Diesel Gypsy

Jan. 18th Pioneer Village in Dade City

2012-01-20T17:42:00.000-08:00

I just liked the way this simple trough looked.

A selection of telephones from by-gone days.

This was a train station in the late 1800's, the nerve center of communications back then. Basically the telegraph killed the Pony Express, which was out-gunned by the telegraph.

A telegraph message could travel 100's of miles in a muinute...a man on a horse..not so fast.

A typical orange processing plant in Florida, circa 1910-1940

Pioneer Village

2012-01-20T17:38:00.001-08:00

One of the original industries in southern Florida was wood harvesting.

The 3 trees (logs) on the train were typical of the 1000 year old Cypress trees that were harvested by many enterprising individuals.
I took this picture of a wood yard 100 years ago near Dade City, run by Cummer & Sons.

Pioneer Village in Dade City

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These bedrooms were in a house that dates back well over 100 years.

This is some period furniture from the 1880's through the 1920's

Pioneer Village in Dade City..a visit

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These are items found in the General Store of the day.

Pioneer Village in Dade City...A visit

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Machinery used for processing sugar cane, there was a huge industry here back in the late 1800's - early 1900's. Some processors were horse drive, some mechanically powered.
Once the cane was squeezed-out, the juice was boiled off to get the molassas.

Here I am with an RV from waaay back...

The Hampton Tract, another preserve.

2012-01-20T07:37:00.000-08:00

We have had a few horsemen, and hikers come through the preserve this week, but over-all it has just been peaceful, and quiet. The day-time temps have been in the mid-70's, and only 1 rainy afternoon in a week. Clik on any picture for full size view.

The sites here are...ahh..BIG! This is our site.

Hampton Tract, just north of Lakeland Florida

2012-01-17T15:38:00.001-08:00

These are some of the wonderful folks we met here, surely decendants of the original Florida Crackers.

This old girl is a Big Mule

Hampton Tract, near Lakeland Florida

2012-01-17T15:34:00.000-08:00

We got here on Saturday, another great find.

Bird Sanctuary in Punta Gorda

2012-01-05T16:31:00.001-08:00

Off we go to Punta Gorda beach, Ponce de Lion historical site

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Charlie & I checking out the Beach & water temps..not that cold really.

Paul & I just hanging out looking for Brown Pelicans I guess..

Morning fire for breakfast in the preserve

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Burning rock hard oak leaves plenty of coals through the night.

60*f at 9:30am this morning.

Getting Settled here in the Preserve

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Pull the yellow knob, press 4 buttons, and we're ready to relex..... :)

Happy New Year call to the kids.

Yvonne re-living her youth I think..

Dry-Camping here in the Preserve

2012-01-04T06:53:00.000-08:00

Our little enclave, thats Charlie & Yvonne's rig on the left, Paul & Linda's MH in the center.

Deep Creek Preserve, near Port Charlotte...beautiful place. We arrived on Jan. 1st.

Dec.28th. at Emmerson Point Preserve

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Huge Live Oaks at the ancient burial mound.

Strangler Figs

Dec. 28th, at the Robinson Preserve near Bradenton

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On the River...what a life!

Paul, Linda & Charlie...waaaay down there.

December 28th Day trip

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In the Robinson Preserve, looking past the Manatee River

The observation Tower at the Robinson Preserve, great viewing platform.

December 28th Day trip

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A TiKi hut where we had brunch on Ana Maria Island

A bit chilly today, only 66*f, but a gorgeous day just the same.

Getting ready for Christmas day

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December 24th, busy, busy baking...Mmmm!

Nightfall at the cove

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I know, I know...but it just is so much nicer standing here...clik on these for full size views.

Market day at the Red Barn

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Claire is happy about her assparagus find

The Christmas Parade here at Horse shoe Cove

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This waaaaas a John Deere tractor

Just fun to see

It felt like Christmas , even though it was like 75*f at 7:00pm

Christmas Parade here at the Cove

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Yes there is a golf cart beneath every one of these crafty creations!!

