Everyting's Wet!

Last night while we sat watching the weather forecast and listening to the rain pound on the roof of RH, we decided that Monday morning we would stay put.

Yesterday I went out to put away the kayak's and organize everything down below and the rain started to come down. First it was slow and gradually it started to pick up speed until it was a huge downpour. This kept up for most of the day and into the late hours of the evening. Needless to say, I never got to put anything away. It's all still outside. There would be too much for us to try and put away this morning and after that we have a 6 - 7 hour drive ahead of us. We'll let everything dry out today and head off first thing in the morning. As my friend Charlie would always tell me while on the sailboat, "There is no need to push it. Sometimes nature has the last say in your schedule."

Hey, you all remember my friend Hossein? Well, I have to share a picture that he sent me recently while working on the farm. We sent him this shirt for his birthday last week and he wanted to show us how he's putting it to work. He looks good for 42.

Hey, do you remember my other friend, Jim Brown? Well, he sent me this picture of himself and his friend Dave at a St. Patrick's Day party. Nice hat JB He's the good looking one on the left.

OK, so it's a slow adventure day for us and I'm trying to keep you entertained. As for us and Road Hazard it's going to be a day of drying out and packing up.

Rainbow River

Getting up was a chore because after a full day spent on the water kayaking and scuba diving our bodies felt like a piece of meat that had been tenderized with a hammer. Still, we managed to get all our gear together and set off for Rainbow River. On the 45 minute drive northeast to the river we were flirting with big ugly gray clouds that seemed like they were following us. If it does rain we are going to be in the water so what's the difference? It's not like it matters if we get wet! Arriving at the river we were pleasantly surprised to find very few people. After paying our entrance fee into the park and being handed a list of rules we prepared the kayaks for the trip up river. Because the river is so clear they make every effort to ensure that the river maintain its clarity. They do not allow any type of container that is considered disposable. So, no cans, plastic bottles, zip lock bags or paper are allowed on boats or your person. The fines are pretty big if you dare break them. The head spring is about a mile upriver from where we are putting in. Once we get there we would jump in the water and snorkel back down river letting the currents push us along. I have never seen water so clear. I thought the water in the Bahamas was clear but there is something about fresh water being so crystal clear. You can see every detail on the river bottom. We paddled our way up river and stopped occasionally to look at the turtles swimming by and even an alligator swimming along the edge of the river. The river had many turns until we finally arrived at the spring head. The area is one big spring. The rock bottom has numerous cracks where water is gushing out. This spring pumps out over 400 million gallons of fresh water a day!I have to admit that I took a little taste of the water and it tasted so good. Clean and cold. I made sure I wasn't around all the people swimming when I did it!

We jumped into the river after we attached a leash to the kayaks and tied them together for our journey downstream. Wearing our wetsuits, because the water is a constant 72 degrees all year, we floated with the currents over top of white sandy bottom, grass and fish that were curious to see what we were doing. Certain parts of the river were only 4 feet deep with the grass rubbing our stomachs as we floated by. Other area's were about 20 - 25 feet deep. At the bottom of some of these deep area's you could see the sand boiling. There are springs all along the river and at these points the water is coming out of the ground and causing the sand to boil. At other locations there would just be a hole the size of a basketball and when you would swim down and put your hand in it you could feel the pressure of water being pumped out. The cold water would fill my wetsuit as I would try and stick my head in some of these holes for closer inspection. About half way down Rainbow river the clouds that had been flirting with us earlier couldn't hold back anymore. The skies opened up. First with loud thunder followed by buckets of water. What an experience to be swimming in crystalline water and having this hard rain come down. One boater passed us as the storm was at its most intense downpour, smiled at us and said "Looks like you're going to get a little wet!" The best part was to free dive down about 10 feet and just look back up at the surface and watch this intense storm hit the surface of the water. It almost looked like popcorn. The sound of the rain was another thing that I will never forget. I'm sure you've all heard rain hitting the surface of water but the sound from the other side, from underwater, is something that I can't describe. I told Reta that our experience yesterday is what this trip is all about for me. Not the swimming or snorkeling or even the rain storm But the combination of being in a place that isn't a tourist trap and somewhere that I have never heard of before. Experiencing all these elements of nature in one moment is what Road Hazard's journey is all about. Experiencing something that can't be bought or planned. Living the moment.

