Home on the Strip

Lee Bottom Flying Field....a unique volunteer gig, not your typical RV experience!

Our home until the middle of October. Yes, located near Hanover, Indiana, a grass air strip near the Ohio River. Another term of endearment, Hellover...hahaha. We can see the river from our perch! Having the curiosity of a cat....Gerard responded to a 'help wanted' ad to do various jobs at an air strip. So, here we are! The owners, Ginger and Rich live here and call this place home while also having full-time careers.

We find ourselves doing odd jobs, whatever needs to be done in preparation for the "Fly-In" in mid-September. This week is open for volunteers to drop in and lend a hand. The gazebo needs painting....hint, hint.

Tractor repairs needed often.

Tires are everywhere...gasping for air.

A typical day on the farm....

Original.

Many blades of grass to mow....many. Gerard rides the big tractor with 3 mowing decks...boys with toys. But don't feel too sorry for him...planes drop in for chats very often, so he must stop and offer some warm southern hospitality, right?

Beautiful sunsets

Gerard flying a taildragger! Thanks, Matt.

Home on the strip ;)

Not much happening in this small town. We watch the barges of coal tug along the river, throw the ball for Rosie, grill good food and enjoy meeting all the aviation enthusiasts-nuts! All while listening to the grass grow!

One of my hidden skills...zero turn mower.

Later.....

Showing off his Roundup talent!

Shenandoah to Hanover

Whew.....we have traveled. I have been a little frustrated because we have been in the boonies with spotty cell service and terrible WIFI....but life goes on!

While in Virginia we did do some really neat things. First, Washington, DC. The drive took about an hour from Front Royal, where we stayed for a few nights. Gerard had wanted to visit the Marine Corps Barracks for the silent drill platoon 'show'. He had visited while attending the Naval Academy many moons ago :) The facility is located precisely at the streets of 8th and I, in the hustle and bustle of our capitol. Gerard made the reservation about two months ago. It is held outdoors, so if it rains....no show. We arrived early after navigating the crazy rush hour of DC. We walked around the area decided on a mexican food cantina for a relaxing meal. The rooftop provided a little breeze for the afternoon and a great place to people watch. After supper we headed to the barracks. Outside the buildings, the street corners were occupied with 'perfect' marines...directing traffic and greeting people. I told Gerard the guys looked 'perfect'....like a Ken barbie! The uniforms pristine, without a blemish. Haircuts fresh, clean shaven. Each marine really did look perfect! and acted with honor. Such a refreshing experience! I wish I had a close up picture of one of these handsome young men in uniform.

A short hop...

THE fort.

Presbyterian church built in memory of a daughter.

Oldest homes in St. Augustine, FL

Finally....from Bushnell, Fl to St. Augustine----THE oldest city in the USA.

St. Augustine, Florida is a must stop for everybody. It is the oldest city in the United States dating to the 1500's. That is old people :) It was a short drive to the other side of Florida...thinking we had escaped the rain, but not so much. The Flea Market was winding down which is good because we stayed in the St. Johns RV Park located next door. It is a small park with 'permanent' folks in a different section. I thought very pricey for a spot to stay, but we did use Passport America. But still costly! Anyway, very convenient to the city.

We drove around downtown and then hopped over to the barrier island. The island is typical filled with vacationers and tons of rentals, houses and condos. Local eateries dot the way. There is even a section of the beach one can drive your vehicle. It does cost a few bucks and is monitored by the sherrifs department. That particular day only 4 wheel drives were allowed, not sure why...winds? So, we didn't get to drive on the beach :(

The fort is located on the water way and staffed with rangers. We arrived after 5 p.m. and they were closing up shop. We walked around the perimeter and watched a teenager toss a shrimp net out from the shore...caught a few. The overcast weather provided a cooler temp which was very welcome.

We walked around the downtown area which is the historical part. Narrow streets filled with shops and tourists. Old homes which are still residences are crammed in everywhere. We stopped in at a corner restaurant for a break. We sat upstairs on the open air balcony, had a tasty adult drink with an appetizer. Later we learned that restaurant was once the original catholic church.

Back to the trailer park...we have a guided tour tomorrow!

Later.

No internet...

On the road....

We spent a couple of days in THE oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine, Florida. A beautiful little city filled with history. Our stay was too short....we will be back! I'll post more about these few days when we have reliable internet.

Next, we drove to Hillsville, Virginia. We overnighted at the local VFW---in a large field. Dry camping with no neighbors right in the middle of town. The cooler temps allowed us to sleep with the windows up! What a break from the humid warm Florida nights.

August 6-Today we find ourselves in Front Royal, Virginia. About an hour from Washington, DC. The Skyline RV resort is our home for a few nights as we explore the area. Today the drippy day forced us in town for a sandwich and WIFI! Tomorrow we head into DC for the 8th and I Marine
Corp Parade.


Hopefully WIFI will find us soon!
Later.