Our family blog began in 2008 when we were fortunate enough to experience a RV trip that circumnavigated America. Our family of four includes Audrey, Hannah, Connie and Tony (+ Cocoa our Chocolate Lab). This blog is simply a diary of our adventures to share with family & friends. The photo below is of the girls at the VERY LARGE ARRAY (VLA) in New Mexico; One of the many fascinating spots that we have been lucky enough to have visited.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Texas
Have you seen the pictures lately? If you haven't remember to go to:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30520769@N06/
November 1st, Saturday: It was a good couple days in the San Antonio area but it was time to keep moving. LaFawnduh is moving northwest on Interstate 10 towards Port Angeles. Recall my comment that Texans do it differently, today is another example of this fact for the speed limit out here in Western Texas is 80 mph. First time we have ever seen this (ever, Montana used to have open highways, but not any longer).
Just west of San Antonio the scenery changed as well. Rolling hills made up of mostly live oak and juniper. The consensus of the family is that this was prettier than swamp land. The road kill changed as well. Less in number and more variety (Florida was reptilian, now the majority of the poor creatures are mammalian). Near Junction, Texas over a 200 yard section of roadway we saw a raccoon, a snake, and a fox. We never see any creatures out by the highway during daylight so the thought is that the animals are all perishing at night when they come onto the roadway for warmth. For the most part, these southern states (Texas included) has road kill that is more or less indiscernible. We haven’t seen a single road crew on Texas' I-10 and we have been on it for hundreds of miles. Shredded tire tread and animals are very abundant. We haven’t even seen anyone mowing in Texas. There isn’t grass as you and I know it, but there is something that is akin to grass along the median and road side. It is straggly and about eighteen inches high. Sparse. At Fort Stockton we headed northwest on a 2-lane highway (with a wide shoulder no less). We were considering stopping in Pecos, until we actually drove through it and decided to pass. North of Pecos on US Highway 285 we saw our first mountains since North Carolina. There were shouts of joy in LaFawnduh.
An observation: This land is what you and I would refer to as being desolate. However, the original immigrants to the area were folks trying to farm (unsuccessfully) or ranch (we have seen more goats grazing than beef cattle). So, these folks were hard pressed to make ends meet. Then oil was discovered at the same time our culture decided that it couldn’t exist without it and these dirt farmers were almost instantly wealthy. Con has a former colleague in Missoula who has so much wealth from her family’s oil royalties that she owned Ali Sheba, a pretty fine racehorse in his day. Horse racing was a hobby for Pam S. You do such things if you have Texan oil. That is until the easy oil has been removed and all is left is the more expensive crude oil (requiring steam extraction techniques, etc.). We saw a number of capped wells but don't worry, these resilient Texans have been replaced the oil wells with wind generators. So, the moral to this little paragraph is that Texans take nothing and become filthy rich from it. Land that was thought to be useless. Air that is driven by the sun. Geez, Texans are bright people. Or at least very lucky, or very adaptive.
As we neared the New Mexico border we saw the first large farm. A dairy farm. Probably 300 Jerseys in the pasture. Circle irrigation platforms were nearby providing water for hay (and cotton). There were also a number of drilling rigs working the land. Belching diesel exhaust into the sky as the RPM’s turned up to drill another pipe length. There are two grades of diesel. On road and off road. On road has practically no sulphur content these days and is actually very clean. I see this grade of diesel fuel as being an alternative fuel to gasoline powered passenger cars (Volkswagen for instance is providing diesel engines in most of its line, JEEP is even going to have a diesel option for the Wrangler). If you see black smoke belching into the air (as when a locomotive begins to move or as we observed on the oil platforms) that diesel fuel is “off road”. It has a different standard and is chalked full of sulphur. The worse fuel for pollution is however one that we have passing by us in Port Angeles. Bunker oil. One tanker produces as much air pollution in one day as 100,000 cars. And, we have seen a dozen ocean going vessels in front of the Bluff House at one time. Ponder that one friend.
October 31st Trick or Treating in Boerne, Texas (pronounced Bernie), We drove the short distance into the small community of Boerne. The girls were glad we did. After a short while there were nothing but smiles and two jack-o-lanterns full of candy. They would have had more candy except the kind Boerne folks would inevitably ask, “Where do you live?” When they did this they expected to hear “two blocks from here on Oak Street”, but what the girls told them was, “Port Angeles, Washington”. And, the five-ten minute conversation was begun. One gal even took the time to call her sister and describe the girls to her. She also gave Con a newspaper article describing the founding of Boerne (German immigrants).
Comments from this evening:
Audrey: “This is the best Halloween ever! People are so sweet!”
“Let’s go home I have enough candy to last until Christmas!”
Hannah: “It’s a Halloween miracle!”
“Dad, I’ll remember this Halloween for as long as I live!”
Connie: “I think I’m going to cry.”
Halloween is one of those holidays that we hold dear as children. For me it was a combination of quantity and quality. I hoped to reap enough candy to last me until Thanksgiving (Audrey apparently fares better than I). But, I also remember that the Baumgartner’s gave quarters, and Harry Lambert always gave full size Hershey bars, no little miniatures from him.
Tonight will undoubtedly be a Halloween that the girls do remember. How couldn't it be? It was 72 degrees out. But, somehow I don’t think it is going to be the weather that the kids remember.
Oh yeah, Cocoa was a hot-dog. We took her with us and she was a hit with the kids and adults alike.
Tomorrow, unfortunately is November.
August, September, October, three solid months of adventure and exploration and wonderful, unexpected treasures such as the people of Boerne, Texas.
November means the end of the trip. Now that is sad.
October 31, 2008, Friday here in San Antonio: Another one of those days where we experienced a destination that in itself could have been the reason for the trip.
The Alamo is a place that we had never been before and it was worth the effort to see it. You know the history of the place and I won’t bother to repeat it here, absolutely fascinating. We know the names, Crockett, Bowie, and William Travis, who as commandant of the fort wrote the eloquent letter asking for reinforcements.
To The People of Texas andAll Americans In The World --February 24, 1836
Fellow citizens & compatriots,
I am beseiged, by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna -- I have sustained a continual Bombardment & cannonade for 24 hours & have not lost a man -- The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise, the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken -- I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, & our flag still waves proudly from the walls -- I shall never surrender or retreat. Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism, & every thing dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch -- The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily & will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days. If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country --
VICTORY OR DEATH
William Barret TravisLt. Col. Comdt.
Only 32 men came to the Alamo to reinforce the garrison. All from Gonzalez, Texas. They would all die in the end.
Then there is downtown San Antonio. The River Walk and the River itself (actually flood control canals). Picturesque and the closest thing that we have in the US to rival Venice. Right now there are 3-1/2 miles of waterways and another six miles are under construction to go north (to a brewery) and there is talk of another construction project to further the waterways south. The girls enjoyed the cuisine, the walk, and the boat ride.
Right now Con is napping in preparation for tonight’s trick-or-treating, and the girls are playing tennis.
For it is Halloweeen in Texas.
October 30, 2008, Thursday: Driving around the Houston area a few things were apparent.
First, gas was cheap in this oil rich state. $1.99 per gallon of unleaded gasoline, and $2.49 per gallon of diesel at the TA Fuel Service Center off of I-10 approximately 20 miles east of Houston. They are similar to Flying J’s and they proudly display their prices on signs that can easily be seen from the highway.
Secondly, there are skyscrapers in the Houston area, but they are difficult to see for all of the POLLUTION. . . . I haven’t seen pollution like this since I was a teenager and we drove through Detroit on the way to Grandpa Bob’s in Capac, Michigan. I've recently been in Los Angeles and for whatever reason, it was nothing like here. This place has air pollution that makes the sky brown. POLLUTION. Made for a great environmental science discussion in LaFawnduh.
We drove southwest from Houston towards San Antonio and I was surprised by the heavy traffic volume, which lasted sixty miles or so before finally easing a bit. It was as if we were driving north on I-5 from Seattle on a Friday evening, but it was only Thursday morning. Go figure.
Road kill has finally subsided. It seems that in the south they don’t bother to pick up road kill since they realize that eventually vultures will haul the pieces away or the semi trucks will flatten them out to indiscernible masses. Not so much in Texas, but definitely in Florida and Louisiana. Geez, there have been dead things all over the place. Not just a few, but folks, lots of them. So many, I'm getting tired of looking at them.
