"It is in the wild places, where the edge of the earth meets the corners of the sky, the human spirit is fed." Art Wolf


Tuesday, January 1, 2019

The Beginning of Winter Travels

The beginning of winter travels took me down from Ohio with a stop over at the Escapees Raccoon Valley RV Park just north of Knoxville.   The next day Lark and Audrey and I continued on to Charlotte, NC, and a stay in one of my two favorite driveways, my daughter's.

But before we start here is a photo left over Josef's recent trip to Orlando.   One might think that show dogs might feel stressed to be kenneled in a large room with over 4500 other dogs.  One would think but not necessarily so. For this Golden those times between rings were just another opportunity for a nap. 



Back to the best driveway camping in Charlotte.  Kate and Lucas' house.  My Christmas present was accidental.  The recent winter ice storm had taken out the tree on the left of the driveway.  Apparently the remaining bushes were sad looking and the entire area was cleaned out.  There is now a new tree planted but it will be several years before it interferes with the side.   So for ow I get a parking slot and am able to extend the slide!  



Two days later after driving down I-95 with only a few slow downs, I made it to Liz's place in Dowling Park.   Liz lives in one of the best senior residential communities I have ever seen.   Besides all the options of living from private homes, modular units, condos, independent apartments, assisted living and skilled nursing care, the community have 15 full hook up RV spaces.   The community is surrounded by green spaces and forest and sits along the Suwanee River.  There are hiking trails throughout.  Lark was thrilled to see Liz and Thistle every morning for our walks.  Thistle liked Lark more after her initial morning enthusiasm toned down.   




One of Liz's neighbors comes with interesting pets and hobbies.   I tries to check with Sherri Martin back in Ohio if she was interested in diversifying the reading program back in Morrow.



Sometimes we met Liz and Thistle on the road, the house and our rig being only a small block apart.  One time Lark and Audrey got to wait outside on the road for Thistle to get his harness on.


We were invited on the initial family tour of Liz's two daughters and their family.  Other than the wedding last summer, this was the first time they got to see the extent of the community Liz and Bob call home.   I think they appreciated the range of activities and the beauty of the setting.



The morning walks pretty consistently included a pass by the river side.  With all the rain Florida had been getting the river was up over it bank but still nice to look at.



No swimming allowed kids, this isn't Ohio.


Liz and I contacted a fellow WomanRV member and she put the word out on the street that we would drive down to Ocala and suddenly we had a get-together for lunch.  Back row: Liz, myself, Nan  Front row: Steve and Irmi, Paulette and Donna.   I am so thankful that folks were able to come on short notice.   Since I was planning to head west from Liz's this was the only chance to see folks this year.


The last day at Liz's, one of her hiking and kayaking friends put together a kayaking trip. With the river waters so high and swift out in the main river area, the alternative that the local kayakers have come up with is to kayak up and back on the "Red" hiking trail.

Liz, in her signature blue hat, helped her friends get setup and launched.



Off we went through the calm, clear back waters.






Yep, we "hiking" the right trail.  See the red square on the tree trunk on the left.


As usual, multiple cameras were involved.  Liz's friend Judy is known for her photographic talent, too!





Paddling through the water in the forest to the right of the trail was unique as the perception of tree trunks and water line and reflections was fluid.   






No stopping for a picnic today as we made our way back to our starting point.


Over New Years I stayed at the Escapee's Rainbow Plantation RV Park in Alabama.  I didn't really want to have the rig on the road on New Years Eve.   Apparently neighbors across from the RV Park enjoyed their fire cracker much more than the RV'er in the park did.   Luckily it did eventually start raining harder and the "excitement" across the road settled down.

Before settling down for the traditional New Years Eve going to sleep early routine, I did drive the Honda over to the coast earlier in the day with a pleasant drive down the roads with coastal cottages and palaces exquisitely tucked among the live oaks and sandy lanes.   I admit also to a Walmart stop, a quick visit to Harbor Freight and a Thrift Store that was just there along the way.



Once again I am enjoying the ease of finding my car in the parking lot.  Which Honda is it?  Those kayaks stand out even in the busy Publix lot.


And I leave you with my best find at the Thrift Store.  I quiet, well mannered, young man waiting patiently for his mother.   Apparently the best behaved ones were already spoken for and were not for sale.


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