Although it is still March, the time has come to head home, even though we could easily have stayed in the warm Alabama sunshine much longer. Hanging out with Jessica, Nolan and Jackie was just plain fun. I miss them already.
We set out on Saturday morning and decided to drive the interstate thinking that because it was Easter weekend, there wouldn't be as much truck traffic as there is during the week. Although the truck traffic was no very heavy there were lots of cars. The I 85 seems to connect city after city and everyone seemed to be heading to the mall in the next city.
After spending the night in "somewhere" North Carolina, we drove on state highways today, crossing over the Blue Ridge Mountains at Shenandoah Park and landing in Frederick, Maryland for the night.
Clouds and misty rain have been with us since North Carolina.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
March 27, 28, 2013. TED, Basketball, Golf.
TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) events are conferences, held all over the world. The main goal is for speakers to share "ideas worth spreading" in an innovative and entertaining way for up to eighteen minutes each. The website for TED is an excellent source for watching some very engaging talks on a wide variety of topics.
On Wednesday there were TED talks at Auburn University. The list of speakers looked interesting and so we decided to register and attend. The global issues topics ranged from educational inequity to sex trafficking. Although not all of the speakers were inspiring it is kind of neat to say that I attended a TED Talk.
More exciting and entertaining than the TED talks was the women's basketball game. The Auburn Tigers defeated the Tulane Green Wave to advance to round four in the Women's National Invitational Tournament. There was a lot of energy in the stadium for the game...cheerleaders, dancers, the band and of course the plays on the court, kept the momentum on the home team's side.
Today the weather was perfect for golf...no wind, bright sunshine and 71 degrees. We played at Indian Pines Golf Course here in Auburn, where during the week, 9 holes costs a mere $10. The course is quite challenging with some very long holes and several water hazards.
We finished off the day with a great meal and a couple of rounds of Race or the Galaxy with Jessica and Nolan. The last thing I did before going to bed was to take Jackie for a stroll down the street under a star lit, full moon sky.
On Wednesday there were TED talks at Auburn University. The list of speakers looked interesting and so we decided to register and attend. The global issues topics ranged from educational inequity to sex trafficking. Although not all of the speakers were inspiring it is kind of neat to say that I attended a TED Talk.
More exciting and entertaining than the TED talks was the women's basketball game. The Auburn Tigers defeated the Tulane Green Wave to advance to round four in the Women's National Invitational Tournament. There was a lot of energy in the stadium for the game...cheerleaders, dancers, the band and of course the plays on the court, kept the momentum on the home team's side.
Today the weather was perfect for golf...no wind, bright sunshine and 71 degrees. We played at Indian Pines Golf Course here in Auburn, where during the week, 9 holes costs a mere $10. The course is quite challenging with some very long holes and several water hazards.
We finished off the day with a great meal and a couple of rounds of Race or the Galaxy with Jessica and Nolan. The last thing I did before going to bed was to take Jackie for a stroll down the street under a star lit, full moon sky.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
March 24, 2013. "Race for the Galaxy," Rain and Sunshine.
Jessica and Nolan are teaching us how to play "Race For the Galaxy," a rather complicated game that won, among many other awards, the Golden Geek Award for best card game of 2008. Playing "Race For the Galaxy" is a great way to spend a rainy afternoon, which it certainly was yesterday. It rained all evening and was joined by thunder and lightening through the night.
By this morning the rain was over, the sun came out and it was a beautiful day for a walk in the park. We noticed lots of beautiful spring flowers in full bloom as well as blossoms on fruit trees. Apparently it has been unseasonably cool in Alabama this winter, but it looks like spring, along with the warm weather it brings is just about here.
By this morning the rain was over, the sun came out and it was a beautiful day for a walk in the park. We noticed lots of beautiful spring flowers in full bloom as well as blossoms on fruit trees. Apparently it has been unseasonably cool in Alabama this winter, but it looks like spring, along with the warm weather it brings is just about here.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
March 22, 2013. Back in Alabama.
Although it was rather sad to be leaving sunny Florida, I am excited about spending some time in Alabama with my daughter and her husband. Our time in Florida was wonderful: hanging out with Janet, making new friends, golfing, the opera, symphony concerts, the circus, Spring Training ball games, biking, camping, hiking and of course, enjoying some great meals.