Another thing that I have noticed here in the south. Right now the temperatures are very pleasant and I would expect to see a plethora of bicycles on the roads. But, alas I have only seen one in the entire south, and that was way back in Florida. One of the reasons may be that these southerners do not understand the concept of road shoulders. There are absolutely none on many of the 2-lane highways around here. Beyond the fog line (the continuous white line on the edge of the roadway) is dirt. I would not ride a bicycle on these roads. One could write a song, “Where have all the bicyclists gone? A long time passing.”
With the cheap gas Texans have an abundance of Chevy Suburbans and Dodge one ton pickups. And, they drive these things like they were in Boston. Meaning very aggressively. A guy on an on-ramp is not going to yield to LaFawnduh and Kip who is in the traffic lane and is unable to move to the right for the heavy traffic. Geez.
Another observation of mine. The roadways in Texas are different than any that I have encountered in America. Seems as if the Texans play by a different set of rules. They don't care what America does, they are simply going to do as Texans care to do. For example, the off-ramps and on-ramps onto I-10 are nothing like anywhere else. Signage is different and good luck in deciphering it.
At home I have a collection of US Historical flags (about a dozen which I rotate on a daily basis, but not now, there are no flags at the house). One of them happens to be the “Gonzalez” flag. It is the simplest flag that I have. White with black letters saying, “Come and Take It” and a drawing of a cannon barrel. Pretty simple. It seems that a bunch of Texans had stolen a canon from the Mexican army and hauled it off to a fort in Gonzalez. The Mexicans wanted their canon back (a small, six pounder) so they attacked the fort. After awhile the American flag (stars and stripes) had been so riddled by musket fire that it was indiscernible. The Texans took a sheet and drew on it the cannon and added the above words. The fort held. The above is one of two versions of the Gonzalez Canon story. The second one is boring and I won’t bother to tell it. But, at mile marker 618 is a GREAT Texan rest area where we saw our first cactus of the trip, and the kids played on the playground (safe enough for Andrew to play without requiring suturing). And, there is a replica of the Gonzalez flag and the canon plus the story at the rest stop. I still hold Mississippi in the Number one spot, and West Virginia as number two, but this one now edges out North Carolina for the three spot of rest areas. Sorry, NC. The only reason that the West Virginia site is in the number two spot is that it had a spectacular view of mountains plus unfortuantely, a prison. If the prison weren't there, WV would occupy number one.
Rest stops in Louisiana were absolutely non-existent. Most of the rest stops in Texas are actually called, “Picnic Stops” since they lack restrooms but do have covered picnic tables. Geez, that is great. I would not want to walk into the nearby “woods” for the stench of human urine and feces. Not to mention the diamondback rattlesnakes. But, at mile marker 618 on I-10 (westbound) is a great rest area.
It is however after the well advertised Buckee truck-stop. This is advertised almost as much as Wall Drug is while driving across South Dakota. Buckee is apparently renowned for their restrooms. Apparently, being in a state where the rest areas lack restrooms means that the private sector has to step up to the plate and provide a place for citizens to go number one and number two. Thank goodness for capitalism. Strange to see billboards bragging about a place to take a pee (no fooling, one read: "Our Restrooms are so Clean You have to Pee our Restrooms, to Believe it"). The parking lot for Buckee was nearly full (on a Thursday afternoon on the day before Halloween no less). But, there was no place to park LaFawnduh and Kip so we had to reluctantly move on. This made for the second day in a row that we’ve been foiled by the lack of parking for our nearly 56 ft. long pair. Alas, I can’t comment about the Buckee restrooms. Oh darn. That’s about it.
We are nestled in San Antonio. Actually, we are camping within the city limits, but that is a misnomer, for the city limits extends for miles around what you and I would call the city, heck, we are out in cactus country and we are still in the city of San Antonio. Tomorrow we hope to be tourists and go to the Alamo. For tonight, we will string our lights on LaFawnduh in preparation for the big day, Trick-or-treating RV style.
October 29th, Wednesday: 34 degrees in Slidell, Louisiana overnight. Who would have thunked it? We made a list of the things that we wanted to do (see) on the way back to PA. Counting the remaining days in the trip (I do have to get back to work after all and the kids do have to go back to school) and considering the potential unknowns (illnesses, breakdowns (of people and machinery) and the weather), we decided it was time to continue this little venture westward.
Fair the well New Orleans. We aren’t going to be at Big Al’s for the all you can eat crab feed on Wednesday night after all.
A perfect day for driving. No air conditioner needed, so the windows of the RV were open and the air felt fresh and invigorating. A perfect temperature.
There was an elevated section of roadway (I-10) near Baton Rouge that was miles upon miles upon miles of straight roadway above swamp. Swamp. And more swamp.
We said, “Hello” to Saint Charles, childhood home of Ivy as we passed by.
We tried to stop at the “Boiling Cajun” restaurant west of St. Charles but the parking lot was full and there was nowhere nearby to park the RV-Jeep combination. So, it was back onto the interstate and more smiles and miles.
Gasoline in Baton Rouge was $2.11 that’s right. Two dollars and eleven cents per gallon of unleaded regular (87 octane). No typo, no 2 that was supposed to have been a 3 or a 4, Folks, it is a 2.
Diesel in and near Baton Rouge was $2.99.
After all, those are drilling platforms in the gulf and oil wells in the fields that we are driving past.
I wished I had a 900 gallon tank instead of the 90 gallons that it is. Folks it had been up to $4.99 per gallon in PA, and when I filled up in July before the trip I’m pretty sure I paid $4.59, so $2.99 is almost fuel for free. Almost, not quite, but it is $144 cheaper per fill up. That’s significant.
There were rice fields in Louisiana. Some recently harvested some near harvest, and some actually being harvested as we drove past. I had never seen that before.
We entered the Lone Star State and felt closer to home until we looked at the mile marker. 880. Yep, 880 miles across the state on I-10. I sure wish Con could drive a bit. Her total driving contribution for the trip thus far was 43 miles or so in Minnesota and 1 mile in North Carolina. Around Durham there had been an accident and traffic had slowed to a crawl (stopping from time to time). During one of the stoppages I switched places with Con so that I could use the “head”. Con slipped into the driver’s seat. At the next stoppage we switched again. It was roughly a mile and had taken about fifteen minutes..
Today we are stopped just east of Houston. Today’s driving was 350 Miles including the failed attempt to eat at the Boiling Cajun. That brings the official total for LaFanduh to 8,055. The only reason that we stopped here was to get out the textbooks for the kids. As I’m pecking away at this letter, the girls are working on Math (again).
If all goes well, tomorrow we will be in San Antonio and visiting the Alamo.
It will soon be November, our last month of this journey and this trip that we have looked forward to for such a long time will soon be in the rear view mirror.
That’s kinda sad, so I guess I’ll go toss the ball for Cocoa.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Louisiana
October 28, 2008, Tuesday: A great time was had by all as the owner of the RV Park that we’re staying at (New Orleans East) gave us a ride into the French Quarter, dropped us off, and then returned when we called him to pick us up. Going and coming he gave us a guided tour of the region. We learned a great deal and saw with our own eyes the devastation of Katrina which is still very, very, very evident. To our eyes there were communities that looked as if the waters had just recently receded.
The French Quarter was a very relaxing outing for the family. We browsed the many shops, toured the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and took in the IMAX movie of Hurricane Katrina. AS we watched the movie of the 2005 devastating storm, we were all teary eyed as we had just driven through many of the areas affected by the storm and the damage was very personal for us.
Highlights for me had to do with local eating fare. First, a submarine sandwich referred to as a Muffaletta that rivaled the Cubans of Florida and were different mostly in the fact that they had an olive salad spread and were on Italian Bread (strangely, not French Bread). They were wonderful but I’ll still take a Cuban when available. Secondly, a wonderful French Donut, called a Beignets (pronounced Baynay). Now these little delicacies were something to behold.
As are so many destinations in this trip, the day’s outing would easily stand alone as a destination for our vacation, but it is only one of many. I hope that the girls are able to remember the details of the day, such as the white pigmented alligator at the aquarium (not an albino, since it has blue eyes). The gator is roughly 9 feet long and is 21 years old.
We have had a number of friends over the years that are Cajun, notably Ivy Lanthier, Allison Deaublichaine, and Clarice Landry. They have all been great cooks and all have effervescent personalities. Today we went by Cajun fishing communities and I now have a great appreciation for from whence they come. Music and hard work being a birthright for these folks.
I’d write more, but duties call. Plus I’m writing this outside, and folks it is cold and I’m beginning to shiver. Last night it got down to 34 degrees here in Slidell, Louisiana and we turned on the furnace of LaFawnduh for the first time of the trip.
