Sunday, Mar 24, 2013, Airshow, Move to Titusville, FL

Said our goodbyes to our ACA friends and the fabulous Outdoor Resorts Park and moved north to Manatee Hammock County Park in Titusville, FL, (~95 miles, trip total now at 1,502.8 miles). We drove into wind gusts of 40-50 mph almost the whole trip. After we were settled into our site, we noticed a lot of airplane noise and found out there was an airshow nearby at the Space Coast Regional Airport. We took chairs down to the water where we had a pretty good view of the action.

We headed for the coach when it started sprinkling. As we were sitting in the coach, the phone buzzed with a message saying take shelter immediately! When I checked the weather there was a major storm bearing down on us. I helped Roger next door get his awning in and then we waited for the storm to pass. The rain came down in sheets and the wind blew some palm fronds on the ground. It was all very exciting, but I felt bad for the folks camping in tents!

Saturday, Mar 23, 2013, Fort Pierce, FL

We drove into Fort Pierce, FL, early.  There was an art fair and a farmer's market in a park by the marina and a nice historic downtown area to walk around.

Florida weather is a bit crazy - heat at night and AC during the day. I went to the pool and did a bit of swimming and, of course, a soak in the Jacuzzi. I probably got a little more sun than I should have.  

We actually dressed up a bit for dinner. It was catered with chicken piccata, baked ziti, green beans and garlic knots. Cake topped it all off. There was live music and dancing and plenty of wine. 

Friday, Mar 22, 2013, Cruise on the St. Lucie River, FL

We felt conspicuous touring around Port St. Lucie, FL, our poor car was still filthy with the Kissimmee Prairie dust covering it, so we had it washed. It might be the first time I ever had someone wash my car, but I have to admit, it really looks good and it was sure easy.

We took the River Lilly Eco Cruise on the north fork of the St. Lucie River. I was suspicious that Deena and Dana (the cruise guide and captain) had some trained "wildlife" on their route until I saw some birds actually fly away.

Limpkin (also called carrao, courlan, and crying bird)

We saw quite a variety of birds and, of course, alligators. I believe everyone had a great time and we got a lot of really nice pictures.  

We were honored to witness the Black Crowned Night Herons mating ritual. He was very persistent, but she seemed underwhelmed.

Tillandsia

Afterward, we had lunch at Conchy Joe's with Loren and Sharon. We were surprised to see a table of ACA folks in the next room.

Later on, I went to the clubhouse for unlimited wine and beer provided by the resort.  Joani stayed home and played with her pictures. Lacking adult supervision, I tried to see if the wine was really unlimited. I talked with Loren and Sharon and Marty and Barbara late into the evening.

Thursday, Mar 21, 2013, ACA Rally, St Lucie, FL

The Outdoor Resorts St Lucie in Port St. Lucie, FL, is everything Kissimmee Prairie State Park was not. For us, it's the most upscale place we have been. I have never seen so many Prevosts and Newells and high-end coaches.  

Our coach is loving this park. What you can't see is that our Honda Fit is still covered in prairie grime.

Tomorrow's agenda includes a car wash.

The lots are unbelievably landscaped. I suspect some of the $100,000 lots have another $100,000 in landscaping. The place has three pools and Jacuzzis, tennis courts and a nine-hole golf course.  

Did some shopping - Joani hit the Ross and Bealls, but could not find the replacement shoes she wanted. We went to Wal-Mart. Why is it you always need stuff when you go to Wal-Mart that you didn't seem to need before you were there? We ate at Five Guys.  It is clear this rally will not be accompanied with any weight loss. There was a cook-out at the clubhouse. Everyone had a great evening.

Wednesday, Mar 20, 2013, Kissimmee Prairie, Move to ACA Rally at Port St. Lucie, FL

Early morning at Kissimmee Prairie, FL, to visit the slough one more time to see the wildlife at a different time of day. Took our chairs to sit for a while. I saw a few deer wander by the water. There were fewer gators but they were still actively catching fish.

Packed up and said goodbye to the prairie. The drive to Port St. Lucie was uneventful (which is a very good thing). It was only about 64 miles (trip total now at 1407.4 miles). After we settled in, we met the other ACA folks at happy hour by Dave and Diane's coach. Everyone brought an appetizer and then Sonny's catered BBQ for dinner. Ate too much but it was fun. Caught up on what folks have been doing since we last met and met new friends.

Sandhill Crane family very at home in the park.

Tuesday, Mar 19, 2013, Alligator Slough, Moth Lady, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve, FL

Went back to the slough this morning (Kissimmee Prairie Preserve, FL). It was still a little foggy and very overcast. We took our neighbor, Carl, with us. Got a few more keepers.  

We watched as Paul, a neighbor who volunteers in the park, had his motorhome towed away for repairs. I really hope I never need one of these things in front of our coach.

Carol, a neighbor who set up to photograph moths at night this past week, came over and showed us some of her work. The pictures were fantastic - who knew there were so many species?

Whiled away the afternoon hours with Sue and Carl reviewing Carl's photos from this morning. Watched Chris and Stan break camp in about 5 minutes flat in their A-Liner. All-in-all a pretty busy day - what a lot of fun!

This is the life.

Our toad is looking forward to a bath. It's dusty out on the prairie.