Great Day in the St. Mary's Area!

Ken and I felt very fortunate that the storms they predicted for this area of Georgia never happened.  They expected severe thunderstorms with heavy downpours and even hail.  Somehow, it managed to miss us - hallelujah! 

When we woke and listened to the news we realized that is what they were experiencing in the Tampa area that we LEFT around lunchtime yesterday - another hallelujah!  We had a leisure morning and around 10:00 got on our bikes to ride around Crooked River SP and do some hiking.  

This is a beautiful park with many trails and amazing "cabins" that are rented. They look like nice sized homes. 

These are considered "cabins"!

We parked our bikes and walked the Sempervirens Trail and two "off chutes" called the River Trail and the Nature Trail probably walking about 2 miles.

This was a beautiful trail!

Loved this stump.  Looks like the profile of a face!

On the bird watching boardwalk we could observe the marsh area -

This seat gave me a great view of the marsh!

We saw some interesting "critters" along the way.....

Rather colorful!

When this 1st crossed my path I thought it was a baby snake!
Looked like a slug, but I am not sure what it is! 

This is a different one with more color!

This gopher tortoise looks like he spent a lot of time\
digging in the sand!

This guy is rather photogenic!

and some pretty flowers -

On the way back to Waldo we saw a Snowy Egret and a Great White Heron -

The snowy egret in the back is identified by his orange legs!

We ate lunch outside at Waldo and then stopped at the Park Office and had a nice conversation with a volunteer who is a full-time RVer.  She was very interesting.  

Then we drove about 15 minutes to St. Mary's.  At one time this would have been a thriving fishing village, but now it seems rather deserted and businesses have trouble surviving.  From St. Mary's you can take a ferry to Cumberland Island National Seashore.  Because of all the things to do in this area we will probably not do that adventure - hopefully another time! 

We walked around the area enjoying the beautiful park area along the water ....

What a beautiful place to swing!

This fountain is in the center of the park in downtown
St Mary's

and a couple more interesting creatures -

Another leaping lizard!

He looks like he is suspended on the tree!

Then we checked out this tall ship that was built in Brazil in 1980, then brought to Savannah to be finished, and bought by 12 Tribes 8 years later.  Currently you can tour it for free on the weekends but it is also For Sale.  It really is a beautiful sailing vessel.

It is hard to tell, but the colors of this boat are beautiful - dark
navy and then lots of gorgeous dark wood!  Impressive!

We also enjoyed watching these fiddler crabs...

These little critters scurry sideways across the mud flaps.  They
can burrow up to 23 inches deep into the sand and mud to escape
predators.  Male fiddler crabs have one large claw which they move
up and down to attract the females and to intimidate potential
male competitors!  Wow!

On to Wal-Mart and then back to the CG.  Ken grilled as it was a beautiful evening with lots of sunshine and in the 80's. After dinner we took a short walk to the water at the back of the CG and the sky was a brilliant orange and the sun ready to set.  It was gorgeous.  Unfortunately, Ken only had his cell phone to take pictures, but I still think the pictures are spectacular!

We met a couple from North Carolina while watching the sunset and we shared some places to camp and tour with each other.  What's not to like in this area???? 

Now the Actual Camping Trip Begins!

Ken and I only got out of bed around 7:45 after a good night's sleep.  We got everything inside Waldo in place and secured for our move to Georgia.  We drove over to the cafe at Lazydays for our free breakfast, stopping 1st at Sam's office to see if they had a water pump in stock.  She said she was sure they did, but was waiting to hear from the supply center.  Also, she was going to check with Winnebago to see if they would cover the water pump under the original warranty since we have had this problem the 1st year and no one could find the cause.

After breakfast we checked out the new Camping Store at Lazydays and got to talk with Josh who works for Thousand Trails at Lazydays.  He has helped us and many of our friends over the years buying zone passes and making reservations at many campgrounds at special prices.  We had a nice visit.  Then Ken and I looked at some more RV's before I went to a seminar on cooking in convection ovens by the main chef at Lazydays.  The hour class was helpful and informative.  I may get up my courage to actually bake something in Waldo's oven.

After the class, I walked back to the CG and Ken had the car hooked up and was ready to leave.  He told me that Sam and a technician had come over to the CG while we were at the camp store and a new water pump was installed.  She called to tell Ken it was all fixed and ready to go, so Ken asked if Winnebago was willing to pay for it under the warranty.  She said she didn't call them but there was no bill.  Lazydays picked up the tab!  Wow!  We can only say good things for the work they did for us and the wonderful advocate Sam is for Ken and I.  She is amazing!

