Clam Pass Beach and the Eagles at the reserve

Fun at Lake San Marino and Bashey

Homosassa Springs State Park Refuge

February 8, 2006

Here I am again. I went north to Homosassa Springs FL for two days and then south to Brooksville, FL which is 40 miles north of Tampa to a Family Motor Coach Rally. The weather was superb the first two days but when we moved south, it turned very cold and windy. Then the rains came - thunder and lightning constantly for 2 days bringing a total of 7" of rain to the area. There was lots of flooding in and around Brooksville/Tampa. We were parked on a runway of the Hernando Co. Airport and felt lucky to be out of the mire although the wind was fierce. I didn't bring the proper clothing. I guess since it is FL and Feb., I thought it would be warmer but did I ever have a realty check. I put on everything I had with me and borrowed warm socks. The assoc. provided shuttle service to the vendors and entertainment but since it was a wagon pulled by a pickup truck, it was colder than walking the half mile to the big tents. One night it was raining so hard that we didn't even leave the coach. It can be claustrophobic when one is confined to a motor coach for over 24 hours. Now the rain on the roof can be very romantic and causes cuddling but when it is pounding and mixed with hail, reading is about all one can do. Watching tv is a hearing challenge - it is essential to have a good book or two. We are both avid readers so we came prepared.

Back to Homosassa Springs State park - it is a place of refuge and healing for animals of all types. We saw many manatees as well as numerous other animals, fish and birds. The flamingos are fascinating and came as a visual, colorful feast for my eyes. The bald eages were sad because they were in confinement but at least they were safe. We took numerous pictures and made a video tape. I will post a page or two of some of the photos just for fun.

Stopped in Tampa on the return trip to visit with some good friends and then back to Naples on Monday this week. Biking came early on Tues. morning. Our group is larger than ever. We now have 4 groups of 20 each. We rode almost 19 miles on monday. We stop at points of interest such as the beach, a great gourmet food store and a fast food place. It is great fun. As I looked in my rear view mirror I watched the long line of riders, all seniors, in their safety glow green shirts. I wish someone would take a video of our long line. We have a valentine ride with luncheon for non-riding partners/spouses coming up. So far almost 80 people have signed up.

We are also taking ballroom dance lessons on monday evenings. Some of the dances are theme dances to prepare us for the upcoming dances to be held here at the resort. There will be a valentine dance and a western theme dance soon along with a street dance. No moss grows on anyone around here.

I am finally beginning to organize my coach basement. There is a yard sale this weekend at each rv site and I want to take this opportunity to rid myself of some of my junk. I hope you are all enjoying a mild winter and will soon be seeing the change in light that occurs each Feb. up north. The winter will soon be over. We have actually had a cool, windy but dry winter for the most part. I finally spent a few hours sprawled on the beach the other day but that was the first time since arriving here Dec. 3rd.

Watch for the photo postings-
Blessings to all

February 8, 2006

My loyal readers, please bear with me. I have been away and since returning, have been overwhelmed with laundry, mail etc. Tonite I hope to post here and also download some GREAT
photos I took while I was traveling. More later-----