December 10, 2012

Bad news…..

We were sitting outside enjoying the afternoon and I just happened to look over at the coach – watering was running out of the bays!! Lots of water. Before going outside to relax, I had put some shorts and tops in the washing machine.

We both ran inside and sure enough water was running out of the filter trap door on the front side of the washer/dryer. I just kept thinking, as I rushed to grab towels to soak up the water,   “Oh my-gosh what is wrong with the washer/dryer?” I kept seeing $$$$ flash in front of my eyes!

Good news…..

Howard just so happened to have cleaned the trap a few days prior to today and we finally realized, after the initial shock, that he might not have tighten the trap door tight enough after cleaning. Possibly another cause, just the vibration of the machine,  going through the wash cycle could have loosened the trap door – who knows!! And, I certainly don’t blame him!!

It’s all okay now…..

So after…..

• a lot of wet towels hanging on a clothes line,
• water being emptied out of the drum,
• items from the bay lying on the camp-site picnic table,
• bay doors opened to dry the bay area,
• the dogs hopefully re-considering from their first impression when this episode started, that we just might be crazy,
•  and of course tightening the filter trap door,
• clothes being put back into the machine to spin and test with fingers crossed,
• a glass of wine to finally relax

….. we can be thankful that the machine seems to work okay. Whew!!

A helpful hint:

If you have a washer/dryer in your RV always check the filter trap, first to clean it out and second to make sure the door is always tighten.

Just another fun day RV’ing!!!

December 5, 2012

Everything seems to be bursting with color this morning in Jonathan Dickinson State Park following an overnight rain and a gorgeous sunrise.

After coffee we set off for a hike to enjoy the fresh morning air, the vibrant fall colors and to see how many critters we might find. We never know what we will see, which is part of the fun!

On our hike today we were treated to an Alligator enjoying the sunshine, a Robin singing away it seemed just for the pure joy of doing so and a Mockingbird searching for bugs.

Being able to experience nature’s beauty fills me with pure joy and keeps me Smiling!

Beautiful Hobe Sound, Florida, with its subtropical climate, lies in what is called the Treasure Coast region of Florida. The Treasure Coast region is located on the state’s Atlantic coast, comprising Indian River, St Lucie, and Martin, and in some definitions, Palm Beach Counties.

The name, Treasure Coast, refers to the Spanish Treasure Fleet lost in a 1715 hurricane. The 1715 Treasure Fleet was a Spanish treasure fleet returning from the New World to Spain. Some artifacts and even coins still wash up on Florida beaches from time to time. Wouldn’t that be a treat to find some Treasure Fleet coins while strolling along the beach!

The name Hobe Sound comes from the name of the Jove or Jobe Indians, one of the Native American groups that lived in the area before European settlement. The Spanish pronounced the name “Ho-bay,” which has evolved into the current name “Hobe”.

Hobe Sound is a quite, easy-going, laid back, beachside community with a population of about 12,000. The average high temperature in January is 74 degrees with July and August being its hottest months with average temperatures around 90 degrees. Thanks to some Hobe Sound web-sites for supplying some of the historical and demographic information that I included on this page.

Leaving Wildwood on Sunday morning, December 2^nd, and arriving in Hobe Sound mid-afternoon we were treated to a delightful, light drizzle. We have been told that this fall has been unusually rainy and we can see the results of this extra moisture – the landscape here is very green and lush.  I noticed on our ride down the trees and other foliage were brilliant with fall colors of gold’s and reds.

This is our fourth winter trip to Hobe Sound. It began as a way to spend time with family and has turned into an annual event. We certainly enjoy this part of Florida; the weather, the ocean and especially the laid-back, easy-going atmosphere of this quite town.

We are thrilled to have this time to spend with family!

The day before we left Wildwood, FL we spent the day with our friends Karla & Larry touring around the unique town of Inverness, FL. This was our first visit to Inverness. We met at Stompknockers On the Square, where we were treated to our very first gator nuggets.  Larry, said that we would never again look at a gator without thinking of eating this appetizer and he was right. This just might be the first and last fried gator nugget for this girl. We enjoyed a very nice lunch and then walked over to Cooter Pond Park.

Cooter Pond Park is within walking distance of the historic, downtown area of Inverness. The parks’ boardwalk, over the pond, allows you the opportunity to view its inhabitants from a high and safe place.

As we walked along the boardwalk we observed Cooter turtles, bass and alligators swimming among the tall reeds, Lily Pads and Water Hyacinth. We spotted a Little Blue Heron and several Kingfishers fishing for their lunch! Good thing we did not have to do the same!

As we were walking to our car, after this fun walk, we heard and then spotted two Pileated Woodpeckers, tap, tap, tapping away. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a clear, sharp shot, because they were too high up in the trees.

It was a very fun day and our friends were wonderful hosts. I am sure we will return to this unique and beautiful area. Maybe next time we will go have a milkshake at the old Rexall Drug Store and chat with the bikers!