Friday, November 30, 2012
Nov 21-30/ 2012
Have spent the past 10 days being tourists up and down the "treasure" coast from Boca Raton south to Homestead. Have window shopped till we dropped in several mega malls (most of them designer outlets) looking for the ultimate pair of shoes.......for Norm !! We enjoyed a full day on the hop on/hop off water taxi (all day for $17 each) which took us from North Fort Lauderdale along the beach area to the Hilton Marina where we enjoyed a cobb salad on the waterside patio and a tour around the marina (saw Steven Speilburg's mega yacht, the 7 Seas, and Ralph Lauren's mega yacht). At this point we transferred to the Hollywood route which took us through jungles before reaching the bars & restaurants of Hollywood, FL. We cruised through Port Everglades, not the largest but the busiest port on the east coast. It is home to the 2 largest cruise ships in the world (each carry about 6500 passengers and 2500 crew -talk about a floating city). There was only one cruise ship in port while we were there but they have had as many as 13 in one day !!! There are dozens of container ships loading and unloading at the great length of piers. It was a great 1.5 hr return trip except the only bathroom on the taxi had backed up and was out of service. Once back at the Hilton stop we transferred to the downtown route which passed many millionaire's homes and yachts in their docks before getting to the Riverwalk. At this point it was getting dark so we saw the return trip under the moon and with lots of Christmas lights already on. A really fun and interesting day -really makes one feel humble after all the riches and decadence but so glad to be alive and healthy and able to be here to share the view !! Another really fun day was our mystery trip to the Monkey Jungle. I knew that Norm wouldn't be that interested but I LOVE monkeys so off we went on our 65 mile journey along the coastal route which ended up taking us 3 hours with all the many LONG traffic lights in the smaller towns. The Monkey Jungle is so unique as the visitors are caged while the monkeys are free. You walk through chicken wire covered walkways with monkeys on all sides of you including overhead. I have never seen so many monkeys (also wooley gibbons, orang utan, a 400 lb. silverback gorilla, and monkeys that dive and swim underwater for crabs (in this case, hard boiled eggs as it is fresh water). Could not believe the minute size of some of the spider monkey babies, and the obvious pecking order within the groups. I could go on.....Norm admitted he really enjoyed the day and all the information we got from the trainers & staff. We have had a really anti-social stay at Breezy Hill RV as over 90% of the guests are from Quebec and don't speak any English, nor do we speak any French so were at an impass. In fact, we don't hear much English even in the shops -lots of Spanish and Creole (Pigeon English amongst the African Americans -from Jamaica, Haiti, Barbados, etc). We have now moved from Breezy Hill RV to Paradise Island RV (Passport) where we are storing the coach for the next 2 weeks while we are away on our Southern Caribbean cruise. Meantime we are off to meet our cruise mates, whom we presume have arrived here overnight.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Nov 12-20/ 2012
We drove about 12 miles south to Savannah, GA where we caught a hop on/ hop off trolley through to historical part of town. There were 15 stops on the route with narration between each stop. We toured through two large homes -the Owens-Thomas House and the Issiah Davenport House, both very different styles from the same era. We went to the 17hundred90 Inn & Restaurant for blue crab stew, honey topped biscuit and vanilla bread pudding with bourbon sauce, all very delicious. Our final stop was at theSavannah History Museum in the old train station, all very interesting but too much to remember. Much of the old part of town has been bought up by SCAD - Savannah College of Art & Design, which has grown from 600 students a few years ago to 13000 students today. The old cotton packing plant has been converted into classrooms and offices. They have a beautiful, huge equestrian center on the outskirts of the city. There was an art project where mermaid sculptures were placed in many locations around the city.Savannah is the second largest seaport on the east coast.
Nov 13/ 2012
We drove back out toward Hilton Head to Rose Hill GC where we played 15 holes (had to quit because of pouring rain) with Jean-Guy & Johane Pacquette from Whitecourt, AB, where he is a paper maker (moved from Quebec 25 years ago).
Nov 14/ 2012
We left Hardeeville at 10:15 on a cool, damp day, driving through Georgia on Hwy 95. We stopped at the Welcome Center on the Florida border where we collected piles of info and a complimentary fresh grapefruit juice. While there, we met Shannon & Pat Collier from Ottawa who followed us down the road to Pecan RV Park (PA) several miles north of Jacksonville. We joined them for tomato sandwiches and tea. They later came and joined us for a glass of wine.
