Today we got up and walked the 1.5 miles to the beach access area. There's a small store, snack shop and Wi-Fi just before you walk out onto the beach. After walking down the beach a ways, we came to the boardwalk and took it back toward the road back to the campground. There was a nature trail that went our way, so we walked thru a forested area park of the way.
We got back to the camper at noon and had lunch. We called our old friends, Larry and Chris Hutson and made plans for dinner tonight. Then we went to Publix for some supplies. Got back to camp and cleaned up before heading to the Hutsons' house.
We went to Schooners and had a great seafood dinner before going back to the house to chat for a while. On the way back to the camper, we noticed that it was about 9:00; time to make my Sunday night call to my dad. We needed gas, so we parked in a gas station and talked to Dad for about 20 minutes.
Now we're back in the camper and ready for a good night's sleep. The temperature is 65 degrees - just right for sleeping. See you tomorrow!
We made the 234 mile drive from Lake Manatee to Anastasia without incident other than the perpetual traffic slow-down on I-4 in Orlando. We arrived at Anastasia about 4:30 after stopping for a few groceries.
After we set up, we were taking the short walk to Dennis Archer's site when we ran into Dennis and Vicki from Freeport, IL, whom we met at Koreshan S.P. earlier this trip. They were on their bicycles and will be here until Wednesday. We'll be here until next Saturday (3/5), so we have plenty of time to explore. Susie's aunt passed away, so they will be leaving in the morning.
Charlie & Carol, from New Jersey, joined us at Dennis & Susie's "Scampfire" and we shot the breeze until about 10:00.
The beach is within walking distance of our campsite, so that will probably be one of the first places we go in the morning. There is a snack bar and free Wi-Fi near the beach, so that will also be handy. At least my blog posts should be fairly regular this week. Check back for more adventures!
We made it to the museum by noon, after getting ice, stopping at McDonald's for Wi-Fi, and going to the car wash.
The museum was interesting. The $25 parking ticket I got was NOT! I didn't see the signs. City hall is closed on Fridays, so they'll have to come to Illinois to get their money.
Then we had a late lunch of Pressed Cubans (it's a sandwich) before heading over to Marsha's uncle's house to finish up a computer project we started yesterday. After that, it was back to camp for steaks over a wood fire.
Heading for Anastasia State Park tomorrow. See you there!
No pictures today. We went to one aunt's house for breakfast and the other aunt's house to do laundry and have dinner with aunts, uncles, cousins and second cousins. What with all the visiting and messing with computers, I didn't take any pictures. Maybe tomorrow.
We spent the better part of the day at St. Armands Circle on St. Armands Key. It was purchased by John Ringling for development. Read the signs in the photos for more information. We ate lunch there and did a little shopping before returning to the campground.
Dennis' wife, Suzie, flew in to the Sarasota airport and joined us in camp this afternoon and at the evening's campfire. When we returned from St. Armands Circle, we noticed another Aliner in the park. The license plate is from Indiana, but there was no one around. I left a card on their door inviting them to join us this evening, but by the time we had all adjourned from the campfire, there was still no car there. Maybe we'll meet them tomorrow.
We started the day with breakfast as usual and a shower. Just as we were about to head out and do some exploring, Marsha's aunts & uncles showed up so we sat around and visited.
Before we knew it, it was lunch time, so we fired up the grill and had a picnic. Hamburgers and hotdogs were the main menu items. Nothing fancy, but everyone ate their fill.
Our company left about 1:30, so after we cleaned up mt mess, we headed back to Wally World to resupply the pantry. On the way back from there, we saw a crew of fruit pickers picking strawberries. From now on, I'll think of their back-breaking work every time I enjoy the fruits of their labor.
After supper, we all gathered at Wayne & Carolyn's campsite for a review of the day's activities, among other stories.
We
got up this morning and had breakfast as usual. Then we headed down
the road to use McDonald's Wi-Fi, gas up the car, and stock up on
groceries at Wally World. By the time we got back to camp, it was time
for lunch.
The rangers were doing a prescribed burn to keep the underbrush down
and promote new growth. I'm sure glad the wind was blowing away from
our campsite rather than toward it.
We spent the afternoon relaxing and walking around the park. Not very
exciting, but we didn't see any snow. That's a good thing!
More socializing around the camp fire at Dennis' site topped off the evening.
