Today started early. We had to vacate Little House by 8 A.M. so the service technician, Steve, could finish the job of replacing the 8 year old sealant all around the RV. Then we had to wait for the sun's warmth to work it's magic to make sure the sealant was set well enough to withstand the rigors of road travel. We ate breakfast, Hank attended a free RV Driver Confidence Seminar, we ate lunch and then we waited in the lounge to get the call that our Lazydays stay was finally over. That good news arrived via our service adviser, Chad, and we departed Seffner about 4:30 P.M in order to make the 2 hour drive to Adelaide Shores RV Resort in Avon Park, FL.
Adelaide Shores is home to many snowbirds for the winter, including our full-timing friends Dee & Jim. We've visited them for the last several years, and we always enjoy the friendliness of everyone we meet while we're there. We arrived just as it was getting dark and by the time we located our assigned site (#235) it was completely dark which presented a problem getting situated in a position providing easy access the hookups while not running over the sewer connection in the process. With the help of a neighbor (Mike) with his flashlight on one side and me with mine on the other, Hank was able to get Little House situated in the proper position, and our long day ended on a good note.
Although we would have preferred to arrive yesterday as planned, we were happy that Lazydays could get us out of there in time to get to Avon Park today. We'll be here until next Wednesday and look forward to spending time with Dee & Jim again and enjoying the wonderful warm weather! Hank might even find some time for fishing.
Our life on the highways and byways of America.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
SEFFNER, FL: A Change in Plans
We arrived at the LazyDays Service Center about 8:30 A.M. this morning and talked with Chad, our service adviser. The plan was to get two packages of maintenance work done - Chassis Lubrication Service, and Slide and Jack Service. We passed the time by enjoying free breakfast and lunch ( we had some unused tickets from our previous rally stay), touring the surrounding area, and then relaxing in the very comfortable service lounge. About 1:30 P.M., we got the call that the two service packages were completed. However, several sealant breakdowns were found, and deserved immediate attention. The service tech was present for the discussion and pictures of the problem area were shown, and we agreed to the needed work. This meant that we would not be able to move the coach until late tomorrow afternoon (Thursday) . Tonight, Little House is parked inside service bay #13, and we're right at home inside Little House with full hookups, free wi-fi, and tv reception even without using our antenna (the service bay ceiling is not high enough to allow raising the antenna).
This is our first time to use the Lazydays' service and so far we've been favorably impressed from the initial inspection by the adviser, to the input of the technician, and the caring attention of all concerned. We're hoping we won't have to change our plans again tomorrow!
This is our first time to use the Lazydays' service and so far we've been favorably impressed from the initial inspection by the adviser, to the input of the technician, and the caring attention of all concerned. We're hoping we won't have to change our plans again tomorrow!
Monday, January 26, 2015
THONOTOSASSA, FL: Catching Our Breath!
Yesterday morning, we put Little House in 'travel mode' and said good-by to Lazydays RV Center, at least for the next 3 days. Little House is now parked at The Happy Traveler RV Park in Thonotosassa, Fl, about 6 miles from Lazydays. It's an older park with lots of long-term residents in sites that are close together, but it's adequate for what we need and the rates are lower than what Lazydays charges. The newly upgraded WI-fi works well. We'll be here until Wednesday, when we are returning to Lazydays for some maintenance service. If all goes well, we'll be heading further south by late Wednesday afternoon.
Sunday, January 25, 2015
SEFFNER, FL: FMA Rally - Last Night
Today was the last full day of activities for the Fleetwood MotorHome Association Rally. Fleetwood and American Coach are two of five RV brands owned by Allied Recreation Group and the rallies are intended to include all 5 brands.
Our last post was on Thursday, so we'll start with the last half of that day. In the afternoon, we visited some venders that set up in the rally center. Another catered dinner was on tap for the evening meal - fried chicken, slaw, tossed salad, baked beans, macaroni & cheese, watermelon, cookies and dark chocolate cake. There were lots of door prizes given away including hats, deluxe mugs, cleaning cloths, Walmart gift cards, and FMA memberships for a year.
