Day 58 and 59 with Ruby and Rocket

I hated to leave Charleston but had to move on. No flies on us! It was a pretty drive with lots of trees, of course, and over rivers on many bridges. I can do bridges now without panicking. The drive to Myrtle Beach was longer than usual (123 miles) due to our schedule change. Things were great until I hit the town and then there was lots of traffic and motorcycles. Lots of motorcycles! These were not your Harley’s or Beamers but loud crotch rockets. They were everywhere and I noticed most the people on them had definitely had to many servings of grits! The passengers on the back should not have been wearing their tiny little bathing suits! So I check in at the Briarcliffe RV Resort and I mention all the motorcycles and she tells me its bike week but it’s over on Monday. Just great!

I headed to the pool as I know Bill has quite a ride today and won’t be in for a while. He arrives later and kind of cranky as he had to encounter the bikers as well and they weren’t too bicycle-friendly. 

We have a lovely dinner and relax as it was a long day of riding. So we go to bed and I had this dream that we are parked in a swamp and I’m not sure how I’m going to hook up Ruby. I open my eyes and it’s dark so that makes me more nervous. So then I open the shade to our bedroom window and I see lights and think that’s encouraging. It’s not till Bill asks me what I’m doing that I wake up and realize we are already somewhere hooked up. Scarry! Probably my payback for the thought about grits!

So there I lay in bed listening to the bees (motorcycles) on the highway till 2 in the morning, including our neighbors who leave and then return. I don’t know the fun of cruising the highway at all hours. I must be too old! Anyway I finally had to take a little sleep aid so I wouldn’t be cranky this morning. It’s 8 am and Bill just took off on Rocket for Walmart. I told him to ram up the engine a few times before he left so Rocket wouldn’t feel left out. I hope he doesn’t get run over!

It’s a beautiful day so we’re going to venture out to the beach.  Well we get things packed in the backpack and the umbrellas that I bought before are across my lap. The chairs I bought in some town are too big to take so we have to stop along the way. Let me tell you Myrtle Beach is no cute little beach town.  It’s very commercial and busy! I think it’s more of a destination place than a beach town. So we stop at one of the many big beach supply stores for low chairs we can carry on Rocket (they match our umbrellas) and are successful so we’re on our way. It’s not too far from the beach and a great day. It’s surprising how warm the water is compared to the Pacific.  Well we’re on our way back and I’m glad no one knows us as we probably look pretty funny with Bill driving and me with a backpack and chairs strapped over my shoulder and umbrellas across my lap. So we’re almost to the RV Park and bam a stupid bees stings my hand! Ouch!!! I’m struggling to get the stinger out and Bills asking me if I’m alright.  Hell no I’m not alright! We make it back and I’m now soaking my hand in ice water and drinking a beer! Oh and I forgot my camera again so I don’t have any pictures. You’ll have to see them on Bill’s website. I’ll do better next time.

We’re going out for dinner as I’m sure I’m too wounded to cook!

We had a wonderful dinner at Gregg Norman’s Australian Grill overlooking the water. (Lobster for me!) I thought I’d have it south and then compare to Bar Harbor. Trust me Bar Harbor will be better! This little area where we are has several restaurants, shops and fun stuff. You can get to it from a little back road and we were able to take Rocket that way.

We’re off to Wilmington, NC. Another state!!! Oh and I made my reservations for the ferry from Cedar Island to Ocracoke for June 3^rd. It’s a 2 and half hour ferry ride. Then you drive a bit and take another ferry to Hatteras Island. Don’t know why we had to go there but I’m sure we don’t want to miss it!!! 

Hope you all had a safe and fun Memorial Weekend.  Our RV Park has cleared out a lot today so glad we weren’t on the road.

Day 56 and 57 with Ruby and Rocket

I had a pretty drive through the town of Walterboro as leaving and passed several beautiful Antebellum homes. The drive to Charleston was only about 50 miles so I arrived a little before check in. Bill arrived soon after as we’d planned to do some site seeing.

We got ready and headed to the Magnolia Plantation which is located on the Ashley River and about 8 miles from our RV Park. It’s been in existence since before the Revolutionary War. It was lived in up to 1975 and is still owned by the original family. We had a tour of the house and a boat ride where we saw the alligators. Also walked around the extensive gardens. Bill navigated us back to Ruby during rush hour and holiday traffic. Ready for a glass of wine!

 Magnolia Plantation

 See the Alligator!

