Month: January 2019

DAY #82

After spending the last two days commuting to and from the Crystal Springs, and Ozello area, I decided to just hang out around the trailer today.

The big activity of the day was to travel over to the regional “The Villages” and check out the local Publix (groceries) and Walgreen’s. As I’ve made known my less than gaga feelings about the concept/construction of developments like “The Villages,” I do have to admit, I like the stores around these places. They seem to be of a notch higher, both in physical appearance and goods & services offered. Driving around, I was once again amazed by the number of golf carts, I’m thinking, if you live in one of these developments and want to be cool, you gotta have a cart. They’re like second cars.

Other than that, the rest of the day was spent vegetating at the trailer (and feeling OK about doing it).

DAY #81

Made it to Ozello, FL, around 11:45 am on Wednesday, 8 January, and was psyched out to do the air-boat trip. I did an air-boat on Lake Panasoffkee and enjoyed it, and this one promised to be just as enjoyable. Going from the campground to the marina takes a little over an hour and brings you through predominantly developed landscape, including another community of “The Villages.”

Once past them, the land turns to fields, trees, and pastures, and about the time you start relaxing.

BAM! your going through a couple of smaller cities along with their sprawl, so it’s not a lot of rural. As you get closer to the gulf, the land begins to change to water/wetland, and nature once again takes over.

For me, going through the development of “The Villages” and the hustle & bustle of the cities, to the naturalness of the Gulf, I could feel a weight come off me. I felt at peace, I felt comfortable, I felt happy.

Trip #1

This air-boat trip lasted for an hour and took us out into the backwaters of the gulf. While I enjoyed the adventurousness of the air-boat, I got a bigger kick being out on the waters leading to the gulf. We began by trolling down some man made canals bringing us into the waters of the Saint Martins and Salt Rivers. From there we zig-zaged around a bit, and then headed over the water towards the gulf. It was low tide and the water was no more than four feet at its deepest. We basically did a 22 mile loop of the area and then back to the marina. It was an enjoyable way to see the area that you can only see by boat. Saw lots of birds and some mullets (fish) jumping out of the water (man, they could jump).

Afterwards, I explored the area around Ozello, and then back to the campsite, via the long way home. Driving around after the tour, I saw quite a few “For Sale” signs. I had a moment of yeah, that would be so cool to have a place down here, even a empty lot. But it’s not to be, found out flood insurance (which would be required if financing) can run from 10-30 thousand dollars a year!

Trip #2.

The next morning, Wednesday, 1/9/19, I headed back to within 1/2 mile of where I took the tour yesterday. This tour started off promising, the boat was brand new and shiny, had a big ole’ engine, and really put the other operators boat to shame. Interestingly, this “Captain” used to work for the people who own yesterdays tour. The tour today was going to be a 1 1/2 hour trip compared to yesterdays 1 hour.

We started off with the “Captain” skiming the boat through some sea grass, and then began to follow the river, taking us out toward the Gulf.

Old Florida at its finest.

Slowly, we made our way towards open water and the outer keys (islands).

Along the way the “Captain” stopped to show us sponges and coral. I must really be simple, because I found it cool to see.

We stopped at “Hangover Island” to look at some Australian Pines. Story has it that during the civil war, the confederates (who controlled the bay) would use these trees as landmarks for navigation when coming into the bay.

The needles are unlike other pines. Instead of one long needle, these are in small segments that you can pull apart one section at a time.

While walking on the island, the wind blowing through the pines sounded like rushing water, very unique sound.

Also stopped to show us mangroves and their root system.

Hands down, the second tour did circles around the first. It was so much more than just an Airboat ride. It was adventurous, it was educational, it was fun.

Made the drive back to camp. Must be getting used to the way, didn’t even need Google to get back.

A much better day.

DAY #80

Had made plans to go to Crystal Springs this morning and swim with the Manatees. Crystal Springs is a small town near the gulf and a little over an hour away from the campground. Getting there, brings you through another edition of “The Villages.”

I was supposed to be there at 7:00 am and the tour would last until 10:00. Trouble was, I was still awake at 5:00 am, not a good way to start the day. I thought, this isn’t going to work. I called to leave a message and their voice mail was filled. Undeterred, I sent them an email letting them know I wouldn’t be there.

Almost immediately I could feel a change in mood come over me. I felt angry and guilty. Once again, I had set myself up for failure. I plan something and then don’t follow through. I felt down, so much so I even had thoughts of just packing up and heading back to Osakis, end of journey.

