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Florida 2018
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huhtik. 2018 – syysk. 2025

Florida 2018

We are looking for sunshine and warmth. We're hoping to find it in South Carolina and Florida! Lue lisää
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    RialtaridersFlorida 2018Matkaaja

    Sunday, April 29

    29. huhtikuuta 2018, Kanada ⋅ 🌧 4 °C

    We are on our way home, somewhere between Syracuse, New York, and Watertown. We had planned to do this in 2 days, but it looks like we are going to try to get home tonight.

    It's pouring rain. . .not easy driving. The next 4 hours will be long ones!

    7:56pm - only a few miles left to go! We are thankful for a safe journey. Tony has done an amazing job with all the driving.

    We found some sun and warmth...in the places we visited and the people we met. So glad we were able to go. And now, we are happy to be home! 😎😎❤️    Lue lisää

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  • RialtaridersFlorida 2018Matkaaja

    Saturday, April 28

    29. huhtikuuta 2018, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    We wake up to a foggy Saturday morning, but the sun breaks through and the temperatures rise. A beautiful spring day!

    Thalia and Alex pick us up around 10:30. They have a birthday gift for me. . .2 books that I'm really looking forward to reading, and a lovely card. So thoughtful of them. They also have some books for Naomi! 😊

    We visit 2 estate sales in the Potomac area. It's a beautiful area. Tony and I find deals on golf balls and golf umbrellas. Thalia buys a hand mixer and Alex buys a crystal decanter, a cutting board and a Weber Gas BBQ! $75.00! The deal of the day! It seems to work well. With a little clean up, it will be almost as good as new!

    We head out to Falls Road Golf Course and have lunch. We play 9 holes of golf. The tees and fairways are in good shape, but the greens are a little patchy. In spite of that, I play my best game in a long time! Alex is impressed! Tony and Alex play well, as usual! And Thalia is an excellent cart driver!

    We have a drink after, then drive to Friendship Heights for dinner. We take the "scenic route" and have a nice tour of this Washington suburb! The spring flowers and shrubs are all in bloom, the grass is green, and the leaves are out on the trees. So pretty.

    We meet Thalia's parents, Ann and Steve, for the first time. We are planning to have dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. It is too busy, a 40 minute wait, so Steve finds us a table in an Italian restaurant just next door. It is a large restaurant, but much quieter. Steve proposes a beautiful toast toThalia and Alex for their upcoming marriage in June. We are all very happy for them.

    The food is delicious and the conversation is interesting. We enjoy getting to know the Aokis, and making plans with them for June.

    After dinner, we switch cars. Thalia and Alex and Tony and I take the van, so Alex can pick up his new BBQ, and Ann and Steve take Thalia's car home. Thalia will stop by to see them tomorrow and exchange cars before going back to Richmond.

    Thalia and Alex drive us back to Cherry Hill, and then go to pick up the BBQ. By now it's 10:00, so they are working in the dark. They message us later that they almost took the wrong BBQ. The houses are similar and they went to the wrong back yard! But they figure it out in time, load the BBQ somehow by themselves, and take it home!

    Tony and I pack up for our trip home tomorrow. It's midnight. It's been a wonderful day!

    Now reading The Home for Unwanted Girls.    Lue lisää

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  • RialtaridersFlorida 2018Matkaaja

    Friday, April 27

    29. huhtikuuta 2018, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    We leave Ashland, Virginia around 11:00 and arrive at Cherry Hill Park Campground around 3:00. We stop about a mile from the campground at the shopping area on Baltimore Avenue for groceries and a pizza lunch.

    We are on site 19 this year which is at the back of the park and much quieter than sites we've had in the past. We hear traffic from the 495 Beltway, but still much quieter. Cherry Hill Park is privately owned, lots of campsites, clean washrooms, and lots of amenities. . .mini golf, 2 pools, organized tours into DC and surrounding area, playgrounds, dog runs, etc. Very nice, but a bit expensive due to its proximity to Washington. $74.00 per night

    We unpack, bike around the park, and check out the campground store.

    Alex and Thalia arrive around 6:30 to pick us up for dinner at his house on Old Georgetown Road. We use his charcoal grill and our Coleman stove to cook hamburgers, hot dogs, and buns. Alex has also made a nice salad. We eat on the deck and enjoy the beautiful evening with Alex, Thalia, and Alex's roommates, Sean and Katie. Everything tastes delicious. Later, we move inside and meet Amelia, their cat. She entertains us with all her antics!

