Heading South 2019 | FindPenguins

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February 9, 2019
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Day 1
Saturday, February 9, 2019 at 11:00 AM
⛅ 36 °F
Altitude: 52 ft
United States Avery Island 36.881386, -76.05931136°52’53” N 76°3’34” W
Almost ready to head out
February 9, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 36 °F
Well, sometimes the “best laid plans”...

Planned to leave Sat 2/9 first thing... however, things just sometimes get out of wack..

Thursday night, multiple times, I discovered something I ate decided it was not happy. So I spent all of Friday on the couch. Thank goodness for “doctor Sue”.... she even continued the packing for me.

One wrench in the gears...

Sat morning, I was feeling alive again...finished packing and was ready to hook up the Jeep..

In flying, there’s a saying: There’s only two kinds of pilots; those who have landed with their wheels up, and those who have yet to”....

I’m proud to say after 2,000 hours of flying and over 1,200 landings, I remain one of “those who have yet to”...

The saying is similar for RV’ers.
“Those who have driven off while still plugged in and those who have yet to”...

Unfortunately, Sat morning I became one of the latter :-(. With no RV parts stores open, my options were few. However, after some investigation and deconstruction, I decided I could fix it...even if only temporarily. Once back installed, i re-plugged the shore power and happily saw lights come on.

If you zoom in on the pics, you’ll see Rosie is ready to hit the road.

So, we’re off!!!Read more
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Day 2
Sunday, February 10, 2019 at 9:33 AM
☁️ 37 °F
Altitude: 62 ft
United States Deep Branch 33.981228, -78.70905333°58’52” N 78°42’33” W
2
Myrtle Beach, SC
February 10, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 37 °F
Arrived at Willow Grove Resort just before dark. It’s a gated community with large RV’s and cabins (too nice to be called that). I’ve not stayed in a park with so much room between spaces. Beautiful park, lake, fishing, beach, pool, clubhouse and more. I’ll want to come back here.Read more
Traveler Coffee looks yummy. Was it nice and hot.
2/10/19Reply
Traveler Yeah. That’s our new Nespresso brewer. It was picked because it makes great coffee and it’s small
2/10/19Reply
TravelerOn the road again .... I'm envious. Looks like a great trip.
2/10/19Reply
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Day 3
Monday, February 11, 2019 at 7:46 PM
☁️ 52 °F
Altitude: 89 ft
United States Cowpen Swamp 33.778838, -78.81296633°46’44” N 78°48’47” W
Day in town
February 11, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 52 °F
Nice relaxing night and morning. Got in two Avengers movies last night (the third Deadpool) and a cold night for sleeping. I open windows and turn off heat so the morning sprint to the thermostat is exhilarating...

After coffee, got Rosie to the latest Camp Bow Wow (a great place). Then numerous errands to pick up odds and ends.

On way to pick up Rosie, front left tire chose to go flat so off to tire place.

Then I found a great little restaurant with huge bourbon bar. I’ll frequent it again.

Now back at RosieBus for the night with an exhausted little puppy.Read more
TravelerMaking new friends can be exhausting.
2/12/19Reply
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Day 4
Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at 12:54 PM
☁️ 63 °F
Altitude: 62 ft
United States Deep Branch 33.98127, -78.70904533°58’53” N 78°42’33” W
Why Not?
February 12, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F
Rosie’s exhausted after day care, it’s overcast and drizzly so as I often do when left to myself, it’s time for “College Casserole”. I have my own recipe and it started my Junior year using one electric skillet.

Here, I have two gas burners, a few pots and a skillet so we’re in hog heaven. And I have Bourbon and Tabasco... mmmmm.

This batch, while half of what I usually make, will last a while.Read more
TravelerLooks delish.
2/12/19Reply
Travelerlooks yummy!
2/14/19Reply
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Day 7
Friday, February 15, 2019 at 9:08 AM
⛅ 59 °F
Altitude: 62 ft
United States Deep Branch 33.98127, -78.70912933°58’53” N 78°42’33” W
1
I'd Come Back Here
February 15, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F
Heading south to Charleston, SC this morning.

While Myrtle Beach is much like an expanded Virginia Beach, it wasn’t that interesting to me but seems like a nice City. However, the proximity of stores for supplies, Camp Bow Wow, and low traffic (seasonal) was well worth the stay.

