Thursday, December 22, 2016

Florida Keys - December 19-22, 2016

Our greeter, an iguana
For our first RV adventure we drove 332 miles to Sunshine Key RV Resort on Ohio Key.
It is immediately east of the well-known Bahia Honda State Park and 39 miles from Key West.

Towing the small kayak trailer was no problem even though we couldn't see the little guy hiding behind the big, boxy coach.  Early and late in the day we could see his shadow or when turning, he'd peek at us around the corner.  He behaved well and we stayed out of trouble.  There was room at the site for us to leave the trailer attached.
Sunrise, December 20, 2016














We captured the sunrise the next morning after walking across the highway so we had nothing but ocean east of us.

US 1 at Ohio-Missouri Channel, east side of Ohio Key












Later that morning we launched the kayaks in the marina and paddled around the northern coast of the island, Ohio Key, until we could see the highway bridge. 

A tropical downpour kept us inside the motorhome early in the afternoon so we enjoyed our books until dinner time.  The resort hosted everyone for a free concert performed by Redhead Express, a touring troupe of redheaded sisters.  Their played and sang quite well for a fun and entertaining evening.

The next day was our chance to be tourists in Key West.  The pictures below tell the story.  Our drive back on the 22nd was, thankfully, uneventful.

The southernmost USA city
Karen's obligatory pic

Murph's Obligatory pic

Duval Street eatery



Rooster's cock walk

Hemmingway's hangout

Mallory Square sunset

The sailboats off Mallory Square

A schooner

Another sunset schooner


Saturday, November 12, 2016

Shakedown Cruise: New-to-Us RV - November 10-12, 2016

Tampa, FL

Our "new-to-us" motorhome, a Thor Majestic 23A

Karen and I took our new-to-us motorhome and drove to a campground outside of Tampa as a "shakedown" cruise.  Actually, that's what we called it on board a boat, but I don't know the term for RV's.  We heard there was a small RV show at the Tampa Fairgrounds so we went there for a couple hours, but mostly we just tested the systems by plugging in at the campground and using everything on board the motor coach.
Happy Birthday, Karen!
To celebrate Karen's birthday, we enjoyed a dinner and show at the Columbia Restaurant in Tampa's historic Ybor City.  The Flamenco Dancers were excellent and amazing to watch.
Columbia Restaurant, Ybor City








Below is a tour of the new-to-us RV.
Dining and cab
Galley
Freezer and Fridge













Master cabin








Dining
Bath sink
Shower & toilet













Wires and hoses plugged in
Lots of stowage below

Aft view

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Motorhome for Land-based Adventures

Purchased from Kissimmee, FL dealer

Our "new-to-us" motorhome, a Thor Majestic 23A
Below is a tour of the new-to-us RV.
Dining and cab
Galley
Freezer and Fridge













Master cabin















Dining
Bath sink
Shower & toilet












Forward double berth - our "loft"

"Loft" looking to the right
 
"Loft" looking to the left

Wire and hose plugged in
Lots of stowage below

Aft view

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Boat Show - September 30 to October 12, 2016

While the train took me north, the rains in the Carolinas during the boat show washed out critical areas of the railroad tracks requiring that I fly on the return trip.

Gorgeous sunrise over
the boat show, Oct 8, 2016

October baseball with Harry.
If only the Pirates were playing!


Thursday, September 15, 2016

Kelly IV is Sold, More Cruises To Come! - September 15, 2016

August 1, 2016 - Thomas Point Shoal Light.
Thomas Point Lighthouse
At Thomas Point Lighthouse. Kelly IV passes by for the last time under my ownership. You could still buy her as she still doesn't have a new owner. This could be Your view, sailing Kelly IV as your own boat!

September 15, 2016 - Kelly IV has been sold and is now taking a young family on new adventures.  They even have a nice YouTube channel.
Karen and I have begun our search for a trailerable cruising sailboat with plans for local sailing around Florida and heading to windward at 60 miles per hour.
http://sailboatstory.com/