Where have I been,you might ask. Well, nowhere, except riding the most gorgeous stretch of weather I've seen in 6 years of doing this. No, the problem was far deeper. I make my living, so to speak, on this blog mocking all things redneck, ultra southern, super fat, clueless, or maybe just "different
So, the problem started over in Fort DeSoto. Our neighbors, Kim and Barb from London Ontario turned out to be the nicest people I've met in a decade. We shared wine, cocktails, dinners,dogs...(they had a standard poodle who shared some of Gordon's traits) observations about our respective countries, trailer talk; you name it. Nothing to mock there.
By the time I arrived over here in Jonathan Dickinson State Park, something odd had occurred. For example, one night I arrived in the bathhouse to find a woman with a full set of Remington electric hair rollers plugged in. Aha! Good fodder!
But, somehow, this woman broke the ice by admiring my natural curls,and rueing her own somewhat lank locks ,which led to a pretty nice discussion about orange juice can rollers used to straighten hair back in the early 70's.... Yeah, I did that.
Got pulled over on the 4 mile campground road for going 40 in a 30. Not another car around. One of those times you see the guy, and don't even think you need to slow down. Got a warning, and an admission that they needed to show the state that they were doing something other than watching the deer. Yeah, whatever, I thought...
Got so bad, I was contemplating an entry entitled "mellow me"...
Ah,but then...
Saw a teenaged girl in said bathhouse curling her eyelashes. That, and other elements of her beauty routine took the full 20 minutes I was in there...(hey,it was shower day). Felt judgmental pricklings...
Wondered why my fishing pole seems to be a magnet for people to decide to swim exactly there. Find myself wishing they WOULD step on it...
What really brought my curmudgeonly self back has been our search for a rental property for next year. Sadly, the River Campground here is closing for a year, which leaves us looking for a rental in Martin County , the only truly dog friendly area in the whole damn state. It was probably a good thing that happened, to motivate us to ...
OH SHUT UP MELLOW ME!!!
Anyway, today we investigated a rental property from some site like Homeaway. They give you some info on the owner, in some attempt to make nicey nice, before they utterly screw you. This owner reported that she spoke English, and Latin!!!
Well! All I have to say is this: atWHay the ellHay do you eanMay you want ixsay undredHay ollarsDay for a dog fee for 1 onthMay????
Yep,I'm back.
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Ahoy Matey's!!!
Made it! Passed the big billboard denying evolution and commenced camping at Fort Clinch last Monday. Chilly but bright. Would like to be on Amelia Island sometime for the Concours de Elegance car show (usually mid March), although I doubt there's much mingling of the campground crowd over there at The Ritz.
Went southwest on Rt.4 towards Tampa on Wed. Realized that in 6 years of doing this, we've generally hugged the perimeter, or crossed in the South. So, pretty good that this was our first drive through of Orlando... I think we've almost recovered from all those trips there with the kids, the last of which was in 2003.
The route allowed us to stop at Blue Spring State Park, which is a winter sanctuary for Manatees. They close the spring and the run to the St. John River to all scuba, swimming and tubing from Nov. -March to accommodate them, so while it was awesome to see 200 Manatees lolling, I would say that if you want to actually swim with them, and be on the water in a tube or kayak,then I would recommend Crystal River, or Rainbow Springs. Super campground though,(and the first one we've encountered in Florida with bear warnings) and a good amount of options nearby in Orange City,Deland, and Debary. Including a BEEF O"BRADY"S, which we passed up in favor of SWAMP HOUSE RIVER FRONT GRILL, with the adjunct HAPPY SNAPPER TIKI BAR. Yep, we've arrived.
Got to our present location last Friday: a Hillsborough County Park, with its own little swimming spring (nothing of the magnitude of it's more northern neighbors). Gorgeous campground. Utterly empty. And not one damn thing to do anywhere nearby.
That was actually not a problem however, since we were actually just parking the trailer and making a beeline to nephew Josh's house in Tampa , 20 miles west, for the weekend. ( Totally sweet bonus: the guy who checked us in was math challenged enough to compute 5 days @ $24/day to equal $90)
Josh had urged us to show up on Friday, citing something called GASPARILLA going on in his neighborhood on Sat. Last time through Tampa we'd attended a crafts fair of the same title, which I assumed he was referring to. Um, crafts fair? No. More like full blown Mardi Gras, with a pirate theme,starting in the morning with a boat parade wherein wall to wall boats with crews in pirate garb crowd the harbor throwing beads to all of us gathered along the seawall, shooting t-shirts out of air cannons and getting pelted with marshmallows and water balloons in return.THOUSANDS of boats.No discernible rules of navigation. Pole dancers on decks "entertaining".Holy smokes!
Beat a retreat to the house to spend the afternoon watching THRONGS of people in various stages of inebriation walking down to Bayshore Drive ( a block away) to attend the land parade. The kids set up a lemonade stand and made a ton o'cash. Fun interactions. Got to see one overdone girl hauled away by paramedics from the (utter stranger's) porch she had deposited herself upon.
Sunday brought kayaking in the bay with Josh, Jen and all 3 kids.Awesome to be back on the water.
And of course, the best Superbowl ever.
Tomorrow we head to Fort DeSoto for 2 weeks, via the towns of Picnic, Balm, and Fort Lonesome. Can't wait.
Have lots of pics, will post as soon as we can figure out how to get them onto this blog.
Went southwest on Rt.4 towards Tampa on Wed. Realized that in 6 years of doing this, we've generally hugged the perimeter, or crossed in the South. So, pretty good that this was our first drive through of Orlando... I think we've almost recovered from all those trips there with the kids, the last of which was in 2003.
The route allowed us to stop at Blue Spring State Park, which is a winter sanctuary for Manatees. They close the spring and the run to the St. John River to all scuba, swimming and tubing from Nov. -March to accommodate them, so while it was awesome to see 200 Manatees lolling, I would say that if you want to actually swim with them, and be on the water in a tube or kayak,then I would recommend Crystal River, or Rainbow Springs. Super campground though,(and the first one we've encountered in Florida with bear warnings) and a good amount of options nearby in Orange City,Deland, and Debary. Including a BEEF O"BRADY"S, which we passed up in favor of SWAMP HOUSE RIVER FRONT GRILL, with the adjunct HAPPY SNAPPER TIKI BAR. Yep, we've arrived.
Got to our present location last Friday: a Hillsborough County Park, with its own little swimming spring (nothing of the magnitude of it's more northern neighbors). Gorgeous campground. Utterly empty. And not one damn thing to do anywhere nearby.
That was actually not a problem however, since we were actually just parking the trailer and making a beeline to nephew Josh's house in Tampa , 20 miles west, for the weekend. ( Totally sweet bonus: the guy who checked us in was math challenged enough to compute 5 days @ $24/day to equal $90)
Josh had urged us to show up on Friday, citing something called GASPARILLA going on in his neighborhood on Sat. Last time through Tampa we'd attended a crafts fair of the same title, which I assumed he was referring to. Um, crafts fair? No. More like full blown Mardi Gras, with a pirate theme,starting in the morning with a boat parade wherein wall to wall boats with crews in pirate garb crowd the harbor throwing beads to all of us gathered along the seawall, shooting t-shirts out of air cannons and getting pelted with marshmallows and water balloons in return.THOUSANDS of boats.No discernible rules of navigation. Pole dancers on decks "entertaining".Holy smokes!
