The Villages (aka Disneyworld for Seniors)

There was really no rush in the AM to get moving since the distance was only 130 miles to The Villages. It was all back roads so this meant a slower pace as well as no shoulders and lots of stop & go. The temps soon warmed up to 80+ and Theresa was doubting her choice of jeans for her attire today.

The arrival at Blue Parrot RV Resort was just before 1pm. The pool was being well utilized and the park was bustling with folks walking, getting their mail and playing shuffle board. A camp host guided the Smitanic to Site 'B' which was a very tight squeeze between a 5th wheel in A &another motor home in C. With everyone's slides out there may have been about 2-3 feet between vehicles. With all the nasty weather north none of the snowbirds are very anxious to get back, they would rather work on their tan (can't blame them for that choice).

After a quick setup of the Water, power, and sewer the slides were deployed and the interior accommodations were adjusted for the extra space and comfort. Kevin called his Mom to declared the arrival and let her know what time to expect her son and daughter-in-law (Zin too).

The RV park is not a favorite but is a very convenient 3 miles from Kevin's mom's house in The Villages. This development is quite large, very well manicured and has lots of activities targeted to the active senior community. There are numerous golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools as well as Theresa & Kevin's new favorite Pickelball spread thru several town squares at the heart of each distinct 'village'. It does resemble the various areas(worlds) of Disneyworld in Orlando :)

This will be the last post for a few weeks as Kevin will be busy with his mom and sister who are in the throws of moving into an Assisted Living Facility. He and his mom also have a b-day on March 15th! The Smitanic is also scheduled for some service on March 10 so that will determine a schedule for the final return to Cary.

Hope you have enjoyed our adventures so far. More posts in a few weeks.

$20 view??

All the Passport America & Good Sams RV parks where full so the search was stretched to facilities further along the route to central FL yet still on the water. Theresa called the Old Pavilion RV park in Keaton Beach, FL that was right on the Gulf coast to check for openings. Indeed they had 2 sites available & all the lady needed was name, phone number and approximate arrival to reserve the site. The facilities included full hookup with 50amp service, on the waterfront all at the Passport price of $20 for the night. In addition, the park's website also boasted 'Unbeatable sunsets (no charge)'. The park was 40 miles south of Tallahassee and was a bit removed from the interstate route to grandmas house but was in the general direction. This new destination meant a long 260 mile day of driving, however the capital city was the only significant milestone on the route. With a threat of fog, the departure was delayed and Kevin donned his Captain's hat to steer the vessel back to the I-10 channel towards Tallahassee.
It was clear sailing for the captain and soon he bid farewell to the trusted I-10 and veered starboard towards the southern port of Perry, Fl (home of Keaton Beach).

The captain questioned his navigator and her charts as the passage narrowed and the speed slowed. After all day at the ships wheel, the doldrums of the back surface roads left Kevin feeling like little progress was being made. Alas a marina was spied, but where was the RV park? Theresa peaked out from the crows nest to discover the park was abeam across the road from the marina with a sign that had been obstructed by a roadside tree. The captain tacked into the drive and inquired from a the harbor master(camp host) which slip would be home for the night. The Smitanic was secured in it's dockage with it's dingy removed.

The air became thick with fog as the afternoon progressed and the water was at high tide allowing the Pelicans, White Ibis, Cormorant and Sand Plovers to adorn every post, pillar and rock exposed above the waterline. There was also a large deck connected to a floating dock that had chairs and tables for the parks residents to undoubtedly enjoy the promised 'Unbeatable sunsets'.

Theresa reported in to the dock master to pay the slip fee and inquire about any local dining establishments for tonight's grub. Only cash or check were accepted, as credit cards were just too much trouble and the closest restaurant had sadly closed and the next option was not open on Mondays. The mate would need to scrounge up some delectable delights in the galley for the crew.

Towards late afternoon the fog lifted leaving behind a pink hew to the sky. Soon after that the sun beamed thru to satisfy the promise of the unbeatable sunset that was enjoyed with a beverage on the deck!

The park was very rustic, far off the beaten path and had minimal amenities but the crews from the other vessels were quite friendly, the price was right and the sunset made this a planned port of call on a return voyage.

Tomorrow the destination of The Villages, FL will end the eastern journey where a few weeks will be consumed with visiting Kevin's Mom and sister as well as getting more repairs performed by the capable staff at Alliance Coach in Wildwood, FL. Theresa called several parks near The Villages and was able to secure at least 1 week at Blue Parrot RV resort. After the stay in FL, the route will turn north up I-95 for the return to home port of Cary, NC.

The Sunshine State?

Theresa began the days drive leaving the bigger cities of Mobile and Pensacola at the end of the day for Kevin :) She sipped on her water slowly as not to have to make a stop before she at least contributed 100 miles to the drive. Relief came at a Pilot Station, where Kevin attempted to fill up with diesel fuel but due to an air lock was only able to get about 7 gallons in the tank. Zin continued her usual pacing the hallway of the RV and would only find comfort in patches of warmth provided by the occasional revelation of the sun thru partially clouding skies. As the Florida border was crossed, the cloud cover solidified and Zin had no more sunshine to bask in, so more pacing ensued. The I-10 views varied on this stretch from the LA bayou crossings to endless swampland then to long elevated water crossing with on ramps that seemed to come right out of the water.

Reservations had been made at St. Rosa Sound RV park in Navarre, FL for 2 nights. This part of FL is called the Emerald Coast (because of the green colored waters) and had businesses, hotels and housing options lining both sides of the main thorough-fare called Gulf Breeze Parkway.

Both the navigator and driver almost missed the turn into the RV park as the sign was quite small compared to the surrounding establishments.

Once checked in the Toad was unhooked so the rig could be backed into the assigned site. The park was right on the sound and had a private beach, but with temps in the low 60's and no breaks in the cloud cover there is little doubt a beach stroll let alone any swimming would be in store.

Tomorrow would be an overdue recovery day! NO driving except to lunch and Camping World and Walmart and maybe get the car washed... Afterall taxes need to be done, as well as vacuuming, showers, cleaning and prep for the finale.

Monday will be the penultimate day of driving if Theresa can locate a park with an open site :) otherwise it will be a Walmart or other parking lot.