    We return to Cherry Hill Park around 11:00. So happy to see Alex and Thalia again!😊    Lue lisää

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  • RialtaridersFlorida 2018Matkaaja

    Thursday, April 26

    26. huhtikuuta 2018, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Thursday, April 26

    We are running a bit late this morning. We leave sunshiny South Carolina at 9:30!

    Our route:
    We follow the GPS route:
    highway 17 North to South Carolina 31, which leads onto 9 north. (17 north has many lights, traffic back-ups, etc. Next time try taking Hwy 17 north to 544 north.)
    US 701 North, brings us into North Carolina
    Left on joe brown Hwy South for 15 miles, a flat,smooth, fairly quiet, well kept 2 way road
    Left onto Andrew Jackson Hwy northwest for 20 miles, 4 lane Hwy
    Exit 213 to North Carolina 41 North. IGA in this town
    Left on Hwy 41 south to Hwy 95 north

    We stop at exit 31 for gas, lunch (mojo chicken sandwiches😊) and McDonald's shakes!

    Everything is going smoothly, so we decide to skip Roanoke Rapids in North Carolina and continue to Ashland, Virginia. We reserve a site (#8) at Americamps RV Resort, 11322 Air Park Road. 804-798-5298. $45 gets us a back in site, and clean washrooms and showers. It is just off Hwy 95. There is propane available here.

    We eat at Cracker Barrel first and arrive at the campground around 6:00, only to find out they are serving free pizza and salad tonight!

    We set up, then go for a ride on our bikes around the industrial park behind the campground. Not the most scenic ride, but it's nice to stretch our legs and be outside. Just as we start our ride, I take a tumble off my bike. What I think is a sidewalk is actually a concrete water drain. I lose my balance and down I go! Nothing broken, but I will have a nice bruise on my leg! So lucky! That could have been catastrophic!

    We check The Weather Network online when we return. 5-10 mm rain overnight and 10-15 mm tomorrow morning. So we batten down the hatches once again.

    It always rains when we are in Virginia!

    Will try to finish up The Nest tonight.    Lue lisää

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  • RialtaridersFlorida 2018Matkaaja
    Myrtle Beach
    Umm, strawberry shortcake. Haven't had one of these in ages!Sunset on the salt marshesBoardwalk to the salt marshesGoodbye, beach!

    Wednesday, April 25

    25. huhtikuuta 2018, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Sites 70 and 71 are nice, too. Sites on the inner circle have 3 services.

    Another beautiful day. We have a late breakfast, then check out the gift shop and buy a few things to bring home.

    After lunch, we play 9 holes of golf at Indian Wells Golf Club. Fairways are in great shape, as are the tees and greens. Very nice. I intend to take pictures, but that falls by the wayside as I struggle to stay out of the water and sand traps! I still enjoy the afternoon, though. The temperature is perfect and it's nice to be outside.

    We are joined by 2 other players. . .Leon, from Wisconsin who also happens to be a retired high school Math teacher, and Ted, who works at TPC of Myrtle Beach as a greenskeeper. He also works part time at Saltwater Creek Cafe, and highly recommends the she-crab soup. Apparently, they are famous for it! We will stop in there next year! In the meantime, Ted proves to be a very good player and Leon does quite well, too. They both assure us they did NOT vote for Trump and never will!!

    Tony really enjoys the course. . .likes the way the holes are designed, and says it is very fair.

    We have dinner at the campsite, and then bike to the gift shop for dessert. . .strawberry shortcake ice cream for me and an ice cream sandwich for Tony! We bike to the beach, and then through all the paths in the park. This is a nice park to bike in. We end up on the long boardwalk that brings us to the center of the salt marshes. So pretty at sunset and smells so good!

    We return to our site, and pack up for tomorrow's drive to Ronoake Rapids, North Carolina.

    Still reading The Nest. I'm about halfway through. It's starting to come together. I'm liking it a bit more.    Lue lisää

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  • RialtaridersFlorida 2018Matkaaja
    Site 56

    Tuesday, April 24

    24. huhtikuuta 2018, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Tuesday, April 24

    Site 65 - we really like this site. . .nobody behind us and quite spacious. It is near clean new washrooms. No TV reception in this park, though.

    The rain has stopped and the sun is out. The weather forecast is good for the next few days. Clear, dry, sunny, highs of around 75 degrees.

    Today is another housekeeping day. There is a clean air-conditioned Coin Laundry 6 miles south of the Park on Pawley's Island. $2.25 for a double load wash, $3.75 for a triple load, $.25 for 5 minutes of dryer time. While I do the laundry, and clean and organize the Rialta, Tony goes to Publix next door and stocks up on groceries for the next few days.

