06-09 Americus Georgia to Plains Georgia

(9) On The Road Again
Americus Georgia, Plains, Ga

Home of Jimmy Carter

Just up the road a piece, about 175 miles and I’m in the heart of Georgia low country. It’s steamy hot, so most all activity is done early morning or in the evening. The middle of the day is reserved for writing these reports or leisurely porch swing naps.

After exiting the main hwy, 75, I pass through Cordele and onto Americus to the Brickyard Plantation Golf and RV Park. The folks are super friendly and I’m invited to enjoy a Bluegrass band jam that evening at the park. You’d think after three days of Folk music the previous weekend that I’d be tired of it. But these guys and one gal had such passion for their music you just had to get excited all over again. Not bad for a Thursday evening at a new park.

Friday, I’ve been having a great time exploring the small town of Leslie and the Georgia Rural Telephone Museum. Absolutely one of the finest museums I’ve seen in a long time. A tour guide is available to tell you the history of the rural phone company and show you the most awesome display of old phones you’ll ever see. From the old fashioned switchboard used in Plains while Jimmy Carter was President, to the first (white) touch tone phone installed in Plains for Rosaline Carter. A collector would go ape over the collection of antique phones.

Well now you know, being so close to Plains Georgia, I just had to go tour everything Jimmy Carter. If you haven’t read his most recent book, Our Endangered Values, you really should get it and read it. It’ll put your mind on the right track and hopefully the countries. President Carter is truly the story of a simple farm boy growing up with a thirst for knowledge and a desire to do good in this world.
From Habitat for Humanity to his never ending quest to bring stability and peace to the world, he truly is a man to emulate and learn from.

Friday evening is happy hour of course. Many Rv parks have a happy hour once or twice a week. The Brickyard does it up right. Bring your favorite beverage and something to share. Good conversation. Ok some people don’t like Jimmy Carter. Too political? How is that possible? Habitat For Humanity, trying to aid in calming down the worlds hot spots? A major environmentalist. Well, I could go on, but you should discover who the man is on your own.

I’ll be heading west to the Georgia/Alabama border to check out some state parks.
P.S. I did some work today. Washed the camper. Many parks don’t permit it, so when one lets you clean the camper, ya gotta take advantage of it. Well, my works done for the week.

06-08 Florida Folk Festival, Steven Foster St Park Florida

(8) On The Road Again
The Florida Folk Festival, Steven Foster State Park

White Springs, Fl

I’m back in White Springs for the Folk Festival. I road my bike in the first day, and wondered between the 12 stages listening to musicians like Vicki Genfan, now living in N.J. Marie Nofsinger a Florida award singer, Panama Red with his really died red hair but what a singer. Groups like One Street Over and Lucky Mud. Bobby Hicks told Florida stories through his songs and sang about the Michigan family coming to Florida in their Winnebago. Seems most Fla. folk singers dislike “Northerners”. And tolerate us as long as we don’t tell them how to do it better, or complain about the heat etc. I particularly liked Mathew Sabatell and the Rambling Gamblers. He, with his dark long hair and smooth rich deep voice that commanded attention when he sang. Unlike some of the other musicians, he wasn’t afraid to use the mike and belt out a good tune.

Oh, Marie Nofsinger sang a song about a guy in her town who wasn’t quite right. You know, the one that’s in every town, he gets along, but has his own “problems”. No one ever knows what they are, Drugs in the past, Vietnam, or some other problems to big to handle.

It reminded me of Penny Annie. An old lady in my hometown of Houghton Michigan. We kids would see her when my Mom would take us downtown. Penny Annie would be searching for pennies fallen around the parking meters or phone booths. Us kids made fun of her and our Mom let us know that we were never to make fun of Penny Annie. That what ever caused her to have to look for pennies to buy day old loaf of bread or such, we had know right to put her down. And even though we’d look for pennies ourselves from that time out, we knew not to take them, because they were for Penny Annie.

Strange how something like a folk festival in Florida can bring back memories and lessons in life from Michigan.

On Saturday, I spent the whole day at the festival into the evening. It’s been pretty muggy and hot the past couple of days, so I went down to the Suwannee River and jumped in the river to cool off, along with dozens of kids and folks ready to cool off for a while. The water was warm as the river is barely flowing and dark as black tea with all the tannin from the trees.

All my buddies from The Great Outdoors Club came up and we had a grand time wandering in every direction possible. Meeting up every so often to talk or listen to a group. John, Katie, David L and David B, Manny, and Mario and Kim.