Nov 15/ 2012
We left Jacksonville at 10:50 under overcast skies & 85% humidity. We had a very enjoyable drive down the east coast on secondary highways #1 and A1A passing through many small seaside towns. There was minimal traffic. We checked into Seasons in the Sun RV Park (PA) at Mims at 4:00 -66F, just a few miles north of Cape Caneveral. We enjoyed happy hour in the hot tub under the moon (it was closed but noone was around and the gate was not locked).
Nov 16/ 2012
We decided to stay another day at Mims to catch up with paperwork, laundry, and other chores.After lunch at the New Peking Buffet we drove down hwy 1 to Cocoa to Sam's Club and Publix grocery store. Once again, we got home after dark and once again we took advantage of the hot tub.
Nov 17/ 2012
We left Mims at 10:50 76F. We drove down Hwy 1 most of the way to Pompano Beach (a few miles north of Fort Lauderdale) on the Treasure Coast, where we checked into Breezy Hill RV Park (1000 Trails/Encore), another Encore disappointment :( There was noone in the office at 3:30 to let us through the gate or assign us a site. After a couple of phone calls we were able to get the gate code and found a suitable unoccupied site. This park is an old mobile home park, has over 450 sites, most of them occupied by people from Quebec. We met Jim & Rita from Pennsylvania, one of a very few english speaking neighbours. They invited us to join them for happy hour.
Nov 18/ 2012
We drove over to Paradise Island RV Park (PA), 10 miles from here, to check it out as we will be leaving the coach there for the two weeks we are on our cruise. It is another old park, very tight quarters, but the price is right and it is secure. We stopped at the Welcome Center in North Lauderdale and got lots of local info.
Nov 19/ 2012
We spent most of the day at the Sawgrass Outlet Mall, the largest mall we have ever been in. We didn't even get to some of the areas. It is mostly very high end shops. We can't believe the USA is going broke with the cartloads of goods coming out the doors !!! We came away empty handed, having spent $12.00 for chicken strip lunch.
Nov 20/ 2012
Overcast 63-75F. Did some menial chores then off to another mall in the neighbourhood.
Nov 13/ 2012
We drove back out toward Hilton Head to Rose Hill GC where we played 15 holes (had to quit because of pouring rain) with Jean-Guy & Johane Pacquette from Whitecourt, AB, where he is a paper maker (moved from Quebec 25 years ago).
Nov 14/ 2012
We left Hardeeville at 10:15 on a cool, damp day, driving through Georgia on Hwy 95. We stopped at the Welcome Center on the Florida border where we collected piles of info and a complimentary fresh grapefruit juice. While there, we met Shannon & Pat Collier from Ottawa who followed us down the road to Pecan RV Park (PA) several miles north of Jacksonville. We joined them for tomato sandwiches and tea. They later came and joined us for a glass of wine.
Nov 15/ 2012
We left Jacksonville at 10:50 under overcast skies & 85% humidity. We had a very enjoyable drive down the east coast on secondary highways #1 and A1A passing through many small seaside towns. There was minimal traffic. We checked into Seasons in the Sun RV Park (PA) at Mims at 4:00 -66F, just a few miles north of Cape Caneveral. We enjoyed happy hour in the hot tub under the moon (it was closed but noone was around and the gate was not locked).
Nov 16/ 2012
We decided to stay another day at Mims to catch up with paperwork, laundry, and other chores.After lunch at the New Peking Buffet we drove down hwy 1 to Cocoa to Sam's Club and Publix grocery store. Once again, we got home after dark and once again we took advantage of the hot tub.
Nov 17/ 2012
We left Mims at 10:50 76F. We drove down Hwy 1 most of the way to Pompano Beach (a few miles north of Fort Lauderdale) on the Treasure Coast, where we checked into Breezy Hill RV Park (1000 Trails/Encore), another Encore disappointment :( There was noone in the office at 3:30 to let us through the gate or assign us a site. After a couple of phone calls we were able to get the gate code and found a suitable unoccupied site. This park is an old mobile home park, has over 450 sites, most of them occupied by people from Quebec. We met Jim & Rita from Pennsylvania, one of a very few english speaking neighbours. They invited us to join them for happy hour.