We were on our way to Crooked River State Park at Exit 1 in Georgia by 12:30, arriving there around 5:30.  The drive went well and I was able to talk with my mother.  Dad and she are doing well.  We are thrilled with the State Park and the large, level and very private sites that include water and electric.  We were set-up relatively quickly.  I did take time to vacuum and wash the new flooring.

Salads for dinner and we watched some TV.  The park normally has cable TV but it was struck by lightning and will not be up and running for a few more weeks.  We can get a few local channels, but I won't be able to watch The Voice!  Oh no!

Ken did some planning for the 4 days we are here - Fernandino Beach, Cumberland Island, Jekyll Island, etc.  It will be a fun-filled, busy adventure.  I worked on this post.  They are predicting some strong thunderstorms this evening with high winds, heavy rains, and maybe some hail.  We are hoping they are WRONG!!!!!

Sorry there are no photos, but be prepared, that will change very quickly as we start exploring the area!

Lots Happened at Lazydays Today!

Ken and I were up around 6:30 in the work bay at Lazydays.  Decided we better get up, shower, and be ready early for we didn't know what time the workers would start arriving.  Well, we didn't need to get up that early, since they only start at 8.

We walked up to met with Sam, our service advisor, by 8:15.  We began by thanking her for all she has done and then telling her what things still needed to be addressed - the disconnected light in the basement compartment, the uneven slide, and a cord that was exposed near the slide.  She said no problem someone will come to Waldo very soon to correct the problems. 

So we headed across the street to Bob Evans to share a delicious breakfast.  When we returned to Waldo,  Joe, who had done most of the work on Waldo, came to talk with us about our concerns and what he could do.  He alone had spent about 60 hours getting Waldo ready for the installation of the new floor, and then putting everything back together after the flooring was completed. He had to remove both of our large slides which is a major feat.  They really did a great job.  He reconnected the light and worked with a "slide guy" to get everything properly working. 

We left to go to Wal-Mart and Costco, for our refrigerator and freezer were very bare!  Fortunately both of the stores are close to Lazydays.  When we got back Waldo was no longer in the work bay.  So, we stopped to see Sam and she told us they had completed all the repairs and Waldo was out front and ready to go the the campground.  Yes!  

We put the food we had bought in the freezer and frig and then went to Lazydays cafe for our free lunch.  When you camp here you get a free breakfast and lunch for each day you are here and the food and choices are good.  Then we headed over to the campground and set-up.  Everything was working well, but around 2:30 we discovered that the water holding tank was now 1/3 full.  Normally that would be frustrating, but we can never get that to happen when we are here, so they can't fix the problem.  Another call to Sam and she came over to our campsite with a technician and they were able to finally find what was causing the problem.  We need a new water pump because it allows water to flow into the holding tank when we are hooked to city water.  Hallelujah it can finally be FIXED!  Hopefully they have 1 in stock and it can be replaced tomorrow morning before we leave.

Ken and I took a walk to the clubhouse and we played 3 games of cornhole and I won the tie breaker!  Yes!  Then we walked over to check out some of the new motorhomes and I must say that Waldo is still our favorite floorplan in his size and price range.  That's a good thing!!!!

We were back at 6:30 so Ken could watch the news.  Cindy called while we were walking and we talked about a 1/2 hour.  We had a nice chat.  She is having foot surgery on Thursday morning so please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.  She can't put any weight on it for 6 weeks, so her recovery will be rather challenging!

We made salads for dinner and were just about ready to eat when a young couple pulled in beside us with a brand new trailer.  They had just bought it and had never camped.  I could tell they felt lost and frustrated.  Ken tried to help them get unhitched, but it didn't seem to be working properly.  So another camper who had a pull along trailer stopped by and with everyone working together, we were able to get them set-up.  They have only been married 4 months and we hope they can "survive" all these new things in their lives.  I think they felt overwhelmed.

After eating our salads, we watched The Voice.  There are so many good singers in this year's competition.  Ken went to bed by 9:15 with a very sore throat, hardly able to talk, and so congested.  It started last evening and today was a rough day for him.  I certainly hope he feels better tomorrow.

Florida Here We Come!

Friday was a day of preparation for our trip to Florida.  After leaving the apartment at 6:30 to have breakfast with the Curvettes, I did a few errands and then we spent the majority of the day packing things for Florida.  Amazing how long it takes to get everything ready.