    I chat with a couple in the laundromat and they tell me about Assateague State Park in Maryland where all the wild ponies are. Their pictures show a beautiful beach and nice green flat campsites. I would like to stop there.

    Still more running around to do. . .shop at Tuesday Morning, and then go to the Walmart in Georgetown. It's a little further to drive but much less traffic! On the way back I notice that there are lots of really nice little shops along Ocean Highway on Pawley's island. I'd like to visit some of them next time.

    We have rotisserie mojo chicken for dinner. Tony bought it at the Publix in Pawley's island. Supposedly it has been basted or somehow cooked with citrus fruit juice. Anyway, it is juicy and tender and tangy! Very good!

    After dinner, we ride our bikes through the park. We discover there is a whole new campground on the south side. Concrete slabs, picnic tables on crushed rock, new washrooms, trees all pruned! Very nice! Tony is interested in Site 156.

    We ride the path along the ponds. The songbirds are chirping, the water birds are diving, and the frogs and crickets are singing. Everything is green and alive, and we think about how snowy and cold it was when we left Cornwall!

    Back to the campsite to settle in for the night!

    Not really enjoying The Nest so far. Usually I like Heather's Picks!?    Lue lisää

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  • RialtaridersFlorida 2018Matkaaja

    Monday, April 23

    24. huhtikuuta 2018, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    It is a very rainy day in Myrtle Beach. Heavy rain is forecast for the next 24 hours. It's definitely a shopping day!

    We drive 14 miles to the PGA Golf Superstore on 29th Avenue North. We walk the entire store and check everything out! This is a golfer's heaven. We try out some putters. I need a new one, I spend an hour trying on clothes, but buy only one item. I consider this research for future reference! We look at kid's clubs for Naomi. So many nice things! And the prices are reasonable, as prices for golf items go!

    Next, we go to the Coastal Grand Mall on Coastal Grand Circle. There is a Sears, Belk, and Dillard's, and we check them all out. Lots of looking, not much buying!

    Time for dinner. We go to Lee's Inlet Kitchen, a yearly tradition when we're in Myrtle Beach. 4460 highway 17 Business. There are restaurants and shops all along this road. This is a family restaurant where they serve seafood, chicken and steak. Salad, entree, a basket of hush puppies for $16.50 each between 4:30 and 5:30. Of all the hush puppies I've tasted these are the best! They are served hot, with whipped honey butter! Umm, so delicious!

    Back to the campsite to batten down the hatches! It's still raining, and will be until tomorrow morning!    Lue lisää

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  • RialtaridersFlorida 2018Matkaaja
    Nice granite markers. So glad to get to the 18th hole!
    Played golf with some friends from Cornwall !

    Sunday, April 22

    23. huhtikuuta 2018, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Another nice day. We are moving today from Lakewood to Huntington State Park. We take our time packing up, not realizing that check out time here is10:00. (Most places it's 11 or 12). A stern looking older man taps on our door at 10:20 to tell us this, so we have to scramble!

    We drive to Tupelo Bay Golf Centre to hit practice balls. $20 for a large & a small basket! After, we shop for groceries and have lunch. We return to Tupelo Bay to play 18 holes. This centre offers a par 3 course and an executive course, all par 3's and 4's. It sounds easy but it's not! Lots of water and trees and narrow fairways! I struggle through the 18 holes, but Tony aces every one. He is on his game today! Lots of birdies!

    It's late when we finish so we go to Cracker Barrel for dinner!

    Time to relax now! I'm starting a new book, the Nest, one of Heather's Picks!    Lue lisää

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  • RialtaridersFlorida 2018Matkaaja

    Saturday, April 21

    21. huhtikuuta 2018, Yhdysvallat ⋅ 🌙 15 °C

    Saturday, April 21
    We leave Hunting island at 9:00. We've enjoyed this area and would like to return someday to have another look, in spite of the uneven campsite, other campers' constant campfires, and the bugs. I have several insect bites.

    OUR ROUTE TO HUNTINGTON BEACH STATE PARK, MURRELL'S INLET
    ROUTE 21 to IS 17 North
    526 East to bypass Charleston
    17 North to Murell's Inlet

    A fair amount of traffic all the way, but it flows smoothly.

    A scenic drive. We travel through lots of salt water marshes and low country. We cross 2 major rivers near Charleston, the Cooper and the Wamdo. The bridges are impressive. Highway 17 from Charleston to Myrtle Beach is sometimes called Sweetgrass Highway, due to all the little Sweetgrass Basket Stands set up along the side of the road.

