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

Captain’s blog

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.

Myakka River State Park February 3, 2009

Captain’s blog

The weather has been holding steady with temps in the high 60’s to 70. Today we took a trip to Myakka River State Park. Unfortunately most of the state parks don’t allow dogs on the trails because of the alligators so Jewel hasn’t had as many hikes as we had planned for her.

The Myakka River flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, hammocks, prairies and pinelands. There is a 7-mile scenic drive that winds through the park. The area is very pretty and serene.

Within the park is the Myakka Canopy Walkway that provides access to observe life in the treetops – if only there was life to be seen. Nope, there was no visible life. The walkway is suspended 25 feet above ground and the tower is 75 feet up. The views were pretty but no life in the treetops except us. Back at the campground we settled in watched some TV and prepared for tomorrow’s activities.

Check out the Baby pigs.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates Monday, February 2, 2009

Captain’s Blog

It rained last night – of course- Ron washed both vehicles. The skies are gray this morning but it is expected to clear.

Our neighbors from RI gave us tickets to get into the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. They went and were given free return passes. They don’t plan on using them so were kind enough to offer them to us. Ron tried to pay them for the tickets but they refused.

In 1885 Thomas Edison purchased property in Fort Myers and had a home built for a winter retreat called Seminole Lodge. In 1886 he returned to his newly built estate with his second wife Mina. The Edison family enjoyed leisurely stays at the property until 1947 when Mina deeded the property to the City of Fort Myers for $1.00. The original furniture is on permanent loan from the Edison family. Interestingly Mr. Edison had six children from both marriages but only one daughter had children bearing her spouses’ last name. The Edison name was not carried on.
In 1916 Henry Ford purchased his home called the Mangoes next door to the Edisons’ providing him and his family the opportunity to vacation with his good friend Thomas Edison. Both families spent many summers together enjoying Fort Myers.The grounds are beautiful with incredible views, flowers, plants and Banyon trees. It was a great educational day.

This car was parked at the Estate the plate makes me proud to be from Massachusetts.