Workcamping

Workcamping....

a new experience for both of us, it's good. We have learned many things-but experts on nothing! I do think there isn't a thing Gerard will not tackle.  Our gig will be over here in a week and then we drive a few hours north to Elkhart to have a slide worked on. The slide stops intermittently when closing or opening. It's still under warranty, Elkhart is nearby-relatively, so on we go. Next is Amazon! Yes, we will experience the good, bad and ugly I suppose. But you never know unless you just do it! I read many blogs with very good information and conflicting experiences. We decided to give it a try. We may be repeat worker bees, or decide it's not for us. Beside, some of the proceeds are marked for an overseas trip next year!

Farm work...air tires, change hydraulic lines, mow, mow and mow!

Capturing one of the many to Lee Bottom Flying Field.

Rich and Gerard being boys.

Tobacco farm on the way to Vevay to partake in the wine festival!

White tigers?! Vevay WIne Festival.

Toured Louisville Bat Factory. Trying out a Johnny Bench bat.

Louisville, KY

One of Gerard's projects- and he did get it running!

Ohio River and our front door for a while!

Aviation Migration weekend at Lee Bottom.

A couple of guys from Germany and Sweden stop by. Very cool!

Gotta go! Limited internet, until later. That's why posts are so limited. Check back in a week or two for updates on more....we have much more to share. Churchill Downs and a quick trip to Delaware!

Later.

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.

Disney and the Truman Show

Oh my goodness...I suppose many people have heard of, or visited, The Villages. Well, we visited since we are not too far away. And we are waiting on snail mail documents. 

Friends recommended we visit....just to check it out. Honestly, I was not expecting too much. But, WOW. It's manicured like Disney, from the grass to the lavish visitors' center. We arrived at the visitors center near Lake Sumter Square and were graciously greeted by an employee. Since we arrived later in the afternoon and had missed the last trolly, she offered to have 'someone' come over to talk with us. The complimentary trolly offers a tour of the property and information. Meanwhile we hung out in the Music Room, sipped coffee, and read The Villages Newspaper. Their paper basically provides information on the 25498377 clubs in the neighborhoods. Anything from the 'Texas' club-for those that hail from the great state- to china painting. Also information is given about tons of recreation opportunities at the pools, rec halls, golf and nightly entertainment. So much to do....so little time! We met with basically a salesperson. Greg gave us a history and the future vision. He provided a packet which included a CD and printed material. All very interesting. We asked questions and talked for about an hour. After, we walked the square and jumped in our car to tour some neighborhoods.

Manicured grounds at The Villages

Basically, There are several main villages and within each village there are smaller ones. It could become confusing, but it's not. There are also 'main squares' which is like a town center. Each has a square where the nightly entertainment occurs. We saw lots of kids there. I suppose visiting grandparents. The Villages provides shopping from soup to nuts! Doctors to ice cream shops. Really. Another interesting note....the schools. Yes, there is a school system for the children of those employed by The Villages. 

It is quite an operation. Gerard thinks The Villages is a cross of Disney world and The Truman Show.
Think about that....

Example of a home in The Villages. There are all kinds and prices!

Golf carts everywhere

We sipped a mudslide and beer at the town square while listening to some live music. Some danced, others enjoyed the night air. On a whim, we decided to go to the theatre on the corner. Pretty upscale joint...old time feel, but again very lavish. We decided to see Jurassic World. I'll say there will never be another Jurassic Park. Not impressed. Waste of money.

By the way, if you get a ticket in your golf cart for SPEEDING, the cost is $249.00. That's why there is an ad in the paper for golf speedometers.....

After the movie....home, we go.

Vehicle Registrations in Florida

We decided to do all titles, registrations, licenses in Florida. First of all, we are here visiting our grand baby and it just makes sense right now. The road is calling us to cooler weather....just a change of scenery! Our vehicles were expiring the end of August. A decision had to be made...acted upon....to be legal and law abiding citizens.

Today we completed all loose ends to register and re-title the last vehicle, rather the fifth wheel. It was more expedient since we were already in the system. A week or so ago we registered/re-titled our two passenger vehicles and received drivers licenses. The DMV folks at Bushnell are so friendly and pleasant!  Not my typical DMV experience! We walked in, no wait, didn't even have to take a 'number'. The lady waved us over to her station and began the process.

We handed over our drivers' licenses, Alabama title (for the 5er) and a bill of sale. We purchased the Montana in Indiana over 6 months ago, so we were exempt from paying additional sales tax. Alabama collected their portion (where we lived at the time) and all is good. I read others' blogs about the 6 month cut-off. I also found this information on the Florida government website. So please, check out your state's laws and regulations!

Also note* Florida's vehicle sales tax is 6%. If your purchase is less than 6 months, they will collect the difference. For example: if you purchased in another state with a sales tax of 4%, Florida will charge you 2% for a total of 6%. Get it???? 

The title application and  TWO year registration for the fifth-wheel in Florida-total cost $177.95. It is based on length of 'travel trailer'. It isn't motorized, so different rules apply. Mainly no 'impact fee' of an additional $225.00!!! Yipppe for that! Another note...no VIN inspection. We didn't have to haul our home to any location. Another Yipppeee!

The breakdown for the fifth wheel:
 Title Application Fee of $85.25
  License Plate Fee-$28.00
  Registration for 2 years  $64.70
  Total of------------------$177.95

No more fees/taxes for two years. Unless things change drastically, the next tag renewal in 2016, should be around 65.00.

Check out the rules and regulations for your state to be sure of documents needed and actual cost.
The passenger vehicles and heavy duty trucks are a different story.....Later.