October 27, 2008, Monday: It is a 187 mile drive from Pensacola to Slidell, Louisiana. Slidell is on the northeast shore of Lake Pontchartrain which is the body of water whose levies broke and flooded into New Orleans back in August of 2005 when Hurricane Katrina slammed into the area.
Folks, they are still rebuilding.
Today, we are exploring the Saint Tammany Parish where we are staying and tomorrow we will be going into New Orleans French Quarter.
We find it amazing that we are so close to the Mississippi River, for as we cross it we will officially be back in "the West".
The other day a friend of ours who is taking care of the Bluff House (Alexander V.) took the initiative and sent us a picture taken of our home last week. The picture was a big hit here in scrawny ol' LaFawnduh. Audrey looked at the picture of home and after the "Oooooh's and aaaaaah's" she said, "My gosh, it looks huge!" Hannah said, "I don't recognize it." Con said, "I do, it looks nice." There were a few leaves over the ground, the house did look huge compared to our 8 ft. by 36 ft. shoebox of a house that we call LaFawnduh. It looked like Autumn on the North Olympic Peninsula. It looked like home and geez, it made me homesick. Alas, I think I'll vacuum LaFawnduh just to be doing something. . . .
Conversation in our beloved and faithful servant LaFawnduh during today's drive included the following,
Audrey: "I miss mountains. Man, you can't tell where you are out here."
Hannah: "There are three things that I hated about Florida. Number three are the mosquitoes. Man, they were everywhere. Number two is the humidity. Shhhhhiiiiiiiiisssssssshhhhhhhh!!!! it was hot. Number one are the guts of all those squashed animals. That armadillo by Cape Canaveral, all those snakes, turtles, opossums, raccoons, and alligators. Gators squashed all over the place."
Constance: "Why did they have to close that beach? Dang."
Mississippi
October 27. 2008, Monday: We have made it a practice to stop at the first visitor center in as many of the states as we can. So, we have seen quite a few visitor centers along the way. The one just inside of Mississippi on Highway 10 (westbound from 'Bama) is without a doubt, the best rest stop that we have encountered thus far on this trip (2nd place goes to West Virginia, and 3rd place to North Carolina).
We drove to the coast as Biloxi intending to find a RV park and enjoy the beaches but there was road construction and that may have contributed to the beaches being closed. For whatever reason, the beaches were closed (white as sugar) and the kids and especially Constance was bummed.
We continued westward.
Alabama
October 27, 2008, Monday: Alabama is just across the bridge from Pensacola. But, that short drive is like day and night. To the east in Florida are beaches and a place that seems like the Tropics, probably because it is. On the west side of the bridge is a rural area that reminded both Con and me of Indiana. Except, right now the cotton is ready to be harvested. You don't see that in Indiana. Gas was $2.41 and diesel was $3.11, how about that? We enjoyed a pleasant drive to Mobile and continued westward.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
A Side Trip for a Change
Connie's cousin Jana in New Mexico is married to a pretty special guy. Paul writes a weekly column in their local newspaper that I always look forward to reading. It is always informative, witty, and thought provoking. Below is his article for this week. I happened to watch a similar program on the Mayan calendar a few months ago (back in Washington State) and I thought similarly as Paul. However, I lacked the eloquence to put the thoughts to paper (or cyberspace as the case may be). And, you will recognize that Paul and I share similar views on our system of government (but again, can't put to paper). So, many thanks to Jana for sharing. And, kudos to Paul for your writing.
FROM PAUL: "I was watching a special on T. V. the other evening, about the Mayan calendar, and how, many scholars are saying that the world as we now know it, will cease to exist by the year 2012. As I watched, they explained that there has never been a calendar made, in all of recorded time, that is as accurate as that of the Mayans. In fact, their calendar covers thousands of years, but, ends suddenly, at the year 2012. The point that the producers of the program were trying to get across was that just maybe, there was a sinister reason the days stopped in 2012. Maybe, the Mayan's were trying to say that the world will end at the end of their calendar.
"Or", I began to think, "maybe it was as simple as we haven't discovered the second page, or scroll, or tablet, that the remainder of the calendar is written on." Granted, I had been out in my backyard digging that day, so that I could keep our puppies in the yard, and I had stumbled across a strange looking rock deep in the ground, (O. K., it was actually only about eleven inches under ground.) Truth is, (besides the fact that I have a vivid imagination), none of us really know the truth about the Mayan calendar, or the reason why it stops in 2012.
The reason that I bring this up is that many of our citizens are terrified about the state of our country. I was discussing the events of the past few months with a young man recently, and he told me he is planning on moving to Europe just to get away from the uncertainties of our future. He was convinced that our government is on the verge of total collapse. He is convinced that there are a handful of sinister individuals in our country that are so greedy that they want to have total power over everything. And, he had a lot of facts that backed up his arguments. The one thing that I was sure of, and tried to conveyed to him, was that throughout all of recorded time, our system of government is the best that has ever been tried. For all of it's failures, and the problems that we have come up against, it is really the only one that allows the people, the ordinary citizen, the ability to work towards changing the failures in our system.
I speak with a lot of people every day, and my prediction for this election is that it will be participated in by more people than have ever voted in our country. (I know, I know, I haven't picked a winner in the Super Bowl or World Series in the past ten years.) I also know that our country needs some serious changes, and this year's election is the best venue for that change. The only way that this will occur, though, is for all of us to go to the polls on November 4th, and vote. It is the one method for change that all of us can participate in. If we all take the time and make the effort to do this one act, then I honestly feel that we can approach the future without fear and we can begin to repair the things in our government that need fixing. And who knows, maybe sometime soon, they will find the rest of the Mayan calendar that shows our world continuing on beyond 2012."
Paul R Ortiz y Pino
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Florida
Have you seen the pictures lately? If you haven't remember to go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30520769@N06/
To get a different perspective on this trip, you can track our friends Steve and Sarah Methner's at: http://methners.blogspot.com/
October 26, 2008, Sunday: Con finally got the laundry done. She can tell you the story in person, or write about it herself, but it is a good one.
It’s her story and I hope she tells you about it.
Probably gonna be the best story of the entire trip.
I hope she writes about it.
This morning we did homework while Mom was gone, cleaned the RV inside and out (after all the rain squalls we’ve been through) and have basically enjoyed the near perfect weather. Oh yeah, we even gave Cocoa a bath.
Tuesday night it is supposed to be 39 degrees here in Pensacola for a low. The Little’s are looking forward to cooler weather. Among everything else, perhaps the mosquitoes will subside a bit.
The highlight of the day for me and seemingly for the rest of the family as well, was a trip to the Pensacola Naval Air Station. We were able to get access to the entire base and roam the old haunts. Somethings had changed in three decades but most of it was about the same. Just different aircraft on the flight line. Plus, the entire area has been remodeled in 2004 when Hurricane Ivan came through with a vengeance. Big trees are not to be seen, just the broken off tops of what had been the big trees.
The kids loved to see where Mom and Dad had spent part of their lives. In fact, that is a lot of what the trip has been: Missoula, Danville, Manchester, Quantico, sharing places that Connie and I have been with the girls.
At the Air Station we visited the National Naval Air Museum and it was free (all of the military museums are free since we have paid for them with our taxes). The aircraft that are there span all of Naval Aviation going back as far as the biplanes taking off of the first US carrier, CV-1, the Langley (whom Langley, Washington on Whidbey Island is named for). The kids enjoyed a Blue Angels (F-18) flight simulator while mom and dad watched the hydraulically controlled machine from afar. In fact, turning their faces from time to time. We were amazed to see them walk out of the simulator with smiles while asking to do it again.
On the way back to the RV we happened upon a playground similar but much larger to PA’s Dream Playground. The kids acted as if they were five years younger and low and behold it was a great end to the day’s activities. Friends were made with numerous Navy kids.
Back in LaFawnduh Audrey got a speck of something in her eye, and sad to say, it wasn’t pretty.
I hope when all is said and done, the kids remember the good things that have happened on this trip as well as the bad. It has been a long time since Audrey has cried this much and the way the human mind works, I'm afraid it is going to be a lasting memory.
October 25, 2008, Saturday: Well we were in a spectacular RV park. Right next to a Prevost (that wasn’t Jim Mowry’s). Nicest bathrooms that we’ve had at a campground on this entire trip and all was well in my world.
That is right up until Con went to the laundry. She came back a few minutes later and said, “That idiot is cleaning the laundry and it doesn’t need to be cleaned. The floor even sparkles. He said it would be ready in 20 minutes and I’m not waiting. Let’s go.”
Audrey screamed, “I wanted to go swimming.”
Hannah screamed, “I want to give Cocoa a bath, she stinks.”