Beat a retreat to the house to spend the afternoon watching THRONGS of people in various stages of inebriation walking down to Bayshore Drive ( a block away) to attend the land parade. The kids set up a lemonade stand and made a ton o'cash. Fun interactions. Got to see one overdone girl hauled away by paramedics from the (utter stranger's) porch she had deposited herself upon.
Sunday brought kayaking in the bay with Josh, Jen and all 3 kids.Awesome to be back on the water.
And of course, the best Superbowl ever.
Tomorrow we head to Fort DeSoto for 2 weeks, via the towns of Picnic, Balm, and Fort Lonesome. Can't wait.
Have lots of pics, will post as soon as we can figure out how to get them onto this blog.
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Twerking
No, actually I mean Tweaking...(the kind that means fine-tuning something, not that other kind).
In the earlier days of these odysseys, we had a pretty set routine of well-spaced Red Roofs to hit on our journey. That's been knocked a bit askew for various reasons. Yesterday we left the Wilmington DE Red Roof " PLUS"and aimed for the 2nd option in Richmond Va, being dissatisfied with the dining options at the other location.
We've probably been in over 20 of these places, and this is only the 2nd one which forced a u turn right from the parking lot. So just in case any of you were dreaming of spending some quality time at the Richmond Airport Red Roof...no,just no. Unless of course you were also going to indulge in some of that other type of tweaking.
Thus we spent the night a ways down the road (Emporia VA) at a Country Inn and Suites (By Carlson!) Yeah, better than a Red Roof, but not 2x$ nicer. And THAT, of course led to being too far south for our usual Florence SC stop for tonight (alas Olive Garden...)
So here we are at a Red Roof somewhere near Savannah GA. A converted Motel 6, where the sly sly fellow at the desk asked me directly about the number of dogs, and hit us up w/ a fee for Mason . (2nd time in history). Ruby Tuesday will be our dining emporium this evening.
Clearly,however,we ARE making progress southward
1st sighting of full Camo: check
Sign welcoming Fox Hunters:check
Eagle swooping in front of truck to retrieve fresh road kill:check
Utterly unfathomable accent:check
Hey, I've heard from several of you that comments are being disallowed. Crap, that's the fun of it for me. For those of you on FB, maybe do it there until we figure it out? Er, "tweak it".
In the earlier days of these odysseys, we had a pretty set routine of well-spaced Red Roofs to hit on our journey. That's been knocked a bit askew for various reasons. Yesterday we left the Wilmington DE Red Roof " PLUS"and aimed for the 2nd option in Richmond Va, being dissatisfied with the dining options at the other location.
We've probably been in over 20 of these places, and this is only the 2nd one which forced a u turn right from the parking lot. So just in case any of you were dreaming of spending some quality time at the Richmond Airport Red Roof...no,just no. Unless of course you were also going to indulge in some of that other type of tweaking.
Thus we spent the night a ways down the road (Emporia VA) at a Country Inn and Suites (By Carlson!) Yeah, better than a Red Roof, but not 2x$ nicer. And THAT, of course led to being too far south for our usual Florence SC stop for tonight (alas Olive Garden...)
So here we are at a Red Roof somewhere near Savannah GA. A converted Motel 6, where the sly sly fellow at the desk asked me directly about the number of dogs, and hit us up w/ a fee for Mason . (2nd time in history). Ruby Tuesday will be our dining emporium this evening.
Clearly,however,we ARE making progress southward
1st sighting of full Camo: check
Sign welcoming Fox Hunters:check
Eagle swooping in front of truck to retrieve fresh road kill:check
Utterly unfathomable accent:check
Hey, I've heard from several of you that comments are being disallowed. Crap, that's the fun of it for me. For those of you on FB, maybe do it there until we figure it out? Er, "tweak it".
Friday, January 23, 2015
We're off! Trying (and thus far succeeding ) to squeeze amidst this trio of storms. Delayed start, due do discovering a faulty (leaking) circulator on the furnace at the 11th hour and 59th minute, thus encountering bad traffic through "The Oranges" on the Garden State ...trailer hauling requires some strange routes. But now ensconced in the Red Roof in Wilmington Delaware,where there is an onsite "Chilies". The menu brags "our pickles take six hours to make!" Um, I'm confused. Are you saying you make a quick pickle, or if I order these, it will take 6 hours to get served??
Day 1 drive featured listening to Mike on WFAN through New York, expounding on Deflategate. This was just like one of those old timey carnival rides, where centrifugal force eventually spins you off, no matter how hard you try to hang on. 4 calls, and I was done. Very similar to reading comment sections on ESPN. If you make a rule to quit at the first overtly racist statement, improper use of "there,their, they're" or inappropriate Obama bashing, you'll be hard pressed to make it beyond half a page. Sometimes you'll hit the trifecta on the first entry.
Looked over last years posts on this little Blog, and realized I pretty much dropped the ball early on. Giving it one more shot this year.
Day 1 drive featured listening to Mike on WFAN through New York, expounding on Deflategate. This was just like one of those old timey carnival rides, where centrifugal force eventually spins you off, no matter how hard you try to hang on. 4 calls, and I was done. Very similar to reading comment sections on ESPN. If you make a rule to quit at the first overtly racist statement, improper use of "there,their, they're" or inappropriate Obama bashing, you'll be hard pressed to make it beyond half a page. Sometimes you'll hit the trifecta on the first entry.
Looked over last years posts on this little Blog, and realized I pretty much dropped the ball early on. Giving it one more shot this year.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Here Come Da Judge
It's hard to believe we're 1/2 way through our 3rd week here at Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Most days have been beach days, and I've even had the kayak out in the river a couple more times.
We,ve switched campsites to our favorite, #96, (perfect for guests, with its own cul-de-sac) and so bid adieu to our last neighbor, Dick Laliberte, from Hudson NH, here for a 600 person geocaching event;sort of a scavenger hunt using GPS to find things hidden at co-ordinates that you download from the internet. Fun? I don't know, but hey no judging here.
I almost DID judge the 65 or so Jehovah's Witnesses that took over the campground the weekend before last. (Religiously oriented groups of any denomination tend to give me gas.) But honestly? These folk were a miracle ( if I can use that word) of planning and execution: organized games for the older kids, Disney movies projected outdoors on the side of an RV for the younger ones, and a central food service area encompassing 2 of their 9 or so camp sites. Complete with a real barbeque pit. The smells of the slow cooking was almost enough to make me consider accepting a few pamphlets in exchange for a taste. (almost)
This week we had neighbors across the road from, judging from the accent, Germany. A young couple with a toddler and an oft crying infant, driving an odd Ford Transit based camper that clearly came from Europe. Every time the baby would stop wailing, Gordon would commence barking. Turns out the reason the baby (this is the 7-8 month old, not the toddler) had quieted, and the reason for Gordon's alarm was that the baby had taken to SweetPea-ing himself across the road and up our drive into our site. This happened 3 times, to the utter indifference of the parents, who were closed in their camper leaving the infant to his own devices. It got to the point where anytime our other neighbors heard Gordon barking, they would run out of their camper to scoop up the baby in the road. Good Lord, the toddler probably frolics in the middle of the Autobahn at home. So Gordon:hero dog.
