Ken and I were up at 7:30, showered, and got ready for our day. Ken made us omelettes and a fresh fruit plate while I finished getting ready. At 9 we went over to Chuck and Melissa's to eat breakfast together on their picnic table. It was another absolutely beautiful, warm morning. These days just couldn't be any better weather wise!
After cleaning up, we got together at Waldo so we could sit in the sunshine and chat. At 11, we decided we should be on our way to our next location, Royal Coachman Resort, a long drive (about 23 miles away)! We decided not to hitch the cars, so I took the lead, then Ken in the motorhome, followed by Melissa in their car, and then Chuck in their motorhome. We looked like a mini caravan. We were on our adjoining sites in Royal Coachman by 12:30 and took about the next 1 1/2 hours to get completely set-up. This is one of Ken and my favorite areas and we are so anxious to share it with Chuck and Melissa.
We were very hungry by the time we were all settled in and we each had a code for a free pulled pork sandwich at Sonny's which had to be used by tomorrow. So, what are 4 hungry people to do but head out to the nearest Sonny's for lunch - another great Sonny's experience.
We took them on a drive-by of Nokomis Beach and then the scenic tour of Casey Key Road. The houses and setting in that area are amazing! Melissa had gotten the address of one of the large homes and it is valued at 15.5 Million - Imagine! Ken and I have been on that road many times by car and bike, and I still enjoy and get totally fascinated everytime we go there. Then on to Sport's Authority and another great moment for Chuck and Melissa - they purchased their 1st pickleball paddles! Look out world - here they come! Then a tour of Total Wine, an amazing liquor store that has more wines, liquors, and beers that you will probably ever see at one place!
More groceries were needed so another trip to Wal-Mart was required! Back to Waldo by 5:45.
I deboned the chicken and made us small salads for dinner. The 4 of us ate on the picnic table at Waldo. Then we played Pinochle, Haus, and a game of Skip-Bo. it was a winning night for the women!
Only called it a day at 11. Tired.
Monday, October 27, 2014
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Our Final Day at Myakka State Park!
Ken and I were up around 7:15 and tried to get on the internet. Ken wanted to do his devotions and I wanted to work on the blog, but no such luck. Couldn't get the internet to work.
So, Ken left for a 1 1/4 hour walk around the park. He saw deer, a turkey, red shouldered hawk, and numerous alligators. I got ready to go to church and did some clean-up. When Ken returned we ate our breakfast outside. It was a beautiful morning!
At 10:15 we went over to Chuck and Melissa's to ride together to Suncoast Community Church, about 7 miles from the Park. Well, Ken is 2 for 2 when it comes to picking exciting and great churches. We parked in the area designated for 1st time visitors and were greeted at the door by a wonderful young gal who had a genuine interest in making us feel welcome. She gave us a packet of information and asked us what size T-shirts we would like. Then we each got a ticket for a free drink at their drink station - all kinds of specialty coffee drinks or a smoothie (they must have had 20 varieties). We decided to wait for our drinks until after the service.
They had a very talented musical team, with the lead singer looking like Tim Tebow's brother. Both the young male singer and the gal were terrific. The minister had a wonderful sermon. Ken and I felt right at home, for the service and the building were so similar to LCBC, our church at home. After the service we enjoyed our delicious smoothies and our chat with the minister. What a good experience.
From there we had planned to go to lunch, but we were all so stuffed from our smoothies, so we decided to check out some of the sites in Sarasota. We drove around St. Armand's Circle and showed some of the sites to Chuck and Melissa. They have not been in this area before, so we are so excited to show them some of our favorite places. We went to Sweet Tomato for lunch, a recommendation from my mother and Ken's sister. It is an all you can eat salad bar place with soup and desserts included too. It really is an amazing place with exceptionally good food. We felt like they should "roll us out the doors". No wonder we don't go to "all you can eat places" very often. It is so hard to control yourself!
From there we went to the Costco in Sarasota and it was a big day for Chuck and Melissa - they became members!!!! Wow! If you are a member of Family Motorcoach you can get lots of free stuff when you have your membership card and the code you can get on the internet. It almost pays for the membership! Check it out! Ken and I enjoyed showing them around and pointing out some of the things we frequently purchase!
