Ramblings from Punta Gorda and Sarasota

Well, 1st off, I need to make a correction. We did NOT see Porpoise as I wrote last time! They were DOLPHINS! I knew that! I just spaced out while writing, I guess. Brain damage from my past. I seem to be having trouble thinking of the right words lately. Hope it is not the start of something to come.

We headed out of the casino where for 2 nightsfinished our tax info and headed for the west coast of Florida. Stayed a few days at North Ft Meyers where we dealt with refrigerator problem (drain tube was plugged, and there was too much food in the frig! Does that surprise anyone? Plus, the repair guy unplugged the extra fan that was put in in Indiana. Minor problem, $75 service call (pretty reasonable and the guy was nice), and frig is working good again. A learning lesson, and only lost a little food.

We heard about Sanibel and Captiva Islands and took a day trip and got to see some Manatee! They are amazing creatures. The man at the chamber office (they have a funny sense of humor for this sign, as it never gets below 42 degrees there!) told us a couple places to look for them. None at the 1st, and we were about to leave the other when one surfaced. All we saw was a nose and eyes, then it disappeared. We watched for an hour or more, as they came up and disappeared. There were 7 or 8 in the lagoon. For quite awhile, a mother and baby were close to the dock. Mother was eating plankton from a boat, and baby was apparently nursing. Couldn't see them clearly, but what a thrill. The momma probably was 10 feet long, and they say the average weight is 1000 pounds. Baby was about 4 feet long, I would guess. They are strictly vegetarian, and will eat up to 100 #vegies a day. The lady next to me said, "doesn't say much for vegetarian diet to lose weight"! She had a point! :-)

Looking for the manatee at one place, we saw this eagle's nest way up top of a pole. There was mother and baby. Tried to do close-up shot on Picasa for you, but it reverted back when I put it here. Perhaps you can do an enlargement to see it better. There are eagles everywhere!

Then we went to lunch at "Mucky Duck" right on the beach at Captiva. Great salad and view. Walked a little on the beach, then drove to Sanibel Beach and walked for a while and waded in the Gulf of Mexico. Amazing how warm the water compared to Pacific Ocean! Sanibel is known for all the shells on its beaches, and I thought I might find some unusual ones, but all I found were little clam shells and some of these big ones. I left them on the beach

for others. The beach vegetation is different from ours as well. Driving back, we found this bank. Wonder where the name came from???
The Marina where we saw the manatee said there is also a "wounded warrior program" in their community. The businesses get together and offer free boat rides, fishing trips, motel stays, etc., to these unfortunate folk. I hope there are more of these programs around the US that we don't know of.

Then we went to a huge flea market at Ft. Meyers. Wandered alot, and bought a couple small things, then happened upon an intriguing sales pitch and watched for a couple hours (?) and ended up buying a set of pots and pans we REALLY didn't need in the RV. He was definitely a good salesman, and a LOT of fun to watch his show. We got suckered in, but they really are nice pans, and the price on the internet is about twice what we paid, so guess we did ok!

Headed back up the west coast of Florida and made it as far as Punta Gorda where we had stayed before at Alligator Park. Passport America park (1/2 price) and they have a nice pool and fun people. Were going to stay for 3 days and decided to stay a week. Went to Fisherman's Village and walked the $$$ shops, (it was Al's birthday, but he didn't buy himself anything, but we had a nice lunch at Harpoon Harry's. Back to the park, talked to our neighbors, and they met us for dinner at Benedetta's on the river. Supposed to be a great place to watch the sunset, but we were having so much fun talking, we forgot to look! (couldn't see from our table).

Found a great nutrition store (Richard's Whole Foods) at Port Charlotte, and were able to get some of the stuff we haven't found for awhile.