Dad thought of the water in the fuel light of the previous day and immediately, without hesitation said, “Yes dear.”
Moving westward on the Gulf coast we passed by beautiful RV parks and state parks, stopping at a few to camp, but being told, “Nothing is available.” It was Saturday. And, it was a perfect temperature. The daytime high was 78. I was glad that folks were out in nature instead of watching the Florida State football game in Tallahassee.
I thought of the great place that we had just left and continued to drive westward. Trying to maintain my smile.
We were getting hungry since Con wasn’t going to cook as we were moving and all of the places that we stopped at didn’t have parking for the LaFawnduh and Kip pair. Necessitating a U-Turn that is always a bit of a challenge.
Finally, we were in Pensacola. There was a parking spot big enough for us and we stopped as close to the planting strip as I could. I stepped off of the steps of LaFawnduh onto the grass and sank up to my knee in a sink hole. Dag gum. I thought these things didn’t actually exist and were actually Hollywood trickery, but here I was, in a sink hole up to my knee. Geez.
We somehow made it into the restaurant and I was secretly hoping that the RV would disappear and we could all fly home. In the restaurant there was a poster of the Blue Angels, and we immediately recognized that the photograph was taken as they were flying over Seattle.
I looked outside, feeling a bit homesick and felt a rush of anxiety when I saw that LaFawnduh was still there.
Curses. Foiled again.
We ultimately made our way to Big Lagoon State Park, 12301 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola; and gave them our 16 bucks a night for two nights. I mention the price simply because it happens to be the least we have paid for camping (50 amp service (yes fifty, not thirty, or twenty) and water) on this trip (a dump station is available, but isn’t available at the individual sites). The restroom is spacious, with good showers, and is clean, clean, clean.
The campground is however, surrounded by a marsh.
There are signs that read, “K.O.S.S” (Keep our snakes safe). We set up camp and went for a walk on the boardwalk and came across a local couple having a conversation while pointing animatedly. As we got closer to them we could hear them saying,
Man: What is that, a snake or a gator?
Woman: I can’t tell but it’s got that duck.
Man: Must be one of them anacondas. Do we have anacondas ‘round here?
Woman: I think it’s a gator.
Man: I think it’s a snake.
Woman: Damn, has to be a big un’.
Well, by the time we got close enough to see the spectacle for ourselves the duckling had escaped (escape may be the wrong term). It was twitching as if it had been injected with a neurotoxin (venom). We watched as the little bird disappeared into the reeds. Then there was a scream (duckling yelling type of a scream) and then dead silence.
Audrey had climbed onto my shoulders (for safety?)
Hannah was fascinated and reeling off her hypotheses as to what was occurring.
Con was checking on her most direct route back to Kip.
I was pondering my belief that the Florida slogan of “The Sunshine State” was a misnomer. It should be the “Herpetologists Dream State” and was thinking of my beloved Olympic Peninsula where there isn’t a single venomous snake to be found.
After a brief conversation with the local couple I realized that they weren’t going to waver from their belief that it was an anaconda since they had seen one on TV. I believe they must have been channel surfing one day and accidentally came across Animal Planet as they were trying to find “The Jerry Springer Show”. The images must have been of an anaconda wrestling with some poor creature and the sight of death throes had gotten their undivided attention so they thought, “This is almost as good as Jerry”.
Here we were, at a marsh on Pensacola Bay and we were supposedly watching an anaconda eat a duckling. Why? Because the local experts told us that was what we were seeing.
I again wished that LaFawnduh had disappeared into a RV swallowing sinkhole.
We wished the couple well, and suggested our friend, Todd Haworth to help them out of with dental dilemmas (I figured Todd could retire on what he would make fixing this pairs teeth (I guess they could be called teeth but, don't quote me for all we saw were greenish yellow jagged things)).
This act of friendliness on my part must have touched a chord in the woman for she felt conversational:
Woman: You folks seen the gator yet?
Con: Well, the ranger told us about it but we have seen a lot of gators here in sunny Florida. So, we thought we’d pass. (Later Con told us that as she was paying for our campsite the ranger had indeed told her about the alligator but she decided that we had indeed seen enough and decided not to share this information with the family because she knew that Hannah would want to seek out the fifteen feet long creature)
Man: You shouldn’t miss this one. He’s a big 'un. Take some chicken bones after you have a supper of fried chicken 'cause man, he likes that.
Woman: Hell yes he likes that!
Audrey: What? What? What? What?
Me: You all have yourself a wonderful day. We’ve got to get back to our dogs. We breed Rottweiler’s. We brought twelve of them critters with us and they don’t like to miss a meal.
Woman: Better keep them away from the gator.
That evening the park hosted a Halloween House. There were screams and the sounds of revving chainsaws until midnight (quiet time was after 10, but there must have been an exception for park activities). The screams were so blood curdling that Hannah changed her mind from wanting to go. Dad was happy because he was safely inside of the big shoebox called LaFawnduh and there were other sounds in the marsh. A cacophony of critters. Con and I couldn’t make out what the sounds were.
Hannah however was more than happy to offer her hypothesis.
October 24, 2008, Friday: An incessant Floridian rain lasted throughout the night and into the morning. This gave us the option to, 1. Hang out in our 8 ft by 36 ft box, or 2. Move out in our 8 ft by 36 ft box.
We opted for the latter.
Moving northwest from Homosassa Springs on Highway 19 (a good road with 4 lanes and a divided meridian all the way to Perry) all was well with the world, less the rain. A steady deluge. Traffic was sparse, usually only one car or truck heading our direction every mile. Sparse. I actually find traveling with overcast skies to be easy on the eyes and I didn’t mind it, in fact I look forward to it. The last rain we had experienced was in Naples and that seemed so long ago.
Then it happened. The “water in fuel” light came on. First time we had ever seen this light, so I had the navigator check out the book. The Freightliner manual states “one of four optional lights” and says nothing else.
The navigator said, “We are going to be dead in the water real quick so you better stop.”
The driver said, “But, it is raining hard, and the engine is running fine.”
Navigator, “Dead in the water and I'll be telling you, I told you so.”
We pulled off the road in Chiefland at the Super Wal-Mart. The navigator and I went to the rear compartment and looked at the fuel-water separator. It looked fine. But, the navigator said, “It might be full of water, not diesel”. So, with the engine still idling (I was expecting a quick fix to this dilemma) I drained the contents of the separator. As best as I could discern, nothing but diesel.
The engine promptly died. First time we had experienced this little scenario, dead engine at Wal-Mart.
The navigator went to the CUMMINS book and it said, "Turn off engine before draining the fuel-water separator". My bad.
The navigator said, "Why do we have these books if you won't read them?"
The driver said, "Dear, you better stay in out of the rain."
I cranked the engine thinking that the fuel pump would refill the separator but all it did was drain the battery.
Con said, “We don’t know what we’re doing (she said "we", but she actually meant “YOU”) so I’m calling for help".
Minutes later she told me that a tow truck was on its way from Gainesville.
I thought, “This is going to be embarrassing.”
All I’ve got is some air in the fuel line.
So, I went off to the Wal-Mart to buy a one gallon fuel container, and then unhooked Kip and was off to the local gas station where I had to pre-pay to purchase my $3 worth of diesel and then back to LaFawnduh.
I had brought extra filters on this trip so I thought, now would be the time to use them. So, I took off the fuel-water separator, it was empty. And, then just for grins, I took off the fuel filter, which isn’t like automobile filters, it’s more like a spin on oil filter. It too, was empty of fuel. I topped off both filters with the new diesel and screwed them on. Turning the ignition on LaFawnduh she cranked for about three seconds and then went “R-O-A-R”. A pleasant, diesel engine sound.
I still think that the only water in the fuel was actually water on the sensor. But, the navigator (and technical advisor) still maintains that there was actually water in the fuel.
Now, the above took just a few minutes to write but it actually entailed an hour and a half of turmoil. Remember, that through it all it was raining a constant, heavy, Florida deluge.
Onward.
Along the Gulf Coast past new construction (Why? you might ask, I think the answer may be the recent hurricanes of the past few years).
South of Tallahassee were little areas in the swamps where you didn't want to break down. Good old boys in camos. Camouflaged painted trucks. Buck knifes hanging from the good ol' boy's belts. Dirty faced boys grinning a toothless smile as they watched you pass by. Hoping that you would break down. Geez, that was scary. Uh, not for me, for the dog.
But, further west and out of the swamps were nice little towns of Apalachicola, and Mexico Beach. Driving through Tyndall Air Force Base we watched a drone F-4 Phantom take off with an F-117 chasing it. Earlier we watched an Air Force pick-up truck pulling a trailer with two brightly painted air to air missiles. Possibly a new generation of missiles that were being tested.