We were back to the CG by 4:30 and Ken started packing up things on the outside and disconnecting the water and sewer. I worked on the inside. Can't believe we will be leaving tomorrow morning. We have now been with Chuck and Melissa exactly 2 weeks and it feels like we just got together. Everyday with them is special and exciting.
So, Ken left for a 1 1/4 hour walk around the park. He saw deer, a turkey, red shouldered hawk, and numerous alligators. I got ready to go to church and did some clean-up. When Ken returned we ate our breakfast outside. It was a beautiful morning!
 |
| Isn't this red-shouldered hawk magnificent???? |
 |
| Love the light at the end of the tunnel!! |
 |
| So serene and peaceful! |
 |
| Something about deer! |
 |
| Be careful! It is almost Thanksgiving! |
At 10:15 we went over to Chuck and Melissa's to ride together to Suncoast Community Church, about 7 miles from the Park. Well, Ken is 2 for 2 when it comes to picking exciting and great churches. We parked in the area designated for 1st time visitors and were greeted at the door by a wonderful young gal who had a genuine interest in making us feel welcome. She gave us a packet of information and asked us what size T-shirts we would like. Then we each got a ticket for a free drink at their drink station - all kinds of specialty coffee drinks or a smoothie (they must have had 20 varieties). We decided to wait for our drinks until after the service.
They had a very talented musical team, with the lead singer looking like Tim Tebow's brother. Both the young male singer and the gal were terrific. The minister had a wonderful sermon. Ken and I felt right at home, for the service and the building were so similar to LCBC, our church at home. After the service we enjoyed our delicious smoothies and our chat with the minister. What a good experience.
From there we had planned to go to lunch, but we were all so stuffed from our smoothies, so we decided to check out some of the sites in Sarasota. We drove around St. Armand's Circle and showed some of the sites to Chuck and Melissa. They have not been in this area before, so we are so excited to show them some of our favorite places. We went to Sweet Tomato for lunch, a recommendation from my mother and Ken's sister. It is an all you can eat salad bar place with soup and desserts included too. It really is an amazing place with exceptionally good food. We felt like they should "roll us out the doors". No wonder we don't go to "all you can eat places" very often. It is so hard to control yourself!
 |
| Love this WWII monument in Sarasota! |
 |
| This is the famous Sweet Tomator! |
 |
| This huge salad bar greets you when you go in the door! |
 |
| This is Ken's tray! |
 |
| Okay, Okay!! We had plenty to eat!!!!! |
From there we went to the Costco in Sarasota and it was a big day for Chuck and Melissa - they became members!!!! Wow! If you are a member of Family Motorcoach you can get lots of free stuff when you have your membership card and the code you can get on the internet. It almost pays for the membership! Check it out! Ken and I enjoyed showing them around and pointing out some of the things we frequently purchase!
We were back to the CG by 4:30 and Ken started packing up things on the outside and disconnecting the water and sewer. I worked on the inside. Can't believe we will be leaving tomorrow morning. We have now been with Chuck and Melissa exactly 2 weeks and it feels like we just got together. Everyday with them is special and exciting.
Saturday, October 25, 2014
A Bike Riding Day in Myakka Park
Ken and I were up around 7:30. Today is a special day for us - our 45th wedding anniversary! Hard for us to imagine! Who would have guessed that on this day we would have a motorhome and enjoy traveling so much! We didn't see that one coming!!!!
I decided to work on my blog, but could not get connected to the internet. We have found it rather challenging in this state park. Phone reception is about non-existent too! By about 8:30 we were able to get into the internet and both of us were happy!
We took our prepared breakfast over to Chuck and Melissa's and we were able to eat together outdoors. Another very beautiful sunny and warm day. After cleaning up we set up our chairs at Waldo (we were able to be in the sun and it was about 62) and we laughed and chatted until 11. Then we got ready to go on a bike ride.