But this camp (all 10 ratings) was clearly the nicest one I’ve visited. Never seen a park where RVs are so far apart and it would be easy to get three (3) times the numbers. But what they’ve done by NOT jamming three (3) times in makes it really unique. Add to that spotless, big facilities, combo shower/bathrooms and just a friendly atmosphere makes this a place that I’d like to re-visit.

This aerial shows how nice this place is...the next stop has a really high bar to compete with.

https://youtu.be/CSERRa9jPFERead more
TravelerNow THAT is the Mac Daddy of RV resorts. And if you feel comfortable putting RV and Resort in the same sentence.....wow!
2/15/19Reply
Travelerand for $55/night it’s a steal. Not “in season” but I LOVE the chilly nights and 60’s in the day.
2/15/19Reply
Traveler Incredible spacing between RVs. It was more than comfortable. I’ve been in places where the RV slide-outs had to be positioned so they didn’t hit each other.
2/15/19Reply
Travelerbeautiful!
2/18/19Reply
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Day 8
Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 3:42 PM
⛅ 73 °F
Altitude: 43 ft
United States Johns Island 32.807887, -80.10909532°48’28” N 80°6’33” W
Back In Charleston,SC
February 16, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F
Nice to be back in Charleston... they have a great Camp Bow Wow here so Rosie’s all set.

We’re here thru Sat 2/23 then heading to St. Augustine for a few days, ending up in Jupiter, Fl. For hook-up with Eric &Dana Christian and fishing.Read more
TravelerWhat....no pictures?
2/16/19Reply
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Day 9
Sunday, February 17, 2019 at 12:47 PM
☁️ 54 °F
Altitude: 33 ft
United States Johns Island 32.804669, -80.10899332°48’17” N 80°6’32” W
Plans Solidified
February 17, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F
We’ll stay in Charleston they 2/25 and head to St. Augustine, Fl. After three (3) nights, on to Jupiter. Actually, the closest park available is in Port St. Lucie, about 30 miles north. Not that bad and looks to be pretty nice.

Rosie will enjoy “Waldog Astoria” while we’re there and possible an overnight or two.

The Charleston park is fairly open (not crowded) and was able to allow an extended stay while awaiting an opening in St. Augustine.

After Jupiter is unconfirmed but I’m leaning toward heading west to the panhandle for a bit.Read more
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Day 9
Sunday, February 17, 2019 at 9:34 PM
☁️ 57 °F
Altitude: 36 ft
United States Johns Island 32.807944, -80.10918832°48’29” N 80°6’33” W
Meet the nicest people
February 17, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 57 °F
Was introduced to a very nice couple tonight who noticed my license plate “N444VT” and were also pilots. They are “live aboards” and have been for 6-7 years. They’ve been around...

I’ve always wanted to complete the “Great Loop” but as I don’t boat anymore, I’ll miss the western half.

However, they mentioned a route for RV’ers along the Mississippi called the “Great River Road” from the beginning of the Mississippi to its end in New Orleans.

I’ll do this route soon....

https://experiencemississippiriver.com/the-grea…Read more
TravelerBest not to talk to strangers....they may lead you on wild goose chases.
2/18/19Reply
Traveler3,000 miles is nothing for you....
2/18/19Reply
TravelerWhen they offer margaritas and guacamole I’ll listen 👂
2/18/19Reply
TravelerGreat River Road was an interesting read. For sure to be on your list.
2/19/19Reply
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Day 11
Tuesday, February 19, 2019 at 11:36 AM
☁️ 50 °F
Altitude: 69 ft
United States Red Top 32.825329, -80.11800332°49’31” N 80°7’5” W
This is why they fence in Dog Parks
February 19, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 50 °F
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Day 12
Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at 1:49 PM
🌧 55 °F
Altitude: 23 ft
United States Thomas Island 32.878323, -79.92958132°52’42” N 79°55’46” W
Ya Can't Make This Stuff Up
February 20, 2019 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 55 °F
Took Rosie for half day at Camp Bow Wow. The facility is on the NW side of the city; the RV park is on the SW, about 35 mins away.

On the way back to the RV, I stopped for lunch and some southern ribs.

Very pleased to see their bourbon selections but amazed at who I met.

The bartender, a late 20’s woman, asked where I was from. After I said “VIRGINIA”, she asked what part? I said “beach”... she smiled and said “so am I”...

