tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66849136080921479022024-03-13T12:50:18.334-07:00America by RVOur full time R.V. lifestyle in a fifth wheel. Touring America at our own pace, one state at a time.Darren and Joyce Romerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678230140427316372noreply@blogger.comBlogger341125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684913608092147902.post-82877497741419264472013-12-17T10:05:00.002-07:002013-12-17T10:22:24.677-07:00Selling our Carriage Cameo Fifth Wheel<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrDjVi00HdS1WNaI9-sTEvg-LO2ffIaUixXFLRq3szDzVJDtYxvqTB1WZEaeDIooVN-khfMP3fQxC8_Olsiq4zMXoGvrzLSaONdB8rrTbhtuopbd4DsW5QATlLkFIQCqCa3FDdt79ZwM/s1600/IMGP1727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrDjVi00HdS1WNaI9-sTEvg-LO2ffIaUixXFLRq3szDzVJDtYxvqTB1WZEaeDIooVN-khfMP3fQxC8_Olsiq4zMXoGvrzLSaONdB8rrTbhtuopbd4DsW5QATlLkFIQCqCa3FDdt79ZwM/s400/IMGP1727.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2010 Carriage Cameo FW and 2009 Dodge 3500</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's been a busy year since we moved into our new home. We've really enjoyed getting to know our neighbors and the area as we've endured the growth of the neighborhood. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Cggd2643Vzf7ftTxatqmjUjt5RpVIHeQGh3wuZWpGP8wvP-rX90l3zdkAMTtUvffhJUu5BVS6MNBsSxgOi1NtIdHlcMSTAMzz3967FgUu9BOuZvSQR04UHdBKn4wM89pT5Mx7ZecbcI/s1600/IMG_1891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Cggd2643Vzf7ftTxatqmjUjt5RpVIHeQGh3wuZWpGP8wvP-rX90l3zdkAMTtUvffhJUu5BVS6MNBsSxgOi1NtIdHlcMSTAMzz3967FgUu9BOuZvSQR04UHdBKn4wM89pT5Mx7ZecbcI/s400/IMG_1891.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Customizing the 4 bedroom, 3 bath home to our wishes and designs has been a long, fun, expensive, and on-going process. Especially when you consider that we started with nothing more than what we carried in the RV. So we've purchased all new furniture and other household goods over the past year. During this time, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">we've resigned ourselves to the fact that we likely won't use our Carriage Cameo fifth wheel for recreation. We are very happy in our new home and would like to downsize from our large dually truck and fifth wheel to something that we are more willing to use on a weekend basis. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiph0qa3T4XmEMz9auKIJeX8ioJsK2-EL3wwKBUJYxUo1BgNkSXsD5wZgL8n7Nvxxh7t0QR6k9zAsEi_k5O-joQV4fnc4WgQjuQcHTsEJqWN7hR2KYcW6Q3o8E8N0u7Vl9vsOW6uiDrA/s1600/IMG_4079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiph0qa3T4XmEMz9auKIJeX8ioJsK2-EL3wwKBUJYxUo1BgNkSXsD5wZgL8n7Nvxxh7t0QR6k9zAsEi_k5O-joQV4fnc4WgQjuQcHTsEJqWN7hR2KYcW6Q3o8E8N0u7Vl9vsOW6uiDrA/s400/IMG_4079.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwYfBX5uc-0C3QZ5YLTSjbUueDRlw2h4s-_vfvLlRQhyphenhyphenz9xJKU5GKCTxXxjN2QQcg6RpXcm6rIWFSNapymPXuvTUfkLMq-8fh_3pP9wpUWoYbme-CvMnwOazb54Ypk3DHUqOmSAubOn6s/s1600/IMG_1192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwYfBX5uc-0C3QZ5YLTSjbUueDRlw2h4s-_vfvLlRQhyphenhyphenz9xJKU5GKCTxXxjN2QQcg6RpXcm6rIWFSNapymPXuvTUfkLMq-8fh_3pP9wpUWoYbme-CvMnwOazb54Ypk3DHUqOmSAubOn6s/s200/IMG_1192.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Yet another reason we haven't used our fifth wheel over the past year is that our oldest boxer, Maggie has had health issues and has been declining. She's 10.5 yrs. old and Rico is not far behind at 9 yrs. old. We haven't thought it would be in her or our best interest to take her camping.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXsQNpbMWSelVVFOm8q4bEjFFpD_5dVz5pDjKsoDFNLW30mM0vtglBMGD4jRxzCrODQ2uMZLCh2gggWeAz0LQ0Rf087KUYd2DivDcU6pO771Ycgikip-d9qMtGOq6FkLt38qpGuP1v9I/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXsQNpbMWSelVVFOm8q4bEjFFpD_5dVz5pDjKsoDFNLW30mM0vtglBMGD4jRxzCrODQ2uMZLCh2gggWeAz0LQ0Rf087KUYd2DivDcU6pO771Ycgikip-d9qMtGOq6FkLt38qpGuP1v9I/s640/IMG_0002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our favorite campsites in the Texas Hill Country</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The point is we've decided to sell our fifth wheel. It's in great shape. It is very clean and as my blog readers and anyone who knows us can attest, it has been very well maintained. We are selling the 2010 Carriage Cameo FW and will consider selling my 2009 Dodge Dually 3500 diesel truck with just over 40K miles at an additional cost. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3qB89_SuyuR_m6iR3wBUNA57sFNdHxbDa5bZkKdKwlnGR9mliSsaCxq0rY95jHJKEprg4tGbdNDVk7dYeXJL9iIlxnYxpwwH5FzjcojUKgT6GuAksIPkPwe5vXewVko5T6Z1xQneafeI/s1600/IMG_0205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3qB89_SuyuR_m6iR3wBUNA57sFNdHxbDa5bZkKdKwlnGR9mliSsaCxq0rY95jHJKEprg4tGbdNDVk7dYeXJL9iIlxnYxpwwH5FzjcojUKgT6GuAksIPkPwe5vXewVko5T6Z1xQneafeI/s320/IMG_0205.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bedroom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMWlnYLy2Uoipvn0rhBK6VUI36_tgfZYqKSz_JVu38NOIAluZ18PizvO1sW4DXm5psM6oVbWmqOUlUbGpVR60qj-n_s5D-iuQWdMzkgqw-hEDpU1iZLiHjHKKbpqAmCoi02RbOswgUMA/s1600/IMG_0207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMWlnYLy2Uoipvn0rhBK6VUI36_tgfZYqKSz_JVu38NOIAluZ18PizvO1sW4DXm5psM6oVbWmqOUlUbGpVR60qj-n_s5D-iuQWdMzkgqw-hEDpU1iZLiHjHKKbpqAmCoi02RbOswgUMA/s320/IMG_0207.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bedroom dresser and cabinets</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZxjVz9BMH_5BJs1Lm9vZVacoFu3euhyj7hsCU7xlbbMChaJkQodHlG0Ye14QE-qIXfHkvi2r7E6RXd012AIFKSOatA9S7gGfjf82tF-WGjEhRvZy0ISjgia_CE1rYNMo-npzsWw9Q9g/s1600/IMGP0695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZxjVz9BMH_5BJs1Lm9vZVacoFu3euhyj7hsCU7xlbbMChaJkQodHlG0Ye14QE-qIXfHkvi2r7E6RXd012AIFKSOatA9S7gGfjf82tF-WGjEhRvZy0ISjgia_CE1rYNMo-npzsWw9Q9g/s320/IMGP0695.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of living room and top of island</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Below is the narrative in my local (St. Augustine) <a href="http://staugustine.craigslist.org/rvs/4212474675.html">Craigslist Posting</a>: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: small;">2010 Carriage Cameo fifth wheel model 35SB3, with beautiful cherry cabinets. One owner luxury fifth wheel. Total length is 35'9. Non-smokers. Very well maintained with no issues. Top quality rig ideal for full timers. Bedroom slide-out, kitchen slid-out, as well as a living area slide-out. Bedroom includes full front closet, side bed closet dresser/6 drawers, residential, pillow-top 80" queen mattress, 21" flat panel TV. Bedroom 2nd a/c. Lots of lighting including overhead puck halogen dim-able lights. Full bath with heat and a/c vents, window, fiberglass shower, vanity with medicine cabinet, sink and Corian counter top. Electric fan with vent cover. Lots of lighting, too. Kitchen with Corian counter tops, double sink with Corian covers, 3 burner lp range, Convection oven, vent hood exhausted to outside, Fantatstic Vent Fan. 10 cu.ft. refrigerator freezer. Kitchen work area is very well lit. Two full pantries with pull-out drawers. Double closet (this is in addition to the front bedroom closet) washer/dryer connections. Solid wood dining table with hidden leaf, 4 chairs. Two can be folded-up and can be stored away. Samsung 37" flat screen TV with Samsung DVD/FM/ipod surround system. Living area has 2-cushion sofa and new reclining leather loveseat and cocktail table. Dim-able puck ceiling lights and day/night shades throughout. Three speed reversable ceiling fan in living area. Exterior patio side electric heavy acrylic fabric awning. Generous basement storage PLUS rear trunk area with three access doors offers great storage. 50 amp electric service, Ducted Mach 15k btu a/c-heat pump plus in-floor central lp heat. (2nd a/c in bedroom) Heavy duty, quality Goodyear RST G614 tires, MorRyde suspension with heavy duty shackles. MorRyde king pin, A custom/ removable 2 inch receiver is installed on the king pin for a bike rack. This rig also includes the Quadra Big Foot 4 jack full automatic leveling system which can raise all 4 tires off the ground. Max Air II roof vent covers. Roof is TPO vinyl - not black streaking hard to maintain rubber! Carriage quality is hard to beat and you can see it by the solid feel in the floor walking inside, the solid wood cabinets, and attention to detail. This is an awesome RV. Title in hand, bank certified funds only. Asking $40000, which is well below NADA.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So If you know someone who is interested please pass on this information and have them get back to me via email: <a href="mailto:america.by.rv@gmail.com">America by RV</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span>Darren and Joyce Romerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678230140427316372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684913608092147902.post-48885261961687682372012-11-14T09:42:00.001-07:002012-11-14T09:42:52.629-07:00Some photos of Historic Old Saint Augustine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I thought I would share some pictures of Historic Old Saint Augustine and some excepts from Wikepedia:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><b>St. Augustine</b> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_language" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Spanish language">Spanish</a>: <span lang="es" xml:lang="es"><i><b>San Agustín</b></i></span>) is a city in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Coast" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="First Coast">northeastern region</a> of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._state" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="U.S. state">U.S. state</a> of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Florida">Florida</a>, and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/County_seat" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="County seat">county seat</a> of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Johns_County,_Florida" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="St. Johns County, Florida">St. Johns County</a>.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-GR6_4-0" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Augustine,_Florida#cite_note-GR6-4" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[4]</a></sup> Founded in September 1565 by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Spain">Spanish</a> explorer and admiral <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedro_Men%C3%A9ndez_de_Avil%C3%A9s" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Pedro Menéndez de Avilés">Pedro Menéndez de Avilés</a>, it is the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_North_American_cities_by_year_of_foundation" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="List of North American cities by year of foundation">oldest continuously occupied</a> European-established city and port in the <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_United_States" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Continental United States">continental United States</a>.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-nhl_5-0" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Augustine,_Florida#cite_note-nhl-5" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></sup> St. Augustine lies in a region of Florida known as "The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Coast" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="First Coast">First Coast</a>", which extends from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amelia_Island" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Amelia Island">Amelia Island</a> in the north to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacksonville,_Florida" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Jacksonville, Florida">Jacksonville</a>, St. Augustine, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm_Coast,_Florida" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Palm Coast, Florida">Palm Coast</a>in the south. According to the <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Census_2010" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="United States Census 2010">2010 census</a>, the city population was 12,975.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-GR2_3-2" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Augustine,_Florida#cite_note-GR2-3" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[3]</a></sup> St. Augustine is the headquarters for the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_National_Guard" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Florida National Guard">Florida National Guard</a>.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tourist Carriage Ride</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">The vicinity of St. Augustine was first explored in 1513 by Spanish explorer and governor of<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Rico" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Puerto Rico">Puerto Rico</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Ponce_de_Le%C3%B3n" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Juan Ponce de León">Juan Ponce de León</a>, who claimed the region for the Spanish crown.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-6" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Augustine,_Florida#cite_note-6" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[6]</a></sup> Prior to the founding of St. Augustine in 1565, several earlier attempts at European colonization in what is now <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Florida">Florida</a> were made by both Spain and France, but all failed</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyebeZO_YhQZchiBgcUjDzFUVJT4ehKfK6BWNbS4I-Dv1B4OmI_Gu7gNEgBE7omsPbpZa_9qBnkbYK73rM4vRVyTl4LP28nka6WbVzM1A4jwtz2TtyMeRkAcVvPcaRNiRSFHSriI0BPQ/s1600/IMG_1767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyebeZO_YhQZchiBgcUjDzFUVJT4ehKfK6BWNbS4I-Dv1B4OmI_Gu7gNEgBE7omsPbpZa_9qBnkbYK73rM4vRVyTl4LP28nka6WbVzM1A4jwtz2TtyMeRkAcVvPcaRNiRSFHSriI0BPQ/s400/IMG_1767.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bridge of Lions</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">The <b>Bridge of Lions</b> is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bascule_bridge" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Bascule bridge">bascule bridge</a> that spans the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intracoastal_Waterway" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Intracoastal Waterway">Intracoastal Waterway</a> in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Augustine,_Florida" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="St. Augustine, Florida">St. Augustine, Florida</a>. A part of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_State_Road_A1A" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Florida State Road A1A">State Road A1A</a>, it connects downtown St. Augustine to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anastasia_Island" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Anastasia Island">Anastasia Island</a>.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95XWKq79LMxs3Vvs_SNLrLA1xsvWAs84e5-rSHeFRdV6fD1v2BlOBbCLcMzTK0wqyQ2I-S6bomxJJ7LpU5y1MdHTiRFtRT8uvGufB7UJWBgMFKWL1GbQ-aXp06CSBepmrvMMGLlJMdv4/s1600/IMG_1746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95XWKq79LMxs3Vvs_SNLrLA1xsvWAs84e5-rSHeFRdV6fD1v2BlOBbCLcMzTK0wqyQ2I-S6bomxJJ7LpU5y1MdHTiRFtRT8uvGufB7UJWBgMFKWL1GbQ-aXp06CSBepmrvMMGLlJMdv4/s400/IMG_1746.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boats tied off in Matanzas Bay by the Bridge of Lions</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">A pair of <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medici_lion" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Medici lion">Medici lions</a> made of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marble" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Marble">marble</a> guard the bridge, begun in 1925 and completed in 1927 across <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matanzas_River" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Matanzas River">Matanzas Bay</a>. The lions were removed in February 2005 and returned in March 2011.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRx-rQEvBWHWKPz8C7iHNWmskOEzLlzRMMTiVeMRhSfRar1YvdCdyq9SupRb0j4tvFjTftRAQKZZkNWS7NnCc7ziL42OoophyphenhyphenR10DqZEYRCHPGRH2zm5Dm_yDsFLeefL1is2kb3sOsJUY/s1600/IMG_1770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRx-rQEvBWHWKPz8C7iHNWmskOEzLlzRMMTiVeMRhSfRar1YvdCdyq9SupRb0j4tvFjTftRAQKZZkNWS7NnCc7ziL42OoophyphenhyphenR10DqZEYRCHPGRH2zm5Dm_yDsFLeefL1is2kb3sOsJUY/s400/IMG_1770.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">The man considered the "Father of the Bridge of Lions" was Henry Rodenbaugh, the vice president and bridge expert for Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railway. In the early 1920s he organized the bond issue to finance the new bridge, selected engineer J. E. Greiner to design it—and had his young daughter Jean pour the first bucket of concrete when the work began in 1925. Its construction came at the height of the extravagant Florida Land Boom of the 1920s, and the bridge is one of its greatest landmarks. It was designed not merely to carry cars, but to be a work of art, and it cost ten times as much as more prosaic bridges constructed nearby at the same time. It was completed after the land boom busted, and the 1927 dedication ceremony had to be paired with the annual Ponce de Leon Celebration in cash-strapped St. Augustine</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUlc56Sb_Bn_gmyeYcyM1h9-GbX2rlnsSLqmq6EqjPYxvpkSaE9BSzh-O4IWvcNMiFeBq0Q77ijncFthmBvOov45DcK3D5z4ag_BJiOHRGDWf4CMKyCAs2jEWkogdW81m2zT24NBa34/s1600/IMG_1775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUlc56Sb_Bn_gmyeYcyM1h9-GbX2rlnsSLqmq6EqjPYxvpkSaE9BSzh-O4IWvcNMiFeBq0Q77ijncFthmBvOov45DcK3D5z4ag_BJiOHRGDWf4CMKyCAs2jEWkogdW81m2zT24NBa34/s640/IMG_1775.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traffic waiting for the draw bridge to go down</td></tr>
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The Bridge of Lions is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was included by the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) on its list of the "11 Most Endangered Historic Sites" in the nation for 1997. The Bridge of Lions was later featured on the cover of the Trust's 1999 engagement calendar.</div>
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From its earliest days, it was hailed as "The Most Beautiful Bridge in Dixie."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-RAI2009_3-0" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridge_of_Lions#cite_note-RAI2009-3" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[3]</a></sup> It has long been a symbol of the nation's oldest city.</div>