    We arrive around 1:00. There is no vacancy for tonight at Huntington State Park, so we are at Lakewood Camping Resort, where there are at least 1000 campsites! There are quite a few campers here tonight. $58.00 for the night. Lots of amenities which we probably won't use!

    We unload the bikes, then drive 14 miles to Golf Shoes America where Tony buys his golf shoes. We drive through the heart of Myrtle Beach. It is quite the beach city. Shops, discount beachwear stores, restaurants. . .mile after mile. Traffic is slow. I think I prefer the quiet life in Murrell's Inlet!

    We return to the campground, make dinner, and take a quick bike ride around this huge campground!

    Almost finished rereading Icy Sparks!    Lue lisää

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  • RialtaridersFlorida 2018Matkaaja
    Garden gates are all different, whimsical and out of the ordinary.
    Many old homes have this type of entrance. Love the gas lanterns.Grates near front steps of grand old home.Magnolias are aboit to bloom.Live oaks from a canopy over the streets.Salt marshes

    Friday afternoon, April 20

    20. huhtikuuta 2018, Yhdysvallat ⋅ 🌙 13 °C

    After lunch, we drive 15 miles to the city of Beaufort. It is the second oldest city in South Carolina. It reminds us of a mini Charleston.

    We wander through the historic downtown section, and then over to the point where all the grand old homes are. Beautiful architecture and gardens. Live oaks form a canopy over the streets. The salt marshes and water all around smells so fresh.

    We walk back downtown and have dinner at Old Bull Tavern. The menu is impressive and the food is delicious. We'd like to come back here again, but sit inside next time. The bugs just won't leave us alone.

    We return to the campground and go for another bike ride on the beach. Tonight, it is colder and the wind is strong. Red warning flags are flying on the beach. Still a good ride. Packing up tonight and heading for Myrtle Beach tomorrow.

    Still rereading Icy Sparks!    Lue lisää

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  • RialtaridersFlorida 2018Matkaaja

    Friday morning, April 20

    20. huhtikuuta 2018, Yhdysvallat ⋅ 🌙 12 °C

    The temperature has dropped by at least 30 degrees overnight. It is very cool and windy. Back into jeans and sweaters and jackets!

    There is a lighthouse about 1.5 miles from here, within the park. It is open to the public. We bike there, taking a 1.6 km hilly leaf covered bike path. Challenging for the legs, for sure! I fall once, but no harm done!

    $2:00 each gets us in, and we have a long conversation with the volunteer there. He and his wife are from Illinois. They volunteer here regularly, in exchange for a free campsite and a small stipend. This year they have been here for 6 months, helping to repair the damage from Matthew and Irma. He is full of information about the park, the lighthouse, the surrounding area, barrier islands, etc. He takes our photos, and then we climb the 167 steps to the top of the lighthouse. There is a landing every 20 steps with information boards so we stop to read. Lots of interesting info about the lives of lighthouse keepers and their families.

    It is very windy at the top, but what a view! On a clear day, you can see 40 miles off into the horizon!

    We descend, and tour the grounds. Again, more interesting info about lighthouses and their keepers.

    We bike home on the road this time. Much more level and easier to navigate than the path!    Lue lisää

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  • RialtaridersFlorida 2018Matkaaja
    Biking on the beach Hunting Island
    Lots of work to level th RV1Tonys biking buddy - a little toad!

    Thursday, April 19

    19. huhtikuuta 2018, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    The drive from Anastasia to Hunting Island goes well. We travel through miles of "low country" to arrive here. Lots of salt water marshes, big bridges, little bridges. Beautiful country.

    It is hot and humid here today. 29 degrees Celsius, feels like 33!

    SITE 186 -HUNTING ISLAND STATE PARK! Do NOT take it again. It is hilly and strangely set up - hard to figure out where to put the camper. We ask to change sites, but are told the park is fully booked tonight. We return to 186, move the fire pit and level the camper with 4 blocks in the back and 1 in the front on the passenger side. It is hot work. Tony relaxes after with a beer and a book. I stay in the camper with all the windows closed and the air conditioner on! I need to chill!

    This park was hit by Tropical Storm Irma last year and Hurricane Matthew the year before. Many oceanfront sites were wiped out and won't be rebuilt. Others have been restored but have no shade. The sand dunes were completely obliterated by Matthew, so when Irma arrived, more trees were blown down, and the entire area was flooded. The camp store was damaged, washrooms had to be rebuilt, and roads were washed away. They have spent the last 2 years rebuilding and there is still lots to do. The park was closed for several months.

    Our site is further back, and we do have trees and shade, but I'm a little nervous about these tall old trees. It's breezy!