We left at 11:30 with some snacks (the boys were concerned that they would starve if we didn't take lunch), but we thought we would be back in time for a late lunch. We decided to ride from our campsites to the north entrance of the park, about 7 miles. We made numerous stops along the way including the concession area where they were having a Croctober Fest complete with some craft beers and live music. Nothing too exciting! We did eat our snacks - not quite enough to satisfy the guys! Along our way we did take several short hikes checking out the birds and alligators, but no roseate spoonbills!
We were back to our rigs around 5 after riding almost 15 miles, plus doing the hikes. It was a physical day!!!! Melissa offered to make quesadillas for dinner - yes, sounds yummy! We showered and I downloaded photos while Ken took a short nap!
Supper was positively delicious. They had made salad, the chicken quesadillas, and some nacho chips. So nice of them. They wouldn't let us help clean-up. They wanted to treat us for our anniversary!
Talked to Jamie and tried to call Lanie, but I lost reception when I called Lanie! Over to Chuck and Melissa's to play cards.
I decided to work on my blog, but could not get connected to the internet. We have found it rather challenging in this state park. Phone reception is about non-existent too! By about 8:30 we were able to get into the internet and both of us were happy!
We took our prepared breakfast over to Chuck and Melissa's and we were able to eat together outdoors. Another very beautiful sunny and warm day. After cleaning up we set up our chairs at Waldo (we were able to be in the sun and it was about 62) and we laughed and chatted until 11. Then we got ready to go on a bike ride.
 |
| Chuck and Ken had us laughing again. Chuck made a mug complete with handle out of a plastic water bottle! When finished, he said, "Why wouldn't you just drink the water out of the bottle"? |
We left at 11:30 with some snacks (the boys were concerned that they would starve if we didn't take lunch), but we thought we would be back in time for a late lunch. We decided to ride from our campsites to the north entrance of the park, about 7 miles. We made numerous stops along the way including the concession area where they were having a Croctober Fest complete with some craft beers and live music. Nothing too exciting! We did eat our snacks - not quite enough to satisfy the guys! Along our way we did take several short hikes checking out the birds and alligators, but no roseate spoonbills!
 |
| Love riding along sections of this road! |
 |
| Lots of red shouldered hawks in the park! So beautiful! |
 |
| The craft beer Ken tried at the Croctober Fest! He loved it! |
 |
| This alligator looks hungry!!! |
 |
| 45 years later and we haven't changed a bit!!!! |
 |
| Of all the birds, I have to be a vulture! |
 |
| Nice, quiet and serene setting! |
 |
| Cameraman Ken was hiding behind the tree! |
 |
| 1 large alligator! |
 |
| Aren't all the palm trees beautiful! |
 |
| A very beautiful walk through the woods! |
Supper was positively delicious. They had made salad, the chicken quesadillas, and some nacho chips. So nice of them. They wouldn't let us help clean-up. They wanted to treat us for our anniversary!
Talked to Jamie and tried to call Lanie, but I lost reception when I called Lanie! Over to Chuck and Melissa's to play cards.
Friday, October 24, 2014
A Hiking Day!
Last night was a great winning night for the ladies. We played Pinochle and Haus and won both games. Melissa had phenomenal hands and we won big time!
Ken got up at 6 this morning, did his devotions and left Waldo at 7 to go down to the Birdwalk area to try to see his favorite birds - roseate spoonbills! He was told that some had been spotted early mornings in that area. Unfortunately, he didn't see any, but he did view some herons, egrets, and 3 crows that tried to surround and attack him, or so he said! He was back to the campsite at 8:30. I enjoyed sleeping in, only getting up at 8:15. I made us omelettes for breakfast and Ken cut up the fresh fruit. Chuck and Melissa joined us at our picnic table around 9. We sat around talking till 10:30 and then we cleaned up, packed lunches and got ready to go on a hike!
