HAPPY THANKSGIVING! and an Invitation!!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! We hope you have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

You are invited to join our tradition: the ceremonial playing of Arlo Gutherie's classic story/song, "Alice's Restaurant."

Enjoy!

New Feature Enabled!

Greetings and Salutations Dear Readers,

As you might expect, we have a lot for which to be thankful. Among many other blessings, we are very thankful to have the opportunity to travel and spend time in a warm climates. At the top of "thankful list" are our children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors. We thank you for being there for us and wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving! 

On another note, check out the new feature I enabled on this blog. Look at the right hand column of blog options. Just below the "About Us" tab is a new tab labeled, "Follow by Email." If I understand it correctly, if you enter your e-mail address in the space provided, you will received an automated Email to notify you when a new blog entry has been posted. 

If you're so inclined, give it a try! And if you do give it a try, let me know how it works.

Once again, have a great Thanksgiving!

Bill and Anna Marie

HOME!

After yesterday's excitement, we were hoping for an uneventful trip home. That's exactly what we got. We dined at the Elmer Diner for lunch and made it home by 1530.

We unpacked the necessities and will take several days to off load everything from thr 5er. Next week, we,ll work on winterizing the unit and make arrange entrance for a repair and some other maintenance projects

Yikes!

At 0730 hours we departed from Santee State Park. Kiptopeke SP on the eastern shore was our destination. All was going smoothly as we traveled on I-95. Around noon, we stopped for fuel and lunch. As usual, we exited I-95 at Emporia and followed Highway 58 toward Norfolk. As we were braking for a red light in Southampton, the brakes failed. Luckily, there were no cars in front of us and traffic entering the highway hadn't yet started to enter the road. We drifted through the red light, finally stopping about 100 yards past the intersection.

A quick inspection lead to the conclusion that the right front brake line had ruptured. Before I could put the hood down, the sheriff pulled up behind us. He offered to call the repair shop and escort us about two miles to Doug's Auto Repair. We accepted his gracious offer and within two hours a quick repair was completed. We have to get all of the brake lines replaced when we get home.

We made it through the beginning of the Norfolk rush hour loosing about 1/2 hour to the slow going of the heavy volume of traffic. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel was transited in the dark of night, and we finished the days travel a few miles north when we set up in Kiptopeke State Park, about six hours from home.

Inching Closer to Home!

Left NSB at approximately 0630. Drove a little over 400 mile to Santee State Park in SC. At this rate, we'll be home on Wednesday!

The Home Stretch!

Sat 12 - installed both new windows on boat. Also re-wired the solar panel. Sun 13 - Homeward Bound! Stop in New Smyrna Beach to visit the Fritz's.

Catching Up (2)!

Tue 01 - Day 51 Another Day on the Road
Marianna, Florida Caverns State Park

Here's to another day on the road! This time we did another 300+ miles which puts us about 650-675 miles from Houston. This time, we made camp in Florida Caverns State Park, the only state park that has caverns. They give tours, but not on Tuesday or Wednesday.
We took a walk and found the swimming area. It's a small Blue Hole. A sign informs bathers that the maximum occupancy of swimmers is 30! It is really a small swimming hole.
This park offers full hook-ups at a cost of $22.30/night.
After setting up camp, I connected to city water, only to find a leak. About a week ago I replaced the check valve. Some quick work with a wrench and Teflon tape and the leak was stopped. Yesterday I hooked up the electric rod that sits in the water heater. Now we can heat the water with either propane or electric.





Wed 02 - Day 52 Camping with the Henkels
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Even though we are still in the Central Time Zone, we set the clocks to Eastern time last night. We'll cross into the new zone early today. So when we broke camp at 0600, all the other campers had it at 0500. We made sure to be extra quiet!
Our campsite at Paynes Prairie State Preserve was set up shortly after our 1145 arrival.
We did lunch and set off on a 4 mile hike. This park boasts about it's wildlife, including Scrib Cattle, Spanish Horses, and Bison. That's right, Florida was home to American Buffalo before the population was eradicated. In 1985 they reintroduced 10 Bison (imported from Oklahoma). The current herd is estimated to be 70 animals.
Long time friends the Henkels greeted us as we arrived back at the campground. We had a lot of catching up to do. It took most of the evening!