Strutting his stuff!

Saturday we went in to Charleston and took the ferry for the tour of Fort Sumter. This was very cool and as you all remember it was here that the first shots were fired to start the Civil War. The cannons are still there but the walls are not a high as they originally were at the time of the war. It was very interesting history.

Fort Sumter from the ferry.

We walked around downtown Charleston which is lots of fun and had a great lunch at the Noisy Oyster. Then we walked to the area south of Broad which is a famous street area with lots of beautiful Antebellum homes. We toured one of them which is probably one of the oldest in this area. It was really interesting and the stories really do take you back to the time of the Civil War. It’s still owned by the descendents of the 2^nd family that owned the house.

 The house we toured

Taken from the back of Rocket

 

Bill happy eating at the Noisy Oyster!

So many beautiful and interesting homes

Today we did a little change in the schedule and won’t be going to Andrews, SC but straight to Myrtle Beach for 2 days. I think there was a mileage issue and I’m happy we won’t be driving tomorrow.

This was a very fun stop over and a town that I’d like to visit again. It would be a fun long weekend trip.

So take care and have a fun and safe Memorial Day.

Day 55 with Ruby and Rocket

Left Statesboro, GA for Walterboro, SC via back country roads! And I mean back country. This was a 97 mile drive and only 30 of it was on the highway. It was beautiful though surrounded by trees (lots of trees) and farms.

Lots and lots of trees and little bitty roads!

Then you would come in to a small community with one beautiful home and others not so beautiful. It was very scenic and slow travelling. I crossed the Savannah River and then in to South Carolina. YEAH! Finally I hit I-95 and back up to 65 MPH for 30 miles to Walterboro. Crazy! Glad Gabby knows what she’s doing as I had no idea where I was. So what’s new?

We’re in the New Green Acres RV Park which is just beautiful. They have a great dog park so Duncan and I had a visit there. I was all set to go to the pool but it was closed as it’s not quite ready.  Looked ready to me! Bummer. Anyway so I was bored for the afternoon.

Dog Park

Bill arrived so I complained to him a lot about the pool.  Had to have me some margaritas to make myself a little happier! It's cooler here so we had a nice happy hour outside.

Pool Closed - What are they waiting for? 

We’re going to Charleston tomorrow for 2 days. I’m excited about that as lots of history to see. Bill’s busy right now figuring out our activities.  He’s a great tour guide and I hate doing that so I can always depend on him. I think we’ll visit a plantation and hopefully Fort Sumter and whatever else we find.

Take care -

Days 52, 53 and 54 with Ruby and Rocket

Had a pretty drive to Jesup, GA and found Beaver Creek Campground. I think we were the only occupants except for the manager, Shirley. It’s a very pretty area but rather buggy.  Those little peskey noseeum bugs! Shirley was great and got us all settled. Bill arrived a little before I did. I asked her about getting the Skin So Soft which is what my brother said keeps the bugs away.  It’s an Avon product as I recalled. Well bless her heart – she gave me some of the oil in one of my spray bottles and then you mix it half and half with water. It smells great, is a nice moisturizer and keeps those dam bugs away. It’s my new fragrance! Bless her. I’ve ordered some from Amazon.

It’s hot so we didn’t do much as there really wasn’t anything to do!

Left Jesup for Statesboro for 2 days. The Parkwood RV Park in Statesboro is OK but no trees and its hot here.  Hotter than usual - I think we must be in Phoenix.

Wednesday – we did a little exploring by visiting the Botanical Gardens which was an old farm and very pretty. Took pictures of their flowers as that’s how our yard will look in Guerneville!

Our future yard in Guerneville!

The main farmhouse

 We also visited Meinhardt Winery. I was a little disappointed there as it was that Muscadine grape which is native to the area. Had that before in Florida or someplace. It’s just not right! We travelled quite a bit on Rocket to get there and then on a dirt road (I thought for sure we were back in Florida). I was a little parched by the time I got there and then disappointed. Needless to say we didn’t buy anything. Oh and to our good friends, Brad and Gaye – the Mourvedre is outstanding compared to this stuff!

 Wanna a be grapes!

Fools!

We picked up Bill’s bike from the bike store where it had a tune-up after 3,778 miles and are now going to dinner at Chili’s. Thank you to DeVry for the gift certificate. Did a little touring of downtown Statesboro which is a cool little old town!

Got to watch Idol so I guess we can move on now.