Finally we pulled into our night’s rest stop, the Emerald Coast RV Beach Resort in Panama City Beach, Florida. A great RV spot (to not be on the beach). There is even a dog wash station that Cocoa is going to experience, bless her little ol’ heart.
Somewhere around Mexico City (Audrey asked, “Why are we in Mexico?) we passed into the Central time zone. Yep, still in Florida (not Mexico Audrey) but in the central time zone. Geez, this is a big state, especially by Eastern standards. (But, I do recognize that this is the first state which we have almost completely circumnavigated)
Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Connie, the Navigator wondered how far it was to Port Angeles. At the time we were somewhere around Apalachicola and she punched in PA as the destination for Lola. Lola promptly did the calculation and said, “3,050 miles” until destination. And, that is on the most direct route. We’re not taking the most direct route. We still have things to see.
Geez, I wish this trip was 6 months long.
Shortly after making the calculation, Lola went berserk. She said over and over and over again, "Recalculating. Recalculating. Recalculating. . . . " We shut the poor girl off.
I sometimes wish I could do that with the other navigator. Like when it's pouring outside and the water in fuel light comes on.
NEWS FLASH: October 23rd, 8:42 PM EST: Poor ol' Con has chiggers. That is all (for the time being).
October 23, 2008, Thursday: When we went to Kennedy Space Center and Disney World and other places that we had planned to see on this trip, we did so with certain expectations as to what the sites would entail. We haven’t been disappointed and in many ways our expectations were surpassed.
But the jewel of this trip for me has been the unexpected treasures. The little places that aren’t actually the tourist destinations that turn out to be simply “amazing”.
Today we experienced two such places.
First, was the Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park. We went there hoping to see a Manatee . . . . and we saw six. They were amazing to someone who had never seen one before. The 3,000 pound creatures lounging in the spring fed waters of the Homosassa River.
The park staff provided informative, environmentally friendly facts regarding Florida, the Manatee and the Spring ecosystems that make such an animal possible. They told us that in a few months hundreds of the Manatees would be in the nearby rivers as all of the North American Manatees return to Florida with one exception; Those that have by happenchance come across a warm water discharge from a Nuclear Power Plant who tend to stay in the area of the warm water. The reason is that these seemingly “fat” mammals don’t actually have much of a fat layer and they need the warm water to survive. Without returning to Florida rivers or to the warm water of the power plants these animals would simply die. They can tolerate feeding in cool Atlantic waters for only a short period before they need to warm themselves or perish. Without a blubber layer they can’t maintain their core body temperature.
Also, while at the park we were treated to countless shore, wading, and marsh birds. All there to feast on the saltwater fish that venture into the freshwater springs. We saw tens of thousands of these fish. There were Brown Pelicans, Anhinga, the Roseate Spoonbill, the Great Blue Heron in White Form (a bird that Con and I incorrectly thought was a Great Egret until the Ranger set us straight), Sandhill Cranes, Snowy Egrets, and White Ibis among others.
And, even though we are now in the northern half of Florida, we saw alligators. Basking in the spring water. The ranger pointed out that the abundance of the birds is largely due to the presence of the alligators. Predators such as opossums and raccoons and even snakes tend to stay clear of areas where there are alligators patrolling the water beneath of the nesting or roosting trees. On the other side of the coin, the vast number of birds leant to a rather distinct aroma. . . . you get the idea. Not for the faint of stomach. The ranger told us that there are now around a million alligators in Florida. Surprising, since out of a nest of 30 eggs, only four will make it to adulthood. Another interesting fact shared by the ranger was that the gender of the baby alligators is determined in the nest. Dependent upon temperature. If the egg’s temperature is 86 degrees or less they will become females; more than 86 and they will be males. Somehow, I must have been asleep during that discussion in class, for that was news to me. But, then again I did avoid that herpetology class all of those years ago.
Secondly, we went to a little café suggested to us by a volunteer ranger at the State Park. She said, “You have to have a Cuban Sandwich at the Museum Café’” So, I agreed with her and we did and we were all glad that we did. The bread of this unique sandwich is baked with palm fronds. This imparts a flavor in the bread that is to say the least, unique. Audrey was reluctant to try a Cuban sandwich and the owner of the establishment overheard our conversation. He was soon standing at our table offering the sandwiches to the girls for free. His positive attitude and delectable sandwich didn’t need much convincing for Audrey and she was soon eating hers with a broad smile. So much so, we ordered seconds for the girls. The Museum Café in Homosassa Springs, Florida is well off of the beaten track, but is well worth the effort to get there. Even as far as coming from Port Angeles, Washington. It is one of those places that I have firmly placed on my “to do” again list.
Come to think of it, this trip’s jewels have largely been found far from the Interstate highways and far from strip malls. They aren’t chain stores, they are stores and restaurants and establishments that have the attention of the owner, who oversees it with pride.
This trip has been such a blessing. WE have experienced wonderful people and places and natural wonders that have been surprising to all of us. We have always been thankful to have been fortunate enough to have been born in America but after this trip our feelings are just that much stronger.
This past Sunday night we watched CBS’s 60 Minutes (we usually do) and we eagerly looked forward to Andy Rooney’s segment. He is a guy that I have always appreciated and I was looking forward to his comments about the Presidential election. Basically what he ended up saying was that he knew both John McCain and Barack Obama and he liked both men. He hadn’t made up his mind as to who to vote for and his bottom line was whoever you vote for, you couldn’t go wrong.
We have enjoyed the Homosassa Springs area so much that we thought it would be a fitting place to send our ballots from. Two envelopes both with postmarks from Homosassa Springs, Florida are now on the way to the Elections Department of Clallam County, Washington.
So, VOTE.
This trip hasn’t prevented Connie and me from practicing this marvelous gift of Democracy. Audrey and Hannah have been discussing the pros and cons of both presidential candidates and Con and I have enjoyed listening to their insights. The innocence of a child is still an amazing thing.
October 22nd, Wednesday: We all had to think about what day today was. Very confusing. Wednesday. O-kay, on with the day's activities. Not really much at all. We reluctantly left DinseyWorld and the land of the Mouse and other assorted fantasies.
A short drive to the Gulf Coast and our new home at Elite Resorts at Crystal River, Florida. Lounging, hiking, and swimming at the pool (outdoors and screened in, but even so a small lizard made us company in the hot tub (remember, it is only in the low 80's and that is cold for a daytime high :-) especially when considering what we have been experiencing since early August) A bit of reconnoitering the area for tomorrow's main activity: the Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park where we hope to see a manatee or two. If not, we will opt for a snorkeling trip through Adventure Diving out of Crystal Rivers.
LaFawnduh gal is strong and somehow senses that she has turned for home. There she will have a few months rest before . . . . . . who knows what? We've gotten the bug and there are already discussions of the Canadian Rockies and Alaska to visit the girls buddy, Alex Weeks, who just moved there this past June. . . . . . but, for now, this adventure continues to be full of wonderment and it isn't over yet. Frankly, I don't see how this "first" trip will ever be topped.
Con's back with groceries from the Piggly Wiggly, got to go help bring in the grocery sacks from Kip.
On the downside, Audrey became separated from Hannah and myself as we were coming back from the swimming outing. She got into a highly vegetated area and yelled out that she was being attacked by red ants (there are a bunch of those critters down here). We ran to her aid and fortunately, there were no ants. but, Audrey's discomfort was in the form of cockle burrs that had latched onto her towel and was scraping her leg. They gave me a sting as I was pulling them off of the towel. Of course Mom lectured me for letting Audrey get separated. Guilty as charged.
WE WISH YOU were with us Ann Marie! XOXOXO
October 17th-21st at Disney World: Finally, on our last full day at the Park we relaxed, shopped (Hannah hasn't purchased a single thing for herself during this entire trip but has only bought things for her friends), explored, lounged, swam, and sang (yep, even me). I believe that a person could come to this park and not actually go into any of the amusement venues and still have a wonderful time. Strangely, as we have spent more time in Florida than in any other state on this sojourn we are finding ourselves acclimating to the weather. As the nighttime temperature plunged to 75 degrees and as we were beginning our stroll around the campground to gawk at the Halloween decorations, Audrey said, "I'm cold. Where's my coat?" I blame the humidity. Moisture makes heat unbearable, cool cooler, and cold frigid.
So, I'm even rethinking my hatred of the University of Florida, Florida State, and Miami University football programs. Folks, if these kids can play and practice in this heat and humidity, well, they deserve to win. Do you recall that Gatorade was developed as an energy drink for the University of Florida? Folks, they need it. Any northern team that goes to the Orange Bowl and plays a Florida school is going to lose. They will run out of gas in the 4th quarter.