More here at the Cove

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Dec.24th...

After the pool, we saunter back to the Suite

More of here at the Cove

2011-12-28T18:13:00.000-08:00

Dave & MaryJane's place for supper

BBQ clean-up

After 5:00pm, kickin back...

More of the Wiggens store

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This lamp is over 100 years old

Old Cabbage head

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Looking Christmassy on Dec. 15th

Built in 1913 in Philadelphia.

Most of this was moved &re-built from original structure

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The Wiggens General Store, circa 1855.
It was a multi purpose building, one of it's kind at the time.

Off on a day outing, in Bradenton

2011-12-19T06:51:00.001-08:00

I can't resist a big machine!

http://www.manateeclerk.com/historical/ManateeVillage/MVExhibits.aspx

This is what we found

Of course there is a Pool....

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Have a look

Yvonne & charlie are here with us

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This lady can take pictures...

The Resort has a beautiful wildlife area

2011-12-19T06:42:00.000-08:00

There goes Claire

Here are some pics of there is to see.

This place, Horseshoe Cove Dec.1st

2011-12-19T06:32:00.000-08:00

Yes, we arrived on my B-Day..

November 28th on the road by 9:30am

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Back in the Volvo...

November 27th

2011-12-16T07:45:00.000-08:00

Taking advantage of the suns rays while packing-up.

Time to start getting ready to head out of here, heading to our December address in Florida.

The property hasn't changed much since last April

2011-12-16T07:38:00.000-08:00

We have never actually been here in mid-November, the colors are a mix of yellows, browns and greens.
Lots of little cactie (sp?) in the grass.

Our place in Sc. on November 15th

2011-12-16T07:31:00.000-08:00

Today it was time to go have a look around, as we hadn't been here for 7 1/2 months.

January 16th 2011 Group Breakfast

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We all did our best, pitched in and had a good old fashioned pancake breakfast.

Lots to eat...

January 12-17 /2011 Tampa RV Super Show

2011-01-29T14:23:00.000-08:00

Well, we all arrived here as planned, it was a cool morning by Florida standards.

We all got parked & soon headed inside the show to start the Ooooing & Awwwing!

Great fun...

January 10-2011 Tampa Truckstop Rendezvous

2011-01-29T14:15:00.000-08:00

Well, a new year, and some new blogging....

Here we all are getting set-up for our BIG ENTRANCE to the Tampa RV Super Show.

This was our designated rendezvous point so everyone could get together a day before the show, we do that so we can ALL head in to the show & park in a group.

Off to the Florida Flywheelers Exposition in Frostproof, Fl.

2009-02-27T05:33:00.000-08:00

It is interesting to note that to "these" Folks this is their idea of camping accomodations and the Scotty pictured here is one of those Modern trailers. To most of us that Scotty is an antique at 50 years old!!

Eccentric individuals define the Florida Flywheelers

2009-02-26T11:52:00.000-08:00

Some folks bring a years worth of scrounging barns country wide, others bring projects that show-off their enginuity, or ecentricity.

The bus is a 1948 model with a brand new Dura-Max diesel engine & transmission, the guy is from Ontario, Canada!

The Florida Flywheelers Association Exposition

2009-02-26T11:47:00.000-08:00

The powerful SNOW engine pictured here is a 400hp diesel.

The restored tractors here rival the new ones offered in dealerships today.

The Florida Flywheelers Association Exposition

2009-02-26T11:43:00.000-08:00

These pictures depict the era & lifestyle of their "raison d'etre"

The Florida Flywheelers Association Exposition

2009-02-26T11:35:00.000-08:00

There are litteraly hundreds of these vintage 1900 engines everywhere you look here. The little bulldozer is a prime example of a fully restored 80 year old machine.

Florida Flywheelers Association exposition

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The parade of hundreds of vehicles is just amazing. Here are a few quickly acquired shots.