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It gets its name from two Carrara marble <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medici_lions" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Medici lions">Medici lions</a></i> statues that are copies of those found in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loggia_dei_Lanzi" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Loggia dei Lanzi">Loggia dei Lanzi</a> in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Florence">Florence</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italy" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Italy">Italy</a>. The statues were a gift of Dr. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Anderson_(St._Augustine,_Florida)" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Andrew Anderson (St. Augustine, Florida)">Andrew Anderson</a> (1839–1924), the builder of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Markland_(St._Augustine,_Florida)" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Markland (St. Augustine, Florida)">Markland House</a>, who spent the last decade of his life putting works of art in public places in the Ancient City. The statues were his last gift, and he did not live long enough to see them installed. He had them made by the Romanelli Studios in Florence, Italy, which a decade earlier had provided him with smaller versions which he displayed on the front steps at Markland. Lions are a symbol of the Spanish royal family, harkening back to St. Augustine's past as a Spanish colony</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Renovation work was completed on March 17, 2010 when it reopened for use.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-8" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridge_of_Lions#cite_note-8" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[8]</a></sup> Following the removal of the temporary bridge (to an offshore reef), and landscaping, the restored Lion statures were returned after a 6 year absence, early in the morning of March 15, 2011,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-9" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridge_of_Lions#cite_note-9" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[9]</a></sup> principally completing the bridge renovation project.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGxfdK72oUrVRGqFdkCxb0a2T4azrZRtVO07Bt5hxWsz7FqiZ7_-p8PkeYHcxpBcZMmtJEejbI3Lnf3qrjOmon2zgT-F9ebk2odq9fRM4SM2OxZp-evdUaSj8YepZSb8d7O016vFQ5YU/s1600/IMG_1782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGxfdK72oUrVRGqFdkCxb0a2T4azrZRtVO07Bt5hxWsz7FqiZ7_-p8PkeYHcxpBcZMmtJEejbI3Lnf3qrjOmon2zgT-F9ebk2odq9fRM4SM2OxZp-evdUaSj8YepZSb8d7O016vFQ5YU/s640/IMG_1782.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tallest Building in Saint Augustine, the Cathedral Place Office Building standing next to the Cathedral Basilica.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWEhCBrumYfE4whKp8R1RukGSE_zHJ1loeZL73DVRS8BGeN_pmHpEB_EBX_C8kIlHwQEC1U3pbqlyRsjS9qsOr1tv7Zyy0yYQblnhDwz2WPJlVYI-YhAY8pEZdsk0B7aTswgM2VDn-EQ/s1600/IMG_1783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWEhCBrumYfE4whKp8R1RukGSE_zHJ1loeZL73DVRS8BGeN_pmHpEB_EBX_C8kIlHwQEC1U3pbqlyRsjS9qsOr1tv7Zyy0yYQblnhDwz2WPJlVYI-YhAY8pEZdsk0B7aTswgM2VDn-EQ/s320/IMG_1783.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our trusty Jeep Ruby</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyv49VMlft3E8RcYwGPBYiwRBb1sNMRufRTDoXqhoZtJRN3KMYhmWyx9VZL5DZKLJN9TDn9ASfiBokt5tEkQk7EbnhDt0O40Q6AgLCCXydIQy11v0cSsTE2XMaYSTbS_jHRqW0eFNITDs/s1600/IMG_1784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyv49VMlft3E8RcYwGPBYiwRBb1sNMRufRTDoXqhoZtJRN3KMYhmWyx9VZL5DZKLJN9TDn9ASfiBokt5tEkQk7EbnhDt0O40Q6AgLCCXydIQy11v0cSsTE2XMaYSTbS_jHRqW0eFNITDs/s400/IMG_1784.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A row of restaurants where we had breakfast</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckaWiRmc43c-FXDtsnVKRmb5u8a4Lq3XCFh1jCrwQK5afYjlqB8twJ9bSqP_sR39xiepH8g1lE78w9rTY0MPCzyms06uETBuyjnopD9sEd0kCxffSUvQNqo1rkoJz1Cdn9XxGtArpaMM/s1600/IMG_1787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckaWiRmc43c-FXDtsnVKRmb5u8a4Lq3XCFh1jCrwQK5afYjlqB8twJ9bSqP_sR39xiepH8g1lE78w9rTY0MPCzyms06uETBuyjnopD9sEd0kCxffSUvQNqo1rkoJz1Cdn9XxGtArpaMM/s640/IMG_1787.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">The <b>Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine</b> is a historic <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Cathedral">cathedral</a> in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Augustine,_Florida" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="St. Augustine, Florida">St. Augustine</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Florida">Florida</a> and the seat of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Catholic Church">Catholic</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_St._Augustine" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Augustine">Bishop of St. Augustine</a>. It is located at Cathedral Street between Charlotte and St. George Streets. Constructed over five years (1793–1797),<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-fhm_3-1" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_Basilica_of_St._Augustine#cite_note-fhm-3" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[3]</a></sup><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-fpsa_4-1" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_Basilica_of_St._Augustine#cite_note-fpsa-4" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[4]</a></sup>it was designated a U.S. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Historic_Landmark" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="National Historic Landmark">National Historic Landmark</a> on April 15, 1970.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Njq1q0zru7Ktx6pdgjbfAmRKKLjKquasZ_HJtAxRQc37v8CjJrCRq3qsCxhSzTgFU0DiziSuZSWWbot4WHFSEGphGgFgTIiG4qWEfEUuwX5fzGVV70YMTM5-OjzqUKgceRJZkkn_t4M/s1600/IMG_1795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Njq1q0zru7Ktx6pdgjbfAmRKKLjKquasZ_HJtAxRQc37v8CjJrCRq3qsCxhSzTgFU0DiziSuZSWWbot4WHFSEGphGgFgTIiG4qWEfEUuwX5fzGVV70YMTM5-OjzqUKgceRJZkkn_t4M/s640/IMG_1795.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine Tower</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVxJLCI90qi8vTDvuTGihxFpCxRs2CTJgJ9fruGsNqgijbeHsIi24bSAwFcvGQBlpGBv33IxRDNLabuGvqTpOERDgU6bm0CzjXXxx3A7lzhoGgpyggAcxCD1UImJMSkD5DQyrfjmTR1w/s1600/IMG_1800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVxJLCI90qi8vTDvuTGihxFpCxRs2CTJgJ9fruGsNqgijbeHsIi24bSAwFcvGQBlpGBv33IxRDNLabuGvqTpOERDgU6bm0CzjXXxx3A7lzhoGgpyggAcxCD1UImJMSkD5DQyrfjmTR1w/s640/IMG_1800.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedral Place Office Building tower</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibg64idI0sOq6XuG7PeZpUaUcx-Q7tfqZpvDb1-JYfmUo551F2SnCBenUYSG2AdkhNeTVVvsafApfF9tl0jGnWJfGASb9H62ZM8VVR_nOOM_8nSX3Fio5aE8x8DyGXe5ZmoNCR9Tu8ias/s1600/IMG_1802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibg64idI0sOq6XuG7PeZpUaUcx-Q7tfqZpvDb1-JYfmUo551F2SnCBenUYSG2AdkhNeTVVvsafApfF9tl0jGnWJfGASb9H62ZM8VVR_nOOM_8nSX3Fio5aE8x8DyGXe5ZmoNCR9Tu8ias/s640/IMG_1802.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Historic Aviles Street</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sixteenth-century Aviles Street, is billed as the nation's oldest public street. The street is listed on the city's town plan of 1573</span>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0thydNxngH3WX328eO8JKtUGEoxbEPfT_FfpHstPiQq0MBFlFR5VCX54mI0kQDrVamSq8q_YGMREoD-VlVZrpHzQieGZMKHF_wiFrztCqHQtsQYqnj2XstDKKO_demnd6OzBBl_rNCog/s1600/IMG_1804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0thydNxngH3WX328eO8JKtUGEoxbEPfT_FfpHstPiQq0MBFlFR5VCX54mI0kQDrVamSq8q_YGMREoD-VlVZrpHzQieGZMKHF_wiFrztCqHQtsQYqnj2XstDKKO_demnd6OzBBl_rNCog/s640/IMG_1804.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The street is full of restaurants and shops and is the host to many festivals, the most notable being the Fiesta de Aviles.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1ULd2J2iXp1S_g3ZNmvBOMOk4N0xzBu9Uyae45NC01PeJgL-Qz6rE2zG2dYfiXyKzsnZc2tIbpsoy6xt-5BFHJrJxU3P5urVLCmSMBFpxBmLAvpsRID0Od5fZaP6aCTUr8hI6lvvAJk/s1600/IMG_1805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1ULd2J2iXp1S_g3ZNmvBOMOk4N0xzBu9Uyae45NC01PeJgL-Qz6rE2zG2dYfiXyKzsnZc2tIbpsoy6xt-5BFHJrJxU3P5urVLCmSMBFpxBmLAvpsRID0Od5fZaP6aCTUr8hI6lvvAJk/s640/IMG_1805.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aviles Street Shops</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9a0m5qQ7SjE1VAZuf4J_Z-0ldvZ2n19JRKlisF6q536i25giE6ialbS8V0BLVscPlelbTrTgMwdbPbh5hd-j6LNg3ngd5KGuw_qUVZ3R73vxrfqkxbKV0kQz-Z1CqxUGmWA4ZYV_K5Oc/s1600/IMG_1814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9a0m5qQ7SjE1VAZuf4J_Z-0ldvZ2n19JRKlisF6q536i25giE6ialbS8V0BLVscPlelbTrTgMwdbPbh5hd-j6LNg3ngd5KGuw_qUVZ3R73vxrfqkxbKV0kQz-Z1CqxUGmWA4ZYV_K5Oc/s640/IMG_1814.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flagler College</td></tr>
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<b>Flagler College</b> is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Private_college" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Private college">private</a> four-year <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberal_arts_college" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Liberal arts college">liberal arts college</a> in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Augustine,_Florida" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="St. Augustine, Florida">St. Augustine, Florida</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="United States">United States</a>. It celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2008.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-FORTY_2-0" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flagler_College#cite_note-FORTY-2" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[2]</a></sup></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Princeton_Review" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: underline;" title="The Princeton Review">The Princeton Review</a> ranks Flagler in the top tier of southeastern colleges,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-7" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flagler_College#cite_note-7" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[7]</a></sup> and its campus as one of the most beautiful in the<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="United States">United States</a>.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-8" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flagler_College#cite_note-8" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[8]</a></sup> It is currently included in The Princeton Review's <i>Best 366 Colleges</i> Rankings.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-9" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flagler_College#cite_note-9" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[9]</a></sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">The college has been named in recent years by <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/US_News_%26_World_Report" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="US News & World Report">US News & World Report</a> as one of the southeast region's best comprehensive <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberal_arts" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Liberal arts">liberal arts</a> colleges,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-3" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flagler_College#cite_note-3" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[3]</a></sup> and is included on its list of "America's Best Colleges".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-4" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flagler_College#cite_note-4" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0645ad;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; white-space: nowrap;">4</span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">]</span></a> </sup></span></div>
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">The school is located on 19 acres (77,000 m<sup style="line-height: 1em;">2</sup>), the centerpiece of which is the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponce_de_Le%C3%B3n_Hotel" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Ponce de León Hotel">Ponce de Leon Hall</a>, built in 1888 as a luxury hotel. The architects were <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrere_and_Hastings" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Carrere and Hastings">John Carrere and Thomas Hastings</a>, working for <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Morrison_Flagler" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Henry Morrison Flagler">Henry Morrison Flagler</a>, the industrialist, oil magnate and railroad pioneer. It is now listed on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Register_of_Historic_Places" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="National Register of Historic Places">National Register of Historic Places</a>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I hoped you enjoyed this brief yet incomplete history of Saint Augustine. I wanted to just focus on some of the pictures that I had captured during a late morning stroll after breakfast on Joyce's Birthday. Saint Augustine, is rich in beauty and history that spans centuries. There is so much to see and do in this magnificent city on the First Coast. It is well worth a visit.</span></div>
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<br />Darren and Joyce Romerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678230140427316372noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684913608092147902.post-78948412697249785122012-10-23T08:44:00.000-07:002012-10-23T08:44:27.612-07:00Jacksonville Sea and Sky Spectacular<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">October 20, 2012 Stage Coach RV Park, St. Augustine</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We are starting to see some real progress on our house. More to come on the house in a later blog. We've been in this campground 5 months excluding the month we spent on the West coast. I gotta admit that 5 months in the same location sure makes the rig feel small! This is the longest we've spent sitting in one spot. Our longest volunteer gig was 4 months. We can't wait for the house to be finished. The snow birds are starting to trickle into the campground and the temps have really cooled. We've had the air conditioner off for several days now and it's been much more enjoyable outside.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Saturday, October 20th, we attended <a href="http://www.makeascenedowntown.com/Events/Jacksonville-Sea---Sky-Spectacular.aspx">The Jacksonville Sea and Sky Spectacular</a> with our daughter, Ashley. </span>The <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 20px;">FREE event featured a dynamic over-the-ocean sky show highlighted by the world-famous</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/" style="color: #262262; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><strong>United States Navy Blue Angels</strong></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 20px;">along with other military and civilian flight teams, live entertainment, a street festival featuring static displays of aircraft and military vehicles, simulators, recruitment booths, a kids area and a Meet The Performers Autograph session</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 20px;">.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We have been to air shows in the past but couldn't pass this one up as they are always a good time. This one was unusual for us as it was held on Jacksonville Beach and the spectators were encouraged to watch the show from the beach. Other shows we had seen were either held off a runway or on a military base.<br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQ8_mAYz4mNx7zE3i7b7ItiyfnUtExNj8SOPw6i9k2OKUjTHji9m_-mx6S522m9V6ilNLJF6b92A3im1jfYy9VxjMYZoRkocs5GEoQcJ0wDk-g4wzHSoi-cpJ8f-_zSCoxbH8nrUOG0I/s1600/IMG_1603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQ8_mAYz4mNx7zE3i7b7ItiyfnUtExNj8SOPw6i9k2OKUjTHji9m_-mx6S522m9V6ilNLJF6b92A3im1jfYy9VxjMYZoRkocs5GEoQcJ0wDk-g4wzHSoi-cpJ8f-_zSCoxbH8nrUOG0I/s400/IMG_1603.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Fat Albert" passing over the Jacksonville Beach Pier</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It seems we got there late so we missed the earlier shows leading up to the headliner, The Blue Angels.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DukOg3LFajWUuii0wpQQ9cRfzZYW1IDrhddJNaw-yFNtlA8NZ-omabUo1MkAy4tBOoouEUberXYQ5dsexl3FBsH0mKUX4Qa3o52oCkqEQNJH3WGRjME_aA1fHRC55Phr8tTHR8unIZY/s1600/IMG_1593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DukOg3LFajWUuii0wpQQ9cRfzZYW1IDrhddJNaw-yFNtlA8NZ-omabUo1MkAy4tBOoouEUberXYQ5dsexl3FBsH0mKUX4Qa3o52oCkqEQNJH3WGRjME_aA1fHRC55Phr8tTHR8unIZY/s400/IMG_1593.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The show started with "Fat Albert" a C-130 transport for the Blue Angels warming up the crowd with some slow and low manuevers.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkIaLF-o644iWVNqni0F6Z6ds2j27RCLcq5mzfH1bWiQECl9e_Btz84Xm9TS5EGh6FPn5KEiW00lQ6joQjIzZ6bDLKarZcOGUzVW62IvKr_cQ-OkQuWUvjokCJTMlRAdarxX8zHhK81M/s1600/IMG_1601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkIaLF-o644iWVNqni0F6Z6ds2j27RCLcq5mzfH1bWiQECl9e_Btz84Xm9TS5EGh6FPn5KEiW00lQ6joQjIzZ6bDLKarZcOGUzVW62IvKr_cQ-OkQuWUvjokCJTMlRAdarxX8zHhK81M/s400/IMG_1601.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As soon as "Fat Albert" lumbered off the Blue Angels F-18s made a dramatic entrance from Mayport Naval Station across the bay!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The sky erupted with the sounds of aircraft and jet engines. Each time the jets disappeared the crowd began searching the sky for the elusive number 5 and 6 jets which often performed their own stunts.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This is how our daughter, Ashley enjoyed the show. Flat on her back on the beach watching the planes pass overhead!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The show was amazing and we really enjoyed watching it. It made us proud of our soldiers and military aviators and the freedoms we enjoy because of their sacrifice.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Afterwards we wondered about the concessions and the tourist district of Jacksonville Beach.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We had taken a shuttle bus from St. Johns and had paid $20 for parking so we didn't have to fight the traffic and crowds getting to and from. It was a fun time and we will likely be back for this annual event.</span></div>
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Darren and Joyce Romerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678230140427316372noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684913608092147902.post-10068308575386429212012-08-12T10:37:00.000-07:002012-08-12T10:50:49.783-07:00A New Home in Saint Augustine<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Okay, so some of our readers have been wondering why we are spending so much time in Saint Augustine, Fl in the middle of the summer months. First, we’ve been helping our daughter and Son-In-Law (SIL) make custom touches to their home. Shortly after they bought the new construction home, our SIL went on a 6 month Navy deployment to Asia. So we’ve been there to support our daughter and help her get the house decorated before his return. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Secondly, we like it here. We’ve been Floridians for 35+ years and Florida just feels like home. We’ve lived in West Central Florida for most of that time but spent a couple years in the military stationed in the panhandle and a few months volunteering in North Florida when we started this adventure at Big Shoals State Park near Lake City. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We like North Florida so much, we decided to build a house about 10 miles from our daughter’s and perhaps 20 plus miles North and West of the historic district of Saint Augustine. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Our "Preserve" Lot</span></td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We don’t intend to stop traveling. We plan to just change from a full time adventure to part time. October will be three years on the road for us. Now a lot of factors went into our decision to slow down:</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkbCu48Ah97ldwNabWTl1GrPs66xMsnWt0AmwavL7YkP1mWD5e-Q-Tc59gq7mtE9n11SRVT7CSgWraZDvh3i1fENGIvhjzSyQy07E37FIA7XRXA2dTwC_EbLGFxYnIIIcsSfUa-rCibo/s1600/IMG_0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkbCu48Ah97ldwNabWTl1GrPs66xMsnWt0AmwavL7YkP1mWD5e-Q-Tc59gq7mtE9n11SRVT7CSgWraZDvh3i1fENGIvhjzSyQy07E37FIA7XRXA2dTwC_EbLGFxYnIIIcsSfUa-rCibo/s200/IMG_0038.JPG" width="200" /></a>
<li style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 6.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Surprisingly, I was ready for a house and Joyce was more reluctant. We’ve been checking out the housing market in several areas of the country that we’ve visited to kinda get a feel for what was out there. More out of curiosity than with a real purpose. </span></span></li>
<li style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 6.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Interest rates. It’s a buyer’s market and it sure is hard to overlook the historically low interest rates. Especially since we both knew we wouldn’t be full time RV’ers for more than a few years. My concern has been that the interest rates could suddenly start to rise. We have saved enough money over the years and with the sale of our previous home to purchase a small home when we decided to come off the road. However with interest rates what they are, we have the opportunity to purchase a larger home without having to dip so far into our savings. We also have to furnish our home as we will be starting from scratch!</span></span></li>
<li style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 6.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Fuel Prices. The uncertainty with fuel prices is certainly a factor. Actually there is no uncertainty...fuel prices keep rising. Keeping diesel in the truck and gas in the Jeep while traveling across the country is very expensive. I’m sure there are more economical options but not for us at this stage. When we first started out fuel prices were just over $2 a gallon. I originally budgeted for $3. Obviously we’ve surpassed that and still climbing. I hated to see so much of our budget going to such an expendable commodity. The price we pay for open road traveling! </span></span></li>
