PICTURE OF THE DAY . . .

Actually this is a lame excuse for a blog entry.  Tim and I spent most of the day socializing and taking a day trip to Dade City. Then we spent the evening with our good friends Doug & Steve having appetizers and cocktails in their 1954 Spartan. Enjoy Roxy's picture as we hope she brings as much joy to you today as she does us everyday . . . 

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Safe Travels~

ALICE WYMER

(Aye chihuahua!)

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING . . .

Today we planned on having nothing on our schedule. Most of the day was spent tinkering with little things on the Airstream & socializing with those already here. Tim worked on making a new free standing awning leg.  And since our last trip we changed a few more interior items. The roller shades had started to show wear and just were not working the best anymore. I replaced the ones by the dinette and the one upfront by the couch with black roller shades. Then the roller shade over the sink I replaced with a custom silver aluminum mini-blind. Once we landed at Sertoma all of these needed adjustments and tweaking of some sort. Now that they have been replaced we wish that they  had been done sooner. They look really nice. 

Still needing replacement are the side roller shades in the rear bedroom. My idea in there will be different than the rest of the window treatments and I hope it works out. More on that later in the year. Then I still need to finish the new dinette cushions. We've never been pleased with what it came with. The current/original ones are showing wear after nine years. I've already had custom foam cut and ohhhh do they fit good. The next step is to buy the upholstery fabric. I found one the perfect color but at $37 a yard ... Ouch! So I'm still searching. 

Our ranger stint was short lived. Mr. Ranger arrived back to the ranch by early afternoon. But just in case ... I was all prepared to show some authority thanks to my mother who emailed me a picture of an Oakland - Park Ranger Badge. She said I could just flash the picture on my phone if anyone questioned me. LOL

Head 'em up and move 'em out,... git along little dogies. We all had a great ending to the day. Especially Roxy. At sunset she got to meet eight baby calves. She was so excited walking over to meet them I could barely hold her back. This was her first meet & greet with cows or any animal of that size. They would each moo at her and sniff & touch noses through the fence. Rox was so cute. The cows were way more curious about her than Tim or I. We eventually  had to pull her away to get back to camp before dark where we enjoyed a nice campfire for the rest of the evening. Roxy then spent her evening staring into the dark toward the pasture hoping for a glimpse of her new found moo-moo friends. 

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Safe Travels~

ALICE WYMER

(Aye chihuahua!)

SO CLOSE BUT OH SO FAR AWAY . . .

Tim and I had a very short drive over to the Sertoma Youth Ranch that is just over an hour from the house. Once you get here you seem so far away from everything. We are literally in the middle of nowhere but still so close to home.

The ranch is located between Brooksville and Dade City Florida. The mission of  the Sertoma Youth Ranch is to provide a rustic outdoor recreational area for the children of Florida. We are here this week to attend the Tin Can Tourist's 93rd Winter Convention. Part of our rally fees goes to the ranch along with our group making an additional donation to benefit the children who visit the ranch. Last year we had a blast and know this year will be just as much fun. 

The park ranger will be out of town tomorrow and said Tim and I are in charge. Uhhhh ... We just met you. Ok ... I said mayhem will pursue and Tim asked 'Where is the local fire department?'

Tomorrow should be pretty interesting. Does anyone know where one can go to ranger school? Real quick like?

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Safe Travels~

ALICE WYMER

(Aye chihuahua!)

RETURN TO REALITY . . .

One thing I forgot to mention that we came across yesterday  during our hunting expedition was a twenty-eight foot ... the suspense is killing you I know ... Ambassador ... Airstream. My closest guess is it's between a 1964 to maybe at the oldest a 1959. Oh ... if only it had a shinny polish on it but she has really good bones. I could just see me pulling that behind a big grocery get'r Buick. Returning to reality ... last night after dinner we were able to get some star gazing in on Roxy's last walk of the night. I have not seen a clearer sky other than in the Keys or the Bahamas. 

This morning we pulled out of Ochlockonee River State park just after 10 AM. Along our route we passed yet some more interesting establishments like ... Bad Bob's, the Semi Truck Yard Ornament surrounded by flowers & Robbers Roost Road.

Once we got to I-75, having come along 319 to 98 to 27, we continued on to JD Sanders RV. Located in Alachua, Florida JD Sanders is an Airstream dealer. We needed to pick-up a few parts while in the area. Not only did we get the parts needed but also two new  big BRIGHT orange Airstream coffee cups. We so don't need them but we really like the size ... BIG. You know ... For the 'special' camp coffee.

After we got back on I-75 heading south we had plans on hitting a Chick-fil-a for lunch. This meant Gator Country in Gainesville pulling my Airstream. All the options did not look good. So I suggested going to Champion BBQ in Ocala. Oh yeah ... It's in a shed/trailer, under a tree, behind the gas station and next to Gander Mountain off exit 352. Tim got our rig in that lot and we had a really good BBQ lunch of brisket. Oh so yummy!  