The lead act in the evening was Rosanne Cash, she was late getting on stage so we opted to listen to another group called the Haitian Voduo Pop group hosted by Papaloko and Loray Mistik. An interesting group mixing Haitian drums, electric guitar, rhythmic dance and a high priest dressed all in white. They were from Miami and some of my buddies had just driven up from Miami. How odd is that?

I listened to the Florida heritage awards, including the fiddle contest winners. It was kind of sad listening to the heritage award winners, as there were none originally from Florida that I could tell. A sad note on the vanishing heritage of Florida. One of the winners was originally from Michigan (of course) who learned to make utilitarian duck decoys from his grandfather. Bringing back that skill with him to Florida. Thus, making him a Florida heritage winner. Even the native Seminole Indians were absent this year.

The singer, and I’m sorry I don’t remember her name, who finally had the guts to sing a song about being glad she wasn’t a native Floridian. Her song told of the non-native Floridians for helped save the Everglades when the “native” Floridians let it be ravaged and other non-Floridians who love this wonderful state too and are willing to shed blood to protect what’s left of it. It validated who I am and many non-native Floridians who love this state so much and want to help preserve the best it has to offer. Helped to offset the “humorous songs” about us “northerners” coming to Florida in their Winnebago’s.

Note: The Steven Foster State Park celebrates the life and music of Steven Foster who made the Suwannee River famous with his song “Way down upon the Suwannee river“ which I think the actual name of the song is “Old Folks Home“. Steven Foster probably never saw the Suwannee river but you can learn more about his music and songs at the museum, see some pianos he used to compose some of his songs and view the wonderful dioramas.
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On the last day, Sunday, I went back to the Festival, even though it was super hot out. But I did get a chance to hear a who slew of country singers including Mathew Sabatell again. He sang some really great old songs you may remember. Like, Jimmy Crack Corn, The Old Grey Goose, and Oh Susanna by Steven Foster of course.

Memorial Day Fun! Wow, then I met up with my Great Outdoors buddies for a grand trip down the Ichetucknee Springs River. It’s just north of High Springs Fla. and is one of those wonderfully canopied spring fed rivers. Cool crystal clear water. It’s famous for tubing down the 6 plus miles, or you can do the 3 mile run as well. Rent a tube outside the park, then the park provide shuttles back up the river, so you can tube it all day long. What an awesome way to spend a Memorial Day weekend. Good friends, cool water, laughter, slowly gliding down the Ichetucknee, the Real Florida. Afterward, a great BBQ topped of with apple pie and ice-cream. Yum!

A great ending to my stay in Florida before heading up north.

06-07 Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach Florida

(7) On The Road Again
Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach

Ft Clinch. I was able to get out of the campsite at Anastasia State Park ok. They had watered the sand down and it packed well enough for me to get my rig out of the campsite.

It was about a 74 mile trip to Fernandina Beach taking US 1 and then 9A around the eastern end of Jax. Pleasant drive, with little traffic. It’s hard to believe it’s about 30 miles from Jax. It feels more like a hundred miles away from any city.

I arrived at Ft Clinch State Park, which is on the northern end of the island. And I couldn’t be more pleased. I’m on the beach loop in full sun, but the camper has good A/C and I’m right next to the beach access ramp! I love the water, the ocean, the sand and the sun. I’m in heaven.

Sand dunes, ocean view, blue sky, warm breezes, what more could you ask for?
I can see everyone coming and going along the boardwalk, what fun, especially if you’re a people watcher.

Families with their kids, mainly young pre-teens. Is school out already? A number of older sun worshipers with deep dark tans. Shrimp boats going out for the days catch, pleasure boats and sailboats heading past the red and green markers between the stone jetties. The occasional cargo ships lined up along the horizon.

I love this lifestyle. As much as I enjoy exploring the country, especially out west, I love the water. The ocean, the sand, the sun, the warmth of the sun. Reading a good book in a beach chair with a big umbrella so I can stay by the waters edge all day. Swimming in the gentle shallow waters. The waves barely breaking against the shore.

Amelia Island’s homes have perfect manicured lawns, trees, all set back from the main roads. The Ritz Carlton and The Plantation have made it a high end destination. The beach homes include a couple in the shape of light houses. Many of the restaurants are high end and pricey. Including the only 5 star restaurant in Florida. But I found some reasonable eateries in the old part of town, including a seafood place right on the water. Great town to walk and shop.