Off to Walterboro, South Carolina – YES! A new state!

Day 51 with Ruby and Rocket

Today was a nice drive for me until I arrived in Folkston and Gabby didn’t know where to go. I had to call for directions as this place is in the back country. We’re near the Okefenokee Swamp. They were very helpful in giving me directions and showing me where to park. It’s kind of loosey goosey. Anyway, then I proceeded to blow the circuit breaker. No biggie! The bugs are here (my brother said they’re called noseeum bugs as you don’t see them but they bite). Any way didn’t do much exploring as bugs love me.

Bill arrived and was doing really pretty good after riding 117 miles in the heat. It’s hot here! I think it helped for him to ride his lighter weight road bike.

We head to Jesup, GA today.

Take care -

Day 49 and 50 with Ruby and Rocket

Well I have to catch up on this blog thing!

I finally made my way out of Fort Wilderness which wasn’t easy! Thought I’d be stuck there another night.

The drive to Daytona Beach was uneventful as was the stay. The Daytona Beach Campground was unfortunately not on the beach. It was a nice little park so we relaxed and had a nice BBQ. Then it was off to St. Augustine, Fl on Saturday .

I arrived in St. Augustine early as I knew this one was on the beach. The North Beach Camp Resort is very wooded and pretty and most popular. The beach is just a cross the street and is for the Camp Resort. Bill arrived early too so we were off to the beach.  Nothing I like better than to watch the waves. Weather wasn’t too hot and the humidity is just there. We had a great dinner at the restaurant just down the way called the Reef. Beautiful view of the beach from our table.

 I stopped yesterday at Target and got us umbrellas for our chairs. Bill didn't like the pink but that was the only color they had. What do you expect for $5.00!

 Pam M. - thought of you with this one. It would have looked great on your boat!

This morning Duncan and I had us a run on the beach and he of course fetched his ball endlessly. Had to have him a little shower afterwards to get all the sand off him.

Big announcement! Monica (my niece) had a little girl one month early. Her name is Harper Michael Craig. All is well. I can just hear my father saying, “Monica – where did you get a name like that!”. I love it! So now they have Jon Craig, VII (Bill calls him Siete) and Harper. 

We’re off to Folkston, GA today – 120 miles! Bill left early and is riding his road bike so hopefully he will have enough food to get him there. Leaving Florida after 20 nights. We made a change to our schedule so we’d have cable for the finals of Idol.  I had our Direct TV suspended since we never seem to be able to stay up late enough to watch the West Coast TV shows. Really stupid!

We're making progress! I'm always amazed that we find each other at the next location. Crazy!

Take care -

Day 47 and 48 with Ruby and Rocket

Hi,

Well I made it from Melbourne Beach to Orlando which was a little tricky as Gabby wasn’t aware of the address or Fort Wilderness. With a few little redos, I found the way – luckily Disney is great with signs! Once you get in to the Magic Kingdom, you still have to find Fort Wilderness amongst all the other choices.  It’s a beautiful campground and perfect for families to enjoy all the parks. There was a little leftover smoke smell in the air from the fires but we saw no indication of them anywhere. It’s pretty warm and I think the love bugs are gone again.

Thursday was Epcot Day! Bill was so excited that he was going to the Happiest Place on Earth. Of course we were there when the park opened. No flies on us. The first 2 rdes were quite exciting – Road Race Testing and a flight to Mars.  Neither did me any good as I was nauseated the rest of the day. I did recover some when I started noticing the abundance of adult beverages!!!!!!

 What are yard in Guerneville will look like!

Epcot is quite different from what I am use to at Disneyland. Not nearly as crowded and more informational that ride oriented. We visited 12 countries in one day! Amazing. We had a great dinner at the Italian Restaurant in Italy and headed back to Ruby to watch Idol.

This morning we’re off to Daytona Beach. Bill is pretty freaked about it as he doesn’t have very good directions. We’ve rearranged our schedule a little next week so we are sure to have cable Tuesday and Wednesday. I have to make some reservation changes this morning.

Take care -

Day 46 with Ruby and Rocket

The love bug’s are back!!!!!!!!!!!

I left the State Park and headed for Melbourne Beach via Highway 95. Missed the exit for the Turnpike but 95 was a better choice anyway. You should have seen my windshield and the front of Ruby – covered with love bugs.