Just after 4PM we landed back at the home base. Roxy was really glad to be home. We are all exhausted and will now begin the cleaning, washing and restocking for the next trip sometime in February. Until then . . .

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Safe Travels~

ALICE WYMER

(Aye chihuahua!)

HUNTING EXPEDITION . . .

Huh? Yup ... Off we went into the  vast and oh so treacherous Apalachicola National Forest. Knowing it would be an exhausting  & dangerous trek we came armed with our iPhones and were able to 'shoot' two white squirrels and a few deer. 

Our hike was so much fun. We had a great time looking for the squirrels and deer. The river trail we took was very interesting. There is a lookout point where the rivers come together. Then we came across the reflection pond over by the Pine Flatwoods Trail. It was a good way to spend three hours ... hiking and exploring the park. 

For dinner we met up with great friends who live nearby. Bobby & Karen had us meet them at The Coastal Restaurant in Panacea. Honey .. We had some shrimp. It was great to see them again and catch up with what has happened over this past year since we saw them last. 

Like I said we are in the middle of no where. The last picture I took was on our way back to camp tonight ... ENJOY!!!

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Safe Travels~

ALICE WYMER

(Aye chihuahua!)

TRAVEL DAY . . .

Just as we (and Roxy) began to get use to the Central Time Zone it's time to head back east into the Eastern Time Zone. We got up early to pack and have time to say goodbye to those still here. Everyone had an amazing time and we all appreciate every ounce of hard work that The LuckyDucks, Roadtoaster, AirHeadsRus, StanandLynn, Foilwarped and MANY others contributed so that the rest of us could have a great time. 

The wheels were turning by 10:30, 11:30 AM our time so I'm not sure if that was good or bad. Taking US-98 we went east through Panama City and Mexico Beach passing establishments like Mr Cheap Butts and Thirsty Goat.

Continuing our journey through Apalachicola, Tate's Hell State Forest and Carrabelle where the smallest police station is located ... A telephone booth. Then we passed Ho-Hum RV Park again. It's located right on the ocean and we really hope to stay there on one of our excursions. Finally we entered Wakulla County and ended our days journey on the Dead River. 

Our stop landed us at Ochlockonee River State Park in Sopchoppy, Florida. Say that ten times real fast. We are in the middle of no where ... Repeat that NO WHERE. The park is over 543 acres located on the Ochlockonee and Dead Rivers. The park is very peaceful and offers many outdoor activities ... Hiking, kayaking, canoeing & fishing. I just stuck my head outside and can't remember ever seeing my surroundings so pitch black. 

The sites in the campground are rugged, the way we prefer, and you must really know what site to reserve. We are in site number six ... it's wide and can accommodate a 40' rig, has an open view into the pines and you can see the river when inside the Airstream. Some sites are very short or hook-ups on the wrong side or have overhead tree hazards and the layout is a bit wonky. But we really like it here and can't wait to explore what else the park has to offer tomorrow. 

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Safe Travels~

ALICE WYMER

(Aye chihuahua!)

CAN OPENER DAY 3 . . .

The last day of the Can Opener started off with the pot luck breakfast inside the clubhouse. These are really good gatherings to be able to have a massive overload of breakfast goodies to choose from. I should have taken a bike ride (uh seat got wet) or taken a walk (where are my tennis shoes?) to work it off but ... nawww why ruin a good thing.

Tim and I just spent the afternoon saying goodbye to all those who pulled out today. In between the socializing & light rain Tim gathered the information he needed from our Airstream owners manual & updated his log books. He figured we've pulled the Airstream just over 19,000 miles since we bought it. 

I worked on measuring, designing and getting information I need for the custom foam to re-do the dinette cushions. Sometime this year I want to make new cushions but having stepped into that new Airstream makes me want to re-do them NOW! It will make a big difference on the interior especially with the rest of the window treatments to be finished soon. Look at the difference in the pictures I've included ... Comparing my faded blue cushions to those oh so sweet pleather fancy scmancy new ones. 

Due to the dreary wet afternoon we decided to stay in and eat some yummy delicious Mexican Taco Stew. A perfect dinner to match the weather and warm us up. Most of the days have only been highs in the 50's and lows around 39*. I'm almost ready to head south for some warmer weather. Brrrrrr ... 

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Safe Travels~

ALICE WYMER

(Aye chihuahua!)

CAN OPENER DAY 2 . . .

The day was an absolute blur ...

Bloody Mary Party with pitchers of Mimosas 

Open House for those who wanted to show their Airstreams

Rain

Pot Luck Dinner (outside)

Some more rain

Door prizes & the evenings entertainment ...

Our gathering has gotten so big that the pot luck can't be accommodated in the club house. So their next option was to shut down a street and set up dinner. The picture under the pop-up tents is the double sided pot luck food line. It was table after table of food that everyone brought. And on the far side of the tents are all the tables where we all sat. 