My actions brought me to a dark place. I get so frustrated. I’ve probed inside my head long enough to have a fairly clear vision of who I am, including my faults, my failings, and its causes. What gets me so angry is I don’t change. I’m capable of change, I think I want to change. It’s like; I see the right path, and then veer to the wrong one, and I do this over and over again.

I am my harshest critic, and unfortunately, biggest enabler. I look at my life and in the dark corners of it, I see one pockmarked with under- performance, under-achievement, hell, I see too much failure. Now don’t get me wrong, I see the good things as well (just think how much of a head case I’d be not seeing them). I don’t know, I hate it that I continue to allow the ghosts in my life to hold such power over me. I hate it that I don’t put forth any real effort to break free of that hold.

Part of this journey, this trip, is to help find that light-bulb comes on in my head moment where I finally see the path. This failure took me back a step, and showed me I’m not there yet. It reinforces that I need to confront my fears, rather than just step back into the shadows and hide from them. It reminds me that it will change only when I put in the effort to change it.

OK cowboy, You’ve fallen off the horse, now it’s time to get back on. The road ahead is waiting.

The second activity I had booked was a one hour air-boat tour. The tour took you around the mangroves, salt grass, and outer keys (islands) of the gulf. This tour was in Ozello (find that on your map), only about 25 minutes away from the Manatee swim. After getting a few hours sleep, I got up, put on my pants (big boy size) and headed out, making it to the air-boat location with time to spare.

I’m going to continue this to tomorrows blog because as it turns out, I had such a good time, I did it the next day (1/9/19), with a different operator.

DAY #79

I didn’t’ have anything planned and it was another courageous day (they never get old) out.

The park has a second trail, so feeling spry and energetic (for about three minutes), I put on my walking shoes and off to the trail I went.

This trail runs for 1.9 miles. It was a well marked, level and easy to walk trail, at least for part of the way. With all the needles from the pines carpeting the ground, it was really soft walking.

Not far into the walk the ground turned to water, and you continued the walk balancing on two 2 x 6 placed side by side, oh yea, a challenge.

After meeting the challenge, I continued to the end of the trail and began the walk back.

This park really is an oasis in a desert of development.

After walking the trail, I did another 1/2 mile walk down a spur to the lake and back. It was a different spur from the one the other day. After that, I walked back to the trailer, took off my shoes, and proceeded to recharge. Seriously, it was something I should (and need) to do, and it felt good doing it.

What did I do today? I took a walk in the park.

DAY #78

Decided that today was going to be one of leisure. Started it out by taking a leisurely walk along one of the parks trails. This was a short trail that ran for a 1/4 mile and then you crossed the road and went back on the trail for another 1/4 mile, bringing you to the second largest Oak Tree in Florida. Nice easygoing walk through the woods. It gave you a taste of what this area was like before development.

In a matter of seconds, you go from this.

To this.

From the Oak, I mosied (?) across the picnic area to the boat launch. This is a nice little park tucked away from the big bad world.

After the walk, went back to the trailer to recharge. Damn, all these TV stations I’m getting and I can’t get Fox or CBS, looks like no football playoffs for me. Having scratched that idea, I got in the truck and headed off to take a leisurely cruise checking out Fruitland Park, and Lake Griffin.

Meandering along, I came across these kiddos hanging out in a pasture. I stopped to take a photo of them and as I’m standing at the fence, they start to leisurely (OK, enough already) come towards me. Fun little moment.

Meandering through various neighborhoods I came across a small park with nice views of the lake. Lake Griffin is one of a number of lakes concentrated in this area. Griffin is one of the larger ones.

Driving around the neighborhoods I noticed a few things. The developments seem to be older (but nice), with the houses more modest in design and size, and with cement blocks being the building material of choice. Nestled among the older homes are some newer developments where the housing has graduated to the next step up the economic ladder.

I also saw a few trailer courts, the size and number the likes I hadn’t seen before on the trip. An old memory of Florida for me, is seniors moving down to Florida and living in trailer court communities. I think the new “Deeded” communities like what “The Villages” and “Del Webb” are building today is merely the next step (which began with the trailer courts) in the evolution of senior housing in Florida. We seem to be quick to discard the past for the new and flashy future. enjoy it while it’s here.

It’s back to the campsite by sunset, and to call it a day. It’s staying light longer which I’m liking, it’s more time to enjoy the day, especially if your day seems to start as late as mine does.

DAY #77

Woke up this morning and what a difference a day makes.