<li style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 6.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Living in a RV. It hasn’t been that bad for us. We’ve been very comfortable in our Carriage F35SB3. It would be a lot more comfortable if we didn’t have two Boxers underfoot all the time! We love Maggie and Rico and they've been excellent travelers but they do limit what we are able to do. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"></span>We have plenty of storage space, in fact we just have to be careful not to overload the rig. The rig weighed 15,500 lbs fully loaded this time last year. The kitchen is small but Joyce has done a wonderful job with it. It is truly a “one butt” kitchen. I’m sure it’s hard to get motivated into cooking up culinary master pieces in such a small space! And of course without proper use of ventilation, the whole rig may smell for some time like your last meal!</span></span></li>
<li style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 6.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Entertaining. For us one of the biggest downsides to the RV is the inability to properly entertain guests. Most entertaining has to be done outside which is dependent of course on the weather conditions and coexisting with insects and nature. We can comfortably seat four inside the rig but pretty much all you can do is stay seated. We did have one guest sleep over and that went well. But, it is generally not feasible for two. We miss entertaining our friends and that is something better suited for a house. We hope we will have many friends and family come stay with us in our new home which will have two guest rooms.</span></span></li>
<li style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 6.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Stress. As much as we like to think of the full time RV lifestyle as being stress free and care free. It really isn’t, at least not for me. It’s stress full knowing that you are pulling your home and everything you own down the highway at 60 mph (not wanting to keep pace with the traffic traveling at 80 mph). Mechanical issues and potential catastrophic repairs coupled with finding reliable service and the inconvenience of being homeless due to repairs can be costly not to mention difficult with two large dogs. We've been fortunate so far. I will feel much better regarding these potential issues when we’ve established a permanent home (house) again. And of course, any mobile lifestyle will accumulate related maintenance and repair expenses for the vehicles. In fact we just put a new set of tires on our two year old Jeep. We promised ourselves that we would not use our savings for this lifestyle and we haven’t. However, potential repairs and replacement costs down the road could have eventually forced our hand. </span></span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We’ve made a lot of good friends and met a lot of people on the road. We hope many of them will take the opportunity to visit us in our new home. It’s not expected to be finished until November. It will be about a 5-6 month process before construction will have concluded. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Our most enjoyable adventure, was last summer traveling and later volunteering through the winter with Paul and Paula. There was less stress knowing that we were traveling with good and reliable friends. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">RV’ing and in fact full time RV’ing has given us the opportunity to do so many things that we would never have done such as:</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Volunteering at <a href="http://america-by-rv.blogspot.com/search/label/Big%20Shoals">Big Shoals State Park</a> on the Suwanee River, Volunteering at the <a href="http://america-by-rv.blogspot.com/search/label/Bill%20Williams%20River%20NWR">Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuge</a> on Lake Havasu and the <a href="http://america-by-rv.blogspot.com/search/label/Lake%20Mead%20N.R.A.">Lake Mead National Recreation Area</a> outside Las Vegas.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Visiting and enjoying many National and State Parks out West. <a href="http://america-by-rv.blogspot.com/search/label/Colorado%20River">Kayaking on the Colorado River</a>, hiking in <a href="http://america-by-rv.blogspot.com/search/label/Glacier%20National%20Park">Glacier National Park</a>,<a href="http://america-by-rv.blogspot.com/search/label/Yellowstone%20NP">Yellowstone</a> and <a href="http://america-by-rv.blogspot.com/search/label/Grand%20Teton%20N.P.">The Grand Tetons National Park</a>, <a href="http://america-by-rv.blogspot.com/2011/08/kayaking-henry-forks-river-and-moose-or.html">kayaking near Moose in Idaho</a>, climbing, hiking and driving over many beautiful Rocky Mountain passes. Off-road driving in the deserts and in the <a href="http://america-by-rv.blogspot.com/search/label/Buena%20Vista">Rocky Mountains</a>. Seeing all sorts of western wildlife. <a href="http://america-by-rv.blogspot.com/search/label/Cottonwood%20Creek%20RV%20Park">Spending Spring time in the beautiful Texas Hill Country</a>. Exploring the <a href="http://america-by-rv.blogspot.com/search/label/Usery%20Mtn%20Park">Sonoran</a> and Mohave Deserts. But perhaps most of all re-connecting with friends and family that we haven’t seen or weren’t able to visit prior to embarking on our full time RV adventure. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiftUZeQO_Q7qq3YLghpyAw2CQPrMM7P41jD52VsSP2qOCnsbOAdXJi1DzOUlzgVEbaEDsDRnDrLWSaa4G-kzzlWwUaFWOJpo0qLsY0ib2l9fFYvHRHqxVjJv_3cbvP5HM4sjpDHJZPuA/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiftUZeQO_Q7qq3YLghpyAw2CQPrMM7P41jD52VsSP2qOCnsbOAdXJi1DzOUlzgVEbaEDsDRnDrLWSaa4G-kzzlWwUaFWOJpo0qLsY0ib2l9fFYvHRHqxVjJv_3cbvP5HM4sjpDHJZPuA/s400/IMG_0001.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Ours should be similar to this sales model</span></td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We still have a few months till the house is completed so stay tuned. Oh, and you can be sure that I insisted the garage was large enough to park our long bed Dodge 3500 DRW. When the house is complete we plan to store the RV. Until then we will continue to be Full Time Rv’ers but just not moving down the road for a spell!</span></span></div>Darren and Joyce Romerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678230140427316372noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684913608092147902.post-88604870335675419732012-07-31T06:49:00.001-07:002012-07-31T06:54:39.876-07:00Air Conditioning and Good Friends<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.stagecoachrv.net/">Stage Coach RV Park</a>, St. Augustine, Fl.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2ZJxxSIoSs5hPETzSF14s-YUqIGYCcrv5VCG026s8PN8ZzRntLcMpvHOytQDLGDmYi5dI-6zYd7mgTwEnbhvqvuHGq0RFqLVB1ty__DdekblyDfeaDYZYEyeo3ZDMWeKxBQyebAr5ek/s1600/IMG_0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2ZJxxSIoSs5hPETzSF14s-YUqIGYCcrv5VCG026s8PN8ZzRntLcMpvHOytQDLGDmYi5dI-6zYd7mgTwEnbhvqvuHGq0RFqLVB1ty__DdekblyDfeaDYZYEyeo3ZDMWeKxBQyebAr5ek/s320/IMG_0039.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandhill Crane</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Okay, so we've been here in Florida now for the better part of 3 months. We can only live in Florida under one condition and that's...air condition(ing). You may recall that in February this year we had our main air conditioner replaced in anticipation of our return to Florida. We replaced the ailing Carrier (for which we could no longer get parts) with a Coleman Mach 3.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Since perhaps June we've run the a/c continuously. However about 4-5 times a month it would trip the 20 amp breaker for the a/c. It wasn't a problem since we were always home when it happened and it was usually in the morning or evening when the unit was repeatedly cycling on and off.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My remedy had been to run the fan on low and set the thermostat to 75 to keep the system running longer and thus not cycling off as much.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">That last few days have been exceptionally humid, I'm talking 90+ degrees and 90 percent plus humidity. Lows have been in the mid 70's with high humidity. Under these conditions, the a/c was tripping the breaker 3-4 times a day over the last few days. Not good! Again it was tripping after the system shut off and cycled back on in the evening and early morning.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I had exhausted my diagnostic ability with regard to this issue and had changed the filter, changed the circuit breaker, checked connections and made sure the condenser on the roof was clean, etc. It was time to call a professional. So we called in Tom's Mobile RV repair. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tom checked the amperage draw of the air conditioner and checked all the capacitors and everything checked out fine. So he called the Service Tech hotline to Coleman and explained the situation to include how we operate the system (Low Fan in auto setting, set at 75 in 90 plus degrees with 90 percent plus humidity).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The response was basically "operator error" on our part. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">According to Coleman under our current weather conditions and operating mode, the coil is icing up at which time it shuts off the compressor. However, the thermostat tells it to come back on and thus it trips the breaker. In order to operate properly under our humid conditions, we need to run the fan on hi and preferably in the on (not auto) position to keep more air moving through the coils and prevent the coils from icing up. Also we should set the thermostat to a setting that would allow it to cycle on and off on occasion. So, we paid $165 to the mobile tech for that lesson!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's good to be back in Florida under the right condition...air condition.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Some good friends of ours, Joe and Leah from the West coast of Florida drove over to spend a weekend with us. So we spent some time in Historic St. Augustine.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO48snp6b19BvwoII9dkTCwnLbgbr4odje2bdl-Iw9NPsKQPxKPd-4D9t-jIcya9V3S4V0LLaZHZqVV51c0NjFZ5s9TLPIznr_vNg8j0OzsfGtMxj5t1fyGbqcEPBQlXiskbikm_OYqtg/s1600/IMG_0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO48snp6b19BvwoII9dkTCwnLbgbr4odje2bdl-Iw9NPsKQPxKPd-4D9t-jIcya9V3S4V0LLaZHZqVV51c0NjFZ5s9TLPIznr_vNg8j0OzsfGtMxj5t1fyGbqcEPBQlXiskbikm_OYqtg/s400/IMG_0092.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horse drawn carriage for tourists.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">There are many historic sites and museums as well as shopping opportunities in St. Augustine.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Laxkxp_IgEc76B8IVNHR0Ii77d3LmrmJisBm2DZcHNDtHkkaxziNMAWDbUvftjqsvaJXQYyt2ScjWbA-7FkXyjfjpMpbxzm9RrBHM-qipJNS-MDMFJ02U0M9_crCJ6jWlmHpaMDabEU/s1600/IMG_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Laxkxp_IgEc76B8IVNHR0Ii77d3LmrmJisBm2DZcHNDtHkkaxziNMAWDbUvftjqsvaJXQYyt2ScjWbA-7FkXyjfjpMpbxzm9RrBHM-qipJNS-MDMFJ02U0M9_crCJ6jWlmHpaMDabEU/s640/IMG_0085.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Historic Church in St. Augustine</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We enjoyed the free tour and wine tasting at the <a href="http://www.sansebastianwinery.com/">San Sebastian Winery </a>in town. Joe and I didn't drink, but the girls had a good time! Of course, it's hard to leave without making a purchase!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrhdcfn8Cl8aEGIHhNs939xWBAn5_gaR78sBe5cdur7oKj8rXiqCNH7FosfhwIUPFdg6Ve2vWjIcYkStw5Lcf4b9g8qpFtYCbo0j9-QP-nRDHPLxw_AteZfAwGBWWfeXvefmOKe64oSg/s1600/IMG_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrhdcfn8Cl8aEGIHhNs939xWBAn5_gaR78sBe5cdur7oKj8rXiqCNH7FosfhwIUPFdg6Ve2vWjIcYkStw5Lcf4b9g8qpFtYCbo0j9-QP-nRDHPLxw_AteZfAwGBWWfeXvefmOKe64oSg/s400/IMG_0076.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joyce with Joe and Leah at San Sebastian Winery</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86OPPivabyR_C7zscyqSSZlNbH9e7uOoRNB0nqk5TT3HTbYz7rmRh4StYh7cVQSoDxfD8O415njwU4QhA5dEDHRkBzvhFW4PyXlauUBefNB1_cdvs1-vy9IGtflefmXNutAJVc4US2e0/s1600/IMG_0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86OPPivabyR_C7zscyqSSZlNbH9e7uOoRNB0nqk5TT3HTbYz7rmRh4StYh7cVQSoDxfD8O415njwU4QhA5dEDHRkBzvhFW4PyXlauUBefNB1_cdvs1-vy9IGtflefmXNutAJVc4US2e0/s400/IMG_0077.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We were glad that Joe and Leah could take the time to visit and we hope they return soon. We had a great time!</span></div>Darren and Joyce Romerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678230140427316372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684913608092147902.post-20317049223733247142012-07-09T07:57:00.000-07:002012-07-09T07:57:04.783-07:00Brief Return to Where we Started and Tropical Storm Debbie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">June 4 thru June 26, 2012 Palm Harbor, Florida.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So, after spending a month in St. Augustine, Fl at Stage Coach RV Park, we made a trip back to Pinellas County and Palm Harbor where we had lived and worked for the past 30 years. It was not a trip I wanted to make as I had no desire to return, at least not with the fifth wheel in tow. But, we had to go back to assist a relative with a medical issue. This was something that we had known about for the past 6 months and it was time to get it done.</span></div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Blue+Moon+Inn,+2920+Alt+19,+Dunedin,+FL&aq=0&oq=Blue+M&sll=28.055328,-82.775048&sspn=0.325399,0.617294&ie=UTF8&hq=Blue+Moon+Inn,+2920+Alt+19,+Dunedin,+FL&hnear=&radius=15000&t=m&ll=27.947099,-82.669373&spn=0.424598,0.583649&z=10&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br /><small><a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=Blue+Moon+Inn,+2920+Alt+19,+Dunedin,+FL&aq=0&oq=Blue+M&sll=28.055328,-82.775048&sspn=0.325399,0.617294&ie=UTF8&hq=Blue+Moon+Inn,+2920+Alt+19,+Dunedin,+FL&hnear=&radius=15000&t=m&ll=27.947099,-82.669373&spn=0.424598,0.583649&z=10" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Although our first choice in campgrounds was Dunedin RV Resort, we decided on <a href="http://www.meetrobinhood.com/index.htm">Sherwood Forest RV Park</a> as the advertised rates were much lower. So after traveling the 200 miles, we got set up on the pond with some modest shade. The weather was cloudy and threatening to rain.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKmgsHrO4r0W96kf8ui5hTtqvOWijlhvh4Uq9FS0pM9wr63uY3R6GiXpmGiw0HVrKz2eDoVZvJH1mrzGJOO3s_RBvGo8ZY_3sk3cObcPGG40OTUIv0jgtAjYHyXsXHMFO2Z7au2c1-ds/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKmgsHrO4r0W96kf8ui5hTtqvOWijlhvh4Uq9FS0pM9wr63uY3R6GiXpmGiw0HVrKz2eDoVZvJH1mrzGJOO3s_RBvGo8ZY_3sk3cObcPGG40OTUIv0jgtAjYHyXsXHMFO2Z7au2c1-ds/s320/IMG_0002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We paid $475 for a month not including electric. Well, we discovered that not only did Sherwood Forest have lower advertised rates but they had lower voltage. After plugging in and cranking up the air-conditioner, it was apparent that the voltage was low! We contacted the office and they sent out the resident electrician who readily advised that, "yea there's a low voltage problem in the park". </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Time to pull the plug!</b></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The electrician checked the voltage at our power pole and read 108 and 112 on the two legs connected to the 50 amp outlet but declared it acceptable and advising that no one else has had a reported problem. Again at the time he checked it was relatively cool and cloudy. Not everyone was running their air-conditioners.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Fortunately the next two days were wet and cloudy and I only ran one air-conditioner. However after some research and constant concern, I decided that we were going to have to move as my attention was constantly on that voltmeter and I was concerned over the possible damage to appliances including the main air-conditioner from the low voltage. Our Progressive Industries Surge Protector was at the verge of shutting off power to the rig as it is designed to do that when the voltage drops to 102 volts.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I drove over to <a href="http://dunedinrvpark.com/">Dunedin RV Resort</a> to check availability and was prepared to pay the advertised $699 plus electric for a standard back in site. While getting a tour of the campground, I was told they had a special of $299 for the month and was shown the sites available for that rate in the back portion of the park. I didn't care for those sites as they were backed in back to back with just a slab and crushed shell. I was surprised when they then offered us a premium back-in fully concrete site for the same price. I jumped on it and picked a shady site 24. It appeared that the park wasn't busy and most of the traveling RV'ers chose the premium pull-thru sites so I had my pick of almost any of the back-ins. Because it's a "resort" it had a nice club house and a beautiful pool which would be nice when my nephews came to visit.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After getting settled at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://dunedinrvpark.com/">Dunedin RV Resort</a> and realizing they had strong voltage we were better prepared to take care of the family business and also enjoy our former stomping grounds to include Clearwater Beach. Sherwood Forest provided us with a refund and charged us $70 for the two nights we stayed.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clearwater Memorial Causeway</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVsbF-FfdxfhawAfP81JfT-gwAAl3IQ5epbemNrGWY0tGSBMlG36hLO3Vu7GmWReuBFQL90W3vs6K0jd12UJ1TlIWJ8K11mWwtBtFOLxxbV6-k3uTAuTHaYQ0M3wiDGpw28mRj-Fu3mQ/s1600/IMG_0011_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVsbF-FfdxfhawAfP81JfT-gwAAl3IQ5epbemNrGWY0tGSBMlG36hLO3Vu7GmWReuBFQL90W3vs6K0jd12UJ1TlIWJ8K11mWwtBtFOLxxbV6-k3uTAuTHaYQ0M3wiDGpw28mRj-Fu3mQ/s400/IMG_0011_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending the Sand Key Bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1J3AdxAi-oKODQ0elwxLer48qLKtqj9sQPdXtDrrr2KYfFr0yKpdJ586laYXsrjvrjnrYi5DVpmBD28ucdKggx9981PXV5SSUsmxgp1puZnep25Uh7kQgTf7kG6gIdKeCLFjAuIuKEI8/s1600/IMG_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1J3AdxAi-oKODQ0elwxLer48qLKtqj9sQPdXtDrrr2KYfFr0yKpdJ586laYXsrjvrjnrYi5DVpmBD28ucdKggx9981PXV5SSUsmxgp1puZnep25Uh7kQgTf7kG6gIdKeCLFjAuIuKEI8/s640/IMG_0014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sand Key Bridge</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJ99rAWZXQXJ_YS9H51HTKYhyv_VnciHBPKqCFXB2J17Wez6pHVd-WDEQoRPL_CO6Qye_AzXWAOS4gVDRXlg7ZizW6vPQfm1ig5sIu7turNeNJBwA78ro_c9FrBfGZz_Kz6Xye9Zspy0/s1600/IMG_0013_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJ99rAWZXQXJ_YS9H51HTKYhyv_VnciHBPKqCFXB2J17Wez6pHVd-WDEQoRPL_CO6Qye_AzXWAOS4gVDRXlg7ZizW6vPQfm1ig5sIu7turNeNJBwA78ro_c9FrBfGZz_Kz6Xye9Zspy0/s400/IMG_0013_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfR3hMwFs_UDkc7xvzV0jiFQCp879s3H6RBf9uXiZOcp1zT2wkd701Gzb1I_5Virn6MUBw3srtzk-Rqk6osNjtibl3R0HEX6N0t1sho7Vw_gjGyOFfx4_JDAE4HZtG1rl7yQwIDMSEt4/s1600/IMG_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfR3hMwFs_UDkc7xvzV0jiFQCp879s3H6RBf9uXiZOcp1zT2wkd701Gzb1I_5Virn6MUBw3srtzk-Rqk6osNjtibl3R0HEX6N0t1sho7Vw_gjGyOFfx4_JDAE4HZtG1rl7yQwIDMSEt4/s400/IMG_0014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMcp9MfhwUqSs0o5J0vMUHRF62lChtxuTgQ-MJNSyPTQc6zCnPj0vuSUFimGlypd89eibjpjDy1ABZy9a-nlXJmQ75W3n-_uuQVWIIrRc44c_q5vgoBEJIKnwzRR-vgof23DIqT7UCqk/s1600/IMG_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMcp9MfhwUqSs0o5J0vMUHRF62lChtxuTgQ-MJNSyPTQc6zCnPj0vuSUFimGlypd89eibjpjDy1ABZy9a-nlXJmQ75W3n-_uuQVWIIrRc44c_q5vgoBEJIKnwzRR-vgof23DIqT7UCqk/s640/IMG_0016.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clearwater Beach</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We enjoyed catching up with some friends and going out to dinner at almost all of our favorite restaurants. One of our friends invited us over for dinner several times and I enjoyed it each time as they are both fabulous cooks.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">While we were in Pinellas County we got an un-welcomed visit by Tropical Storm Debbie that lingered for several days off the coast.