Okay, the heat must be getting to me. Pardon me. I'm over that nonsense. I still hate the football programs from this state, since a golf cart just drove by with a Gator on it, and I am back to my senses. Florida State still has the Seminoles as their Mascot whereas the University of Illinois no longer has the Chief. I suppose the state of Illinois should change it's name since it is named after an Indian (er, Native American, er, I actually prefer the Canadian designation of "First People" which seems to be the most accurate term) It's a messed up society we live in. But, I smile whenever the Canes, or the Gators, or the Seminoles lose in football or basketball or at a game of horseshoes.
Today, we move away from Orlando and head westward towards the Gulf. . . . . Yesterday we parted with the Mowry's and the Methner's as they went south to Hollywood (north of Miami) to be with Sarah's brother David and his wife for a few days.
Mixed feelings for us as we all know that our travels now will be towards home, towards the end of the journey. The kids are eager to be back in school, around their friends. But, at the same time they would prefer their friends to be here on this trip with them. . . . . . . Why can't we have our cake and eat it too?
Halloween is next week.
Thanksgiving we will already be home.
A few days ago Con remarked, "Christmas sure is going to be a let down this year, ain't it? We'll have to focus on the meaning of the season instead of the gifts. What could top this trip?"
Our days have been long (with activity, as the days are getting markedly shorter). Weather has been nearly perfect. Warm with a cooling breeze and relatively low humidity (especially when compared to Key Largo). Activities are non-stop. Cocoa spends time at the Disney World Kennel when we are in the park and she seems to be loving it. This trip is a vacation for her as well. . . .
This is such an impressive place. Last night we ALL enjoyed the Parade and Fireworks at the Magical Kingdom. For me, if that was all I did at Disney, that would suffice. Especially, after I let Hannah talk me into the Trip to Mars experience at Epcot. (Another centrifuge Mikey!) I was done for the day after that, and Con was hanging on by her chinny chin chin. H and A were wanting to go again which makes me wonder, "Are they really our children?" Or, did they somehow get switched in the hospital????????? I wonder.
Today, we are extending our stay at the campground just to do some lounging around here. There is the swimming pool, and the tennis courts, and the horse rides, and tonight I am looking forward to the campfire sing along with Chip-n-Dale. Geez. Does this ever have to end?
We have been getting to and from most of our destinations by a pleasant, relaxing boat ride. Listening to the various conversations is entertaining for me. It is amazing that even with all of the diverse languages spoken here (I think I even detected Icelandic yesterday) a crying child and how his or her mother copes when she is at the end of her wits is pretty much universal. I'm surprised there isn't a larger "abandoned kids" office here in the park.
The vastness of this place compared to Disneyland makes this a "must do" for Westerners. This was Walt Disney's dream come true and it is a fine testament to that remarkable individual. A man who has brought many a smiles to children and adults alike. What else could be better than that?
Recent Quotes:
Audrey: "Oh Wow! Oh Wow!"
Hannah: "Ha! Ha! Ha! These people think it's cold." (as we were enjoying the temperature in the upper 70's and others were putting on jackets)
Meanwhile, the RV park is very nice. Folks are decorating to the nth degree for Halloween and it is quite entertaining to simply walk around the campground and take in the sights. Overnight as the temperature dips down to the upper 50's to lower 60's folks have their furnaces running; While we enjoy the respite from the heat.
October 16th, Thursday: From our Titusville KOA campsite it was a short drive to the Kennedy Space Center. There the history and the scale of the space effort was enjoyed by Connie, Hannah, Audrey, and yours truly. In addition to the science and technology of the center we also enjoyed the nature of the center; which is essentially a wildlife preserve that includes 6,000 alligators (we saw one), manatees, and over 350 species of birds.
We did catch up with the Mowry's and Methners in the evening and it was great to share the stories of the trip. The kids had a "Reunion" party and all was good in the world.
The consensus is that it is hot and humid down here and it will be good to be back in our temperate North Olympic Peninsula. But, the trip has been rewarding for all. Shared experiences and lifetime memories (especially for the kiddies) have been well worth the expense of the journey. I would gladly do it all over again. In fact I wish I could do it again based on the experience that we've gained on this trip. It's been great. But, it could even be better.
I will admit to you that this is going to be a year without "Autumn" for us. When we were in the New England/North Atlantic Seaboard area Fall was just arriving. Maples were just beginning to turn hues of red but the vast majority of the forests were green. Here in Florida it is as green as Spring and the flowers and trees are still in full bloom. I anticipate that this is going to be the norm as we travel across the Gulf Coast towards the Southern Rockies and then turn northward. However, by the time we do that, Autumn will be a distant memory and we may even be knocking on the door of Winter. Deciduous trees will be barren of leaves and dare I say it, we may even encounter snow in the higher elevations. For now, the daytime high is projected to be 88 here in Titusville. Last night's low temperature was somewhere around 71. One more day at the Kennedy Space Center before driving to Orlando and Disney World. The last, big hoorah for the kids on the trip.
October 15th, Wednesday: A short hour and a half drive to Titusville, accompanied by pleasant temperatures in the low 80's and lower humidity (around 50% instead of 97%) led to a pleasant, relaxing day. We watched the daily flight from "Fantasy of Flight" a BOEING Stearman Bi-Wing (WWII primary trainer), Con got caught up on the laundry, lots of math for both girls (their weakest subject is the one we spend the most time on), cleaning of both Kip and LaFawnduh before leaving and once we were in Titusville we headed to Cocoa Beach. All and all a very relaxed day. Something that was appreciated by all of us (even Cocoa) after numerous days of activities and travel and heat and humidity. BTW, no more water play for Cocoa. With the gators in Florida waterways we have decided to keep the ball on high ground. But, as Con was walking Cocoa she came upon a three ft. snake (black) (Hannah, Audrey and I were in the swimming pool and didn't spy the reptile).
October 14th, Tuesday: We drove northeast from Naples towards our reunion with the Mowry's and Methners in Titusville (we should see them Thursday evening; which is the first that we have seen them since New Jersey). We had originally planned to be at Cape Canaveral for the launch of the Shuttle Atlantis; but it is a complex machine, and alas, that particular mission has been scrubbed.
Florida. You know how you drive down the highway in the summertime and the windshield quickly becomes coated with bugs; Geez, it is almost that bad for the reptiles here in Southern Florida.
Before we had gotten five miles in Naples, Hannah had counted six live gators in the irrigation ditch next to the highway. As the dry season approaches, the water of the Everglades becomes more salty. The gators keep moving towards the north in order to get to freshwater. Unfortunately, this means they have to move across highways. This, on top of the fact that the cold blooded creatures simply benefit from the warmer asphalt means that we had a counting contest during our daily drive. I became bored (or, was it disgusted) after tallying 50 dead gators in very short order. Not to mention the turtles and snakes. Not even beginning to mention the hordes of vultures (Turkey, and Black) that thicken the sky and the roadside.
It was actually quite gross.
Not just the view, but the stench.
You don't see that on the "Visit Florida" advertisements and television commercials.
The day was a flex day. Audrey picked out the day's destination, "Fantasy of Flight", an aviation museum west of Orlando. The collection was impressive and the museum has some very interesting and very beautiful aircraft; especially for a private collection. The majority of the planes are airworthy and you can also tour the hangars and restoration shops.
However, I am still a big fan of the BOEING Museum of Flight, especially the new Personal Courage Wing (with WWI and WWII displays).
But, if you have a day in Central Florida where you're looking for something to do, you can't go wrong: Every day around 9 AM is a flight of one of the airplanes in the exhibit.
http://www.fantasyofflight.com/
NEWS FLASH: INTRUDER IN THE RV OCTOBER 13TH, 8:12 PM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Con was walking out of the RV when she screamed, "There is a frog in the RV!" I told her, "Get a life!" She said, "No really!" I ignored her. Finally, Hannah in her calm manner said, "No dad, I saw it too!" So, I lept into action. After a quick search finding . . . . . nothing. Con yelled, "It's over here!" I said, "Well, get it." She said, "I feel sick." Holy smokes. I went over and found the critter that she was pointing at . . . . . beneath of her seat . . . . . . was a band aid. Used. Old. Disgusting. I reminded my beloved wife, "Get a life Dear." Hannah said, "Dad, I saw it jump. There is really a frog in here." The search quickened. Emptying the art box we found . . . . . pretzels, popcorn, candy wrappers, dried old decrepit used bubble gum, but no critters. On to the kid's school boxes we found crayons, pencils, broken pencils, chewed up pencils, more pretzels (we haven't had any pretzels in here since South Dakota), a few educational items, but no critters. I was beginning to think that Hannah was her mother's child when my beloved H yelled, "It's on the wall."
