CRUISERS FOREVER

A CELL CONNECTION and DAY & NIGHT VIEWS!*****Susan's Blog

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 05:24:57 GMT

After a very frustrating time trying to use the internet at the local library (with no success), I passed the time, while waiting for Jim to finish work, by going to the local dollar store. In the same mall there was a store selling electronics and CELL PHONES! I walked around and thought it over. My cell from Florida does not work this far north, I need it for emergencies etc. etc. I did it. When I picked Jim up later I was surprised that he thought it was a good idea too.... especially when he heard his daughters voice later. lol

Our New Site (Day and Night)

TOURED CAMPGROUND*****Susan's Blog

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 05:21:34 GMT

Apparently, it has rained here for the last two weeks. Last night it rained hard almost all night long. But the sun came out today and it was warm, so we went for a short bike ride around the campground.

Perfect weather for bike riding.

Rain predicted for the next week though. :-(

Bar-b-qued hot dogs for lunch and sat outside in the sunshine (while it lasts) to eat.

We then went into Kirkland Lake to do a little food shopping and to see if any place sells ‘blue boys’....no luck. Seems you have to drive to Earlton (about an hour away) to get anything for an RV. We then went to the dollar store to buy paper and plastic so we can avoid filling the grey water as much as possible.
*************** I am writing this at 11:30 p.m. Jim is sound asleep, as 5:00 a.m comes very early. He says he does not ever remember getting UP at 5:00 a.m in his life. Going to bed then yes, but not getting up! lol
************It is now 2:00 a.m. I was going to stay up until 5:00 a.m. working and have breakfast with Jim and then sleep, but I dont think I am going to make it. lol
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SUSAN, TRAILER, NORTH????*****Susan's Blog

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 05:20:43 GMT

We zonked out last night. But not before turning on the kitchen tap and getting brown rusty water coming out.
We both had showered and used the bathroom taps earlier, no problems. Most likely the yucky water had gotten into our taps in the few minutes we left it hooked up at Lagoon Trailer park. Glad we did not use the water there..our suspicions were right!

The interest in Ms Escalade is continuing. Cars slowing down to gaze, people walking.. actually stop to look. The hints yesterday, for tours, were unmistakable. Guess I will have to be dressed and have the place looking great every morning. lol

The park here is very nice. The people so friendly, but not intrusive. Many are here for the whole season. Sitting at my computer people must see my shadow in here--so they all wave.

Culver Park is on a peninsula, with a river on the north and a lake on the south and east sides. Right now I am looking out the window at the river side. This site is so large we are very private. Way out back there is a stand of trees blocking the other sites almost totally from view.
I just wish we had made the time to stop and get the cord that enables you to have two 15 amps (and also get a blue boy).

Everyone here says they have had rain for the last two weeks. Hopefully this means good weather now, although thunderstorms are predicted for today! We only get CBC and CTV (both fuzzy) and NO WIFI! Well, this is considered the FAR NORTH!
My parents would be totally shocked to see me in a trailer up here! LOL

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Jim has gone off to meet Dr. Deborah and get acquainted with her office. She goes for her operation tomorrow, so today is the only day he will have to talk to her about her patients etc. This will be quite a change for him. Hope it works out ok.

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P.S. Jim came back around 4:00 pm. Her office is very busy. He is to start at 7:00 AM! and go until 7:00 PM!
Quite a change from the noon until 8:00 pm that we are accustomed to. He (not me) will have to get up at 5:00 AM!!!

‘RUSTIC’ AND FOR SALE*****Susan's Blog

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 05:14:38 GMT

We have been settled too long.
It took us FIVE hours to pack up yesterday and leave, even though a lot was done two days ago. In light of the late start, we decided to make this trip a two day drive.

So we have stopped just outside of Huntsville at the Lagoon Tent and Trailer Park. It is right at the entrance to the Arrowhead Provincial Park.
Jim calls this park ‘rustic’.
It has a for sale sign at the entrance. :-)

A few ‘highlights’.
The arranged site was too small, we took a 15 amp site instead (way at back), we blew the power around midnight tonight, could not find the breaker, ran an extension cord to the next site over, hooked up our water hose but had suspicions about its quality so we turned it off, no wifi, no tv.....going to bed now.