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn27iOM1tizJn9i5am8MWKDqz2j0wRY-FT3bizFf2pxra_0wa7LAU3zTTjD9A9X0ImqB1q_H7_Qp5kmHNPFdlPVkTen3FQ1Ctsp3LmgjQnoTwynVrEgEfulWhznoRpxzWe5ld2aSTGsSs/s1600/2012-06-24_16-18-26_918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn27iOM1tizJn9i5am8MWKDqz2j0wRY-FT3bizFf2pxra_0wa7LAU3zTTjD9A9X0ImqB1q_H7_Qp5kmHNPFdlPVkTen3FQ1Ctsp3LmgjQnoTwynVrEgEfulWhznoRpxzWe5ld2aSTGsSs/s400/2012-06-24_16-18-26_918.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Slowly drifting North, Tropical Storm Debbie dumped over 10 inches of rain on us over the course of a few days. As the rain continued to fall, I moved our vehicles to higher ground near the club house.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHpS20mse8hkcdBR7t95Ms1Vwl5VzfN5iENDcV_6HCwhsoElaxRK3QsqBoP8UxFGEpm34gY-TGbvjwqRfmSoDVyQl_iEOp0nsvqT0gQgakUQERyKvg1m5O1_hocHBb6ZSaxtlkgTA0iI/s1600/2012-06-25_10-39-21_796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHpS20mse8hkcdBR7t95Ms1Vwl5VzfN5iENDcV_6HCwhsoElaxRK3QsqBoP8UxFGEpm34gY-TGbvjwqRfmSoDVyQl_iEOp0nsvqT0gQgakUQERyKvg1m5O1_hocHBb6ZSaxtlkgTA0iI/s640/2012-06-25_10-39-21_796.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The heavy constant rains resulted in flooding throughout the County and including our park. These shots were taken out our front door. We were on an elevated concrete slab and only had about 4 inches outside our door. However off the slab and into the street it was a solid 14 inches. You can only imagine how much fun it was to walk two full size Boxers to higher ground and get them in and out of the rig! Of course they enjoyed splashing and getting as wet as possible! After a couple of days of flooding many of the few remaining guests had departed opening up a few sites that were like islands surrounded by the water. I moved our rig to one of those sites until the water finally receded after several days.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34Ag7HVRDofgAh9GHJwZNkem4Am1nsxvDSAeM5tPDaj3diB5inElRRjuNxdGMDlKCuH3Tfq0Wu1WsRnxwiSkZ2SKIYs9gyq_yUQZvPzaJFxnt6-Z_JA0bZlSWsfxTFpNpFe6duyZ02KQ/s1600/2012-06-25_10-39-32_347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34Ag7HVRDofgAh9GHJwZNkem4Am1nsxvDSAeM5tPDaj3diB5inElRRjuNxdGMDlKCuH3Tfq0Wu1WsRnxwiSkZ2SKIYs9gyq_yUQZvPzaJFxnt6-Z_JA0bZlSWsfxTFpNpFe6duyZ02KQ/s640/2012-06-25_10-39-32_347.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But it wasn't over yet! We still had to get back to the Jacksonville/ St. Augustine area and T.S. Debbie also decided to head that way depositing 15 inches of rain in Jacksonville. We stayed a day longer than we had planned as we waited out the storm before traveling back. The campground staff was very helpful and in fact most live in the campground and experienced the same issues. Upon checking out we were not charged for our electric use. We will be back at this campground if and when we return to the area.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Currently we are back in site 7 at Stage Coach RV Park. Prepared to continue working on improvements </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">at our daughter and Son-in-Law's new home (i.e.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> painting, shelves, dimmers, yard work, etc.) while he is deployed.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXPDWjU9tetJAkWXbT4t2lZqke-QLBN9ew9J63cDml5WVb11sMcS14BNxIoQyqncMuBaTnQ7SLgnwRBxO4DvJ3cNHiP4qpccFJ_JWzvCYty8rvSi4IHf-DzSgpBwxHus091MeZ3HFIcs/s1600/IMG_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXPDWjU9tetJAkWXbT4t2lZqke-QLBN9ew9J63cDml5WVb11sMcS14BNxIoQyqncMuBaTnQ7SLgnwRBxO4DvJ3cNHiP4qpccFJ_JWzvCYty8rvSi4IHf-DzSgpBwxHus091MeZ3HFIcs/s400/IMG_0009.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Site 7, Stage Coach RV Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Darren and Joyce Romerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678230140427316372noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684913608092147902.post-38774179352491827402012-05-31T18:40:00.001-07:002012-05-31T18:52:13.926-07:00Stage Coach RV Park, Dodging a couple bullets.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">May 5-31, 2012 Stage Coach RV Park, St. Augustine, Florida</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We enjoyed our stay at Flamingo Lake RV Resort but we were ready for a more relaxing atmosphere free of the kids and constant turnover of a weekend resort. We packed up and moved on to our long term RV site at Stage Coarch RV Park off I-95 near St. Augustine and about 10 miles from our kids house.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Flamingo+Lake+RV+Resort,+3640+Newcomb+Road,+Jacksonville,+FL&daddr=2711+county+road+208,+32092&hl=en&geocode=Ffy70AEdSD0h-yHZUXpyAiCe9A%3BFTyGyAEdGpkl-ynR6EwZhCnkiDHe4i_ieQr13A&aq=0&oq=Fl&sll=29.91878,-81.422054&sspn=0.009615,0.01929&mra=ls&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=30.18787,-81.592712&spn=0.830928,1.167297&z=9&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br /><small><a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=Flamingo+Lake+RV+Resort,+3640+Newcomb+Road,+Jacksonville,+FL&daddr=2711+county+road+208,+32092&hl=en&geocode=Ffy70AEdSD0h-yHZUXpyAiCe9A%3BFTyGyAEdGpkl-ynR6EwZhCnkiDHe4i_ieQr13A&aq=0&oq=Fl&sll=29.91878,-81.422054&sspn=0.009615,0.01929&mra=ls&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=30.18787,-81.592712&spn=0.830928,1.167297&z=9" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4nCYWNGXE7C83cr-UUWAI0QVrg3C-Hk1QbVLZUvJI6HIboHpv-6mocVXYG0PMusuzpIZu1fhNO-dH1rM7zG4mDziV1Q7O3VM8Eytfb2rKRGOkaFZqTp1kuyeyA5CUVQWyhTqQUoQ89A/s1600/IMG_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4nCYWNGXE7C83cr-UUWAI0QVrg3C-Hk1QbVLZUvJI6HIboHpv-6mocVXYG0PMusuzpIZu1fhNO-dH1rM7zG4mDziV1Q7O3VM8Eytfb2rKRGOkaFZqTp1kuyeyA5CUVQWyhTqQUoQ89A/s400/IMG_0008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Site 6</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We have now been here almost a month and have enjoyed the quiet and the shade trees. There are no amenities in this park with the exception of the laundry room attached to the bath house. We are paying around $400 for the month including full hook-ups and WiFi. Electricity is metered and paid separately.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiiB6oB1rIXuxXew9m5fzhyUaskhFzL_RTTS04R8zkfE6vWqDtRwSuSuLHquC-xTIeP5WepgXrKjMNwwChNPS57MIlJ0iMFFZNttWM77UsDoi6lzoR8finVmola7TeVzk0od-9QgRoVI/s400/IMG_0010.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View down our row.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiiB6oB1rIXuxXew9m5fzhyUaskhFzL_RTTS04R8zkfE6vWqDtRwSuSuLHquC-xTIeP5WepgXrKjMNwwChNPS57MIlJ0iMFFZNttWM77UsDoi6lzoR8finVmola7TeVzk0od-9QgRoVI/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We are at the east end of the park which seems to be one of the locations for long term guests. This suits us just fine as we have an empty field out our back window. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgcY9BeKY_PB7a1dodnPC9lyGkSGFj1dIE5eH_XwDtYNWb3wE2HSNYpdnSzZANwijN4JbHeYFSVehzDfIMuup6jwOXEFvluHPfW9p8HlVjj3uVt_ew_zqziTWrrXHRdK9YwUzvgXZGZnw/s1600/IMG_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgcY9BeKY_PB7a1dodnPC9lyGkSGFj1dIE5eH_XwDtYNWb3wE2HSNYpdnSzZANwijN4JbHeYFSVehzDfIMuup6jwOXEFvluHPfW9p8HlVjj3uVt_ew_zqziTWrrXHRdK9YwUzvgXZGZnw/s400/IMG_0011.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view towards the office and park entrance.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You may recall that we replaced our main air conditioner while in Nevada a few months ago. Well, the first week we were here we experienced problems with the air conditioner tripping it's 20 amp breaker. I had noticed that the analogue volt meter I have indicated fluctuating voltage. I changed the circuit breaker and it still tripped once. However, it has been good for a couple of weeks. But, more on that later. We always turn on both air conditioners now when we leave the dogs alone.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUsni2ikWzhSOUaOPHWVMnBLGKefs_w8amBVa-yCYYZjVCzobN2peEYgEmuYr9CDuJZiqGT5gDJVmA8_Yo_oVyz7pjMBi7YWzIdDaWOhietqehTM0KgFCAOoBiwaGnbYMx9-08-FEvuU/s1600/IMG_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUsni2ikWzhSOUaOPHWVMnBLGKefs_w8amBVa-yCYYZjVCzobN2peEYgEmuYr9CDuJZiqGT5gDJVmA8_Yo_oVyz7pjMBi7YWzIdDaWOhietqehTM0KgFCAOoBiwaGnbYMx9-08-FEvuU/s400/IMG_0012.JPG" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rico sitting in Maggie's bed</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately we had to say good-bye to our son-in-law as he was deployed with the Navy to Asia for the next 6 months. We will miss him. Our daughter has been able to connect with him via Skype almost daily, We hope to Skype with him a few times while he's away. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A few days ago Tropical Storm Beryl roared through the Jacksonville area forcing us to rethink staying in the RV with 60 mile an hour winds expected. Ultimately we spent the worst night of the storm at our daughter's house. Thankfully upon returning we were lucky not to have had any damage or water intrusion from the wind driven rains. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The next day, Joyce was vacuuming when she called for me to come inside. She smelled an electrical burning smell and I smelled it too. After some searching and sniffing, we determined the smell was coming from the basement. I pulled the furnace vent and looked down into the subbasement and could see the generator transfer switch box and a wisp of smoke coming from it. My Cameo came with a "generator prep" package which included this transfer switch but not the generator. I immediately shut off power to the rig and made sure the transfer switch box was no longer smoking. Because I don't have much electrical experience, I called a Mobile Technician. He wasn't available till the next morning. So, again we packed to spend another night with our daughter.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We are so thankful that we were home and awake when the box began smoking. The potential for the rig catching fire from the transfer switch box is just horrifying to imagine. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The next day I returned to the rig and emptied the basement and removed the rear basement wall so the RV tech could get to the box. When he arrived he went to work and showed me the burnt wires in the <b>Iota</b> Transfer Switch box. He reported that he had just done the same repair the week before in another fifth wheel. In both cases he was surprised that the rigs hadn't caught fire. The technician re-wired our rig without the Transfer Switch which isn't necessary in our applications since we don't have a hardwired generator. I explained to him the previously mentioned problem with the air conditioner tripping the 20 amp breaker and he indicated it may have been related to the Transfer Switch box problem which could have been causing a voltage drop and increased amperage draw. So $167 later we shouldn't ever have to worry about the Transfer Switch/ Relay box again.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I recently discovered from some of the RV forums that there are some recalls for Iota Transfer Switches due to the potential for fire. </span></div>
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<br /></div>Darren and Joyce Romerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678230140427316372noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684913608092147902.post-45445745906371481682012-05-31T10:59:00.001-07:002012-05-31T10:59:22.735-07:00Flamingo Lake RV Resort<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">April 28-May 5 2012</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After leaving Frog Hollow Court we moved about 50 miles to <a href="http://www.flamingolake.com/">Flamingo Lake RV Resort</a> in North Jacksonville. Although it was further from our daughter's house than we wanted to be (about 40 miles), we decided to spend a week here until our site would become available at Stage Coach RV Park.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We got an early start and traveled north taking the interstate for the uneventful trip. We got checked in with a (former) law enforcement discount which included, amounted to $260 plus for the week. Our site included full 50 amp hook-ups and WiFi. </span><br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Frog+Hollow,+St.+Augustine,+FL&daddr=Flamingo+Lake+RV+Resort,+3640+Newcomb+Road,+Jacksonville,+FL&hl=en&geocode=FbpmyQEdBpcm-yFmWRAkoKZEPyk3oJDQSC_kiDHOn3Cbk35Ndg%3BFfy70AEdSD0h-yHZUXpyAiCe9A&aq=0&oq=Fl&sll=29.91878,-81.422054&sspn=0.009615,0.01929&mra=ls&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=30.218729,-81.532288&spn=0.830668,1.167297&z=9&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br /><small><a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=Frog+Hollow,+St.+Augustine,+FL&daddr=Flamingo+Lake+RV+Resort,+3640+Newcomb+Road,+Jacksonville,+FL&hl=en&geocode=FbpmyQEdBpcm-yFmWRAkoKZEPyk3oJDQSC_kiDHOn3Cbk35Ndg%3BFfy70AEdSD0h-yHZUXpyAiCe9A&aq=0&oq=Fl&sll=29.91878,-81.422054&sspn=0.009615,0.01929&mra=ls&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=30.218729,-81.532288&spn=0.830668,1.167297&z=9" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We enjoyed a nice week long stay at the park once again amongst fellow RVers. Our site was near the bathroom/ laundry room and near the office. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEUIBIN3s5mjLXWRov6NxHo1X9cuVp1vn_ZNBwqq3zmvXTywn7BBl0YBYNggJALdQoCnUJGf-5QKiooTFLTKGjR1P1qjPPQVKpQ1cwnckb5k6YV0NAdVNxaROtwz8RMrogRLURi2U9CU/s1600/IMG_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEUIBIN3s5mjLXWRov6NxHo1X9cuVp1vn_ZNBwqq3zmvXTywn7BBl0YBYNggJALdQoCnUJGf-5QKiooTFLTKGjR1P1qjPPQVKpQ1cwnckb5k6YV0NAdVNxaROtwz8RMrogRLURi2U9CU/s400/IMG_0040.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The park is in fact a resort park with a small lake in the middle of it. The lake has a beach and a floating dock to accommodate swimmers. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsS7wW0oFU0Octt6d7_AfiN52OjCIFcj8nn3_Pj_4YQFxLZe-jFmbFKTvnqmoETZswoEbJHQ-eMcaNdfI_FoUK1Otyu0CfyHvY1QZvuxtY4Ki8eCgDhC7jeNuOQL_kCJa5GrIVKRXrOY/s1600/IMG_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsS7wW0oFU0Octt6d7_AfiN52OjCIFcj8nn3_Pj_4YQFxLZe-jFmbFKTvnqmoETZswoEbJHQ-eMcaNdfI_FoUK1Otyu0CfyHvY1QZvuxtY4Ki8eCgDhC7jeNuOQL_kCJa5GrIVKRXrOY/s400/IMG_0041.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The park allows and provides ATV rentals and there were plenty of guests that had them! There's also a cute on-site cafe and bar on the shore of the lake.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinuQADSZTlEDNpyjoZBUXY4eguNgiCJxJnVXSxDygsCU1zLUUZ7aPCqnfnL1MC4hgO46NQSZkjPGz2Tr87KOz1omCBIvm2kKamIz_sNMkcxQsJo2BDM-v9Ru8lJbtC5phD9gQzdAMKRJg/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinuQADSZTlEDNpyjoZBUXY4eguNgiCJxJnVXSxDygsCU1zLUUZ7aPCqnfnL1MC4hgO46NQSZkjPGz2Tr87KOz1omCBIvm2kKamIz_sNMkcxQsJo2BDM-v9Ru8lJbtC5phD9gQzdAMKRJg/s400/IMG_0002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyW6sPNh6m9MQUjA69y8yspTOYbOkM9S3-K2vardZF24HRS0QYNCWtfZZrT1pXO4YGKz1ME5Ov7dnxEdM7MicQ7c1A-727uDRCVFbAPzMDYDV0RTfbF5EtOZKpISW9UCGXYirRLEOkmSs/s1600/IMG_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyW6sPNh6m9MQUjA69y8yspTOYbOkM9S3-K2vardZF24HRS0QYNCWtfZZrT1pXO4YGKz1ME5Ov7dnxEdM7MicQ7c1A-727uDRCVFbAPzMDYDV0RTfbF5EtOZKpISW9UCGXYirRLEOkmSs/s400/IMG_0042.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We've become so particular after nearly 3 years of traveling. This is a nice park, but not the type of park we generally like. It's more of a weekender park with all the amenities, pool, lake, cafe and weekend live entertainment, that families on vacation or out for a weekend enjoy. It's not the type of park that we enjoy with rapid transition of guests and kids running around.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Having said that, we would certainly consider staying here again particularly since there are very few RV parks in the St. Augustine Jacksonville area.</span></div>
<br />Darren and Joyce Romerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678230140427316372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684913608092147902.post-67567789620654058832012-05-25T17:33:00.000-07:002012-05-25T17:40:49.036-07:00Frog Hollow Ct. St. Augustine, Fla<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">April 23-27, 2012.</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">On Monday April 23, we left the Silver Star Ranch home of our good friends, George and Bonnie, a full 7 days after arriving. We had mixed feelings about leaving as we enjoyed the ranch and their good company. However, we were also anxious to get to the Jacksonville area and reunite with our daughter and son-in-law.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Frog Hollow Court had called us and told us that they had a site prepared for us. As you may recall the previous tenant of the site we were to have, got his motorhome stuck while trying to pull out! The owner assured us that it was fine now as they had filled and leveled the site with “coquina rock”.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We got going around 10:00 realizing we only had a couple hours to travel. The trip was uneventful as we traveled some back county roads to avoid traveling through the often congested city of Gainesville. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We pulled of U.S. Hwy. 1 into the shadowy mobile home and RV park set beneath a very tall canopy of oaks and pines. The roads were “coquina” rock a mix of sand, shell and gravel. We immediately noticed a lot of permanent looking RV residents and a mix of mobile homes. After stopping at the entrance, we eventually found the owner who directed us to our site.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Bronson,+FL&daddr=5774+Dixie+Hwy,+St+Augustine,+FL&hl=en&geocode=FUBWwQEdYvoS-ymXN1UKLOzoiDHlAPqrxZmv0A%3BFb9hyQEdtJIm-yldVABASS_kiDHN2LT9kqe1Kw&aq=0&oq=577&sll=29.91878,-81.422054&sspn=0.038461,0.077162&mra=ls&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=29.71191,-81.97998&spn=1.669799,2.334595&z=8&output=embed" width="425"></iframe></span><br />