We took pictures underwater with our newly purchased underwater disposable camera but have to get the pictures developed. Hopefully within the next week we can stop by one of those one hour places and get it done.

Amazingly, with some energy remaining when we got back we decided to explore our campground while on wheels. We haven't been rollerblading for several years now but it's like riding a bike. What a workout it is to push yourself along on eight wheels. We will have to do this again.



Today we woke up and I prepared a good breakfast, if I may say so myself, of pancakes and fruit. Afterwards, as every American has or will do before April 15th we will prepare our taxes. Hopefully Uncle Sam will send us a check. Then we will hang out around RH and start putting things away for our journey that will continue tomorrow morning. Our destination is Destin, FL. Tomorrow afternoon we will officially be in the Central Time Zone. Yes, we're getting closer to leaving the Great State of Florida.

Water logged.

The morning was filled with a lot of activity with getting everything ready to go for our adventure on the water. The kayaks had to be assembled and filled with air. The scuba equipment had to get a once over to make sure it was all there and get snacks and water together. Load up the truck and secure everything so we don't have any stories of kayaks flying off on the highway.We finally made it to Crystal River and rented the scuba equipment that we don't have. Then the fun part. Loading up the kayaks with all this stuff. My fear was that the kayaks were just going to sink as soon as we put them in. They didn't! These kayaks are really sturdy and we felt safe with all the extra weight we were carrying. We headed of to two springs that normally have manatees this time of year. All we found there was a lot more tourists, boats and some fish. We decided to paddle over to the biggest spring called King Spring. It is 75 feet across and at its deepest point 35 feet. There were so many big fish down at the mouth of this spring. It was neat to be swimming along and all of a sudden you feel the water change from cold to warm instantly. The cracks in the rocks were gushing with water. We spent the whole day swimming around and going to different springs but never spotting any manatee. After finally running out of air and starting to get very hungry we decided to call it a day. And what a day it was.

The worst part of any good day out on the water is when you get back you have to take everything apart, clean and dry it. This is all done when you are tired and hungry.

Close to the end of our cleaning I spotted this little fellow trying to climb into the belly of Road Hazard. What the hell is this thing?

It's going to feel good taking a shower and sitting down for dinner. We did a lot today and I know that I will feel it in the morning.

Crystal River

The journey from Clearwater to Crystal River went smoothly and took the estimated hour and a half. I got to enjoy the scenic views as once again Reta drove. We opted to take route 19N instead of jumping on a Toll road for two reasons. Just to say the word, Toll Road, you have to drop 25 cents in the bucket. We calculated, from their website, that we would have to pay $9 because we are towing the pick up. Then, to get to the toll road it's a further drive. We chose 19 even though it had a few traffic lights in the beginning but once we left the city it was smooth sailing. I even got up and stretched my legs a little. Ever wonder what it looks like inside RH when it's rolling down the road?

Comfort. That's the best way to describe it. If you're hungry then get up and fix yourself something. Need to tinkle? Get up and get the job done. Just want to stretch? Get up and walk around. I like being the co-pilot! You have to admit, she does look good behind the wheel.

I even got to enjoy the scenic views outside. You know, they say that spring is coming and I got my first glimpse of it.

All along this highway there were these pink wild flowers in the medium. The interesting thing we saw were signs posted to "Beware of Bear" crossing along the road. Bear? We're in Florida and there shouldn't be any bear. What, are these old bears that have wondered south for the winter? Too afraid to hibernate because this time they won't wake up?