    After dinner, we ride our bikes on the beach, which is wide, flat, hard-packed sand. It is warm and there is a light breeze. It is a beautiful hour and a half long ride. We stop at the camp store on the way back. It's nicely set up with souvenirs and everything a camper might need.    Lue lisää

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  • RialtaridersFlorida 2018Matkaaja

    Thursday, April 19

    19. huhtikuuta 2018, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Leaving Florida today!☹️.

    We have really enjoyed Anastasia State Park. The sites are surrounded on 3 sides by beautiful tropical natural vegetation, so very private and quiet. The washrooms and showers are clean and quite up to date. The washer and dryer and clothesline are very handy and only $1.50 per load.

    We had planned to get up around 7:30 and leave by 9:00, but the campers next to us had other plans. They are up at 5:00 and leaving at 6:00. We are awake, can't get back to sleep, so we get up! We really take our time, and still end up leaving at 9:00!😀

    We take US1 to 295 north to 95 north. There is construction on 295, but it's not too slow. It should be finished by the time we return next year.    Lue lisää

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  • RialtaridersFlorida 2018Matkaaja
    I liked the granite markers!

    Wednesday, April 18

    18. huhtikuuta 2018, Yhdysvallat ⋅ 🌙 20 °C

    Another clear sunny day!

    We organize ourselves to move back to Site 64 today. It is our last day in Florida!☹️

    We have a 12:30 starting time at Augustine Shores Golf Course, about 5 miles south of here, for 9 holes. We arrive early, hit a few balls, and then tee off. The tees and greens on this course are quite green, but the fairways are brown and dry and hard. They are also narrow and surrounded by lots of water. Houses and condos border almost every hole. It is a short course, which is good for me! People here are very polite and friendly.

    $47.50 US for 2 people and a cart. Not bad, but we weren't keen on the course, so probably won't return.

    On the way back, we stop at the shopping center. Tony drops me off at Bealls, and he goes grocery shopping at Publix. I didn't buy much at Bealls this year. Not enough time to really get into shopping!

    We go out for dinner at Redfrog and McToad. Tony has bangers and mash, which he loves, and I have fish and chips. No cooking or clean up tonight! Yeah!

    We see on the news that the rocket launch is tonight, so we rush back to the beach for 6;52, and there it is! The plume of smoke off to the south. We take a short walk on the beach, but it's chilly so we return to the site to prepare for our trip tomorrow to Hunting Island State Park, South Carolina.

    Time to read , relax, and rest up for tomorrow. Still rereading Icy Sparks.    Lue lisää

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  • RialtaridersFlorida 2018Matkaaja

    Tuesday, April 17

    18. huhtikuuta 2018, Yhdysvallat ⋅ 🌙 20 °C

    Another beautiful day, very cool in the morning, but warms up nicely as the day goes on.

    We shop at Belks for a couple of hours. We have lunch, and then wash the camper at Davis Shores Car Wash less than 2 miles from the campground! How did we miss this yesterday? It has everything we need; a change machine, soap and water!

    We return to the campground, wax the Rialta, and wash the windows. I do 4 loads of laundry at the machine here in the loop. $1.50 per load for the washer and the dryer. They are clean and work well.

    We have dinner and rush to the beach because we've heard there is a rocket launch at Cape Canaveral and we will be able to see the plume of smoke as it lifts off. 6:32. We walk and watch, but nothing. Must have the wrong night!

    We return to the camper, finish up the dishes, put away all the laundry, and then relax. Lots of housekeeping today!

    I read a book sample I have downloaded called The Forgotten Kennedy, the story of the eldest Kennedy daughter, Rosemary. I don't find it particularly interesting, so delete! I start rereading a book I have on my iPad called Icy Sparks. It is set in Kentucky, and is the story of a girl with Tourette's. Well written and enjoyable.    Lue lisää

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  • RialtaridersFlorida 2018Matkaaja

    Monday, April 16

    16. huhtikuuta 2018, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    We moved to a new site today, #56. It's okay, but I prefer 64.

    A very cool day today, but sunny, clear and dry. 8 degrees F this morning!

    2 things on the agenda today. Wash the outside of the Rialta and go to a driving range. We can't find a car wash, so we end up driving to Palm Harbour, about 20 miles away, to hit balls. It's a nice day for a drive! I hit a few good ones! And a few awful ones! Tony was hitting well, in spite of his sore hand. ( a leftover injury from curling!)

    Palm Harbour Golf Course has a driving range, a pitching practice area, and a putting green. It seems decent. We hope to get back there next year.

    We return to the campsite, have dinner (leftover Black Molly fish!), walk the beach, then read and do computer stuff!