<small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=Bronson,+FL&daddr=5774+Dixie+Hwy,+St+Augustine,+FL&hl=en&geocode=FUBWwQEdYvoS-ymXN1UKLOzoiDHlAPqrxZmv0A%3BFb9hyQEdtJIm-yldVABASS_kiDHN2LT9kqe1Kw&aq=0&oq=577&sll=29.91878,-81.422054&sspn=0.038461,0.077162&mra=ls&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=29.71191,-81.97998&spn=1.669799,2.334595&z=8" style="color: blue; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">View Larger Map</span></a></small></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our site was very shady but also messy with all the debris that fell from the oak trees. I got backed in but put deep ruts in the site as the weight of our rig sank into the fresh coquina rock. I put boards underneath our BigFoot jacks for fear they would sink into the sand. Our friendly neighbor in the green mold covered motorhome came out to meet Maggie and Rico and warn us of the flea problem due to the abundance of stray cats roaming around. Great! After getting set up, but before paying, Joyce decided that there was no way we were going to stay there for a month or more. So she talked to Joan, the very personable manager and told her that we would only be staying for a week and thus we paid $150.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our site</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The hook-up for the sewer was ...let’s just say not very good as the pipe was below ground level making it difficult to get a secure connection, I had been traveling with a week's worth of black water so I was anxious to get that emptied, but enough about that! The water and electric were good. We ended up staying for 5 nights and although it looked like a rough crowd in the park, actually it was very quiet and the folks were friendly. Just a group of hard working folks and families making the most of their situations. However, we really stuck out with our comparatively new rig. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyhELv_SS9TKjUsSIcxmYw3pjGk3FU4YbEkgjI50dkUj8xis-qmpxFUwyzXILYsIACAPyvfOn6t7FfBpA_-OyCwLuQRUTAKlg06PGOa2M7Ay-ldnpMALpzjP_y7HS6_p43nhPo16lPLo/s400/FrogHollow2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View down the street</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Now to be honest we weren’t expecting much. We knew there would be a lot of long term residents in the park. However, our site was right next to a single wide mobile home in very poor condition with the insulation visibly falling out of the bottom of it. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I never got comfortable enough to want to sit outside. In fact, I never unpacked our chairs. I tried in vain to block the view of the mobile home with my truck. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">All around us were RVs and mobile homes in various states of disrepair, most of which I'm sure would never see the open road again.</span> </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjuxHLWIcyV5zG4QnRrAtRnTXAO5shPq2NwDAWf87KV7pcu01FN_L-882ENaLmaWnR3Xl2emx9x4_5huiZxAsJmO2O7UGMP72w_GZgoPLsADufO18Z21bkk6tc0Jo9e8ftGg9vLpsL2DI/s400/FrogHollow3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View out our front door!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had noticed on the last few trips that the truck was pulling to the right. I had discounted it as just the crown of the road and the heavy trailer. However, one day we took the truck out for a long ride to north Jacksonville to check out Flamingo RV Resort. I noticed then that the truck was definitely pulling to the right and it seemed to get worse with some occasional minor shaking. I made an appointment for the next day at a local tire shop to have the front-end aligned. That evening I was looking at the front tires trying to notice any abnormal wear. I didn't notice any abnormal wear, but the left front tire seemed to look deformed. I blew it off thinking it was because of the uneven ground that it was parked on.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The next morning we took the truck to the tire shop for the alignment. I mentioned to the shop that the truck had a recall completed on the left front linkage less than 2K miles ago. With that we left it at the shop and went across the street to Target when I received a call from the shop claiming that all four ball joints were bad. The truck only has 26K miles on it, but it was out of it's 3 year warranty! After much discussion, I took it to Atlantic Dodge about 2 miles down the road and they reported that the ball joints were fine but that the left front tire was out of round as it had apparently experienced internal belt separation giving it an oblong diameter. The dealership reported they have never seen a heavy duty Dodge truck with low miles have ball joint problems. So, I bought one new tire, had the spare put on the front to match the new tire and placed the good but used front tire in the back as a spare. It is all good now. Not sure what was going on with the tire shop.... The tire shop manager called me the next day to find out what I learned from the Dodge Dealer. After I told him, he was defensive insisting that his tech knew what he was talking about and that Dodge was scamming me...whatever!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So anyway, during our stay we called and visited Stage Coach RV Park and this time spoke with the owner, who advised that we could make a reservation at her park for the month of May or until December and that our Boxers were not a problem! So, we made the reservation but our site wouldn’t be available till May 5th. So we visited and made arrangements to spend a week in North Jacksonville at Flamingo Lake RV Resort.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Somewhere in that time we managed to get over to our daughter and son-in-law’s home. What a beautiful two story home they bought!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I still have a lot of catching up to do so stay tuned!</span></div>
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<br /></div>Darren and Joyce Romerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678230140427316372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684913608092147902.post-18585578893350645632012-04-26T07:47:00.001-07:002012-04-26T07:47:50.963-07:00Making it back to Florida<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I’ve got a lot of catching up to do. My fellow bloggers know how it is, the further behind you get on the blog the harder it is to sit down and catch up!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=a%2B+motel+%26+rv+park,+sulphur,+la&daddr=Fontainebleau+State+Park,+62883+Louisiana+1089,+Mandeville,+LA+(fontainebleau+state+park)+to:avalon+landing+rv+park,+avalon+boulevard,+milton,+fl+to:2051+NE+County+Road+343,+Bronson,+FL&hl=en&geocode=FfSIzAEdQTNv-iFYt8D1Pcd4NinFNx5joYs7hjFxT9xrFvNDLQ%3BFW3qzgEdgyCi-iFBj9SV29g3ySlFAG6zeFcnhjHI7a0qGStNog%3BFWLK0QEdDCjP-iEN4Voh_htp3ilHSoDyQ-iQiDHjONtpIdOmcg%3BFfwLwAEdySYT-ymD0-M8N_LoiDEDtPC2YI-g3w&aq=0&oq=2051+C.R.+343&sll=31.503337,-79.020538&sspn=0.018917,0.038581&mra=ls&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=30.069094,-87.978516&spn=13.291013,18.676758&z=5&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=a%2B+motel+%26+rv+park,+sulphur,+la&daddr=Fontainebleau+State+Park,+62883+Louisiana+1089,+Mandeville,+LA+(fontainebleau+state+park)+to:avalon+landing+rv+park,+avalon+boulevard,+milton,+fl+to:2051+NE+County+Road+343,+Bronson,+FL&hl=en&geocode=FfSIzAEdQTNv-iFYt8D1Pcd4NinFNx5joYs7hjFxT9xrFvNDLQ%3BFW3qzgEdgyCi-iFBj9SV29g3ySlFAG6zeFcnhjHI7a0qGStNog%3BFWLK0QEdDCjP-iEN4Voh_htp3ilHSoDyQ-iQiDHjONtpIdOmcg%3BFfwLwAEdySYT-ymD0-M8N_LoiDEDtPC2YI-g3w&aq=0&oq=2051+C.R.+343&sll=31.503337,-79.020538&sspn=0.018917,0.038581&mra=ls&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=30.069094,-87.978516&spn=13.291013,18.676758&z=5" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Okay so let’s catch up. We left Sulphur Lousiana on April 10th and traveled with Paul and Paula to Mandeville, Lousiana and <a href="http://www.crt.state.la.us/Parks/ifontaine.aspx">Fontainebleau State Park</a> . We weren’t able to get two sites together as we arrived without reservations. In fact, we were separated by about 4-5 sites. Supposedly there were only four sites available when we arrived. However, on-line there were over 30 sites available the day before! We paid $20 a night for three nights with 50 amp. electric, water and WiFi. However, there wasn’t a sewer hook-up.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fontainebleau State Park site 50</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We spent three nights in Mandeville which gave us a chance to visit with my brother, his wife, niece and nephews. We also spent a day wandering the streets of the New Orleans French Quarter with Paul and Paula.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Orleans French Quarter</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cafe Du Monde</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Moving along, we traveled to Milton Fla. and <a href="http://www.avalonlandingrvpark.com/">Avalon Landing RV Park</a> for another 3 nights. We paid about $39 per night minus a 10% GoodSam discount for waterfront sites with full hook-ups and WiFi. The park is small but beautiful and we’ve been here twice before. We had reservations so we were able to get two sites together. While there, we were able to visit with our dear friends, Rocky and Gloria and Paul got to catch up with an old Coast Guard buddy. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky and Gloria enjoying the afternoon with us.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maggie</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: large;">Unfortunately the weather wasn’t fully cooperating as we had a lot of wind but, we were still able to enjoy the beautiful beaches. The bugs were biting in the evening and were a fitting welcome, back to the State of Florida.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paula and Paul on the windy Pensacola Beach</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Our next move was to the Silver Star Ranch, home of our dear friends, George and Bonnie. Paul and Paula traveled with us for the last time on April 16th (more on that later). Just two miles from the ranch, my TST Tire Pressure Monitor System went off alerting me that the right rear tire on the fifth wheel was loosing air and down to 89 PSI. (cold PSI should be 110). I continued traveling slowly on the county road to the ranch as Paul and Paula kept an eye on my leaking tire. Once on the ranch we got Paul and Paula parked and then moved my rig over to the equipment barn where George removed the tire after loosening the lugs with his air impact wrench. We discovered a large metal object stuck in the middle of the tread.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul and Paula's rig at the Silver Star Ranch.</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Paul and I loaded up the Goodyear RST G-rated tire into his truck along with the spare and headed to a local tire shop in Bronson, Fl. The shop repaired the tire and I had them swap the wheels between the spare and the repaired tire thus, making the repaired tire the spare. This was at a cost of $45.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Back at the ranch, we replaced the tires and got parked alongside George and Bonnie’s home. The timing couldn’t have been better with regard to the tire issue and arriving at the ranch.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise at the Silver Star Ranch. Our rig next to the house.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The horses, Prince, Ruger and Doc.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">We spent two beautiful days on the ranch with Paul and Paula before they had to leave us and head north. We had been traveling companions off and on since July of last year and we already miss them. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: large;">We've become great friends and we plan to see them again down the road.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: large;"> It’s a lot more comforting traveling with others as opposed to being out on the road alone. However, we were doing it alone before we met and we’ll get used to doing it alone once again.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul and Paula ready to leave us.</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After Paul and Paula left, we spent a few more days on the ranch and called around the Jacksonville/ St. Augustine area looking for a campground that could take us for a month or more. Our plan was to spend some time with our daughter and son-in-law. Our first choice was Stage Coach RV Park. So, Joyce called but was told that our Boxers would not be welcomed as they are on “the aggressive dog list”. We were shocked to hear that knowing that our boxers could only lick someone to death! So after several more calls we found a campground, Frog Hollow Court Mobile/ RV Park that would take us for a month with our Boxers. However, there was a problem with the site as the previous occupant got his motorhome stuck in the sand trying to pull out. After a few days, the park called us and told us the site was ready as they had brought in coquina rock and limestone to fill in the site. </span></span></div>
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<br />Darren and Joyce Romerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678230140427316372noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684913608092147902.post-51413206919839843912012-04-10T19:41:00.001-07:002012-04-10T19:41:15.345-07:00Travel Day to Sulphur LA and Sabine N.W.R.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Easter Sunday, April 8, we decided was a good day to make a run at traveling through Austin and Houston. We figured that we would have the best chance of avoiding traffic and thus smooth sailing. So we got going at about 8:30. We said our good-byes to Les and Sherry and thanked them for our wonderful time at their park, <a href="http://www.cottonwoodcreekrvpark.com/home_welcome_to_cottonwood_creek_rv_park.html">Cottonwood Creek RV Park</a>. I must encourage those that read this blog to try their park if you're in the Austin, Hill Country Area. If you like quiet, small parks with a friendly social atmosphere, then you will feel at home. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Because of Easter Sunday, the traffic was minimal as we traveled along 290 and then 71 to the interstate and through Houston. Having experienced pulling the rig through Houston a couple of years ago on a weekday, I didn't want to relive it!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We made good time and arrived at A+ Motel and RV Park in Sulphur Louisiana after a brief fuel stop where I paid $3.99 for diesel. We arrived and got checked in around 3:00. We paid $56 for two nights with a Good Sam discount to include 50 amps, full hook-ups and cable in a pull through site #11. Paul and Paula got the site next to us, site 12. We have been to this RV park before so check out the <a href="http://america-by-rv.blogspot.com/search/label/Sulphur%20Louisiana">blog of our first visit</a> for more pictures. We tried fishing in the small pond with no luck and then settled in for the night.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">On our previous visit we had enjoyed the <a href="http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=43640">Sabine National Wildlife Refuge Wetland Walkway</a> and wanted Paul and Paula to experience walking amongst alligators in the wild.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So, the next morning, April 9th we took a trip down to the walkway. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sabine NWR Wetland Walkway</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We estimated a 5 ft. American Alligator</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another 5 Ft. American Alligator</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We enjoyed the mile long walk but were forced to apply liberal amounts of bug spray as we were almost immediately attacked by mosquitos! The wetlands surround the walkway and the gators can be seen in the water or close to the walkway on the banks. After viewing several small alligators, we jumped back into the Jeep and took a ride down the Creole Nature Trail to check out the beach. We ended the outing with a late lunch at a local restaurant treating ourselves to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boudin">Boudin Balls</a>, chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, collards and beans! Afterwards it was time for naps and relaxing by the pool!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The next day will find us continuing East to Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville, LA.</span></div>
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<br /></div>Darren and Joyce Romerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678230140427316372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684913608092147902.post-35477602303908704252012-04-03T20:24:00.000-07:002012-04-03T20:24:50.536-07:00Hamilton Pool Redux<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cottonwoodcreekrvpark.com/home_welcome_to_cottonwood_creek_rv_park.html">Cottonwood Creek RV Park</a></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBQPxiQRJ3BTlQxZDRg2tK8IRQaKkRQf08lXWd19oTIfAib-KdUrrsBd35aO9zJXztgrgMTcjhQx1g7BIm6n9MunTVbdzjiG7A_5mPX8fLXmic7tAjz-EXiNWyVY7RqxLca5uoZfgM28/s1600/IMG_0103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBQPxiQRJ3BTlQxZDRg2tK8IRQaKkRQf08lXWd19oTIfAib-KdUrrsBd35aO9zJXztgrgMTcjhQx1g7BIm6n9MunTVbdzjiG7A_5mPX8fLXmic7tAjz-EXiNWyVY7RqxLca5uoZfgM28/s320/IMG_0103.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Texas Blue Bonnets</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's been a sad a traumatic week for our traveling friends, Paul and Paula. One of their two dogs the pug, Zeva suddenly and unexpectedly became ill. They took her back and forth to the local veterinarians and then to a veterinary neurologist 52 miles away who diagnosed the small 2 year old pug with <a href="http://www.pugvillage.com/pug-health/pde-just-facts">Pug Encephalitis</a>. Against the odds they tried a medicine regime which only worked for a couple of days. Soon it became evident that they had done all that could be done for her and the best course of action was to put the dog to rest. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kramer and Zeva</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sheri and Les the owners of <a href="http://www.cottonwoodcreekrvpark.com/home_welcome_to_cottonwood_creek_rv_park.html">Cottonwood Creek RV Park</a>, offered to have them bury Zeva in the "back forty". So we dug a small grave which Paul and Paula decorated with rocks. A sudden sad and tragic end for Zeva "the Diva". Kramer will have to fill the void.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Today we tried to put the tragedy of the past few days behind us and visit one of our favorite places, <a href="http://www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/parks/hamilton_pool.asp">Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve</a>. It was a bit of an overcast and humid day with storms expected but it was still beautiful. This was our third visit in three years to this county park and we always enjoy it.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paula and Paul</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We had a great time at Hamilton Pool and the short hike out to the Pedernales River. We worked up an appetite and afterwards drove in to Bee Cave for an Italian lunch at Mondolo's. When we got home, we experienced a brief rain and small hail storm. At the same time, Dallas was hit with one or more tornadoes!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Things are really winding down for the summer here at the park. More guests have moved on and the place is looking pretty empty. We plan to hit the road on Easter Sunday, April 8th and head east towards Florida with a few stops along the way. In a few weeks we will have to say good-bye to Paul and Paula who will continue east with us before turning north towards Massachusetts from Florida.</span><br />
<br />Darren and Joyce Romerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678230140427316372noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684913608092147902.post-5606913319235103402012-03-28T18:48:00.000-07:002012-03-28T18:48:43.266-07:00Austin Capital, Friends, Cooper's BBQ, Wild Flowers and catching up...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cottonwoodcreekrvpark.com/home_welcome_to_cottonwood_creek_rv_park.html">Cottonwood Creek RV Park</a>, Dripping Springs, TX.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We've been having an excellent time here at <a href="http://www.cottonwoodcreekrvpark.com/home_welcome_to_cottonwood_creek_rv_park.html">Cottonwood Creek RV Park</a> in the Texas Hill Country. The overall friendly nature of the guests and the almost daily "Happy Hour" (snack times) in the park really make it easy to get to know the guests. Often we end up caravanning to group outings at local restaurants. Last week we took a trip out to Salt Lick, a local restaurant known for their BBQ. This was only a few days after having the smoked brisket that Les and Sherry cooked for everyone in the park!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We made some new friends, Jeff and Joann. Jeff is a Lt. Col. in the U.S.A.F. and B-1 pilot, call sign "Hoof". Joann is a former deputy sheriff in Montana. But aside from that, together they are a wonderful and generous couple. We plan to stay in touch with them.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately Jeff had to get back to work after having extended their vacation for a few more days!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We took Paul and Paula on a walking tour of the Texas State Capital and the beautiful grounds.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Of course no visit to Austin is complete without a walk along the 6th Street district.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Back at the RV park, several of us volunteered to assist Les and Sherry in grinding up cut cedar trees into mulch to use on the paths. We spent about 8 hrs. over the weekend helping out. We were rewarded with a meal and outing at a local Mexican Restaurant, Flores.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It wasn't long before it was time for our scheduled trip </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">with nearly everyone in the park</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> to Cooper's BBQ in Llano Tx. I gotta tell ya we weren't feeling like eating anymore BBQ before we got to Cooper's but, after smelling and seeing the meat...it was game on! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul and Paula selecting their meat from the BBQ pit.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Happy Hour gang at Cooper's</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After eating at Cooper's, we took a scenic ride home via the <a href="http://www.fredericksburgtexas-online.com/WillowCityLoop">Willow City Loop</a>. The wild flowers were better than we had seen the previous two years.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Along the Willow City Loop we came across this Llama(?) greeting visitors along the narrow road.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Llano River</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mix of Blue Bonnets and other wild flowers.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We have/had a lot planned to do while here in the hill country, it remains to be seen if we can do everything on our list. Time has really gone by quickly and some of our dear friends, old and new are already moving on. Soon we will be joining them on the road as we head to Florida in about 10 days.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Today, Paul and I took my truck to the Dodge dealer in Austin and killed the day getting it serviced and taking care of a recall. Not a bad day to go as it has rained repeatedly today. Speaking of rain, it has been refreshing to see and feel some real rain since leaving the desert. I hope we don't see and feel too much!</span></div>
