Home Is Where We Park It:  Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Date:  April 11, 2019

Technical Difficulties: Verizon Signal is Gone

Well, we never got to bed last night till after midnight.  So the only one anxious to get up this morning was you know who.  So out the door the two of us went for our morning walk.

Back inside I sat down to watch what kept us up last night, a series we recorded on families buying new RV’s.  OK, I know this is not supposed to be a comedy series but I never laughed so hard.  One woman insisted on having an RV with a doorbell, never mind the price or who made the coach.  Another couple needed bunk beds for their two daughters.  The unit they bought well Dad couldn’t even close the door on the shower when he got in.  Another couple bought a new 5th wheel that unloaded – unloaded – was right at the upper range of what their truck could tow.  Another couple bought what they did because it had a king bed in the master bedroom.  And on and on it went.  Not one, no not one ever asked about the manufacturer of the unit they were buying, nor did they do any research on the manufacturers track record, nor did they ask for a discount they simply accepted MSRP.  You get the idea.

OK, enough for now.  We had a really neat day but one I can’t share with you just yet.  The internet is so slowwwwwwwwwwwwwww I can’t download or upload any pictures.  So until I can get them off my phone today’s discovery will have to wait.  Trust me, though, it was another fantastic place full of history and full of memories for me.  Tomorrow we’re going toward the coast where the Verizon signal is normally strong.  Hence, by tomorrow I should be able to put a blog together.

So for tonight that’s it for The Road of Retirement.  Have a good night and I’ll catch you again tomorrow.

These are the voyages of  Graybeard and it’s occupants, four paws and two humans.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have not been before

See you on down the road

Home Is Where We Park It:  Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Date:  April 10, 2019

Taking Care of Business

This morning was a bit on the cool side, if you could call temperatures in the low 60’s cool.  The sky was clear, absolutely no whisper of a breeze, humidity was low and there was not a hint of rain anywhere.  The morning held the promise of another fantastic day and it would not disappoint.

Breakfast was in order and so I reached into the refrigerator and grabbed the other half of my Clyde omelette.   Into the microwave it went.  Once heated I found it to be as good today as it was yesterday.  A glass of orange juice and a couple of cups of coffee rounded things out.

Time to determine what was on the agenda today.  The Wishy Washy was a must as we were finally running low on clothes.  We also needed to pick up a few things at the grocery store.  I, myself, wanted to straighten out a bunch of files on my computer.  We needed to get a copy of our route for the year to our kids – they claim they just want to know just in case where we are.  Just in case, what’s that mean?  They’re bored and want to visit?  NOT!  I keep moving just so they can’t find us.  Only kidding.  The awning also needed to be taken down and cleaned.  In essence, we had a few things to do.

The first part of the morning and early afternoon this is where I parked myself.  This is

my computer station in the solarium.  I usually work here while Barbara works at the kitchen table.  In this way we each have our own individual space and don’t bump heads, or elbows, knees or toes!  I worked on cleaning out my email and rearranging a bunch of files from last year.  I still have a lot more work to do.  Barbara put together a Word document of our 2019 route for our kids.  Enough for now.

We headed into Keystone Heights to the Wish Washy.  The first one we stopped at was the pits.  It had all old machines, everything was dirty and there was an awful smell in the air.  We walked in, almost gagged, and immediately turned and left. On to the next one.  This was more like it.  New machines.  No smell.  And it was clean and neat.  This was it.

Even better there was a supermarket right next store.  A real supermarket called Hitchcock’s.  Hitchcock’s Supermarkets has been proudly servicing North Central Florida

for 67 years. Right from the start, Bob Hitchcock saw the need for food stores in rural Florida. In 1945, he made his dream happen when he opened his very first store offering only the very finest quality foods money could buy with good old fashion service for his customers. The Hitchcock’s company continued to grow over the years to the 10 current store locations located across the central part of Florida.   We’ll vouch for the fact that it is a super store, clean, well stocked, friendly customer representatives and reasonable prices.