The sun was out, the humidity was gone, and with the wind having shifted to the Northwest, the temperature was 20 degrees colder than yesterday. Still, it was a beautiful day. Hey, I’m not going to complain about 65 degree weather, put on a heavier shirt and kapow, its a fantastic day!

Decided to hookup the water (didn’t do it yesterday in the rain) and check out the hot water heater. YES! So thankful that it works. Hot water, oh man, now I’m livin like them fancy city folks.

The State Park appears to be an island surrounded by a sea of development. We definitely are no longer in the sticks. Once you get into the park though, it’s a whole different world, in a good way. It has what’s becoming typical of Florida State Parks, sand roads within the campground. The sites themselves are on the small side and close together. But there’s also a lot of growth between sites and the overall feeling is one of seclusion, it’s a nice setup.

It’s interesting that the bathrooms & showers (which are nice) are locked and you need a code to get in. It seems (what I was told) that non campers (day-trippers) were using and leaving them in a mess. Ironic, here in these woods, you don’t need to be concerned with animals, its the humans you have to watch out for.

Took the long way to Publix to get some groceries. I like Publix, it’s becoming my go to place for groceries. After finishing up my business, drove back to camp where I proceeded to spent the rest of this glorious day inside. I must be getting spoiled. Actually today is kind of a transition day since yesterday was a washout.

I’m happy that there’s a strong Verizon signal, and a whole bunch of TV stations (more than half are religious). We must be fairly close to a road because at times, you can hear car noises.

So far, things are looking good.

DAY #76

The day started off well, I didn’t oversleep, and emptying the grey & black water tanks went without a hitch. Hit the road (relativity quiet) and made it to Camping World by 8:45 am.

They took the trailer into the shop a little after 9:00 am, and then the wait began, and a long wait it would be. Finally at 3:30 pm I was able to hook up the trailer and be on my way. It was OK, I needed to get it done and knew it would take time, but still, towards the end I was getting a little inpatient.

Part of what took so long is that I had the wheel bearings in the axle replaced. They say once a year or every 5000 miles, and I’ve put close to that on them so far in the journey. As far as the main reason I brought the trailer in, the hot water heater not working, it seems someone forget to take it out of by-pass, oops. I’d like to blame someone for that but no matter who I look at to blame, it comes back to me. Maybe this will be a lesson learned?

It was time to hit the road. As I’m beginning to hook up the trailer, it started to rain, and rain hard. During breaks in the intensity of the rain, I was able to get things hooked up and underway. Traffic was mega bad which only added to the fun of driving in a downpour. I kept my cool and Yee-haw, made it to the campground. Really glad it was only 30 minutes from Camping World.

Checked in and found my site (on the first try). Of course as I’m trying to back into the rather tight spot, there’s someone waiting to get by…Mega Arg!!!

In the end all turned out well and I was safe and sound in my new home for the next nine days.

DAY #75

It’s the last day at Ross Prairie State Park and the time here has been a good one. The park itself has provided a very quiet, comfortable, and convenient accommodation. Weather wise, it’s been the kind that people come down in winter to enjoy, its been great. I’ve enjoyed the area, even as it transitions from rural to exurban. I’ve enjoyed and appreciate the time given to explore around the area. Would I come back? Oh Yea.

The plan was to spend the day in and around Dunnellon, FL. First up was a cruise down the Withlacoochee & Rainbow River. Those two rivers come together in town and have the distinction of being very different bodies of water. The cruise was 1 1/2 hours and for $15.00, how could I go wrong? The scene was low key, and the vibe mello as we drifted away from the dock and into the flow of the river.

It wasn’t more than ten minutes up river when we came across this big ole’ Alligator just hangin out.

As we continued down the river, we were entertained by numerous bird and turtle sightings.

We meandered along until the river split up ahead. On the left was the waters of the Rainbow River and veering off to the right, continued the waters of the Withlacoochee (say that fast three times). Why no photo of the split? I’m thinking, I had a goof ball moment.

It was cool to see. The waters of the Rainbow River comes from a magnitude one spring (Rainbow Springs) located approx. 6 miles upstream. This spring pumps out of the aquifer over 600 million gallons a day. This meant the water was crystal clear and a constant 72 degrees. Looking into the water, you could easily see the bottom.

In contrast was the Withlacoochee River. Its origins and source of water feeding into it is the swamps along its path. the water tends to be warmer and because of the organics (tannic acid), the water is a dark tea color.

On a good day, when the two rivers come together (sunshine & no wind), you can see dramatically the difference between the two. It reminded me of the Amazon where there are two rivers coming together in much the same way. Unfortunately, this wasn’t that day, and seeing them come together wasn’t very pronounced. Alas, we still saw a hint of it and that was enough to elicit a few ohs and ahs out of us, even if not good enough to take a photo.