The campground we found is about 10 minutes from the head of Crystal River but we chose it because it is a big campground that gives you plenty of space between sites. We were greeted by the southern humidity when we got out. It's so humid that it would take the wrinkles out of an 80 year old man. By the time we finished setting up the RV we were both drenched with sweat and had to take another shower. After lunch and jumping online to see what is around us we headed off to see what is Crystal River. WOW. Just like the name, the river is crystal clear. There are 5 springs at the head of this river. Each a different size. We talked to a local dive shop and he gave us a map of the area with the location of the springs. We are thinking about renting the rest of the scuba equipment and heading out on the kayaks to explore these springs. I even bought a disposable camera to take pictures of the springs and hopefully some manatees. The deepest dive will be about 40 feet. While in the dive shop the guy told us about another river, Rainbow River, about 20 minutes east of where we were. The water at this river is much clearer. We decided to run over and scope it out.He wasn't kidding, incredible. I was a little skeptical because talking to this guy was very difficult. You see, he had this ball of tobacco protruding from his lower lip and when ever he would speak it looked like it was ready to pop out at me. Have you ever bitten into something that was too hot and you tried to talk? You try not to close your mouth so that you won't get burned. That's what this guy sounded like.

We returned to RH after driving in bright sunshine along with hard rain. That's right, it was sunny but at the same time it was raining very hard. It had cooled off or at least the humidity had dissipated to the point where you weren't wet from just standing outside, so we decided to walk around the campground to check it out. Like I said before, this place is huge. Great sites and we even found a volleyball court!

Doesn't look like anyone has played in awhile.
Good time to end because the sun is setting and time for a last sunset picture before we settle in for the night.

Never leave home without it!

Wednesday morning was developing into a typical Floridian winter day. After reading the morning paper outside with our breakfast we tossed around a couple of ideas on how we would spend our last full day in Clearwater. We decided that we would do the two things that we enjoy - Bike rides and sitting at the Beach.

The island of Honeymoon was the best place that we could accomplish these things so we set off with a full load in the pick up.

There is a trail that takes you to the northern most point of the island and it meanders through the wooded areas, marsh land and along the water. Perfect habitat for all sorts of things. Signs were posted - beware of Rattlesnakes. There were all sorts of birds, each singing its own rendition of Berry White to find a mate. Kind of a peaceful trail, the kind of trail where one can get lost in his own thoughts.Then, of course there is the mosquito. If you think about it, this is an insect that has a long proboscis to pierce the skin and suck the blood of humans and animals. That's it! It does nothing else!They are like piranhas but only with wings because when there is one there are hundreds. The mosquito's on Honeymoon Island must be on a steroid diet because these things were the size of small compact cars. When they were flying around us it sounded like the violin section in an orchestra tuning up their instruments before the big show. That was the fastest trail ride we rode. By the time we found our way back to the car we both had welts the size of dimes all over our arms, legs and face. Luckily I had a chance to snap a few pictures along the way. Here is one that we were brave enough to pose for at the northern tip of the island.

It taught us a very, very, very important lesson. Never, let me stress the importance of it again, NEVER leave home with out OFF (insect repellent).

It never felt so good to finally make it to the beach where the breeze was strong enough to keep our two winged friends away. Aaahhhh. The cool sand between my toes and the sun in my eyes. The only thing to snap me out of this nirvana that I had found was when Reta pointed out this man to me. She said "This is what you could look like when you are 80".I had to quickly take this picture because what does this mean? What are you trying to tell me? Over dinner I had to bring up the situation again because I just didn't understand. She told me that she meant it as a compliment. Compliment? I'm sorry but I don't see it.

God, I better add some type of weight lifting program to my exercise routine...

Today is moving day and as much as we would like to drive straight out of Florida there are two more places that we must see. (First of all, thanks Rico for telling us about Clearwater. It was worth it!) Crystal River, about 1.5 hours away. Famous for a hot spring where the manatees tend to hang out. One of the few places where you can get in the water and swim with them. Then there is Destin, which is on the pan handle of Florida. Famous for its beach and by now you know how much we love beaches.

In a couple of weeks we should be out of Florida and hopefully the other 47 states will have started to thaw out by then.

Beach Excursion

Hope everyone had a uneventful "April Fools Day" yesterday. I had one person email me to admit that I had gotten her with our post. I am sure there were more of you but you don't want to come out and say it. That's OK.

