November 16-22, 2014

Gold Head Branch SP, Keystone Heights, FL

Sunday-We had an extremely lazy day.  I spent most of it outside working on crossword puzzles and then reading.  Monte relaxed by watching TV including an oldie but goodie movie, Space Cowboys. 

Monday-Monday went back to work and I pretty much spent the day as a couch potato.  I kept telling myself I should go for a walk-but I ignored myself.

Tuesday-It was so cold (low 30s) that I stayed in my fuzzy pjs all day.  It is official-cabin fever has set in.

 

 

I really felt bad for Monte-after going to work in the frigid temps at 7:30AM he came home at 1PM and had to get the ladder out to brush the water off the slide toppers from yesterday’s rainstorm.

 

 

 

Wednesday-When Monte came home from work we took a ride into “town”. 

We needed a few staples like milk, eggs and bread.  We could have waited until the weekend but I just really needed to get out.  The last few days have been cold so I haven’t ventured out of the rig and was really beginning to feel closed in.

We made a few stops including Ace where we picked up steering fluid for the Jeep. 

 

 

 

After browsing through a thrift shop we headed to the supermarket stopping at Keystone Heights Beach along the way. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday-I really felt bad for Monte this morning as he bundled up before going out in the 29 degree temps for work.

In the late afternoon, while Monte took a well-deserved rest, I took a walk. 

I started off by walking down the road towards the path between two cabins that I knew lead to the path that goes along the lake.

 

 

 

 

Although there is evidence of large groups of deer I have not seen one since arriving at the park.

 

 

The path opened up by the beach and Rec hall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As I continued on around the lake I noticed more signs of deer.

 

 

 

 

 

The trail led me further inland with only occasional glimpses of the water through the trees.

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I came to a little bench by a brook I sat for a while just taking in the beauty of my surroundings. 

I took the trail leading to the primitive camp.

 

 

 

 

 

After leaving the primitive camping area I continued along until I came to the park boundary. 

 

 

I wasn’t sure where the path went along the boundary lines or how far I would have to walk so I retraced my steps until to the first equestrian trail.

 

 

 

A short distance down the trail I came across a tree that had fallen. 

 

 

 

 

And then I came to a fork in the road-which way to go?

 

 

 

 

 

I chose the path to the left where I encountered another fallen tree. 

And then yet another fallen tree.

More tracks.

 

Some critters home?

More tracks-this time I think they might be from Sand Hill Cranes.

Just when I thought the trail was going to go on forever,

I came across a chain across the path blocking entrance and knew the road was just ahead.  But where was I?

When I saw the sign for the Ravine Overlook I knew right where I was and knew I had another two mile walk back along the road.

I entertained the thought of calling Monte to pick me up because my feet were really starting to ache.  I hadn’t intended to walk as far as I had and was wearing regular walking shoes not my hiking shoes.  Lesson learned.

The entrance to the youth camp.

I was relieved when I came to the road leading to the maintenance area because I knew I only had a short distance to go.

I estimated I had walked approximately 5 miles.

Friday-We were heartbroken when we found moisture on the inside corner of the bedroom slide underneath the window.   We had a leak in the slide a few months ago and thought we had fixed the issue (July 12-18 blog posting).  Monte thought the water might be coming in through the window so I helped Monte remove the frame and window.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 After cleaning the window by scraping away the old sealant, Monte got ready to re-install the window when he realized he didn’t have the material to reseal the window.  Oh no.  He knew Camping World sold butyltape but it was too late in the afternoon to make the 50 mile trip.  We decided we would take a trip into Jacksonville in the morning so temporarily we put the window back in holding it in place with just a few screws and covering it with plastic sheathing because rain was in the forecast for the next day. 

 

Saturday- We took a ride into Jacksonville to Camping World. 

While we were in the area I got a trim, shopped at the DollarTree, browsed through a couple of Good Will stores and ate a late lunch/early dinner at Steak N Shake. 

 

 

 

 

We were very disappointed in both the service and the quality of the food.

I had originally wanted to go to Wendy’s but when I suggested it and Monte made a face we decided to go Steak N Shake instead.   I guess we should have gone to Wendy’s!

Our last stop was at Walmart-the closest one on our route was 20 miles away from the park.  I had anticipated the stop and brought along a cooler with ice packs to keep the few dairy items we purchased cold.

It makes me a little sad to see all the Christmas decorations already out on display and for sale when we haven’t even celebrated Thanksgiving yet.  Some stores we had gone into last month already had Christmas things out before Halloween!