A cold front was moving through when we left Myakka State Park on Thursday morning but oddly enough the weather improved as we drove north. However, by the time we settled in for the night at a campsite in Perry the temperature started to drop. Needless to say, we were glad to have our great little heater.
We left Perry at around 9 this morning. Instead of taking the Interstate we have been sticking to the state highways. Most of them are double and divided. Today we drove the Florida/Georgia State Highway where there was very little truck traffic. In fact, for most of the day we seemed to have the highway to ourselves.
One of the highlights of today's drive was a stop at a pecan/peanut outdoor market. We bought a supply of nuts and even left with a large cup of hot, boiled peanuts. Once the guy found out that we were Canadians he wanted to have a conversation about our healthcare system. Many Americans seem to be conflicted about what they are calling "Obamacare" (The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act), a health care plan that among other things, aims to
decrease the number of uninsured Americans.
I haven't taken any pictures in the past few days, but I will post a couple from Tuesday's great day at Myakka with Janet and Bobby.
It is great to be back in Auburn.
A cold front was moving through when we left Myakka State Park on Thursday morning but oddly enough the weather improved as we drove north. However, by the time we settled in for the night at a campsite in Perry the temperature started to drop. Needless to say, we were glad to have our great little heater.
We left Perry at around 9 this morning. Instead of taking the Interstate we have been sticking to the state highways. Most of them are double and divided. Today we drove the Florida/Georgia State Highway where there was very little truck traffic. In fact, for most of the day we seemed to have the highway to ourselves.
One of the highlights of today's drive was a stop at a pecan/peanut outdoor market. We bought a supply of nuts and even left with a large cup of hot, boiled peanuts. Once the guy found out that we were Canadians he wanted to have a conversation about our healthcare system. Many Americans seem to be conflicted about what they are calling "Obamacare" (The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act), a health care plan that among other things, aims to
decrease the number of uninsured Americans.
I haven't taken any pictures in the past few days, but I will post a couple from Tuesday's great day at Myakka with Janet and Bobby.
It is great to be back in Auburn.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
March 18, 2013. Rattler, Armadillo, Pigs, Alligators, Osprey, Turkey Vilture.
Our friend Bobby came out to the park to go biking and to spend the night. We set out on our bikes with water, cameras and a trail map. We chose one of the longer trails that was deeper into the park so that we could see some wildlife. Just when we thought nothing would appear Bobby spotted a rattlesnake on the side of the path. It was the first time that I had ever seen a rattler. We took pictures as it slowly slithered across the path.
The next creature we encountered was an armadillo, digging and rooting amongst the bushes. More pictures, a drink of water and we were off and ready to see more creatures. An osprey nest was next, with a head barely visible.
We pushed through the rough parts of the trail...sand is brutal to get through...and came upon four black pigs feeding in the bushes. We barely got stopped and got our cameras out when they scurried away.
Alligators are very common in this park and easy to spot and so it was no surprise to see several large gators sunning on the river bank. Turkey vultures are common as well and there are signs posted warning that they can damage vehicles.
After dinner we had a great campfire. The rain showers held off until we were ready for bed. What a great day.
The next creature we encountered was an armadillo, digging and rooting amongst the bushes. More pictures, a drink of water and we were off and ready to see more creatures. An osprey nest was next, with a head barely visible.
We pushed through the rough parts of the trail...sand is brutal to get through...and came upon four black pigs feeding in the bushes. We barely got stopped and got our cameras out when they scurried away.
Alligators are very common in this park and easy to spot and so it was no surprise to see several large gators sunning on the river bank. Turkey vultures are common as well and there are signs posted warning that they can damage vehicles.
After dinner we had a great campfire. The rain showers held off until we were ready for bed. What a great day.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Thursday, March 14, 2013
March 13, 2013. Great Friends, Great Lunch, Great Hike
The Blu Island Bistro in Venice is my new favorite restaurant. Our friend Janet discovered it and we have dined there with her on several occasions. Today was a special day because our friend Catherine was visiting and the four of us went to the Blu Island for lunch. After a delicious meal, accompanied by pleasant conversation we went our separate ways.
Back at the campground it was very tempting to settle in with a book for the afternoon. However, I thought better of it and suggested a walk. The short walk ended up being about a 5 mile hike. There are several trails here at Oscar Shearer and we started out on the path that was identified as leading to an eagle watch area. We didn't see a nest, but we did spot an eagle hovering overhead.
