Blackpoint Wildlife Drive

As we moved down the east coast into Florida we make a short stopover at Seasons in the Sun Campground. This is another great place with lots of space between sites and all the amenities.

Campground fire pit

 There's a nice walking path with plenty of orange and grapefruit trees along the way. Picking the fruit is allowed by all campers but the rule is only pick what you can eat.

Easy back-in sites

The campground has a couple of nice lakes (with gators) to watch birds and animals. There are 2 pools one heated one not.

Large clubhouse with movie theater

Enough about the campground. Your probably wondering why is this place so special. Well it's not. We stay here because it is very, very close to Blackpoint Wildlife Drive (BWD) on Merritt Island. This place happens to be one of my favorite birding destinations. The BWD is a 5 mile drive around lakes and waterways and happens to be a prime stopover for migratory birds. So enough said, I was up with the birds (no pun intended) and out the door before the sunrise to catch the first shots of the day.

There was a lot of cloud cover and a few downpours but that didn't stop me. I'm usually good for 3-4 times around BWD. After my first time around the birds that I'm use to seeing were just not there. I did manage to get some shots of an American Avocet which was a first for me.

American Avocet



   

A Touch of the South



Sometimes it's hard to leave a place your fond of but you know in the back of your mind there's a new adventure waiting. We have always wanted to stop in Savannah, GA so this trip south we decided that 2 days should do it. Well that was our first mistake. Our second was turning too soon and driving through downtown Savannah. All I could say to Susan was if we lose our air conditioner on the large overhanging trees I'm not going back to pick it up. Anyone that drives an RV, can relate.

Being girls we're not afraid to ask for directions. However next time it won't be at the local liquor store. That's all I will say about that. Let your imagination go wild. Finally after an hour we found the campground pulled in and got set up.


Skidaway Island State Park - Site # 6

We decided to do a one day blitz of downtown Savannah so we started at the tourist information place which seemed logical. Wrong again. Are you seeing a pattern forming here!!!!! We informed the wonderful lady that helped us that we only had one day and wanted to see the highlights. An hour later we were still there and so confused as to what to see we just drove around seeing the some sights. We were so mentally exhausted we had lunch and decided on a hike leaving downtown Savannah for another trip.

The hike we decided on turned out to be quite a history lesson as well. The day was cool with no bugs, thank God since Susan hates mosquitoes. The trail started on an old historic road leading us through tall pines and old oak trees.

Old Historic Road leading into the forest

The beauty of the water and fallen trees

Trees with exposed roots and Spanish Moss

As we continued down the trail the first historic site we came across was an area of discarded oyster shells. Beginning in the late Archaic Period(4500-3000 BP), Native Americans consumed coastal shellfish in great amounts. Over the years, huge mounds of discarded shells accumulated near villages and campsites. These sites are called “middens” by archaeologists. Since the shells decompose very slowly, these sites are still visible today. Because of the accumulated shells, these areas are very rich in calcium and tend to be much less acidic than surrounding soils. As a result, many plants that are scare elsewhere on the coast can be common on the shell mounds. One such tree is the Southern Red Cedar.

"Shell Middens"

As we moved further down the trail we came across what looked like old river beds. These formations I found out are called “earthworks”. They were built as part of a large system of coastal fortification along Georgia’s coast during the Civil War. While the main entrance to Savannah’s harbour was protected by the massive brick structure at Fort Pulaski, many creeks and rivers south of Savannah provided a back door route for smaller ships. The smaller earthen fortifications made it difficult to move equipment and supplies.

Earthworks

In the early 20^th century, remote Skidaway Island was nearly uninhabited and only reachable by boat. Because of it’s remoteness Skidaway became a preferred hideout for moonshiners. Business peaked during prohibition but illegal liquor production continued until the late 1960’s. Moonshine was made by heating corn mash to release alcohol valors, which were condensed through metal coils and collected into barrels for distribution. Many stills fell victim to police raids note the axe marks on the barrels.

Old barrels with axe marks

One aspect of RVing is meeting new people with amazing stories. One such couple is Justin & Karli Mosey. They are newlyweds who left their jobs behind, bought an RV and a kitten, and decided to travel America. Karli is a semi-pro log roller who travels to different venues demonstrating the technique of log rolling using a manufactured log. This log was a real conversation piece, no one knew what it was until they explained it.

New friends Karli, Justin, and their kitten

Their ?1976 GMC motorhome

The red, yellow, and blue manufactured log is at the back of their motorhome. Resistance is increased by adding or subtracting the yellow fins. Pretty cool.

A neat turtle I found at the visitor center

     

Almost Like Home

As we continued down the highway the roads became less mountainous. I'm sure John & Danielle were ecstatic. Arriving in Myrtle Beach for a 2 week stop is almost like being home. We've spent many many days in this state park it feels like home.