The evening's entertainment was provided by Malt Shoppe Memories.
This foursome brought back lots of memories of our younger days and the music we loved, and once again, the dance floor was filled.
Friday we had a more relaxed day and other than doing the breakfast and lunch thing, we enjoyed having a day to ourselves. Lazydays is having a huge sale this weekend so the sales half of the property (where we go for our free breakfasts and lunches) was bustling with more visitors than usual.
The weather during our stay has been beautiful, with increasing temperatures approaching 80 during the day. Friday night, a cold front approached and gave us heavy rain overnight, but by morning, things started to dry out with cooler temperatures. As we made our way to breakfast, our path was impeded by several emergency vehicles. We found out later that a Prevost motorhome had an electrical fire, but thankfully no one was injured.
This $1,000,000+ (yes, six zeros) motorhome is probably a total loss. The fire apparently started in the basement compartment containing the diesel generator. You can see damage on the outside, from ground to roof, but there is also extensive damage to the luxurious inside of the coach. During a fire, intense heat quickly builds up in the small enclosed living space and actually melts the synthetic materials that make up the interior of the coach. Sadly, most motorhome fires end with the same result as this vehicle. This is why, even in our small space, we have two smoke alarms, LP gas and CO2 detectors, emergency exit windows, and several fire extinguishers which hopefully would give us a few extra seconds to get out safely.
This afternoon, there was a "flea" sale in the rally center and we found a couple of things we thought we needed.
Tonight was the final big activity of the rally. Before dinner, there were a lot more door prizes given away - same type as on Thursday. Our catered dinner tonight was barbecued chicken and pork ribs, slaw, potato salad, tossed salad, baked beans, rolls, watermelon and apple pie, along with the complimentary beer, wine, and soda.
The final night's entertainment was provided by the Impacs. (There were 5 members tonight)
This was a high-energy group that actually backed Roy Orbison for 3 years, and tonight they entertained the crowd with music from the late 50's, 60's and 70's. Once again the dance floor was full whether the songs were fast or slow. While many of the attendees at these rallies are way past the average retirement age, their dancing skills would rival that of any twenty-something. (The big difference is the younger folks would just be warming up by 10 P.M. and most of the older crowd would be in bed by 10 P.M!). During the band's break, the winner of the 50/50 drawing were announced (half went to charity). Then it was time for the big giveaway of the rally - a paid up registration for the January, 2016 FMA rally valued at $299. All attendees who turned in a their 2016 registration form by today were eligible to win this prize, and 103 names were in the pot. We were the lucky winners!!!
We've had a great time at Lazydays during the last 10 days, attending two large gatherings and one smaller one, seeing a few old friends, and hopefully making new ones.. Tomorrow morning, there will be a continental breakfast available before many of us pack up and head out. We're only moving 6 miles away so our trip will be a short one.
Our last post was on Thursday, so we'll start with the last half of that day. In the afternoon, we visited some venders that set up in the rally center. Another catered dinner was on tap for the evening meal - fried chicken, slaw, tossed salad, baked beans, macaroni & cheese, watermelon, cookies and dark chocolate cake. There were lots of door prizes given away including hats, deluxe mugs, cleaning cloths, Walmart gift cards, and FMA memberships for a year.
The evening's entertainment was provided by Malt Shoppe Memories.
This foursome brought back lots of memories of our younger days and the music we loved, and once again, the dance floor was filled.
Friday we had a more relaxed day and other than doing the breakfast and lunch thing, we enjoyed having a day to ourselves. Lazydays is having a huge sale this weekend so the sales half of the property (where we go for our free breakfasts and lunches) was bustling with more visitors than usual.
The weather during our stay has been beautiful, with increasing temperatures approaching 80 during the day. Friday night, a cold front approached and gave us heavy rain overnight, but by morning, things started to dry out with cooler temperatures. As we made our way to breakfast, our path was impeded by several emergency vehicles. We found out later that a Prevost motorhome had an electrical fire, but thankfully no one was injured.