Thu 03 - Day 53 Florida Bison
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

They said our chances of actually seeing the Bison were remote. "the prairie is very dry and the bison are probably trying to find water in some remote area of the 6,000 acre preserve." undaunted, Pat, George, Anna Marie and I set out for a hike on the Cone's Dike trail which leads out into the prairie. Along the way, we saw signs of wild boar, horses and bison. At the 2 1/2 mile mark, we spotted 5 of the wild Spanish horses that live on the preserve.
Figuring the park folks were probably correct about the bison, we turned back. As we were nearing the end (beginning?) of the trail, we saw two shapes off in the distance. Even with the field glasses, we were to far away to say for sure what we were seeing. As we got closer, it was evident that the two animals were bison. As we got even closer, we observed five more bison. If the ranger was correct about the estimated population, we were seeing 10% of the herd!
We climbed the observation tower to get a better look.
Besides the bison, we also saw two Sand Hill Cranes. It was another great wildlife viewing day!
In the evening, we sat around the campfire swapping stories and catching up with Pat and George.



Fri 04 - Day 54 Visiting Friends in Bradenton
Bradenton

Goodbye Pat & George! Greetings Pat and Ray!
Departure from Payne's Prairie Preserve State Park was scheduled for 1000 hours, but everything was secured and ready for travel by 0945. We bid a fond farewell to our long time friends Pat and George and headed out. The days drive was a relatively easy 160 miles.
Pat and Ray are friends we met on our second trip on the ICW. Readers might better know then from the M/V Reflection and stories about the flock. It was Pat who gave that moniker to the group.
They have gone back to being landlubbers after a stint on the RV circuit. They have a lovely home in Bradenton and offered to put us up for a night or two.
After a tour of the house and sharing stories they gave us an auto tour of their environs. One of the highlights was the Twin Dolphins Marina where they spent a few months aboard Reflection.
Even though it was very windy and a tad chilly, we enjoyed seeing the posts and beaches on Anna Maria Island.
The meal (ribs all around) at Mr. Bones was great. We capped off the evening with a game of dominoes before hitting the sack.




Sat 05 - Day 55 Big Cypress National Preserve
Big Cypress National Preserve

What a great time visiting Patty and Ray. Thanks so much for your hospitality! We hope to see you in the Spring.
By 1000 hours, we were on the road, thinking our destination might be a campground in the Everglades. As it got near 1500 hours, we decided to stop at Midland Campground in Big Cypress National Wilderness Preserve. Big Cypress is adjacent to the Everglades. The campground has paved sites with electric for the princely sum of $10.00.
pat and Ray suggested that we stop at Clyde Butcher's Gallery. Luckily, it is about 1 mile west of the campground on the Tamiami Trail (highway 41). We selected our site, set up, unhitched, and promptly headed off to see the Gallery. It is fantastic! Thanks for the tip Patty and Ray. We even had the opportunity to walk the swamp trail. Unfortunately the photo tip swamp walk is only offered on Saturdays during this time of year.



Sun 06 - Day 56 Long Key State Park
Long Key State Park

On the road at 0800 after "falling back" 1 hour at 0200. After a quick stop for odds and ends at the Homestead Walmart, which has finally rid itself the several derelict RVs and which has posted "No Overnight Parking" signs, we made it to Long Key State Park on Rattlesnake Key. We were pleasantly surprised to find a campsite as this is a very popular campground. We tried to reserve a site through CampAmerica Reservations but there were no sites available. We later read that the park is closed for renovations. Apparently some sites are available unless they are being repaired.
After unhitching, we drove into Marathon to have a look around and to inspect the boat.
Tomorrow, we'll begin what we anticipate will be several days of bait cleaning and prep work.

Mon 07 - Day 57 Transmission Leak
Long Key State Park!

Truck transmission is dripping fluid. 

On the boat, two portlights in the galley leaked. The sealant has failed and there are cracks at most of the screw holes. We'll remove them and get All Keys Glass the cut and drill new ones.

Tue 08 - Day 58 9 Quarts!

Checked transmission fluid. Added 9 quarts. By the end of the day, the drip became a steady stream. Made appointment to take it to a tranny specialist in Big Pine Key.

Made arrangements for bottom painting, waxing and gelcoat cockpit repairs for boat.

Removed portlights and took them to All Keys Glass.


Wed 09 - Day 59 Converter Gasket!
Mechanic thinks the converter seal is blown. Must remove tranny. Converter seal not in stock. Will take everything apart so it's ready for new gasket tomorrow.

Work on boat continues. Installed tramps, cleaning.


Thru 10 - Day 60 Truck Repaired!

At the bus stop by 7:10. Bus passes us by at 7:15, at least 20 minutes early!

Park Manager lends us her car for the day.

Rebuilt marine head and did more boat work.

Picked up truck at 1630 hours. New converter seal and two new universal joints. No leaks and truck running and shifting well. Repair seems a success. Ron, the mechanic broke the mirror off the passenger door.


Fri 11 -Day 61 Pick Up Generator

Truck and tranny working well!

Earlier in the week we asked Eric (Shoreline) to replace the pull chord in the generator. We picked it up today. After inquiring about getting the mirror from the truck repaired, Eric went right to work on it. It didn't go as quickly as expected, so we told him we'd be back in the morning.