Nov 18/ 2012
We drove over to Paradise Island RV Park (PA), 10 miles from here, to check it out as we will be leaving the coach there for the two weeks we are on our cruise. It is another old park, very tight quarters, but the price is right and it is secure. We stopped at the Welcome Center in North Lauderdale and got lots of local info.
Nov 19/ 2012
We spent most of the day at the Sawgrass Outlet Mall, the largest mall we have ever been in. We didn't even get to some of the areas. It is mostly very high end shops. We can't believe the USA is going broke with the cartloads of goods coming out the doors !!! We came away empty handed, having spent $12.00 for chicken strip lunch.
Nov 20/ 2012
Overcast 63-75F. Did some menial chores then off to another mall in the neighbourhood.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Nov 8/2012
After a couple of days off in cloudy wet weather, we left Pigeon Forge at 11:00 in bright sunshine. Lots of copper-coloured trees and lots of 6-7% up and down grades with Great Smoky Mtns on the west, , New Found Mtns on the east, Blue Ridge Mtns on the North/South Carolina border. We crossed three states today -Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina. We hit heavy rush hour traffic around Columbia, SC. Checked into Mr.Z's RV in Gilbert, SC at 6:00 (PA) in the pitch dark. The park is very tight with only 11 sights and no public facilities but off the road safely.
Nov 9/ 2012
We left Gilbert at 9:30 under clear blue sky and 56F taking secondary highways 6 and 21 through farming country -broccoli fields, cotton on the field and in large loaf bales. Spotted our first palm trees south of Branchfield and bamboo and pampas grass. Lots of Spanish moss in the large oaks. We checked into Savannah Oaks, an Encore park at Yemassee, SC which came with rave reviews but after finally arriving there (it was really hard to find) we cancelled our reservations as the pool was closed, all the trees were hanging down with Spanish moss, the roads were rough gravel, the clubhouse was a canvas gazebo. So down the road to Hardeeville a half hour away where we checked into Hardeeville RV (PA) which is only 10 miles from Savannah, Georgia. We immediately met Lynn and Wayne from Victoria, he a retired teacher from an alternate school and she retired from the government so ended up having happy hour together, getting all kinds of local information from them.
Nov 10/ 2012
We spent most of the day touring around on Hilton Head Island. Lots of U-turns as most of the roads leaving the main street lead to locked gates of HUGE gated communities. We stopped for shrimp/fish basket lunch at Scott's Fish Market Bar & Grill on the Intercoastal Canal. 70+F on the dock patio. Lots of very large yachts. Many golf courses with famous names. Once back to the park we joined Lynn & Wayne for happy hour, and met another couple, Joanne and John Guy, a paper maker from Whitecourt, AB. They own a lot on Westside Road in Vernon -small world. Was a fun get-together.
Nov 11/ 2012
We drove back out toward Hilton Head checking out some golf courses for later in the week, then we drove to Beaufort, the second oldest town in the state (1711), a picturesque old port town about 30 miles northwest of Hardeeville. Its many pre-Revolutionary War and antebellum homes surrounded by quiet gardens stand along narrow oak canopied streets, the oldest being the 1717 Thomas Hepworth House. We took a guided horse drawn carriage tour through the historic part of town. St. Helena's Episcopal Church was founded in1712. In the churchyard are tombstones used as operating tables during the Civil War. In 1863 the Beaufort National Cemetery was established and today the remains of more than 7500 Civil War soldiers and 6500 other servicemen killed in action in subsequent wars are interned there. Several movies have been filmed here -The Big Chill, The Great Santini, Forrest Gump. Happy hour with the group after dark around a cozy campfire.
Nov 9/ 2012
We left Gilbert at 9:30 under clear blue sky and 56F taking secondary highways 6 and 21 through farming country -broccoli fields, cotton on the field and in large loaf bales. Spotted our first palm trees south of Branchfield and bamboo and pampas grass. Lots of Spanish moss in the large oaks. We checked into Savannah Oaks, an Encore park at Yemassee, SC which came with rave reviews but after finally arriving there (it was really hard to find) we cancelled our reservations as the pool was closed, all the trees were hanging down with Spanish moss, the roads were rough gravel, the clubhouse was a canvas gazebo. So down the road to Hardeeville a half hour away where we checked into Hardeeville RV (PA) which is only 10 miles from Savannah, Georgia. We immediately met Lynn and Wayne from Victoria, he a retired teacher from an alternate school and she retired from the government so ended up having happy hour together, getting all kinds of local information from them.
