Today I delivered my trailer to the new owner in Naples. It is a bittersweet day. Sad to see the trailer go as I had a lot of good times in it this year. On the other hand I look forward to moving to the Fort Myers area and starting anew.
So far I've had good luck selling my excess RV items. Still looking to get rid of the flag pole, satellite system and now the 5th wheel hitch. Hopefully I can dispose of them before I head back to Michigan the beginning of March.
More updates as they come.
Over the past few days I've put a number of my RV equipment on Criagslist. Not sure if I'm pricing the stuff too low or I just have things people want, but everything has sold within a couple of days. So far I've sold my Yamaha generator, bike carrier and scooter carrier. Still to go is the satellite system but I haven't posted it yet.
Starting to get settled in here at the homestead. The 5th wheel is emptied out and moved to the house. Still working on finding the right combination of open windows and ceiling fans to make it comfortable at night. Still hard to get used to having windows open in the middle of winter. It has been warm enough to kick on the A/C for a couple hours to cool it down in the evening, maybe a window fan would help pull in the cool evening air.
I did have a bite on the 5th wheel today. Not sure if that will pan out, just have to wait and see.
I know, I've said I would post more updates but there has not been very much RVing news and a lot of other things going on.
When I first decided to come to Florida this winter I really didn't expect to like it much from all the negative feedback I've heard from others. Everything from unfriendly local Floridians, to high costs and insect infestations. With everything I heard I decided to head here anyways because I have some family in the Fort Myers/Cape Corel area and I wanted to experience all of the popular snowbird choices.
If you've followed my blog at all you see I travel down the east coast stopping at St. Augustine, Cape Canaveral, Daytona, The Keys and now Fort Myers. While I may not want to settle down in all these areas I did enjoy every one. Never once did I meet anyone that was unfriendly, other then the The Keys I didn't find the prices out of line. Other then a few "no see ums" in They Keys, there were few insect problems.... at least no more then Michigan in the summer.
One of the things I have read about was that stores and restaurants raise prices in the winter to take advantage of the Snowbirds. Talking to my sister, who lives in Cape Coral (located next to Fort Myers), she said that a few local restaurants offer "by one get one free" meal specials in the winter and in the summer only offer "buy one get the second 50% off". She felt that the locals that support them year round should at least get as good a deal all year and not just during peak winter season.
I know, I haven't updated lately, just been having too much fun at Ft. Myers Beach. Not a lot of real news to report. Had to replace a front tire on the truck because of a broken belt. The trailer has been flawless with no problems to report.
I am currently at Gulf Waters RV Resort in Ft. Myers Beach, FL. This is an upscale park were lots are owned. Generally this would be out of my price range but I got a deal for December and decided to pamper myself. Right now my whimpy 31' 5th wheel is between and 40" MH and a Prevost. Everyone here is super nice and they have a number of activities, a pool with a Tiki Bar (cheap strong drinks) and super clean with nice landscaping. Great place for those that can afford it.
My sister and niece lives about a half hour away in Cape Coral and I've visited them a couple of times. Been out to dinner, sight seeing and jet ski riding with them. Going again tomorrow for some more jet ski time. Weather has been great, highs normally in the low 80's, lows around 60. Only a few sprinkles to put up with.
I'll post more updates more often, I promise.
On Wednesday I took a half day fishing charter. The cost was $60 which I thought was reasonable for only having 7 people on the boat. They took us out about 7 miles and we did mostly flat lining. Problem was there was little current which didn't make for very good fishing. I did catch a couple bait fish but a few or the others caught some keepers. In the end we had a couple Groupers and Yellow Fin.
In total we had about 3 hours of fishing. Once back on shore the captain filleted the fish and we all got to take some home. They run 3 charters a day starting at 8am, 1pm and 6pm. I took the 1pm one and didn't get home until dark. Not the best day fishing but then it's still better then to best day at work!
Thanksgiving morning I hopped on the scooter and took a couple hour ride around Big Pine Key. It is nice riding there because most of Big Pine Key is Key Deer protected habitat and the speed limit is 30MPH. I did see a few Key Deer crossing the road as I drive around. Once back I cooked up a few of the fillets in a pan with butter, lemon and a dash of mesquite seasoning. A little rice on the side and I decided it was better then any turkey I could have had. After that I watched the Lions lose and took a nap. Who says that only turkey makes you sleepy!
Today was cleaning day. Did laundry and cleaned the coach. I haven't given it a good cleaning for a couple weeks and the fish cooking just forced me to get it done. The rest of the day I'll just be lazy and not do much.