This $1,000,000+ (yes, six zeros) motorhome is probably a total loss. The fire apparently started in the basement compartment containing the diesel generator. You can see damage on the outside, from ground to roof, but there is also extensive damage to the luxurious inside of the coach. During a fire, intense heat quickly builds up in the small enclosed living space and actually melts the synthetic materials that make up the interior of the coach. Sadly, most motorhome fires end with the same result as this vehicle. This is why, even in our small space, we have two smoke alarms, LP gas and CO2 detectors, emergency exit windows, and several fire extinguishers which hopefully would give us a few extra seconds to get out safely.
This afternoon, there was a "flea" sale in the rally center and we found a couple of things we thought we needed.
Tonight was the final big activity of the rally. Before dinner, there were a lot more door prizes given away - same type as on Thursday. Our catered dinner tonight was barbecued chicken and pork ribs, slaw, potato salad, tossed salad, baked beans, rolls, watermelon and apple pie, along with the complimentary beer, wine, and soda.
The final night's entertainment was provided by the Impacs. (There were 5 members tonight)
This was a high-energy group that actually backed Roy Orbison for 3 years, and tonight they entertained the crowd with music from the late 50's, 60's and 70's. Once again the dance floor was full whether the songs were fast or slow. While many of the attendees at these rallies are way past the average retirement age, their dancing skills would rival that of any twenty-something. (The big difference is the younger folks would just be warming up by 10 P.M. and most of the older crowd would be in bed by 10 P.M!). During the band's break, the winner of the 50/50 drawing were announced (half went to charity). Then it was time for the big giveaway of the rally - a paid up registration for the January, 2016 FMA rally valued at $299. All attendees who turned in a their 2016 registration form by today were eligible to win this prize, and 103 names were in the pot. We were the lucky winners!!!
We've had a great time at Lazydays during the last 10 days, attending two large gatherings and one smaller one, seeing a few old friends, and hopefully making new ones.. Tomorrow morning, there will be a continental breakfast available before many of us pack up and head out. We're only moving 6 miles away so our trip will be a short one.
Thursday, January 22, 2015
SEFFNER, FL: The FMA Rally Continues
Monday, we went to lunch and dinner with the Happy Wanderers Chapter of ACA and also shared some Happy Hour time.
Tuesday was the first day of the Fleetwood Motorhome Association Rally. Selene attended a Lazydays seminar on microwave/convection cooking given by one of the on-site chefs, and it was very informative. After registration for the rally in the afternoon, there was an Ice Cream Social, followed by hors d'oeuvres with wine and soda available. Another catered dinner came soon after and included hot dogs and hamburgers with all the trimmings, baked beans, chips, watermelon and key lime pie. Our entertainment for the evening was Back to the Dean Martin Show, a one-man show highlighting the music of Dean Martin with some impersonations and comedy as well.
Yesterday, we took advantage of the free breakfast and lunch, went to a First-Timers Meeting, had dinner at the Exit 10 Restaurant in the Rally Center using a discount that Selene received at the Tuesday seminar, then played bingo for cash prizes (no wins for us).
There's been other rally activities going on that we haven't participated in like a golf outing, Plant City strawberry visit, etc. We've met some interesting people, as we always do at these type of events, and we're looking forward to the rest of the week's activities.
Tuesday was the first day of the Fleetwood Motorhome Association Rally. Selene attended a Lazydays seminar on microwave/convection cooking given by one of the on-site chefs, and it was very informative. After registration for the rally in the afternoon, there was an Ice Cream Social, followed by hors d'oeuvres with wine and soda available. Another catered dinner came soon after and included hot dogs and hamburgers with all the trimmings, baked beans, chips, watermelon and key lime pie. Our entertainment for the evening was Back to the Dean Martin Show, a one-man show highlighting the music of Dean Martin with some impersonations and comedy as well.
Yesterday, we took advantage of the free breakfast and lunch, went to a First-Timers Meeting, had dinner at the Exit 10 Restaurant in the Rally Center using a discount that Selene received at the Tuesday seminar, then played bingo for cash prizes (no wins for us).
