Sunny Flordia and Birthday Cruise

Since we had gotten a late start on Friday due to having to pick up Ivan at the repair shop, we decided to stop at a halfway point which put us in Hahira, GA just north of Valdosta.  We found Cain Creekside RV Park through Passport-America that had a spot available.

It turned out to be a nice pull-thru site facing a small pond with privacy fences on both sides.   We paid only $25 due to our Passport-America membership for the one night and the park was very quiet and easy to get right back on the interstate the next morning.

Wekiva Falls

 

After a four hour drive, we arrived at Wekiva Falls RV Resort in Sorrento, FL.  The park is a pretty good size with over 500 full hook-up sites and they escort you to your site and help you get backed in.  The site they had originally booked us at turned out to be too narrow.  We were not able to deploy our slide outs due to a large palm tree.  The guy was nice enough to ride me around in his golf cart and let me pick out a new site from several that were available.  Our only advice to anyone visiting this park is to know that the ground is very soft, so expect your wheels to sink into the sandy soil.  I imagine if there's a lot of rain it could become an issue.  We luckily didn't have a problem getting back out.


After getting settled, we decided to head into Sanford to pick up a few groceries and items for our upcoming cruise.   Of course, we ate first cause everyone knows you never go grocery shopping on an empty stomach so we decided to grab a bite to eat first!

My sister has told me quite often that one of her son's favorite places to eat is Red Robin but since I don't eat burgers we've never visited one. 

I finally took the time to look at their menu and found out they have the impossible burger so we gave it a try.  It's been 25 years since I gave up red meat and I am here to tell you if you are a vegetarian/vegan/pescatarian and have not tried the impossible burger, you are missing out.  It is the closest I have tasted in all the years to a real burger.  I am sold on the impossible burger and I'm pretty sure we will be eating at Red Robin more often now.

Cruising with family and new friends

On Sunday morning we got up early and drove to Cape Canaveral to meet up with D's sister, Dawn, her husband Jerry, and a couple of friends that were going on our birthday cruise.  I am very excited about hanging out with Dawn and Jerry for a whole week.  Both of our birthdays are in December and this has been on my bucket list for a while.

Our cruise started out great but then on day two the sea got a little rough and yes that's when the seasickness set in.  I had lost my patch and was not a happy camper!  Who knew the ship infirmary doesn't even carry transdermal patches on board. Insane!  Luckily we got them to move us to a room closer to the center of the boat. That made a huge difference.  We also found out that eating green apples really helps settle your stomach as well! 

By the third day, the waters had calmed and I was able to join everyone again.  So back to doing what everyone does on a cruise.   Eat, drink, & repeat.  I think I have definitely decided I am not really a big cruise fan.  If we ever do decide to take another one it will be to Alaska.  Now that might be worth taking the risk of being sick on a boat! 

Papantla Flying Men

Our first port of call was Costa Maya, Mexico. We watched the aerial dance of the Papantla Flying Men in the Mayan village in the city of Mahahual.  This tradition has been around for 500 years and it is now protected by UNESCO.

Five men climb a 98-foot tall pole and then four of the five launch themselves at the same time, tied to the pole with ropes to descend to the ground. The fifth man dances on top of the pole playing a drum and a flute while bending fully backward to acknowledge the god of the sun. It was really a sight to behold.

Afterward, we walked around the village and visited the Diamond International Shop where Dawn bought a beautiful ruby ring.  By then the weather was pretty warm so we decided to head back to the ship since I was still getting over being seasick.  Plus the food and booze on the ship are free!

Our Next Port of Call was Cozumel

Once my feet was on solid ground, we decided to hit the shops in order to buy a few bottles of Mexico's famous vanilla extract.  We were told it is one of the items that is a must-buy when you are there.  I bought one bottle of clear since I have never seen it sold in clear here in the states.  Dawn bought several bottles of both! Well let you guys know if it was worth fighting the crowds for when I use it.

Afterward, we went on a scavenger hunt for charms.  Since Dawn has been on several cruises before she knew about this charm bracelet that Diamonds International give away free.  Come to find out a lot of the jewelry stores there also give you a free charm to go just for the asking.  I think all in all we got five between the two ports.

A Song and a Dance for the price of a beer! 