From Punta Gorda, we drove to Boca Grande to play on the beach of the gulf of Mexico. On the way, we saw quite a few eagles nesting atop of poles along the road. The beach was beautiful, and covered with shells, but didn't find anything spectacular enough to haul home. We had been told to drive through one neighborhood and look at the mult-million dollar homes. We tried, but there was a manned guard shack and the guard said "make a u-turn and go back". The guard was a senior citizen woman about 80 with quite a sense of humor. She said she has a cat, has done this job for several years. used to have dogs, probably has had more dogs than men in her life. We visited with her until someone wanted by, then did our u-turn and went on our way. You could tell from the road these are massive expensive homes!

I forgot to write about St patrick's dinner-dance at the Elks at Tavernier. Had a DJ and we enjoyed dinner and dancing. There we met "Mike", I think he was 87, and he fashioned himself quite a ladies man and loved to dance. He gave me a newspaper article about himself , and he has led quite a colorful life! At 16, he fell out of a tree 35' below, and some vines caught him and saved his life. At age 74, he parachuted from a sky-diving plane, harnessed to his instructor. He said he fell for 55 seconds then floated to earth. Said it was like dancing in the sky. At age 80, he drove a race car at 129 mph at the Homestead Speedway. Said they wouldn't let him go any faster! He said he is an award-winning competitive dancer earning 94 medals, 2 world championships for his age group in 2009 and 2010. Pretty interesting guy. I danced with him, (I took a lot of ballroom dancing 40 years ago), but I found him terribly hard to follow and off-beat. But, he was fun to talk with until he left since there weren't any single gals and he was going down the street to the Lorelie bar. We wanted to go there to dance, but never made it.

Then, I read an article about a guy in Miami that's got a patent pending on running his '02 Chev Outback on tap water by a system separating hydrogen to fuel the engine. Said he thought he could drive to Vegas on 2 gallons of tap water! Now, that is exciting! Wonder if we will ever hear more about it?

Did I write about the Key Deer? They are a breed of white-tail deer that rage from 24" to 32" at shoulder height and weigh 65-80 pounds. There are only about 700-800 of them on the keys, and mostly stay on one key island.

At Key West we saw the Milepost sign for "0"...the southernmost point in the continental US. Also, heard about their October Festival where people wander around nude, but tattooed to look like they have on clothes.

At Tarpon Springs was one jewelry store with nothing but jewelry made from what looks to be Ivory, but is made of the seed of Ciclanlacea Palm, grown in the rainforest of South America. The seeds are carved, sanded and buffed to look like ivory. You can find out more at vegetableivory@yahoo.com. I didn't buy any, but if we go back on our way north I might, just because it is so uniquely beautiful.

At the RV museum in Indiana, I am not sure I wrote about Mae West's trailer. it was paid for by Paramount Studios, and the solid-sided trailer was pulled by a 1913 Model T. We also saw "piggy-back" truck rigs from 1915. they were not pick-up trucks, but runabouts with the trunk removed.

The Amish meaning of "JOY" is Jesus first, Others 2nd, and Yourself 3rd. The Amish are one of 3 lifestyles, the others being Menonite and Anabaptist, and each has its own distictive meaning. The custom of the amish to break away from the family training for a time when reaching teens is called "Rumspringa", which means "running around", and they then decide whether to live the amish way or stay "out". The kids only go to school through 8th grade. They don't have churches, but rotate weekly services among the members' homes. They don't have health insurance, but instead, the church members all pitch in when someone needs medical care.

OK; Enough ramblings on unrelated subjects! I just came across some notes and wanted to get them written so I wouldn't lose the memory.

We are now staying at South Sarasota Elks. It is in high 80's, but cools at night, and we are grateful for AC. Went to the visitors center and picked up a stack of things to see and do while here. Today, we went to the beach at #1 beach in the US, "Siesta Key". Well, it was like trying to get in a major league NFL stadium. People everywhere, and no place to park. The sand is supposed to be like cornstarch and pure white. perhaps another day we may go earlier, as we weren't there until about noonish. Drove 5 miles south to Turtle Beach, and it was peaceful. Still quite a few people, but found a great parking spot and spent a couple hours. Al went in for one last dip, and knocked off his glasses. He blindly searched for a couple minutes in the churning surf and sand, and miracuously came up with them! I waded a little, but the water was too deep and rough for this non-swimmer, so I just watched from the shore. The water is so beautiful, and we are constantly awed by the beauty in our country.