There's been other rally activities going on that we haven't participated in like a golf outing, Plant City strawberry visit, etc. We've met some interesting people, as we always do at these type of events, and we're looking forward to the rest of the week's activities.
Sunday, January 18, 2015
SEFFNER, FL: One Rally Down, Two to Go
Yesterday (Saturday) started with a catered breakfast in the rally center which included scrambled eggs, sausage links, fried potatoes and biscuits. Our free lunch was a hamburger with all the trimmings and French fries.
The catered dinner was prime rib and baked salmon with various sauces, tossed salad, mixed vegetables (squash, peppers, onions), mashed potatoes, rolls and various cheesecake slices. We have definitely been well-fed!
The last night of the ACA rally also included entertainment by The Martinaires who provided good music with a lot of energy. The leader, Jack Marlin, is the son of the late Sleepy Marlin, an award winning fiddler who spent some time on the TV show Hayloft Hoedown in Louisville, Ky, our home town. Two of Jack's children added their talent to the performance. Their music ranged from oldies to country with a little rock and roll and definitely had the crowd dancing and clapping. The final attendance tally was 99 coaches taking part in the rally's activities.
Today (Sunday) featured a continental breakfast with fresh fruit salad, donuts, pastries, coffee, juice, milk and water. We had a another relaxing day as we watched RV's leaving and other ones taking their place. We joined the Happy Wanderers chapter for social hour in the rally center where the football playoffs were being shown on a huge screen. The chapter furnished pizza for supper. The chapter's post-rally gatherings will continue on Monday and Tuesday
The catered dinner was prime rib and baked salmon with various sauces, tossed salad, mixed vegetables (squash, peppers, onions), mashed potatoes, rolls and various cheesecake slices. We have definitely been well-fed!
The last night of the ACA rally also included entertainment by The Martinaires who provided good music with a lot of energy. The leader, Jack Marlin, is the son of the late Sleepy Marlin, an award winning fiddler who spent some time on the TV show Hayloft Hoedown in Louisville, Ky, our home town. Two of Jack's children added their talent to the performance. Their music ranged from oldies to country with a little rock and roll and definitely had the crowd dancing and clapping. The final attendance tally was 99 coaches taking part in the rally's activities.
Today (Sunday) featured a continental breakfast with fresh fruit salad, donuts, pastries, coffee, juice, milk and water. We had a another relaxing day as we watched RV's leaving and other ones taking their place. We joined the Happy Wanderers chapter for social hour in the rally center where the football playoffs were being shown on a huge screen. The chapter furnished pizza for supper. The chapter's post-rally gatherings will continue on Monday and Tuesday
Friday, January 16, 2015
SEFFNER, FL: Sunshine, Food and Friends
Yesterday was damp and very chilly. Today was sunny and very pleasant. We've found warm Florida sunshine at last!
One of the amenities at Lazydays Campground is receiving coupons for free lunch and breakfast at the Front Porch Restaurant on site. Yesterday the menu was: Breakfast - scrambled eggs, link sausage and fried chunky potatoes.
Lunch - Grilled cheese, ham, and bacon sandwich with chips. Today the menu was: Breakfast - pancakes, scrambled eggs and link sausage. Lunch - fried fish on bun and chips.
There's always free soda, juice, coffee and water available. You can use your "free coupons" as a credit toward other menu items that change daily. This time of year, they also sell freshly picked Plant City strawberries as well as strawberry shortcake.
The food lineup continues with meals provided by the rally. Last night, dinner included BBQ Chicken and Ribs, southwestern beans, potato salad, coleslaw, sliced watermelon, chef's mixed salad with dressing, rolls with butter and warmed apple pie with whipped cream. Wine, beer, soft drinks and bottled water were offered at no charge. After dinner there was a musical group entertaining, but they were way too loud for our tastes so we called it a night early.
Today was a "free" day with no rally activities scheduled. The Tampa RV Show, one of the biggest in the USA, is going on and American Coach is showing its 2016 models, so many at the rally welcomed the chance to spend a day dreaming and maybe buying. We decided to avoid temptation since we're happy with our Tradition and didn't want to fight the crowds at the very large venue. We've had a relaxing day and made a trip to the post office and Walmart before eating dinner at the Cracker Barrel here at Lazydays.