Yesterday I took the kayak a few hours downriver, and had just reached my desired fishing grounds when I got caught in a thunderstorm/tornado/monsoon. By the time I sprinted back, (thank God for healthy knees) the entire campground was afloat, especially the tents. But not this one: www.sylvansport.com/go "Only" $8,495.
Of course the integrity of ANY camping unit is challenged when one (duh!) leaves the window open. YOU be the judge: who's at fault, the one who opened the window over the bed the night before, or the one who sat through the deluge blissfully reading without checking? Solomon says it's a wash. Literally.
However, we COULD be camping in that unit with the Ron Paul for President stickers, (kind of a glorified dog house) so all is good, albeit a bit damp.
Watched some guys at Hobe Sound Beach who were part of a 3 day shark fishing (from the beach,not boats) tournament last weekend. These guys use the same paddle-the-kayak-out-about-200-yds and drop-your-baited/weighted-line technique that we use for stripers at Race point, except on steroids. Instead of a 12 oz. sinker holding down a couple of sluggos (fake sand eels), these guys chunk up sting rays and bonito into 12"x9" pieces, put it on what looks like meat hanging hooks, with leaders a good 1/2" thick, and weigh it down with bricks tied to ropes. And the reels? Size matters; bigger than anything you'll see on "Wicked Tuna".
Of course my very presence on the beach (3 different times over the course of the weekend) meant no action to be seen, but rumor had it they caught a couple of 7 foot lemon sharks in my absence. (Catch,tag,and release, lest ye be judging)
So now you're up to date. Hope you're all good, and remember: keep your fingers out of the snowblower.
We,ve switched campsites to our favorite, #96, (perfect for guests, with its own cul-de-sac) and so bid adieu to our last neighbor, Dick Laliberte, from Hudson NH, here for a 600 person geocaching event;sort of a scavenger hunt using GPS to find things hidden at co-ordinates that you download from the internet. Fun? I don't know, but hey no judging here.
I almost DID judge the 65 or so Jehovah's Witnesses that took over the campground the weekend before last. (Religiously oriented groups of any denomination tend to give me gas.) But honestly? These folk were a miracle ( if I can use that word) of planning and execution: organized games for the older kids, Disney movies projected outdoors on the side of an RV for the younger ones, and a central food service area encompassing 2 of their 9 or so camp sites. Complete with a real barbeque pit. The smells of the slow cooking was almost enough to make me consider accepting a few pamphlets in exchange for a taste. (almost)
This week we had neighbors across the road from, judging from the accent, Germany. A young couple with a toddler and an oft crying infant, driving an odd Ford Transit based camper that clearly came from Europe. Every time the baby would stop wailing, Gordon would commence barking. Turns out the reason the baby (this is the 7-8 month old, not the toddler) had quieted, and the reason for Gordon's alarm was that the baby had taken to SweetPea-ing himself across the road and up our drive into our site. This happened 3 times, to the utter indifference of the parents, who were closed in their camper leaving the infant to his own devices. It got to the point where anytime our other neighbors heard Gordon barking, they would run out of their camper to scoop up the baby in the road. Good Lord, the toddler probably frolics in the middle of the Autobahn at home. So Gordon:hero dog.
Yesterday I took the kayak a few hours downriver, and had just reached my desired fishing grounds when I got caught in a thunderstorm/tornado/monsoon. By the time I sprinted back, (thank God for healthy knees) the entire campground was afloat, especially the tents. But not this one: www.sylvansport.com/go "Only" $8,495.
Of course the integrity of ANY camping unit is challenged when one (duh!) leaves the window open. YOU be the judge: who's at fault, the one who opened the window over the bed the night before, or the one who sat through the deluge blissfully reading without checking? Solomon says it's a wash. Literally.
However, we COULD be camping in that unit with the Ron Paul for President stickers, (kind of a glorified dog house) so all is good, albeit a bit damp.
Watched some guys at Hobe Sound Beach who were part of a 3 day shark fishing (from the beach,not boats) tournament last weekend. These guys use the same paddle-the-kayak-out-about-200-yds and drop-your-baited/weighted-line technique that we use for stripers at Race point, except on steroids. Instead of a 12 oz. sinker holding down a couple of sluggos (fake sand eels), these guys chunk up sting rays and bonito into 12"x9" pieces, put it on what looks like meat hanging hooks, with leaders a good 1/2" thick, and weigh it down with bricks tied to ropes. And the reels? Size matters; bigger than anything you'll see on "Wicked Tuna".
Of course my very presence on the beach (3 different times over the course of the weekend) meant no action to be seen, but rumor had it they caught a couple of 7 foot lemon sharks in my absence. (Catch,tag,and release, lest ye be judging)
So now you're up to date. Hope you're all good, and remember: keep your fingers out of the snowblower.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Tiki Bar Wherefore Art Thou?
Well, I learned last year not to let the fun get too far behind us. So I'm checking in in a somewhat timely fashion this year, lack of material be damned.
My friend Carol wants "more redneck stories".
Given that we are eschewing the panhandle this year, they will be hard to come by. ( Not that the area is without its merits, we're just sick of driving 1500 miles to be cold in Florida) Hmm...unless I were to make them up....
No, fisherman that I am, I only write the truth. So Carol will have to settle for "odd people stories".
The Red Roof in Wilmington Delaware provided the first two: the guy who shared far too many details of his divorce with me over the course of 7 minutes, and archetypal Crazy Chatty Cat Lady, who had ??? many cats in those crates.
I've noticed that at Red Roof locations where there IS actually something nefarious going on, (Tallahassee, West Palm, Fort Lauderdale) you get left alone. They're too busy doing their ...whatever. It's these "nice" ones where you need to watch out.
Here in JD State Park, most people maintain a respectable distance when using the shared spaces. So this morning I (unseen lady occupying stall 3) was a tad surprised to hear from (unseen lady occupying) shower #1 :"SEEN ANY CRITTERS?"
Well,yes,yes I have. 1 Raccoon in the dumpster, 1 bunny in the grass, 4 whiting, 1 flounder and 1 of those god awful hard head catfish (see Revenge of the Catfish, April 2, 2012 for the gory details)
Other than sighting wildlife and odd people, much of our time here has been spent trying to find a replacement for our 2 favorite post beach watering holes. One gone to a no dogs policy, and one "closed permanently". Yeah, I know, a first world problem.
My friend Carol wants "more redneck stories".
Given that we are eschewing the panhandle this year, they will be hard to come by. ( Not that the area is without its merits, we're just sick of driving 1500 miles to be cold in Florida) Hmm...unless I were to make them up....
No, fisherman that I am, I only write the truth. So Carol will have to settle for "odd people stories".
The Red Roof in Wilmington Delaware provided the first two: the guy who shared far too many details of his divorce with me over the course of 7 minutes, and archetypal Crazy Chatty Cat Lady, who had ??? many cats in those crates.
I've noticed that at Red Roof locations where there IS actually something nefarious going on, (Tallahassee, West Palm, Fort Lauderdale) you get left alone. They're too busy doing their ...whatever. It's these "nice" ones where you need to watch out.
Here in JD State Park, most people maintain a respectable distance when using the shared spaces. So this morning I (unseen lady occupying stall 3) was a tad surprised to hear from (unseen lady occupying) shower #1 :"SEEN ANY CRITTERS?"