Tomorrow, we take the car in to be serviced, and will spend the time waiting by going to the Ringling Museum. Am sure there will be more to write after that venture, so will stop for now.

Back to the Florida mainland

Before leaving Key Largo, we did go to "Theater of the Sea" and the "Dolphin Research Center", both of which were amazing. I think admission was about $20 each for both places, and well-worth the money. We watched all the sea creatures being trained, people interacting with them and some in the wild. Both places are very rescue-oriented, and many of the animals had been rescued and trained. We saw sea tortuise and dolphins with flippers missing and other injuries, that had been re-habilited and some trained. One tortuise was born with spinal injury causing inability to float, so they had it fitted with a life jacket so it could swim! One area had wild iguanas in a fenced area, and they also were a cat-rescue. I think she said they had 60 cats! I got to wander around them for awhile. There were also trained sea lions that were pretty funny, and they LOVE to ham it up! Such beautiful and pitiful creatures. They also had some young nurse sharks that they were training. We went out on a bottomless boat and saw iguanas laying on the treelimbs along the river banks, and the dolphins were trained to follow the boat and jump out of the water. One jumped up through the opening in the middle of the bottomless boat. The boat ride was only about 7 minutes. They also had trained parrots that rolled the barrel, walking forward and backward, one swung from the perch, and one did math and would watch the trainer hold up her fingers, count them, then ring the bell the appropriate number of times. It also could put the different shaped plastic pieces in the correct holes, and would fix them when the trainer did them wrong! Of course my beloved pelicans would try to steal the porpoise's treats! The trainers weren't nearly as fond of them as I am!







The dolphins at the research center were amazing. We stayed for several hours watching them dive, swim, jump, do tricks, etc.
Then we went out of John Pennecamp State Park on a Glass-bottom boat. The hull of the boat was glass, and a seating/standing area surrounded the glass area. I sat /Al stood behind me, with my feet hanging into the well. Watched that for about 1/2 hour before deciding I needed to go up on top deck. Al stayed and watched. The coral reef was pretty and saw some colorful fish, but nothing like I saw years ago in the San Juan Islands when my ex and I had a cabin cruiser with a glass-bottom box on the back.

We did regretfully leave our beautiful spot at Key Largo March 19, and drove back to Miccosukee Casino north of Homestead for 2 nights where we finished our tax information and got it in the mail to our accountant. Good to get that out of here, and HOPE we had all the needed info with us.

Had 2 for $11 dinner buffet the 1st night, left a few dollars in a couple machines, then next night, went to their Cafe Hammock and had steak and lobster dinner for $9.95 each. Was not big portions, but plenty of food, and quite good, especially for the price.

Then we headed West. Al drove " nearly record-breaking" 150 miles, and we are currently at North Fort Meyers, staying at Jones Mobile Home and RV Park. Have been experiencing trouble with our refrigerator again, so found a 12V/AC cooler at Walmart for $88. Got a repairman to come out, and he charged us $75 to do diagnostic check. He had us turn it off for the whole hot day, then he came in the morning. Seems sometimes it gets like a Vapor Lock, and turning it off will reset it. Also, the condensation drip drain was plugged, and that somehow keeps it from cooling. So he says, anyway, and he seemed to know his stuff. Gave us print -out of directions from service manual to do diagnostic checks. Pretty smart frig! Well, it seems to not be staying as cold as we'd like it, but perhaps we should just forget the thermometer and as long as butter is hard, assume it is ok. Pretty frustrating, anyway.

We found a SteinMart today on the way to Costco, so I was able to soothe my frustrations by shopping. Got a skort and 2 tops, and Al found a nice shirt.