We only met a few of the people in the Happy Wanderers chapter last year when we bought Little House in Marion where an ACA rally was going on at the time. It's been great to get to know them, and many others, as the days go by. Many have had ACA products for years, and we're learning something new every time we're together.
Tomorrow will be a busy day as the rally activities increase.
One of the amenities at Lazydays Campground is receiving coupons for free lunch and breakfast at the Front Porch Restaurant on site. Yesterday the menu was: Breakfast - scrambled eggs, link sausage and fried chunky potatoes.
Lunch - Grilled cheese, ham, and bacon sandwich with chips. Today the menu was: Breakfast - pancakes, scrambled eggs and link sausage. Lunch - fried fish on bun and chips.
There's always free soda, juice, coffee and water available. You can use your "free coupons" as a credit toward other menu items that change daily. This time of year, they also sell freshly picked Plant City strawberries as well as strawberry shortcake.
The food lineup continues with meals provided by the rally. Last night, dinner included BBQ Chicken and Ribs, southwestern beans, potato salad, coleslaw, sliced watermelon, chef's mixed salad with dressing, rolls with butter and warmed apple pie with whipped cream. Wine, beer, soft drinks and bottled water were offered at no charge. After dinner there was a musical group entertaining, but they were way too loud for our tastes so we called it a night early.
Today was a "free" day with no rally activities scheduled. The Tampa RV Show, one of the biggest in the USA, is going on and American Coach is showing its 2016 models, so many at the rally welcomed the chance to spend a day dreaming and maybe buying. We decided to avoid temptation since we're happy with our Tradition and didn't want to fight the crowds at the very large venue. We've had a relaxing day and made a trip to the post office and Walmart before eating dinner at the Cracker Barrel here at Lazydays.
We only met a few of the people in the Happy Wanderers chapter last year when we bought Little House in Marion where an ACA rally was going on at the time. It's been great to get to know them, and many others, as the days go by. Many have had ACA products for years, and we're learning something new every time we're together.
Tomorrow will be a busy day as the rally activities increase.
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
SEFFNER, FL: Rally Time, We're Here!
Today we drove 2 hours southeast from Inglis, FL to Seffner, FL just east of Tampa. We're at Lazydays Campground which is adjacent to the Lazydays dealership. This location's facilities are used for many large rallies throughout the year. We are here for the American Coach Association Rally (American Coach is the manufacturer of Little House). and other activities. In addition to the usual campground amenities, there is free cable, free Wi-FI, free daily newspaper delivery at your site, free breakfast and lunch 6 days a week in the Front Porch Restaurant, and the opportunity to longingly gaze at the many RV's for sale. Also on the property is a Flying J fuel center, a Cracker Barrel Restaurant, a large RV supply store, and then there's the big cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg just down the road along with a large casino nearby.
We did a quick setup when we arrived, then went to a First-Timer's meeting in the Rally Center at 3 P.M. At 4 P.M, the free bar service started serving wine, beer, and soft drinks to accompany the appetizers of chilled shrimp, crackers and cheese, and a variety of fresh fruits. Then it was time to move to the tables loaded down with pans of shrimp boil which included corn on the cob, potatoes, and mussels, accompanied by tossed salad and cornbread. You should realize by now that we will not go hungry during the next 11 days! At least, we'll get a little exercise as we walk back and forth from site 274 to the Rally center for the various rally activities.
We will be here until January 25 while we take part in the ACA Southeastern Rally, followed by a chapter rally (Happy Wanderers) and the Fleetwood Rally (Fleetwood is the parent company of American Coach).
We did a quick setup when we arrived, then went to a First-Timer's meeting in the Rally Center at 3 P.M. At 4 P.M, the free bar service started serving wine, beer, and soft drinks to accompany the appetizers of chilled shrimp, crackers and cheese, and a variety of fresh fruits. Then it was time to move to the tables loaded down with pans of shrimp boil which included corn on the cob, potatoes, and mussels, accompanied by tossed salad and cornbread. You should realize by now that we will not go hungry during the next 11 days! At least, we'll get a little exercise as we walk back and forth from site 274 to the Rally center for the various rally activities.
