RV Folly Adventure Freedom Ride

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February 29, 2008 - Las Vegas, Nevada

Arrived in "Vegas" February 27 to attend Sandra's daughter's wedding that took place at the The Paris Hotel on
February 29, 2008. The wedding was very nice, the bride gorgeous, the groom charming, and the reception perfect
for the family members from all over the country to enjoy a wonderful meal and get to know each other a bit.

Being a lad from Wisconsin, Florida, and North Carolina, I found the "strip" to be a shock to say the least.
"Pottersville" or "Disney on Steroids" are two analogies that immediately came to mind upon our arrival. I also
learned very quickly, there is nothing "FREE" to see or do, as so many street hawkers try to get you to believe.
Reminded me a bit of my visit to Granada in the Caribbean about 10 years ago.

After the initial culture shock was over, we found the people working in the hotels/casinos to be very nice and
helpful....and the food is excellent. We visited Bellagio's, Flamingo, Caesars, MGM, The Hilton (Star Trek), Bally's,
Venetian, and, of course, road the monorail and walked about a hundred miles. Josh is up 500, Cassie down 1000,
Sandra down 500, and me down about 1500.......pennies that is....lol...to this point. Lots of fun and laughs playing
the penny slots for 3 days.

Now, we plan on visiting the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon and then ??? Will try to update where we can find
WI-FI. Rock on Folly Adventure Freedom Ride!

February 26, 2008 - Planning a side trip to Vegas. Stay tuned!

February 23, 2008 - Vero Beach, Florida

We have really enjoyed our stay in Vero Beach with Sandra's brother and his family. Took Folly to Sebastian Inlet State Park to empty
her holding tanks. The charge was $6. Also took her to the Vero Beach beach park, post office, Walmart, and Lowes several times.
We haven't been riding the Peds as the traffic is hectic, aggressive and many of the roads in Vero Beach do not have a place for bikes
(bike lanes) to travel. Driving Folly isn't too bad in town except in areas where there is limited parking and/or the streets are narrow.

On a trip to the library yesterday, located downtown, we couldn't find a place to park as the parking lot was way too RV unfriendly. I
found a spot on a narrow two lane road in a residential neighborhood nearby but had to turn around as parking was on one side of
the street only. So, I pulled all the way into a driveway and proceeded to back out...with Sandra and I keeping an watchful eye on traffic.
With success at hand, I heard a noise and pulled Folly over and got out to see what it was. Seems while we were watching traffic, a
mailbox snuck up behind us and unfortunately ended up flat on the ground. Now, this wasn't the ordinary variety of mailbox. It was
draped with strings of seashells, had a special plaque showing the numbers of the house, and had a nice collection of shells lovingly
placed around its base. Well, I went back to Folly and got out my trusty mailbox repair kit and returned to the devastation area. I
uprighted the base, straighted the mounting brackets, reattached the box and the plaque to the base, placed the strings of shells on
the box, and put back the shells decorating the base. Then, it was on to the front door of the house for a ring of the doorbell. All that
happened was a small dog apparently thought a meal may be at hand. Anyway, I returned to Folly to write a note apologizing for
backing over the box and added my cell phone number in case the owner wasn't happy with what I had done. Then, I put the note in an
envelope and added a $20 bill. Haven't heard a word as yet.....I guess no news is good news. Through it all, Sandra and I learned a
good lesson and will make adjustments so this will not happen again in the future. Also, Vero Beach has the best public library we
have visited along the trail so far! Rock on adventures!

February 15, 2008 - Vero Beach, Florida

Left South Florida Thursday noon and Folly put us down in Vero Beach, located about mid-state along what is known as the Treasure
Coast, late Thursday afternoon. Sandra's brother and his wife own a little over 2 acres of paradise about 4 miles west of the Atlantic
Ocean here. Presently, we are parked in a secluded part of the 2 acres behind their beautiful home.