OUR SITE

WE’RE OFF--FINALLY*****Susan's Blog

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 05:13:45 GMT

We are finally ready to go!
Site looks so bare and empty. :-(
My flowers are being taken care of by Debbie (our next door neighbour).

SELLING & PACKING*****Susan's Blog

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 05:13:06 GMT

Very busy Canada Day weekend. We sold a lot of large furniture through Craigslist this weekend. Jim held out for a good price on his bookcases and ended up selling them to a gentleman who definitely appreciated them. Made us both feel good about that.

Took down our screen house and little fence. Organized basement so we could get our new chairs in. Have to work tomorrow, but have the day off the next day. We will have to do all those last minute run around things that day because the next day is work again and then we are off on the ‘adventure’. Looking forward to being on the move again, even though it is not just a holiday for Jim.

NORTH TO...WHERE??*****Susan's Blog

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 05:12:24 GMT

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANADA!
and......We’re OFF!

Well not quite. In five days.

Jim has a locum in Kirkland Lake. Not my first choice of place to visit, but it will surely be ‘an adventure’.
For those of you who have never heard of Kirkland Lake, Ontario, it is north...straight north from Toronto...360 miles straight north!

We have been assured there is a place big enough for Ms Escalade and that the site has 30 amps and water.
We have reserved the site for two weeks. Jim has to work Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays only, so we should have time for a little sight seeing as well. While he is working, my plan is to get all business papers up to date, spring clean Ms Escalade, organize pictures, take pictures, update web site (have to post later as there is no internet), read a book etc. etc. Wonder how much I will really do? LOL

Note: no internet, no phone, no TV, no mall....maybe I will get some work done.

AT THE STORAGE AGAIN*****Susan's Blog

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 05:10:28 GMT

Well here we are again--at the storage. Every time I come here it is sad. In these two big storage rooms is our life, and some of my parents’ lives. Everything in boxes piled high. Whether I will ever see these ‘things’ again is a thought that keeps playing over and over in my mind.
When I was packing them back last November to begin ‘Our Adventure’, I put many notes inside, explaining to my daughter (for I believe it will be her who opens them next) what the history of all these ‘things’ are. These ‘things’ are her history, where she came from, who she came from.

But, I have to admit to mixed feelings.
Sadness, yes. But a little bit of elation too.
There is a definite feeling of FREEDOM!
Freedom from THINGS.
A feeling of not being tied down for the first time ever
by ‘things’!
Yes........this is RIGHT! This is what we should be doing!

SOLD!

ARE YOU MY MOMMY?*****Susan's Blog

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 05:09:09 GMT

I decided to get a little sun while working on my computer today. While sitting outside, Jim decided to barbecue lunch. We were watching a mother robin hopping around with her baby hopping a few feet behind her. Every so often she would backtrack to feed the chirping baby.

Mother must have seen some goodies way over under our truck. She took off, leaving baby. Baby immediately, all the while chirping frantically and flapping its wings, started hopping after her.

All of a sudden baby stopped, seeing me about 5 feet away. I said “Did you loose your Mommy?” Baby’s answer was more chirping and he\she started towards me. I kept talking and baby kept coming. Right up to my feet. The baby cocked his\her head and looked up at me as if to say ‘Well? Where’s my dinner?’
When I did not immediately drop food into its mouth it started flapping and chirping at me.

Finally, after almost a minute, when no food was forthcoming from me --- I was given one last look of what was surely DISGUST and baby hopped away in the direction of the truck.

But, not after I managed to snap this picture.

Does this mean I look ‘Motherly’ to birds??? LOL

SETTLED DOWN BUT ITCHY*****Susan's Blog

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 05:08:07 GMT

We love it here. Just a few miles from Toronto, but instead of buildings, there is grass and trees and wildlife right at your door. Our site is large, private, with a great view. My flowers are blooming beautifully, we have everything just where we want it.

But....the itch has started.
The itch to get moving.
The excitement of putting the breakables in baskets, pulling in all hoses etc., backing up the truck, hitching up and starting down the road...our travelling song playing.