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<br />Darren and Joyce Romerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678230140427316372noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684913608092147902.post-52731547332110034122012-03-20T11:40:00.000-07:002012-03-20T11:40:19.923-07:00Cottonwood Creek RV Park, Dripping Springs, TX<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Well we made it to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cottonwoodcreekrvpark.com/home_welcome_to_cottonwood_creek_rv_park.html">Cottonwood Creek RV Park</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> outside of Dripping Springs, TX on March 16. Our travel day from Ozona Tx. was cloudy with some spotty precipitation. We only had about 200 miles to travel that day because we had done the bulk of the miles the day before. So, it was a comfortable ride through the Hill County.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This is our 3rd stay here at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cottonwoodcreekrvpark.com/home_welcome_to_cottonwood_creek_rv_park.html">Cottonwood Creek RV Park</a> and we just love the park and the location. We paid $325 for a month plus electric. We will probably only stay for about 3 weeks. This puts us about halfway on our trip to Florida.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Since we no longer own a home, coming here every year kinda feels like home. The owners, Les and Sheri are very hospitable and they always spend time with us catching up.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2nw2vEONvCiPH5fWwUddPtZJ0hcPWhuGTzKoLJAfv0CbnQwQdcJMics3pTPylX5XIzU27Ac5YZWPx3kRH1jC5sw6GtSmJlQrE8l2e_DbcDXFiK33H8lc2egkcOIe2A43T7lZkAFHAcU/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2nw2vEONvCiPH5fWwUddPtZJ0hcPWhuGTzKoLJAfv0CbnQwQdcJMics3pTPylX5XIzU27Ac5YZWPx3kRH1jC5sw6GtSmJlQrE8l2e_DbcDXFiK33H8lc2egkcOIe2A43T7lZkAFHAcU/s400/IMG_0010.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front sites 1-7</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGMxEresASIiuZoqMe35Q5M3BLPDJgFqvxgytSD47epO035Wcaf1r8fYvE7l5gnRB7RbVPuJzAEs5etbT9AiF6kOVv7XY2Y7AsRf1yT6Qon2r6Pa_wvz2_Y_sE-0iltXRtnHMgshBE88/s1600/IMG_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGMxEresASIiuZoqMe35Q5M3BLPDJgFqvxgytSD47epO035Wcaf1r8fYvE7l5gnRB7RbVPuJzAEs5etbT9AiF6kOVv7XY2Y7AsRf1yT6Qon2r6Pa_wvz2_Y_sE-0iltXRtnHMgshBE88/s400/IMG_0012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laundry and back patio building</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Paul and Paula got set up in site 16 and we took site 17. There's only about 32 sites in the park. Our sites back up to the woods which contain some beautiful walking trails. The park was full on our arrival due to the weekend.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjs-RuNNiiBhXoC8eBvKc4SYQxnEcFQYrEj_Ggk6zR2nAHgIQqPgTAtBJ9_U9CNp4EH2zHlj1L9eSaPNE9Pu053q8HmprUD934YHYdAnYH_N_1_X81vBpW51tESwV4nzX0K1AWNm336s/s1600/IMG_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjs-RuNNiiBhXoC8eBvKc4SYQxnEcFQYrEj_Ggk6zR2nAHgIQqPgTAtBJ9_U9CNp4EH2zHlj1L9eSaPNE9Pu053q8HmprUD934YHYdAnYH_N_1_X81vBpW51tESwV4nzX0K1AWNm336s/s640/IMG_0004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sites 17 and 16</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We quickly got caught up with several of our friends and guests that we had met last year or even three years ago. The park doesn't have permanent residents, but it does have may guests that return every year during the winter and spring months. One cool thing about this park is that because it is small and so many folks return, we almost always have a happy hour (snack time) gathering at someone's site in the late afternoon.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The weather had been overcast and last night, March 19, we had some good rain. Cottonwood Creek began flowing from all the rain!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLfNDsO2KyAzCUurw-G7G61D3QYnTpcB1PqQ40RzoTRN-QW1_mZjrcawW3wKi8T48tZ-l1ECgU0o-efExSKN4Ej4hEzXUOJjFTJ2cfRfDfjsOIParePxkycpghXh5rUvJVEAqjExPTcE/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLfNDsO2KyAzCUurw-G7G61D3QYnTpcB1PqQ40RzoTRN-QW1_mZjrcawW3wKi8T48tZ-l1ECgU0o-efExSKN4Ej4hEzXUOJjFTJ2cfRfDfjsOIParePxkycpghXh5rUvJVEAqjExPTcE/s400/IMG_0015.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lower end of Cottonwood Creek</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We really like taking advantage of the walking trails in the back and get an opportunity to stretch Maggie and Rico's legs a bit!</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOx4EpwtAXNOdoPPnhFyQiXTLp8v3MiopFoGIjmoGU6PohrumOWLKEyP4WhdVPtOuAk3vHKDeITsSouDzBOkkKDb24J0U7se3qjKg8JaE7J4TKU53_mNtoBWRu3Y1pGH6Ov-SnfdGPFI/s1600/IMG_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOx4EpwtAXNOdoPPnhFyQiXTLp8v3MiopFoGIjmoGU6PohrumOWLKEyP4WhdVPtOuAk3vHKDeITsSouDzBOkkKDb24J0U7se3qjKg8JaE7J4TKU53_mNtoBWRu3Y1pGH6Ov-SnfdGPFI/s640/IMG_0021.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maggie on the walking trail looking for Rico!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This afternoon Les and Sheri are smoking brisket for the entire park. Everyone is invited and asked to bring a side dish or dessert. Les and Sheri frequently have these little BBQ gatherings and it's always tasty and fun! Les smokes the brisket for about 12-14 hours!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eyu5XvZUpocloLMhtbeOPQSFaQ0ha7S0fXC6uw8nAd6cTDfsC6gOSWMK8dQe_lnKG91SwhSX9RCxZX49TYCrhpX0YurTnGuiLPr4eb3jki7_eQxMcXbK0m8gq53yoJdWViTjYYtbzQU/s1600/IMG_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eyu5XvZUpocloLMhtbeOPQSFaQ0ha7S0fXC6uw8nAd6cTDfsC6gOSWMK8dQe_lnKG91SwhSX9RCxZX49TYCrhpX0YurTnGuiLPr4eb3jki7_eQxMcXbK0m8gq53yoJdWViTjYYtbzQU/s640/IMG_0013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Les's brisket smoker doing it's thing!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It should be a good Blue Bonnet season this year as we noticed lots of the flowers on the sides of the roads ready to bloom. We look forward to re-visiting the Hill Country and perhaps seeing some things we didn't see on the previous visits. </span></div>
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</div>Darren and Joyce Romerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678230140427316372noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684913608092147902.post-59083678502042362172012-03-15T19:13:00.000-07:002012-03-15T19:13:51.893-07:00Stop over in Ozona TX<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We enjoyed our week in Las Cruces and <a href="http://www.haciendarv.com/">Hacienda RV Park</a>. We re-visited La Mesilla and the two weekend markets. However, mostly we just relaxed yet stayed busy. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A funny thing happened yesterday. In preparation for our travel, I decided to put some more water in the rig's 80 gallon water tank. I usually keep it at about 30 gallons. As you may recall we boon docked in a parking lot overnight last week because of a dust storm. So, I needed to replenish the water in the tank. So as the tank is filling, I'm doing some other things and eventually get distracted and end up over at Paul and Paula's RV. Not long after Joyce comes running over yelling water is pouring out of the rig. Sure enough, I overfilled the tank. Thankfully nothing was damaged or got wet. I drained the tank to the level I wanted and all was fine. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Today we hit the road about 8:30 headed for Fort Stockton 300 miles away. We made good time and the weather was cooperating with a cool overcast (temps 70-80's). So after reaching Fort Stockton, I filled up at $4.05 a gallon for diesel and Joyce filled the Jeep. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=740+Stern+Dr,+Las+Cruces,+NM+88005+(hacienda+rv+llc)&daddr=I-10+E&hl=en&geocode=FWik7AEdYIui-SnpEVqLOxbehjE3YlcAkhX4xg%3BFSNY1AEdZor5-Q&aq=0&oq=Oz&sll=30.698892,-101.141167&sspn=0.076459,0.154324&mra=dme&mrsp=1&sz=13&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=31.16581,-103.40332&spn=6.5782,9.338379&z=6&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=740+Stern+Dr,+Las+Cruces,+NM+88005+(hacienda+rv+llc)&daddr=I-10+E&hl=en&geocode=FWik7AEdYIui-SnpEVqLOxbehjE3YlcAkhX4xg%3BFSNY1AEdZor5-Q&aq=0&oq=Oz&sll=30.698892,-101.141167&sspn=0.076459,0.154324&mra=dme&mrsp=1&sz=13&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=31.16581,-103.40332&spn=6.5782,9.338379&z=6" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Paul and Paula were willing to keep going so we pushed on for another 100 plus miles to the Circle Bar RV Park in Ozona Tx.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4osFJPFedSVEI0NLLAn5Gb2-BLY5WCPwGPniQ_ypFf4EPFi7IaGTSSf7gi354LwAo1ceNNe94n4-_XLmGWQUQHXw75Vb6gsFmiaVgQ9H29tlhMmD6CqPqBDPlvEAi6EgPaDpPfruDg/s0/2012-03-15_18-45-06_153.jpg"><img height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4osFJPFedSVEI0NLLAn5Gb2-BLY5WCPwGPniQ_ypFf4EPFi7IaGTSSf7gi354LwAo1ceNNe94n4-_XLmGWQUQHXw75Vb6gsFmiaVgQ9H29tlhMmD6CqPqBDPlvEAi6EgPaDpPfruDg/s400/2012-03-15_18-45-06_153.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I don't believe there is a website for the park but, it's at exit 372 in Texas. It's not much more than a dirt parking lot. Cost was $27 for the night including cable TV, 50 amp and Sewer. It's first come first serve and it seems to be common practice to park your tow vehicle in the adjacent site if it doesn't fit in the site with your rig. We were told to pick our own site and the office didn't care to know which ones we took. Very relaxed. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We made a quick meal watched American Idol and are now preparing for some shut eye after driving 400 miles today. Tomorrow we should make it to <a href="http://www.cottonwoodcreekrvpark.com/home_welcome_to_cottonwood_creek_rv_park.html">Cottonwood Creek RV Park</a> in Dripping Springs, Tx.</span></div>
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Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.3</div>Darren and Joyce Romerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678230140427316372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684913608092147902.post-69711251882829660612012-03-08T20:19:00.001-07:002012-03-15T19:18:43.252-07:00Dust Storms, Generators and Dirt Lots on our way to Las Cruces<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">March 7 and 8th 2012, Travel Day to Las Cruces.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Well, we finally made it to Las Cruces today, staying at Hacienda RV Park. We’ve stayed <a href="http://america-by-rv.blogspot.com/search/label/Las%20Cruces">here in the past</a>. <br />The journey was interesting. When we left Usery Mountain Regional Park, our goal was to travel 200 plus miles to Willcox, Az. The night before had been very windy and I didn’t get much sleep as I was worrying about the weather. However the next day it was calm in the morning and we made good time after departing around 8:30 pushed by a tailwind. We made it to a fuel stop at 12:30 about 30 miles from Willcox with Paul and Paula. It was cold and windy. We collectively decided that since we were making very good time, we should push on to Las Cruces which would put another 200 miles behind us for a total of approximately 400 miles. We usually don't tow much over 300 miles in one day!</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Usery+Mountain+Recreation+Area,+3939+N+Usery+Pass+Rd,+Mesa,+AZ+85207-2570&daddr=Willcox,+AZ+to:740+Stern+Dr,+Las+Cruces,+NM+88005+(hacienda+rv+llc)&hl=en&geocode=FRq3_gEdA-5Y-SGhh7utqoKNig%3BFbQj7AEdtBh0-SkjhMXOOZzXhjHVUHN6Y9GEIQ%3BFWik7AEdYIui-SnpEVqLOxbehjE3YlcAkhX4xg&aq=0&oq=Hac&sll=36.143923,-114.429215&sspn=2.364259,4.938354&mra=ls&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=32.713355,-109.313965&spn=6.46859,9.338379&z=6&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=Usery+Mountain+Recreation+Area,+3939+N+Usery+Pass+Rd,+Mesa,+AZ+85207-2570&daddr=Willcox,+AZ+to:740+Stern+Dr,+Las+Cruces,+NM+88005+(hacienda+rv+llc)&hl=en&geocode=FRq3_gEdA-5Y-SGhh7utqoKNig%3BFbQj7AEdtBh0-SkjhMXOOZzXhjHVUHN6Y9GEIQ%3BFWik7AEdYIui-SnpEVqLOxbehjE3YlcAkhX4xg&aq=0&oq=Hac&sll=36.143923,-114.429215&sspn=2.364259,4.938354&mra=ls&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=32.713355,-109.313965&spn=6.46859,9.338379&z=6" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZFxC7yFWQEg/T1lwlDcvgEI/AAAAAAAAFfU/iz2y8GapRp0/s0/2012-03-07_09-42-26_860.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="226" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZFxC7yFWQEg/T1lwlDcvgEI/AAAAAAAAFfU/iz2y8GapRp0/s400/2012-03-07_09-42-26_860.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some Flowers in bloom under the foreboding skies.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So, off we went, again making good time but beginning to notice that the wind was becoming more of a crosswind instead of just pushing us and the dust was picking up as we passed into New Mexico. As we continued we saw the usual signs warning of potential dust storms. However, we soon passed two electronic signs that read “I-10 closed at Lordsburg to Las Cruces take alternate route”. Now come on...what alternate route is there for this portion of I-10 when in fact, as we later found out, the few highways in the area were being closed due to a dust storm! Paul and I discussed the matter on our walkies but with no alternatives, decided to press on noting that the NM D.O.T. radio channel was not reporting a closure. Unfortunately as we were leaving Lordsburg, we were routed off the interstate near a Pilot Truck Stop about 116 miles from our destination. Probably 50 or more 18 wheelers were crowded into the truck stop. We drove past and Paul lead us into a dirt lot with several RVs.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1sJXtehHi0U/T1lwmKf7mGI/AAAAAAAAFfc/_pdwzU3OXPU/s0/2012-03-07_15-04-16_67.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="361" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1sJXtehHi0U/T1lwmKf7mGI/AAAAAAAAFfc/_pdwzU3OXPU/s640/2012-03-07_15-04-16_67.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our overnight parking lot among fellow RVers</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We huddled for awhile and I turned on my handheld CB radio and for the first time since buying it a year ago, used it to try and get some information from the chatty foul mouthed truckers. But all they had to share was vulgar entertainment and misinformation.<br />As you can imagine, it was still windy and getting cooler. We had already opened up two of our slides and by 5:30 with no word on when the interstate would re-open, Paul and I both took out our Honda generators and fired them up, confident that we would be spending the night. Of course after getting situated around 6 p.m. we noticed that the interstate was again open. Well too late for us, we had already cancelled our reservation and were resigned to staying the night in the dirt lot. <br />We shut the generators off before going to bed. I only have one battery for my rig and thus decided not to run my furnace overnight without the generator running. I woke up around 5:30 comfortable under the covers but astonished that it was 46 degrees inside the rig and 32 outside! Maggie and Rico must have been freezing! I got up and turned on both generators, ours and Paul and Paula’s. After turning on the furnace we warmed up and after an hour or so were able to get ready to move on.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pybsKgHHBbs/T1lwnPoUHmI/AAAAAAAAFfk/3BThWw4jnu0/s0/2012-03-07_19-26-33_798.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="361" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pybsKgHHBbs/T1lwnPoUHmI/AAAAAAAAFfk/3BThWw4jnu0/s640/2012-03-07_19-26-33_798.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Rico bundled up for the night!</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We got back on the road by 8:30 with temps still in the low 40’s. Two hours later we were pulling into Las Cruces. Too early to check in at Hacienda RV Park, we decided to get a late breakfast at the big rig friendly, Cracker Barrel. We got checked in around 11 a.m. and spent the rest of the chilly afternoon setting up and then turning in early! It only warmed to 56 degrees but it should be in the mid 70’s later in the week. <br />We each paid the $267 weekly rate which includes cable, WiFi and full hook-ups. Joyce and I really like Las Cruces and Paul and Paula had only spent a day or so in the area last year and wanted to spend more time.</span><br />
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Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.3</div>Darren and Joyce Romerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678230140427316372noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684913608092147902.post-1246821821036222052012-03-05T11:26:00.000-07:002012-03-15T19:17:05.622-07:00Usery Mountain Regional Park<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">March 4, 2012 Travel Day to <a href="http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/camping.aspx">Usery Mountain Regional Park</a> Mesa, AZ.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Boulder+Beach,+Boulder+City,+NV&daddr=3939+N+Usery+Pass+Rd,+Mesa,+AZ+85207-2570,+United+States&hl=en&geocode=Fcn3JQId1U0o-SHH4foiuxwrVg%3BFQra_gEd5NJY-SnR1xqx-LorhzH_Aw6IUBlF4w&aq=0&oq=Boulder+b&sll=35.034323,-113.314029&sspn=4.793984,9.876709&mra=ls&ie=UTF8&t=m&z=7&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=Boulder+Beach,+Boulder+City,+NV&daddr=3939+N+Usery+Pass+Rd,+Mesa,+AZ+85207-2570,+United+States&hl=en&geocode=Fcn3JQId1U0o-SHH4foiuxwrVg%3BFQra_gEd5NJY-SnR1xqx-LorhzH_Aw6IUBlF4w&aq=0&oq=Boulder+b&sll=35.034323,-113.314029&sspn=4.793984,9.876709&mra=ls&ie=UTF8&t=m&z=7" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I'm always a little uneasy when we start traveling especially after sitting in the same spot for the past 4 months. But this was a good travel day. We got rolling around 8:30 after saying goodbyes to fellow volunteers and campers in our cozy little volunteer campground. Dara and her husband Marc had come over the night before with their son Noah to say their goodbyes. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After about hundred miles, I again began to feel comfortable. Paul and Paula were leading us down AZ Hwy 93 and Joyce was bringing up the rear. We made one stop on the 300 plus mile trip at a roadside picnic table. Although it was a long day we thankfully arrived at our campsites in <a href="http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/camping.aspx">Usery Mountain Regional Park</a> without incident. This has always been one of our favorite parks and its very close to my father's home. The park is full to capacity with some campers staying in the over-flow lot. We had reserved site 67 and Paul and Paula site 66.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4IrUUcwZhuI/T1T7eMoCXzI/AAAAAAAAFes/IM_VquxkJt8/s0/2012-03-05_10-38-39_810.jpg"><img height="225" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4IrUUcwZhuI/T1T7eMoCXzI/AAAAAAAAFes/IM_VquxkJt8/s400/2012-03-05_10-38-39_810.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We paid $75 for the site for three nights plus a $8 online registration fee. We wanted to stay longer but the time frame just wasn't available at this very popular winter park.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Site 67</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Karen and my father prepared a late dinner for all of us at their place. We were happy and surprised to see my Cousin Teri and her husband Rick join us for dinner. After catching up we finally got home and into bed about 9 pm. We were all exhausted from our first travel day in months! Tomorrow is expected to be exceptionally warm at 87 degrees. Glad we have a new air conditioner!</span></div>
