FORT MYERS TO DADE CITY, SHOPPING ALONG THE WAY!

On the Road--I am writing this in the truck as we travel, but will not finish....

Tuesday, February 12, 2019
76F

SUNDAY, February 10, 2019

Hilton Garden Inn

Fort Myers, Florida

84F, sunny

Sunday morning we were easily off the MSC Divina and in the truck with all of our bags. Since the ship started its docking process at the Port of Miami at about 4 a.m., it was a little difficult to sleep. In the past we had forms to fill out for U.S. customs, but that has been discontinued—one only fills out the forms if one spends more than the allowed amount. That makes disembarkation much easier.

Driving along Alligator Alley from Miami to Fort Myers is spectacular—wild life abounds, white wading birds (not herons) stand sentinel about every four feet along the waterway that parallels the highway.  White Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Ibis, Osprey are all easily spotted. Alligators are the most dramatic sight and we counted at least thirty of varying sizes in a twenty mile stretch—all lazily sunning themselves. Since we only travel this route about once a year, we do not always see the alligators—so this was our lucky day!

Our drive only took about two hours and we arrived at Fleamasters Flea Market, SR 82, in Fort Myers. (flea mall.com)  With over 400,000 square feet, it is a shoppers’ paradise.  Our first stop was the donut shop—the grand glazed donuts are made right there—five inch radius and circles of sweetness!

Grand Donuts for two!

I checked out my favorite shops—shoes,  clothes, cell phone cases, and made a few purchases.  In another area I checked out the used books— an area as large as several used book stores I know in Erie. The owner told me that books about World War I and the Korean War are snapped up as soon as he puts them out.  I found a few thrillers and made the purchase at $1book. While shopping we listened to a terrific live jazz band.

MONDAY, February 11, 2019

Hilton Garden Inn

Fort Myers, Florida

80s, sunny

TK allowed me an hour this morning at Miramar Outlet Mall before we needed to head to North Fort Myers to Pinchers, a fine waterfront restaurant, for lunch with one of TK’s good firefighter buddies, Kevin and his wife Jan. They moved to this area of Florida several years ago after he retired from the Erie FD, but just bought a house in Tennessee near Kevin’s daughter and family. Jan is most anxious to leave after their experience with Hurricane Michael in 2018.

This is the firsthand account she shared with me: Jan and Kevin were required to leave their double wide home and community because of the hurricane warnings, so they headed to the Orlando-Tavares area to find lodging. Traffic was horrendous and the hotel they finally found that would accept their cat was third rate and charged $1400 for four days. When they returned to their community in Fort Myers, it was a shambles, although their double wide survived. Roofs, debris, palm trees, all strewn everywhere, no electricity. They had loaned their generator to the American Legion where Jan works because that facility was now taking in homeless overflow. Because it was summer, the Florida heat was stifling. 

Jan waded through water to get into the nearby Publix grocery store, but there was no produce, no bread available. She bought hot dogs, meatballs, and tomato sauce and with one other family who had a generator, they were able to make meals for the community for several days until the electricity was restored. She said she has had enough hurricane experience.

Pinchers is a great spot for lunch, on the water, boats docked, a sunny, verdant area.  After a leisurely lunch, we said our good byes and told them we would see them in Tennessee next year. We drove south to the area of ___________to visit TK’s old neighborhood buddy Mike and his wife Maria. What neighborhood stories they reminisce about and how fun it is to listen. Mike and Maria stay in their Florida condo for six months and their Erie home for six months—an ideal situation.

After that visit TK took me to Coconut Point Mall and back to Miramar—it really is a good opportunity for walking, but if anyone has followed the shopping on this blog, you must know by now this is really a shopping trip for Janie—like I am a buyer for a boutique shop in Erie, ha!

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TUESDAY, February 12, 2019

Travelers Rest Resort at MaryLou and Scorchy's
Dade City, Florida

78F, sunny, then rain

I forgot about the wi-fi issue at TRR--every year it is supposed to be fixed, every year is the same, SO right this minute TK has his truck turned on and I am writing in the cabana---this was an experiment, but obviously I cannot do this for long. I will write the rest, then post later today (Wednesday, February 13, 2019)

We left the Fort Myers area early this bright sunny morning to drive to Dade City. We made a stop in Lutz (near Wesley Chapel), for gas and the Tampa Outlet Mall. It is amazing how my favorite shops in different malls have different merchandise! After a walk around, we ate at the nearby Cheddars and were on our way to Mary Lou and Scorchy’s Travelers Rest Resort.

I guess this is a reason to buy a Lexus! Complimentary valet parking!

For new readers, Scorchy (John) was a red head in his youth and a professional welder by trade. This beloved Korean War veteran says his grandmother was the first to call him “Scorchy” and the name persisted. Travelers Rest Resort is a large “campground” and residents own the land their camper sits on. For ML and S it is more reasonably priced than paying $800 a month fee as most communities require (or much more), to say nothing about a  mortgage on whatever home, condo, etc. one chooses. 

Mary Lou and Scorchy live in 34 ft. Presidential by Holiday Rambler RV that suits them fine. Next to the Presidential is their cabana with a 6x9 ft. separate dining area, a 27x9 ft. living space with pull out bed, TV, lamps, two comfy chairs, desk, small refrigerator, toaster oven, microwave, a closet, and assorted end tables, and a small bath with shower. It is quite comfortable for us.

The TRR community is a “thriving 55+ resident owned financially stable RV and manufactured home community which provides an exceptional living experience.”  Based on our experience of visiting for the past ten years, we agree completely. There is Branson quality entertainment twice a week as well as an 18 hole golf course (Scorchy golfs just about every day, not bad for an 88 year old veteran!), every club one can imagine (cards, genealogy, garden, sewing, woodworking, etc. etc. etc.).  Check it out at www.travelersrestresort.com. 

TK and I are settled in!

Mary Lou and Scorchy call this home. So do we!!