Nov. 21st thru the 27th, 2013

We left Homasassa to kill a few days of doing nothing. We ended up 8 miles east of LaBelle at the Ortona Corps of Emgr. Campground.  There were ample sites left ($12 a night with senior pass), so the price was right.  Unfortunately there was no boat ramp on our side so we never got to put the kayaks in. The boat ramp was on the other side of the river which was 26 miles one way by road!

Neat coincidence tho, was that the construction all around us on highway 80 was headed up by my favorite son-in-law (and only one too) Shawn Swets, Project Engr. for Aim Engineering. When he realized the general area we were in, he asked if we noticed his project.  Well, for once I couldn't complain about road work.  Very odd to be so far from home, yet so connected to his work. 

Anyway, were told they recenly had seen a panther, bobcats, armadillos and manatees at the park.  We caught a glimpse of a manatee going thru the lock and we saw armadillos twice at night.  They kinda resemble a possum, or is it opossum?

So, you know how Homer loves water and boats, and we saw plenty. He's amazed how many expensive boats go thru and they don't "get it" on how the locks work. The water level goes up 8 feet going one way, or down 8 eight feet the other way.  If you're going to drop 8 feet, it's not a great idea to lock-tie the mooring line to the cleat.  We watched a "hundred plus some thousands of dollars" boat almost get string up by his hind quarter because he couldn't undo the line.  Luckily he ran inside the cabin and grabbed a knife out of the galley and in one swoop cut a line that had lots of pressure on it.  We all watched from behind the railing -- and just shook our heads. 

Anyway, here's a few pictures:

I found a neat App. called "Near Me."  I keyed in in on my cell and found the Florida Ridge Air Sports Park between Clewiston and LaBelle.  It turns out Groupon was having a special for $69 that you could take a tandem hang glider ride. They tow you up, release the line and within ten minutes it's all over from start to finish.........but if you buy the pictures and video, it becomes $249 real quick. Needless to say, we just watched.  Notice there's one person on top of the other.  The bottom guy is in a zipped up bag.  The person on the side just makes sure the tow line is straight and I'm sure she manages the money/paperwork. :-)

Right now we're parked out in Plant City at a strawberry/blueberry farm of Pat and George Sprouse.  They have become good friends that are distant relatives thru marriage on Homer's side  They've been a godsend in our travels as we sometimes need a little plot of land and an extension cord for a couple of days of zig zagging between family and friends. 

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and we'll be headed to my daughter Kate's (married to Shawn the engineer). We'll be spennding a night there so I can spoil the grandkids for a day and then we head out to Aunt Marie's in W. Palm Beach area. I won't have another internet connection until Dec. 4 so have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving -- Drive Safe!!!!