Melbourne Beach looks like a cute beach town nestled in between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River.  The Outdoors RV Park is made up mostly of permanent RVs, 3 pools, activity center and access to the beach across the street. The think the majority of residents are winter visitors as it looks like a lot of them have left for the summer. I got settled and did a little exploring with Duncan.

 Pool Area by the Beach

 Indian River from one of the patio docks

 Indian River

Indian River

Bill arrived soon after and then it was laundry and off to the beach. The beach was almost totally deserted.

 They're everywhere! Hope I don't have nightmares.

Atlantic Ocean

I fixed dinner while Bill worked on cleaning off the love bugs so I can see out my window. It said on the news that they are here for the months of May and September. They’re everywhere! At least they don’t bite.

We’re off to Orlando today and the long awaited visit to Disney World. We have a two day visit. I think we’ll be checking out Epcot Center. It was on the news that here were fires around the Wilderness Area yesterday and that’s where we’re staying so hopefully it won’t be a problem.

Take care -

Day 45 with Ruby and Rocket

Yippee! Bill tells me we’re a quarter of the way done!

I took a picture of the Trinity Towers site just so I’d remember.  Poor Duncan stood by the door all morning hoping to go outside.

 I had another long day on the Turnpike but at least the sun was shining. The traffic thinned as I left Miami and started for the country. My exit off the turnpike was rather pretty and wooded with horse farms much like in Louisiana. I passed what I thought was a lake with big beautiful homes on it. Well that is Jupiter Island and we are just a cross from it.  The likes of Tiger Woods and Celine Dion are residents.

Bill was pooped and so was I – still recovering from my rain storm. We launched rocket and went to dinner at a very nice little Italian Place which was comfort food for Bill. I hope he posted the dessert he ate. It was delicious (I only had 2 bites and he ate the rest). I think he needs to eat more as he’s been dragging a little. It was a beautiful sunset and I hope he posted that too.  I always forget my camera but I’m getting better.

We’re in this State Park which is really very nice with lots of empty sites.  Most of the RV’s around are similar. However, next to us is a man camping by himself in a tent.  I noticed him when I parked but he wasn’t very friendly. So we get home from dinner and sit outside for a while enjoying the evening. Then we’re in bed and I’m reading and there’s all this racket. Our neighbor is packing up so I’m curious and go stand in the bathroom so I can see what’s what. He has a full size refrigerator that he leaves. He drives off and then backs up like he forgot something then leaves again. The freezer door is missing and all night I think there must be a body in the refrigerator.

 I’m sitting here this morning and the ranger comes to check it out. I went out and talked to him and he had opened the frig door thankfully but he thought the same thing! Now he’s back I think to haul the thing off. Isn’t this exciting stuff?  Welcome to my world of trailer trash!

 The refrigerator is just to the left in this picture!

I’ve done my exercises so I need to get ready to leave. We’re off to Melbourne Beach today.  It looks like a very nice RV Park and hopefully on the water.

Take care -

Day 44 with Ruby and Rocket

I know we should have stayed in the KEYS!

It was beautiful when I left there in the morning on my way to Hollywood.  Should have kept going to Hollywood, California! I drove North past the park we stayed in before in Florida City and then on to the Florida turnpike. It was pretty windy so had to really concentrate and then it started to sprinkle.  AH! Finally I’m going to be using the windshield wipers. Well holy crap I had them going as fast as they could and it came down for several miles and traffic had to slow to 30 mph as visibility sucked. I wanted to pull over and cry but couldn’t see that well.  Then I wanted to get off the turnpike but couldn’t see and didn’t know where I’d go and there was construction as they are turning it in to a toll road. I passed the turnoff to the Miami Airport and seriously thought about taking that, parking Ruby and getting on a flight home. (Bill tells me that night that “I am home”) Stupid fool!

So it just gets better! The rain finally lets up and I’m directed off the turnpike and its a few miles to Trinity Towers our lovely home for the night.  So the office is closed as its Sunday so I’m directed to the night manager’s office.  Well he isn’t there but I find a resident who says he’s probably at church and calls him to leave a message that I’ve arrived.  So I wait in the parking lot exhausted after my drive and do nothing. After a while I decide to pick my own site as there are plenty.  I get all hooked up and here he comes knocking at my door.  In the meantime, Duncan is sitting very nicely outside on his leash. Well the manager first of all tells me that no animals are allowed in their park. So I ponder that a minute and tell him that Hannah who took my reservation didn’t mention that detail. So he ponders it and tells me the rules but if I keep Duncan inside, we can stay for the night but I have to move to another site as the one I’m on is leased.  Just great!