Ken loaded the car with most of the things while I cleaned the apartment.  He did the vacuuming because it is rather hard on my back, but I don't have trouble getting on my knees and washing the floors.  Noela called to wish us a safe and fun trip.  Good to talk to her again.

Ken and I went to 10,000 Villages in Ephrata where one of our favorite groups was playing for the evening - The Chestnuts.  2 of the guys in the group, Tom and Steve, played football with Ken in high school and Tom actually graduated with us.  We were with Fred, Doloris, Kathy, and Sam and it was a fun and entertaining evening!  While we were there my sister, Cindy, called to wish us a safe and good trip.  Thanks! When The Chestnuts finished playing around 8:30, Fred and Doloris invited us back to their house to chat and play cards.  More fun, even though the men won big time! 

Saturday morning Ken finished loading the car while I worked inside.  I must say the apartment was so organized and cleaned up when we left and we realize how few extras we have.  If the girls had to go through our things I think they would actually be impressed with how we have downsized.  We left at 8:00 to go to a Hosler cousin breakfast at a church in Lancaster.  So good to see folks we only see occasionally.   One of Ken's cousins did a small presentation on Ken's dad who was a Seafaring Cowboy following WWII.  He went on a military ship loaded with cattle to take to devastated Germany in areas that were severely bombed.  What a legacy! 

Ken and I left there at 10:45 and began our trip to Tampa, Florida.  Traffic was good going south, but slow and at a stand still many times in the northbound lanes on I-95.  We made several quick stops and at a Subway for lunch.  At 7:45 we checked into a motel at Exit 160 in South Carolina.  Percy and Willies was next door, so we walked there for a delicious light dinner.   Lights out by 10:15 after driving 520 miles.  We enjoyed the warmer temperatures - it never got below 65 degrees during the night!

We were up by 5:30, showered, loaded the car, ate breakfast at the hotel, and were on our way by 6:45 - a bit earlier than we had planned.  Again, the traffic southbound was relatively light and it was sunny and warm.  We made a few stops for gas and potty breaks but the best stop was at Sweet Tomato at Exit 68 on I-4 near Orlando.  Love that place.  Of course we ate too much, but it was so delicious and only $9.99 each including a hot and cold beverage and all you could eat - WOW!

Great salad place, plus homemade soups, breads, pasta, potatoes,
and delicious brownies and ice cream!  We were "fairly" good!

We also made a stop at Parkesdale Farmers Market to get some fruits and veggies, but not a strawberry sundae, their speciality.  We were too full from Sweet Tomato. 

We arrived at Lazydays at 4:30 and the "fun" began.  Waldo was in the work bay but he was waiting for us - slides out, refrigerator and air on (it was 90 degrees), and looking good.  I am pleased to announce that we like the new flooring. We spent a lot of time unloading the car and finding a place for all the things we brought with us.  It can be a challenge.  By the time we were finished, we were so tired.  We decided a walk would be a good thing.  When we got to the clubhouse at the CG they had ping pong tables, so we enjoyed playing one game which Ken won!  Then they had corn hole set-up and we played 2 games - Ken won both of them, but the 2nd one went "down to the wire".  After about 7,000 steps we got back to Waldo and relaxed watching some TV while I did this post.

It is now 9:30 and time for bed.  Both of us are ready for a good night's sleep!We are so excited to be back in Waldo and in Florida!  Not sure we have the best campsite but it's Free!  Well, we haven't gotten the repair bill, so maybe it isn't quite FREE!

Where is the Warm Weather?

Okay, it is about time for Spring to show its face!  It has been way too cool, cloudy, and now rainy!

Wednesday was a day spent with my parents.  It was cloudy and very cool when Ken drove me to Masonic Homes, after stopping at Subway to get Mom and Dad lunch.  He went back home while Cindy and I spent the morning taking the winter clothes our of Mom's closet, packing them in boxes and then putting her spring wardrobe in the closet.  The 3 of us had a good time working together.

We finished around 11:30 when Dad came to visit us.  Cindy left and Mom, Dad and I enjoyed our subs.  After some texting, I discovered that Neil and Nancy Savage were in her father's room here at Masonic Homes.  So I headed to his room to be a supportive friend since her father is in the final stage of his life. Nancy's family is with their father almost round the clock.  What a hard time for all of them.  