After completing the Green Trail we returned to the Nature Centre and chose another route. We took the short trail around Lake Osprey and then followed the South Creek Trail which meanders along the Creek where we watched schools of mullet frantically feeding on the algae which is close to the surface of the the water.
Back at the campsite it was time for a snacking, reading and relaxing. It was yet another gold star day.
Back at the campground it was very tempting to settle in with a book for the afternoon. However, I thought better of it and suggested a walk. The short walk ended up being about a 5 mile hike. There are several trails here at Oscar Shearer and we started out on the path that was identified as leading to an eagle watch area. We didn't see a nest, but we did spot an eagle hovering overhead.
After completing the Green Trail we returned to the Nature Centre and chose another route. We took the short trail around Lake Osprey and then followed the South Creek Trail which meanders along the Creek where we watched schools of mullet frantically feeding on the algae which is close to the surface of the the water.
Back at the campsite it was time for a snacking, reading and relaxing. It was yet another gold star day.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Sunday, March 10, 2013
March 10, 2013. Time for a Blog Entry
We have been very busy since I last wrote....ball games, meeting up with friends, returning to Venice, camping at Oscar Shearer, biking and attending our second Venice Symphony Concert.
While in Palm Harbor we took in three Jays games. Not only did we have great seats, the Jays won each game. It was a different story when we took in a game against Baltimore in Sarasota. It seemed like the Jays had the game in the bag with 2 on, 2 out and a 3, 2 count. I heard one Orioles fan yell, "hit one out of the part" and that is exactly what that batter did. Exciting for Baltimore fans.
We spent a pleasant day in the Indian Rocks/John's Pass area where we met up with relatives for lunch, a stroll on the boardwalk and some window shopping. Although this meet up was planned, we were surprised and pleased to see friends from New Brunswick exiting the restaurant we were entering. It is a small world!
Back in Venice, we are booked to stay one week at Oscar Shearer State Park, one of the most popular state parks in Florida. Our site is on the bank of the South Creek and so we hear fish jumping and can wave to paddlers going by.
Yesterday we biked part of the Legacy Trail. We met our friend Bobby and decided to ride together. The highlight of that ride was stopping at a coffee shop on the Trail where we had the best ice cream ever. We were told that it is locally made by an Amish family.
We had plans to go out for dinner and to the Venice Symphony in the evening. Our good friend Janet kindly offered to pick us up. We had a great laugh when she arrived at the campsite with her Tassimo coffee maker. Needless to say, it was a very pleasant surprise and we had a delicious cup of coffee. Thanks Janet!
The Symphony concert was excellent, especially the cello concerto. Janet brought us back to our campsite where we sprung ahead our time pieces and fell asleep to the sound of fish jumping in the creek.
While in Palm Harbor we took in three Jays games. Not only did we have great seats, the Jays won each game. It was a different story when we took in a game against Baltimore in Sarasota. It seemed like the Jays had the game in the bag with 2 on, 2 out and a 3, 2 count. I heard one Orioles fan yell, "hit one out of the part" and that is exactly what that batter did. Exciting for Baltimore fans.
We spent a pleasant day in the Indian Rocks/John's Pass area where we met up with relatives for lunch, a stroll on the boardwalk and some window shopping. Although this meet up was planned, we were surprised and pleased to see friends from New Brunswick exiting the restaurant we were entering. It is a small world!
Back in Venice, we are booked to stay one week at Oscar Shearer State Park, one of the most popular state parks in Florida. Our site is on the bank of the South Creek and so we hear fish jumping and can wave to paddlers going by.
Yesterday we biked part of the Legacy Trail. We met our friend Bobby and decided to ride together. The highlight of that ride was stopping at a coffee shop on the Trail where we had the best ice cream ever. We were told that it is locally made by an Amish family.
We had plans to go out for dinner and to the Venice Symphony in the evening. Our good friend Janet kindly offered to pick us up. We had a great laugh when she arrived at the campsite with her Tassimo coffee maker. Needless to say, it was a very pleasant surprise and we had a delicious cup of coffee. Thanks Janet!
The Symphony concert was excellent, especially the cello concerto. Janet brought us back to our campsite where we sprung ahead our time pieces and fell asleep to the sound of fish jumping in the creek.