Well,yes,yes I have. 1 Raccoon in the dumpster, 1 bunny in the grass, 4 whiting, 1 flounder and 1 of those god awful hard head catfish (see Revenge of the Catfish, April 2, 2012 for the gory details)
Other than sighting wildlife and odd people, much of our time here has been spent trying to find a replacement for our 2 favorite post beach watering holes. One gone to a no dogs policy, and one "closed permanently". Yeah, I know, a first world problem.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Mark and Lucy: Swampbloggers: Remember This? Welp,it's that time of year again....
Mark and Lucy: Swampbloggers: Remember This? Welp,it's that time of year again....: Remember This? Welp,it's that time of year again. Last year we hadn't much to report (#peteredout), and are expecting/hoping? for m...
Remember This? Welp,it's that time of year again. Last year we hadn't much to report (#peteredout), and are expecting/hoping? for more of the same.
Basically we are pushing the envelope even a bit further than last year;checking into our campground in Hobe Sound on Sun. January 19, and alternating names, credit cards and camp sites till checkout on Mar.3. This works perfectly, theoretically,despite the 2 week maximum, due to the required 11 mos. in advance booking via Reserve America. But in reality, the eyebrows of the ACTUAL PEOPLE who man the in and out booth raise higher and higher the longer we stay.
During this extended stay, we're having our usual guest of honor,Suzanne Osberg joining us, and for 4 days are using our Hobe Sound campsite as a reasonably priced parking place, and joining her in a jaunt to the Keys in a dog friendly hotel, sans camper.
BTW, in years past, we've attempted to lure others to share in the fun,given that we carry a tent and Aerobed for the purpose. But, aside from Suzanne,no takers. So this year we offer up JUPITER WATERFRONT INN. Within a mile of the campground. All Tikki Bar research done. Around 170/nt for a good place. Anbody??? Airport pickup free!
Once we return from our sojourn in the Keys, within a week, we are off across the state to Koreshan. Long time readers of this little blog might remember this as the park that was donated to the state ( as many of these parks were) by a cult who believed that the world was contained within a giant hollow sphere. Today, it's attraction is as the closest campground to Red Sox spring training in Fort Meyers. (Which is our purpose: Tickets on the fake green monster ;check. Reservations for the dogs in a nearby kennel;check.)
After Fort Meyers, we return to Hobe Sound via Rainbow Springs, a State Park we've visited before, which offers a tubing excursion. We've got friends from Wellfleet who live nearby, who will take the dogs. (HI MONICA AND LINDA,REMEMBER THIS???) Also hoping to visit with LARRY ROSS and WAYNE and GINNY GILES during this time, at THE VILLAGES.
Come Mar.12, we are back in Hobe Sound until the 26th, expecting to arrive home in Wellfleet by April 1.
Come join us!
Basically we are pushing the envelope even a bit further than last year;checking into our campground in Hobe Sound on Sun. January 19, and alternating names, credit cards and camp sites till checkout on Mar.3. This works perfectly, theoretically,despite the 2 week maximum, due to the required 11 mos. in advance booking via Reserve America. But in reality, the eyebrows of the ACTUAL PEOPLE who man the in and out booth raise higher and higher the longer we stay.
During this extended stay, we're having our usual guest of honor,Suzanne Osberg joining us, and for 4 days are using our Hobe Sound campsite as a reasonably priced parking place, and joining her in a jaunt to the Keys in a dog friendly hotel, sans camper.
BTW, in years past, we've attempted to lure others to share in the fun,given that we carry a tent and Aerobed for the purpose. But, aside from Suzanne,no takers. So this year we offer up JUPITER WATERFRONT INN. Within a mile of the campground. All Tikki Bar research done. Around 170/nt for a good place. Anbody??? Airport pickup free!
Once we return from our sojourn in the Keys, within a week, we are off across the state to Koreshan. Long time readers of this little blog might remember this as the park that was donated to the state ( as many of these parks were) by a cult who believed that the world was contained within a giant hollow sphere. Today, it's attraction is as the closest campground to Red Sox spring training in Fort Meyers. (Which is our purpose: Tickets on the fake green monster ;check. Reservations for the dogs in a nearby kennel;check.)
After Fort Meyers, we return to Hobe Sound via Rainbow Springs, a State Park we've visited before, which offers a tubing excursion. We've got friends from Wellfleet who live nearby, who will take the dogs. (HI MONICA AND LINDA,REMEMBER THIS???) Also hoping to visit with LARRY ROSS and WAYNE and GINNY GILES during this time, at THE VILLAGES.
Come Mar.12, we are back in Hobe Sound until the 26th, expecting to arrive home in Wellfleet by April 1.
Come join us!
Sunday, February 10, 2013
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.
---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.
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)
OK, that's it for now. Remember,Don't hate us because we're warm.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
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.
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.
Friday, April 13, 2012
The Back Roads
Due to the unexpected weeks gap in our schedule,we decided to blow off the last week in Jacksonville at Little Talbot Island, and head for home. We could have improvised, but to be honest,we were both getting a little sick of being literally attached to to dogs 24/7.
Given the fact that we are highway averse, and that towing the Manor limits us to 60 mph anyway, we set off on the small roads,taking the Wiregrass Parkway heading to Valdosta Georgia.
Mark and I have developed a little love affair with Georgia on these trips,and I believe we haven't really seen anything yet. This particular road was a gorgeous drive, although I couldn't say the same for the next days section from Valdosta to 95 just south of Savannah. We even passed through the "historic" town of Boston, touting its mini marathon in October. Next year we plan to explore more.
Scored a 2 night reservation at Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet South Carolina, which would merit a return visit if it could be determined that the mid 80's temps weren't totally aberrational. ---A very dog friendly park; for the first time in 3 years we actually got to take the beasts to the beach IN the Campground.
After an overnight in Richmond VA,we decided to avoid the dreaded DC/Baltimore loop by taking 301 up the western Maryland Shore. All was well until the Maryland State line; beyond that to the Cheasapeake Bay Bridge was utter torture. What we did was akin to someone becoming enamored with Route 1 along the Maine coast, and then deciding to drive to New york City via Saugus, Norwood and New Rochelle.
Once across the bridge,301 was GREAT,all the way to the Jersey Turnpike, so next year we will tweak by taking 95 1/2 way around the DC loop to 50 directly.
Caught a great night's sleep at Larry's in NJ, and made it home the next day.
Given the fact that we are highway averse, and that towing the Manor limits us to 60 mph anyway, we set off on the small roads,taking the Wiregrass Parkway heading to Valdosta Georgia.
Mark and I have developed a little love affair with Georgia on these trips,and I believe we haven't really seen anything yet. This particular road was a gorgeous drive, although I couldn't say the same for the next days section from Valdosta to 95 just south of Savannah. We even passed through the "historic" town of Boston, touting its mini marathon in October. Next year we plan to explore more.
Scored a 2 night reservation at Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet South Carolina, which would merit a return visit if it could be determined that the mid 80's temps weren't totally aberrational. ---A very dog friendly park; for the first time in 3 years we actually got to take the beasts to the beach IN the Campground.