Sure enough. The two inch long critter had escaped up what it thought was a very flat tree. But, it's brownish green body gave it away on our off-white wall. Captured by Hero Dad, Hannah took a picture before we released it to the palm tree. From whence it came. Man, it rains so hard here that the amphibians have to escape the downpour.
Geez.
October 13th, a Monday here in Florida: There is a great misunderstanding across this great country of ours that I would like to make right.
Folks, you have got rain like we have never seen in Port Angeles.
Granted, we will be returning to the Great Northwest during the rainiest month of the year November; but, even though the rain may last all day long, lasting for many a days, but folks even then I can walk from my home, down the driveway, retrieve the mail out of my rural mailbox and return to my home and not even be wet. Folks, the rain is mostly a "drizzle". So light it is refreshing. Take a deep breath and it feels good. Refreshing. The air smells clean and you will feel very much alive.
The rest of you, my Lord, right now here in Naples we returned to LaFawnduh after our day of activity and had the windshield wipers of Kip (our Jeep Wrangler) on "HIGH" and there was absolutely no difference between the leading edge of the wiper blade and the trailing edge. Did I mention that the wiper was on HIGH, meaning as FAST as the dang thing would go. Yes I did. The wiper was moving as fast as Jeep (Chrysler) had made it and it would not go any faster and it made absolutely no difference in the visibility. Did I fail to mention that the hood of the car, which is not all that big, completely disappeared in the grayness of the Floridian rain squall?????
Folks it rains here in Florida.
And, today on our little excursion we were told that the depth of the Everglades has subsided four inches in the past week since they are transitioning to the "dry" season.
Hello folks.
Don't you get it?
It rains down here like we have never seen in Port Angeles, Washington. Not since I have lived there anyways.
And, these folks are calling this the dry season.
Holy smoke!
Jesus, I can not wait to get back to the Pacific Northwest during the rainiest month of the year for down here in the dry season it is dangerous to be out in the rain. And, I have said nothing about the lightening. Electricity that will fry you in an instant. We have seen lightening twice in Port Angeles since we have lived there. And that has been since 2000. Once we saw lightening over Vancouver Island and we hooped and hollered and jumped for joy. I think that must have been somewhere around 2002. Then last year we watched it lightening over Ediz Hook and we were ecstatic. Here, there has been lightening around us no less than twenty times over the past five minutes and the kids are oblivious to it. It has become second nature to them. Much like breathing air. An involuntary action (we learned the other day that in dolphins it is a voluntary action to breathe).
Our little excursion today was an airboat ride in the Everglades. None of us in the family had ever done that before and it was better than a roller coaster ride. That was what I call fun. A mighty good time. So much so, I will tell you that the company we rode with was Wooten's located approximately 35 miles southeast of Naples (1-800-282-2781). We rode with "Billy" as our Captain and he let the old Chevy 454 powered props sing. The kids were giggling. Con was giggling. I was having a mighty fine time.
And, he found the gators.
Even though we were there at 1 PM, old Bill found the gators. He recommends that if you go on a ride, you go as close to 8 AM as you can, for after that the water warms up and the gators tend to simply rest on the bottom. He says that the very best time to see the gators is during April when it is mating season and the big, old, nasty males bellow a menacing, harrowing sound.
Even so, Captain Bill found the gators.
Check out the pictures on flickr. (link at the top of the page)
Smiles all around.
Gators galore.
And folks don't bother, just FYI, they taste just like chicken.
There are so many gators down here them critters are on restaurant menus. Fried gator. Fried gator sandwiches. Gatorbobs. Skewered gator. Boiled gator. Simmered gator. Baked gator. Roasted gator. Barbecued gator. Gator jambalaya. Gator Etouffee. Gator any way you like it.
Folks, don't waste your time since you may as well eat a Road Island Red. Chicken folks. The dang stuff tastes exactly like chicken.
If the world ever runs out of chicken there is no worry, for we can eat frog legs and gators. Taste the same.
But, it does rain here!
October 12th, Sunday: We bid a fond farewell to Key Largo and John Pennekamp State Park. Audrey refuses to kiss anyone (including Mom) for she fears that the dolphin kiss will wear off.
Driving Northwest from the Keys we entered the Everglades National Park. At the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center a ranger was impressed with the fact that we had driven from Port Angeles (she had been a Ranger at Olympic National Park). She took a personal interest in our family and explained the Everglades to us. We were surprised to learn that it is a RIVER. A wide, shallow, river whose depth varies throughout the year and it is this moving water and the varying depth that provides this great ecosystem. It is NOT a swamp. A swamp is stagnant water and in the Everglades the water is moving.
The birds are abundant, diverse, and different than what we see.
Gators.
Heck, there are gators here in our KOA campground in Naples. Four of them in the bordering creek. From 4-6 ft. in length.
On the "Tamiami Trail" (US Highway 41) we travelled Westward through the Shark River Slough, and Big Cypress National Preserve. Wherever there were fishermen, there was a alligator watching him. We surmised that the gator was waiting for the fisherman to catch a fish and then snatch it from his line. But, we didn't stop LaFawnduh to test our hypothesis, we moved on. More fishermen, more gators. More fishermen, more gators. We aren't on the Olympic Peninsula anymore Audrey.
Eight dead gators on the roadway. The daytime speed limit on this two-lane highway was 60, at night it is 45. I imagine that the cold blooded alligators come out onto the asphalt pavement for the warmth and the cars and trucks don't give a hoot. One deceased gator was at least 8 ft. long. Audrey was angry.
Naples is a retirement center, much like the Phoenix area, or Tucson, or Casa Grande, Arizona. Westerners go to Arizona; In the east folks go down to Florida. Naples appeared new, clean, and diverse in it's economic communities. Trailer parks and Golf Course communities next to each other.
The kids have been playing with two kids of similar age even though they can't speak to one another. The other kids are from Germany. Somehow, they still laugh and enjoy one anothers company.
This trip is now very comfortable to all of us. The routine is well established. The adventures are looked forward to by all. We are comfortable in LaFawnduh. A few days ago after we spent a night in the plush Key Largo hotel, we returned to LaFawnduh and Connie said, "It feels as if we are coming home." Personally, I think it helped that I shampooed the carpets last week and the odors have greatly diminished (or, is it simply that we are getting acclimated to the aromas????) LaFawnduh's airconditioners are doing a great job of keeping the 90+ degree temperatures and the 90+% humidity outside and the inside comfortable. Cocoa is reluctant to go outside these days. Those of you that know her will be surprised by that.
It is simply wonderful being on this trip. We feel grateful and thankful that we are able to do this. We had a discussion about the trip today and Audrey remarked, "The family has really bonded."
The only thing that could make this trip better is if you guys had been here with us to share the experience. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
:-)
October 11th, Saturday: We had numerous options for the day. Going further south in the Keys. Feeding tarpon from the dock. More snorkeling. The Raptor center. What to do?
We asked the girls what it was that they wanted to do and their voices were unanimous. Swim with the dolphins.
You only live once (since we don't believe in reincarnation at this point).
So, we were off to Dolphin Cove here in Key Largo. Unfortunately, we learned that kids age 8-12 required the supervision of an adult. Con elected me and I said, "Only if you'll take pictures."
It was money well spent. The girls were ecstatic. Larger smiles have never been seen on the faces of any children. I believe that fifty years from now this memory will finally overshadow the memory of the hail storm in Yellowstone.
Back in the RV, the kids did the dishes, cleaned up, vacuumed, and gave massages to Mom and I. Audrey said, "You guys deserve it. Thank you for the dolphins."
Tonight, we're going to watch "Flipper".
And, oh yes, remember to check out the photos taken by Con. . . .
October 10th, Friday: We have been told that this is the off season,but even so it is a weekend and Miami is not that far from here. So, the State Park was booked for Friday night camping. We had to move. We checked out other campgrounds in the immediate vicinity and 1.) either they weren't a place that we wanted to stay, or 2.) They only took dogs up to 40 pounds; Or, no dogs at all. So, we adapted. We stayed Friday night at the very plush Key Largo Manatee Bay Resort. Audrey exclaimed, "A real bed!" Appreciating the break from her booth dinette. Further adapting we realized that we wanted to spend the day in, or on, or around the water so we took our beloved Cocoa to a pet resort, Key Largo style.
