BACK THROUGH THE SWAMP

And BACK across the river we drove yesterday. The drive was very short so we were home before noon. Camping close to home has its advantages. Everyone at camp got up early Sunday knowing we had rain on the way. We all met at the pavilion for coffee and donuts and to say goodbye. It didn't take long before most of the ranch was clear of campers. We had an amazing time and can't wait to come back to Sertoma.

Upon arriving at home I discovered that the blog had not been working properly. I could tell you all only received the pictures and no text. Bummer. Since I did not have my computer with me I was blogging from my iPhone. Hmmmm... SO here is a recap to view all the posts with text on the blog website:

http://airstreamn.blogspot.com/2012_02_01_archive.html

Also here is a link to all the pictures we took while at the Tin Can Tourist's 92nd Winter Convention.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wymer/sets/72157629467485705/

AND just in case you dont have time for the website here is a re-cap of the text you missed out on:

FRIDAY -

EARLY MORNING

On the ranch. Tim and I have landed at the Sertoma Youth Ranch near Brooksville and Dade City FL. We are here hanging out with the Tin Can Tourists for their 92nd Winter Convention. There are about 58 trailers here on the ranch. Most are vintage with the exception of a few. Ehhhmm ...

I think the oldest rig here is a 1948 Spartan Bus.

Last night was pizza night followed by an interesting presentation on the GM Futureliners/Parade of Progress. We have a tour to take today and a Pot Luck Dinner to look forward to this evening.

SATURDAY -

I GOT MY INK ...

In a '66 Airstream.

A friend/TCT/Tattoo Artist/fellow vintage Airstream'r, camping here with us, inked me in her 1966 Airstream yesterday. Love it!!! Thank you my friend. I will forever be marked by you.

Yesterday was a gorgeous day. Tim went on a tour with our group to see some local guy's private collection of cars and collectables. I stayed behind on the ranch to take care of a few things at the Airstream, get some photography in and to get my ink done. The ranch and camping area was so quiet and peaceful while everyone was out on the tour. It was the perfect opportunity to get the photos done I needed.

The Pot Luck Dinner last night was crazy good. So much to choose from and eat. Once the sun set the weather chilled a bit and we relaxed while listening to the evenings musical entertainment. It was a great setting among all the vintage trailers ...

SUNDAY -

SWORD SWALLOWERS

Fire Eaters and the Open House.

Saturday came and went so fast we barely had time to eat. The Open House was from 11a to 3p. Tim and I put our trailer on show with all the others and had a blast. We didn't realize that it had been advertised to the public. Also no one realized how many people would attend being this is the first time this event has been held here at the Sertoma Ranch. The guess on attendees was between 400 to 500 people.

Once the Open House wrapped up we enjoyed a fantastic catered dinner followed by the awards presentation. Then as night fell we had the pleasure of being entertained by the death defying ancient art act of sword swallowing and fire eating. Wow ... Now that's entertainment!!!

Once we get back home I'll have more pictures up on Flick'r of all the fun we had this weekend.

SWORD SWALLOWERS

Fire Eaters and the Open House.

Saturday came and went so fast we barely had time to eat. The Open House was from 11a to 3p. Tim and I put our trailer on show with all the others and had a blast. We didn't realize that it had been advertised to the public. Also no one realized how many people would attend being this is the first time this event has been held here at the Sertoma Ranch. The guess on attendees was between 400 to 500 people.

Once the Open House wrapped up we enjoyed a fantastic catered dinner followed by the awards presentation. Then as night fell we had the pleasure of being entertained by the death defying ancient art act of sword swallowing and fire eating. Wow ... Now that's entertainment!!!

Once we get back home I'll have more pictures up on Flick'r of all the fun we had this weekend.

I GOT MY INK ...

In a '66 Airstream.

A friend/TCT/Tattoo Artist/fellow vintage Airstream'r, camping here with us, inked me in her 1966 Airstream yesterday. Love it!!! Thank you my friend. I will forever be marked by you.

Yesterday was a gorgeous day. Tim went on a tour with our group to see some local guy's private collection of cars and collectables. I stayed behind on the ranch to take care of a few things at the Airstream, get some photography in and to get my ink done. The ranch and camping area was so quiet and peaceful while everyone was out on the tour. It was the perfect opportunity to get the photos done I needed.

The Pot Luck Dinner last night was crazy good. So much to choose from and eat. Once the sun set the weather chilled a bit and we relaxed while listening to the evenings musical entertainment. It was a great setting among all the vintage trailers ...

EARLY MORNING

On the ranch. Tim and I have landed at the Sertoma Youth Ranch near Brooksville and Dade City FL. We are here hanging out with the Tin Can Tourists for their 92nd Winter Convention. There are about 58 trailers here on the ranch. Most are vintage with the exception of a few. Ehhhmm ...

I think the oldest rig here is a 1948 Spartan Bus.