We drove about 1 mile down the road from our campsite, parked, and headed out on the Ranch House Road trail. In 1910, Bertha Palmer built her 19,000 acre ranch, Meadow Sweet Pastures, along the banks of the Myakka River. Over her short 8 year tenure, she purchased Brahma bulls, improving the Florida herds, built dipping vats to combat tick fever, and fenced her land - all customs unheard of in her day. We went as far as we could go and reached an area where water covered the trail. We turned around and picked up another trail that met up with the power lines and we continued on. Along our way we saw some beautiful flowers and some baby alligators. When we got back to the car we had walked almost 5 miles - a good, long hike!
From there we drove to the Birdwalk about 2 miles down the road to eat our lunches while checking out the "few" birds that were there. Not a good bird watching day! We were back to our campsites by 3:15 and all of us were tired. We showered and took naps, all except Melissa. She was busy with her blog and downloading photos, and she had only gone to sleep at 2:30 AM.
We made salmon burgers and a hamburg on our grill and had salads and baked beans. Melissa brought some raw carrots and broccoli for appetizers. By about 7 each night we go indoors, for the mesquitoes get a bit nasty! We got together in Waldo to play cards. They taught us Spades, we played a game of Marble, and ended the night with Skip-Bo. It was the mens night to be victorious.
Another great day with Melissa and Chuck! The fun just keeps on happening!!!!!
Ken got up at 6 this morning, did his devotions and left Waldo at 7 to go down to the Birdwalk area to try to see his favorite birds - roseate spoonbills! He was told that some had been spotted early mornings in that area. Unfortunately, he didn't see any, but he did view some herons, egrets, and 3 crows that tried to surround and attack him, or so he said! He was back to the campsite at 8:30. I enjoyed sleeping in, only getting up at 8:15. I made us omelettes for breakfast and Ken cut up the fresh fruit. Chuck and Melissa joined us at our picnic table around 9. We sat around talking till 10:30 and then we cleaned up, packed lunches and got ready to go on a hike!
 |
| Love the Spanish moss around the Heron! |
 |
| Ken enjoyed seeing the sunrise! |
 |
| Another beautiful day! |
 |
| This is the birdwalk trail! |
 |
| Ken loves spotting deer! |
 |
| Looks like a canopy of trees with Spanish Moss. Reminds me of Jekyll Island. |
 |
| Ibis and Limpkin, a bird we saw for the 1st time! |
 |
| Ken's 1st alligator of the day! |
We drove about 1 mile down the road from our campsite, parked, and headed out on the Ranch House Road trail. In 1910, Bertha Palmer built her 19,000 acre ranch, Meadow Sweet Pastures, along the banks of the Myakka River. Over her short 8 year tenure, she purchased Brahma bulls, improving the Florida herds, built dipping vats to combat tick fever, and fenced her land - all customs unheard of in her day. We went as far as we could go and reached an area where water covered the trail. We turned around and picked up another trail that met up with the power lines and we continued on. Along our way we saw some beautiful flowers and some baby alligators. When we got back to the car we had walked almost 5 miles - a good, long hike!
 |
| Entrance to our hiking trail! |
 |
| ...and off we go! |
 |
| These pieces of glass, pottery, etc. were on a stump near where Bertha Palmer's house would have been. Amazing that people leave these treasures behind! |
 |
| Pictures of Bertha, her bulls, and her ranch foreman and his family! |
 |
| We weren't able to get past this wet area on the trail. |
 |
| Many pretty flowers along the way! |
 |
| We couldn't believe Ken spotted these baby alligators fairly far of the trail while we were walking. Love the striped tails and backs! |
 |
| Mama wasn't far away! |
From there we drove to the Birdwalk about 2 miles down the road to eat our lunches while checking out the "few" birds that were there. Not a good bird watching day! We were back to our campsites by 3:15 and all of us were tired. We showered and took naps, all except Melissa. She was busy with her blog and downloading photos, and she had only gone to sleep at 2:30 AM.
 |
| Eating our lunch at the Birdwalk! |
 |
| These flowers and their leaves where everywhere on the water at the birdwalk. I "guess" they are some kind of water lily!!!!! |
 |
| Leapin Lizard!!!!! |
 |
| A beautiful blue heron! |
We made salmon burgers and a hamburg on our grill and had salads and baked beans. Melissa brought some raw carrots and broccoli for appetizers. By about 7 each night we go indoors, for the mesquitoes get a bit nasty! We got together in Waldo to play cards. They taught us Spades, we played a game of Marble, and ended the night with Skip-Bo. It was the mens night to be victorious.