Further clarification and she also graduated from Kempsville High and her dad was a Navy Chief Petty Officer (lifer), all like me too.

She’s moving back this weekend to marry her fiancée.

I offered to connect her to managers of restaurant/bars that I knew were looking for employees and mentioned Ilgiardino‘ on Great Neck as they’re moving and growing.

I gave her the managers name and amazingly enough, she knew him well, had trained under him at the beach location so I reconnected them.

Amazing.

On the way back, crossing over Charleston’s beautiful bridge, the fog layer was so low the towers were obscured.Read more
Travelervery cool!
2/23/19Reply
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Day 15
Saturday, February 23, 2019 at 3:44 PM
⛅ 75 °F
Altitude: 79 ft
United States Sixmile Swamp 29.918264, -81.42144729°55’6” N 81°25’17” W
St. Augustine for a Few
February 23, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F
In keeping with the new “travel theory”, I will plan stops not more than 250 miles apart. Thats a far cry from the west Coast trip, where 600 per day was the plan. While that got me there quickly, it also quickly became tiresome.

So this trip, we’re taking it slow and looking for only the best parks. This far, it’s been very successful as I’d return anytime to the places I’ve been to so far... Contrarily, I would say that there are only 2-3 parks I’d return to from the 2018 trip west.

The real problem is though, that I’m hitting Snowbird country while it’s still high season....so reservations are very difficult.

We have this park from today, leaving Monday, (and these 2 days were lucky) then heading south to Port St. Lucie. While that’s a nice park, it’s a 45-50 minute drive to Jupiter (the actual goal for fishing and Rosie’s daycare). So we’re good there until the following Tuesday (3/5).

Next stop? I thought about heading further south but that’s problematic on a number of fronts...you get heavier into Snowbirds and reservation issues (Fla is packed); the further south you go, the longer the trip back; and finally, it gets hotter (81 in St. Aug today).

So right now, from Port St. Lucie I’m leaning toward heading west to the gulf side and see how that goes. It’s an easy (2-3 hr) drive across the state with lots of options.

Stay tuned.Read more
TravelerWhat day is fishing? Catch some sushi and eat well!
2/24/19Reply
TravelerOh, and I like the new travel theory
2/24/19Reply
TravelerLocal fishing Fri and Sun....”plan” to try Bahamas on Sat.....weather permitting.
2/24/19Reply
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Day 16
Sunday, February 24, 2019 at 11:27 AM
⛅ 81 °F
Altitude: 79 ft
United States Sixmile Swamp 29.918295, -81.42141729°55’6” N 81°25’17” W
Fences don't work here
February 24, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 81 °F
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Day 17
Monday, February 25, 2019 at 8:41 PM
⛅ 68 °F
Altitude: 46 ft
United States Spanish Lakes Golf Village Mobile Home Park 27.276454, -80.28717727°16’35” N 80°17’14” W
Arrived Port. St. Lucie
February 25, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F
Well, “nice” park but it’s PACKED and if my RV had slides (extended rooms), I would’ve needed to be very careful about parking.

This is the first “back in” space I’ve had so it was more complicated. Not that it’s difficult to back in (my driveway is harder) but as tight as this place is, the need to back in means I had to stop and unhook my car, move the car somewhere, get the RV backed in properly and then go get the car.

I grilled out tonight and had to watch the wind to ensure the smoke wasn’t blowing in my neighbors windows. It’s that close.

I’m told Fla parks will be packed until the end of April. I’m also told the reason these parks are so full is French Canadians; who normally go further south, Key West, but because of hurricane damage, most of the parks south of Miami are gone.

So because of the crowds, after fishing, I’ll head NW to the west Coast of Fla. AFTER I get reservations; which I’ll secure in the next couple of days.

Dana Christian, Eric, Kyle and girlfriend get here Thurs. We’ll fish Fri, Sat & Sun. I have Rosie boarded at “Waldog Astoria” for those days so I can enjoy the trips without worry.

