Thursday, April 16, 2009

We left Vero Beach and headed for the Keys. Ted tried to get us a spot in Key West but nothing was available. We had to settle for staying at Big Pine Key about 40 miles from downtown Key West. We tried to hook up with a friend of Ted...Nadine...but we just weren't able to connect.
I had to drive Ted to Key West to kick off his trip, then drive back to Big Pine Key to wait for his return. We went to Key West a little early so we could see some of the city.
We did make it to Fort Zachary Taylor which is on the point. The fort that dates back to the early 1800's had some pretty large armament. We did take some pictures that are included at the end.
We were privy to an interesting ceremony at the fort...just happened to be in the right place at the right time.
The Conch Republic was established by secession of the Florida Keys from the United States of America, on April 23rd, 1982 in response to a United States Border Patrol Blockade setup on highway U.S.1 at Florida City just to the north of the Florida Keys. This heinous act effectively isolated Keys Citizens from the U.S. mainland since the blockade was on our only land artery to and from the mainland. This roadblock portrayed Keys residents as non-U.S. citizens who had to prove their citizenship in order to drive onto the Florida mainland! Hardly an American thing to do!
When we arrived at the fort, they were in the process of rasing the flag to commemorate that day back in 1982. There were a large group of ladies wearing white blouses and black skirts with "CIA" scrolled on the back of their blouses. It turns out the "CIA" stands for "Cuties In Action."
Ted kicked off his ride and made it safely back to Big Pine Key.
On Saturday, Ted left again, this time heading for Key Largo.

click on the below link to see pictures (there are three pages, 25 pictures)
http://travel.webshots.com/album/571229022guAPMt

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Kim and Brad stopped back on Tuesday morning to see us off. Zach was at school, and Brad was watching the boys, Griffin and Carter until he had to go to work in the afternoon. Kim had to be at school around 11am and would be teaching the afternoon session. The teachers share sessions so no one had to be fired.
Ted and I made it to Gainesville for an Tuesday overnight on our way to Key West. It was just a lot of driving...then made it on Wednesday to Vero Beach for another overnight, the last stop before the Keys.

click on the below link to see pictures
http://travel.webshots.com/album/571197307vFFyYn

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Ted and I were up early Easter Sunday to get a good headstart into Montgomery, Alabama. It was an uneventful journey, thank you. We both needed to log some hours on driving the F350 and fifth wheel on winding roads, in addition to highway driving. We are getting better.
We got to Montgomery around 2pm and set up for the night.
On Monday the 13th, we were off to Niceville, Florida, a subsidiary of Fort Walton Beach, to visit with Ted's daughter, Kim, husband, Brad and the three boys, Zach, Carter and Griffin.
I forgot to tell you about the storm we had Sunday night in Montgomery. There were wind gusts in excess of 60 MPH and the pelting rain would have kept us awake if we weren't so tired.
Our drive to Niceville was in rain, all day.
We had a nice visit with Kim and actually went out to dinner. It was at a place called Perry's Pub and the food was pretty good considering it was a bar...a sports bar.
We all went back to the fifth wheel and had ice cream for dessert.
Off tomorrow for Gainsville.
Buffalo Bob

...it's early Saturday morning, the 11th of April. Masters has hit Augusta this past week and the traffic was horrendous. Ted and I picked up and loaded the motor home on Thursday, then took off for a campground in South Carolina...Hickory Knob State Resort Park...what a beautiful location. I let Ted back the fifth wheel into the spot...I'm still a nervous wreck but will get better as we go along.
I left Ted at the Park and drove back Martinez...had to feed Joyce and take care of loose ends. Dawn will be responsible for Joyce while I'm gone. I'm sorry to put the onus on her, but this trip has been planned for a long time.
I do have some pictures and will post as soon as we get on the road.
Friday, I went shopping for more stuff...it's crazy how much stuff is needed just to be comfortable.
Dawn, Sarah and Joyce are driving up to the park today. I am loading the F350 with the last of the stuff and will head up with the girls.
Ted and I take off tomorrow morning, Easter Sunday. Our first stop is in Montgomery, Alabama for an overnight, then off to see Kim, Ted's daughter in the Florida panhandle near Fort Walton Beach.
More later...love the buff

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