I go down to the office with him and get all registered and then unhook and move Ruby to the correct location and hook her up again. I hope you all are as worn out as I am just reliving this wonderful experience. Needless to say I didn’t do anything the rest of the day but did manage to fix dinner. Bill had to wait until dark to walk Duncan. He said he almost got caught on this morning’s walk.

By the way Bill avoided the rain and had a nice tour of beautiful Miami! I on the other hand had a fun ride on the dam turnpike!

I better get up and out of here – on our way to Hobe Sound, Florida and the Jonathan Dickinson State Park.

Take care – I’m hoping for a better day!

PS - I have no pictures of this place as I'd like to forget it.  It is really pretty though on a little manmade lake.

Day 43 with Ruby and Rocket

Well I backed out of our space at Bluewater Rv successfully (I’m always amazed!) and headed North to the RipTide RV Park in Key Largo.  It was a beautiful drive and was tempted to just stop and play in the water. I need to get us some boogey boards.  We didn’t think to bring those. Passed lots of runners on the road as there is a two day event going on to raise funds for cancer.

The RipTide isn’t the Bluewater but I quickly changed in to my bathing suit and headed for the water. It was a beautiful day in the water and sun. Bill rolled in later a joined me with a beer which put us in the mind to order pizza from Papa John’s which was just down the street and deliver! Life is good.

Congratulations again to our friend, Marty, who is celebrating his retirement from Talley! Party on buddy!

We’re taking off to Hollywood, Florida and the Trinity Towers RV Park.  I’m going to miss Key West and very happy we were able to visit this part of the country.  It is truly a boater and fisherman paradise.

Take care -

Day 41 - 42 with Ruby and Rocket

So Bill takes off for Key West on his lightweight bike (nice for a change) and I wait for the repairman to come. He shows up at 10 as promised but doesn’t have good news about the awning.  He says it would probably be cheaper to replace the whole thing to the tune of $1200.  Of course it will take a week to get it in but whatever.  He changes the oil and gives me all the information I need to have another dealer order the whole thing.  Bummer!

Oh well – Bill and I get ready to go to Key West on Rocket and that is a bit of a ride (14 miles) but we make it there safely.  Key West is a lot like the French Quarter in New Orleans.  Lots of little shops and bars and very colorful! We had a margarita at the Original Jimmy Buffet Margaritaville. Did a little souvenir shopping and found the only winery in downtown Key West! Did a little wine tasting but it was a lot like the winery I visited that morning a while ago wherever I was. There were sweet wines made from everything except grapes! We did try this one which is a white Sangria and very delicious.  Bought a couple of those – saving one for Casey when she comes to Jackson Hole to visit.  You’ll love it Case. Also saw Ernest Hemingway’s house, the Naval  Station and the beach. It’s really pretty here, not too hot but humid. It’s great for the skin! I’ve never been here and always wanted to visit so I’m glad to have experienced it all.  It’s a fun place to visit.

We stopped on our way out of Key West to Stock Island and this restaurant that was recommended by our RV Park.  It’s called the Hogfish Bar and Grill and is a favorite of the locals.  It’s located on the shrimp docks and not easy to find but we had specific directions thank goodness. So they serve regular stuff but their specialty is hogwash fish.  It’s a white fish and really good. I had it blackened and Bill had it encrusted in Panko. Yummy!

So it was an early dinner and we head back to Ruby on Highway 1 going I don’t know how fast but not fast enough as traffic is passing us like crazy.  Then a school bus goes by and all I can think about since I’m holding my togo bag on my knee and holding on for dear life to Rocket with the other hand that I wish my Mom and kids could see us! All I could do was laugh!!

I’ve had my moments with this trip and some I could have done without but this has been a really fun experience so here’s to Key West!

 It was a bit breezy when we got back to Ruby so I settled down our outdoor chairs, etc and explained to Duncan we were having a hurricane and he couldn’t play outside.  It seems to be calming now but expecting a little rain tomorrow. Stay tuned……….

 This one is for Lindy! 

 Hogfish Bar and Grill

Friday -

Enjoyed our patio (no rain), had bloody marys and basically did nothing all day except for make some more reservations. (I guess we’re not going home yet)  It was a great relaxing day and time spent in the Keys.  We’ll truly miss this spot!

Saturday -

We’re off to Key Largo today going back up the Key’s and on to the East coast of Florida.

Take care -