Immediately, upon entering the State of Florida we noticed a change, a change that spoke of money. Interstate 95 widened and smoothed out. Using mostly concrete for the thoroughfare, signage was more pronounced, particularly the signs leading to the visitor's center. Spread over at least 20 acres, maybe more, was the best facility welcoming visitor I have ever experienced. Through the center of the main building,brochure racks were organized by state region. On one end behind the counter stood senior adults eager to assist with any questions and to hand out Florida State maps. On the other end of the building a lady stood to help anyone with free samples of Florida orange juice or grapefruit juice. The grapefruit juice was the best since close to 30 years ago when I squeezed my own grapefruit when we lived in southern California, specifically, Pauma Valley.
Dad busied himself collecting fallen leaves and pine cones and various other forest products while Louise fixed some lunch. I delved into the literature gained and poured over it with keen eye where to go to next. We decided to stay in Jacksonville for three nights just to get a feel of the area before moving south.
The selection of the RV park was, at best, okay, not so much because of the facilities but because it is loud because of road,air and rail traffic. Why there are only three such private parks in the whole of the city area is a mystery, perhaps shear economics, i.e. land prices, cost of building, maintaining what is built, staffing and, oh yes, taxes and fees vs. what people are willing and able to afford. When we arrived and checked in to the Fleetwood RV the lady did her best to encourage us to stay a month. Yes, in three days we are paying the equivalent rate of one week under the monthly rate, but I declared to her I know the cost and that we were really only passing through heading south to the Keys. The rate is $400 per month but $35 per night. As we head further south into more prime winter-staying territory the rates may seem cheap. Florida is known for its expansive state park system with RV accommodations. Its our plan to take full advantage of the opportunities and it should save us a lot of money on the long haul. Next stop for Sunday evening is along the shore at St. Augustine, the oldest European settlement in the States. It was 200 years old at the time of the Revolutionary War.
Well, I will soon end the narrative, likely much more interesting to me than it is for you. I have been told that some who have bookmarked my blog generally only look at the pictures! Taking no offense, here are a few to share with you as I sit barefoot wearing shorts and a short sleeve shirt enjoying the winter day to reach over 80F. As my dad likes to proclaim, something he likes to quote citing my older brother when he was a little one, "Life sure is tough!"
Surfing Lessons on January 20th starting with paddling on the sand!
Continuing to look for the perfect shell. I hear the best is yet to come!
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