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Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.3</div>Darren and Joyce Romerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678230140427316372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684913608092147902.post-32150559916068279362012-03-02T19:17:00.000-07:002012-03-02T22:54:42.769-07:00Last days at Lake Mead N.R.A.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqmk89Fp0YrMDH6yp-4UamhjKl9X-2sShMJY1T0DOGj0UNnKkr99HAMfAGUyqROLdZxKlFS2W0KlRvYV7ckyO6I4EZPCPTJu-EMDLYq7v3NkO-d0gxmiQ8Ezo5AptOfvjQd0gQ82U6B8/s1600/IMG_0252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqmk89Fp0YrMDH6yp-4UamhjKl9X-2sShMJY1T0DOGj0UNnKkr99HAMfAGUyqROLdZxKlFS2W0KlRvYV7ckyO6I4EZPCPTJu-EMDLYq7v3NkO-d0gxmiQ8Ezo5AptOfvjQd0gQ82U6B8/s200/IMG_0252.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/lake/index.htm">Lake Mead National Recreation Area</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">We’ve been very busy over the last few days and of course I’ve fallen behind on the blog which I’ll blame on our poor internet reception via our MiFi at our campground.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">To begin with, we finally saw a show on the Las Vegas Strip. Joyce had wanted to see a show so she made plans for the four of us to see the Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian. Paul and Paula joined us for the evening performance. Before the show started we toured the Venetian Casino including the indoor mall and floating gondolas. Then we had a fantastic dinner before the show. The show itself was dramatic and colorful, but to be honest, it’s just not my kinda thing. Joyce and Paula really enjoyed it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">A few days ago, Paul and I planned a hike for the four of us on the West side of of the Las Vegas valley at <a href="http://www.redrockcanyonlv.org/">Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area</a>. So we drove out there, paid the $7 entrance fee at the gate and proceeded to our first stop, the visitor center.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the visitor Center at Red Rock Canyon</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">After touring the well apportioned visitor center we set out on a trip along the 17 mile one-way scenic drive to our trailhead. The drive was beautiful taking us up to 4K feet and obviously featuring the beautiful red rocks.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the scenic 17 mile loop.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkbBkbfftz_NdO9c-U00li3yeiiI4hQ8qRtMxo4DU0y1Qsu4sEST3X564U8mTwTH0x3xYjj1dc8oJz7qaIBS34orBaUOy3YhX7_M8IRzC1L0sg9npmECyxE3WFV5-YMv2oJIUFaySouA/s1600/IMG_0109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkbBkbfftz_NdO9c-U00li3yeiiI4hQ8qRtMxo4DU0y1Qsu4sEST3X564U8mTwTH0x3xYjj1dc8oJz7qaIBS34orBaUOy3YhX7_M8IRzC1L0sg9npmECyxE3WFV5-YMv2oJIUFaySouA/s400/IMG_0109.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful red rock (sandstone)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">From the trailhead that we had selected we took off on our 6 or 7 mile hike on the <a href="http://www.birdandhike.com/Hike/Red_Rocks/White_Rk_Loop/_WhiteRock.htm">White Rock Loop Trail</a> gaining altitude to over 5K feet. It was a beautiful trail in the small pines and junipers. However several sections were very rocky creating some unsure footing. The trail was rated difficult, probably due to the altitude changes and the aforementioned rocks. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEBlIiTMM78AAK7IoSCiWOpuUJrfiR1tZIFURWLfmrSD12uSyC0BAyyr5-3bOdItUzl6OsLmr2MROGHl_EsVCcfMb705OTWyl-2xb7J6P_8gORKgxPnSdyOvumOR2orCifl-R8Fzoj1k/s1600/IMG_0113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEBlIiTMM78AAK7IoSCiWOpuUJrfiR1tZIFURWLfmrSD12uSyC0BAyyr5-3bOdItUzl6OsLmr2MROGHl_EsVCcfMb705OTWyl-2xb7J6P_8gORKgxPnSdyOvumOR2orCifl-R8Fzoj1k/s400/IMG_0113.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trailhead for White Rock Loop Trail</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">We stopped for lunch before making our way back to the Jeep on the loop trail. It was a good hike and had been a beautiful day. If you are in search of hiking trails in the Las Vegas valley I would highly recommend this website: <a href="http://www.birdandhike.com/index.htm">Bird and Hike</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">Okay, now on to our Air Conditioner story. As you may recall, we ordered a new Coleman Mach 15 heat pump/ air conditioner from a local mobile repair company, Affordable RV here in Las Vegas. The appointment for the installation at our campsite was set for Monday between 10-11 a.m. We had been scheduled to work our volunteer job on Monday so we re-arranged our schedule working on Sunday instead. So, Monday comes and I call at 9:00 leaving a message to make sure they are still on schedule. I didn’t get a call back and called several more times always getting the answer machine. Finally I call with Joyce’s phone (different number) sometime after noon and they answer. I’m told they called me and left a message that the wrong thermostat had arrived and they would have to postpone till Tuesday. Of course, I never got the call or message! Needless to say I’m a bit annoyed as we were also scheduled to work on Tuesday. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">Our friend and boss, Dara stopped by to see us around 3:30 and shortly thereafter, the installer arrived unannounced by himself. He quickly began working and removed and replaced the main A/C unit on the roof. Of course this disrupted or visit with Dara. Then he reported that he didn’t have the wiring on his truck to finish the job and install the thermostat and would have to run back to town. After he left, I got a phone call from Affordable RV reporting that the installer wasn’t able to find the wiring and would have to return tomorrow (Tuesday) between 10-11. It was close to 5 p.m. and getting dark so I was agreeable.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thermostat on wall</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">As you can probably imagine, 10 and 11 a.m. passed on Tuesday and I didn’t see or hear from Affordable RV. I had the installers tools so I knew he had to come back. Again my calls to the company went unanswered and again the installer showed up unannounced around 1 p.m., this time with another worker. Of course they apologized for being late..... Anyway, the installation was completed and a thermostat controlling the a/c, heat pump and furnace was installed. The wiring for the thermostat was run through the ceiling vents and ducts to the wall where the wireless remote/ thermostat for the old Carrier unit had been. It is all working as advertised at a cost of just over $1500 and some aggravation. Having said all that, I would be hesitant to recommend Affordable RV. On the other hand, we are thankful that we were able to get the job done at our campsite.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">On Wednesday, we <a href="http://www.nps.gov/lake/naturescience/restoration.htm">worked </a>our last day as volunteers for Lake Mead N.R.A. We <a href="http://www.nps.gov/lake/naturescience/restoration.htm">worked</a> some back country roads down by the Davis Dam and Katherine Landing some of which we would have done on Tuesday. It made for a long day but we wanted to fulfill our (perceived) obligation. Actually Dara had told us we didn’t need to worry about the day of work we missed but, since the roads were all in the same area we did our best to get them all done. As you may know, Davis Dam creates Lake Mohave on the Colorado River near Laughlin Nevada and Bullhead City Arizona.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">We really enjoyed working for the park's resource management team and in particular Dara. She's been very good to us allowing us to work independently and tour most of what </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/lake/index.htm">Lake Mead National Recreation Area</a> had to offer in the process.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Davis Dam</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approved Road 2 ends on a peninsula in Lake Mohave.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">As I write this we have only two nights left and we’ve been busy packing up and making preparations. We’ve been sitting here for nearly 4 mos. so packing and preparations are a bit more involved! The weather today has taken a turn for the worse with a high of only 56 and strong gusty winds. However, folks in the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys are experiencing severe tornadic activity and our thoughts and prayers are with those folks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">Tomorrow, Saturday looks to be a better day at which time I’ll air up all of our vehicle tires, put the TST Tire Monitor sensors back on the trailer tires and make final preparations for departure on Sunday for Usery Regional Mountain Park in Mesa, Az.</span></div>
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Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.3</div>Darren and Joyce Romerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678230140427316372noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684913608092147902.post-83270218882678732602012-02-29T20:39:00.000-07:002012-02-29T20:44:17.340-07:00Nelson Landing/ Eldorado Canyon<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lake Mead National Recreation Area</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Joyce and I have had the opportunity to visit the Nelson area of Lake Mead National Recreation Area on several occasions while doing our volunteer work on the back country roads.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This area is full of old closed mines and some operational mines as well as some spectacular scenery. It's several miles south of Boulder City on Highway 95 with a well marked exit for Nelson. It's a long steep downhill on the paved road past the town and down to Lake Mohave via Eldorado Canyon.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old mine</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Mohave at the end of a back country road.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same cove at the water's edge.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful calm cove of Lake Mohave</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">From Wikipedia:</span></div>
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<b>Nelson</b> is an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unincorporated_area" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Unincorporated area">unincorporated community</a> in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clark_County,_Nevada" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Clark County, Nevada">Clark County</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nevada" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Nevada">Nevada</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="United States">United States</a>, in the <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Las_Vegas_metropolitan_area" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Las Vegas metropolitan area">Las Vegas metropolitan area</a>. The community is in the <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Standard_Time" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Pacific Standard Time">Pacific Standard Time</a> zone. The location of Nelson is in <a class="new" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=El_Dorado_Canyon_(Nevada)&action=edit&redlink=1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #ba0000; text-decoration: none;" title="El Dorado Canyon (Nevada) (page does not exist)">El Dorado Canyon</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eldorado_Mountains" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Eldorado Mountains">Eldorado Mountains</a>. The town is in the southeast region of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eldorado_Valley" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Eldorado Valley">Eldorado Valley</a>.</div>
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Nelson is on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nevada" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Nevada">Nevada</a> side of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colorado_River" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Colorado River">Colorado River</a> about 16 miles (26 km) north of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cottonwood_Cove,_Nevada" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Cottonwood Cove, Nevada">Cottonwood Cove, Nevada</a> by water. Nelson is about 25 miles from <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boulder_City" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Boulder City">Boulder City</a> by road. One of the biggest mining booms in state history occurred near here, in the El Dorado Canyon. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Gold">Gold</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Silver">silver</a> were discovered here around 1859.</div>
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In its heyday, the area established a reputation for being rough and lawless. During the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="American Civil War">American Civil War</a>, deserters from both the Union and Confederate armies would wander there, hoping that such an isolated location would be the last place military authorities would look for them.</div>
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Nelson's Landing, about five miles west in Eldorado Canyon, is noted for washing into Lake Mohave in 1974 after a strong downpour in the regional mountains sent the runoff down the channels and produced a flash flood. There are five wide channels that run from the local mountains toward the river. The problem is that they all converge into a small outlet where Nelson's Landing was. The entire landing and village was destroyed and nine people died when the flood came through the wash. The wall of water and debris was reported as about 40 feet (12 meters) high as it reached the river. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eldorado Canyon and Nelson Landing once a large marina with lodges.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And from the web:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Flash floods, the bane of campers and hikers in the Southwest, can strike with no warning. On September 14, 1974, a distant thunderstorm sent a wall of water 40 feet high roaring down Eldorado Canyon. The flash flood killed nine people and wiped out Nelson's Landing, a popular fishing marina on Lake Mohave about 35 miles southeast of Las Vegas.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The normally dry canyon turned deadly after an intense hail and rainstorm dumped three inches of rain in just 30 minutes in the mountains up-canyon. The muddy torrent crushed the restaurant, grocery store, and bar in about five seconds. Bernie Daniels, a tourist from Glendale, California, remembered, "Heavy hail fell for 15 minutes. Then there was a solid gush. It had to be 30 or 40 feet high."</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A wayside sign at Nelson Landing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBY9JPjE1_HTmFivpJgo2Dubqh82kAKFJtDCumG1axHnBTwhacw5quAoS5croAaNqAq-g_1jaARqe8gcUghqwgRFxQERh2NFMR6Q1LC5fGzADB1iNcejvEKYCjiRzRllXmQ4zO0mPez50/s1600/IMG_0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBY9JPjE1_HTmFivpJgo2Dubqh82kAKFJtDCumG1axHnBTwhacw5quAoS5croAaNqAq-g_1jaARqe8gcUghqwgRFxQERh2NFMR6Q1LC5fGzADB1iNcejvEKYCjiRzRllXmQ4zO0mPez50/s640/IMG_0092.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Nelson Landing looking the opposite direction from the picture above. </span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Much of Nelson, which was not impacted by the 1974 flood, remains today and is located way up the wash, away from the flood channels. The sparsely populated community consists mainly of privately owned ranch houses, and a river and mining tour business housed in a former Texaco gas station that has been used as a filming location for several feature films, including <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3000_Miles_to_Graceland">3000 Miles to Graceland</a>. <br /><br />The community was named for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Charles_Nelson_(prospector)&action=edit&redlink=1">Charles Nelson</a>, a prospector who was slain at his mine in 1897.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The heart of local tourism in Nelson. An old mine and tourist attractions.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you visiting near Boulder City, it's a nice drive out to Nelson and worth the visit for the views. There's no entry fee at this location for entering Lake Mead N.R.A. and visiting the site that once was Nelson Landing just down the road.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>Darren and Joyce Romerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678230140427316372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684913608092147902.post-29907361882212060112012-02-21T22:10:00.000-07:002012-02-21T22:10:43.645-07:00North Cottonwood Cove Back Country Roads<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lake Mead National Recreation Area</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Spring is around the corner as we've been experiencing the occasional warmer than expected days. On one of those days I decided to test our main air conditioner. After a false start I was able to get it to come on but outside Joyce and I could hear the groaning squeal of bearings. I think the bearings in the condenser fan motor are shot. I've been nursing it since this past summer when it started groaning in Texas. However since we spent most of last summer in milder climates, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Washington and Oregon, we didn't need to run the main air conditioner much. But now the noise is progressing to the point where it must be annoying to neighbors (it is to us outside) not to mention it may just seize up. We plan to spend a considerable amount of the summer in the Southeast this year so we are going to need a reliable A/C. The original air condition was made by Carrier, but they got out of the RV air conditioner business in '09 so now parts aren't available and haven't been unless you were under warranty. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I have called technicians but they have all suggested just replacing the whole unit. Of course the other issue is that it's a ducted unit with an infrared remote (wireless) thermostat, unique to the industry and no longer available. When talking to the various technician/ repair shops over the past several months, none have expressed a willingness to tackle the issues with wiring a wall thermostat to include the furnace. Suddenly, they aren't available till a month or more! Well, I found a technician shop, <b>Affordable RV Service</b> here in Las Vegas that got good reviews and seemed to be familiar with my a/c problem. Long story short, I've ordered a Coleman Mach 15 (15K BTU) to replace the carrier 13.5 BTU unit. Install should be at our site just a few days before we plan to move on, March 5th or 6th. I'll keep you posted on how all that works out.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We've been staying busy exploring new (to us) roads in the back country of Lake Mead National Recreation Area. On this trip we worked some of the roads just north of the Cottonwood Cove area which took us into a heavily mined area. Cottonwood Cove is on the West side of Lake Mohave near the small town of Searchlight Nevada. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mine shaft hole that has been filled in</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">On cloudy days like this we have to be conscience of the weather as often we are driving in washes and have to cognizant of the potential for flash floods.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A historic mine in the park littered with era specific rusty tin cans.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another mine shaft in the side of a mountain.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We only have a couple more weeks left in our volunteer jobs, so we decided to take our "boss" Dara and her co-worker, Kelly to lunch in Boulder City. They have both been very nice and helpful and we have enjoyed working with them. Actually we rarely ever see them so having lunch with them was a chance to nail them down for an hour or so and present them with some of our favorite pictures that I took of the park and habitat. They loved the pictures which we framed for them and we all enjoyed lunch.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kelly and our "boss", Dara</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I've received a few inquiries regarding our volunteer position in the "adopt a road" restoration program as well as other volunteer positions. Our positions are not filled after march until next fall. However, if anyone has questions regarding any and all volunteer positions in the park, I would suggest contacting the park's volunteer coordinator, Nancy Bernard at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="mailto:nancy_bernard@nps.gov">nancy_bernard@nps.gov</a> .</span></span><div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The internet has been weak at our campground, making it difficult to post pictures and keep up with the blog. The other day Joyce and I drove into Henderson and made use of the stronger Verizon internet signal to take care of some business and update the blog. I'm slowly whittling away at bringing our campground reviews page up to date. However, I'm still really behind but at least it's a work still in progress!</span><div>
