Celebrating Our Second Anniversary As Full Timers

 

Port Charlotte, FL (78 degrees, sunny with clear skies)

Today we celebrate our second anniversary as full timers. It's humbling to look back over the past two years and review some of the amazing things we have seen and done. We are very blessed and continue to enjoy this lifestyle. Although this may not be for everyone, it is perfect for us. 

 

We started our second year in White Sands National Monument in Alamogordo, New Mexico and are currently in Port Charlotte, Florida.  Here is a map of our different stops along the way.   

This year we have

• Traveled 7076 miles in the motorhome
• Explored many more miles in the jeep
• Spent at least one night in 15 States
• Managed a sport memorabilia kiosk in Port Charlotte, Florida
• Worked for a KOA in Watkins Glen, New York
• Volunteered at White Sands National Monument
• Participated in one NOMADS project in Tucson Arizona
• Attended two rally’s (FMCA Indio, CA & Gypsy Journal Rally Yuma, AZ)
• Marveled at many beautiful waterfalls, sunsets, sunrises, and star filled skies
• Paddled several rivers and lakes in our kayak
  
• Took the motorcoach and jeep on a ferry ride
  
• Made many new friends
  
• Treasured several visits from family and friends
  
• Plus so much more.  Here are a few of the highlights

White Sands National Monument was a magical place.  We even had the whole place to ourselves with several volunteers when the main road closed due to a snow storm. 

 

The deserts in Arizona and California were so beautiful and we were awed by the spectacular sunsets. 

 

 

 

We had a lot of fun locating creasted cactus, a unusual and rare phenomenon which some cactus form.

One morning we woke up to a sudden snowfall in Sedona Arizona.  The 17 inch snowfall dusted the spectacular red rocks and for a few hours before it melted we experienced a very rare event. One photographer next to me said “it’s moments like this when you really know there is a God”. 

 

 

Before

After



We spent five months workamping at Watkins Glen KOA in New York.  The Finger Lakes are very pretty and the extended stay allowed us a chance to really experience New York.  We saw lots of waterfalls

The very small….

To the humongous Niagara Falls

Touring some wineries in the Finger Lakes was very interesting.  I learned a lot about wine from the wine tastings over the summer and have a new appreciation. 







A visit to NYC was a highlight and we especially enjoyed being able to see John’s sister, Martha, perform a lovely concert. 

 

We enjoyed moose hunting and celebrating Martha’s birthday in Vermont.  The cousins were all together and it was so much fun.  

 

 

 

On our way to Florida we even took the motorcoach and our jeep on two ferry rides to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  

 

 

 

A new roof was put on our motorhome in Indiana and we added a comfy new sofa bed.  Plus in Delaware the motorhome got six new shoes (tires). My brother helped us also improve our sound system for the TV and we installed a new radio.  The IPOD capability sure has been fun to use as we travel down the road. 

 

 

We are now in Florida and and will soon be starting a  fun filled trip with our friends JC and Bev for three months all around Florida. Life is good.   We remain very grateful that we can travel and enjoy this lifestyle.  It’s been another great trip around the sun. 

 

Beautiful Ferry Ride From Ocracoke Island and Visit With Blogging Friends

Ocracoke National Park, NC (76 degrees, clear blue skies)

Loading onto ferry

 

We got up way too early in the morning (5:30am) in order to take the ferry from Ocracoke Island to Cedar Island. However, after some initial grumbling on my part it turned out to be a fantastic trip all from the comfort of our motorcoach. 

 

 

The ferry ride lasts about  2 1/2 hours (cost $45 for rig and toad) and being able to enjoy it looking through the window of our home was amazing.  The ferry quickly filled and we were on the way.  With the love of my life, a cup of coffee, and a pretty sunrise life doesn’t get much better than this. 

 

View out our front window

Most folks stayed in their cars, however, there was a deck up at the top with  vending machines and chairs for enjoying the view. 
















The map below shows the route from Ocracoke Island to Cedar Island.  Click on map to enlarge. 



View Ocracoke to CedarIsland in a larger map

 

Cedas Island in the distance





Ferry waiting on other side to go back to Ocracoke

 

 

The drive through the low lands was very scenic after we got off the ferry.  Along the road someone was selling shrimp for $2.50 a pound. Stopping for some was imperative. The shrimp had been caught the night before. Now that’s fresh!!! Later on I realized the heads were still on them.  It's rare I get to do something for the first time now, but this was such an occasion.    Remember I'm from Indiana and our shrimp come out of the freezer.  Hopefully the squeamish feeling will be worth it. 

 

We were thrilled to meet up with a blogging couple who noticed our paths were crossing.  Dee and Jim write a great blog – click link - (Tumbleweed) we have followed their blog even  before we  started full timing. They inspired us as we were preparing to leave and we have learned a lot from them. Check it out.

 

We had a nice lunch together in Beaufort and shared stories, favorite campgrounds, and experiences.  Jim is retired Air Force too. 

 

We hope to meet up again in Florida.  They are organizing a get together of bloggers who hang out in sunny Florida. They hope to plan it  around the Tampa RV show. If you are in the area let us know. 
 

