Freightliner...HALT! 3/24/11

From Orlando we headed out of Florida, but didn't quite make it. We stopped for a lovely evening near Tallassee and planned to head towards Mobile, AL and eventually New Orleans the next day. Just as we barely crossed into Pensacola, FL a battery light came on in the RV. It seemed to be cycling with the fan in the dash and had an accompanying ABS light. We had just been discussing before leaving Tallahassee whether to stop at a Freightliner service center to get our oil changed, but elected not to until we had more mileage. We didn't worry now because everything was still running, and I noticed another Freightliner service center sign just as it happened. We decided to pull off and ask them about it.




Of course we got there right at 5pm when all their service people had left for the day, but we were in time to catch someone who showed us where their 50 amp hookup was on the side of the building. They had no problem with us staying in their parking lot that night and promised to look at it in the morning. Again we weren't too worried being that we were in the place to do the service if there was a real problem, but I still had trouble sleeping that night. It could have been the low-flying air craft that seemed to be landing on our heads all night (at a nearby naval base) or the trucks coming and going in the adjacent lot. I probably should have been scared staying in a somewhat deserted lot, but there were no people hanging around, it was well lit, and I just didn't worry. Sequoia had trouble finding a patch of grass, but other than that the stay was fine and free. That's why we never leave a campsite without filling our water first. We were as good as home curled up in front of the TV with a book and air conditioning running. It was quite comfortable.



The next day they looked at the RV, cleared codes, did whatever inspection they needed to do while Adam and I ran around the town looking for the batteries just in case they needed to be replaced and visiting Walmart for some odds and ends. It turned out they told us the batteries were fine, holding a good charge and they didn't know the cause of the error codes. So, we attempted to head on our merry way at 3pm only to make it just five miles down the highway and stall in the midst of driving. I thought my accelerator pedal cable had broken because it was not doing anything, so I coasted calmly to the side of the road. We were close enough to the town that I called the people who just serviced us and said.."I'm dead on the side of the road. Help me." It was nice to know who to call and they sent their mechanic and truck right out to us. It was kind of like having my dad rescue me that time my accelerator pedal did break down on my VW Bug and I had to coast up a hill to the side of the road and call for help. The only difference was then he stuck a screw driver in the engine to get me home and this guy could simply reattach the battery cable that came off after he had just told me the batteries were fine. We headed back to the shop and two new batteries later we were good to go. One of our posts had corroded to the point that the cable would not stay reattached. Probably the sea air. By then it was 5pm and left us little time to get anywhere, so I told them they got us in their parking lot for another night.



All in all, we survived gracefully yet another broken component and are off again to explore the country. We're going to skip New Orleans this time and head deeper into Louisiana to visit some National Heritage spots. Hopefully we'll make it further than five miles down the highway this time.

Universal Studios - The Land of Harry Potter 3/19/11

Have you ever had a chance in your adult life to revisit the feelings of being a kid once again? If you have you will know that feeling that runs through your veins when you remember that special moment. Today, I caught a glimpse of what it was like to feel that excitement once again. Adam and I took a slight bee-line out of our direct route West to stop in Orlando and visit the wonderful world of Harry Potter, the newest exhibit at Universal Studios Island of Adventure. It was the anticipation that brought on the nostalgia for being a kid once again. Remembering the first time I went to Disney World and thought I was really meeting Mickey and Minnie Mouse in real life, putting together that they were much larger in person than I ever imagined a mouse could be. Thinking that was really their home and they were actually standing in front of me! I pretended for a moment that I didn't know better and made myself believe I was actually visiting the real village of Hogsmead and the magical castle school of Hogwarts and once again the kid in me got that exuberant feeling. They set the tone on the approach to the village gates with the music blaring in the background. The crowds were massive and slow-paced but still did not slow enough to take it all in. There was a train conductor to welcome us as we entered the exhibit just as if we got off the train at the school. Character/actors wondered all over the village sporadicly putting on shows introducing us to more characters from the book. We headed to the castle at the top of the hill as our first stop. This place was to give us a tour of the school with an adventure ride on a broomstick with Harry as if we were playing quidich.