Slept like a baby last night and woke up to another beautiful, winter, Florida day. Temp at sunrise was about 58 and by 3 this
afternoon we were enjoying a balmy 75. Sandra's bro called about noon and asked if either or both of us would like to travel to
Melbourne Beach to deliver some lumber to a house being built on the ocean there. Sandra was doing her painting, so I agreed to
take on this very difficult assignment. What a beautiful ride up the Atlantic Coast past Sebastian Inlet State Park, Long Point (Brevard)
County Park and numerous day parks with beach access along the way. Made the drop at the house under construction on Melbourne
Beach and stopped to enjoy and savor the "best burrito I ever ate" on our way back to Vero. Met a kind gal at Burrito Beach that was
very quiet, nice, and offered to have my picture taken with her. Hmmmm. However, no matter how hard i tried, I just couldn't help but
notice that she was in disparate need of some sun.

February 11, 2008 - Everglades National Park Day 7

We passed a couple of places on our 40 mile drive to Flamingo that we wanted to check out on our way out.

First, we stopped at Paurotis Pond. We wanted to get some pictures of the Rosetta Spoon Bills nesting there, but they were too far
away for our camera. A 6 foot gator took an interest in us though and swam straight too us from about 300 yards away. We moved up
to the shore as close as we dared to get a picture. Sandra just happened to look to our right and somehow, without our hearing, a 12
to 14 foot gator had come up on shore and was about 40 feet away...still wet. We slowly moved back to the camper and then I decided
to sneak up a little closer for a picture. Well, at about 25 feet, this gator jumped up and ran for the water crashing through the brush at
waters edge. I would never had believed that this giant lizard could move so fast if I hadn't seen it for myself. Turns out he had his eye
on a bird swimming along the shore. When the gator hit the water, we saw the bird looking around nervously and it finally dove under
water and surfaced about 200 feet away...with wally gator laying in the water about where the bird took the dive. Lesson learned =
gators can move very fast!!!

Next, was Mahogany Hammock Trail where we enjoyed many different kinds of plants and trees found there. We never realized how
huge Mahogany Trees get. Then, on to Pa-hay-okee lookout. Finally, on the edge of the park, we stopped at the "Robert is Here"
veggie stand. We had seen this place on a piece done on Florida Educational TV a while back and were surprised to find it by
accident.

Finally, we arrived back at my mother and step-dad's house in Lighthouse Point. We weren't there 30 minutes before the code
enforcement folks showed up...much faster than in December when we were here...lol. Tomorrow we go to Sandra's mom and
step-dad's house in Pompano Beach. And Thursday, we head to Vero Beach area. Rock on Folly Adventure Freedom Ride! (be sure
to check out all the pictures by clicking on the links at the top of the page)

February 9 and 10, 2008 - Everglades National Park Days 5 & 6

Totally chilled out! Read, painted, took naps, and enjoyed.

February 8, 2008 - Everglades National Park Day 4

Slept very well last night by running the small bedroom window fan using an inverter. Still no breeze this morning though. Anyway, we
drove Folly to the starting point of the Christian Point Trail and set out on our hike at 8:00 am. This trail is about 2.5 miles each way
from the main road to Snake Bight Bay and back. It is truly amazing how diverse the landscape is on this walk. Most of this occurs due
to storms like Hurricane Donna back in 1960 that came ashore with winds of 180 mph and a 12 to 13 foot surge and raged on for 36
hours. We traversed an area of large Mangrove Trees to coastal prairie, with low to high "grass" like plants, to more Mangrove Trees
and coastal prairie that is almost bare sand and finally to Snake Bight Bay. Once at the bay, we took some pictures and saw
gatherings of hundreds of birds that were too far away to photograph with our camera. Heard the blowing sounds of dolphins again,
but could never get a glimpse of them. You see, when you reach the water, the ground becomes muddy, then the shore line for about
20 yards out is all floating weeds, etc., and then the bottom in this area is mud one will sink down into. Visitors quickly learn there are
no beaches along The Florida Bay so access to the water is accomplished only by boat. Anyway, we returned to Folly for breakfast
and headed further down the road to West Lake rest area and boat dock. After a walk on a boardwalk trail there, we headed back to
the marina for an afternoon of shade and rest, and then back to our campsite.

February 7, 2008 - Everglades National Park Day 3

WOW! Who turned off the breeze. Since we arrived on Monday, there has been a 10-25 mph breeze blowing all the time to help us
endure +85 degrees days and +75 degrees nights without electric hookups. Hmmmm! Some adjustments to deal with this will have
to take place today I am sure.