I’ll post pics tomorrow but it’s not much to see. Myrtle Beach looks pretty nice.Read more
TravelerNW Fl is more than the three hour limit (250 miles).....the way I drive. But I love the approximate location decision.
2/26/19Reply
TravelerFound a nice place in Crystal River Fla on way NW. meets my criteria.
2/26/19Reply
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Day 18
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
⛅ 77 °F
Altitude: 43 ft
United States Spanish Lakes Golf Village Mobile Home Park 27.276553, -80.28722927°16’36” N 80°17’14” W
This is a MEMORY
February 26, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 77 °F
#20 VT just beat #3 Duke. Watching the game while it’s cool in the rain in Port St. Lucie is very special. Speaks highly for my IT capabilities. I don’t miss VT games :-)
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Day 19
Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at 3:02 PM
🌧 77 °F
Altitude: 46 ft
United States Spanish Lakes Golf Village Mobile Home Park 27.276445, -80.28716327°16’35” N 80°17’14” W
And So It Begins
February 27, 2019 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 77 °F
Dana Christian is wheels up in Montana, arriving 3:30. Eric, Kayla, Kyle and friend arrive 6:10.

Rosie moves to Dogsworld Resort (https://www.dogsworldresort.com) for a few days. They will post FB pictures so I’ll link when they’re up.

I button up RosieBus for s few days and move to the group hotel, next to Eric’s hotel till Monday. This should be interesting.Read more
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Day 20
Thursday, February 28, 2019 at 8:31 PM
🌙 66 °F
Altitude: 46 ft
United States Selhaven 26.935598, -80.08334426°56’8” N 80°5’0” W
Arrived Jupiter
February 28, 2019 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 66 °F
Staying where Eric keeps his boat; beautiful Wyndham on the water.

Had some time after dropping Rosie off for boarding to look around before check-in.

Guess what’s walking distance from the hotel?

Extra points to the first correct answer:Read more
TravelerMy first thought was White Castles but Googled and none in Florida. No more guesses.
3/3/19Reply
TravelerHaw!!! None south of N.J.... believe me, I know. It’s the “spa” where Robert Kraft was caught. A billionaire, in a strip center. Incredible.
3/3/19Reply
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Day 22
Saturday, March 2, 2019
☀️ 81 °F
Altitude: 39 ft
United States Selhaven 26.935871, -80.08329826°56’9” N 80°4’60” W
"Fishing" (not catching)
March 2, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F
Well, three (3) days of trying and skunked twice trying for bigs (tuna, billfish, shark, etc). Luckily, it’s a short ride to the Gulf Stream so the disappointment is short lived.

Today, we bottom fished reefs and caught two (2) drum (same we could catch at home 😡). We hooked what appeared to be monster but it took him into a man made reef and tangled the line in 80’ of water. After 45 minutes of heavy fighting the hook released and it was over.

Beautiful water though.

Just looked at my map of the entire trip and realized it tracks all my locations, when I’m in the app. You can see most of the fishing “efforts” as well as my travels from the RV, to the hotel and Rosie’s drop off and pickups.Read more
TravelerThat is why I don’t fish. More boring than baseball! I would go just to watch the hilarity of it all, drink and read a good book.
3/4/19Reply
TravelerWow Great pics!!!!
3/5/19Reply
TravelerGreat meal the last night we were all there at Michael Jordan’s.... incredible steaks, fish and LOTS of bourbons. I went with Wellers red label.
3/5/19Reply
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Day 26
Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at 11:26 AM
☀️ 48 °F
Altitude: 52 ft
United States Post Oak Ranch Airport 28.862041, -82.53669728°51’43” N 82°32’12” W
West Side of Fla for 3-4 Days
March 6, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 48 °F
Left Jupiter, on the east coast, around 10:30 am with 85 degree temps.

Arrived west coast Fla, around 2:30 pm, and temps were low 60’s... Right now, at 7:00 pm, its 50 degrees.

Now I read there’s a FREEZE warning until 9:00 am tomorrow. Oh boy.

Rock Crusher RV Park... lots of room in spaces, sandy soil, palm trees and Spanish moss. Gonna feel strange to see freezing temps.