Preparing for a very long day of walking and waiting we brought Adam made good use of his wheelchair. It was like a magical ticket for us too. Similar to Disney and Adam's experience when taking sick kids there in LA, people in wheelchairs who are unable to stand in the regular line are allowed a special pass to gain assistance. In effect, we bypassed all the lines. Most often we went in the exits and missed the crowds entirely. In the case of Harry Potter, we had a special tour guide who gave us a time to meet him at the ride and he personally escorted us through the exhibit (in character). They even had a special entrance to the ride in this case. People would normally enter on a moving platform and since Adam would have been unsteady and potentially slower than the ride would allow they built a special standing platform with its own car on which we could enter. We felt very special and as it turned out there was a VIP package you can also purchase prior to entering the park and we were put with those people. So, we really were getting the VIP treatment.

The ride lived up to the hype including moving pictures in the castle, life-sized holographic characters of Dumbledore, Potter and friends welcoming us, and even the sorting hat. As we wandered through the village we found Moaning Mertle in the bathroom, screaming mandrakes in a store window, and more details than I probably even caught. The nice thing was it wasn't too childlike that even adults could enjoy it. Butter Beer was very tasty too as well as the traditional English food served in the pub.

That was the highlight of the day for me, but Adam was determined to ride every roller-coaster he could. With his special "get out of lines free" pass he zoomed right in and out as he wanted. I lasted about three roller-coasters before I had to stop. Getting older does not help motion sickness and every ride seemed to have massive warnings that you might get sick. I figured I would quit just as I started to feel queasy. This park also had a large water park component. We saw people who brought their swimsuits and a change of clothes with them before they entered those rides. That was a sure sign we would get soaked. So, we elected to avoid those rides this go round. It was a lot of fun to revisit fond childhood memories of make-believe lands such as this one and nice to know we each still have a small child inside of us.

Enjoying our Surroundings - 3/9/11

Have you ever been told you should stop and smell the roses? Just because you do, does that mean you are really appreciate the rose or your present environment? I often try to take time to stop and look around at where I am and try to soak it all in, but do I truly appreciate my surroundings? At times I enjoy sitting inside the RV watching the scenery around us from the comfort of our home, but then I am only admiring my view through a single sense of sight. I still appreciate the beauty of the scenery. If I sit outside then I feel the warm air on my face and skin, I can smell the environment, and hear nature’s sounds in addition to admiring its beauty. I guess it is better to sit outside to enjoy nature because then I use four out of my five senses rather than just one. Sometimes it is just nice to be cool and bug-free, but that is also part of where I am at the moment.




Comparing a new to an old situation can also bring the awesomeness of a new place to life. By identifying why somewhere new makes you happy compared to somewhere else is another way to value a new and different experience. Taking a walk on a quiet path is nice and relaxing compared to the hustle and bustle of big city, stressful and crowded traffic. However, someone else might enjoy the energy of the big city, its entertainment opportunities and modern conveniences compared to the simple, quiet and simple life on a rural farm. I guess each of us has to determine what is important to us, what we prefer, and then strive to find it out there in the world. We will know and appreciate our current position if we learn what we do and do not like. We will find true appreciation by taking the time to recognize if we are happy and by comparing it to what makes us unhappy elsewhere.



Focusing on feeling my five senses and comparing pleasurable experiences to those less so will hopefully help me to fully appreciate this fortunate time in my life exploring the country, meeting new people, seeing new places, and spending precious moments with my family. I worry about time getting away from me since there is no way to stop or slow it down and I have not known how to fully appreciate just being in each place we visit. It seems I really do need to stop and smell the roses, and then look, listen, feel everything around me. Then, I need to compare it to what I do not like elsewhere to fully appreciate of this amazing opportunity.

Top of the Food Chain - 3/8/11

Alligators are the top of their food chain and have no real predators here in Florida except for Man. Today we saw a clear sign of their enemy. Driving down route 41 in the Everglades we came across a feeding frenzy of vultures on what looked to me to be a shared meal with an alligator. I soon found out that the meal was the alligator. The alligator had been hit by a car just the night before and dragged himself (or by someone else) off the side of the road where it died. He was meal enough for a hundred vultures and they were having a feast. This was an example of a successful food chain. If the alligator hadn’t died, then the vultures would not have their meal. However, I couldn’t help feeling sorry for the alligator. He should not have died! Living in the Big Cypress Wildlife Preserve his habitat is supposed to be preserved and animals protected. However, they cannot be protected from lethal force of Man’s machines. Too many animals are killed each year from passing cars. Whether the cars are following the speed laws or not cannot protect animals from walking or flying in front of them. This renders animals helpless and it is so sad see them die because of our carelessness and convenience. This is their world too and the animals are entitled to live in it the way they know how without Man taking it over entirely. Please take care of your environment and let our furry, feathered and reptile friends live in peace. Slow down and pay attention people!