    I finish up my Tiger Woods book, which I have enjoyed. Reading this book has given me a new a appreciation for what elite athletes endure to be the athletes that they are, and how this impacts their personal growth and development. Not to mention the physical pain and injuries they suffer. Not an easy life!    Lue lisää

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  • RialtaridersFlorida 2018Matkaaja

    Sunday, April 15

    15. huhtikuuta 2018, Yhdysvallat ⋅ 🌧 15 °C

    A hot and humid day! After breakfast, we bike up the road and take a path through the trees to find ourselves at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre right next door! The Beach Boys are playing here tonight! If thunderstorms were not in the forecast, we would try to get tickets. Maybe next time!

    We bike north on the A1A and tour some of the neighbourhoods. Some nice houses, some seem a bit neglected. There is a beautiful Baptist Church on our route, and the parking lots surrounding it are full. A good turn out!

    We bike back, have lunch, then go shopping. The air is thick and the clouds are rolling in. While we are inside, we hear thunder and the rain comes down hard for about an hour. After shopping, we have dinner at Back Molly. It is very much like Red Lobster. Not sure we will go there again.

    It rains off and on for most of the evening. We can hear The Beach Boys Concert. We read, and work on our computers until bed time. A quiet evening.    Lue lisää

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  • RialtaridersFlorida 2018Matkaaja

    Saturday, April 14

    15. huhtikuuta 2018, Yhdysvallat ⋅ 🌧 16 °C

    Tony (and Kathy) vs the Ants

    Another sunny day! And hot! This is what we have been waiting for! Shorts, t-shirts, and sandals! But the humidity is building! Heavy thunderstorms are being forecast for Sunday!

    But we have something else to think about right now. We are leaving for Saint Augustine today. When Tony opens the trunk to start packing, he sees that it is swarming with big brown ants. And then I notice that there are a few inside the Rialta as well! So, we have to unpack the entire trunk. Inside, I remove all the bedding, and everything that is stored in that area, and search it for ants. They are under the seats, in the storage area, on the floor. . . Tony goes to the camp store and buys some ant spray (and some new levellers for the Rialta which we've been wanting for awhile!). We spray inside and out until we are sure we have them all, then clean them up and wash everything down. This process takes at least 2 hours, and it is hot work!

    Just as we are finishing, Betty and Ben and Winnie stop by. We exchange phone numbers and email addresses. Next year, when we return, we plan to get together for some golf! Ben says Williston Crossings RV Resort is very nice.

    We drive to Saint Augustine. The highway is busier today.

    Anastasia State Park - site 64 We like this site! Book again, if,possible.

    We arrive at Anastasia State Park, check in, set up, and have lunch. Then it's off to the laundromat to wash all the bedding! We find The Laundry Room on A1A about 2 miles from the campground. It is meticulously clean, and the attendant is friendly and helpful. AND. . .there is free Wifi! AND. . .it has air conditioning! So I wash the bedding, and spend a cool, pleasant hour catching up on emails, Facebook and my blog. I try to Face Time with Matt and Val and Adalynn, but they are all napping (I find out later!) They've had a busy week!

    We walk the beach. The tide is coming in and the waves are strong. There is a new building going up near the pier, and some of the area is roped off, so our walk is shortened.

    We return to our site, have a late dinner, and spend some time reading before bed.    Lue lisää

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  • RialtaridersFlorida 2018Matkaaja

    A Beautiful Florida Day, April 13

    14. huhtikuuta 2018, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    Beautiful weather in Florida today. Clear and dry and a forecast high of 80 degrees.

    We walk south on the beach. On our way back, we see that a young couple has caught a small hammerhead shark. It is a beautiful shade of grey and it measures about 30 inches long. Tony and I both touch it. It is smooth as you stroke one way, but rough as sandpaper if you stroke in the opposite direction. The guy throws it back in after we have all had a look at it. A few minutes later, he catches another one! He swears it is not the same one!

    Betty and Ben from Gainesville, Florida, the couple we met on the beach last evening, are also watching. So we have a chat with them. They are planning a ferry trip to Amelia Island this afternoon. They have a Four Winds 27 foot motor home and and white Ford truck which they tow, along with bikes, and sometimes a kayak! They invite us to share their campfire with them later that evening.

    We decide to go to Safe Harbour Seafood Market and Restaurant, recommended to us by Surfer Beth, for a late lunch. We arrive around 12:45 and wait in line until at least 1:45! During our wait, we have a long conversation with a Puerto Rican lady. We hear all about her family in Puerto Rico, how they coped with Hurricane Irma, her children, grandchildren, how she is now taking a masters degree in herbal medicine, her husband's job as a specialized mechanic, her dyslexic son, pictures of her family! The hour passes quickly!

