Yellowstone

Camping in Yellowstone National Park - Enjoy the Experience of a Lifetime
There is no place in the world like Yellowstone National Park. This article gives you the information you need to plan your Yellowstone camping trip.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/764591/camping_in_yellowstone_national_park.html

Monday February 16, 2009 HOME day 3

Called Marty’s to get an estimate on repairing Motorhome damage, never got a call back so I called Crossroads they asked me to bring the Motorhome right over, they have a full body shop and it looks as though good work is done there so I left it. Deb and I made some Gawumpkies we had Tiffany and Adeline over for dinner and thanked them for watching the house.

The totals for mileage we accrued during our trip where.

3,594.3 Miles on the Motorhome

1,143 Miles on the Jeep

0.1 flying for Deb

I have been commissioned to start to plan our next trip and it will be (LOL) California, Check our destination on this link::::::::::::::

http://vagabonders-supreme.net/SlabCity.htm

THE EnD

Sunday February 15, 2009 HOME day 2

Continuing to unload unneeded items for from the RV. Visited 2 Mothers Debs Mom glade to see us but jumped right in with her very low whisper voice to inform Deb she did NOT want a 90th Birthday Cake, I asked if she wanted a Party and with a scowled she said NO welcome home. Ron’s Mother was also happy to see us and did inform us she had fallen backward trying to navigate the high step (because her set of front steps has sunken) into her hose and banged her head and injured her back. I am going to have to build some kind of a small platform to compensate for the sunken steps.

Saturday January 13, 2009 HOME yay (NOT)

Captain’s Blog

Was a good ride through New York City other than the fact it cost s $46.00 in about 45 minutes that is the great North East Jesy Pike, GW brige and NY thruway. When we arrived home we had a difficult time backing into the yard because of the frost heaves the drop down tow hitch that I lost the key to remove the pin was grounding out on the driveway (CRUNCH) , after some thought and an attempt to approach the driveway at an angel (NO LUCK) I deflated the front airbag and maximized the rear ones, that gave us just enough clearance to get backed into the yard. Then it was the argues task of unloading all the stuff we did NOT need to bring in the first place and did NOT use.

Friday January 13, 2009 New Jersey Turnpike

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Drove to New Jersey Turnpike stayed in the first Rest Area. We where going to hit the busy beltway rush hour traffic so we opted to try 301 as some very traffic counties fellow campers has suggested. I should have known better when that also told me that do not go through Providence, RI, non the less it was not a very relaxing ride peppered with stop light and local and state police apparently attempting to justify there being by righting lots of tickets

Thursday February 12, 2009 North Caroline Welcome Center

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Had to say goodbye to Florida Today. Drove to the North Caroline Welcome Center and spent a very quite night.

February 10-11 2009 Ocala National Forest, Bryn Mwar Resort

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We left Silver Springs RV Resort this morning planning on stopping at the Salt Springs a natural spring with water temperatures at a constant 72 degrees.

The ride took us on a scenic route through the Ocala National Forest. We arrived at Salt Springs only to find that the spring area was closed for repairs. Thwarted again. The tourist angels are not on our side. We thought about spending the night at the campground but decided to move and secure a campground on the ocean before our final trek home.

Before leaving Salt Springs we decided to have lunch. Prior o leaving Ocala we stopped at the local Walmart for some staples. We were going to have sandwiches but guess what- the bread was never packed- although charged for. Yikes, will it never end!!!!

Another stop at a different Walmart fixed the bread issue and we were off to the ocean at Bryn Mwar Resort in ST Augustine Florida situa ted right on t he Atlantic. The weather is expected to be in the high 70’s to 80’s so great beach weather.

Arriving at Bryn Mwar we secured a site backed up to the beach. Once settled we headed to the beach to catch some waves and rays. It’s a very beautiful area and reminds us of the outer banks. A great place to spend before heading home- Yuck!

The moon was low on the horizon tonight and cased in orange over the ocean. We sat on the benches along the walkway and enjoyed the beauty of it all. There was a cool light breeze and the skies were clear allowing us to enjoy the stars as well.

Jewel dug herself a dirt bed.

A great end to a good day.

SEE VIDEO CLIP

February 9, 2009 Ocala,Kathy, Silver Springs campground

Captain’s Blog  

 

We left Orange Grove Camping Resort fairly late this morning- as usual. The plan is to take a leisurely ride toward Ocala. I promised my cousin Kathy we would stop to see her. She has been living out here for the past year and is looking forward to seeing family.

We drove through Mount Dora a small town that has been touted as the place to see. Needless to say it is very small and as usual a tourist trap.

We arrived in Ocala around 3 PM and were able to make contact with Kathy. She met us at the local Walmart. We didn’t even recognize her, she looks great and is very happy. Both Ron and I are so happy she ‘s gotten a new chance at a good life. Kathy was so happy to see us and we promised to keep in touch. She works two jobs one being a Nanny to two adorable little girls that she brought with her to meet us. Both girls seem to adore her.

After our visit we decided to spend the night at the Silver Springs campground across the street from Walmart. That Walmart was a little scary so we opted for the safety of a campground.

