Ocala FL twice!

Ocala Fl
August 29 - September 7, 2016
September 29 - October 4, 2016

We stayed in Ocala North RV Park twice.  We stayed there while we waited for an appointment at LazyDays in Tampa FL and again later that month before we left the area.

The park got average reviews (which were a few years old)  but we were very impressed as soon as we pulled in.  The park is under new management and was clean, well-kept and had an amazing pool.

It was beautifully shaded throughout and the trees had spanish moss which lent to the beauty.  There were some permanent residents but it was hard to tell since most had well-kept campsites.  Those that blighted the park were situated near the back and mostly out of sight.

I did laundry and their facilities were clean as a whistle.  We didn't have hot water in the coach the first time, so I used the showers which were also quite clean.

I only used the pool once and wish I had taken advantage of it more often.  It was absolutely splendid!

We met a good friend George who lived next door and he had us over for dinner one day.  What a spread!  We reciprocated when we returned the 2nd time.  It was nice but he really knew how to entertain! I hope we meet again!  

In between our Ocala visits, we went to Seffner for some work and then to Myakka State Park in Florida.  Stay tuned! 

No No Don't Leave!  (But we always come back)

Harrison Run State Park TN

August 22, 2016 Harrison Run State Park, Tennessee

We finally left the mud-infested Renfro RV Park and arrived at the beautiful Harrison Run State Park in Tennessee. It was a bit of a challenge to back into the site, but even as the front wheels almost dropped into a ditch, we made it in ok. Our neighbors looked on in anticipation (and probably for some entertainment value as well).

 

The roads in Tennessee were the most dangerous I have ever seen. There is nowhere to pull off because right over the white line, the road drops off into a ditch. I as the passenger rode in absolute fear of falling off the road and nearly threw out my back trying to stay on the road (or so I thought).  But I digress.

When we cooked outside, we had visitors.  

A beautiful park...

Site right by the lake.

Boats...houseboats

  

 

Pool that was rarely used.

   

  

Bird and wildlife observation platform 

and Nature Center..  

  

  

Harrison Bay State Park.  

Hope to see you again someday!  

http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/harrison-bay

There's a nuclear power plant nearby so signs are posted for evacuations. 

A Stop In Mt. Vernon KY

Renfro RV Park,  Mt. Vernon KY
August 13 - 22, 2016

We left Grand Lake St Marys and headed south toward Renfro Valley KY.

There's not much to say about Renfro Valley RV Park but we managed to find a few diamonds in the rough.  We found Lake Linville nearby and spent some time driving around.

      

We were parked nearby in basically a field but we did manage to park near the creek, shaded by the only tree.  Most days there were only 3 or 4 RVs and most stayed only for the night. It was a place to park, nothing more. 

It rained a few days which left us in a flood zone. Luckily I brought my rubber boots which were put to good use mucking through puddles and wet grass while walking the dogs.  

  

We asked for a picnic table 3 times, but no one ever brought one.  They were mostly warped and weathered so we really didn't care much.  It was usually too wet and muddy to sit outside.  The showers were ok, but their laundry room is out of service. 

We also noticed that many buildings were for sale or vacant.  A local Dennys was shuttered even though the sign could still be seen from I-75.  Another restaurant and motel were for sale next to the office that looked decent so we couldn't figure out why they were for sale. We also couldn't determine when shops or the country music museum were open because there were never any cars in their lots.  It made us wonder if the town had suffered an economic downturn of sorts.  

There is one restaurant and many fast food joints. The Limestone Grill is pretty much the only game in town but don't expect to enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail with your meal because the county is dry.  So stock up since the nearest liquor store is 20 miles away.

We left for greener pastures.

Not our favorite place. 

Next stop:  

Harrison Bay State Park, Harrison Bay TN

  

Off We Go to Ohio

July 29 - August 12, 2016
Grand Lake St Marys State Park

After our packed stay in Butler PA we headed onward to Lake St. Marys State Park in west central Ohio where we stayed for 2 weeks.  My first choice was East Harbor State Park on Lake Erie where I lived as a child, but they were full. I fully understand as it is quite a gem, so maybe next year.

We pretty much just chilled out.  Unfortunately the lake was too full of algae so there was no swimming and very little boating allowed.

The weeks were pretty quiet but weekends were filled with families, kids and cookouts.  By Sunday afternoon, almost everyone was gone.

We took a few trips around the area and the nearest town was Celina OH.  It was a lovely old town out of the 50s - very quaint, clean and very small town-ish.  

And around the lake..

  

  

The final night gave us a stunning display as if to say 

"don't go".   

But we did....go.

Maybe we'll be back, or maybe we'll just remember.

So many places, so little time.

 

I'll remember this place...always. 

  

On to Kentucky.

Our Stop in Butler PA. Of Course!

Butler PA - July 26 - 29, 2016

After leaving Lancaster. we motored up to Butler PA. 

....But first, we had a small disagreement with a construction site guard-rail.  

The scenery is gorgeous, I loved seeing hills again!

What a wonderful time, seeing old friends and touring the area I knew so well.  I lived there for 25 years but I've been gone so long, the area seemed foreign.

I had to re-orient myself to a place I thought I knew so well.  Time was short so I didn't call many friends or visit many places. I spent a little time at Morraine State Park but wasn't able to visit one of my favorite parks - McConnells Mill State Park.  All hold good memories for me.  Next time.

 Rose Hill Campground next to 

Moraine State Park.

We drove up to Harrisville on the chance that Penn Gold was still there.  To my delight, it was, and hasn't changed a bit!  The inside was the same as always and they still make all their own ice cream.  

Truly it's the BEST!

I met my excellent friend Ellen at Timbercreek Taproom near Grove City for lunch.  The food was fantastic and the company even better.  We connected as if no time had passed. Although we were friends when I lived in Butler and I keep in touch on FaceBook, there's nothing like meeting in person to reminisce and catch up.  Thanks Ellen, time was too short, but we packed a lot into the time we had together.

I met Bill Guetthoff (who hadn't changed a bit) and we visited my former boss Joe Dickinson.  He fell recently so he's recuperating but I hope he's up and about soon. He's pretty much the same Joe I knew, and he's quite active on Facebook, so I follow his songs and memories, hopes and dreams.  

The highlight of my trip was the reunion with former co-workers from the Butler PA Social Security office. Sandy Guetthoff organized the reunion and wouldn't tell me who was coming, so it was quite a surprise seeing friends I hadn't seen for years! My life was impacted by these  all these folks and I thank them for coming out for this very special time!

The stars of my visit were Bill And Sandy Guetthoff. Thanks to Bill for visiting Joe with me and to Sandy for organizing our get-together.  You folks are amazing, truly.

Let's do this again sometime.

 

Thanks for the banana bread Sandy - Yum!

See You Soon!  Next Stop, OHIO!