Well, as promised, we didn't stay home in North Carolina for long. We we're home for the holidays and enjoyed Christmas with Elizabeth and her fiancé Tyler. Our Christmas tree was up for a total of one week but was worth the effort and helped get me in the holiday spirit!
Shortly after the new year, we took off and headed south looking for some warmer weather! Our first stop was at our favorite destination, Hilton Head Island Motorcoach Resort. We spent a week there and enjoyed riding our bikes, taking long walks and visiting with friends in the area. We had dinner with Bill and LIsa McCutchen and then attended their church on Sunday and listened to a great sermon (preached by Bill of course). We also spent a day with Lisa Cramer and Doug Hill and were able to see the new house/property they purchased in Savannah.
From Hilton Head, our next stop was St. Augustine to spend some time with Bob's mom, Jackie. What a treat as we were able to spend the week at her rental condo that sits right on the beach. Beautiful views from every window and balcony. Jackie kept us busy with many fun activities and sight seeing trips. I know she is 25 years older than me, but she has WAY more energy than Bob and I combined and we found ourselves having to take a nap in the afternoon! haha The highlight had to be when we rented a pontoon boat and went for a great ride up the intercostal waterway. We also were able to spend time with our sweet niece, Jennifer. She is a successful realtor in the area if any of you are looking for one!
From there we continued south to St. Petersburg to see Marty and Kathy Korb. They told us about a great state park right on the water called Fort DeSoto. We were only able to reserve 3 nights as the park is so popular but what a great place to stay. And with Marty and Kathy as our personal tour guides we had a blast. We were there right before Tampa hosted the Super Bowl so it was a happening place to be!
After leaving St. Pete, we made a turn and started our slow return north. We found a small campground on state forest land near Inverness, FL called Holder Mine. Really fun place to stay near town and a great rails to trails biking/walking path. We took a 15 mile bike ride along this trail one day. The campground is also right in the middle of a popular off trail/4 wheel driving area, so you can bet we took the jeep there one day! Bob loved it, I kind of like it! haha
As I write this we are now near DeFunkiak Springs, Fl. About 30 north of Destin. We are at a nice campground called Twin Lakes. It's a beautiful campground and our site is right on the water. We were hoping to get a lot of kayaking in, but unforntantly the weather has not cooperated. Lots of cloudy, cool and rainy days! (Not complaining as it is still much warmer then at home) So instead we have taken a bunch of driving trips to explore the area. We have been all along the beach area from Destin to Panama City and several other destinations including Bob's favorite stop at the Eglin Air Force Armament Museum. We have one more day in this area and then headed back to Hilton Head to spend another week to celebrate my 60th birthday!! Roger and Joell Ward will be joining us so even though the weather is not looking to be so great, I know we will have lots of fun.
It's great to be back in the RV. It is my "happy spot" as I enjoy the simple lifestyle. After 25 years of working in the hospital industry it is great to just relax and slow down a bit.