Seems like nothing has changed lovin' it

Looking toward the ocean

Dogs are allowed on the beach from September until May. This is where Lulu & Stuart got their first taste of salt and sand. I don't think they ever forgot. They were as excited as we were to go for a beach walk. Unfortunately that was short lived as Stuart developed a sore back again meaning we had to drug him up so he wouldn't be in pain.

Tides in, surfs up

We come to Myrtle Beach not for the shopping, nor to play golf but to walk the beaches, look for shells, and just enjoy the scenery. The pier is always a good source of entertainment as fisherman and fisherladies gather to socialize and catch their evening meal.

Very clear day but cold

I spend more time under the pier

Myrtle Beach at one time was home to a military base. Today that base has all but disappeared. The area where the base was is now called Market Common, a collection of new housing and wonderful restaurants. The one thing that does continue are the military training flights. They use the airport for "touch & goes" meaning they line up their jet with the runway touch all wheels down then without stopping away they rev it up and away they go. It can get a little noisy at times but being an airforce veteran I'm lovin' it. Oh did I forget to mention the flight pattern is right over the state park. Yea baby.

So close, lovin' it 

 Susan and I have our favorite restaurant that is a must when visiting the area. It happens to be Crabby Mike's in Surfside Beach. Now, we have tried other seafood buffets in the area but none compare to Crabby Mike's. For $25 it's all-you-can-eat crab. There's tons of other items but we both go for the crab and crawfish. Yum!


The pic is fuzzy I just wanted to eat

When we come to Myrtle Beach we try to see a different show each time. This time we decided on Legends in Concert. We were in luck as all the entertainers depicted one's we enjoyed, Neil Diamond, Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, The Blues Brothers, and Whitney Houston. We caught an afternoon matinee and what a fantastic show. The music and entertainers did not disappoint. After the show all the performers made themselves available so you can talk to them or get autographs .

Susan getting autograph from "Dolly Parton"

"The Blues Brothers"

What another wonderful stay in Myrtle Beach State Park. I spent many a day also in Huntington Beach State Park which is about 12 miles south. For nature lovers like me it's a fantastic place to bird. Hopefully we can stay there next time we are in the area.  



Mayberry RFD

After a good nights rest we were on the road. Next stop is Mount Airy, NC better known as Mayberry RFD. I will get to that later. Being an RVer all trips have their ups and downs. This one was no different as we soon found out. Stopping at the wrong gas station was a real downer for John. Unfortunately he got himself into a very, very tight situation at the gas pump which took over an hour get out. But we did it, he learned something, I learned something, everyone was safe, no damage done, and we were back on the road again. (Sorry no pictures taken that would be  just mean).

Taking this route south was an opportunity to see new scenery but also to catch the last of the fall colors. We were not disappointed. Even though we missed the peak colors the mountains were spectacular with the reds, gold, and greens all mixed into one. Unfortunately there was no place to pull off safely to take pictures. So we kept going enjoying the splendor the day brought us. The truck took the mountains with no problems. Precious (my trucks name) was wonderful.

Our overnight stop was Mayberry Campground in Mount Airy, NC. This campground was part of the 2000 acres owned by Chang & Eng Bunker. Who are these guys you ask. Well Chang & Eng were the first documented set of conjoined twins (better known as Siamese Twins back in the day) born in Siam (now known as Thailand) in 1811. After touring the world they wanted normal lives so they settled in Mount Airy, bought land and slaves, and married two sisters. Between them they had 21 children. I don't even want to go there. They were never separated and died with hours of each other in 1874. The campground today is owned by a great great-grandson of Eng Bunker.

Chang & Eng Bunker

The campground sits on top of a hill overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. The white farmhouse that sits on the property was built by Eng's son in 1900.

Original farmhouse

Overlooking the campground

Blue Ridge Mountains in the background

Paying tribute

Andy Griffith was born in Mount Airy, NC also known as Mayberry RFD which is believed to be the setting for The Andy Griffith show and Mayberry RFD.

Fun signs in the park

Our site

Another wonderful day travelling.

Leaving Home

It is always with great anticipation and excitement when leaving home to spend another season in US of A. The differences this year is NO motorhome breakdowns consequently having to buy a new truck and 5th wheel. Also being able to stay in our home park until the last minute. Even though we had to stay in our rig for 4 days at a different site leading up to our departure, that was okay.

The day had finally arrived November 1 and of course I'm watching the weather, the winds are suppose to get up to 60-65 kmh. If they are too bad we had decided to wait until the next day but being the great adventurers we are, away we go. This year we are travelling with our friends John & Danielle. Yes the same ones we travelled down east with.

This year we decided to take a new route to Myrtle Beach. Through the mountains of Virginia. The border crossing was a little slow from Fort Erie to Buffalo. It took 45 minutes which was unusual but it is Friday and all us Canadians want to shop, shop, shop. Our first stop is always in Erie to gas up, stretch our legs, and let the dogs do their thing.