February 5,6 2009 Solomon’s Castle, Walmart Lakland

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February 5, 2009

We woke this morning and neither of us wanted to close up and move. I called the front office and was able to secure another night here. The day was restful and we enjoyed the downtime.

Captain’s Blog

February 6, 2009     

We left Fun in the Sun RV Resort at around 9 am and headed out to Lakeland anticipating a visit to the Frank Lloyd Wright Museum. On our way to Lakeland we stopped at Solomon’s Castle in the middle of nowhere.

We called ahead to make sure there was ample parking for our RV and tow car. We were assured there was both RV and bus parking available. When we arrived at the castle Mr. Solomon himself directed us to the RV/bus parking area. As you can see by the pictures we had to disconnect the car to get out. All that acreage and so little parking space!!!

Solomon’s Castle is the result of a dream of one man, internationally renowned artist Howard Solomon. The building replicates a castle covered in recycled aluminum printing sheets. The castle is set in the middle of 90 acres of swampland. Decorated with more then 80 interpretive stained glass windows and countless unique metal sculptures all made from re-cycled materials.

The tour was delightful and inspirational with Mr. Solomon’s odd humor interjected into the tour. The tour ended in the Boat in the Moat Restaurant owned and operated by his daughter. We had a great meal and then toured the rest of the grounds.

Mr. Solomon has four children – none of whom inherited his artistic ability.

Next stop was the Manatee Viewing station south of Tampa. The weather had been fairly cool so there were tons of Manatees in the warm water by the power plant.

Then it was on to Lakeland to take advantage of the weather and tour the Frank Lloyd Wright Museum. By the time we arrived in Lakeland it was 7 PM so we decided to spend the night at the local Walmart. Unfortunately we were asked to leave along with some other RVers’ and truckers. Six months ago the city of Lakeland passed an ordinance banning overnight parking at Walmart. However, Security at Walmart told us we could spend the night in the church parking lot across the street. That was odd and we couldn’t find a church across the street either.

We decided to head out of town, forfeit our trip to the museum and find a place to spend the night. We ended up in a rest area along route 41- well lit with security. It was quiet and we got a great sleep.

February 7-8, 2009 Sea World, Buddha Temple

   Captain’s  Blog

 

   

Headed into the Orlando/Kissimmee area today to try and catch up with Ron’s cousin and go to Sea World. We spent the evening at the campground lounging and cleaning. My wrist and hand are still weak so I’m not very helpful. We had originally planned on heading home sooner then the weekend to have my wrist re-evaluated at home but the weather has been so beautiful we both hate to leave. I opted to suffer a couple of more days so I can enjoy the sun.

Cousin Bud has not returned our call so he may be out of town. We haven’t been to Sea World in over 30 years so decided it was time to check it out. Wow! Pricey- $75.00 per person and $10.00 to park. Despite the cost the shows were phenomenal and because there were so few people there we got through the entire park in one day. They did give us free return tickets good for 2009 but printed on the tickets are our names and birthdates so no ability to pass them on to someone else to use.

We had a bite to eat at Sea World and were entertained by the birds and squirrels that seemed to enjoy being with and interacting with humans. Has no one heard of the bird flu!!!!!

Adjacent to the campground is a lovely Buddha Temple. We walked the grounds and got some great pictures of the individual prayer stations. There were several people meditating in the main temple so we did not go in to bother anyone. It is a beautiful and serene place

This picture is actually at Solomon's castle  but it is so good I left it in!

Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island Ringling Museum of Art February 4, 2009

Captain’s blog

The temperature dropped today into the mid 50’s with a brisk wind. It’s very chilly but sunny so we headed out to Longboat Key, and Anna Maria Island to check out the area which reminds us of the cape but a bit more upscale.

We spent the rest of the afternoon at the Ringling Museum of Art. Within the museum grounds are the Ca’d’Zan or “The House of John” – John Ringling. The mansion was completed in 1926 and soon became the epicenter of cultural life in Sarasota. We toured the home and were duly impressed with the unique architectural features and amazing furniture and fixtures that were purchased in Europe.

Next we visited the Ringling Museum of the American Circus which is the first museum of its kind to document the history of the circus. Within the museum are rare handbills, posters, art, wardrobes, props and all types of circus equipment including the magnificent carved parade wagons.

In the Tibbals Learning Center the Howard Bros. Circus Model is a replica of the Ringling Bros, and Barnum & Bailey Circus from 1919-1938. The model is complete with eight main tents, 152 wagons, 1,300 circus performers and workers, more then 800 animals and a 59-train. The model is built in 3/4 inch to foot scale and occupies 3,800 square feet. “The world’s largest miniature circus” was created over more then 50 years by master model builder and philanthropist, Howard Tibbals.

We then toured the Museum of Art that is filled with masterpieces purchased by John and Mable Ringling from all over the world.

The museum now houses displays of European, American and Asian works of art in its permanent collection galleries. The Ringling Museum also collects modern and contemporary art and presents temporary exhibitions from its own collections and traveling collections in the museums’ Searing Wing.

We completed our wonderful day with a great meal at Longhorn’s then back to the coach to plan the next couple of days. Unfortunately we are heading North representing heading home. Not something we really want to do.