Don't Hate Us Because We're Warm...You've been Invited

     Well,nothing of huge import has happened here, which is as it should be. (Excepting, that we were waited on by ELVIS at the Walmart  today!!!)

We were shopping for cheap fishing gear for various Seans and Caitlins, and decided that the place in Jupiter that doles out these awesome bags with the purchase of a 3 oz.sinker might possibly not be in our price range.

So, we're in the middle of the 2nd of our back to back to back series of 2 wk. reservations here at Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Here's a shot of papayas growing here at site 97. By the looks of things, we're not the only ones skirting the 2 weeks at a time rule. Some people were here when we arrived on the 21st and haven't budged an inch, like the couple in the vintage Airstream, whom I suspect of being the ones with the 24-30 second endless loop of music serving as their "white noise".
---Faintly Prokofian harmonically, with the lugubriosity of Gorecki, overlayed with a slight sheen of John Tesh.

I seem to be the only one of us that can hear this,which must mean I win the hearing contest. Good,I'll be needing the points when the hearing and memory events of the nearing-60 triathalon commence.

Had our friend Suzanne this week in the guest room---lots of fun. I do blame her "Alligator" and "Crocodile" concoctions (involving Cachaca) for some imperfect securing of the campsite at night. The good news here is that the new medicated Gordon didn't even notice the raccoon party raging outside.

Speaking of parties, we had some pretty rowdy (in a pre 11pm kind of way) Quebecois in this sweet ride. PARTAY EN FRANCAIS! Mercedes Turbo Diesel, I'd take the over on the 100K threshold.

Lots of other Canadians here as well. This sign belongs to Barb and Dave Henderson from Utopia Ontario. Apparently one needs a vacation, even from Utopia.

Have spent a few afternoons kayaking on the Wild and Scenic Loxtahatchee. Caught 8 of these,which I now know, thanks to my new handy waterproof,trifold guide to the fishes of Florida, are Jack Crevalle. (food value:poor)

Said cards were purportedly delivered to my brother's house by "an Asian man", with the printed admonishment "don't ask me again".Coincidentally,they were wrapped in my brother's signature graph paper....thanks Dave! Now I know that sardine #2, the one with the kissy lips and the high def scales was actually a triggerfish. (food value:good)

Lots of big birds on the river too; Osprey and Heron.

Stopped by a classic car lot on the way home from Walmart. Here's the latest object of Mark's affection.




OK, that's it for now. Remember,Don't hate us because we're warm.

Siri gets Existential

I read where Apple is hiring young writers to make Siri a "better conversationalist".
Well,unless they plan on exhuming Jean Paul Sartre himself for the job,they won't be beating THIS conversation:

Mark: What time is "Dish Nation" on in West Palm Beach?

Siri: I can't help you with TV

Mark: Why not?

Siri: I don't know. I've often wondered that myself.

Mark: You're a useless bitch, you know

Siri: I'm only trying to help

Mark: But you didn't

Siri: I don't know the definition of the word "I". Shall I search the web for it?


Huh?

Guess I can see where this is going. Just as one can now (for .99) choose one's GPS directives from  "Sexy Voice", "British Butler", or "Utter Fop"; Siri will now be overlaid with such options as "Henry David", "Jack" (Kerouach or Nicholson,you choose) or "50 Shades of Siri". Can't Wait!


So, obviously, we have some new toys at our disposal this trip. The personal hot spot is awesome. No more frequenting Ranger Stations or free Wi-Fi coffee joints. If only something blog worthy would occur.

I'm hesitant to dwell on the 80 degree temps, and our trips to the beach, considering what the majority of "you" (shall I search the web for it?) have recently endured temperature wise.

So, I'll just briefly run down the goings on:

Had a disappointing stay at the Kingsland Georgia Red Roof; not to fear, the Jacksonville option is a mere 40 minutes further down (and right off) 95.

Getting back into the Camping life:
     Step 1   Push Button
     Step 2   Rub hands together gently under warm air
     Step 3   Wipe hands on pants   *

Caught 5 fish so far, all different and all unidentifiable by me. The Asian gentleman fishing next to me called them all "Sardines", which only fooled me once.

Saw my brother David and wife Ann, had a nice dinner out, and set up our superbowl viewing...go 49ers!

Gordon's Prozac is working!

And finally, Dish Nation is on here at the ungodly hour of 11 pm.



*totally stole that one,sue me.

Last Calls

Well, it seems our little travel blog has outlived its title. " Swamp Loggers"  apparently aired its last episode sometime during last years action packed trip. Of course there is no dearth of quality inspiration from the same er...swamp: "Here Comes Lucy's Boo-Boo's", or, in a nod to Gabe's current place of employment,"Fish Nation--That's What We Dis-em-Bowel!" are both begging to be chosen. However,being both technologically challenged ( how DID I do that logo thing???) as well as downright lazy, and not wanting to lose EITHER of our followers, we soldier on unchanged. Call it nostalgic.

Once again,the RED ROOF gods are casting their scarlet rays upon us. We've managed to parlay their 40th Anniversary Sale into 3 nights lodging on the way down for a grand total of $72.98. Plus tax,of course.

So, after gathering a 90 day supply of all the required pills,potions and nostrums for ourselves and the dogs,we're off tomorrow!

Once again, we're toting tent and Aerobed, in case anyone wants to join in the fun for a few days.
Jan. 21-Feb.28= Hobe Sound (airport=West Palm)
Feb.28-Mar.9= Tampa area
Mar10-Mar.21=Panhandle (airport=Tallahassee or Panama City)
Mar22-Mar30= Huntington Beach State Park in South Carolina

Shoot us an e-mail or a call on Mark's cell.

We'll keep you posted when and if something bigger than a breadbox happens.