Back on the road and heading south to our first overnight stop at Mylan Park in Morgantown WV. The winds weren't all that bad for us but John & Danielle got blown around pretty good in their motorhome. As we checked into our first night away Mylan Park is just a big parking lot with all the amenities W/S/30 & 50 amp service. This parking lot/campground is for all the tailgaters when a big football game is in town. Danielle loves this parking lot because there is no dirt.

Like I said a big parking lot but very convenient

See the smiles

We walked around the community center, it just happened to have a car/truck show with lots of ram trucks. I would defiantly stay here again.

Peggy's Cove

The first time you lay eyes on Peggy's Cove its pretty amazing or at least I was amazed. For one, the amount of rock in the area and two how peaceful it was even with lots of people around. Peggy's Cove is on the eastern shore of Nova Scotia approximately 46 kilometers from Halifax. There are many theories as to how Peggy's Cove got its name which I won't get into but it is most famous for the lighthouse built in 1868.

Peggy's Cove Lighthouse

Peggy's Cove was formed in 1811 with settlers relying on fishing and farming. Have you seen the rock. I'm not sure where the cattle would graze. However, today it remains an active fishing village and favorite tourist hotspot.

Fishing sheds and boat

The area has been designated a preservation site thereby no development is allowed in and around Peggy's Cove. The lack of soil and the effects of high winds and salt cause stunting of the few trees there are.

Very few trees and lots of rock

Painter and sculptor William deGarthe whom lived in Peggy's Cove sculpted a granite outcropping 30 meters in length. This sculptor depicts 32 fisherman, their wives and children being protected by St Elmo, the patron saint of sailors.

Sculptor by William deGarthe

Just down the road and a short distance from Peggy's Cove is one of two memorial sites for Swissair 111 that crashed on September 2, 1998 killing all 229 people on board.

The memorial to the right and Peggy's Cove in the background

Continuing down the road you come to a nice fishing village called Hacketts Cove.

Hacketts Cove

In Hacketts Cove there's a small roadside restaurant and market that sells fresh cooked lobster, scallops, and mussels. We forgot a cooler or we would have been hauling some home.

Truro, NS

The town of Truro, known as the hub of Nova Scotia seemed to be the best place to plunk ourselves for a week or so. To us it was central to most things we wanted to see. The campground we chose was Scotia Pine Campground. It had everything we wanted, W/E(50amp)/S plus free WiFi, pool for those hot days, and cable so we can watch the finale of the Bachelorette. Yes we watch the show.

Registration Office

Beautiful tall pine trees lots of shade zero privacy

This campground had tons of large trees. Each site was a pull-thru you just had to know where your connections were. The sites were narrow but defiantly doable.

Our site # 70

For more than 100 years Truro was adorned with large elm trees. However, Dutch elm disease arrived in 1982 destroying many. The launch of the Truro Tree Sculpture Project was to make the most of an unfortunate situation. From the dead elm came life in the form of sculptures. Twenty-seven trees were sculpted some on site others created elsewhere and placed in fitting locations.

Hiram Hyde (1817 – 1907)

Hiram Hyde established a mail and passenger stagecoach service between Halifax and Pictou via Truro.

Lumber Jack circa 1900



The lumber jack represents the existing major role that Truro has played in the development of forestry in Nova Scotia.


Robert Lorne Stanfield (1914 – 2003)

Born in Truro, Stanfield served both Nova Scotians and all Canadians during his political career.

 

As we walked and drove around Truro several sculptures still exist. Some have come and gone mainly due to decay and vandalism.

It was by accident that we came upon Victoria Park in the center of Truro. What a beautiful place to picnic, walk, and have fun. Victoria Park came into being in 1887 when 27 acres of land was donated to the city. Since then further gifts and purchases have culminated in a 358 acre park. The nice thing about this park is much of its natural state of beauty has remained undisturbed.

Yes, that's Susan way down there

Plenty of stairs for an aerobic workout

We were rewarded with a gorgeous waterfalls

Want to see a river change directions before your very eyes. Well that is one of the reason we are in Truro. I’m talking about the famous Bay of Fundy Tidal Bore. Twice in a 24 hour period the tide will rise and fall in the Bay of Fundy. During each 12 hour tidal period 115 billion tons of water will flow in and out of the bay. When tide water enters the bay it continues toward the head of the bay constantly being squeezed by the narrowing rivers. As the river becomes shallower and narrower the incoming tide forms a wave the size of a ripple or one several feet high.

Tide still going out

Just before the Tidal Bore note the barrel on the right

Small Tidal Bore but still amazing

No more barrel, took 10 minutes to cover, the tide was still flowing in

The highest water level ever recorded in the Bay of Fundy occurred in October 1869 during tropical cyclone “Saxby Gale”. The water level rose 21.6 meters (70.9 feet).