6 weeks, 5 States, 2,480 miles....

Well, we've finished our first retirement trip and we're back home. I can't believe how many miles we traveled and how many states we camped in....North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama. All the campgrounds were nice but 2 had "issues". One on the coast had biting gnats and the one in Alabama was near a paper mill, stinky and clanging machinery all night long. But that's the nice thing about RVing if you don't like your surroundings you just move on.

We met a lady who has traveled fulltime in her Roadtrek for 8 years. She has no other home and she follows the seasons and workcamps from New Hampshire to Florida. We also met a couple who have the same year Roadtrek as us and it was fun seeing how their's was set up.

It was hard to come home because we felt free as the breeze, as snug as a bug in our little home on wheels. I know people can't amagine living in such a small space but we didn't have any problems. The dogs even enjoyed it. When we got home our house seemed sooo big. But we are adjusting. LOL

Our niece...

We hadn't seen this young lady in years but she is just as nice and loving as she was then but maturity has made her even better. When children become adults you have the opportunity to develop different types of relationships. With our own children I am often amazed at how smart and resourceful they are. It's hard at times to not think of them as your "babies" but when you sit down and talk to them you realize the're great adults. So friends and family....here's Kymm...

Grandma & Lois meet Kaleigh

Grandma and Lois were thrilled to get to see J, L and K. Lois is still amazed that Kaleigh was born on her Birthday and has said repeatedly that she never thought she'd get to see her. Of course Pawpa and Grandma were happy to see J,L & K again.

During our visit.....

Here's a photo at the resturant with Mike's sister and her husband.

Visiting family.....

We made it to J & R's house and had a lovely visit. The dogs loved running around their back yard. Thursday evening they took us to a local German resturant and we had a great meal. Friday Mike's niece K came over and it was great seeing her. Mike even got to talk to her sister on the phone. She now lives in Tennessee.J & R thank you for the great time.

On to St. Pete.

The traffice going through Tampa is a real experience. It was 3:30 and if it was'nt rush hour I wouldn't want to see the real thing. But the drive over the bridge was nice. The water was blue and sparkled like diamonds. But we are here and we'll spend awhile seeing Mom & L.

Salt Springs, Ocala National Forest, Fl.

Brrrr...it's cold outside baby!!! But the campground is nice. No phone service though. :-( It's supposed be 34 tonight, thank goodness we have electric & propane heat. We'll be here tonight not sure when we'll leave. We're still hoping to see Janice and plan to be in St. Pete by the weekend.

St. Augustine, Fl.

30 years ago we went to St.Augustine and I rode this Merry Go Round. Imagine my surprise when we turned a corner and there it was. I had forgotten about it until I saw it. I had to ride again. Mike thought I was nuts and even asked me was I sure I wanted to post this picture, but like the ticket taker said "I'm young at heart."

Free WiFi, WOOHOO......

SUNDAY - This is our first on the road free Wifi blog from Brunswick, Ga welcome center. We're 45 minutes from Florida. We left Savannah eating HOT Krispy Kreme doughnuts, what more could you ask for. We thank J&L for letting us visit and spoil the new baby. To our two girls and grandsons, we love you and we'll be home someday, but for now - On to Florida.

MONDAY - OOPS---it was free but the signal wasn't strong enough to post the blog. So we saved it and we're posting it from McD's using their $2.95 connection.

After we left Brunswick we headed to St. Augustine, Fl. Beautiful old homes, M. you would love these houses. Old Town was PACKED because not only was it Sunday but they were having a Rhythm & Ribs festival. We will go back today when the crowds should be smaller.

We boondocked for the first time at no other than Walmart. LOL There were 3 other Roadtreks and 7 other RV's stopped for the night.