Started out on our hike today early on a trail that started at the end of the walk-in tent sites right next to Florida Bay. We came across
what was left of a pier and a motel that was damaged beyond repair in 2005 by Hurricane Wilma and her 9 foot surge. About this time,
I heard a ruckus that sounded like a deer or something had crashed into the water. Low and behold, there was a dauphin in the
shallow water feeding. We watched this spectacle for quite some time. He would swim in ever smaller circles while coming to the
surface to "blow" now and then. All of a sudden, he would be thrashing around while gobbling up fish that were flying all over the
place. What a very skilled hunter! Next, we noticed there are Osprey all over the place in almost any tall tree or radar/radio tower. And,
they were buzzing all about picking up fish and feeding their real noisy and very demanding chicks. We saw several of the chicks in
many nests and, given their size, should be under wing fending for themselves soon.

We headed back to Folly to find her heated up and still no breeze. So, we started her up and headed to the marina where there are
some large Mahogany Trees that we found some shade under. Since we were so close to the water, we also enjoyed a slight breeze.
Sweet! At about 3:00 pm, we bought some ice and returned to our campsite. Thank goodness a bit of a breeze showed up with us.
(Be sure to check out all the pictures of things and places described today by clicking on the links above)

February 6, 2008 - Everglades National Park Day 2

Started out at 8:00 am on a walk through the park campgrounds. We discovered Motor homes are put on Loop T, and everything else
on Loops A, B, C and the "walk-in" tent sites right on Florida Bay. Loops B & C were vacant except for a couple of slide-on campers.
Once at the end of Loop C, we came across the Coastal Prairie Trail. Seems when storms come through bringing a surge with them
such as was the case with Katrina and Wilma, a lot of existing vegetation is torn away leaving huge, open areas. Almost immediately
though, mother nature gets right to work and fills in these blanks with low growing grasses, etc., creating a lush and beautiful
landscape called coastal prairies. The start of the trail was shaded by fallen trees and debris which then led into an area of piles of
broken limbs and trees. Then we skirted the coastal prairie to the Florida Bay. The Florida Bay coastline area is covered with
Mangrove Trees so this time we were able to see what things looked like from the land to the water. Sandra was not a happy camper
at this point as the trail was very narrow and traversed across all kinds of "storm junk". To make things worse, yesterday's Pelican tour
guide had told us about the exponential increase in the non-native, no longer wanted, human released Pythons growing to 15 feet
and more that are lurking forests all the way to Virginia. In any event, we were able to sidetrack those scary thoughts Sandra was
experiencing by exploring a destroyed homestead and some beautiful flowers peppering the landscape. Once back to loop C, we
came across a hawk that was eating a lizard and a woodpecker that seemed to enjoy our company. Then it was back to Folly until
about 1 pm.

We took Folly to the marina to board the Windfall Schooner for a 1.5 hour tour of Florida Bay. Once again, Gilligan's Island theme song
came to mind. We motored out of the protected harbor and into open water where the captain and first mate raised the sails for a
tremendous excursion to Sandy Key and back. What a wonderful feeling it is to enjoy cutting through the waves in almost pure silence.
Then is was back to Folly and our camp for the evening.

Had the opportunity to meet a couple from upstate New York that have been RVing full time for many years. One of their favorite spots
is San Carlos, Mexico on the Sea of Cortez. Presently, they are searching around for a full-time home now, maybe in Mexico, maybe in
Florida, or maybe ? The main criteria was that they wished to be within a stones throw of the water/ocean. We really enjoyed sharing
their adventures and took note of their experiences with solar power and a inflatable "Quick Silver" raft/boat that can handle a 15 HP
motor. (Be sure to check out all the pictures of things and places described today by clicking on the links above)

February 5, 2008 Flamingo - Everglades National Park Day 1

Drove Folly from our campsite to the marina and booked passage on the "Pelican" for a two hour back country tour. Gilligan and the
Skipper kept coming to mind. Hmmmm. We had an hour to burn so we walked to the visitor center and scouted the place out. First,
we noticed an Osprey nest on top of the radio tower. Then it was on to what "used to be" a restaurant and gift shop courtesy of
Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma in 2005. The views from the second story of the visitor center over Florida Bay were breathtaking and
birds were all over the place. We were told Flamingos still show up occasionally, but in smaller numbers than in the old days. We
haven't seen any yet though.