Back at the boat, we prepped for reinstallation of windows, which we picked up late in the day. We install both tomorrow.

Lunch at Burdines, dinner at Sparky's!

Laundry done. Talked to Fritz's. Joe is healing and they're on the road as we speak!

Invited us to stop by on the way home.

Catching Up (1)!

Fri 21 - Day 40 8 Miles on Foot
Bennett Spring State Park

Well it's been a week since our last really good hike. We decided to do the 7.7 mile Natural Tunnel Trail. The moderately strenuous rating amused us. The Crater Lake trail at Maroon Bells was also rated as moderately strenuous. That trail starts out at something over 10,000 feet and goes higher. The Tunnel trail starts out at about 300 feet and ends up at about the same elevation. There are a few steep hills between the beginning and end.
We got a workout to be sure. Sections of the trail are covered with loose rock making footing treacherous. In these sections, we moved slowly and made sure or footing was solid.
We finished the walk in just under 4 1/2 hours.
Back at the campsite, we grilled a couple of chops over the open fire after which we sat around the campfire and toasted marshmallows.
The rest of the evening was spent chilling.



Sat 22 - Day 41 Hot Air!
Ozark, Branson

Greetings Jeff, Maureen, Macy and Teagan! That's right, we're visiting family here in MO for a few days.
Our first objective was to meet the kids, but they were taking a nap. No problem, we'll get to know the family pets, two cats (Seraphina and ) and Kyle. After sizing us up, Kyle ran into the garage to get a ball. Apparently he wanted to play catch. Anna Maria obliged him by throwing the ball here, there and everywhere. They played for what seemed like 1/2 hour when Anna Marie speculated that Kyle would soon tire. Jeff and Maureen assured her that he'd continue playing even if the pads on his feet started to bleed. "He never quits," they offered. After another ten minutes, we thought it time to end the game. Maureen took the ball and hid it in the garage. After a few minutes, Kyle went to the garage and brought out another ball. He wanted to continue playing. Maureen confiscated this ball and hid it. All the while, Kyle kept an eye on Maureen to see where she was putting the ball.
By then, the kids were up and we got to talk with them as they became comfortable with their new guests, they got more chatty. We found them to be charming and delightful.
Jeff fired up the Big Green Egg and expertly BBQ'd a tri-tip. A great meal to be sure.
Following our repast, we piled into the car and headed out to Branson Creek for the evening portion of the Balloons over Branson Creek Day. As evening approached, hot air balloons were inflated. By the time it was dark, 14 gallons were ready to participate in the "fire off." the PA announcer lead the crowd in a countdown. At zero, each balloon pilot fired up and the gallons literally glowed. After another countdown, the pilot randomly fired and the balloons "flickered." What a sight! It was great a great evening.
Once home, the kids went to bed and the adults played Mexican Train.
After that, it was bedtime for everyone.



Sun 23 - Day 42 Fish Hatchery & Mini Golf
Ozark, Branson

Today, we accompanied Jeff and his family to the fish hatchery at Table Rock Lake. Tens of thousands of rainbow trout are raised for release into local waters.
Trout fishing is huge in MO., wich supports five such hatcheries throughout the state.
Amazingly, trout are not indigenous to MO waters so they must be raised and released. Fly tackle is most commonly used to catch them.
After our hatchery tour, we made our way to a mini golf facility in Branson. The kids had a great time and Jeff won a free game. Teagan, 3 years old, is very independent and wouldn't accept any help. She played all 18 holes herself!
Jeff made another sumptuous meal, pork chops, on the Big Green Egg.



Mon 24 - Day 43 Bass Pro Shop
Springfield, Ozark

We were up in time to go with Jeff and Maureen as they took Teagan to school. We left shortly after Macey's ride to school arrived.
After dropping off Teagan, we went to the Springfield Bass Pro Store. This is corporate HQ and the largest Bass Pro in the world. It is huge! We walked around looking at the displays and aquariums.
Jeff then took us on a tour of his Plasma Center. It is quite an operation. We haven't seen anything like it.



Tue 25 - Day 44 Leaving Ozark
Ozark, Wright Patman Lake

Sadly, it is time to push on and leave Ozark, MO. We had a wonderful visit with nephew Jeffrey, Maureen, and their kids, Macy and Teagan. Just getting to know the girls was a blast. We wished we could have stayed longer.