It was time to find some place to eat.  We were going in search of real, NY, thin crust pizza.  In Florida you ask?  Yup.  Once again we went with a local recommendation.

Brooklyn Boys we were told is where the locals go. The restaurant was originally established in Lake City, Florida in 2007.  Nick and his two brothers began the business but soon the two brothers moved on leaving Nick to build the business alone.  Nick eventually married and his every supportive wife persuaded him to move the restaurant

to Keystone Heights.  It has continued to grow and expand since it’s move here.   We were

here for the pizza, and why not some garlic knots.  They both were delicious.  The pizza was really a NY thin crust pizza which is what we both always look for.  Being able to find it here in Florida in this small little community was a fantastic find.  Once again it is always best to listen to the advice of the locals, especially when it comes to food.

What amazes both of us is how in reviews written by those who have been to this park before, they state there is nothing in the area to do.  There are no good places to eat.  No supermarkets.  Nothing.  Guess they never thought to ask and learn.

Once again we had a full day.  Of course a number of things didn’t get done today but there is always tomorrow.  There is also a number of places here in the park we want to scope out.  It’s amazing how much we missed our first visit here.  Not this time.  Just waiting for my new camera and then I’ll be out and about.  Count on it.

That was our day on The Road Of Retirement.  The day did not disappoint.  We got done what we could and will start again tomorrow.  After all when retired why rush into today what you can put off until tomorrow!.

Thanks once again for joining us and we hope you will join us again tomorrow.  We always appreciate your company.

These are the voyages of  Graybeard and it’s occupants, four paws and two humans.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have not been before

See you on down the road

 

 

Home Is Where We Park It:  Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Date:  April 9, 2019

Now We’re Home – For the Next Week

We awoke to another iffy day.  The temperature was still in the 70’s, the sky was overcast and the winds were blowing.  No matter we were going to move to our reserved site, an ADA site with a concrete pad and 50 amp.  Sweet!

First, thought was the subject of breakfast.  We had never really set up the kitchen when we got in yesterday so the question was Where to Go?  Well, when all else fails there is always McDonald’s.  Off we went but first we had to stop at the Ranger Station to have our new site number put on our park pass.  We mentioned we were going to McDonald’s and would be back in about an hour.  They replied, We have somewhere even better to go for breakfast!

That is how we ended up here in the village of Keystone Heights.  Boy, were we glad we stopped.

First thing I spotted was this mural on the window.  How nice is this.

Inside there was only one item on the menu that I was going for and that was The Big Clyde.  I must admit up front that this one got the best of me.  Image an omelette the size of a full supper plate along with a heaping order of potatoes.  I cried Uncle halfway through and brought the other half home for tomorrow.

How about these place mats.  Yes, it was a place for Good Food, Good People, Good Times.

Before and after breakfast I roamed around taking pictures inside.  This is a really neat restaurant.

Only one thing missing and that was of course a turtle!

And this one just made me laugh.

I’m so glad the ranger recommended this restaurant.  It did not disappoint in any way.

Exiting the store we started walking down the block and came across this store which brought us both up short.  What’s the message here?  If you gift is not accepted maybe you need a weapon to defend yourself?  Or maybe, well I just don’t know.  Anyone?

The last time we were in this area we totally overlooked the village of Keystone Heights.  Not this time.   We intend to spend a day just exploring this little village and see what we can find in terms of places to eat, sights to see, and who knows what else.

Time now to head home and move over to our permanent home for the next week.  If we were lucky we would be able to move over and set up before the skies opened up.  It was going to be a race that’s for sure.  Well, we moved, got the jacks down, the slides out, electric and water hooked up and KBOOM the thunder and lightning and rain started.  The storm lasted for about an hour and it was a good one.  Thankfully, no hail this time.

