We entered Florida on US 90 through Pensacola. We determined to avoid I 10 for the most part, since we were in no hurry. Drifting along US 90 we made our way to Mexico Beach and Rustic Sands RV Park where we had stayed several years ago. Rustic is an appropriate description. We arrived late, for us, and left early, for us. We had a couple of nights before we were scheduled to arrive at Lazy Days to complete the service work that had begun there in early December and been carried on to their dealership in Tucson.
Looking through our choices in Days End, an Escapee listing of free and cheap overnight camping spots, we spotted a National Forest Service (NFS) campground next to an abandoned fire tower north of Lake City FL. Following the directions with which our GPS concurred, was an act of faith since we entered a network of unpaved back roads in the heart of Florida that we did not know existed. Upon arrival we saw the fire tower and plenty of space to park as well as a tent camper who looked scruffier than he was. His head was covered with insect netting that made him look quite disheveled. Soon we were outside with our netting as well. The gnats were ferocious and the only thing worse came later when the mosquitoes came out. They were far worse than anything we encountered in Alaska. After chatting with our neighbor, we retreated to the relatively insect free interior of the coach and left him to feed the insects. He was 3 days from using up his two week permit.
In the morning we pulled out, sliding under the low hanging power line with greater ease than seemed apparent and rolled south to eventually stop at Keel and Curley Winery, a Harvest Host winery, that was just 17 miles east of Lazy Days where we were due the next morning. There we met AJ and Linda, fellow members of Harvest Host, in the parking field. After chatting a while, Carol and I went into the wine tasting room to sample some wine and make ourselves known as Harvest Host members. If you think blueberries are an appropriate base for wine, do not miss this. If on the other hand you actually like wine made from grapes . . . I tried their Merlot, and bought a bottle of blueberry wine. It was very nice, for blueberry wine. The intersection where we were parked seemed to be blessed (cursed?) with the passage of every car in Florida that was lacking a sound deadening muffler. We became convinced that we needed to poke holes in our mufflers to be legal as we passed through that intersection, how else to explain the number of very noisy cars passing through there all day and all night.
The next day, Thursday, we arrived at Lazy Days. Friday they took Gee Whiz into a bay and by Friday evening the only job left was a detail wash. The shower door opens and closes nicely, the shade in the bedroom does not require brute force to raise and lower and the cameras for the rear and side view are stable and clear. Oh yes, even the rock guard with the Phaeton name on it is brand new. Thank you Tiffin and thank you Lazy Days. We were treated like royalty with admission to the Crown Club and the Crown Club service area which are reserved for those who buy from LD and everyone was very nice to us and worked hard to keep us informed. James Busch, the Tiffin Representative was especially helpful.
After a Saturday night dinner at Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza with the Topfs, we took our time getting out on Sunday and drove 50 miles to Fort Desoto County Park and after setting up we began our visit with Art and Natalie, Carol’s brother and Sister-in-law. For the record, if you contemplate going to that park with a 36 foot or greater coach, avoid site 173. The entrance was very narrow and required several minutes of very close maneuvering with Carol driving and me as spotter to get in without hitting a tree or a stake. We did it, but I was sweating by the time we got set up. Also this site had a very narrow camping area as well. Other sites we have stayed on there are more roomy.
We had to leave today, Thursday and begin our trip north. We are spending tonight at Golden Acres Ranch outside Monticello, FL, fours miles south of the GA border. This is a Harvest Host stop and their specialty is Mayhaw jelly. They also raise sheep, goats, chickens and they have a flock of guinea fowl as well. The Mayhaw season is not going well. Three years ago they had 700 pounds. Last year with the drought they had 50 pounds. This year, with plenty of water, but two frosts, Fred showed us a half dozen berries he had found. The Mayhaw berry, ripens in May and the tree is in the Hawthorn family, thus the name. Bobbie and Fred are delightful hosts and in the morning we look forward to buying, eggs, ground lamb and some jellies that Bobbie has put up. Their Mayhaw festival starts tomorrow afternoon and we will be long gone, across the border into Georgia and possibly somewhere near Macon by dinner time.