Push it......push it real good....

I titled this blog entry with a few lyrics from the song, "Push It," by rap duo, Salt-N-Pepa, because it actually defined what I did - I "pushed it real hard." Oooh, baby, baby.

Due to conflicting and busy schedules we only had a weekend to pack in some quality time and I'm pleased to say that we were able to squeeze a lot of fun things into that short time span.

Our first stop was to Sweet Spoons, a self-serve frozen yogurt shop. I witnessed several gummy worms, crushed Reeses bar, hot fudge, whipped cream and nuts being sprinkled over different flavored yogurts, but I stayed with my favorite - Salted Caramel Pretzel - sans toppings.

My Sweetie with Papa George.

Cooper

Summer

9/22 "Triumph - "umph," added to try. How appropos.

On Saturday, 9/22, we took a trip to "Go Ape," a ropes/adventure/zip line course. Although we opted for the Junior Course, it was still a challenge for my old and out-of-shape body. We all made it through and my fear of heights was averted, because instead of looking down, I kept looking ahead at how the kids and Joan were doing. For me, walking off the edge of a platform in the trees was the most difficult part, but the (too short) zip line ride was worth overcoming that "drop-off" fear. Like George warned me, the kids would have no fear. They ran off the platform...I hesitated, grabbed my rope tightly and slowly slid off. This is something I had been wanting to try and I'm so happy I pushed myself past my comfort zone to accomplish the deed.

The "Zippers" minus Summer (hiding behind the mascot).

Savannah and mommy, Joan

Monkeying around before the course.

I followed Joan throughout the course and was encouraged by her shirt! 

"The Bird" and I.

Getting harnessed up and instructed.

Each checking our rope and pulley.

First victim, uh, participant, Summer.

Low, practice run.

Cooper starting off.

Joan and I thinking, "We got this." But forgot to look up at the real course.

Does anyone else see "What's wrong with this picture?"

Getting higher into the tall trees.

Jumping off the platform.

Joan, with me, bringing up the rear. Getting higher each obstacle.

One step at a time and two-stepping each board.

Our official certificate stating that we completed the course.

George holding a coupon - He was our photographer.

For Sunday, I had booked an Escape Room at Cipher Escape. Neither George or I had never done an escape room, but the kids have done a couple prior to this one. We were not successful in getting out of the room in time, but we solved several difficult clues on our own and got three hints that helped us get further, but in the end, it was too difficult of an escape room for us. Some of the clues were quite obscure and I don't think it was meant for their age level. But, it was a new experience that I will probably attempt again.

She loves to bake. Peppa Pig Cupcakes.

On Sunday night, we regrettably bid our farewells. Hurricane Florence caused schools to be closed for two days the week before, so instead of having a scheduled break, the kids needed to make up those missed days. We weren't sure of the route we would be taking home at this point either, because Interstate 95 southbound was closed from the exit we needed to access it well into South Carolina.

Luck was in our favor, because after planning an alternate route that would have added a whole extra travel day, I-95 reopened in the morning. We had smooth sailing the entire way. George got to "push it real good" on the ride back to our FL home with only one overnight stop.

We arrived safe and sound at Elite Resorts to find weeds bursting though our pavers and stones. With temps in the 90's, we will have our work cut out for us.

Deep thought for the day:  When push comes to shove, I'd rather push myself - it's easier.  ~vc

Springtime in Paradise

Springtime in Florida is very different from those I've experienced in New York. This past winter and beginning of spring has found us with very warm temperatures (85+) and lots of pollen in the air. The lack of rain doesn't help our allergies either.

Up north, we would witness blooming flowers, such as crocus, tulips and daffodils. The forsythia and flowering pear tree would be splashing yellow and white across the deepening green lawn. There is a true sense of "re-birth" and "cleansing" after a cold and dreary winter. 

During this time, you see more people venturing outside for longer periods of time and neighborhood friendships are rekindled and renewed. Opening windows and doors to let in the fresh crisp air is a welcome relief after the always-too-long hibernation period.

In Florida, I discovered the opposite to be true. During the winter and early spring, flowers and trees bloom, people are out and about at all times. Windows and doors are flung open to accept the welcome breezes, that is, UNTIL springtime arrives in full force.

With the shift in weather and the approaching holidays, most of the residents at our resort begin to head north around April, north towards their summer homes in Canada, Michigan, Ohio, New Jersey, Connecticut or New York.  Most will return in the fall once the putrid heat begins to wane. Until then, windows and doors are closed against the oppressive heat and neighbors hibernate when not in the 88 degree swimming pool. Let's just say it's a different world down south in springtime. 

Good thing we had the Jeep.

With a beautiful day in store today, George and I decided to experience a "first." We went blueberry picking at Southern Hill Farms, about 15 minutes north of us. Due to major construction in the area, we needed to take a detour down a long, dusty, unpaved road to reach the farm. We spent about two hours walking up and down about a dozen perfectly straight rows of blueberry bushes, pulling off the sweet fruit and placing them into our buckets (when not in our mouths). I never knew there were so many different types of blueberries! The berry picking became an obsession and I wanted to fill my bucket to the tippity-top.

We picked over five pounds worth of four, out of the 10, varieties offered at the farm:

Flicker - large, firm and excellent flavor

Meadowlark - large, crisp, firm berry with excellent blush

Scintilla - very sweet, tastes like candy 

Chickadee - medium sized, semi-sweet flavor

The mixed berries.

When all the berries are mixed up, the combination of flavors is amazing. My dinner this evening was blueberry pancakes topped  with blueberries and tomorrow's breakfast will be oatmeal with blueberries and local raw honey.  Three pounds have been packaged for the freezer and the remainder will be shared with friends and/or eaten right away.