Old cars, trucks & motorcycles abound!

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All privately owned, and brought here to the show by real enthusiasts!

So much to see, so little time....

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These shots are all from the Florida Flywheelers village. It is a collection of little buildings that house collections of "stuff" from the past.

Mostly everything is donated by enthusiasts, there collections are there for everyone who visits to admire & enjoy.

Of course we must eat, so here is our simple fare...

2009-02-14T18:40:00.000-08:00

Again, nothing to do here but .....

Of course as it is Valentines Day, the girls are decked in red & pink!!

Another hard day here in Chula

2009-02-14T18:35:00.000-08:00

I'm finally caught on film, actually lounging around & enjoying myself in the water.

Rare for me, but it does happen.

It was real nice I must say........

This is our FHU site here in Chula

2009-02-07T18:06:00.000-08:00

Yup after 5 days in boondock we moved to this available site.

It's nice to have the FHU & the tidyness of the patio.

Lots to do here, but when I have a few minutes, I polish my aluminum bits on the Volvo.

To see more of the resort, and what Claire & I have been doing clic here: http://travel.webshots.com/slideshow/570068092OHDmDM

It's a slideshow!

Boondocking here in Chula with Charlie P.

2009-02-06T18:00:00.000-08:00

This is our spot, best spot in the park for drycamping!

Here we are parked next to our good friends Charlie & Yvonne.

SKP Resort in Wauchula,Fl. Feb.3rd/2009

2009-02-03T06:46:00.000-08:00

Our New Back-Yard....actually it's very tranquil on this #7 Boondock site.

After two weeks here, we're off!..leaving Ruskin

2009-02-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

It was nice to be here, got tanned, rested, and fattened up a little!
But, time to move on....
Here is a little slideshow montage of our visit:

http://good-times.webshots.com/slideshow/559753992CWUepL

Click any pic for full-size view!

Jan.26th Day Trip

2009-01-27T07:43:00.000-08:00

Monday was a wonderfully sunny day, mid 70's....so off we went with Chalie & Yvonne to St. Petersburg to check out one of America's nicest beaches, as well as Fort De Soto & the Dali Museum.

It was a full day, and we were all pooped at the end.

Here are a few pics to give you the general idea, or click on the link for a 24 picture slideshow.

http://travel.webshots.com/slideshow/569813698PnYsSW

January, 25th 2009 E.G. Simmons Park, Ruskin,Fl

2009-01-25T18:07:00.000-08:00

Well, the weather just keeps getting better, and when your here...it IS all about the weather!

Mid 70's during the day, low 5o's in the early morning.

Some days there isn't a cloud in the sky.

Wildlife abounds, tonight we had a family of rabbits visit us at our camp-fire.

Our good friends Charlie & Yvonne are here as well, and we chum around quite a bit.

EG Simmons Park, Ruskin, Fl. Jan.19th

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Really lucky to get this spot...on the water.

Today it was +75*f.

Gotta get my Hughes set-up

The East Coast Conversions crew at the Show

2009-01-19T17:09:00.000-08:00

From Jan.14-18 we treiad our best to get the word out about the HDT option.

Claire, Yvonne, Charlie, Mike, Dave & Me..

Here we are...old friends, and THE SHOW!

2009-01-19T17:03:00.001-08:00

OK...Jan. 14th. Great sunny day...Skip & Jackie Tamm arrive at the fairgrounds.

Then, in we go to help Mike Czetli in the East Coast Conversions booth.

Next day on the road with Charlie, Jan 13th.

2009-01-19T16:54:00.000-08:00

Early morning after leaving the LOVES fuel stop 35 miles east of Tampa.

And arriving at the exit for the Tampa RV Super Show...

First stop, Flying J in Brunswick,Ga

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Great spot, we were all cozy & ready for the night.........then an attendant came out to tell us we needed to move.

We were in an UN-MARKED no parking zone...