    I have grilled scallops and Tony has fried shrimp. The food is very good, but I like PEI and Nova Scotia scallops better. These scallops were big and tender, but they didn't have that real salt water taste that our scallops have. So, scallops, shrimp, fries, coleslaw, and 2 savoury hushpuppies each. A yummy lunch on the St. John's River, watching the boats go by.

    After, we stop at Publix, and then head back to the campground for more bike riding, beach walking and shell hunting. After being inside for all those long winter days, we love being outside. We have a quick sandwich for dinner, and then go to Betty and Ben's campsite for a campfire. We hear all about their camping trips to Nevada, Wyoming, West Virginia, hiking the Appalachian Trail with their little dog Winnie, their experiences with Hurricane Irma, life in Gainesville. . . A nice visit.    Lue lisää

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  • RialtaridersFlorida 2018Matkaaja

    Surfin' Stories and Fishin' Tales,Apr 12

    12. huhtikuuta 2018, Yhdysvallat ⋅ 🌙 18 °C

    What was supposed to be a 1 hour walk on the beach this afternoon turned into 3 hours! We walked 1/2 hour north and stopped to watch some surfers. There were about 15. Beth, about 60 years old, was just leaving the beach with her surfboard, but stopped to chat. She was full of information about surfing, wind conditions, waves, reefs, the Continental Shelf, hanging 5, hanging 10, shark bites, local restaurants worth trying, East Coast surfing champion, Piper, who is in the water now, surfing etiquette. . . We must have talked for at least 45 minutes. Very interesting.

    Then we headed for home and met Eric, who is also a surfer, but was fishing today. He told us Beth is an ER nurse, and that even though she is " high finance" she still likes to surf! He was eager to talk about his fishing, showed us his lures, answered all our questions, told us a bit about the history of Mayport, and even let Tony land a fish! A catfish, but still! He told us his real name is Daniel Eric Boone, and he is a descendant of the famous Daniel Boone! He goes by his middle name, Eric. Fishin' tales? Quite a character!

    Then we met Betty, who was on the beach with her husband and dog. They had just come back from playing golf at Blue Sky, which is where we plan to go tomorrow. They are from Gainesville, Florida, and are camping here also,

    We took the long route home on our bikes, around the lake and through the park. So calm and quiet there tonight.

    Finally finished dinner at 9:00. Time to spend some time with Tiger, and then go to sleep!    Lue lisää

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  • RialtaridersFlorida 2018Matkaaja

    Thursday at Katherine Abbey Hanna Park

    12. huhtikuuta 2018, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Site 258 at Katherine Abbey Hanna Park near Jacksonville, Florida. It's a beautiful day weatherwise, sunny, dry, about 72 degrees. Had a leisurely breakfast, rode our bikes to the office to register for the next 2 days, then went shopping at the PGA Tour Superstore. Nice store! Bought golf shoes and some hats, but might return the golf shoes. Tony bought nothing, but will order some shoes and pick them up at the store in Myrtle Beach. Now we are at the campsite, just finishing up a late lunch and enjoying this beautiful weather.

    I'm a bit behind with this blog. I'll recap the last few days.

    Sunday, April 8, we left Carlisle, Pennsylvania, took the 85 south to the 66 east to the 17 south to the 95 south. Roads were in good shape and traffic was light. We ended up in Wade, North Carolina. We stayed at Fayetteville RV Resort and Cottages. $45.00 per night. Site27. We really liked this campground. Nice clean washrooms, flat sites, manicured lawns, shrubs, flowers, pool, playground, etc.

    Monday, April 9. We drove along the 95 from Wade, North Carolina to Brunswick, Georgia. It rained off and on all day. We stayed overnight at the Coastal RV Georgia Resort, Site 113 which backed out onto a small lake. $47.50 per night. We liked this campground too. Clean washrooms, flat sites, well run. Each site has facilities to clean the camper, but it was raining, so that didn't happen!

    Tuesday, April 10. We arrived in Florida around 11:00 in the middle of a thunderstorm! Heavy rain, lightning and thunder! Had a late breakfast at Cracker Barrel, shopped at Bealls, and then came to Katherine Abbey Campground. $30.50 per night. We have no reservations as we are 2 days early, but the campground is quiet and we take site 285. It is surrounded by lush green foliage which is dripping wet! Nevertheless, we set up camp, and Tony cooks dinner outside, some ham and scalloped potatoes and veggies we had frozen and brought with us. We went for a walk around the campground and the lake. . .rain had let up but still very damp,and wet!

