Going On The Road with Monte & Rose

July 27-August 2, 2014

Little Manatee River SP

Wimauma, FL

Sunday-

I wasn’t feeling well so I didn’t do much all day. On the other hand, Monte worked non-stop all day crossing off to do items off his pre-departure list.

He spent some time repacking some items.

Having been in the same location for four months we didn’t always put things away like we would have if we were only going to be stopped for a few days.

Next he spent quite a bit of time cleaning the mildew off the awning. Monte used the power sprayer to pre soak and then scrubbed with a brush.

After he was satisfied with the awning Monte turned his attention to the roof.

He had planned on treating the roof after he cleaned it but the mosquitoes forced him inside. The treatment will have to wait for another day during the week.

Monday-

I spent part of the day researching places we will be traveling to when we leave Little Manatee River State Park in one week.

Annie spent most of the day doing what Annie does best—sleeping.

In the afternoon I tried out a new device I bought called the Veggetti that slices vegetables in long strands that can be used like spaghetti or for what I intended-stir fry.

It works great with zucchini and squash but does leave a small bit when you get down to the bottom that I ended up dicing with a knife. It does not work well with carrots.

And as careful as I tried to be I still managed to take a chunk out of my finger.

Monte spent another full day doing pre-departure chores that included, treating the roof, caulked seams, waxed the front and back caps, washed windows, cleaned the haze of the sky light and took off the tilt brackets for the solar panels.

Tuesday-

I continued researching places to stay when we leave the park in a few days. After being in the same place (4 months in Englewood and 4 months at Little Manatee River State Park) I am a little rusty at planning our route. I have to take a few things into consideration as I map our trip including having an alternative if we arrive at a park and there is no availability. We like the flexibility of being able to change our planned route and so don’t like to make reservations.

So I could spend hours planning stops with the possibility of not staying at any of the places I researched.

Monte continued checking off chores on his pre-departure list. The things on my list (laundry and stowing kitchen items) I can’t tackle until the day prior to and the morning of our leaving.

One of the rangers reported there was a problem with the tractor so Monte took a break from working on the rig to fix the issue.

He enlisted my aid by having me press levers while he made adjustments

In the late afternoon, Monte took a ride down to the canoe launch to see the progress that has been made.

He had put in quite a few hours working on the project last week before the rangers took over.

Wednesday-

Monte moved our bike rack from the back of the rig to the back of our Jeep. It is great having the versatility of being able to put the rack on the Jeep. And I think for short distances to take the bikes to a park it would be okay but we are looking to travel around 200 miles on Monday so when I expressed concern about the diminished visibility I would have when I drive with the bikes on the rack he moved it back to the rig.

Annie time-she likes licking Monte's head.

I have mentioned quite a few times in the past that Annie has a sweet tooth.

She intuitively knows when Monte is ready to have a snack because no matter where she is she comes running wanting her share.

Thursday-

Mom and Dad came for a visit. It was wonderful spending a few hours with them but a little sad at the same time because it was the last visit for a few months.

Today was a milestone for us-

This picture was taken a few minutes before we pulled away from our sticks and brick home to begin our new life on the road. I remember being excited yet terrified at the same time.

Monte is holding Pumpkin, our beloved cat who broke our hearts when he wandered off in the desert when we were boondocking in Sedona in April 2013.

Two years ago today we set off on a new adventure living as nomads traveling the highways and byways. We have met some great people and seen just a fraction of what this wonderful country has to offer. On our maiden voyage, we could fit what we knew about living full time in our RV in a thimble. There are many things we would change about how we did things knowing what we know now BUT one thing we would not change is the decision to do it.

Friday-

Monte completed another chore from his pre-departure list-changing out the anode from the hot water heater.

He had changed it out and flushed the system less than 6 months ago so he was quite surprised at how much residue had accumulated.

Another two items we were able to check off the list included filling one propane tank at Ace Hardware and purchasing a new carbon monoxide alarm.

While I was getting my haircut at SmartStyle in Walmart, Monte checked out what alarms they sell and the cost.

We held off buying one at Walmart because we planned on stopping at Sam’s Club and wanted to do a price comparison. It turned out to be a wise decision because the same alarm at Sam’s was $10 less. Score.

At six we made our way over to the meeting room to attend a pot luck dinner that was being hosted by Joey, the volunteer coordinator at Little Manatee River Park.

He cooked up delicious chicken wings.

Rounding out the meal was a cheese, pepperoni and cracker platter and a carrot, celery and blue cheese platter. For dessert everyone enjoyed our contribution of cream puffs.

The speech that Joey made thanking us for our service really made us feel appreciated. So although we are excited and anxious to get back on the road on Monday we will be happy to return to Little Manatee River State Park in December for the winter.

Saturday-