The rig behind us was from New Brunswick.

Away we go...Jan.12th

2009-01-19T16:36:00.000-08:00

OK..it was wonderful to see Paul & Linda once again, but our schedule was pre-determined to leave today for Florida.

We needed to be in Tampa for the RV Super Show on the 14th.

Here is a less traveled back road we used to get to the I-95

Our little RV camp-site in Lamar,Sc. Jan.9th/2009

2009-01-10T19:49:00.000-08:00

Winter in Sc. is a little colorless, brown grass, not much greenery , but today it was +65*f, and that was well worth the trip for Claire & I.

A look at out camp from outside & me inside typing up this blog..

As the day winds down on I-95 south near Lamar,Sc

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Here we are almost at our RV campsite....nearly 6:00pm on Jan.8th.

Virginia in the winter, Jan. 8th.

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Even though it is winter time there are still things to see of interest along the road south...

That old church in Richmond, Va

That sky high overpass about 10 miles further down the I-95 in Richmond,Va.

Jan. 8th, Winchester, Va.

2009-01-10T19:29:00.000-08:00

Well, we made it here, spent the night, and loaded 65 gallons of fuel at $2.17 a gallon.

We did not fill the tanks because the fuel is even cheaper further south!

Finally it is getting warmer...

Jan. 7th..bad weather on I-81 south

2009-01-10T19:24:00.000-08:00

Not the best of driving weather...black ice was prevelant, just had to take it easy, only got 260 miles today.

Jan. 7th, I-81 south....freezing rain & fog

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The road conditions were bad, but we got by OK...it was the 100 feet visibility for over 40+ miles that wore me out!

Day 2 of our trip, Jan.7th

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Well, we knew the weather was going to turn on us.....and it did!

Here is what we woke up to at the Flying J in New Milford, Pa.

It had been sleeting most of the night, the ground was covered in an inch of sleet, but we waited till 11:00am, and headed out onto I-81 south....

The great divide, our border crossing bridge to the USA

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Not all border crosings are as picturesque as this one.

Exit 661 on the Trans Canada Highway 401, here is the view at 2:00pm January, 6th.

Our trusty Volvo provided safety & comfort

2009-01-10T19:00:00.000-08:00

Our trailer is fully winterized of course, and at 20* below it is not really useable, so our trusty Volvo becomes our home on wheels, it is warm, and safe and quite comfy.

After the Christmas & Holiday festivities it was time

2009-01-10T18:50:00.000-08:00

Yes, we just had to do it.

After shovelling for over a month and a half, Claire and I said lets get outta here.

So on Jan. 6th we started our winter journey south.

So here is a few pics of the trip starting from our driveway...

WINTERrrrr 2009

2009-01-10T18:43:00.001-08:00

Well, all this snow, which started on November 18th just got to be a little much...

Nearly 60 years ago, these two got together...

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And that union spawned many off-spring...which brings us to this little family re-union in Upper Ny. state August 7th. through Aug 15th 2008.

Good times, good food, waaaaay too much John Barleycorn!

So, thanks again to our parents...The Don, and Razel..

Of Course....time marches on and.........

2008-08-10T08:59:00.000-07:00

Today somebody finally makes it to the big 50

Claire ...happy to share this Loco event!

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Ahhh....my happy wife..

Robby, always derserving of special mention

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As they say....a picture is worth 10000 words....

Libation, good food, and non-stop testosterone driven behavior..

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My family doing what we do when we get close on a sunny summer day...

Of course...no vacation is complete with-out the.....

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FISHING TRIP...

Oh..yeah....Post-script...No fish were caught or harmed during the entire trip..LOL!

Hay ride for the young, and young at heart

2008-08-10T08:21:00.000-07:00

Summer days, always better on a hay-ride, 3 miles round trip.

Brittany is just the sweetest niece..

2008-08-09T14:55:00.000-07:00

Great looks starts from her Mom on down..