In the pic, you have to zoom in yo see Rosie and since I’m on the end space, there’s lots of trees separating us from road. Nice place.Read more
TravelerI see Rosie.
3/7/19Reply
TravelerYep. It shows how BIG the space is. Really nice!!
3/7/19Reply
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Day 26
Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at 8:52 PM
🌙 43 °F
Altitude: 52 ft
United States Post Oak Ranch Airport 28.862083, -82.53662428°51’43” N 82°32’12” W
Comfort Food
March 6, 2019 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 43 °F
This works....
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Day 27
Thursday, March 7, 2019 at 8:00 PM
🌙 57 °F
Altitude: 52 ft
United States Post Oak Ranch Airport 28.862041, -82.53662128°51’43” N 82°32’12” W
I've Had A Nap.... Now What?
March 7, 2019 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 57 °F
The “stare” is incredible.
TravelerLove it!
3/8/19Reply
TravelerWhen she stares, she HAS to see your eyes. If I hold my hand over my eyes, she barks. Amazing
3/8/19Reply
TravelerCute girl!!
8/11/19Reply
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Day 28
Friday, March 8, 2019 at 9:38 PM
🌙 55 °F
Altitude: 52 ft
United States Post Oak Ranch Airport 28.86193, -82.53667628°51’43” N 82°32’12” W
Heading Out Tomorrow
March 8, 2019 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 55 °F
North of Jacksonville, Fl for a week. Hearing it’s a really nice park. Starting to really enjoy moving around after a few days.

Keeps you from getting bored. Not sure I’d want to be one of these guys that spend 3-4 months in one park.

It’s a lot of fun checking out new areas.Read more
TravelerDefinitely spring below 32 deg lat 74 sunny left Charleston Home in VB 42 deg clouds rain
3/9/19Reply
TravelerGo visit Amelia island - love that drive down through the park.
3/10/19Reply
TravelerThanks Brad. Been there many, many times. Stayed at the Rirz. It is really nice
3/10/19Reply
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Day 32
Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at 10:27 PM
🌙 41 °F
Altitude: 46 ft
United States Avery Island 36.881573, -76.059736°52’54” N 76°3’35” W
Back Home
March 12, 2019 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 41 °F
Well, once again I needed to come back due to a loved one in need. This time, my mom experienced a heart attack on Sat night, 3/11 and perished quickly thereafter. It was her decision not to have recommended procedures done, a decision I agreed with, but which finally caught up with her. She went her way, and I am happy for her....all the while I will miss our talks. Thank goodness Deb was with her and Sue joined them at the hospital.

When I left in early Feb, I knew in my heart it may be the last time I would see her but I also knew she could still go on to outlive me. She wanted me to go on as usual and she thoroughly enjoyed my posts on my travels. We talked constantly by texts about my travels and VT games.

So I know she was at peace till the end and her suffering was short... That’s what she wanted and I’m glad it worked out for her.

After I was advised of her passing, I immediately decided to leave the park in Jacksonville, Fl and head home. Eric was in Jupiter, Fl and got a ride to JAX to join me for the ride home.

We jumped on I-95N and the GPS said “537 miles to next turn”... damn....

All worked out well initially until a tire on my Jeep (towed car) blew a tire on I-95N at 65 mph and I didn’t know it until a car passed us honking their horn. The tire was fried by the time I stopped.

A Good Samaritan stopped to help with a good jack and we were back on our way. I’m working on finding out more about the “Coastie” (US Coast Guard guy) that helped us. More later as I track him down.

So after 8+ hrs, I found it amazing that our route took us directly over the same spot that my father died on in a traffic accident on RT 58 in Nov, 1975. It was strange looking over the junkyard where the truck he drove that day was taken.

So Rosie and I are back home for a period. My mom was an amazing woman, classy and most of all for me, allowed me to search my own track, standing by admiring my progress and most importantly, my failures. That to me, is by far, the best traits of a parent. I will never forget her for that incredibly deep lesson and sincerely hope I have passed the same on to my children. I love my successes but remember so clearly and painfully my failures. Thanks so much MOM for standing by and letting me experience those failures so I know sincerely the differences, allowing me to more appreciate the successes. In the end I’m sure she’s smiling with pride on the legacy Dane and Zella Cox have left.

I sincerely hope when my time comes, someone will say the same of me.Read more
TravelerVery nicely said...she was a wonderful lady (Aunt). My memory of her is when she taught Teresa and Me how to make Lima beans while you and Deb camped with our family! Even the little things make memories and they will keep her alive in our Hearts forever 💗 Love to All, Sandy (Coastie Power)
3/14/19Reply
TravelerI am Sorry to hear of Moms passing Jerry..
3/14/19Reply
TravelerOur thoughts and prayers are with you, Brad and Angie
3/16/19Reply
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Trip end
March 9, 2019