The interior Airstream pictures I have attached are that of the  brand new Serenity International. Airstream of Mississippi brought it to show at our rally. It's a gorgeous trailer with the same floor plan and length as ours. However at $81,000 I don't think I will be trading in for one anytime soon.  

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Safe Travels~

ALICE WYMER

(Aye chihuahua!)

CAN OPENER DAY 1 ...

Our day was started with 'special' camp coffee followed by bacon, egg & cheese breakfast burritos. Then off to Destin we went. The first stop was at the Bass Pro Shop and then a stop for diesel fuel.  

Since it was close to lunch time after our first two stops ... next a stop at Dewey Destin's Seafood Restaurant was due. We've tried for years to come here but it was always closed. This establishment consists of a shed, a shack and a trailer all on a dock ... Except the trailer. So word to the wise ... Don't talk to the folks in the trailer. Don't go to the shed unless absolutely necessary but by all means go to the shack. Our lunch was great ... fresh trigger fish and snapper. Double yum!!!

On our return to camp we stopped at Henderson Beach State Park to check out the campground & look at the beach. I know I have posted pictures in the past of the beaches here ... Again they are by far the most gorgeous beaches is Florida. Turquoise water lapping on the pure white crystal beach sand. So pristine! 

Finally back to camp we found that the Corn Hole Tournament was still in progress. We joined the peanut gallery and tried to sync in with the 'wave' of spectators when a score was made. 

The evening was finished with a Meet & Greet at the Club House and then Tim and I set-up the fire pit at our site. It turned out to be a good gathering of Airstreamers who would just happen by. Our last guests left at midnight. We enjoyed everyone's company and all the great stories. 

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Safe Travels~

ALICE WYMER

(Aye chihuahua!)

TRAVEL TO SANTA ROSA BEACH . . .

Morning came early today. Around 6AM we could hear rain beginning to fall. Both Tim and I threw on coats, got Roxy outside to do her biz prior to any heavier rainfall and then covered the firewood in the back of the truck. Once back in Tim went back to bed and I checked email and read some more of my new book 'Glamping with Mary Jane'. What a great book for any girl wanting to go out on her own camping and be able to do it in style. It covers trailers, decorating, gear, housekeeping, safety, eats & entertainment. Fun!!!

My anticipated sunrise across the lake was not so much. With all the rain in the area it turned out to be a very dreary and wet day. We had told the ranger we would pull out by 10AM. It was a close guess ... 10:15 was more like it. Since I had towed yesterday I decided I would continue towing today.  The rain continued all the way to Topsail Hill State Park on Santa Rosa Beach and it stayed very cold all day. 

Tim and I have come for what we think is our fifth 'Can Opener' event here. There will be eighty Airstreams here and 165 people ... A record.  Some arrived earlier in the week to be able to spend New Years Eve here. So those guys all have had a head start on the festivities. Tonight they organized a Happy Hour/Chili/Wine Tasting event held at one of the campsites. I quit counting at 40 people ... Just guessing we had close to 100 people at that site. Plus a fire pit, two tall heat lanterns and their trailer. 

More Airstreams will arrive tomorrow and there is a cornhole tournament, a hike with the ranger and a happy hour gathering at the clubhouse. AND Tim and I need to drive into Destin. Too many things to do and decisions to make. At least the weather should be clear ... but still cold for us Floridians. 

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Safe Travels~

ALICE WYMER

(Aye chihuahua!)

75 to 10 to 196 . . .

Packing for this trips was very easy since we were just out last week in the Airstream. Everything was washed, restocked & repacked for a quick turn around. Once Tim arrived home from work this morning all the final items were loaded, the Airstream got hitched up and down the road we went. North on I-75 then west on I-10 into Tallahassee taking Exit 196 to Coe's Landing. 

Located on Lake Talquin Coe's Landing is a Leon County Park. I just happened upon it with a search last week on the ALLSTAYS RV & CAMP app. I have been using this app more and more lately. It shows state parks, county parks, Wal-Mart Shopping centers with camping allowed, fuel & RV repair facilities among many other things. This is a must have for any road travel. 

We have definitely found a little gem here. I'm guessing there are around fifteen camping sites and we are the only ones in the campground tonight. Most of the sites are on the lake. We are in a nice site on the lake nestled under majestic magnolia and hickory trees. Just as a recommendation I would not bring in a trailer or motorhome  over 28-30 feet long here. The birds are very abundant across the lake. I'm guessing most are migrating. There is a boat ramp and docks here with ample parking. The terrain and lake give you a Carolina feel and you would never guess that your are in Florida. In the morning I'm hoping for a fantastic sunrise across the lake then we will be departing to travel just a bit more west to Santa Rosa Beach. Oh yeah ... Don't tell anyone about my newfound little gem. 

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Safe Travels~

ALICE WYMER

(Aye chihuahua!)