Yes, my dream of being a beach bum, a vagabond, traveling to where ever my gypsy wheels carry me, has come true. Being a camper, I’m able to stay in places one would normally not be able to afford. Fortune smiles on the camper. Saving the best spots for camping in our state parks. In Florida, many are right on the ocean or Gulf of Mexico. A paradise waiting for the lucky few who leave the arm chair and TV behind and explore a whole world outside.

RV TIP. there are two camping sections in Ft Clinch State Park. The beach circle that I’m at and the Pine Forest. Although the pine forested campsites are well shaded and on a lagoon, it is heavily mosquito infested, even during the daytime. Take your pick, sun and beach or shade with mosquito’s.

Anastasia State Park has all their campsites in a scrub oak hammock and from what I could tell, mosquito free. As I sat out past dark at my campsite every evening and thoroughly enjoyed the breezy night air.

Bonus thought for a lifetime: “Reach for the Moon. Even if you don’t make it - you’ll be among the Stars”

06-06 South Georgia to NE Florida

(6) On The Road Again
South Georgia, North East Florida


RV Tip. Hi, I thought I’d start off this report with an RV tip. I’ve been using Easy-Off BAM for cleaning the lime and crud from my “porcelain toilet” and just discovered a new use for this great product.

The two windows on the back end of my camper are mirrored/tinted. And they get all the rain and roof water pouring across them, even with gutter extensions. I’m sure it’s a conspiracy. I’ve tried just about everything to clean them. Needless to say, the windows have become almost a milky white and nothing worked to remove the streaks and milky film.

Until I used Easy-Off BAM! When it says that it removes grime, lime and soap scum, they are not kidding. My windows are now sparkly clean! It appears to be safe on the gel coat finish of the side walls as well, but please test it on a small area before you use it.

Hope this tip helps you keep those windows sparkling clean. Mine are!

Mothers Day. It’s been fun meeting and getting to know the campers up here in Georgia. Tim and Dennis do all the cooking at the campground on weekends and what a treat. One hardly needs to buy any food for their camper with all the meals prepared for us on the weekends. I’ve re-met Tray and Jerry. A couple guys that live in Davenport Fl. We’ve been playing Mexican Train and Chicken over a couple of nights. They’re domino games. I’ve been in last place for each game… ahhhhk. But what fun. And the stories that get told over such games.

Found out the name of the pink puff and fern type tree. It’s a mimosa tree. Very pretty. And, it’s good I’m back on the road. Some birds tried making a nest on my back ladder! They we’re very good at it. Probably newly weds.

Oh, and did I mention that I’m finished creating my outdoor entertainment center? Great speakers for my music and an LCD TV. I’m livin the life…

Just landed in St Augustine for a couple of days, what a great city. The oldest (1565) in the U.S. I’m at Anastasia State Park, and have been offered a camp host position, any time I’d like it. Will probably take them up on it in the fall or next spring for about a month. Can you imagine, living at the beach for a month or two? And for free, except for a couple hours of volunteer work. The possibilities are endless.

I was on the beach today, the sand is flat and hard, great for jogging or walking or bike riding. The sand is every shade of sandpaper. You know, the ruddy red, to all shades of heavy duty sandpaper tan, from the muddy tan to the lightest fine sandpaper tan that looks bleached out by the sun. Sand dunes run the entire length of the beach.

St Augustine has so many great places to visit and tons of good restaurants, like Molly’s Diner and Osteen’s. My friend Ruthie brought us to Osteen’s years ago when we used to summer at Crescent Beach. What a great local seafood place. Almost always a wait to get in, but good seafood at great prices. Try their crab cakes, best on the east coast. It’s not all about food though, you’ve got to check out all the historical places to visit.

Ps, got stuck in the soft sand at the campsite. Some of the campsites are really bad and I just happened to get one of the worst. Hopefully I’ll not have too much trouble getting out on Sunday. I’ll let you know in the next installment.

06-04 Bobcats, South Georgia

(4) On The Road Again
South Georgia


April 2006. A slower pace when you get to a campground that’s like a park setting and has a very small but friendly community. Big expanses of grassy lawns, a field ready to be planted and a trail that leads down to a water lily covered, marshy lake.

I watch the wildlife along the two ponds that my camper backs up to. The starlings that come and sit on my ladder next to my big picture window. The hawks that dive for fish late in the afternoon. And the four small gators (about 4 feet long) that are getting ready for the mating season. The great blue heron that stands frozen, waiting for dinner to swim by.