We then continued on our way to Wilmington, NC to spend the night at an Elks Lodge. It’s a handy place to overnight or spend a few days.  I forgot to take a picture but there are ten sites at the back of the lodge with 30amp service, water, and a dump on site.  There is a big picnic area and large grassy backyard.  The beach is very close by.  Cost is  $15/night and the bar also offers reasonable meals. Our only complaint is smoking is allowed in the bar. The members were very welcoming to us and we love staying at Elk Lodges especially for short stays.  It’s much better than a Wal-Mart and very reasonable. 

We are on our way to a military campground in Charleston, S.C.  Thanks for stopping by. 

The Only Towel For Miles–Ocracoke Island

Ocracoke National Park, NC (82 degrees,clear blue skies)

 

Want to get away from the crowds, hear the roar of the ocean, and enjoy the warm sunshine.  Ocracoke Island would definitely be the place to visit. It’s located on the barrier islands of North Carolina and is accessible only by ferry. 


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View Larger Map

 

 

Our motorcoach took its first ferry ride after traveling past Kitty Hawk and Cape Hatteras. It is one of the prettiest drives we have experienced. The ferry leaves often and takes about 40 minutes.   It's free to all.  There were three ferries running back and forth all day.

Spectacular homes on Cape Hatteras

 

 

 

First peak at the dunes

 

Waiting to board the ferry

 



Tight fit

 

We did hold our breath as they squeezed us on the ferry. A few motorcycles moved around to give us a little more room  and we enjoyed to talking to them during most of the ride over the island.  They warned us it was a really quiet place.  Sounded perfect to us.

 

We stayed at the Ocracoke National Park for two nights ($11.50/night with an Access Pass). There are no hookups but there are bathrooms and showers available. Four loops are available to choose from and some back up to the dunes. We could hear the ocean waves crashing from our site.   

 

Our site (#10, Ocracoke NP)

 

There is a grill and picnic table at each site.  Our rig and jeep just fit and we were the largest rig here. Reservations can be made in advance with Recreation.gov. This would probably be a good idea in the summer. 

 

Pelicans in flight

 

We spent most of time walking the beach.  Jimmy loved it too.  We laughed when a few waves caught him by surprise. 

 

 

 

 

 

The sleepy town is about ten minutes away.  Most folks get around on bicycle.  We had a great dinner at Howard’s Pub which has an amazing beer list, reasonable prices, and delicious fresh seafood. 

 

The island is known for the wild ponies roaming the island at one time (only 20-30 decedents remain)  They are rumored to be decedents of pirates or merchants which frequented this island in the 1700's.  The most famous pirate was Blackbeard.

 

"Wild" Ponies

 

There is a pretty working lighthouse (second oldest working lighthouse in the country) and cute cottages and homes near the downtown.  The island for the most part is owned and protected by the National Park. 

 

Sure wish we could stay longer.  This is our kind of place. Our next stop is Charleston, S.C.  A much longer ferry ride (2 1/2 hours) will take us over to the mainland.

 

Christmas in Wilmington North Carolina

We spent a  wonderful Christmas in Wilmington North Carolina.  Rob's (Jen's boyfriend) Mom and Step Father (Linda and Mark) live here and they welcomed us into their home for all the holiday festivities.  

Christmas eve was spent with Rob's sister Jill and husband Landon. They had a nice holiday party. It was fun to watch the children decorate ginger bread cookies. Jill had made cute aprons for  the little girls.  They were all dressed in pretty white dresses with bows in their hair  (a Christmas tradition in the south).

Christmas day we went over to Linda and Mark's home where we enjoyed a delicious breakfast and opened presents afterwards. 



Mark, Linda, Rob, Jen, John, and Carol



Our campsite during this time was at the local Elks club. Many of the clubs offer camping in the back of their facilities for their members.  For only $15 per night we had 30 amp service and water.  It was conveniently located only a few blocks from Linda and Marks home. 

The next day Jen and Rob went with us to Fort Fisher Aquarium. We traveled past Carolina Beach and had a picture taken on the beach. It was snowing, cold, and windy. The weather has not exactly cooperated. Did you hear about the blizzard along the east coast? Raleigh had over 7 inches of snow(last time that happened was in the 1800's)  Under the circumstance we are fortunate to be here.  The snow in Raleigh may have really delayed our departure.  Whew!

The aquarium was very interesting and it was fascinating watching the large tank filled with over 32 species of fish.  Here a couple short video's that I took with my Droid of some of the fish. 

Stingray

Amazing Jelly Fish



Sea Horse




Diver in the large tank answering questions by under water micro phone



Beware!  I never knew eels could be this long

We finished our visit by going to the river front today. These pictures were taken along the Cape Fear River. There are a variety of interesting shops and restaurants in this area. John toured the USS North Carolina today. It is permanently docked in this area and was in service during WWII.



USS North Carolina

John and Jimmy enjoying the river front



Interesting Bed and Breakfast

Tomorrow we are heading south to Charleston South Carolina.  The weather man is promising warmer weather!