All those who have experienced this feeling know what I am talking about. Those who have never ‘hitched up’...well, you are missing out in my opinion. :-)

Maybe, just maybe, we will be able to git goin’ soon.
Will know for sure in a few days.

TORNADO WARNING AGAIN!!! IN ONTARIO!!!!*****Susan's Blog

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 05:07:08 GMT

Mother Nature at her worst. She unleashed a Christmas day tornado on the Cape Canaveral area while we were there.
Scary!
Now, here we are in Milton, Ontario, Canada. It is almost 90 degrees with a humidex around 100, and Tornado warnings are out. Weather should arrive within the hour. Advice--head to your basement.
Basement in the RV?
Pretty crowded.
Not an option.
Anyway, we were just on our way to do a little food shopping, so we decided to “batten down” everything and just go shopping. Spent a few moments ‘discussing’ with Jim as to the necessity of taking down the large palm tree. So, after he took down the palm tree (hehe) our full timing neighbour, seeing our preparations, apparently decided to go and listen to his weather radio. He barely had time to put everything away when the storm hit.

We were just leaving the campground and all of a sudden very large tree limbs started flying everywhere. The sky was black with shades of green. The rain came down as the winds blew faster and faster.

Later, as we returned to the campground, we were struck by the extent of damage However, I am glad to report that no vehicles were damaged and no one was hurt.
Apparently there was a tornado touch down in Milton, but not in our campground.
Scary!

SETTLING IN*****Susan' Blog

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 05:05:37 GMT

Weather is finally turning warmer. Planted some flowers in my pots rescued from our storage. Sure is different than the balcony in TO, looking at Lake Ontario one way and the CN Tower the other way.

BACK IN ONTARIO*****Susan's Blog

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 05:04:26 GMT

We thought we had escaped the snow.
Then it happened.
Mother Nature had waited for us.
SNOW!!! and more SNOW!!!

The only good thing about this snowfall is it will not last.
Spring is just around the corner.
At least, it is supposed to be.
Turned on the furnace for the first time since
December 16, 2006!

DO NOT WANT TO LEAVE!*****Susan & Jim's Blog

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 04:55:29 GMT

What is there to say about Jetty Park, Cape Canaveral?
Just this.
We do not want to leave!
We love it here!
We had to tear ourselves away from the beach!

Good bye Cocoa Beach! :-(

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUSAN*****Jim's Blog

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 04:54:01 GMT

Looked after Charlie and Mittsy (Cat & Bryan are on their cruise). Sat outside with Charlie and Mitts but it got too hot in the sun. Birthday girl wanted to go to Cocoa Beach, so off we went. Temperature was in the low 80’s and sunny. Stayed for a couple of hours.

Later, Susan rode Cat ‘s scooter while I pedaled a ‘regular bike’ along side. Oh, oh.....Susan definitely wants a scooter now!

I cooked a great dinner called ‘Kraft noodles’.

Just took Charlie and Mitts home. Both were tired. Me too. It is 1:00 am...have to get up early tomorrow--to pick up Cat & Bryan from cruise ship terminal.

FABULOUS DAY*****Susan's Blog

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 04:52:38 GMT

We went to our favourite beach today..Jetty Park. It was very windy with very high waves. Every few yards there were stingrays on the beach. Apparently they are washed ashore when it is this rough.

We walked down to the pier at Cocoa Beach.

It was a fabulous day!

CARVER’S COVE*****Jim's Blog

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 04:51:21 GMT

Arrived today at Carvers Cove. Met up with Cat and Bryan. Good to see Mittsy and Charlie again too. We are staying here for a few days, while Cat and Bryan go on a cruise.

Went down to the dock to watch the sunset. Much better than Key West sunset.

Then.....
Had to look at Cat’s bridal dress, and bridesmaids’ dresses
(fascinating). lol

After our Hamburger Helper dinner for four, went down to the dock again. Watched the ‘jumpin’ froggie fishes’ while Catherine made sound effects to add to the drama.
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I just looked up and saw Susan, Catherine and Bryan all on their computers. Here I am with pen and my little paper diary. I was tempted to get out the fourth computer and make it a foursome. LOL

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!*****Susan's Blog

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 04:50:25 GMT

We are back a Larry and Penny Thompson Park. This has to be one of our favourite places so far. They are having a St. Patrick’s Day potluck. Here is a picture of our contribution.