Monday, March 4, 2013
March 3, 4, 2013. Movie, Chilly and Pinellas Trail
On Sunday it was too chilly and cloudy to spend a lot of time outside (12 celsius) and so I went online to look for a movie theatre. I found several within a 10 mile radius. We decided to see "Silver Lining Playbook" for which Jennifer Lawrence won an Oscar. It was an excellent film.
Sunday night was cold; down to single digits celsius . Fortunately we have a great heater that ran all night. We awoke on Monday morning to bright sunshine and warmer temperatures....up to about 18 celsius by around 10 am. I had been researching things to do in the area and came across The Pinellas Trail. This rails to trails biking, walking trail extends from Tarpon Springs to St. Petersburg, a distance of 47 miles.
The proper name for the trail, The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail was the brainchild of a man whose son was killed while riding his bike. An average of 70,000 per month use this paved corridor which links picturesque parks, scenic coastal areas and residential neighborhoods. Needless to say we did not ride the 94 mile return trip. However we did ride 36 kilometers, from Tarpon Springs to North Clearwater and back stopping for a break at The Cappuccino in Dunedin.
Tomorrow promises to be a very warm at The Florida Auto Exchange Stadium, spring training home of the Toronto Blue Jays.
Sunday night was cold; down to single digits celsius . Fortunately we have a great heater that ran all night. We awoke on Monday morning to bright sunshine and warmer temperatures....up to about 18 celsius by around 10 am. I had been researching things to do in the area and came across The Pinellas Trail. This rails to trails biking, walking trail extends from Tarpon Springs to St. Petersburg, a distance of 47 miles.
The proper name for the trail, The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail was the brainchild of a man whose son was killed while riding his bike. An average of 70,000 per month use this paved corridor which links picturesque parks, scenic coastal areas and residential neighborhoods. Needless to say we did not ride the 94 mile return trip. However we did ride 36 kilometers, from Tarpon Springs to North Clearwater and back stopping for a break at The Cappuccino in Dunedin.
Tomorrow promises to be a very warm at The Florida Auto Exchange Stadium, spring training home of the Toronto Blue Jays.
Friday, March 1, 2013
February 27, 28, March 1, 2013. PINK Concert, Blue Jays Game.
Wow, what a night. Seeing Pink live in Tampa was awesome. It was like a combination of cirque and concert. That woman not only has an amazing voice, she is in amazing shape. She sang for 2 1/2 hours, all the while dancing, changing outfits and even zip lining across the entire stadium while singing one of her biggest hits, "So What." She interacted with the audience and seemed to be having so much fun doing her show. It was the third show in her "The Truth About Love" world tour. Driving in and out of Tampa was easy. One of the great things about Westy's size is that she is easy to park.
We got back to our campsite at around 1 am and managed to sleep in on Thursday morning until 9:30. After breakfast we toured the park (Hillsborough State Park) on our bikes before heading to Zephyrhills Golf Course to play 18 holes. The course was very busy but the people ahead of us and behind us were very relaxed and so no one felt any pressure to hurry. Most players on the course, or maybe all players on the course were retirees, appreciative of having lots of time. We had dinner with friends in Zephyrhills before returning to the campsite.
On Thursday morning we drove to Dunedin to take in a Blue Jays game. They played the Tampa Bay Rays to a sellout crowd. Since I bought Spring Training tickets back in November we had excellent seats. It was an exciting game with the Jays winning 5 - 4. We will stay in the Dunedin area for about a week and take in some more games. Tomorrow the Jays play the Phillies and we will be there.
We got back to our campsite at around 1 am and managed to sleep in on Thursday morning until 9:30. After breakfast we toured the park (Hillsborough State Park) on our bikes before heading to Zephyrhills Golf Course to play 18 holes. The course was very busy but the people ahead of us and behind us were very relaxed and so no one felt any pressure to hurry. Most players on the course, or maybe all players on the course were retirees, appreciative of having lots of time. We had dinner with friends in Zephyrhills before returning to the campsite.
On Thursday morning we drove to Dunedin to take in a Blue Jays game. They played the Tampa Bay Rays to a sellout crowd. Since I bought Spring Training tickets back in November we had excellent seats. It was an exciting game with the Jays winning 5 - 4. We will stay in the Dunedin area for about a week and take in some more games. Tomorrow the Jays play the Phillies and we will be there.
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