not happen.

Blue Boy weighed in at a whopping 14,430 pounds! 380 pounds overweight! Not really too bad in total, but 750 pounds overweight on the rear axle. I went back to Ellen's "space" in the rear bedroom and saw about 750 pounds of extra clothing and shoes! Brother Tim, we are going to have a big bag to send back with you when you leave Ft. Myers.

I must admit, however, it is hard to pack leaving winter cold in Elkhart, traveling south into the warmth of fashionable Florida, then West across cowboy Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. And then South of the border into Mexico. I too packed too much, but it really is hard to decide what to take knowing we will be away from our closets at home for 4 months.

Anyway, made it as planned to Shepardsville, Ky about 20 mile south of Louisville. About 7 hours on the road and 365 miles. Staying at a KOA that does not merit any commentary other than it has water and elcectricity AND 54 degrees outside! Looks like its turning alot colder tomorrow! We want to get as far south as we can tomorrow to avoid the cold coming south.

The best part of today's trip was stopping at the gas station South of Indy. $1.55/gal !!!!!!!!!
I usually fill up when the tank is down to a quarter - on recent trips costing me $150.00. Today, well, I spent $55.80! I love this country!

Tuesday night and we are all loaded up and just about ready to leave in the morning.

The house is almost in "show" condition, a few final "touches" in the morning after showers and we are good to go. Tonight we are sleeping in the motor home to keep the house clean and to do a run through to be sure we have packed everything. It's looking good right now at 9pm. 29 degrees outside and it's time to head South!

The RV repairs were made on Monday and a little less expensive then quoted - that's very welcome!

Dogs got groomed today and they are ready to go.

Tire pressure monitoring system replacement sensors arrived today. The older "leaking sensors" are now headed back to the manufacturer. NO CHARGE! I love that word.

Everything is good to go as of tonight. Final house rounds in the morning. Trip to the scales to weigh Blue Boy in the morning. As soon as Ellen is released (from her hair stylist) we will be on our way.

Wanting to get South of Louisville tomorrow. Will let you know how it goes.