Nov 10/ 2012
We spent most of the day touring around on Hilton Head Island. Lots of U-turns as most of the roads leaving the main street lead to locked gates of HUGE gated communities. We stopped for shrimp/fish basket lunch at Scott's Fish Market Bar & Grill on the Intercoastal Canal. 70+F on the dock patio. Lots of very large yachts. Many golf courses with famous names. Once back to the park we joined Lynn & Wayne for happy hour, and met another couple, Joanne and John Guy, a paper maker from Whitecourt, AB. They own a lot on Westside Road in Vernon -small world. Was a fun get-together.
Nov 11/ 2012
We drove back out toward Hilton Head checking out some golf courses for later in the week, then we drove to Beaufort, the second oldest town in the state (1711), a picturesque old port town about 30 miles northwest of Hardeeville. Its many pre-Revolutionary War and antebellum homes surrounded by quiet gardens stand along narrow oak canopied streets, the oldest being the 1717 Thomas Hepworth House. We took a guided horse drawn carriage tour through the historic part of town. St. Helena's Episcopal Church was founded in1712. In the churchyard are tombstones used as operating tables during the Civil War. In 1863 the Beaufort National Cemetery was established and today the remains of more than 7500 Civil War soldiers and 6500 other servicemen killed in action in subsequent wars are interned there. Several movies have been filmed here -The Big Chill, The Great Santini, Forrest Gump. Happy hour with the group after dark around a cozy campfire.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Oct 29-Nov 5/ 2012
We moved over to the Prevost shop in Nashville where as owners we have complimentary hookup, free laundry, and acess to the customer lounge anytime. While there we had some air valves replaced, caught up with laundry and took advantage of the big screen TV to keep on top of Hurricane Sandy. Our hearts go out to all of the displaced people in NY. Enjoyed the CMA award show as we had seen several of the stars at other venues this trip. Have now had a few days to recoup and are down the road to Pigeon Forge this AM. At 10:00 it is already 60F. Into firs & pines, lots of bronzed trees and wineries. Lunch at the Crossville rest area then moved clocks ahead one hour. Really heavy highway traffic from Knoxville to Pigeon Forge where we checked into Creekside RV (Passport America) at 4:15 69F. What a sight coming through town with all the neon lights, bill boards, restaurants, motel/hotels, trolleys, mini golfs, race cars, waterslides, etc.
Nov 3/ 2012
We rode the trolley around several routes through town ($.50 per zone) and spent all afternoon at Dollywood. Glad we went there but found it expensive and really geared for families with children to enjoy all the amusement rides and games. It was the last day open (closing for a week to switch over to the Christmas shows) but we did get to 4 gospel shows and the Gospel Hall of Fame. Had the opportunity to tour through Dolly"s private coach (1994 Prevost). We stopped at J.T.Hannah's for steak dinner before taking the trolley back to the park. JT's was an original warehouse in the early 1800s which had a lunchroom for the employees. As word got out about the great quality of the food it became open to the public in 1930. Lots of old tools ,implements and photos, AND the food was great !!
Nov 4/ 2012
We started the day at Smith Family Theatre at an all you can eat breakfast buffet, 2 for $4.95 including pancake & omelette station. There was an interactive "character" performance for the younger folks. We drove up to Cades Cove, an 11 mile loop in the Smoky Mountains 25 miles from here. We stopped at a few old homes from the early 1800s (Civil War times ??), a cemetary containing many infant graves, a couple of old churches and the Cable Mill farm, an interpretive farm with a working forge, a grist mill, a sorghum mill, stables, corn cribs, and several old impliments. It was a beautiful drive but on a twisty narrow road with hundreds of Sunday drivers enjoying the autumn colours. Apparently the Smoky Mountains get their name from the mist that comes off the trees -considered a real rain forest. Once back to Gatlinburg, we went to Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede dinner show, held in a huge arena seating 1100 people. Dinner was interesting as we were not given any cutlery. We were served creamy vegetable soup, biscuit, cornish game hen, smoked pork, 1/2 potato, 1/2 corn on cob, apple turnover and sweet tea. The show was spectacular- 12 equestrians representing the North & the South (we were from the North) and competing for each side of the arena with plenty of screaming support and stomping of feet when hands were full of food. Great fun. Also entertaining was the chicken chase by 4 little audience members and the piglet races and a bit of magic.