I went back to my parents and when Ken arrived the 4 of us spent the afternoon playing 3 games of Pinochle.  The men won 2 of the 3 games.  I appreciated that Neil and Nancy stopped by to meet my parents.  I realize how blessed I am to have parents that are relatively healthy and of very sound mind.  We had a fun afternoon and Ken and I were back home by 5:15.

By 6:30 we at Jamie's house with ice cream from Dairy Queen for their family. They were just finishing dinner, so we sat with them and had a nice time chatting with Jamie, Dane and the girls.  We left by 8 when Bria and Cali were going to bed.  It was a nice visit.

We watched some TV while I did some work on our budget program.

Today, Thursday, was another cloudy, rainy, and "raw" day.  Ken had breakfast with Gary and I spent most of the morning doing laundry and packing food, etc. for our trip back to Florida.  When Ken returned he loaded our bikes, grill, etc. in the car.  Then he did some work on the computer.  I did some clean-up around the house and by 3 we were on our way to Lanie's house, about 45 minutes from Lititz.  

We spent time playing with Samantha and Katelyn and chatting with Lanie until Bob got home from work.  Then all of us went to a local Pizzeria for dinner.  Bob went back home to pack for his trip this weekend to North Carolina for a Kubb tournament.  Lanie, Samantha, Katelyn, Ken and I went to a nearby McDonald's for ice cream and to play games on their computers.  We had a great time.

Back to Lititz by 8:00 and we watched TV and I worked on the blog.  I can't believe we leave on Saturday to go back to Florida to get Waldo and then take a slow trip back home enjoying some of the places we usually don't stop to visit - Jekyll, Charleston, and the Outer Banks.  It will be a fun adventure!

Monday and Tuesday In Lititz!

Monday morning, Ken was up earlier than me but encouraged me to "sleep in" - YES!!  I got up around 8:15 and we sat in the LR drinking tea and chai while discussing what each of us did the last several days!  Ken enjoyed having some time to do his thing and I had fun with my special friends who are so supportive and have added so much to my life over the last 10 or so years!

After breakfast we loaded our bikes and drove to near Columbia to ride the Enola Low Grade Bike Trail.  It is a 5 1/2 mile trail that follows along the Susquehanna River ending at the Safe Harbor Dam.  There were some small falls along the wide and well maintained trail.  It was in the 70's with plenty of sunshine, a perfect day for a bike ride!  After riding 11 miles, we headed back home!

The parking lot at the head of the trail!

It follows the railroad track and the river!

A beautiful trail along the Susquehanna!

Bag worm sacks on the trees!

They are so dense you can't see the inside!  They are killing
the trees!

The 1st little waterfalls we passed!

Looking down on the Safe Harbor Dam!

This is a great view of Safe Harbor!

A really beautiful trail!

Even some small waterfalls!

This buzzard is resting and drying his wings.  Looks like what
the anhingas do in Florida!

We had a light lunch around 2:30 and then I went to a local lab to have my blood work and EKG for the minor surgery I will have on May 25 when we return from our trip to Florida!

After dinner, Ken went to Celebrate Recovery and I made some more cards.  I had gotten some new die-cuts that I had ordered and I was so excited to try them while watching The Voice. 

Today, Tuesday, Ken had breakfast with one of the leaders at Celebration Recovery while I enjoyed time with his sister, Priscilla.  She got a tour of our apartment and then we went to breakfast where we sat and chatted for over 2 hours.  So good to spend some time with her.  We don't get to be together very often and I miss sharing with her.

Around noon, Ken and I went for a long walk (it was in the 70's and very sunny) and then he worked at his desk while I made a few additional cards.  I just can't get enough of this "creative time".  Jamie called to ask about my weekend away and we had a nice chat.  

I spent a lot of time late afternoon and evening working on this blog.  Also had a phone conversation with Melissa.  When they went to bed on Saturday night she smelled something burning, so Chuck went outside and disconnected all the electric.  They discovered that the wires were blackened in the circuit box above their bed.  Fortunately they were there and awake when it happened.  Using the battery system, they could get the slides in and drive it on Sunday morning to an RV dealer right down the road.  That dealership had a special sale that day, so they were open.  They sold 17 RV's this weekend, so they are not sure how quickly they can repair Chuck and Melissa's motorhome.  They had to unload their refrigerator and freezer and take clothes and other belongs to her mother's condo(she lives about 10 minutes from the CG) where they will stay until their home is repaired.  We are just thankful they are safe and their motorhome did not burn!