After an overnight in Richmond VA,we decided to avoid the dreaded DC/Baltimore loop by taking 301 up the western Maryland Shore. All was well until the Maryland State line; beyond that to the Cheasapeake Bay Bridge was utter torture. What we did was akin to someone becoming enamored with Route 1 along the Maine coast, and then deciding to drive to New york City via Saugus, Norwood and New Rochelle.
Once across the bridge,301 was GREAT,all the way to the Jersey Turnpike, so next year we will tweak by taking 95 1/2 way around the DC loop to 50 directly.
Caught a great night's sleep at Larry's in NJ, and made it home the next day.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Left the wilderness of Cape San Blas,excited to try the one new to us park on this years trip. We passed through Panama City, home of St. Andrew's St. Park, which was the very first place we camped in the teardrop in 2010. The park is outstanding, but Panama City and Panama City Beach is a pit to be avoided unless you are a young spring breaker,intent on participating in the annual balcony fall olympics. (Sorry,that was cold)
Beyond Panama City, there are several parks stretching West: Grayton Beach, Topsail Hill (---which we planned to recon for the future;this one was a formerly private facility donated to the state,which allows no tent camping,has a swimming pool,shuttle trolleys to the beach and a shuffleboard court. Now that I write this...hmm...) Henderson Beach in Destin, and finally Fort Pickens ,west of Pensacola and part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which is shared by Florida and Mississippi. (Boy,Alabama really got screwed on this shorefront deal)
Our destination was Grayton Beach, which turns out to be an absolutely beautiful, VERY upscale town---think Sanibel/Captiva,but a little less stiff/upper crusty. At least that was my impression in our extremely brief stay. Why brief? Turns out that dogs are NOT allowed, even on a leash, to be on any beach in any of these counties to the West of Gulf County. Residents of Grayton Beach participate in a lottery for the privilege of paying hundreds of dollars for a permit to bring their leashed dogs to the beach before 9 and after 7. Violations=$1500.00. Thus,we beat a hasty retreat.
Forgot to put a title on this one,but I guess I'd call it Wicked Witch of the West.
Beyond Panama City, there are several parks stretching West: Grayton Beach, Topsail Hill (---which we planned to recon for the future;this one was a formerly private facility donated to the state,which allows no tent camping,has a swimming pool,shuttle trolleys to the beach and a shuffleboard court. Now that I write this...hmm...) Henderson Beach in Destin, and finally Fort Pickens ,west of Pensacola and part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which is shared by Florida and Mississippi. (Boy,Alabama really got screwed on this shorefront deal)
Our destination was Grayton Beach, which turns out to be an absolutely beautiful, VERY upscale town---think Sanibel/Captiva,but a little less stiff/upper crusty. At least that was my impression in our extremely brief stay. Why brief? Turns out that dogs are NOT allowed, even on a leash, to be on any beach in any of these counties to the West of Gulf County. Residents of Grayton Beach participate in a lottery for the privilege of paying hundreds of dollars for a permit to bring their leashed dogs to the beach before 9 and after 7. Violations=$1500.00. Thus,we beat a hasty retreat.
Forgot to put a title on this one,but I guess I'd call it Wicked Witch of the West.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Time
Spent the rest of our week in Cape San Blas relatively uneventfully.
I tried out the Kayak in the bay,and ended up with a dozen croakers and another shark,which,after it jumped and caused me to drop the pliers in the drink, is now swimming with my lure in his mouth.
St.Joe Bay has a summer scallop season where you can wade or snorkel to collect a couple of gallons of little bay scallops a day.
Spent an afternoon backtracking to St. George's Island to check it out for next year. Cape San Blas juts west into the gulf from a place called Indian Pass,and then turns and runs South to North for 15-20 miles. Thus its Gulf beaches are oriented to the West, which combined with the wind make the water often murky.Considering what's in there...
St.George's seems to be an "older"place, which probably means it's been a longer while since it was destroyed by a hurricane. Shopping options seem SOMEWHAT more plentiful than the one option on Cape San Blas: the Trading Post. Actually,I can't say enough about this little place. Everything you need,and they will order you what you want from a store in Mexico Beach. Mark and I ordered up 2 Filet Mignon that were priced well below anything else we'd seen in the State. ( I found grocery prices in Florida to be very high, which is saying a lot, considering where I live.) Friendly people, a good coffee shop w/homemade donuts on the weekends and a full line of liquors.Plus bait and tackle.
At any rate, the plentiful sugar sand and clear turquoise water at the beaches on St. George Island didn't disappoint. Lots of waves too,but could have just been an anomaly.
It's probably a good thing that this area is pretty much a place that time forgot, because Lord, were we having issues with the time. Firstly, we'd just had the ever confusing time change to whatever time we're on now. ---"Spring ahead" said Mark. "That means when I wake up at 6:30,it will be 5:30"
Umm...no,I don't think so. But I couldn't SWEAR you're wrong.
Then we noticed that our GPS was underestimating or overestimating our arrival times by an hour , depending on our direction. THEN we noticed that it was staying light VERY late.
It was checking Mark's phone for the time that REALLY threw us for a loop. Turns out the park operates in the Eastern Time Zone,but that the line,by satellite,was somewhere between the gate and our campsite. In fact,the towns of Port St Joe and Mexico Beach run shuttles on New Years Eve so that you can have twice the fun.
I suppose normal people (meaning those that have any reason at all to actually know what time it is) might have figured this out sooner, but Mark and I realized that 2 years ago we spent an entire week in Panama City (about an hour? or was it 2??) and never once realized we were in another Time Zone.
Philosophical Question: If your campsite is in the Eastern Zone and your TV station is in Dothan Alabama, and Desperate Housewives is on at 9 Eastern, 8 Central...
I tried out the Kayak in the bay,and ended up with a dozen croakers and another shark,which,after it jumped and caused me to drop the pliers in the drink, is now swimming with my lure in his mouth.
St.Joe Bay has a summer scallop season where you can wade or snorkel to collect a couple of gallons of little bay scallops a day.
Spent an afternoon backtracking to St. George's Island to check it out for next year. Cape San Blas juts west into the gulf from a place called Indian Pass,and then turns and runs South to North for 15-20 miles. Thus its Gulf beaches are oriented to the West, which combined with the wind make the water often murky.Considering what's in there...
St.George's seems to be an "older"place, which probably means it's been a longer while since it was destroyed by a hurricane. Shopping options seem SOMEWHAT more plentiful than the one option on Cape San Blas: the Trading Post. Actually,I can't say enough about this little place. Everything you need,and they will order you what you want from a store in Mexico Beach. Mark and I ordered up 2 Filet Mignon that were priced well below anything else we'd seen in the State. ( I found grocery prices in Florida to be very high, which is saying a lot, considering where I live.) Friendly people, a good coffee shop w/homemade donuts on the weekends and a full line of liquors.Plus bait and tackle.
At any rate, the plentiful sugar sand and clear turquoise water at the beaches on St. George Island didn't disappoint. Lots of waves too,but could have just been an anomaly.
It's probably a good thing that this area is pretty much a place that time forgot, because Lord, were we having issues with the time. Firstly, we'd just had the ever confusing time change to whatever time we're on now. ---"Spring ahead" said Mark. "That means when I wake up at 6:30,it will be 5:30"
Umm...no,I don't think so. But I couldn't SWEAR you're wrong.
