SEE YOU LATER, ALLIGATOR

 Staying so long at our winter base gave us an opportunity to live in an almost private resort.  We had it all to ourselves.  When I walked each morning it was common to see rabbits, armadillos and see evidence that the coyotes were getting braver and coming closer to our lots in the evening.  We heard them but never saw them at night.

Summer at Florida Grande
Webster, FL

Our journey was about 5 hours away to the Panhandle of Florida to Ho Hum RV Campground in Carrabelle, FL.  We like Ho Hum for its no frills, beautiful scenic views of the Gulf of Mexico and views of nearby secluded Dog Island.   We have met with friends from Florida Grande, Clay and Frances Croom and our favorite camping buddy, Mrs. Croom (87 years young)

No Frills Ho-Hum RV Park
Carrabelle, FL

One of our favorite things to do at Ho Hum is to walk out on their private dock, witness the sunrise each morning with a cup of coffee in hand, and enjoy the solitude.  Ho Hum has very shallow tides and you see lots of fish, dolphin, pelicans - all looking for their next meal. 

Sunrise at Ho - Hum
Worth getting out of bed!!

A favorite day trip would be Ed Ball's Lodge (built in 1937) and Wakulla Springs State Park, in Wakulla Springs. 

Wakulla Springs State Park
Wakulla, FL

Wakulla Springs Lodge - 1937
Wakulla Springs State Park - Wakulla, FL

 The Florida State Park Service offers a boat tour on the protected part of Wakulla River and seeing shore birds, animals, alligators young and old, and many people who came to swim in the constant 70 degree temperature of the spring waters in a fenced area near the head of the Wakulla River. 

 

Nap Time Always for the Alligators
Wakulla Springs State Park

Wakulla Springs State Park - Wakulla, FL

Breathtaking views of wildlife at
Wakulla Springs State Park - Wakulla, FL

Lots of manatees enjoy the cool waters of
the Wakulla River - Wakulla Springs State Park

Our boat tour driver showed us so many amazing areas and upon leaving the biggest alligator I've ever seen announced appropriately "See you later, alligator!"

Alligators vary in size from newborn to mature alligators
Wakulla Springs State Park

We have always wanted to stop at a popular food truck called Hutton's Seafood, offering softshell crabs, shrimp, catfish and fresh oysters.  

Getting our seafood cravings adjusted
Huttons Seafood Food Truck - Crawfordville, FL

 So even though it was unbearably hot, we stopped and weren't unhappy with the wonderful fresh seafood we devoured in a non-air conditioned eating place with a fan continually blowing heated air.  Miserable, but our stomachs were full.

Ho Hum RV Campground
Carrabelle, FL

We are leaving "the Forgotten Coast" and are on the road again to travel west toward "the Emerald Coast", Destin, FL, on scenic US Highway 98 - one of the most beautiful of all Florida roads.  Lots of storm damage from Hurricane Michael still visible but it is so nice to see people are rebuilding and haven't let this deter their daily routines or lives.

FIND JOY IN THE JOURNEY

Getting the RV, us and our car prepared to leave for the next 3 months means we must get focused and try to remember all we're not going to need to take with us... maybe take off a few pounds of equipment we probably won't need.   Maybe it's ALL my stuff, just saying.

There's something to check off our "to do" list about every day.  This week was doctor's appointments, a trip to get a new braking system for our car to assure the tow bar and car can be attached with no trouble (definitely don't want problems there).

Florida Grande Motor Coach Resort
Webster, FL

Florida Grande Motor Coach Resort
Webster, FL

Leaving the peace and quiet solitude at Florida Grande is difficult because it is so large it feels like we have the entire place to ourselves.  We share our resort with a few rabbits, sandhill cranes, egrets, armadillos and alligators, but otherwise, only a handful of our friends are left.

Sand Hill Cranes - Mom, Dad, 2 youngsters

Toby the Welsh Pony - all he wants is for us to return with
a large bag of apples and peppermints

Lots of different birds love the pasture
and impromptu swimming parties

Black Angus Cattle Ranch - Next door neighbors

Breakfast time for all the birds

We have already done some pre-planning and made reservations at a few places that we enjoy staying.  I have lots of work to do and will be planning several Facebook Live tutorials as well as some other things I have in mind, most likely inside the motorhome.   Surprises!!

For the past 8 years RV has been supportive of my traveling painting classes called "ARTitude Adjustment".  I teach at lots of places when we travel, and when you get down to the truth, I might have more fun than anyone.

 Our travel gives me an opportunity to enjoy art and craft shows all over the country.  Local artisans are my favorites.  I lost count of the Hobby Lobby stores I've shopped - but we may have a national record for shopping at different Hobby Lobby locations.

"The best things in life are the people we love,

the places we've been,

and the memories we've made along the way...."