Guess we are a day late and dollar short getting to see the Manatee. They haven't been around here for a week or so due to the extremely warm weather. They ususally come into the bay here to get warm, but the waters are so warm they don't need to come close to shore :-( I was really looking forward to seeing one in person! Well, I blew it, as I was the one who said we should get off the Keys and head north, after we had found out where to go to see them at Key Largo!

Couple things you don't see at home: "Panther Crossing" (along Hwy 41), and "Crocodile Crossing" (at Key Largo) signs on the highway. We never saw any crossing, but we were always in the daytime. Along Hwy 41, it mostly follows a stream, and alligators are about as common in it as seagulls are at our beach! We saw an Iguana scurry out on the dock at Tavernier Elks where we stayed, and it ran down and hid among the rocks. White Egrets are very common and beautiful, as are the grey and blue heron. Even saw wild peacocks along the stream. I heard on the radio that Eagles are more prevalent here than anywhere in the US except for Alaska. We did see many of them!

At the casino, there were a number of other RVer's, and the people next to us had 2 dogs named Stella and Sylvia! Oddly enough, the lady parked in front of us was named "Stella"! Quite a coincidence to have 2 Sylvia's and 2 Stella's out of 3 RV's!

When at the casino buffet, a gal came in wearing an outlandish (we thought) outfit, and when we turned to look at her, she told me she recognized me. She was wearing black hot pants and bra top, covered with a short lace shrug, then a white jacket, white baseball cap, dark glasses, black patent knee-high go-go boots over white thigh high stockings. I WISH I had my camera with, but alas it was being charged. Everyone in the restaurant was looking at her and snickering. Actually, except for the white socks above her boots, she looked pretty stylish????

Another interesting thing in traveling are the Publix supermarkets. They are everywhere! Sometimes, every 5 blocks! Prices are quite good, too, and once in awhile in their sale flyer they have a coupon where if you spend $25 in groceries, you can buy a $50 gas card for $40. We took advantage of it a couple times spending over $100 each time and getting 4 gas cards worth $200 for $160. We watch their ad every week now, but havent seen them for a couple weeks!

Dunkin Donuts were everywhere in the NE, but only a few here in the SE. We went into one to use their bathroom while waiting to go to the Marine Barracks. Usually, they are not on our agenda.

Tomorrow, we plan to drive to Sanibel and Captiva Islands to explore. Think it's about 25 miles from here. Have been told the beaches are beautiful and loaded with shells. So, with that, I am going to say good night and get some shut-eye so we can get out of here before noon tomorrow!

addendum to Key West

Some things I forgot to mention about our time at the keys.

When there is a hurricane at key West, people do not leave the island, but stay hunkered down. The bus driver had not left the island for 7 years. His sister wanted him to go home for Christmas one year, so she sent him long pants (he didn't own any) and airline ticket. he went..said it would be another 7 years before he left again! (Home was Chicago).

Riding through downtown Key West, the drive pointed out a big home, the southernmost home in the Keys. It was huge, but only had 1 bedroom, as the owner's wife didn't want company. So, he built a group of good-sized homes around for guests!

We drove by Ernest Hemmingway's home several times. It was impressive, but there are so MANY beautiful expensive homes. Also, we saw "milepost Zero" marker. I tried to catch a pic, but we were moving too fast.

Did I write about Fantasy Festival in October? This is where nudists walk around wearing nothing but tatooed clothing to look like they are dressed. Quite a party, I would assume, but I have no desire to be there! Al probably would enjoy it, though.

There are so many things to see and do here, it is just a matter of choosing what to spend money on. Like the Dolphin Research Center, and the Turtle Rehab Center, both of which we may still do, plus the "Theater of the Sea", which I think is a marine mammal center. These are all just a few miles away.

AND THEN THERE ARE THE SUNSETS! This was last night from the front of our RV where we are parked.

Florida Keys!

last I wrote, we were heading to Largo for the spiritual retreat. Did that, and had a great time, meeting new friends. Spent next 4 nights at St. Petersburg Elks Club. The PER there told of us things to see and do in the area. which we did, including AWESOME filet mignon dinner at the Holiday Isles Elks (only $11 per person) and danced to some good ole rock and roll!!!

