We’re Back in “Up North”

Naples, Florida  (it was 59 degrees when I got up)…and it felt wonderful!

We packed up and left the Florida Keys around noon yesterday.  I was a little concerned about the winds.   We were getting sustained 35-42 mph winds with some stronger gusts.  We figured as longs as it didn’t get worse, we would be fine.  I was concerned about driving a high profile vehicle over all these bridges.

The first big bridge of concern was the Seven Mile bridge into Marathon.  No problem there,  because we were getting a tailwind.  There was a report of some waterspouts (tornados over land), but we never saw any.

Further up into the Keys the direction of travel changed a little and we blew around quite a bit on another long bridge.  It was a little nerve wracking but not too bad.  Al just slowed down.

Once we got out of the Keys dark skies appeared and we got some rain.  Fortunately it didn’t last long.

Our plan was to drive about 200 miles to the town of Naples, Florida.  We planned on going to Club Naples Rv Resort, which is a Passport America Park, right off the interstate.  Unfortunately, since it was Sunday, we couldn’t get in touch with anyone in the office.   We had to hope they had arrangements for check-in when they were closed.

We stopped at the entrance and fortunately it wasn’t gated.  There was a check-in package by the gate, but before I could even get it, one of the friendly residents came by to help.  She showed us where some longer pull-through sites were and even walked me down to look at them.  By the time I got back, Mike, a maintenance man stopped by to see if we needed help.  Very friendly park.

We were surprised at how many rv’s are still here.  I guess these people are smart and staying south until it gets warm up north.

It looks like a great place to winter and after the rates in the Keys, it almost seems cheap!  It’s nicely maintained, has a nice pool, and fitness room.  The hot tub is being repaired.  We could definitely some back here.

We’re going to do a little exploring this morning ( if lazy bones will get out of bed).   They have a summer special of $189 a month.  Might not be a bad place to spend some time. We think we’re pretty close to the beaches. We lived in Florida 30 years and this is the first time we’ve been to Naples.  It’s a “high-end” town.  Lots of expensive homes, resorts and luxury Rv parks.

The following are probably the last pictures you will see from the Keys.   These were taken during the last few days we were there.

Here is Al trying to take it all in to last him until we get back!

The view from our fishing bridge right by our campground.

Sunshine Key at sunset.

awwww….we’re really going to miss the Keys.