TOUR AMERICA, 2021: SUNNY OAKS RV PARK, JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Abundant Sunshine, Some Clouds, Temperature 89 Degrees

Travel Day

Own a house? Own an RV? Want to go away? Double the lists, double the things to do. We made two lists of things that needed to be done before we left the nest, one for the house and one for Elvira.

So, this morning we went item by item. First, the list for the house. All items checked off. Next, the list for Elvira. All items checked off. Yup, we didn’t miss a thing. At least we didn’t miss a thing on our lists. But maybe there was something we didn’t think of? At least when we got here we had everything we were supposed to have.

Now, the route we took – not the route the GPS indicated. It wanted us to take Route 4 to Route 95 North. No way, ever again, will I take Route 4. Once was enough. Rather, we have our own route we like to take. It takes a bit longer but it is a lot less stressful.

We were on the road by 9:30 am which is about when we normally leave. Traffic was light most of the way. There were only three places that slowed us down. But these three places were expected so no surprises. We stopped once for a short break, and once for fuel.

At 1:45 pm we arrived at our new home for the next several months. We discovered this RV park at the last minute the last time we were in Jacksonville. It is not a resort, rather it is as its name states an RV Park. It is a neat, well run, and well maintained RV park that is just what we usually look for. The big bonus being for us is that it is only 15 to 20 minutes away from where I will be going for treatment.

As the map shows the park has a total of 141 sites. When we arrived there were only three sites open. We had a confirmed spot so no problem for us. Think about it, though, this is the middle of summer, in Florida, and the park is maxed out. Granted, most of the residents appear to be permanent but they are all here for a good reason. That reason being it is a really decent RV park.

This is our new home for the time being. Before we arrived they put down a new gravel base and made sure it was perfectly level. Now, how about that! They also installed a new electrical pedestal. All other utilities are adjacent to the wet bay so hook ups were no problem. The site is also satellite friendly so we have our TV for the time we are here. However, getting the TV to work, rather make that getting DISH to work correctly, took over 45 minutes of Ms. Barbara’s time on the phone. But all is well that ends well.

This is the view looking one way down our block. There are a variety of rigs here and throughout the rest of the park. For the most part every site is neat and tidy. There are a few exceptions here and there but they are the exception and not the norm.

The question regarding supper was quickly solved when the food truck rolled into the park. It was seafood for me and chicken fingers for my other half. It was in the words of a good friend of mine delish!

And guess who we met at the food truck? That’s Daniella the park manager standing there with Ms. Barbara. For those who questioned whether she always wears a hat to work and gets all dressed up, you bet she does! Moreover she is so down-to-earth and friendly that when you first meet her you feel like you just met a long lost best friend. I can think of a lot of RV parks who could use someone like her.

That was our day on The Road of Retirement. Day has gone and night has come, and we’re settling in and getting comfortable. It’s back to a coat closet for a shower. No more large fluffy recliners. The TV is the size of a newspaper. But who cares! I’m back where my heart really is and loving every minute of it. As for Ms. Barbara, ask her and she will tell you the same.. It felt really great to be traveling again. As we rolled along I swear I could hear Elvira whispering to me this is what I love to do. And she does it really well. Thank you Lord for the joy of living in an RV.

Thanks for taking the time to read our blog.  We always appreciate your company, your comments, and your suggestions. Remember, take time to stop and smell the roses and live each day that God gives you to the fullest.

 Our continuing mission remains: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have never been before.

See you on down the road!