Once all the shopping was over we met back up for a quick drink at where else... Señor Frogs.  I think I had forgotten how insane the place is.  Not only do they make everyone wear a balloon hat but the feel you up when you get a shot.  I thought Jerry was going to die when she put her hands all over him.  I have to admit the guys were a good sport about it.  Although I can't say the same thing about D wearing his balloon hat. The man tossed it on the floor.  Who does that?  Dawn and I wore ours all the way back to the boat.  And with pride too!!

At the end of the week, we said our sad goodbyes as we went our separate ways.  We drove back to Sorrento Florida to our home away from no home and Jerry and Dawn went to spend a few more days with their friends, Deb and Bill.  We enjoyed getting to meet them and hope they decide to join us again on our next adventures with J&D.  Maybe.....Alaska!?! Hint, Hint Dawn!

Turkey and Repairs

Stone Mountain Heights RV Park

Today we moved a whole 11 miles over to Stone Mountain Heights RV Park.  Normally we only move on the weekends since D works during the week but for some reason, the park did not want us coming in on the weekend and requested we arrive by 3pm.  I'm assuming it was because of Atlanta traffic being such a bear and can cause your arrival to be unpredictable the closer you get to rush hour. Anyone who lives in Atlanta or has ever past through knows rush hour is now from 6 am to 7pm with no breaks between!  Not as bad as Boston but it's getting pretty darn close in my opinion. Anyway, D ended up taking the morning off so we could move.  

One of our nightly visitor

View of Stone Mountain from
Walmart

I have to admit I had no idea this park was even here and I grew up here! I can't tell you how many times I have driven down Hwy 78 and have never noticed this place!  So I was a little shocked to have found out that it had been here for years but use to be a mobile home park.  It now operates mainly as an RV park, is tons cheaper than staying inside the park, the sites are really huge, and the cell signal for D to work was perfect.  There are a few mobile homes still in the park but they are all very well kept.  It's also very quiet and they have deer and ducks that roam free. We did have a little bit of a time getting the 5th wheel level but finally figured it out. So heads up if you stay here make sure you get a level site.

We have in the past stayed at the campground within Stone Mountain Park but the cell coverage was not adequate enough for D to work plus they have a 14-day max.  We were pleased to have found this park and to discover it is only 8 miles from our granddaughters! Whenever we come back home we hope to stay here again.

Hanging with my BFF - aka my sister!

One of the hardest things about being on the road is leaving family behind.  I can't tell you how much I prayed over this very thing.  Not only leaving my sons and their families but also my sisters!  My sisters have been my rock during some of the hardest times of my life.  They have lived through every high and every low with me and I love them more than words can say.  With the loss of our mom when we

were all still in our 30's and then with the passing of my youngest son a few years ago, our bond is even closer.  I didn't think that was even possible but I have to say I wouldn't know what to do without my sisters to lean on. 

My oldest sister has always has been my "mom".  I tease her about it but she also knows it true.  I count on her to tell me the truth and to keep me in line.  As far back as I can remember, she has been the one who has tried to teach me right from wrong, how to dress, how to wear my hair, and most importantly, how to love.  My middle sister is the most loyal person I know.  She never judges you and will carry your deepest, darkest secrets to her grave. She is a friend for life!  I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed meeting up with her every week to shop, eat, and just hang out.  If I could only talk her into joining us on the road. Hint, hint!

I do have a brother that I don't get to see as often as I would like, so before we head out of town again my sister made sure we met up him for a quick bite.  I pray often for his health and to keep his sons in uniform safe.

Family Time

The week of Thanksgiving, the parts for the repairs to the side panel were due in, so we packed a suitcase, hauled the 5th wheel over to National Indoor RV Center in Buford, and moved in with my son and family.  Their new house that they had recently moved into is absolutely beautiful.  They had our room all made up and ready for us.  It was such a blessing to be able to hang out with them and see the granddaughters on a daily basis

During our week, we went shopping for new eyeglasses for the girls, went to see Frozen II, and prepared Thanksgiving dinner.  But before you knew it the week was over and the 5th wheel was ready to roll.  A big heartfelt thank you to my son for welcoming us into your home and making us feel so welcomed. 

D showing off O's mad drawing skillz

On Saturday, we say goodbye to family until Christmas and head over to pick up the 5th wheel - aka Ivan the Silverback - and head South to Florida to catch a cruise!