Last night was pizza night followed by an interesting presentation on the GM Futureliners/Parade of Progress. We have a tour to take today and a Pot Luck Dinner to look forward to this evening.

OVER THE RIVER ...

And through the swamp to Pasco County we go.

HOME, SWEET HOME . . .

ALYS BEACH TWO STORY CABANA

ALYS BEACH POOL ENTRANCE

ALYS BEACH POOL

DRIFTWOOD HORSE @ ALYS BEACH

We arrived home safe and late last night. The drive was long and uneventful. Roxy has spent the day relaxing. Tim is back on shift at the fire station today and I have spent the day unloading and cleaning. This trip was so much fun. We enjoyed seeing our old friends and meeting new ones. Jojo, I cant wait to see you again, Ohio baby!!! I'll see you there my Canadian friend.

One place I did not talk about was a place called Alys Beach. Located east of Santa Rosa Beach and east of Seaside. It's a very new community built and based on New Urbanism. This community is based on the principals of the placement of amenities in and around homes to promote walking, talking, and a sense of connectedness. The pictures above I took at Alys Beach. Not a sole was present. I have to say it's one of the most bizarre places I have ever visited . . .

http://www.alysbeach.com/

If you have a minute click the link above to check out the website for this community. Browse the gallery of pictures and real estate links. Yowwwzza!!!

I have included the links below to some of the pictures I took over this trip. One link is from St. George Island State Park and the other is from our time at Topsail Hill State Park.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wymer/sets/72157628813782701/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wymer/sets/72157628815232633/

Enjoy the pictures. Next month we will be traveling all the way to Brooksville, Florida for The 92nd Winter Convention of The Tin Can Tourists. Now it's time to detox and diet!!!

Until then . . . CHEERS!!!

SEASIDE (Part 3)

Uuuuugh .... I'm having website issues...I hope this works ...

Sunday Tim and I took a short day trip over to Seaside after the Massive Potluck Breakfast. Seaside is just a twenty minute drive east of here along the shore. It's a very cutie patootie planned community on the beach. This is the town where 'The Truman Show' was filmed with Jim Carey.

The time we spent there was interesting ... We took leisure walks around town taking pictures and trying to figure out this little town. In the center of town is a row of Airstream street vendors. Of course we had to stop at one for beer and a snack. On our return to camp we were invited out to dinner for the last hoop-la prior to everyones departure today. Everyone met up at The Back Porch in Destin. It's a decent place on the beach with good food.

We had an amazing time at this years Can Opener here in Destin. It's turned out to be the best one yet. I'm sure next year will be even better.

Today we will depart early (LOL) to make the 400 mile / seven hour drive home. Safe travels . . .

Best-
Alice W.
Sent on the fly from my iPhone.

SEASIDE (Part 2)

SEASIDE

EXHAUSTING DAY

ROXY CHILL'N

OMG ... What an exhausting day we had yesterday!

Between the Volunteer Breakfast, Bloody Mary/Mamosa/Margarita Festival ... AKA liquid lunch ... We are exhausted. Oh and the Airstream Open House Tour, Potluck Dinner and finally the campfire. It was a very long day of 'socializing'. We finally shut the campfire down at midnight last night. Since I was so busy 'socializing' I didn't take many pictures so for today I will just post a few pictures mostly of Roxy's K-9 pals around camp ....

CLANCY (Roxy's fave boyfriend)

MIKEY (from next door)

Uh . . . Skippy? Is that you? You don't look so well.

RELAXING DAY

Miramar Beach

Yesterday was pretty relaxing. Tim and I woke up to a very foggy morning. It took until mid-morning for it to all burn off. Then we drove into Destin after lunch to go to the Bass Pro Shop. Tim needed to pick up replacement hinges for our cooler that broke the night before we left and to get a replacement latch that has been broke for some time. We found the parts easily and were grateful they had them. An exact replacement of our cooler was $80 or a nice Yeti cooler the same size as ours is running around $350. Yikes! Sooo glad the parts were available and much cheaper.

Goliath Grouper @ Bass Pro Shop

On our way back to camp we drove down through Miramar Beach then made our annual stop at Fat Daddy's Pizza to pick up some pizza to enjoy prior to 'happy hour' at the club house. The club house was packed and everyone was having a great time.

Once we returned to our Airstream we finished the evening with a friendly campfire. Quite a few people stopped by to say hello and hang out or stop just for a minute to check out our fire pit. Someone in passing voted us the 'most fun looking' campsite in the park. We had a blast with the Canadians, Tallahasseeians, Georgians and of course the other Floridians.

Today will start with the park volunteers making breakfast for us. Then there's a big Bloody Mary Party, Open House Tour on the Airstreams, Potluck Dinner, entertainment at the clubhouse (hmmmm) and finally Tim and I are officially hosting a campfire for those who want to come. We have a full day ahead . . .