On the Road Again, Finally!

We planned to leave Orlando to wander the U.S. of A. toward the end of July, but we finally got underway Oct. 12th with a lot of help from our friends Debbie and Kevin. Well, Kevin did the work Richard could not do while Debbie and I talked. But before we could leave, there were things to take care of...

Richard after his first surgery.

First off, Richard woke up one morning unable to see out of his right eye! Detached retina, not good! Two surgeries and three weeks recuperating set him ready for driving in the day time, still no bending, stooping or lifting over ten pounds. And his doctor wanted him to be all set up with another surgeon before she would release him. A few calls to the VA Medical Center in Las Vegas and we were all set.  Well, almost...

We tow our vehicle with the Blue Ox tow bar which we love. But we have purchased a new Ford Explorer so had to have a tow plate installed. Quite an undertaking. We had Carlos, owner of Auto One Repair, do the job. He's a master mechanic and an all round nice guy, and he is reasonable and reliable.

Charging my batteries at Disney World.

I use a scooter to get around and although our children pitched in and bought me a new one a while back, I've run the wheels off of it and it's range has begun to wane so I needed a new battery before I would have reliable wheels. I don't want to find myself locked inside a building like this again...

After meeting up with friends Connie and Sam for an inspiring performance by MercyMe at Disney World, I went to the American Adventure building to charge my scooter in the Indian Museum. They told me it would close when the fireworks began. I don't hear well but I assumed someone would come and chase folks out before locking up. But no one came and I began to wonder if anyone was about. I unplugged my scooter and toured the place only to find I had it all to myself. Then I shouted a few times. Nothing. So, I broke out. Not as bad as it sounds because all I did was duck under the velvet ropes and push the front doors open.

Carlos refused payment.

The scooter has to travel with us on a carrier that has never been quite right, as you'll note in the pictures. Our mechanic friend Carlos rewelded and set the carrier aright, even matching the paint on the SUV to the carrier arm... and when we tried to pay him, he just smiled and told us to have a safe trip. His heart is as big as our rig.

Auto One, I wish we could bring them on our trip.

The not quite right carrier... Huh?

We had to play Bingo one last time at Kissimmee South RV Resort, had to go out to eat once more with our daughter Athena, attend Beit Yisrael Messianic Congregation... it was hard to leave even though we both looked forward to it with happy anticipation.

Last Kissimmee South Bingo for a while. Hope they don't forget us.

 So, we finally head out, the first leg of our journey a short one, a mere 168 miles. We ate and fueled on the Florida Turnpike and laughed at ourselves, two old truckers who were already pooped out and not even three hours from the start point! But the excitement is real. 

Debbie at Olustee Depot

This is a new way of life for us, roving from place to place with no set obligations. Wow, we really are retired!. Our first stop, however is a place we lived for a year while volunteering for the Osceola Nat'l. Forest. We drove out to Olustee and checked out the depot I operated for a time. It looked lonely and some passers by, Debbie and Herman, said they had lived nearby for two years and had never seen it open. I was sad. Debbie said she might go talk to the Forest Rangers about volunteering.

Olustee Depot and Museum

Then we drove on out to the Olustee Beach Day Use Park and Boat Landing. The host space where we had lived was empty, but the park was clean and well kept.

Host camp site where we had lived.

And at last, we were off... Not towing the SUV, however.

 Most states require braking assist mechanisms when towing a heavier vehicle like an SUV. After much research, we ordered the RVi3 variable braking system. It's made in Colorado and arrived just before we were to leave so there was no time to install and still be able to worship at Kol HaMashiach. Hence, we did not tow the SUV behind the motorhome. Instead, we each drove a vehicle to Lake City and we have an appointment at Camping World to have the RVi3 installed in the morning before we leave.

Saw this cute place while still in our local area of Florida.

Sommer and Jerry led us in study.

Our old congregation here in Lake City, Kol HaMashiach has RV parking and hookups (not sewer) and graciously hosted us as they have before. We spent a time of worship and study with them on the Sabbath (Saturday). The regular leadership are in Israel just now so our capable guides were the Yunes.  What a blessing!

Dear friends Judy and Theresa

Then today (Sunday) we plotted out our stops for the rest of our journey, did a few chores, cleaned and filled our water tank and met friends to play Bingo at the American Legion Post #57. We've been away three years and yet a great many folks remembered us. The Caller announced our presence and the kitchen ladies were all excited to see us. Makes one feel so good. We wanted to play again at the Moose, but they play on days we won't be here.

Yay, they remembered us!

So tomorrow, we'll be off to Dothan, Alabama, the second stop of our journey. That's the plan, anyway, but stay tuned!