We’re on a dead level concrete pad, we have 50 amp electric, and water with good pressure.  After the storm passed I was able to get the awnings out, tire covers on,  Gertrude hooked up, and our do- dads out front.  Yes, Home Is Where We Park It and this is Home Sweet Home for now.  It’s a great site, would get a 10 instead of a 9 if it had a sewer connection and it’s in a great state park.  For $11 a night, you can’t beat it.

That was our day on The Road of Retirement.  We had a great day and we both were able to accomplish quite a bit.  What more can one ask for.  Night is now here and it is time of course for Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune.  Oh yea!  Life continues to delight, thank you good Lord.

Thanks again for coming along with us we always enjoy your company.  Time to go, till tomorrow, have a good night.

These are the voyages of  Graybeard and it’s occupants, four paws and two humans.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have not been before

See you on down the road

 

Home Is Where We Park It:  Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Date:  April 8, 2019

Travel Day

When I woke this morning it was another warm morning.   Perhaps a pool day?  Definitely an A/C day.  Then everything changed when I scanned the weather report.  What I was seeing for tomorrow was not good.  100% chance of rain.  Strong winds.  Thunder and lightening.  Time to get back on the road and head north away from this impending weather.

Now less you think I’m over reacting consider this.  A week before we arrived in Coccoa, this area suffered through a severe hail storm that damaged cars, boats and RV’s alike.  Knowing this I figured it was better to play it safe.

We were in no rush, however, since it would be only a three-hour trip.   Time first for breakfast.  Again one of my favorites.  Cheese potatoes, fried spam,  orange juice and a specialty coffee.  OK, time to pack and put things away and get on the road.  As in the past I had the outside and Barbara had the inside.  She definitely did a better job than I did and I explain why in a minute.

The plan was simple enough.  Pack, put things in order, get on the road and arrive and get set up at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park before it began to rain there.  It almost worked to a T.  

By noontime we were on the road.  Had to stop first for fuel.  Then to hook up the car.  Now we ready to roll and so we did.  We went north on I 95 which was almost void of traffic and then turned off and took local roads to the park.  We had intermittent showers all along our route but nothing more.

In due time we were at the park entrance.  This is a stock photo since for the time being I am without a camera.  This is a Florida State Park we had stayed at previously  and gave a thumbs up to.  It only has 30 amp and water but the sites are level and separated.  The price is also right, only $11 per day!

One of Florida’s first state parks, Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park was developed on a 600-acre site by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the 1930s.  The initial property was donated by Martin J. “Mike” Roess (pronounced “Race“) hence the park is named in his memory.

We came here knowing that our reservation was for tomorrow and that our site would not be available until then.  The park ranger gave us a pull thru for tonight.  Tomorrow we move to our regular home for the next week.  Move we shall for the site we have reserved is a dead level concrete pad with the bath house immediately behind.

Remember I said earlier that Barbara did a better job of packing up then I did?  When I went to hook up the water hose to the water bib I immediately realized that I had left our water pressure regulator at Joy RV Park.  My good one.  My adjustable one.  Ouch!  Thankfully, I always keep a spare simple one that is fixed at 40 pounds.  OK.  Time to order a replacement adjustable one.

Now about the weather.  We pulled in to our temporary home for the night and it began to drizzle, then it began to rain, then it began to pour and I mean pour.  Thankfully, it lasted no more than an hour and the sun came out again.

That was our day on The Road of Retirement.  It was an easy trip and I only made one wrong turn.  Imagine that, only one.  I’m improving.  We’re here, settled in for the night and looking forward to a good night’s sleep.  Once again we enjoyed the day since we again did it our way, hand in hand, singing our song, side by side,

Thanks for joining us again on our journey.  We always enjoy your company.  Till tomorrow and who knows what we will get into.  Hope you’ll be around to find out.

These are the voyages of  Graybeard and it’s occupants, four paws and two humans.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have not been before

See you on down the road