The motherlode of the day was spent aboard a dive boat, snorkeling reefs in John Pennekamp State Park (a protected reserve where fishing isn't even allowed). The dive master said divers like it deep and snorkelers like it shallow. I grimaced. Being a group of snorkelers (first time in my life that I have ever been on a snorkeling trip) we found shallow reefs but they were full of coral and fish. Colorful tropical fish. Diversity to the nth degree. I love the water. Hannah was in her element except for one thing. She wears booties with her fins, that is simply because we live in the Pacific Northwest and well, you need booties. She's never not worn booties. I even wear my booties down here for one reason, coral is sharp and jagged and can cause cuts. I even wear gardening gloves down here just in case I need to grab on to something. I don't want any cuts. Connie was helping Hannah get ready and she couldn't get the fins over Hannah's booties. Con decided that miraculously H's feet had grown a full size overnight and it wasn't going to work. She suggested to Hannah that she continue without the booties (unbeknownst to me). The problem was they weren't following my lead. You get into the water and the wetness of the water allows the fins to easily slide over the booties. Con was trying to slide the dry fin over the dry boot and it wasn't going to happen. H's fins are sized to be worn with her booties. Yes, they are adjustable, but not side to side. There was too much room along the sides of H's feet and as she tightened them, she scrunched her toes against the front of her fins. Very uncomfortable. Painfully so. H immediately got in the water and tried to adjust her fins, to no avail. But, not being a quitter or a complainer she said nothing. I saw that she was tearing up and when I inquired as to what was wrong she said, "Dad, just swim. We don't have all that much time. Let's go!" She was determined to have a good time and she did. Unfortunately, this was her first reef swim and it could have, should have, been a far more positive experience for her. I should have paid closer attention to what was happening.
Parrot fish were eating the coral. There were butterflies, Angels, Tangs, pufferfish, trumpet fish, etc. Hannah was pleased to see a blue tang (as in Dory of "Finding Nemo") but, there weren't any Nemo's to be found (anemone fish). The highlight of the day for the both of us was a 5 ft. long barracuda. Menacing in appearance, normally shy of people, but here in the park it was well accustomed to intrusions by people who sometimes bear fruit (food). I touched it's long body as it slowly ambered away. After doing this I surfaced and asked Hannah what she thought of the barracuda? She replied, "What barracuda? You mean that was a barracuda?"
If all a person had done was ride the dive boat out to the reefs, that would have been a very pleasant day. The pristine blues of the water. The clouds forming and growing and moving above the horizon. The perfect sea breeze.
Good thing Con and I didn't come here for our honeymoon, we would have had very, very, very different lives if we had.
Wish you were here to share in the experience with us.
October 9th, Thursday: We came this far to see things that we had never seen before and today we were rewarded for our efforts.
Snorkelling at John Pennekamp State Park was a treat for all of us.
Hannah and I stayed out the longest (I had to make her "stop"). The water was a comfortable near 80 degrees and Hannah seemed unfatiguable. At our farthest we were probably a half mile off shore. But, this is nothing like Puget Sound. The islands that make up the keys protected the bay we were in and it was more like being in a pond. Waves were non-existant as were the currents. But, what was abundant was life. The bottom was covered in coral, plants, sponges. We chased cuttlefish (or their cousins), barracuda, 5 ft. long tarpon, and countless reef fish. As the tarpon (about twenty of them) came up to us we were at the edge of a drop off, snoreklling along the surface when the fish just approached us from behind and passed us with mild curiosity. I was made aware of the large fish when I heard Hannah excalaim, "Wow!" Even though her snorkel was clenched between her jaws.
Audrey was excited to be in the water but was a bit surprised by the diverse life. She felt a bit uneasy when two cuttlefish exhibited a defense posture and extended their two tentacles towards her from directly beneath of her. She had been out quite a while at that time and that was enough. She and her mom explored the water from shore from that point on. However, she is expressing a desire to give it another "go" mostly because Hannah has been talking of her experience non-stop.
Hannah is talking of the research she is going to conduct as a Marine Biologist. I'm beginning to believe that she will.
Must we leave?
October 7th, Tuesday: With the cancellation of the Shuttle launch we have no time commitment until the 15th, so we have decided to simply move south as our hearts desire. So, we bid a fond farewell to Charleston (a wonderful surprise) and head to. . . . . . somewhere.
First, we drove through Hilton Head Island and if I were a golfer I would probably have stopped here.
But, being a non-golfer we moved on.
Next, we toured Savannah, Georgia where the quaint beauty of the town was comporable to that of Charleston.
We moved on.
A lunch stop north of Brunswick became a shopping stop as well. My buddy Steve L. no longer lives in Brunswick so it was time to move on.
Georgia became Florida.
Jacksonville actually has a population greater than Seattle but even though we were moving through at rush hour the traffic moved smoothly. We moved southward a little more.
We had to stop in St. Augustine, the oldest city in America. An old Spanish fort there was operated by the National Park Service and we enjoyed our tour there (with only six other people in the fort at the time). The old town area is beautiful with what has to be one of the best pizza joints in the country, Pizzalley's. An old college was downtown (Flagler College, but not the same Flagler as in Fort Flagler outside of Port Townsend, WA). Catholic churches abounded in this town of 12,000. And, there was a new Catholic church and school being constructed. For architectural beauty and uniqueness, I hold St. Augustine above Savannah or Charleston.
We stayed the night in a local RV Park before awaking the next morning for points "south".
October 8th, Wednesday: Rain and thunderstorms made staying around St. Augustine less of an alternative than had the skies been clear, so the decision to move southward was an easy one.
We passed by Titusville and Cape Canaveral and said, "See you later."
We moved past Fort Lauderdale and Miami and decided, "You have nothing for us." Traffic picked up and was as heavy as Seattle during commute hour. I longed to get away from metropolis and expereince some of the natural beauty that Florida offers. But, on the way we watched a Semi overturn about 200 yards ahead of us. It was during a rain squall (heavier than any rain that I have ever expereinced in the Pacific Northwest, thank you very much). Because of the traffic congestion brake lights and fishtailing cars were around LaFawnduh. I had to lock up the brakes for the first time ever on the old gal and she stopped straight as an arrow after about a 30 ft. skid. We stopped to check on the welfare of the truck driver and luckily, there were no injuries and a police officer was between the truck and us in LaFawnduh. He was already attending to the needs of the wreck. LaFawnduh moved on.
A short time later we nearrowly avoided a Ford F-250 which was merging while the driver was talking on a cell phone (actually, he appeared to be dialing). Another truck was in the next lane over and I couldn't move left. Inches separated us and the unattentive driver.
We moved on.
West and south of Miami (such as in Homestead) there are nothing but new developments. Not a home that looks anything like "old". Well, the fact is Hurricane Andrew flattened the area back in the early 90's. The area has rebuilt.
We drove next to the Everglades and it was nothing like I had imagined. Vast, flat, grasslands and waterways and very few treelines. We intend to return here to explore after we reach our southernmost destination.
A point to make here, seeing America from the motorhome is far, far, far better than seeing America from a sedan, or a passenger car or truck. You have an elevated view of the world and the view through the windshield is very open by comparison. We love this mode of travelling.
I started snorkelling as a 12 year old back in Illinois. Motivated by Jacques Cousteau's Underwater World. Back then I collected golf balls from the ponds of various golf courses in the Danville area and dreamed of the ocean. Back in 1975 Connie, my friends Dennis Black, and Chris Nelson, and myself took SCUBA lessons. We became certified PADI divers and Con and I planned a Scuba diving honeymoon following our July, 1976 wedding. We planned on driving to Florida and camping at John Pennekamp State Park. We decided we couldn't afford it and we've never been here during our travels to Florida.
Time to right that wrong.
I write this from our campsite at John Pennekamp State Park, Key Largo, Florida. This park is reknowned for it's coral reefs.
If we had came here during our honeymoon, I imagine our lives would have turned out very differently. I don't think we would have wanted to leave. Life would have been different.
We're thankful for the opportunity to be here with the girls and will be sharing snorelling and coral reefs with Hannah and Audrey.
More later.
BTW, this is the furthest distance that we will be from Port Angeles during this trip.
Thus far, LaFawnduh has taken us 6,537 Miles. From St. Augustine to Key Largo it was 381 miles. Thank You LaFawnduh for doing such a great job. Kip has done an exemplary job as well.
The girls have been absolute Angels during the trip. As we drive the interior of LaFawnduh is filled with song, laughter, and conversation. Cocoa has been an absolute champion and we can't imagine not including her on this little journey.
Again today Audrey said, "I don't want this RV trip to end."
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