The Brandon Elks we stayed at before, had orange and lemon trees, and I found a bunch of these funny things, and picked one up. Asked on Facebook if anyone knew what it was, then at one of the next RV parks, someone identified it as an "air Potato". Evidently, it is noxious weed, and illegal to move them, but on the internet, I learned that by freezing it overnight it becomes dead and can't spread....so I have it in the freezer. Now what to do with it?
From St. Petersburg, we stayed at Punta Gorda at Alligator Park. Nice park with a pool, and they had park-wide garage sales 2nd morning. We managed to only spend a few dollars since we have limited space and limited needs. They also had a pot luck dinner, so we got to meet and visit with some more nice people.
From there, we went to Ochopee to stay at an RV Park in the Everglades National Park. When we pulled in, everthing had the appearance of something out of "Deliverance", or "Crocodile Dundee" Some of the campers must have been crocodile hunters, as they were pretty rough-looking characters. There were alligators in the pond in the park, plus a live animal exhibit with more alligators, turtles, and caged (thank Goodness!) snakes and exoctic birds. I held one of the birds and he snuggled into my neck and was so sweet. Al held it, too, but it didn't snuggle with him. The owner said he (the bird) is partial to women, and look out if a teenage boy walks in...he goes crazy, I guess because of the hormone scent! He was also trained to poop on command before being held, so he wouldn't do it on guests! I held a baby turtle, stroked a baby alligator's tummy, but declined the opportunity to touch or hold a snake!Then we parked overnight at the Miccosukee Casino for free , except for a few dollars we plunked iinto the slot machines, had 2 for 1 buffet dinner for $11. Pretty cheap night's stay!

Next morning, we traveled onto the Keys. Never realized just what was meant by "The Keys" . It is a string of little islands joined by bridges. One highway north, and one south. No other way in. If the road gets washed away, the residents are stuck where they are! There used to be a railroad bridge throughout the keys, but when it was no longer in use, it was covered over with surface material and is used for fishing or walking. Miles and miles. Ever so often, they cut a piece out of the bridge to allow boats' passage. We thought the storms had done it, but not so. The waters are OH SO BLUE, and beautifully clear.

Got to Jolly Roger RV Park at Marathon, FL (mid-way on the Keys) on March 6, and stayed 5 nights. We went out on a sailboat ("DANGER CHARTERS) and tried our luck at snorkeling (pretty brave for me, since I can't swim and am afraid of the water). I kept getting water in my breathing tube, and was afraid to let go of the boat for very long. Al had trouble learning how to breathe, too, and he stayed close to me to help me.

Then we kayaked with a group from the boat among the Mangroves along an island in shallow water....even got stuck in the sand and weeds but got free. (1st time either of us had done that, too. We were glad no one had us on video. Kind of like the 3 stooges trying to get in sinc with the paddles! Stayed on the sailboat til sunset, then headed back to Key West for lobster dinner and walked the town to watch the jillions of spring-break college kids. The pictures from the sailboat trip are on a disposable waterproof camera, and we haven't taken it to be developed. So photos of that will need to wait.

Marathon Square was fun. Lots of shops to look at, and great people-watching! This funny-looking thing that I am standing in front of is made of all types of sponges. Key West also has sponge-diving, like we saw in Tarpon Springs, but not much was said about it here.

On Big Pine Key, there is a "civilization" of Key Deer, which are miniature deer. They are an endangered species, the island is a national refuge, and speed limit is 30 most places. They are so cute. We are not here in the right time to see the fawns, but did see one stuffed in their key dinner wildlife center. They pretty much stay in the brush until it gets dark, so we just caught them at dusk.
Today, (March 11), we moved up the Keys to Tavernier (by Key Largo), where we are parked at their Elks, and have beautiful view of the ocean from the bay here, and a great private park right on the water! Plan to be here for 4 nights. This is view from the RV!