Kenny Visits. Surprise! Kenny and “Bo”, his dog, came up from Florida with his mini-van camper and are staying over the weekend. We of course went into the big town of Valdosta and had lunch and went on a shopping spree. Found a wi-fi site at the local visitor and convention center, so we both caught up on our e-mails and on-line finances. On his last day, we “collected” specimens for his garden and pond.

Speaking of finances, my Gov. buddies should have much of their TSP savings in the I fund, International funds. That’s where I currently have all my funds and in my Fidelity funds, I’m invested in the Contra Fund (FCNTX), A Canadian mutual fund (FICDX), and one other overseas fund (FOSFX). All are doing well during these uncertain times. I’m still watching my funds very closely, but why not make a few $$’s while you still can. I’m sure mainly because many of these funds are invested in the large oil companies and other commodities that are rising in price. Let’s put it this way, I’ve made over half of the funds back, that I spent on upgrading to my new RV this past fall.

Back at the campground, Kenny whipped up a great dinner for us, all from his van-camper. Complete with fine china and stemware.

Valdosta is growing by leaps and bounds. Lots of new stores, Target, Best Buy, etc. There are some southern mansions in the area that I’m hoping to go visit. But mostly rural farms with huge pecan trees and fields of corn, tobacco and tomato’s. Oh, Ted Turners girlfriend lives on the other side of the vast shallow lake, covered in reeds and water Lily’s.

Rain has moved in today and is a welcome site, as the area has been in a bit of a drought the past couple of months.

Kenny and I went on a road trip to Madison Fl, just over the boarder from Georgia. We were looking for a castle being running as a bed and breakfast. It’s right behind the State Patrol office. Hmmmm. The exterior is cool, but the interior is a bit shabby. And not in a shabby sheik way either. The owners have a menagerie of animals from lama’s, a buffalo, a small horse and lots and lots of birds. Some quite exotic including a black swan and peacocks.

Well enough ramblings, it’s back to normal living. Laundry day. And maybe a trip into the grocery store.

Have fun and keep me posted on your adventures.

06-03 White Springs Florida

(3) On The Road Again
White Springs


April 2006

Friends Visit. Still at Kelly’s Park in White Springs, and guess what? Friends Jimmy and Larry came and visited me for the day. What a joy to have friends willing to drive 2 hours to come see me.

We had a fun day seeing the small town of White Springs, eating a lunch buffet at the Suwannee Café. Fried Chicken, pole beans, corn and other fresh vegetables. A tour of the Steven Foster State Park and the side streets through town. Good conversation on a fresh spring day. The sun peaking in and out between fast moving clouds overhead.

Not only a visit with friends, but in the morning, I went on a tour arranged by the RV park, of the PCS Phosphate mining operation. It’s a Canadian owned company, originally owned by Hammer. They produce dozens of phosphate products, using tons of water with over 95% recycled. All on over 100,000 acres of land up here in North Central Florida. They appear to be doing a bang-up job of returning the land to it’s original state.

Phosphate is the byproduct of whale and shark bones deposited over millions of years ago on the ocean floors. Yes, Florida was once under water. PCS harvests the forests first, strips off the top soil for future re-use, uses tons of water to separate the phosphate from the rest of the soil and sea beds. Then, eventually, PCS creates new lakes, forests, wetlands and usable land. The products created are highly toxic, dangerous to handle and safety seems to be the highest priority at this site.

Ekk! I got an icky virus from contaminated water. The last place I was at had sewer problems and they messed with my water hose. Needless to say, not a good situation. I’ve been chlorinating the water lines and holding tank and should be ok. RV note, use a small spray bottle mixed with Clorox and water and spray the ends of your hose and water spickit before connecting.

Rv Yard sale. Well, after feeling a bit better, taking antibiotics, I joined in on the yard sale this morning. It’s amazing what a person can accumulate over 6 months or a year. Can you believe it, I sold $57.75 worth of stuff. Cd music, power drill set, pillows, walkie talkie’s, towels, you name it. We set up along side US hwy41 with a Scottish gal playing the bagpipes! What a character.

A Happy Easter to all. I’ll be having an Easter Dinner at the clubhouse hear at Kelly Park. Then it’s onto S Georgia for a couple of weeks. Bach to Fla by mid May for a short stay at Anastasia State Park, Ft Clinch and back here to White Springs for the Florida Folk Festival the end of May. I’ll be head North from that point on. Have a Great Summer!