Yesterday we took the day to explore the two beach's near us. We finally were able to make it over the causeway into Honeymoon Island, which is a State Park. The island used to be called Hog Island but back in 1939 a guy from New York bought the island and together with Life Magazine held a contest for newly married couples. The winners of the contest would stay in bungalows on the newly named island, Honeymoon Island for two weeks. I guess it was the very early stages of Reality TV or magazine?

The beach is beautiful with soft white sand. There are many shells, although not as many as in Sanibel Island, along the shore. The shells makes it difficult to get in and out of the water without doing the dance that we all do when we step on something hard and sharp. We spent the morning on Honeymoon Island and decided to head out around lunch.

While we were at a Subway Sandwich shop we noticed this truck out in the parking lot. Looks like this trucker took the idea of RV'ing and combined it with his job of trucking.

After lunch we headed down the road to Clearwater Beach. Another big causeway takes you out to this island and once you roll in it is a complete opposite of Honeymoon Island. There are stores, restaurants, hotels and condo's virtually everywhere you look. Finding a parking space is like hitting the lotto. There is a pier right in the heart of Clearwater Beach that is called Pier 60. Nice place to hang out and watch the surf and those on it. There was also a spirited game of volleyball on the beach. Once we got closer to it we realized that it was your typical picnic ball where anything goes. No thanks, we'll pass.

Not much excitement today but sometimes that's a good thing. It was a good day to be out on the white sandy beach's soaking up some rays.

Dunedin Florida

Before we start with yesterday's events we have some BIG, HUGE news to share with everyone. You might want to sit down for this one.

We are headed back to Maryland! That's right! we are headed back to Maryland because Reta got a job offer that was too good to pass up. The money is more than right and they are going to help with housing and gas. We'll see everyone in 30 days! What about RH? Storage for now. We are both excited to be heading back! Lets plan that party! More news to come.

Now back to our regularly scheduled program...

What is it that it seems we end up where there used to be shootings or someone is threatening to shoot someone? More on that later...

We left Tampa early this morning after stopping by to fuel up Road Hazard. With the price of diesel climbing every day we decided to fill up the tank so that if the price continues to climb we at least have enough diesel to last us a good while. Guess how many gallons we put in this time! Try 93.43 gallons at $3.96 per gallon. You do the math...

We should be good for another 1200 miles before we would need to fill up. Wonder what the price of diesel will be by then?

Reta decided to do the driving today so I was able to kick up the lazy boy and settle in for a hour drive to the coast. It was all good until we couldn't find the campground so we decided to head over to the local Wal Mart and leave RH there while we looked for it with the pick up. Well, we missed the turn off for Wal Mart so now we had to find somewhere to make a U turn. Not that easy. Hey, turn into this parking lot. Uh Oh! This is going to be tight. After getting ourselves into two tight parking lots she managed to get out without a single scratch on RH. Lets just say that she cut her teeth on tight spaces. She graduated with flying colors. Oh, we finally did find the campground and got RH backed into our new spot.

This campground is about 7 miles north of Clearwater and there is a walking/biking trail that runs along the coast. It's called Pinellas Trail and we took the afternoon to bike it. We headed over to another island called Honeymoon Island and (this is where it gets interesting) when we got to the bridge it was blocked by police cars. I'll let the news article from the local news website explain it:

Dunedin, Florida – Sheriff's deputies say the standoff that shut down Honeymoon Island for much of the afternoon is over. Earlier a man with a gun forced officers to close the causeway.
Deputies began escorting motorists off the island in waves around 6 p.m. while negotiators were still negotiating with the armed man.
Honeymoon Island remains closed tonight. Officers say the suspect eventually got out of his vehicle and surrendered to deputies. He's being transported to a local hospital for psychiatric evaluation.

Guess we'll have to go back another time to explore that island.

Oh, as for the BIG news...come on...look at your calender

Are you kidding? We wouldn't give up our travels right now? We haven't even left Florida yet.