Then we noticed that our GPS was underestimating or overestimating our arrival times by an hour , depending on our direction. THEN we noticed that it was staying light VERY late.
It was checking Mark's phone for the time that REALLY threw us for a loop. Turns out the park operates in the Eastern Time Zone,but that the line,by satellite,was somewhere between the gate and our campsite. In fact,the towns of Port St Joe and Mexico Beach run shuttles on New Years Eve so that you can have twice the fun.
I suppose normal people (meaning those that have any reason at all to actually know what time it is) might have figured this out sooner, but Mark and I realized that 2 years ago we spent an entire week in Panama City (about an hour? or was it 2??) and never once realized we were in another Time Zone.
Philosophical Question: If your campsite is in the Eastern Zone and your TV station is in Dothan Alabama, and Desperate Housewives is on at 9 Eastern, 8 Central...
Monday, April 2, 2012
Revenge of the Catfish
Left Gainesville (Tebow Town! In fact,for you college football fans,we Red Roofed it just minutes from "The Swamp")intent on avoiding Rt.19 and the town of Chiefland--both odious. Thus we made our way to Florida's "Forgotten Coast" on Rt. 27 to Rt.98. The drive was actually beautiful and relaxing,even though as we made our way through 7 or 8 different counties, we were treated to a viewing of each one's own correctional facility,nestled in the pines. Logging country gave way to oysters,turpentine production and Tupelo Honey (Ulee's Gold) as we skirted the coast along Apalachee Bay past Alligator Point and St. George Sound.
We'd visited our destination,St.Joseph Peninsula St. Park on Cape San Blas 2 years ago---the COLD year. This time temps remained in the 80's,as they'd been in Tampa. This place couldn't be more of a contrast to Fort Desoto though...just VERY rural and natural. Supplies were 22 miles away in the town of Port St. Joe...a familiar routine for us.
The park has frontage on both the Gulf and the Bay, which set up to be a fishing paradise for me.
Well...
Day 1 of surfcasting I caught the same whiting I'd been catching way down in Hobe Sound, and a shark. Not a sand shark,or dog fish like we have on Cape Cod,but an honest to goodness I'm -really- pissed- off- to -have- this -hook- in- my- mouth- and -be -flopping- on- the- sand Shark.
Day 2 of surfcasting,I caught,you guessed it, a Catfish. Buoyed by my success in freeing the last one in Tampa,and armed with pliers,I deftly removed it from the hook,and then proceeded to drag it back into the water,by the tail,being careful to avoid those nasty whiskers.
Allow me now to share the information I've gleaned from my too-little-and REALLY too- late research:These little bast*rds are among the biggest pests in the ocean. They are called hard head catfish,and have nothing to do with their freshwater cousins. The ugly whiskers are NOT the weapons...THOSE are located in slimy venomous spikes on both the pectoral and dorsal fins...DUH...back by the tail.
Let me attest to the wallop these things pack: what amounted to a 1/4 inch paper cut,sustained THROUGH a glove , bled PROFUSELY for a good 5 minutes,numbing my entire hand,( not enough!)and totally spazzing out my forearm and bicep. I was starting to get a little worried,thinking of the croc hunter and all, so consulted an observer to my little "dance".
"Oh,you'll be fine" he said..."but most guys have thrown up by now"
We'd visited our destination,St.Joseph Peninsula St. Park on Cape San Blas 2 years ago---the COLD year. This time temps remained in the 80's,as they'd been in Tampa. This place couldn't be more of a contrast to Fort Desoto though...just VERY rural and natural. Supplies were 22 miles away in the town of Port St. Joe...a familiar routine for us.
The park has frontage on both the Gulf and the Bay, which set up to be a fishing paradise for me.
Well...
Day 1 of surfcasting I caught the same whiting I'd been catching way down in Hobe Sound, and a shark. Not a sand shark,or dog fish like we have on Cape Cod,but an honest to goodness I'm -really- pissed- off- to -have- this -hook- in- my- mouth- and -be -flopping- on- the- sand Shark.
Day 2 of surfcasting,I caught,you guessed it, a Catfish. Buoyed by my success in freeing the last one in Tampa,and armed with pliers,I deftly removed it from the hook,and then proceeded to drag it back into the water,by the tail,being careful to avoid those nasty whiskers.
Allow me now to share the information I've gleaned from my too-little-and REALLY too- late research:These little bast*rds are among the biggest pests in the ocean. They are called hard head catfish,and have nothing to do with their freshwater cousins. The ugly whiskers are NOT the weapons...THOSE are located in slimy venomous spikes on both the pectoral and dorsal fins...DUH...back by the tail.
Let me attest to the wallop these things pack: what amounted to a 1/4 inch paper cut,sustained THROUGH a glove , bled PROFUSELY for a good 5 minutes,numbing my entire hand,( not enough!)and totally spazzing out my forearm and bicep. I was starting to get a little worried,thinking of the croc hunter and all, so consulted an observer to my little "dance".
"Oh,you'll be fine" he said..."but most guys have thrown up by now"
Monday, March 26, 2012
Update Tampa
Spent 2 weeks at Fort DeSoto,highlighted by getting to see nephew Josh's new house in Tampa,located in the historic Hyde Park neighborhood. Unbelievable for all of us that think Florida architecture is all of one piece...this area, full of beautiful craftsman type housing stock from the 1920's looks like it got moved from West Newton hill...if you could walk to the end of your street in West Newton and be on a sidewalk/promenade that goes for dozens of miles along the bay.
Not sure if it was Gordon's leap from the front porch, or the 41 tennis balls he unearthed from the garage and chased down into the not quite finished swimming pool that put him on the DL...pads worn to a frazzle...but he had the time of his life.
Another highlight was using our "guest room" for our friend Suzanne,who flew in for 5-6 days.
Gave my kayak a workout, and finally caught something edible; about 1/2 dozen spotted sea trout (along with myriad pinfish and yes,another catfish. No men in boats or white hats to rescue me this time.
Also no wackos from Detroit anywhere to be found,thankfully.
Left on a Sat. and took 75 up to Gainesville for a night before heading to the panhandle. Saw as many signs around Ocala for "CAFE RISQUE-WE BARE IT ALL" as for Pedro or JR's in the Carolinas. I trust Wayne Giles will check it out for us from his new house nearby.
Next up: Cape San Blas, St. George's Island, Grayton Beach. Confusion in the Time Space Continuum. Revenge of the Catfish.
Not sure if it was Gordon's leap from the front porch, or the 41 tennis balls he unearthed from the garage and chased down into the not quite finished swimming pool that put him on the DL...pads worn to a frazzle...but he had the time of his life.
Another highlight was using our "guest room" for our friend Suzanne,who flew in for 5-6 days.
Gave my kayak a workout, and finally caught something edible; about 1/2 dozen spotted sea trout (along with myriad pinfish and yes,another catfish. No men in boats or white hats to rescue me this time.
Also no wackos from Detroit anywhere to be found,thankfully.
Left on a Sat. and took 75 up to Gainesville for a night before heading to the panhandle. Saw as many signs around Ocala for "CAFE RISQUE-WE BARE IT ALL" as for Pedro or JR's in the Carolinas. I trust Wayne Giles will check it out for us from his new house nearby.