We had bought some decorations at a dollar store.

We headed over to the potluck at 5:00 pm. Quite a spread!
Jim said he had no idea what he ate but he did have at least one spoonful of 20 different dishes...all delicious.

There were door prizes. Jim won one. He picked out a bottle of wine (of course) from the prize choices. There was also much singing and silliness.
Loads of Fun!

Later that night we played cribbage with Marg and Joe who we had met at the potluck. Marg is an online travel agent. They live just outside Windsor Ontario and have full rv hookups on their property. We have been invited anytime.

PENNEKAMP STATE PARK*****Jim's Blog

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 04:49:30 GMT

We are backed on the edge of a large Mangrove forest that would be impossible to walk through due to tangled roots, fallen branches and thick shrub growth. There are strange bird sounds (chirps, clucks, whistles, hoots and warbles) everywhere.

We are so glad to be down here in the Keys. The entire eastern half of the USA and into Canada, have been hit by severe storms. Temperatures have dropped in Toronto to minus 25 C. I don’t think I have ever experienced that low a temperature and don’t wish to.

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We take our bikes to the beaches at least twice a day.
Both beaches are made of crushed coral. We were going to take the cruise out to see the coral, but the winds have been too strong. Maybe next year.

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The big drawback at Pennecamp is the no seeums. One and a half hours before sunset they become extremely vicious, so we have learned to plan our activities around them.

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We are in the habit of going just up the road to the Caribbean Club (on the Gulf Side) about 15 minutes before sunset. We join many others to watch the FANTASTIC SUNSET. Susan went crazy with her camera. Got some great pictures!

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Susan said she NEEDED a Florida Keys hat. Yesterday she said she was going to the bank. Knowing she had also seen a pink flamingo (solar powered) I guessed she would come back with one of them too.
I was wrong. She came back with the hat and FOUR flamingos. (Two were for Catherine--they have to keep up with each other with their lights etc.)

*************
Since Pennecamp is a State Park with no sewer connections, I had to make a few trips to the pump out with the ‘blue boy’. Despite the picture, this is a job I do not like.

Leaving for Larry and Penny on March 14th.

JOHN PENNECAMP STATE PARK*****Susan' Blog

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 04:48:49 GMT

Well we are now into our 4th day of 14 days at Pennecamp State Park. We have heard glowing reports for this park, including our daughter Cat's. However, I personally am very disappointed in this place.

It is called "America's First Undersea Park" and is located in Key Largo. If you have a boat, like scuba diving or fishing, or just want to laze on the beaches, this is for you. Also, I hear the shopping and restaurants (fish etc.) are great in Key Largo. You can get to everything on a bike, or walking as well.

However, our site is too small to even put out our awning. We did manage to get the rv and the truck parked, but there is very little room for anything else.

The 'no seeums' are vicious every morning and night.

This coupled with the fact that we have had to stay down in Florida a little longer than we had planned and our 'fill in' at the office has not gone as well as we had hoped, means our finances are in short supply. That translates to....NO MORE SHOPPING! Perhaps that is part of the reason I am unhappy here, for what good are shell shops and souvenir stores if you cannot buy anything! LOL

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One thing to mention about the wildlife here. We thought the sand crabs were big at Long Key. Well here they are huge animals! They are all around us. They are all different colours. There are bright orange ones, vibrant reds, sunny yellows, light sandy brown and dark grey ones. I managed to take a small movie from our back window of avery big guy eating grass. He (or she?) was using his\her front claws like we use our hands. Picking grass and putting it in his\her mouth. THAT was fascinating!

WATCH WHAT YOU WISH FOR*****Susan's Blog

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 04:48:06 GMT

Well, I got my wish. We are staying extra days here in Neopolitan Cove. But the reason is not good. We were just getting ready to leave when our air conditioner went. Same problem as Cat and Bryan’s. It tries to kick in and gets a burning smell.
Called Bob at KZ. Great as usual! He said to find someone to come. Kz will take care of it. We finally found a mobile repair.