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</div>Darren and Joyce Romerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678230140427316372noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684913608092147902.post-16511586501149858102012-02-07T16:03:00.002-07:002012-02-07T16:05:54.855-07:00Just some pictures, Lake Mead N.R.A.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">February 7, 2012 Lake Mead National Recreation Area.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Not much happening since our last post. I thought I'd post some pictures....enjoy!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">East Cottowood Burro</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cottonwood Cove from across Lake Mohave </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our volunteer campground. The trees are leafing out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working some back roads on the North end of Lake Mead N.R.A.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A spring known as Bitter Springs trickling in the desert</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">West side of Lake Mohave an area with lots of Cholla Cactus.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large wash near Nelson Landing</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brittle Bush in Bloom with Lake Mead in the background</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View across the road from our campground.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View traveling from the Henderson entrance towards Boulder Beach in Lake Mead N.R.A.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Volunteer Campground at night under the moon.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our camp site at night. Our p/u truck is parked in another empty site.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Las Vegas Strip shortly after leaving Lake Mead N.R.A. from the Henderson exit.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Currently we are planning to continue with our volunteer job here at Lake Mead N.R.A. until the first week of March. At that time we will be making our way to the Jacksonville area of Florida. Our daughter and son-in-law are having a home built that should be finished towards the end of March. It's been a while since we saw them so, we look forward to helping them get settled in their new home and helping out with painting, landscaping etc.</span></div>
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<br />Darren and Joyce Romerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678230140427316372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684913608092147902.post-34742029096015627092012-02-01T11:05:00.000-07:002012-02-01T11:07:46.910-07:00Staying Busy at Lake Mead N.R.A.<div style="text-align: left;">
Lake Mead N.R.A.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Burros of Echo Bay</td></tr>
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We've been staying busy with our volunteer work. We are averaging 80+ hours a month driving the back country roads. The picture above is in a cove at the end of Approved Road 37A on the Arizona side of Lake Mojave.<br />
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While at home, I've been working on cutting and hanging solar screens in preparation for this summer. Several times last year we had wished we had them. The solar screens really help to reduce heat from coming through our dual pane windows. The screens are fastened with snaps that required drilling into the rv to place the studs along with a dab of silicone. Although we don't need them now, we've already noticed a difference when the sun is low and shining directly in the windows.<br />
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I also worked on getting the oil changed and the tires rotated on the jeep which now has 24393 miles on it. The truck has 23000 miles on it and I had its tires rotated. The rear duals are showing wear with only 8/32 of tread vs 12/32 on the fronts. I'm sure I'll be replacing them this year.<br />
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Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.3</div>Darren and Joyce Romerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678230140427316372noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684913608092147902.post-72646146732364205642012-01-18T22:36:00.001-07:002012-01-18T22:39:56.725-07:00Hiking Bowl of Fire and Fortification Hill<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">January 18, 2012 Lake Mead National Recreation Area.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Desert Bighorn Ram</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">One day last week we took Paul and Paula out with us to inspect one of our assigned roads as part of our volunteer assignment at Lake Mead N.R.A. They are able to go with us as they are also volunteers, however, they work for the visitor center. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We took advantage of the fact that we would be driving past <a href="http://www.birdandhike.com/Hike/LAME/BowlFireN/_BOFloop.htm">The Bowl of Fire</a> (B.O.F.) off Calville Wash Road (A.R. 94) and got in a short hike to the B.O.F.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joyce and Paula coming across an obstacle on the way to B.O.F.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Like most of the trails in the park, the trail to B.O.F. was poorly marked and started off in a wash. We could see the Bowl in the distance and kinda just made our own way following the infrequent tracks of others who came before us.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joyce and I in front of some red rock.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Once in or at <a href="http://www.birdandhike.com/Hike/LAME/BowlFireN/_BOFloop.htm">The Bowl of Fire</a> we had to find our way back. I climbed up to the top of some rocks to get a better vantage point and look for a trail back.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Searching for a way out!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Although I wasn't able to spot a trail from on top of the rocks, we did make it back to the truck without incident!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Yesterday, Paul and I left our lovely wives at home and decided to tackle a more challenging hike to the top of <a href="http://www.birdandhike.com/Hike/LAME/Fort_Hill/_Fort_Hill.htm">Fortification Hill</a> on the Arizona side of the park. Previously, Paul had taken advantage of his duties in the visitor center to scour over their resource documents on hikes in the park. Unfortunately the information was limited and once again we would be forced to turn to the internet for directions. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ultimately we got to the trail head off Kingman Wash and started off the hike trying to find our own way. We started up the wash below but later realized, that we should have been on the ridgeline to the right of the wash.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of the hike to the top of Fortification Hill in the distance.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Eventually, we found the ridge after the foot prints we were following in the wash disappeared! Once on the ridge the serious climbing began as we would eventually summit at 3700 ft. above sea level.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhST_JffM2gayP24oukUcN20KJGXYrDTHL8Ssg45UzFIowL-pUZxvRMrAXMLAsg0ewZ-kIqx4X21Hn17oe4K99qU5W2O8Bkw6Xh9q9jlECv83hB_T8KBoHuFIBriDI9Vqv8vFoFgglQIt0/s1600/IMG_0146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhST_JffM2gayP24oukUcN20KJGXYrDTHL8Ssg45UzFIowL-pUZxvRMrAXMLAsg0ewZ-kIqx4X21Hn17oe4K99qU5W2O8Bkw6Xh9q9jlECv83hB_T8KBoHuFIBriDI9Vqv8vFoFgglQIt0/s640/IMG_0146.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I'm usually a pretty strong climber, but I had to stop a few times on the way up to catch my breath.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbwc4dxm4mozPMstTcqRlfkF7egxrTcBiOq5DRDJfVgwXRUXL9AXjJTnWSxTq9b8Bg9zF16lEY251ZtWUoz0Q0uFL8l9VJWVxICiakrwXX2pg76hS-3SFqSEGj30Tv2rEIPK6qNyRoYM/s1600/IMG_0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbwc4dxm4mozPMstTcqRlfkF7egxrTcBiOq5DRDJfVgwXRUXL9AXjJTnWSxTq9b8Bg9zF16lEY251ZtWUoz0Q0uFL8l9VJWVxICiakrwXX2pg76hS-3SFqSEGj30Tv2rEIPK6qNyRoYM/s640/IMG_0148.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As we approached the saddle, we came across a group of hikers from a local hiking club descending. It's good that we did, as we could see roughly where to go for the ascent up the rocks.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hikers descending and crossing the saddle.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After Paul and I ascended the steep, slippery rocky saddle we caught our breath and prepared to assault the rock scramble.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">From our internet research, we had learned that in November of 2008 a hiker fell to his death at this portion of the climb. A hiking club left this memorial at the site.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Memorial Rock to a fallen hiker.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Although I was forced to overcome my fear of heights, Paul and I both made it over the rock scaling ignoring the precipitous drop-off. Once on top, Paul pointed to my Jeep in the distance below.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZfu5pqrZQRQrmzctrA_wT4lGgAUWG10D6PiBHKFXa1zBefpmLSeSJ2-AgYCBF8486QqiQd5vzaDIsf8BT_Gm8SEbRQKrlcGbu9HxNj68gNBiIGsZlLJK77WkKnEQce2qyzNccMIXtoE/s1600/IMG_0163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZfu5pqrZQRQrmzctrA_wT4lGgAUWG10D6PiBHKFXa1zBefpmLSeSJ2-AgYCBF8486QqiQd5vzaDIsf8BT_Gm8SEbRQKrlcGbu9HxNj68gNBiIGsZlLJK77WkKnEQce2qyzNccMIXtoE/s640/IMG_0163.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">From the top of Fortification Hill we still had another .6 miles to travel to the summit.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWG7E6DcTgr6EEyKrbv4X74Ccse9d5ahfEkzv-O8vEn7_p7DiIaVE6-E9ph2XOcb6lQ02U5Vt4N718nbLTlGQ_sZgGHIJ8F_LUGFlCI0GxfYJ_ZYrnkHlIh9o-U2je_Jbo7IXl57us-A/s1600/IMG_0166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWG7E6DcTgr6EEyKrbv4X74Ccse9d5ahfEkzv-O8vEn7_p7DiIaVE6-E9ph2XOcb6lQ02U5Vt4N718nbLTlGQ_sZgGHIJ8F_LUGFlCI0GxfYJ_ZYrnkHlIh9o-U2je_Jbo7IXl57us-A/s400/IMG_0166.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After reaching the summit, we signed our names in the book stashed in an ammo can at the top and enjoyed the views of Lake Mead and Hoover Dam.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnlkVCsRO7bgwd21K4cO9XBAlEleicDbqckwOc6l-mb0ZaZlC01gKDwZW-1ahrDHXKsprnA94gcHazF-WhS4cswGqTxztQphhpDxMFtsgUjQDP0wPliU4dp19LQvS1wrK6PCQnzyiOvE/s1600/IMG_0185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnlkVCsRO7bgwd21K4cO9XBAlEleicDbqckwOc6l-mb0ZaZlC01gKDwZW-1ahrDHXKsprnA94gcHazF-WhS4cswGqTxztQphhpDxMFtsgUjQDP0wPliU4dp19LQvS1wrK6PCQnzyiOvE/s640/IMG_0185.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A zoomed in shot of Hoover Dam and then new bridge from the summit of Fortification Hill.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After eating lunch on the summit it was time to start back down with the knowledge that we would have to scramble back down the rock scaling portion. We hiked back the .6 miles to the scramble/ scaling area and safely made it down without incident. I felt relieved that it was literally all down hill from there.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisH6aOk1lHxYWho1PpeIVR8njEmey_9I3Gp31Z38VjvNPiaVNNj60hlzMCxhr0rnX7-3xyqTkjV1o0-frouhIGB-GTcgBTga_reDbDa-3-D_iE7Gfoi0dJi6fTJ4oo-rSV6d-GuBbNWpM/s1600/IMG_0192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisH6aOk1lHxYWho1PpeIVR8njEmey_9I3Gp31Z38VjvNPiaVNNj60hlzMCxhr0rnX7-3xyqTkjV1o0-frouhIGB-GTcgBTga_reDbDa-3-D_iE7Gfoi0dJi6fTJ4oo-rSV6d-GuBbNWpM/s640/IMG_0192.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul taking my picture as I took his on the rocky slope.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It was a long steep hike down. It took us two and a half hours to summit and two hours to get down. It's amazing that neither of us fell on the way up or down as it was very rocky and slippery on the loose gravel. After about 7 miles round trip, we made it back to the Jeep no worse for the wear after having enjoyed a challenging hike!</span></div>
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<br /></div>Darren and Joyce Romerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678230140427316372noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684913608092147902.post-32901347963960673852012-01-13T20:19:00.000-07:002012-01-13T20:30:50.444-07:00Sam's Town Casino<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vlD9Ge4qxnA/TxD0QnILuDI/AAAAAAAAFUQ/9TWgHTPGZh8/s0/2012-01-13_14-18-06_30.jpg"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vlD9Ge4qxnA/TxD0QnILuDI/AAAAAAAAFUQ/9TWgHTPGZh8/s400/2012-01-13_14-18-06_30.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We have the next few days off. We decided to go with Paul and Paula to the theater at Sam's Town Casino located off the strip on Boulder Highway. Yea, these casinos are so big that many have huge theaters as well as restaurants. The pictures are of the casino atrium in the center of the casino taken with my Droid Razr phone.<br /><br />Before the movie we visited the buffet and a few slot machines. Paul won some money!<br />We saw the movie, The Descendants. What a sleeper / chick flick!<br /> <br /> Anyway we managed to kill the day! Looking forward to the Broncos vs Patriots game tomorrow. <br /><br />Thanks to the reader who told me about the Droid blogger app.</span><br />
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Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.3</div>Darren and Joyce Romerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678230140427316372noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684913608092147902.post-56832182215112902012012-01-10T21:34:00.000-07:002012-01-10T21:34:29.465-07:00Droid Razor and Bald Eagle Survey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">January 10, 2012 Lake Mead National Recreation Area.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We've been staying busy, but I got to tell you that I've entered the smart phone world! Yesterday, I upgraded my Verizon account to include a Droid Razor, my first smart phone. Joyce has had a Droid X for the past year, but I've only had the basic phone.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So now, I have internet and text on my phone. Cool, but expensive at an additional $40 a month including texting. I've already learned that I'm able to quickly send updates and photos to our America by RV Facebook Page so, please stay with us and check out our link at the top right of this page for the America by RV Facebook page. Now if I could only learn to update the blog with my new phone...hmm.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We started the New Year out right with a hike along the North Summit Trail in the park. It gave me a good opportunity to check out the new red <a href="http://www.rei.com/product/796765/osprey-manta-30-hydration-pack-100-fl-oz">Osprey 30 Manta Pack</a> that I purchased from the REI store in Las Vegas. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bowl of Fire in the background.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joyce</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">January 4th, I participated in the park's annual Bald Eagle Count along the lake and Colorado River. We set out in small groups in about 4-5 boats to survey portions of the river.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My boat crew!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It was a cool morning in the 40's as my crew and I headed up the Black Canyon towards the Hoover Dam.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-f9gHoEzAFQ-rXCqqb0VnvSxEYCJ5v3RzKopo4Gqy-_Lhhj_K-lEpgKyFNt7GB-WN_6cKQrUO_hgBMXQ2F7l_EIGTbZK83qhf3f8KPAaYD3ypeh2HKYvW4SXq3hEg-wzXSEB6fnCATG0/s1600/IMG_0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-f9gHoEzAFQ-rXCqqb0VnvSxEYCJ5v3RzKopo4Gqy-_Lhhj_K-lEpgKyFNt7GB-WN_6cKQrUO_hgBMXQ2F7l_EIGTbZK83qhf3f8KPAaYD3ypeh2HKYvW4SXq3hEg-wzXSEB6fnCATG0/s640/IMG_0062.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cruising up the Colorado River in Black Canyon towards the Hoover Dam.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We found a number of young eagles like the one below along our designated route. More young eagles than matures!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhjmlim35WhKd_TyoAxyTuVAIZ-u-LmEcOR_2-O8wmC0Cby6t-Hzcba2F71F3SUTQFC0c8Q079yPIk0p4iOVhMgFoXtuN24aLE87p5nSj8yg9pUoNF3fZepNUov6P08y7FZRuhJmqpOc/s1600/IMG_0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhjmlim35WhKd_TyoAxyTuVAIZ-u-LmEcOR_2-O8wmC0Cby6t-Hzcba2F71F3SUTQFC0c8Q079yPIk0p4iOVhMgFoXtuN24aLE87p5nSj8yg9pUoNF3fZepNUov6P08y7FZRuhJmqpOc/s400/IMG_0086.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An Immature Bald Eagle</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Of course, we also saw a number of Desert Mountain Sheep like the ram below.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDZfTVl35HeszquHFFfIY9TOLk_8pkteLTg9cMVOez-sO5Q3h3aBx_BIE44UtiJKQWoeXElJSbc6pBFjP2YT-ItvskhlLkigWcn6i43RIDYf5M-dcztKOjNnLo0rYZqLyOANhhjwrNK0/s1600/IMG_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDZfTVl35HeszquHFFfIY9TOLk_8pkteLTg9cMVOez-sO5Q3h3aBx_BIE44UtiJKQWoeXElJSbc6pBFjP2YT-ItvskhlLkigWcn6i43RIDYf5M-dcztKOjNnLo0rYZqLyOANhhjwrNK0/s400/IMG_0051.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Desert Bighorn</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The eagles, hawks and sheep all provoked the same response from those of us in the boat which was to stop the boat and look!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiou2QARdbYzny9rzEWqrTAsSGawf9Hwb-wNKwR2G_VbG9K2QpCFa4y9ETJLqZhvvxIg-dUbLV2zACtCIEiKeR_BQuhyphenhyphenfn9UgyJJYFJmIUGX8tJcIMh1RH-xnk7mWJLFmGIpEBAPiHIG6s/s1600/IMG_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiou2QARdbYzny9rzEWqrTAsSGawf9Hwb-wNKwR2G_VbG9K2QpCFa4y9ETJLqZhvvxIg-dUbLV2zACtCIEiKeR_BQuhyphenhyphenfn9UgyJJYFJmIUGX8tJcIMh1RH-xnk7mWJLFmGIpEBAPiHIG6s/s400/IMG_0059.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Crew stopping to admire and evaluate an Eagle</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Our crew saw 15 Bald Eagles which was spectacular for me. However the best view was of the Hoover Dam and the new bridge from below on the Colorado River!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAiFLlb3cPW44UncpI-h2X0jqRCv8aOaZAzdimfogK1qeYVE55uOy9vzVeWbjmEFhVjzfvsoa7auay4G6-ICnLUUkoi2xZeeD1hWtVPYwi154JjZZ9F4OKFeESu717NkO1sO-iO79IbI/s1600/IMG_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAiFLlb3cPW44UncpI-h2X0jqRCv8aOaZAzdimfogK1qeYVE55uOy9vzVeWbjmEFhVjzfvsoa7auay4G6-ICnLUUkoi2xZeeD1hWtVPYwi154JjZZ9F4OKFeESu717NkO1sO-iO79IbI/s640/IMG_0076.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">At the conclusion of the all day survey and a good 7 + hrs. on the water, the eagle count coordinator gathered up the results and pronounced:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><i>This year's survey went well we had a total of 162 eagles (161 bald and 1unknown).</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I thought the totals were amazing but apparently the numbers were down just a few from the year before. Some blamed the unseasonably warm weather we've been enjoying. Allegedly the birds like the colder weather.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span id="goog_793648352"></span><span id="goog_793648353"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1922058735"></span><span id="goog_1922058736"></span>Darren and Joyce Romerohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678230140427316372noreply@blogger.com2