Arts and Amish in FL

From Ft. Meyers we traveled north to the surrounding Sarasota area because we heard it was a great arts capital. I definitely see why retirees enjoy this town. There was so much life and cultural activities going on every day. I wished we had time to take in the opera but that wasn't in the plans for this stop. Instead we spent the day exploring the Arts Community Center that held a free art show of local artists' work (and workshops in which I wished I could stay and participate). They were so talented that I think I enjoyed it more than if I had visited the florida arts museum that houses a vast collection of period American art. I found the contemporary artists very inspirational. We ventured to find the gallery area but somehow missed it and decided to go eat instead.

Leave it to Adam to find the most authentic experience in the area. He discovered an Amish restaurant called Yodder's that is known for their pies. First of all, it was 4:30 and we were starving, so we thought we would go for an early dinner and maybe it would not be crowded. 1) We should have known from our time here in Florida thus far that 4:30-5pm is probably their busiest time for dinner. 2) The handicap spaces are always full in this state! Good thing the lot was small and there were chairs outside because the line was out the door. I took that to be a good sign and many Amish folk were waiting in line too. Sequoia was curious about their uniform dress, but he kept quiet. An Amish woman even asked me why he got to come into the restaurant, so I explained he's treated like a person not a dog when he is working. I'm not sure she liked the idea of him entering the food joint.

While we were waiting in line I met a spunky group of Massachusetts snowbirds who just raved about the place. We got to talking because of the dog and by the time we were all seated they were waiving to me from across the room. It was hilarious. I must have been on a social high that day because earlier, when I stopped in the visitor's information center, I ended up meeting a woman from Philadelphia who went to elementary school with my parent's friend and whose daughter lives in Boulder. She told me she was single and trying to meet a guy. She practically hugged me before I left and I walked out of there with her daughter's name in my pocket. I like this town.

I didn't know this before I came to FL but the eastern side of FL is like the Northeast in the south. The western side of FL is like the Midwest of the south. They even drive differently. The speeds are 70 mph on the highways and on the eastern side it is crowded and they drive about 85 mph on average. In the west the roads are less jammed and speeds seem to average much slower. I'm much more comfortable on this coast. Guess I'm a true Westerner at heart. You can take the girl out of the West but can't take the West out of the girl!

The next day I toyed with the idea of going to see the Salvador Dali museum in St. Petersburgh, but opted instead to visit the only surviving plantation in Florida, the Gamble Plantation. Being that I have never toured a plantation I was kind of excited. Adam had no interest in another house tour, so I went myself. It was a grand white building that had weathered several hurricanes and was still standing. It was rescued by the Daughters of the Confederacy in the early 1920's and restored at that time, so it is still showing some wear. At the time of restoration it was being used to house manueur, so they had to renovate it completely and guess at each room's function. They replaced the furniture with period pieces. The most interesting thing I learned about the architecture was that they built a two story house with no stairs. Instead they used rope ladders and had two entrances to each upstairs bedroom. They were afraid of a Seminole raid so they could run up the ladders, quickly pull them up, and get everyone into safety in the bedroom through the double doors. They also surrounded the house grounds with sand to keep away fire. It was raked nightly to keep an eye on what came close to the house at night. I'd say I got a good flavor for the plantation history on that tour.

I headed back to the park where I discovered they were holding a St. Patrick's Day happy hour. People were sitting around in big green hats and green clothes. Funny. I didn't stay because I wanted to take advantage of their dog park while it was still light out. The only problem with this area is I have started to be eaten again by the "no-see-ums." These are tiny mosquito type bugs that love my legs. When they bite it tickles and you can't see them to kill them. The bite starts to itch the next day and lasts quite a while. The more I scratch the bigger the welts and the more they itch. Last time I got bitten like this was at Cape Canaveral and it took more than two weeks for the red bumps to stop swelling. I looked like I had chicken pox of the legs. So, Adam bought me this anti-itch treatment called After Bite that is basically Ammonia and supposed to relieve the itching. All I can think about is that dad in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" was right! Windex is the key to resolving this illness. Too bad it only lasts for a couple of hours at a time. Sequoia has also discovered acorns in this park which I have heard are not so good for dogs. We held the acorn dog test since he ate them by the mouthful and so far so good. I don't think they were digestible, but at least he did not throw up. As much as I like the woods, I think we need to move on. Get away from the buggies, acorns and crazy hats and on to something much more civilized like Disneyworld!
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Heading to Western FL