By the time he got it fixed we had to cancel Bahia Honda.
(Bet that made someone very happy.)
Guess Key West will have to wait until next year!?

NEOPOLITAN COVE, NAPLES*****Susan's Blog

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 04:47:21 GMT

The best decision we made (in my opinion anyway) was to come to Neopolitan Cove. Neopolitan Cove is in Naples on the west coast of Florida. It is in the process of recovering from the tornado two years ago. The 'aura' here is wonderful. The sites are large, paved, each with it's own garden. The shopping and beaches are close by.

I wish we could stay longer, but we have 5 days scheduled at Bahia Honda State Park in the Keys. They are booked solid 11 months in advance. We managed to get lucky and I caught these 5 days over the internet when someone cancelled last minute. Looking forward to seeing why it is so very popular.

DESERTED ISLAND*****Susan' Blog

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 04:46:16 GMT

No Man Is An Island.
But he can sure try to HAVE his own island. LOL
According to Jim...all he
needs is sand, sea, palm tree.....oh.... and some refreshments.
Here, he tries to prove it...
much to my embarrassment!

This is the life....according to Jim.

OH, OH!!!!!!

Island seems to be shrinking.....

One last look then .............time to abandon!

Don't forget to save the Palm Tree!

DECISION MADE*****Susan"s Blog

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 04:45:17 GMT

We have decided to make the trek to Fort Myers and join Cat, Bryan, Mittsy, & Charlie for a few days. The drive will be between 4 & 6 hours. I am definitely not looking forward to that as my knee is still causing me problems. I anticipate swelling and throbbing pain again during the drive and for a couple of days after.
"Hope it is worth the drive."

This means we will be giving up 5 days at Long Key. I gather there is a long waiting list of people ready to jump in.

I will admit the rain (flooding) has played a big part in our not being thrilled with this park. As I said before--they should have closed it until it was 'fixed up'.
Have I mentioned the noise from the highway right behind us?

However, I have to say, this park is great for back to nature type of camping. The calm water of the Atlantic literally at your doorstep, the sand crabs scurrying all over the place, the seaweed lining the shore, the pelicans diving for dinner, the fish leaping out of the water by the dozens at sunset, the no neighbours to 'bother' you in your contemplation of ??

Lovely as that all is, I for one need to see other life..human life....its' buildings, histories and yes stores.
If not for the destruction that took place Feb. 12th, 7 days here would be nice. But 11 days is too long for me.

Yesterday, Jim and I walked along the 'beach' and witnessed the full damage. There are about 7 sites totally washed out to sea. They do make for a nice sandbar to walk on though. :-)

The park is filled to capacity. Although there are some large units, mostly there are small trailers, pop ups, and tents here. Most people seem to really like it here, although with the water and muck right now, it is not very nice.
Have I mentioned the roar of the highway 24\7?

We have been told that there is a yearly motorcyle rally in Key West starting soon. All those hundreds of motorcyles roar down past here to Key West and then roar back past here to the campgrounds late at night (after the party breaks up), then back again etc.etc. That should add to the roar in a few days.

(I have mentioned the roar of traffic here haven't I?)

VALENTINE’S DAY*****Susan's Blog

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 04:44:35 GMT

For those who know the story of Susan & Jim on V.D. Day, back in those great days of high school, you will understand the humour? of this Feb. 14th. For those of you who do not know the story..you have my permission to skip this entry if you wish. :-)

I am on the great adventure, with my great love, after so many years together. We have had some rough patches, some very rough patches, on this adventure, but have managed to have some great times also.
We should have known, with Feb. 14th looming, we should have made sure we were in the perfect place to help offset this day. We thought we would be , but Long Key State Park, especially after a 13 inch rainfall, was not the place....or was it?
Interested?
Read on then.

No lovely flowers and\or candy. No lovely restaurant dinner with candlelight. No music and dancing in a romantic setting.

This is what we did do.

Jim found me an intact shell about 300 feet (in just knee high water) out in the Atlantic Ocean. We had hamburger helper for dinner. We walked in the ocean hand in hand. The small wavelets made lovely music.

Maybe this was the perfect place for Feb.14th!

Happy Valentine's Day to all!