Next up: Cape San Blas, St. George's Island, Grayton Beach. Confusion in the Time Space Continuum. Revenge of the Catfish.
Response
I have been totally remiss,not taking advantage of perfectly good internet access, in both Fort DeSoto and the Red Roof Gainesville before heading to the wilds of the Panhandle. But I'll catch y'all up now. (Note the southern inflection creeping in)
But first, let me respond to your thoughtful questions.
1. To Steve, who is sure the Man in the White Hat was a Bona Fide Ghost:
Well sure. But You can't be that hard on Chad, or Mouseear guy, whichever it was. Think of it from his perspective. Here comes this woman,virtually naked,skin CHARRED. SMOULDERING. And,under the guise of innocently asking directions,she coyly plays the helpless female card. She's towing a CATFISH for god's sake! You'll have to read on to see how she was punished for that.
2. To Jeanne, who recommends I eschew both white and Camo, in favor of denim:
Well of course you would advise wearing Jean(ne)s.
3. To Nick, who is thinking of getting in on this fun life:
Will be interesting to discuss what kind of "rig" you're thinking of getting. Haven't met one soul who stuck with their first choice. So, one word: USED.
4. To Colleen, camp host at Jonathan Dickinson:
Hope to see you this summer. Hope the fallout from Nature Seeking Man re the dogs,baby, and video game kids was mild. BTW, camp hosts at Fort De Soto work like dogs: 5 hrs/day,4 days/wk,including bathrooms. Mark and I are already booked at JDSP next year from 1/21 through Feb! Thanks for the tips.
But first, let me respond to your thoughtful questions.
1. To Steve, who is sure the Man in the White Hat was a Bona Fide Ghost:
Well sure. But You can't be that hard on Chad, or Mouseear guy, whichever it was. Think of it from his perspective. Here comes this woman,virtually naked,skin CHARRED. SMOULDERING. And,under the guise of innocently asking directions,she coyly plays the helpless female card. She's towing a CATFISH for god's sake! You'll have to read on to see how she was punished for that.
2. To Jeanne, who recommends I eschew both white and Camo, in favor of denim:
Well of course you would advise wearing Jean(ne)s.
3. To Nick, who is thinking of getting in on this fun life:
Will be interesting to discuss what kind of "rig" you're thinking of getting. Haven't met one soul who stuck with their first choice. So, one word: USED.
4. To Colleen, camp host at Jonathan Dickinson:
Hope to see you this summer. Hope the fallout from Nature Seeking Man re the dogs,baby, and video game kids was mild. BTW, camp hosts at Fort De Soto work like dogs: 5 hrs/day,4 days/wk,including bathrooms. Mark and I are already booked at JDSP next year from 1/21 through Feb! Thanks for the tips.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
The Mentalist
Ok, now that I've "mastered" posting on the iPain, I'm trying to remember how I post using the computer. This because I'd really like to post a few pics this time. So here I sit, a healthy draught of Black Box Cabernet in my sippy cup, the inverter merrily draining the Honda battery,( this because our computer battery life is at the 15 minutes and die stage) , photos loaded onto the deskop,and we'll see.
But I digress. Or pre-gress.
Loaded up at in Hobe Sound on Saturday. Despite the TrailManor Video of a Sandy Duncan look-alike blithely closing up the unit with a mere palm's pressure, this is still a 3 hour or so procedure: load truck bed w/chairs,coolers grill etc. Clean shower for linen storage,unmake bed,disassemble fishing poles etc.etc. Then strap Kayak onto truck...you get the idea.
So,we were well pleased to be pulling off of 95 by 12:15,for the 120 mile or so journey across the Florida Cracker Trail to St. Pete.
"You wouldn't want to break down HERE" I said.
"Bite" said Mark. As in my tongue.
Well,no. We were not blesssed to break down THERE,within arm's reach of civilization. Rather,we waited till we'd slid on by Starvation Slough,Soggy Bottom,Troublesome Creek, the place that sold "show pigs" and Reality Ranch before the event occurred.
BLOWOUT!!!
Turns out getting a flat tire on a fold out camper entails opening the trailer,undoing the kayak,emptying the truck bed. All this fun was had in Florida prairie land. As in dust. 95 degrees,with a steady 40 mile an hour breeze which immediately changed both of our ethnic persuasions.
Thinking ahead,I had bought Mark a new Sears Craftsman Compressor for XMas.
Yes,we tested it in Wellfleet.
No,it didn't work (to inflate the spare) in Basinger Florida.
Thinking ahead, Mark had bought himself a new lug wrench for the trip. Turns out, the space saving design doesn't deliver enough torque for weaklings as ourselves.
Seems also that AAA, no matter how "Super Plus" a membership you are paying for doesn't cover trailers. I sigh to think that the "Good Sam" club is in my future.
Turns out the steel belts from the tire ripped out the trailer brakes,cut a hole in our waste pipe,and knocked our "throne" clear off it's feet. Bah,gives Mark something to do while I go fishing directly from our site, and Mason hunts mullet.
But I digress. Or pre-gress.
Loaded up at in Hobe Sound on Saturday. Despite the TrailManor Video of a Sandy Duncan look-alike blithely closing up the unit with a mere palm's pressure, this is still a 3 hour or so procedure: load truck bed w/chairs,coolers grill etc. Clean shower for linen storage,unmake bed,disassemble fishing poles etc.etc. Then strap Kayak onto truck...you get the idea.
So,we were well pleased to be pulling off of 95 by 12:15,for the 120 mile or so journey across the Florida Cracker Trail to St. Pete.
"You wouldn't want to break down HERE" I said.
"Bite" said Mark. As in my tongue.
Well,no. We were not blesssed to break down THERE,within arm's reach of civilization. Rather,we waited till we'd slid on by Starvation Slough,Soggy Bottom,Troublesome Creek, the place that sold "show pigs" and Reality Ranch before the event occurred.
BLOWOUT!!!
Turns out getting a flat tire on a fold out camper entails opening the trailer,undoing the kayak,emptying the truck bed. All this fun was had in Florida prairie land. As in dust. 95 degrees,with a steady 40 mile an hour breeze which immediately changed both of our ethnic persuasions.
Thinking ahead,I had bought Mark a new Sears Craftsman Compressor for XMas.
Yes,we tested it in Wellfleet.
No,it didn't work (to inflate the spare) in Basinger Florida.
Thinking ahead, Mark had bought himself a new lug wrench for the trip. Turns out, the space saving design doesn't deliver enough torque for weaklings as ourselves.
Seems also that AAA, no matter how "Super Plus" a membership you are paying for doesn't cover trailers. I sigh to think that the "Good Sam" club is in my future.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
The Man in the White Hat, Camo Boy, and Others
Finished our 2nd 2 week stint at Jonathan Dickinson SP in Hobe Sound on Sat. As befits our Cowardly Old World approach this year,there was a lot of same old,same old: temps consistently in the 80's,3-4 hours daily at Jupiter Beach,with some kayak fishing thrown in.
JD Park is located on the Loxahatchee River,which is a designated "wild and scenic" river. When my Mom lived down here she was fond of taking people on a boat ride up river to see the lair of the famous Trapper Nelson. Somehow I avoided ever having to do this with her, but my sister likened it to watching paint dry. Actually,floating along in my newly procured kayak, I liked it...ancient cypress trees,manatees,and myriad heronesque birds.