    Wednesday, April 11. A sunny day! Finally! Still cool, but that's okay! We drove to St. Augustine to a restaurant called Aunt Kate's on the Intercostal Waterway to have a 1:00 lunch with Keith and Luce. They are leaving for home tomorrow, so we were lucky to,have seen them. They have been here since late January. We had a nice lunch and caught up on all the news. We parted ways around 3:00 as they still had some packing to finish up. We returned to the campground, went for a bike ride, a walk on the beach, and another bike ride! So pretty around the lake. I spent the last few hours of the day reading the new Tiger Woods book by Jeff Benedict and Armenian Keteylan. When I visit different places I like to read books about those places, or by authors from those places. Tiger lives in Florida, so that counts, right? What a life he has had! I am hooked on this book!    Lue lisää

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  • RialtaridersFlorida 2018Matkaaja

    Wednesday, April 11

    11. huhtikuuta 2018, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Up early today! The weather is cool, sunny and breezy! We have breakfast, bike to the beach for a walk, and bike back to the campsite around 11:00. We are on the road to meet Keith and Luce for lunch by 11:30.

    We take the A1A north. It is a beautiful drive, busy at this end, but then the road opens up and follows the coast through Pointe Vedra, past Sawgrass Golf Course and into Saint Augustine. There are some beautiful homes along this route. I admire especially the gardens and the old twisted live oaks that stretch out over the road. There are also beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean.

    We arrive early at Aunt Kate's, so we walk to the end of the pier and talk to a fisherman there. This restaurant is on the Intercostal Waterway. It is sheltered from the wind here, and the sun is warm. Finally. . .warmth!

    Keith and Luce arrive around 1:00. We have a long leisurely lunch and catch up on the news. It's great to see them!

    We say good-bye around 3:00, and return to Hanna Park. More bike riding and beach walking! Can't get enough of it!    Lue lisää

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  • RialtaridersFlorida 2018Matkaaja

    Cruising to Carlisle, Pennsylvania,

    7. huhtikuuta 2018, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ⛅ 4 °C

    April 7,

    We left home at 8:00 am. It was windy and cold, and snow covered!

    We took highway 401 west to the Thousand Islands Bridge, then highway 81 to Carlisle, Pennsylvania. We arrived here around 5:00. A good drive, except for some snow in the Syracuse area, but the roads stayed bare. The Rialta ran smoothly all the way. (Feeling thankful!)

    As expected, the Pennsylvania roads were bumpy and full of potholes. We kept hearing strange noises in the back of the Rialta as we hit the bumps. Finally, we realized what it was. We have brought a toy for Alex and Thalia's cat, Amelia. It has a motion sensor, so every time you move it, you hear the sound of singing tropical birds and jungle noises. So every time we hit a bump, this is what we heard! Those birds sang all through Pennsylvania!

    Traffic was light and few trucks were on the road. Love travelling on a Saturday!

    We are staying at the Sleep Inn in Carlisle. $82.00, including breakfast! And, how handy, it is right beside a Cracker Barrel! Looking forward to a good sleep tonight!

    Miles travelled today:

    Doggie Bloggie: Belle is making herself right at home! Stealing Leroy's perch, sleeping in the master bedroom, and burying her bones in Sandy and Ed's couches! It's a dog's life!🐕🐈    Lue lisää

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  • RialtaridersFlorida 2018Matkaaja
    We weIi miss you girls! Wish you could come with us!

    All Ready!

    6. huhtikuuta 2018, Kanada ⋅ ☁️ 0 °C

    It's Friday! We are all ready to leave tomorrow morning!
    Belle is now in Ottawa with Sandy and Ed. She has claimed her spot in their family room and seems to be settling in. Sandy plans to send me a "Doggie Bloggie" regularly.

    I will miss Naomi and Adalynn. Already, I can't wait to see them when we get back!

    The house is ready to be closed up for a few weeks. Thank you, Paula, for keeping an eye on it.

    The Rialta is packed and ready to go!
    And so are we! Good-bye Snow!    Lue lisää

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  • RialtaridersFlorida 2018Matkaaja

    Cornwall, ontario

    31. maaliskuuta 2018, Kanada ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C

    We thought about not going to Florida this year, but by mid March we were longing for some sun and warmth, if only for a few weeks. So, preparations have begun. Camper is being readied, arrangements have been made for Belle to stay with Sandy and Ed, and packing is underway.Lue lisää

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    Matkan aloitus
    7. huhtikuuta 2018
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