We did experience that cold spell that hit the eastern seaboard but forty-eight hours later it was just a memory. Temps are now back in the mid 70′s.

We christened the first week of the year by boating with Lenny and Mary, Jerry and Barb. We ferried down the Suwanee for half a dozen miles to a new eatery located on its banks. Treasure’s Camp Resturant has recently opened at Fowlers Landing and brings with it that old Florida ambiance.

They also sell gasoline which alleviates any fears of running dry on the next eighteen mile leg to the Gulf. Jerry was kind enough to pick up the tab and my posse was also intrumental in filling the tank.

They felt that the least they could do since we provided the transportation. Remaning days have been interspersed with walking, afternoons spent poolside, learning to make new breads with my kitchen aid mixer that the kids gifted me for Christmas, and a great deal of time commiserating with other campers on anything and everything.

Robin and I took a solo trip down river just yesterday and on the return home were fortuante enough to spot a bald eagle circling us in flight.

Wanting so badly to see it swoop down on some prey, we were eventually rewarded but the focus was a bit wanting.

I know now that no matter the problem with its weight and bulk, the big lens will always accompany me on the river.

We had to get in one more boat ride. A twelve mile trek across Lake Marion to the Goat’s Island restaurant , stopping off  for a couple of burgers was the order of the day. The locals were on the pier trying thier luck with the catfish. On the way back, we got a bit disoriented and almost mired in a barrage of hidden treestumps that have destroyed many a motor. I played lookout while Robin manned the steering wheel trying to avoid the hidden cypress stumps below. It was a good thing I had the hand held Garmin mark a waypoint prior to leaving. We would have gone of course without it. This little gem has really come in handy during the past week. And then, another bittersweet exit. It’s been in the mid 80′s this week, incessant sunshine, lake like glass and a lot of time to practice casting. We weren’t ready to leave. On the other hand, we get our first granchild this week. It will be great to see our children and daughter-in-law, and re-aquaint ourselves with workampers from last summer.  Talking on the phone to family, we’re not looking forward to April in Pennsylvania. It’s usually too wet and too dreary. But I’ve never had a grandchild and every one tells us our lives are going to change for the better. So damp days may be of trivial consequence. We left late in the afternoon and made it into Virginia by twilight. We decided to park in a Walmart Supercenter as we needed some groceries and wanted and early start to the morning departure. Much to our amazement, the Walmart looked like a campground with a rally taking place. Not only was the place packed, but slideouts were extended, antennae were raised and we noticed one French Canadian fifth wheeler with their satellite set on the ground. This is why so many Walmarts are stopping the practice of overnight rests. Too many taking advantage of a good and free offering. Hopefully by tomorrow we’ll make it to Bar Harbor on the Chesapeake. Until then. 

About a half hour down the road we entered the marina/resturant lot and immediately the ambiance of ‘old world’ Florida had once again charmed my socks off. Once inside I realized that 4 p.m. is not taken by most as a late lunch. The eatery was a conglomeration of seniors who someone see this hour as ‘suppertime’. Perhaps we’ll go that route in a few years as well. I find I eat many of my words as my days turn into years. Glenn’s suggestion boded well as the crabcakes that I chose were some of the better I’ve sampled over the years.

My counterparts opted for the grouper sandwich platters of which I sampled as well. If ever in the Lake Wales area, go a bit out of your way off Florida Route 27 and visit Cherry Pocket for some great food and downhome ambiance. I was especially taken by the deck, which had an antique wooden hull brought ashore to serve as the bar.

What a unique idea. We enjoyed our company and afterward, Robin and I hit the trail back to Lakewood to see the progress on ‘the Rev’s’ renovation. Tomorrow we head back to Tampa to take in the annual Supershow.

A contingent of campers that rallied here together outdid themselves and in my book took away the prize for their rendition of Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben. Following the cuisine at the cafe, trolley and hayrides through the park synced with the crisp night air. Warm apple cider was served at the outdoor fire patio where a bevy of seasonal gathered for final farewells. The park officially closes today as the water is shut off in all but the main bath houses. We shall leave tomorrow and head West for body inspections in preparation for the journey South. We didn’t see this much as workkamping. It was too much fun to be considered work. The friends, acquaintances made, and the human interaction was priceless. The week was bittersweet in saying goodbye to so many but knowing that tales will be shared when again we meet. As Shakespeare penned in his famous “Julius Ceasar”;

“We may not know the end of this day’s journey ere to come but suffices that the day will end and the end be known. If we meet again, we’ll smile. And if not, this parting was well made.”