We will be here until January 25 while we take part in the ACA Southeastern Rally, followed by a chapter rally (Happy Wanderers) and the Fleetwood Rally (Fleetwood is the parent company of American Coach).
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
INGLIS, FL: We Had a Good Time!
The last week has gone by quickly, as most of them seem to do. Saturday we drove south to Crystal Springs and Homosassa to check out that area. We spent lots of time with our ham radio friends, Dave and Charlotte, who live nearby.
We enjoyed lots of good conversation and meals as they showed us around this area of Florida - Inglis, Cedar Key, various camping and fishing areas, and Yankeetown - where parts of the Elvis movie "Follow That Dream" were filmed.
We didn't see any manatees so we'll use a postcard picture to show you what we missed.
Tomorrow we'll be leaving Inglis, FL to go to Seffner, FL near Tampa where we'll spend the next couple of weeks.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
INGLIS, FL: Pleasant Drive to a Nice Park
After a short stay in Marianna, FL, we left the Arrowhead Campsites this morning about 10 A.M. CST. Our route was I-10 to US 19, then south down the west side of the Sunshine State to River Lodge RV Resort after getting back into the Eastern Time Zone. Traffic was light, especially on US 19.
River Lodge RV Resort is a large, attractive campground with level sites, paved roads, concrete patios, free WI-fi and cable, and a good place to spend a week before we head to the Tampa area. Ham radio friends Charlotte and Dave live close by and we're looking forward to seeing them. We hope to do some sight-seeing while we're here as well as doing some shopping and working on chores. Little House in on site 15.
We still haven't outrun the cold weather. The forecast low for tonight is around 25, very cold for this part of Florida, but it's much better than what family members in Alabama and North Carolina are expecting. This should be our last night of sub-freezing temperatures for the foreseeable future....we hope!
River Lodge RV Resort is a large, attractive campground with level sites, paved roads, concrete patios, free WI-fi and cable, and a good place to spend a week before we head to the Tampa area. Ham radio friends Charlotte and Dave live close by and we're looking forward to seeing them. We hope to do some sight-seeing while we're here as well as doing some shopping and working on chores. Little House in on site 15.
We still haven't outrun the cold weather. The forecast low for tonight is around 25, very cold for this part of Florida, but it's much better than what family members in Alabama and North Carolina are expecting. This should be our last night of sub-freezing temperatures for the foreseeable future....we hope!
Monday, January 5, 2015
MARIANNA, FL: Further South & A Little Warmer
We left Peggy and John's house at 10:50 this morning and pointed Little House south where we hope to find warmer weather over the next few days. Tonight we are at Arrowhead Campsites in Marianna, FL. The forecast low for tonight is near freezing, but but that's better than the mid-twenties expected in central AL. We'll be here for two nights before heading down the Florida peninsula looking for more moderate temperatures.
Arrowhead is a large campground with a discounted Passport America two-night rate and is fine for what we need. Hank may even get some fishing in tomorrow, weather permitting.
Arrowhead is a large campground with a discounted Passport America two-night rate and is fine for what we need. Hank may even get some fishing in tomorrow, weather permitting.
Sunday, January 4, 2015
HELENA, AL: Our Yuletide Visit is Over
We had planned on leaving central Alabama today, but decided to
postpone our departure until tomorrow for several reasons. This meant
we had time today for lunch with Debbie and Robert, and then we all
visited old friends Donna and Rob. Tonight, we'll be able to take our
hosts, John and Peggy, out for dinner as we say " thank you" for their
hospitality in letting us park on their property. We've enjoyed our
time with family and friends, but frigid weather is in the forecast for the coming week in this area, and it's time to move on in search of warmer temperatures.
Tomorrow, we'll head south to Marianna, FL for two nights.
Tomorrow, we'll head south to Marianna, FL for two nights.
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