Meet Brian... he's 50 now...not young anymore...

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Ya poor guy...old like the rest of us!

Meet Rob.....my youngest brother

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He's D i f f e r e n t ....

He seems to need a re-fill

Hey...pull my finger...you'll hear a duck quack!

2008-07-24T07:07:00.000-07:00

Ya.....wanna hear a duck quack...huh?

Arriving at the KOA in Quebec City, Thursday, July17th

2008-07-18T20:16:00.000-07:00

Here we are, this is the place, and this is our party..

Ohh...and Claire getting her e-mail 1st, thing in the morning...look at whats outside our widow...

A little "repas" at the Cochon Dingue

2008-07-18T20:13:00.002-07:00

Coffee & Croissant...Ahhh...So good !

Ohh.....and check out the bicycle art on the building next door...really cool.

Quebec City Rally shots of the gang on Friday July 18th

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Here we are bopping around, enjoying the day...

Quebec city as seen with Claire

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Claire was easy to get into so many great shots.....here are a few..

Claire posing for fun with Joan Richard...good looking gals!

Quebec City Tour by Boat on the Louis Joliet

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Lots of history to see here from the vantage point of the river.

Quebec City Mobilesuites rally July-18th

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Here are more scenes from our old Quebec city tour.....overcast day, a few sprinkles, but all in all a nice day for sight seeing.

Tourists are really well received here in Quebec city..

Finally...........! On the Road Again!!

2008-07-15T15:09:00.000-07:00

Here's a few pics of Claire & I enjoying a little R & R after 3 months of sedentary life..

I mean not that we have not been real busy, but life on the road is different than being home.....and I like being on the road..

FINALLY............! Back on the Road!!

2008-07-15T15:02:00.000-07:00

Ya...after being parked for 3 full months....I fired up the Volvo and hitched-up the MobileSuite and headinded outta here on Friday morning, July 11th.

Here's where we went, Glengary Provincial Park, we rendezvous'd with Bill & Joan Richard from Georgetown, Ont.

They had never been to this park...

Water sites, rainbows, good times!

My Smarts Arrived

2008-04-06T13:15:00.001-07:00

This is how it happened officer....my buddy Roger came by with his new Smart car, and well.....one thing led to another..

My buddy Paul Odom has some serious explaining to do...

These Days...I'm a dirt farrmer....

2008-03-27T08:55:00.000-07:00

Yupp...been waiting since sometime last October to get the weather needed to start this process.

It seems easy, but the raking, and spreading of soil is way tougher that it looks.

Happy Easter to ME!!!

2008-03-21T13:20:00.000-07:00

Mark was nuts enough to loan me his beautiful 2005 FLHTCU .....my 1st. ride ever on a dresser Harley on Wednesday, March 20th.

After the Rally, March 19th

2008-03-21T13:15:00.001-07:00

At the Flying J in Selome, Ga. getting fuel & dumping....

So, we all hit the road at 9:30 and headed north, back to our little property.

Mark Dinard and his wife & friends joined us as well.

Faye, and Don.

The American Coach Claire fell for in Perry,Ga.

2008-03-21T13:10:00.000-07:00

Well, here are friends out in front of this really great coach..Charlie, Yvonne, and Debbie. The salesman is working me hard to buy....LOL!

The Rally in Perry, Ga.

2008-03-21T13:06:00.001-07:00

Claire kinda fell head over heals for a New Motorhome....not sure I could ever really afford one of these though..

Perry Georgia, March 12-18th

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Lots of trucks, and friends there boy...GREAT FUN!!

The Rally in Perry Georgia...Caption this!

2008-03-21T12:56:00.000-07:00

Really, just for fun try to fill in a caption..

Mike Clayton & I were in a discussion I guess..

So now we're here...Sumpter Oaks, in Bushnell, Fl.

2008-03-08T12:05:00.001-08:00

March, 06-09 /2008

This place is aptly named...check out these huge oak trees all around us....