The Christmas Story was magical with the Nativity dropping down from the rafters and including sheep, goats, donkeys and 3 wisemen on real camels. Angels were flying, along with the white dove. The lighting and sound were fantastic and we sat under real man-made falling snow. Of course Santa arrived by horse drawn sleigh and we were served by his elves. There was a pre-show put on by a trio of country musicians called Tennessee Ruckus, all very accomplished on several stringed instruments and sang harmony well. Lots of humour added in as well.
Nov 5/ 2012
Norm made a big pot of soup before we went off to spend the day at the Tanger Outlet Mall, one of several outlet malls in the area. We definitely got our walking in at this place. Stopped at KT's Bar & Grill for a pizza before tackling another shift out there. On our way back to the park we stopped at The Incredible Christmas Place, a huge Bavarian style village open year round with over 65 decorated trees and themes for every occasion. Included is a candy shop, a floral shop, a train ride, a personalizing shop and anything else Christmas !!! Then home to a nice hot bowl of soup :) and put our feet up :)
Nov 3/ 2012
We rode the trolley around several routes through town ($.50 per zone) and spent all afternoon at Dollywood. Glad we went there but found it expensive and really geared for families with children to enjoy all the amusement rides and games. It was the last day open (closing for a week to switch over to the Christmas shows) but we did get to 4 gospel shows and the Gospel Hall of Fame. Had the opportunity to tour through Dolly"s private coach (1994 Prevost). We stopped at J.T.Hannah's for steak dinner before taking the trolley back to the park. JT's was an original warehouse in the early 1800s which had a lunchroom for the employees. As word got out about the great quality of the food it became open to the public in 1930. Lots of old tools ,implements and photos, AND the food was great !!
Nov 4/ 2012
We started the day at Smith Family Theatre at an all you can eat breakfast buffet, 2 for $4.95 including pancake & omelette station. There was an interactive "character" performance for the younger folks. We drove up to Cades Cove, an 11 mile loop in the Smoky Mountains 25 miles from here. We stopped at a few old homes from the early 1800s (Civil War times ??), a cemetary containing many infant graves, a couple of old churches and the Cable Mill farm, an interpretive farm with a working forge, a grist mill, a sorghum mill, stables, corn cribs, and several old impliments. It was a beautiful drive but on a twisty narrow road with hundreds of Sunday drivers enjoying the autumn colours. Apparently the Smoky Mountains get their name from the mist that comes off the trees -considered a real rain forest. Once back to Gatlinburg, we went to Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede dinner show, held in a huge arena seating 1100 people. Dinner was interesting as we were not given any cutlery. We were served creamy vegetable soup, biscuit, cornish game hen, smoked pork, 1/2 potato, 1/2 corn on cob, apple turnover and sweet tea. The show was spectacular- 12 equestrians representing the North & the South (we were from the North) and competing for each side of the arena with plenty of screaming support and stomping of feet when hands were full of food. Great fun. Also entertaining was the chicken chase by 4 little audience members and the piglet races and a bit of magic.
The Christmas Story was magical with the Nativity dropping down from the rafters and including sheep, goats, donkeys and 3 wisemen on real camels. Angels were flying, along with the white dove. The lighting and sound were fantastic and we sat under real man-made falling snow. Of course Santa arrived by horse drawn sleigh and we were served by his elves. There was a pre-show put on by a trio of country musicians called Tennessee Ruckus, all very accomplished on several stringed instruments and sang harmony well. Lots of humour added in as well.
Nov 5/ 2012
Norm made a big pot of soup before we went off to spend the day at the Tanger Outlet Mall, one of several outlet malls in the area. We definitely got our walking in at this place. Stopped at KT's Bar & Grill for a pizza before tackling another shift out there. On our way back to the park we stopped at The Incredible Christmas Place, a huge Bavarian style village open year round with over 65 decorated trees and themes for every occasion. Included is a candy shop, a floral shop, a train ride, a personalizing shop and anything else Christmas !!! Then home to a nice hot bowl of soup :) and put our feet up :)
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