On day 2, after creeping myself out by catching 2 catfish,I decided to head downriver,to where,theoretically,salt water fish might be found. A few miles and 1 more catfish later I was confronted by a fork, and consulted a fellow kayak fisherman. White Kayak,white pants,white gloves,white hat,and weirdest of all,a white thing covering his entire face and neck...no eyeholes. Not sure what I was dealing with there-- albino? But this guy was really making me regret my forgetting to apply sunscreen. Anyway,he assured me either way would do,as the point of land was part of an island. True enough,I suppose,in the way that,say,Manhattan is an island. Long story short,8 miles our so later I found myself in Jupiter Inlet with a sunburn,needing Advil and a drink. Never trust the man in the white hat.
Back at the campground we had our usual assortment of entertaining characters: the 8 member ( plus 4 dogs) Pesci-Stiller family from Jersey,whose kids would stay up til 4 am playing video games; which irritated Nature Seeking Man, who left in a huff and was replaced by grandpa,dad and 5 year old son. Sonny was decked out head to toe in camo,had his own miniature quad,and a machete.The cops came and took the ATV and the machete. He got to keep the Camo.
Mark and David went to the Concours d'Elegance down in Boca Raton. Lots of cars in the quarter million and up class. In it's own way,just as alien as the campground crowd.Fun to watch either way.
JD Park is located on the Loxahatchee River,which is a designated "wild and scenic" river. When my Mom lived down here she was fond of taking people on a boat ride up river to see the lair of the famous Trapper Nelson. Somehow I avoided ever having to do this with her, but my sister likened it to watching paint dry. Actually,floating along in my newly procured kayak, I liked it...ancient cypress trees,manatees,and myriad heronesque birds.
On day 2, after creeping myself out by catching 2 catfish,I decided to head downriver,to where,theoretically,salt water fish might be found. A few miles and 1 more catfish later I was confronted by a fork, and consulted a fellow kayak fisherman. White Kayak,white pants,white gloves,white hat,and weirdest of all,a white thing covering his entire face and neck...no eyeholes. Not sure what I was dealing with there-- albino? But this guy was really making me regret my forgetting to apply sunscreen. Anyway,he assured me either way would do,as the point of land was part of an island. True enough,I suppose,in the way that,say,Manhattan is an island. Long story short,8 miles our so later I found myself in Jupiter Inlet with a sunburn,needing Advil and a drink. Never trust the man in the white hat.
Back at the campground we had our usual assortment of entertaining characters: the 8 member ( plus 4 dogs) Pesci-Stiller family from Jersey,whose kids would stay up til 4 am playing video games; which irritated Nature Seeking Man, who left in a huff and was replaced by grandpa,dad and 5 year old son. Sonny was decked out head to toe in camo,had his own miniature quad,and a machete.The cops came and took the ATV and the machete. He got to keep the Camo.
Mark and David went to the Concours d'Elegance down in Boca Raton. Lots of cars in the quarter million and up class. In it's own way,just as alien as the campground crowd.Fun to watch either way.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
So our 11 nights in St.Augustine is almost up.In our past 3or 4 passes through here,Mark and I have really enjoyed the place. The "city" itself is quite attractive,centering around Flager College,which is housed in a former hotel created in 1887 in the Spanish Renaissance style. Supposedly it was one of the very first buildings in the United States to have electricity,wired up by Flagler's buddy Thomas Edison. And the interior touches,stained glass etc. we're handled by Louis Comfort Tiffany. It would be interesting to see what has survived after more than 40 years serving as a residence hall.
This time through though, we felt inundated by police presence. Not since Venezuela have we seen so many different types of cops: sheriffs,State park Rangers,National Park Rangers,State Cops,and Plain ol Police. Honestly,you can't drive a half mile here without seeing some sort of cruiser. 3 dog off the leash busts so far. I'm beginning to think Gordon's frisbee has some sort of chip in it that alerts them to our location.
Never fear...we will extract our revenge by leaving with a 3 year supply of the super high quality poop bags that are dispensed at every beach ramp.
Also got to endure a "cold snap" 23 degrees,wind chill 16. Made us thankful for the 4 sources of heat in the Manor: Our little plug in buddy, the "low heat" setting on the AC unit, the propane furnace and DOGS! This was timed perfectly of course to enjoy 48 hours of 24/7 WHITNEY on TV.(hey,it beat the church channel,of which there are PLENTY)
Otherwise,we 've spent some time on Vilano Beach,about 5 miles north of here.The town must have been completely wiped out in a hurricane,not too long ago,because it seems to be being totally rebuilt. The beach is coquina....crushed shells,that was used around here to make concrete at one time. Also ate out on "Valentimes",as Gabe used to say ,at a place featuring "Urban Cuisine".Anything but the dreaded Southern "Home Cooking".
Looking forward to our return South (Jupiter,Hobe Sound,Stuart) and then on to Tampa,where we get to see nephew Josh and family. Also on tap in Tampa is the arrival of the ever brave Suzanne Osberg, the only one of youse with the gumption to take us up on our guest tent with Aerobed offer. Airport pickup too! Come on people....
Lastly,thanks for the comments...don't forget to check them; wherein specific queries are answered,and you can even find S Beeching's Ring Cycle inspired poem.
Cheers!
PS. Susan Tucker: Florida has 2 more Pelligrino flavours: grapefruit and blood orange. And you thought it was a wasteland. Hah!
This time through though, we felt inundated by police presence. Not since Venezuela have we seen so many different types of cops: sheriffs,State park Rangers,National Park Rangers,State Cops,and Plain ol Police. Honestly,you can't drive a half mile here without seeing some sort of cruiser. 3 dog off the leash busts so far. I'm beginning to think Gordon's frisbee has some sort of chip in it that alerts them to our location.
Never fear...we will extract our revenge by leaving with a 3 year supply of the super high quality poop bags that are dispensed at every beach ramp.
Also got to endure a "cold snap" 23 degrees,wind chill 16. Made us thankful for the 4 sources of heat in the Manor: Our little plug in buddy, the "low heat" setting on the AC unit, the propane furnace and DOGS! This was timed perfectly of course to enjoy 48 hours of 24/7 WHITNEY on TV.(hey,it beat the church channel,of which there are PLENTY)
Otherwise,we 've spent some time on Vilano Beach,about 5 miles north of here.The town must have been completely wiped out in a hurricane,not too long ago,because it seems to be being totally rebuilt. The beach is coquina....crushed shells,that was used around here to make concrete at one time. Also ate out on "Valentimes",as Gabe used to say ,at a place featuring "Urban Cuisine".Anything but the dreaded Southern "Home Cooking".
Looking forward to our return South (Jupiter,Hobe Sound,Stuart) and then on to Tampa,where we get to see nephew Josh and family. Also on tap in Tampa is the arrival of the ever brave Suzanne Osberg, the only one of youse with the gumption to take us up on our guest tent with Aerobed offer. Airport pickup too! Come on people....
Lastly,thanks for the comments...don't forget to check them; wherein specific queries are answered,and you can even find S Beeching's Ring Cycle inspired poem.
Cheers!
PS. Susan Tucker: Florida has 2 more Pelligrino flavours: grapefruit and blood orange. And you thought it was a wasteland. Hah!
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