We briefly stopped at what is turning out top be our favorite park in Florida, Everglades Midway Campground, on our way over to the west coast. This park was literally in the middle of the Everglades with no cell phone service, few services at all, but the loveliest lake and circular campground that we have stayed at in Florida. There were alligators in the lake, so Sequoia had to beware, but it was very pleasant to walk/run around it and watch the sunset behind it and listen to the birds. The best part was the almost free price! Since this was a National Park campground the price was already inexpensive and we have an Access pass which cut it in half. Thanks tax payers! This stay just reaffirmed what we already suspected about ourselves...we prefer to camp in the wilderness rather than in "Aluminum Estates" aka in-town rv parks.

We planned to head to Ft. Meyers beach next to enjoy what we had heard were world class shelling beaches. I'm not much of a collector for stuff like that, but for some reason I had an itch to do it this time. I had already began my Florida shell collection in Cape Canaveral, but haven't found any shells since then. So, the day we head out to Sanabel island to collect shells, we stopped first at the shelling museum to learn more about them. It was actually a museum on mollusks where they showed the native florida shells and shells from around the world. They even had microscopic shells. It was fascinating. Did you know that certain types of mollusks can be venomous and/or their shells can carry a deadly bacteria to humans? That almost put a halt to our entire expedition. We still ventured to the end of the road which turned out to be Captiva island and enjoyed a gorgeous sunset on the quiet beach and found a few shell keepsakes. These islands are both big vacation spots and the single road gets very crowded, but we still managed to stay out of the thick of things.

A different day we visited another well known attraction, the Thomas Edison museum and Henry Ford winter residences. Because Thomas Edison was such a fabulous inventor I expected the museum to be wildly interesting. However, it was underwhelming. My dad's phonograph collection and descriptions of their intricacies are more fascinating than the entire collection in this museum which should speak to how comprehensive Dad's collection and knowledge really is! I think we are spoiled by his home museum. Regardless, I enjoyed the beautiful gardens. I had no idea Edison was such an avid botanist. The house tours allowed us to peer inside the rooms and imagine visiting him back then. It had an amazing view. They had a self guided tour with audio recording and the entire park and museum was very wheelchair accessible so Adam enjoyed it for as long if not longer than I.

The RV park where we stayed was a site in itself. It was more like adult summer camp than an rv parking lot. They had shuffleboard and lawn bowling tournaments (and leagues), bingo, poker, pool parties, breakfast options, blood pressure day, and a weekend drawing for prizes. Many people rode around on their golf carts or scooters visiting friends in their homes and going to the pool. I keep saying how nice it is when one of these parks has a pool and I have yet to go swimming. It's a nice feeling where sometimes people don't lock their doors and come and go during the day or just take in the sun on their lawn chairs out front. This park was a bit different than most we've stayed at thus far in that there were several more permanent structures. These were truly many people's winter getaways or full-time residences which could explain some of the camaraderie as well.

When my grandmother was alive and living in FL, I always heard she was very social. I didn't know exactly what that meant then, but I can imagine her now participating in these activities, loving every moment meeting everyone and knowing everything that's going on. It makes me smile. I wonder what I will be like when I reach their ages and actually retire? I'm not participating in their activities now, will I then?

The park we stayed at in Homestead had a tiki hut in the center that they opened a few nights a week and sold beer, bands played there on the weekends and had Karaoke Friday nights. At least that park had more of a mix of age ranges and circumstances, like vacationers as well as people living there during their contract work period, and they mainly sung country songs I knew. Now, imagine Karaoke night with the retirees. That wasn't my crowd, but neither was the other really. So in both cases we listened from afar and enjoyed the lively atmosphere. Everyone seemed to be generally happy to be there which made both places a nice place for us to stay.

Once we finally leave Florida I think I will actually miss Camp Elderhostel. I can see why people look forward to retiring here. They get to regress to their childhood camp days and savor doing as much physical activity as they can for as long as they can. Many people ride their bikes everywhere (especially to the beach). They have these three-wheeled bikes now with large baskets so you can carry your groceries or surf board easily. For those of you who fall off your bikes all the time (and you know who you are) you would not have to worry anymore with the three wheeled bike! It's just difficult to put in your car. So in all we have enjoyed our stay here in Florida but are starting to look forward to moving on to wide open spaces. New Mexico or bust! (Well, maybe we'll stop a few places in between)
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