Slowly making our way back home via the Florida Everglades, North and West along the Gulf of Mexico. We enjoyed a scenic drive through the Florida Everglades, "gator country." We did not actually see "tons" of gators, but they were indeed plentiful. What caught my attention were the postings for Panther Traffic. Those signs were plentiful. Our first overnight stay was at Kountree Kampen - a nice shady rv park. We stayed two nights and explored Naples during the days.
From Naples we headed North to Fort Meyers. It was a very short drive and Bill decided to get our house batteries tested. Sure enough we had a dead battery...four hours later we left Camping World with a new battery installed. What a wasted day and of course we were tired out from all that waiting around. We drove a few more miles North and camped at Gulf View RV Park in Punta Gorda for two more days. Nice little area, very relaxing. We met folks from Colonie, NY which is just outside of Bill's hometown and the another RVer from Bill's hometown of Watervielt, NY. Small World...the men chatted about the town and recalled some folks from days gone bye.
Ok, so we checked out some housing options in Naples, FL. As you can see from the sign the housing area is designed resort living for those able to afford an affluent lifestyle. Well darn, guess that doesn't describe me. I'm happy in a tee shirt, shorts and Birkenstocks.
My opinion only (MOO), but this sign is tacky. This is a medical supply store but the Salon sign is bigger than the actual sign for the Medical Supply Store.
Maybe it is for the more affluent women that have had a mastectomy...do they get more pampering than the rest of us? Well I for one don't need a darn "salon."
Having no set schedule or particular destination deadline we detoured for a few days to visit with Bill's cousin, Don Ellett and his family. The change of pace was very welcome. We stayed four nights at Dobbins Air Reserve Base military FamCamp. Bill felt right at home with the C-130's flying overhead. As always, great food and entertaining tales of the family dynamics.
Finally, we are at our final destination for Florida...Eglin Air Force Base. It has been nearly 20 years since I lived in this paradise area. Navigating in an area that has new roads and businesses was a bit of a challenge for my rusty memory. Nothing really looks the same...well darn, what did I expect!! We set up camp for two weeks at Robbins FamCamp on Eglin. Nice campground and facilities, lots of trails through the woods and around the lakes. The military Exchange and Commissary were within walking distance as well as the base marina.
Bill & I are thinking that someday we may want to make Florida our retirement place. Having mentioned that - we did look at a variety of neighborhoods in Crestview, Niceville, Bluewater Bay, Shalimar, Fort Walton Beach and Mary Esther. Some great buys on new construction with acreage and low taxes in Crestview...glad we have lots of time to think before we buy. 
We met up with a previous co-worker/instructor, Jerry Strawser and his wife Marcie Booth. Jerry and Sandie were both instructors assigned to Field Training Detachment 320 - back in the day! I am glad we were able to reconnect, wine and dine and just enjoy good company.
I miss this beach...hopefully I will return soon and the water will be warm the way I remember...
Today, March 7, 2012 we hit the road west once again...through the remainder of the Panhandle of Florida, lower Alabama, Mississippi (waving to Keesler AFB in Biloxi MS - my first technical training school) next stop - somewhere in Louisiana.
Someday mommy, we will enjoy our beach again! Thanks for the update!
ReplyDeleteSoon I hope. Your children will love our beach!
ReplyDelete