By the time we reprovisioned at WalMart, it was 0900, a late start when you have to cover almost 400 miles. We chose to drive Scenic 7 in Arkansas. Surely all the twists and turns added an hour or more to the drive. we stopped for lunch at the Cliffside Inn and had a great view of the "Arkansas Grand Canyon." Suffice it to say that it's not so grand. Pennsylvania's is much better, and that's only a shadow of the real thing!
Our goal was to get more than half way to Houston. We camped at the Wright Patman Lake, a Corps of Engineers facility for $8.00/night with water and electric.
Wright Patman Lake is located in the beautiful piney woods of northeast Texas. The lake includes about 30,000 surface acres of water and 50,000 acres of land. Numerous recreational opportunities are available including camping, boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, hunting, and wildlife viewing including wintering bald eagles, pelicans, and various migratory ducks. Local attractions include numerous festivals. Nearby Texarkana has numerous museums and points of interest including historic buildings and memorials, but we didn't take the time to see them. We're going to play with the Texas kids this week!



Wed 26 - Day 45 On the Road Again


5 1/2 hours on the road to Houston. There are some crazy turns on Highway 59, but the road was mostly four lanes with a 70 mph speed limit.
When we arrived, the twins were there and ready to play games. That we did!
Later in the day, all the kids showed up. The noise made us feel right at home.



Thu 27 - Day 46 Atascocita Eagles Marching Band
Humble

Visiting sister, nieces and nephew continues. Ran some errands, replaced some light bulbs and repaired a striker plate for Marje.
In the evening we went to a high school football game. Our purpose was to see the band march at half time. One of the kids is in the band.
It's an award winning military marching band and they were spectacular. It rained during their performance, but that didn't seem to bother anyone.
It was a most enjoyable evening.



Fri 28 - Day 47 Playing with the Kids
Humble

Another day of playing with the kid!
Yesterday, we found a fuel leak while getting an oil change for the truck. Our mission today was to find a repair shop that could stop it, after my attempts failed.
As luck would have it, we found a great mechanic who was able to diagnose the problem and get the part delivered in about ten minutes.
The part was pricey, but the labor was very reasonable. What's best is that the service was great and the people were pleasant and very helpful. It's hard to imagine, but we had a great experience at the repair shop!
We had dinner out with most of the kids, two nieces and sister and dessert at one Renie's home. What a great time.
The guitar was delivered while we were out, so I put it through it's paces before hitting the sack.
First impressions:
Nice bottom end. I like deep, booming bass tones and this guitar seem to have them.
Decent treble as well.
The action is very good. It's easy to finger and hold, although fingering seems a bit sluggish. The good news is that there are no buzzes on any of the strings or frets.
Fit and finish are very good too. It looks like a much more expensive instrument.
Others have knocked the precision of the tuning pegs. So far, I don't see a problem. They turn smoothly and hold their position.
This guitar has also been criticized for not having precision in the fret placement. My first impression is that the harmonics are right on. The frets could be smoother or perhaps lower. I would expect them to "polish" with use.
Fingering seems sluggish. I'm not sure if it's related to the frets or the type of strings or both. Time will tell. If it doesn't start to feel faster in a few weeks, I'll change the strings.




Sat 29 - Day 48 Dinner at Jen's
Humble

Took a trip to the local music store and Guitar Center. Scoped out the least expensive diesel fuel stations for tomorrow's fill up.
Walked to Jenny's house, 2.6 miles round trip. Had a great dinner and fun with the kids (again)! Thanks, Jen!



Sun 30 - Day 49 Dinner and a Football Game
Humble

Our only two errands were to do a little provisioning for the next leg of our journey and to fill the truck with fuel. We accomplished both jobs at the local WalMart.
We had some time to play with the kids but by mid-afternoon it was time to bid farewell to both nieces and their kids. We had a wonderful visit with all of them.
We were invited to Chuck's for dinner and the Eagles football game. The dinner was spectacular and the Eagles trounced the team from Dallas. Thanks, Chuck!




Mon 31 - Day 50 Fairview Riverside State Park
Fairview Riverside State Park

Goodbye Marje! What a blast we had in Houston. Lots of fun and food. Too much food, in fact. It was hard to say goodbye, but we pulled ourselves away and headed east along I-10. We made it as far as Madisonville, LA, where we camped at Fairview Riverside State Park (water & electric for $22.00).
This is a beautiful park; well maintained, clean, large sites and on the Tchefuncte River.
We had enough time to take a walk in the park (watch for Alligators) and cook on their grill before dark. As the sun set, the mosquitoes came out in force. We walked around the campground. As long as we stayed on the blacktop, we were safe.
In the evening hours, we planned tomorrow's route and destination before hitting the sack.
NOTE: We had an accident with the trailer today. As we were pulling out of Marje's driveway, the trailer detached from the hitch and landed on the truck. It appears that there was little damage. Some of the aluminum siding got dented and gouged when it hit the trick. We'll have to look at getting it repaired sometime.