I have found that the weather here in the Keys is the best I have found in all my trips. Low to mid 70's at night, low 80's during the day. Other then a scattered shower and brisk wind, I could get used to this in the winter.... if it was only less expensive. I move to John Pennekamp State Park on Sunday for 4 days, then heading to Ft. Myers for a couple months. Things should settle down a bit more then and I can keep everyone updated on what's happening.
I know, I haven't updated for a while. I spend 2 days at Port Canaveral and had poor internet access. I then moved to Sunshine RV Park on Big Pine Key in the Florida Keys. Will be a here a week before I move east to Pennecamp State Park in Key Largo.
I'll do some updated over the next few days since I have decent Internet access. Lots of great photos from my Kennedy Space Center visit to upload too. Stay tuned, lots more to come!
Just spent yesterday taking it easy. Relaxed under the awning enjoying the 80 degree weather. I did get the truck washed, waxed and detailed. A service drives through the park every day. I seen them washing and waxing a Prevost so asked about getting my truck done, couldn't pass up the deal.
I was going to leave for Cape Canaveral today but it was raining this morning. Decided not to pack up in the rain and will stay another day. That will give me two days at the Cape. That should be enough to do the tour.
Have to be in the keys on the 20th and will be there for 10 days. After that, not sure what I'll be doing the beginning of December. Figure that out when the time comes.
I'm now getting everything together and packed up. The trailer is out of storage, cleaned up and most of my supplies are packed. I only have food and a few last minute things to pack and I'm ready to hit the road. I did notice this morning that I had a headlight out so I headed to the local NAPA store for a new bulb.
A quick look didn't show an easy way to change it so I searched a bit on-line for more info. GMs recommended way to change the bulb is to remove the grill, loosen bolts on the bumper to get to the bottom bolt on the headlight assembly and then remove the headlight assembly. That sure seemed like a lot of work. I was finally able to find some tips on one of the GM truck forums and found another way. All it took was removing the battery, remove the battery tray and loosen the windshield washer bottle. Once that was loose I was able to squeeze my hand behind the headlight assembly and remove the bulb. Whoever designed this should be shot!
I took the new bulb out of the package and it didn't look right. Surprise, surprise, it was the wrong bulb. Of course by this time the NAPA store was closed and the truck was half tore apart so I couldn't drive there anyways. I got a hold of a neighbor and they took me to PepBoys where I was able to get the right bulb. NAPA price for the bulb $8, PepBoy price $15, but at least I got the right one.
By this time it was getting dark and the trick or treaters were out. I worked under the hood in the fading light fighting to get the bulb back in. It would never fail, just about the time I wiggled my hand into the mouse hole size opening with the bulb balanced on my figure tips, a trick or treater would show up wanting some candy. About the 3rd time I just put the bowl of candy in the truck bed and just yelled out from under the hood to help themselves. Worked for me and I'm sure for them as the dozen visitors cleaned out 100 pieces of candy.
After 30 minutes the bulb was in place, the battery was bolted back in and the bonus was the lights even worked. Gotta love working on your own stuff! 3 days to go and I'm off to warmer weather.
The countdown is on, 9 more days and I'm off on my trip to Florida. First stop is in Atlanta to visit with Bob Rule for a few days. Then on to Savanna, St. Augustine, Daytona and Cape Canaveral. I have reservations in the Keys starting the 20th so not sure how many for those places I'll be able to stop at. Any I miss I'll go back and visit after I leave the Keys the beginning of December.
End of December and January I'll be in Cape Coral to visit my sister and niece. February will take me to the Crystal River area of Florida for a month. Still not sure what March will bring, might hang out in FL for a couple more weeks or head back home.
This week I'll be getting things together for the trip. Already have the homestead prepared for my absence with an alarm system and arrangements for weekly visits. Water will be turned off and heat lowered to 45. Everything will be unplugged except for the fridge and internet connection so I can check out my security cams while on the road.
Can't wait to hit the road. Stop back and see where I'm at!
Just a quick update, I'll post more details later. Spending the last nice weekend at Eden Springs Park & Campground in Benton Harbor, MI. Located only a few minutes from St. Joseph, MI and Lake Michigan, it is the perfect way to spend an October weekend. Not only that, it's 80 degrees, something we don't see very often in Oct.
While you wait for the updates, you can check out some pictures of Eden Springs and St. Joe in the Photo Gallery.