Then, it was back to board the Pelican. We set out and almost immediately, we can upon two American Crocs and another Osprey
nest high above the locks separating the salt sea water from the brackish salt and fresh water mix. From here we continued on the
man-made, straight as an arrow, Buttonwood Canal for about 2 miles. Along the way we saw more gators, snakes, birds, and a
zillion types of trees, bushes, vines, and wildflowers. Our guide spoke about the history of the Everglades, how eco-sensitive they are,
and how important they are to the continued success of Florida's development and survival. Then we crossed Cool Bay into the
natural twisting Tarpon Creek and finally into the Whitewater Bay. One can find Whitewater Bay on most any Florida map and the
traveling on the water we did today is all part of the inland Wilderness Waterway that runs from Everglades City to Flamingo.

After the back-country tour we went back to Folly and then to our camp. Then, after a bit of lunch, we headed out on foot to the tent
camping area that runs right along the Florida Bay coastline. We came across the remains of an outdoor amphitheater and about 10
cement slabs that, before Wilma, had rental cabins built on them. We walked the road from the foundation slabs to the main
campground road to a place called Eco Pond. We traversed the trail around the pond where a very diverse plant and animal
population occurs.

Met a couple from Missouri that owned a 63 Dodge (Travco) many years ago and loved it. Years later, after their children were grown,
they decided to buy an RV again and try RVing full time. Well, they've been at it for several years now. "Karen" helped us with a lot of
info on FMCA and the benefits of FMCA's "MEDIX" program. Crossing paths with these two very interesting and friendly people was a
real blessing. They will continue on to Key West's military vets campground tomorrow and we wish them well.

Our major adventures ended today with making reservations on "The Windfall" for a Florida Bay tour under sail for tomorrow
afternoon. Woke up at about 1am to an incredible starlit sky and a most welcome surprise of a streaking shooting star overhead.
WOW! (Be sure to check out all the pictures of things and places described today by clicking on the links above)

February 4, 2008 Punta Gorda to Flamingo, Florida

Well, we shared our "till we see ya again soons" with my bro and his wife and then headed west on US17 to I75 south away from
Punta Gorda and toward Ft. Myers. Not too long after crossing the Caloosahatchee River we happily exited I75 and headed south on
SR82 and then SR29 to Immokalee. We continued on SR29 south past Alligator Alley to US41, aka The Tamiami Trail. We saw many
areas along this stretch of highway that was protected Flordida Panther habitat. Never saw a Panther, but saw a bunch of Panther
"signs"...lol. (see pics)

Now heading east on US41, we entered the Big Cypress National Preserve encompassing about 730,000 acres of watery
wilderness. Running parallel to the highway for mile after mile is part of the Tamiami canal system. For years attempts have been
made to "manage" the water flow and dispersement of south Florida through the building of canals and locks ... mostly, in the long
run, causing more harm than good. In recent years, it has been discovered that "less (management) is better". Nature seems to be
much better than man at handling this chore. Given all the canals and water, air boat tours are a plenty, and if that isn't entertaining or
exiting enough, you can find a lively gambling casino at the junction of US41 and SR997.

We turned south on SR997 and made our way to Florida City. Along the way, agriculture is "king" with farm after farm and nursery after
nursery all the way to Homestead. We passed through Homestead a few years after infamous Hurricane Andrew swept through the
area on a devastating rampage to find the town still trying to rebuild. And now, what a great job was done by Homestead to that end.
Once in Florida City, we stopped at the local Super Walmart to stock up on supplies for our planned, boon-docking experience.

Then, we got on SR9334 that took us to the Everglades National Park and on to Flamingo. The Everglades National Park
encompasses about 1,500,000 acres of fresh in the interior and fresh and salt water mix in the coastal areas. The mangrove forest
dominates. Once in Flamingo, we found a campsite and went to the marina for ice. WOW, is this place a pleasant surprise! More on
that later. Made reservations to go on a back-country tour in the am. Now, it's time for a little R&R&S.......ZZZZzzzzzzzzz. (Be sure to
check out all the pictures of things and places described today by clicking on the links above)