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. We will be spending it quietly. Perhaps a swim in the pool for me, sleeping late for George, and a can of Fancy Feast Turkey and Giblets for Lucy. A stop at friends' for dessert (I'll bring blueberries) will end our Sunday. 

Speaking of Miss Lucy, she is hanging in. We're hoping to celebrate her 15th birthday here on June 15th. She constantly amazes us with frequent bouts of "kitten-like" behavior and continues to make us smile. My sweet little girl...her new "habit" is actually an old one. When I first got her, she used to get in the shower and lick the water. She just started doing that again after over 10 years.

Days are warm, sun is bright, breezes blow...life is good. 

Deep thought for the day:  No two people walk exactly the same path. One may look up, while one looks down. Each observes a different view and feeling. Life is unique. Enjoy each moment and don't forget to stop briefly to look, smell, listen and perhaps, pop a blueberry in your mouth. ~vc

The Great Sand Dunes National Park

Today "G" and I visited our first National Park, The Great Sand Dunes National Park. It was an amazing day full of awesome sights and only about an hour and a half drive from our campground in La Veta. During the ride, we witnessed more straight roads for mile upon mile. The next time I am in bumper-to-bumper traffic, I will close my eyes and remember the wide open roads of Colorado.

Once there, we were afforded the spectacular sight of sand dunes, which are the highest in North America, in a location where you would think no sand could accumulate! They rise 750 feet above the floor of the San Luis Valley and cover over 30 square miles. In winter, the sand dunes are a stark contrast to the snow-capped Sangre de Cristo (Blood of Christ) Mountains.

The delicately balanced ecosystem lends to a sight you would never imagine so far from an ocean. There are seven insects that are only found in this park. They have evolved from common species, but have adapted to the harsh winds, cold winters and dessert-like summers. 

I don't know what happened to the 8th insect...I only captured 7.

Welcome Center where we bought our National Park Passport Book

Unfortunately, we were not informed that we were supposed
to get the book stamped with the park name and date.

Interesting to reference the plaque below and identify the different formations.

We attempted a few miles of the Medano Pass Primitive Road, which is a rough 22 mile road that connects the sand dunes with Highway 69. The pass rises to an elevation of 10,040 feet and crosses areas of deep sand, the Medano Creek (9 times), and passes through the habitat of the bighorn sheep. It takes a high-clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle about 2-3 hours to traverse. We thought Sir Duke could handle it, but we didn't want to decrease our tire pressure (required) and didn't want to take the chance of getting stuck in the deep sand further up the road. Duke did an admirable job on the rocks, hills and sand that he did traverse.

It felt like walking in the sand at Jone's Beach, on Long Island, but no ocean at the end.

Colorado's version of "fall splendor," Aspen trees in full glorious gold.

My new screen saver....

Deep thought for the day:  I noticed that I needed to stop taking pictures and videos because I was missing out on the sights before my eyes.

March 5, 2015 - Swimming with Manatees!

Ever since I read in a fellow RVer's and blogger's post about swimming with the Manatees in Crystal River, Florida, I have wanted to do the same. You can click HERE to see their blog entry. Since reading about their venture, it has been on my "bucket list." Since many of the items on my "B" list have gone by the wayside, I was determined to see that goal to fruition.

Thinking that waiting for the warmer weather would be a wise move, it turned out to backfire. I discovered that once the weather warms up, manatees swim back into the wide open gulf. They make their exodus after being couped up in the small bay in Crystal River all winter where the water stays at a constant 72 degrees.

I "Googled" tour companies and found River Ventures, booked my trip for the following day and was able to get into the 9 am class, which meant we needed to get on the road by 7 am. River Ventures had a very good Yelp and Trip Advisor rating and they surely lived up to their reputation.

After viewing a short video and getting fitted with a wetsuit the group was transported to the pier to meet our captain and board the boat. Through great instruction from "Captain Mike," I learned proper snorkeling technique and had no difficulty with the mask and snorkel tube. Fortunately for our group, we were able to follow the path of a small "herd" of three, a lone (male?) and a momma with her baby. I came quite close to the mom and baby, because I was able to hear the little "squeak" of the baby when my head was underwater.

The boat dropped anchor at least five times and we entered the water with each stop and snorkeled until we heard shouts from another boat that spotted the "herd." After the fourth trip, I finally got to touch the tail of one and had another swim directly underneath me. I wasn't scared, just so surprised that I was lucky enough to have had an encounter. This is definitely one of the best things I've ever done and can't wait to revisit Pete's Pier once more next winter.

I learned a lot about manatees. Although they are called "sea cows," they are more closely related to the elephant. They are an endangered species and are closely monitored. I learned that when swimming with manatees, you must never approach one. You must wait for it to come to you, only one hand is allowed to touch it, because two hands indicates "holding," You cannot swim after one, as that is considered "chasing." It is best to remain as quiet and still as possible and wait....Manatees have the personality of a cat; aloof, bored, disinterested, skittish, independent, yet curious. Their curiosity allows us the opportunity to view these one ton, to one-and a half ton beauties.

Interesting observations about our adventure:

• We were on boat #13 and there were 13 people in our group. For those of you who know me well, you are aware of my aversion to the number 13!
• Out of the 13, only four were from the US. The others were tourists from Norway, Finland and Sweden.
• Not everyone got to have an "experience."
• Besides the "Skipper," I was the oldest person on the boat.
• People from Norway have no problem stripping down naked in front of other people.

Boat 13

The "Thirteen"

Just a little excited...

First trip back into the boat after an unsuccessful search.

The back and tail of the manatee as viewed in the murkey water.

One of the lucky ones.

From left to right the only Americans: Sarah and her dad from Ashville, NC, me and Ashley from central NJ.

Another diver's experience.

Deep thought for the day:  Never fear "fear." How dare it try to scare me!