Another great day with Melissa and Chuck! The fun just keeps on happening!!!!!
Thursday, October 23, 2014
OUr 1st Full Day at Myakka State Park
Ken and I got up at 7:30 and we got ready for the day. We made breakfast and then went to Chuck and Melissa's campsite at 9 so we could eat together. After breakfast and clean-up, we started talking with the folks camping next to us in what I thought was an Airstream. It was actually a vintage 1947 Spartan. The company was owned by John Paul Getty and he marketed them as mobile homes, not RV's, for he knew people could buy them through the GI Bill. It looks like an Airstream and was built by an airline company. It was used to store hay when they bought it, so they totally rebuilt the inside, adding a bathroom. They took us inside for a tour and the amazing part is that it is only about 22 feet and they have lived in it full-time for the last 5 years. Before that they lived for 10 years on a schooner boat they had built. For those 10 years they only had an ice chest, so the small under the cabinet refrigerator is quite an upgrade for them. Different strokes for different folks!!!!! After that visit, we sat outside at Chuck and Melissa's just chatting and drinking coffee and chai! It was a nice, relaxing time!
Around 11, we got on our bikes and headed to the Visitors Center to check out their bird and animal displays and to see a video about the park. Unfortunately, the video was not working. So we talked to a ranger to get some ideas of what trails to hike and bike ride. The beginning of October they had a tremendous amount of rain at this park, and it was closed for 2 weeks. A lot of the park is still covered with standing water, so many of the trails are not passable for hiking!
We went back to our rigs to have lunch (by then it was 12:45) and then back on our bikes to check out the park. We enjoyed hiking part of the Canopy Trail that leads to a 7 story wooden tower that gives you a great view of the park. There are 2 towers connected by a swinging bridge - a tremendous building feat for the area. Then we rode to an area where the folks next to us had seen a mother gator with babies. We found the mother but just couldn't spot her babies. Then on to the concession area for an ice cream treat. We were back to our campsites by 5:00 and we started prepping for dinner. We each made our own meats and salads, but Ken grilled potatoes for all of us. We ate together outside of Waldo. More chatting and then at 7:45 we went to their Motorhome to play cards and games.
 |
| This vintage Spartan looked brand new - so shiny! |
Around 11, we got on our bikes and headed to the Visitors Center to check out their bird and animal displays and to see a video about the park. Unfortunately, the video was not working. So we talked to a ranger to get some ideas of what trails to hike and bike ride. The beginning of October they had a tremendous amount of rain at this park, and it was closed for 2 weeks. A lot of the park is still covered with standing water, so many of the trails are not passable for hiking!
We went back to our rigs to have lunch (by then it was 12:45) and then back on our bikes to check out the park. We enjoyed hiking part of the Canopy Trail that leads to a 7 story wooden tower that gives you a great view of the park. There are 2 towers connected by a swinging bridge - a tremendous building feat for the area. Then we rode to an area where the folks next to us had seen a mother gator with babies. We found the mother but just couldn't spot her babies. Then on to the concession area for an ice cream treat. We were back to our campsites by 5:00 and we started prepping for dinner. We each made our own meats and salads, but Ken grilled potatoes for all of us. We ate together outside of Waldo. More chatting and then at 7:45 we went to their Motorhome to play cards and games.
 |
| The cabins built the Corps of Engineers in the last 1930's! The construction is incredible! |
 |
| Walking along the Canopy Trail! |
 |
| Lots of air ferns and regular ferns growing on the trees. Of course, lots of Spanish moss! |
 |
| Standing on the swinging bridge between the 2 towers! |
 |
| What a view! |
 |
| Looking at the tops of so many palm trees! |
 |
| Mommy alligator! |
 |
| Mommy alligator could get hidden in the grasses! |
 |
| A beautiful blue heron! |
 |
| White egrets |
 |
| Pretty air ferns! |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)