We watched The Voice and a show on the National Parks.  It has been a relaxing day.  Sometime this week we will have to take time to pack for our departure on Saturday to Florida to pick up Waldo and slowly head back home.  Sounds exciting! 

Watkins Glen, New York with my Curvette Ladies!

Friday morning Ken was up at 4 and did some reading.  I woke to the 4:30 alarm so I would be ready when Polly arrived at 5:30 to pick me up for our adventure!  I thought Ken was up because he wanted to see and talk to me before I left for several days and he would really miss me!  Actually he thought he should carry my dufflebag and bags with food to the car!

The 7 of us ladies met in Akron at Linda's house and were on our way in 2 cars for the 4 1/2 hour drive.   After 2 hours of driving we stopped at Kitchen Cupboard near Bucknell College for breakfast and then enjoyed checking out their huge gift shop and bakery!

We arrived at the small house where we would be staying around noon, unloaded, chose our bedrooms, unpacked, and then had snack type food for lunch.  We were within 2 blocks of downtown Watkins Glen so we walked there and had our 1st view of Lake Seneca.  Back to the house to chat and then we drove downtown for dinner at Nickel's Barbeque because it was really raining! We had a delicious dinner, returning to the house to change to our PJ's and play games.  Most of us were up until 10:30.

We have a bunch of "early risers" in our group, so sleeping in was not an option. Also, there was only 1 small bathroom, so we needed to get up early for everyone to have their "turn".  I am not used to getting up at 5:15 (I am retired), but I was a "sport" and was the 2nd one in the bathroom!

After a delicious breakfast of lots of fresh fruit and homemade baked blueberry oatmeal (thanks, Nancy) we all got into Marcia's van and drove to Skaneateles, New York, which is a quaint town with many unique shops and nice eateries. We enjoyed going through the shops and then having a delicious lunch at the Blue Water Grill where we had a nice lake view.  The favorite meal was the shrimp and scallop enchiladas.  This none fish eater loved the flatbread margarita pizza.

Then it was time to check out some wineries.  We stopped at 3 Brothers to see how each of them marketed their specific wines (their dad had given each of them money to start up their own "operation" and their styles are so different). Then on to 1 of Nancy's favorites, Knap Winery, where Matt, a gentleman probably in his early 80's with an adorable smile and grin, and a rhyme for each wine, was our "leader" for the wine tasting.  What fun!  From there we went to Goosewatch Winery just to enjoy the spectacular view.  We arrived at Hazelit winery at 4:45 (they were about ready to close and very full), so only Marcia and Shirley did the tasting.

Our 1st view of Cayuga Lake!

The tower at Goosewatch Winery!

Back to the house by 6 after buying ice cream to have with the apple crisp I had brought.  We had a late lunch, so none of us were extremely hungry.  We spent the evening playing games and 5 Crowns seemed to be the favorite.  Since I tend to be extremely competitive, some of them were happy that I came in last! Really????  It was a fun day and by 11 we headed to bed.  It was a rather chilly day with temperatures only in the upper 50's and rather windy!

Everyone was up early again on Sunday - I was dressed and ready by 5:45. What is that about???  We had an egg and bacon breakfast and were on our way to Taughannock Falls State Park by 9:30.  Marcia was a great tour guide, driving us to the overlook at the top of the falls 1st, and then hiking the 3/4 mile path that lead back to the falls from a different area in the Park.  It was a beautiful walk but again rather chilly!  Yes, Polly, it was cool!

From there we drove through Ithaca to Robert Treman State Park.  We did get to see a small falls there, but unfortunately the trail to the gorge was closed.  It is one of my favorite hikes in that area.  By then it was 1:30 and these gals were hungry.  We headed to a winery near Watkins Glen known for good food, but the cafe only opened on May 1st.  So we drove to downtown Watkins Glen and enjoyed a wonderful lunch at the Marina Bar and Grille.  4 of us got quesadillas and they were delicious.

Back to the house by 3:30 and Nancy, Linda, Deb and I packed the car to head home, the other 3 were staying until tomorrow morning.  We were on our way by 4, but made a quick stop at Montour to check out the town waterfalls.  There was a "hippie" type wedding ceremony at the base of the falls.  We only stopped 1 time for gas and arrived back home by 8:30.  ( I will have some additional photos from Nancy to post in the near future!)

This is the beautiful falls at Montour
and if you look closely you can see the
bride and groom who got married while
we were there!  Pizza was delivered
as soon as the ceremony ended and it
was the minister's 1st wedding!