The pontoon drifted into shore while the guide sang us three songs that really tied in with the cruise. He also gave a very detailed and informative presentation which made a good time even better.

After the cruise it was time for lunch. I had noticed a restaurant by the river on my way into town and decided to stop there. Swampy’s Bar & Grill was the name, and you sat right on the bank of the Rainbow River (further upstream from the cruise), watching the kayaks going by. The food was good, the ambiance really cool, and I had a good time.

Next it was off to Rainbow Springs State Park. After going down the Rainbow River, I wanted to see the springs where it all starts. It was only ten minutes out of Dunnellon and I still had some daylight left, so off I went.

Dunnellon at one time was the ‘center of the earth’ as far as mining for the mineral phosphate. Hard to see but even after a hundred years, you can see remains of that time.

I think the spring at Gilchrist Blue Springs was superior to this one even though these springs dwarf the one at Blue Springs. Plus, I don’t get why they allow swimming right at the spring. If you want to see the spring, there’s all these people swimming and splashing around, I don’t get it.

Did some walking around the park (I hate walking uphill) and while it’s a nice park, it’s too developed and busy for my taste (call me a natural snob).

Drove back to the campground, took a shower, and began breaking things down for tomorrows departure.

Need to empty the black/grey water tanks before leaving and I haven’t down that before. It’s only water (this time), but I’ll need to give myself some time. Then, I need to be at Camping World by 9:00 am. so hopefully, can get out of there early. All this translate into a early start.

Hope I don’t oversleep.

DAY #74

On the second day of 2019, I out did myself, I did even less than yesterday. Hope this doesn’t become a trend.

I did take a ride that took in the exurbs, suburbs, and central metro of Ocala, FL. Since I had so much fun doing it, I took the same way back.
It was late in the afternoon before I hit the road and in both directions, traffic was heavy and it sucked. A couple highlights of the drive was seeing my first ‘Tesla’ charging station (for cars), and stopping at a Latin grocery store, which I didn’t know until going in.

My Rant For The Day:

For decades the standard of living for the middle class, has been stagnant at best. There are facts and figures that can establish and confirm this, it isn’t just opinion. Even with these facts, we’ve been able to continue to delude ourselves that that wasn’t the case, and of course the politicians did everything they could by way of ‘smoke and mirrors’ to reassure us life was good. But for me, there’s been a change, it’s become more than just the facts. I’m seeing signs across the land that are not just telling me, but showing me just how true it is.

I’m amazed at the number of ‘Dollar General’ and ‘Family Dollar’ stores I’m seeing. These stores are like a ‘canary in a coal mine’ only applied in reverse. They appear & thrive in areas of poverty and a lower standard of living, promising more for less. These stores are beginning to make Walmart look upscale. Pawn Shops and Check Cashing Places are becoming more the norm along the corridors of commerce, a change from a time when pawn shops were centered exclusively in low income urban areas. Retail strip malls and shopping centers/malls are replacing the stores of old (when wages & living standards were on the upswing) with more and more discount and low price stores. ‘Big Lots’ and ‘Savers’ have replaced ‘Dayton’s’ and ‘Dillards’ (I understand the effect online shopping has had).

Were no longer moving forward, no longer moving up. Instead, it seems we’ve adjusted and accepted the way it’s become, lowering our hopes and dreams, and expectations in the process.

The canary has stopped singing.

DAY #73

What super-terrific activities did I partake in on this first day of the new year? What ‘out of this world’ places did I explore? What road did the Journey take to begin 2019?

Sorry thrill seekers and action junkies, the answer is nothing, I did nothing on the first day of this new year. Well, that’s not entirely true. I did go later in the afternoon to the laundromat and washed my clothes, otherwise, I just stayed close to home for the day.

It was enjoyable to just sit around and watch life unfold around the campsite. The site is about 1/2 full but very quiet. I took out my recliner, set it up outside, and spent the time watching the squirrels and birds and my favorite, the little lizards as they went about their routines. The weather continues to be courageous, and I just wanted to sit back and take some time to really enjoy (and appreciate) it.

Travel Trailer Update: I was able to make an appointment at Camping World for Friday 1/4/19. When I leave here on Friday, Camping World is right on the route to the next campsite so if everything goes OK, I should have the hot water heater working when I get to the next site. Too good to be true? I guess time will tell (fingers crossed).

In a low key way, it was a nice start to the new year.