FLORIDA WEEK 4: 23 HOUR DAY & TWINS SPRING TRAINING GAME

We advanced the clocks one hour to conform with daylight savings time. The wife woke up around 7:00 and the sun has not risen yet. I felt I would be in for a long day, but the time went by fast as we went to the Twins vs Pirates spring training game. We arrive at the gate around 11:00 am. We ate our lunch while watching the last 30 minutes of minor league practice. With about 1 1/2 hours before first pitch we then, entered Hammond Stadium to see that the Pirates were holding BP and fielding drills. We had lawn seats, so it was first come, first serve for a good spot. We got down to the wall about middle lawn. We were close to the field and nobody in our viewing area. We laid down and stretched our legs, better than regular seat were we would be confined to our small space. Myself, along with some other fans was calling Andrew McCutchen name to try and get an autograph, but he never came over. 

My first game of the new season and I finally felt peace after a long winter. The smell of fresh cut grass, the sounds of the ball coming off the bat or hitting the glove, a base runner going first to third, the artistic of pitcher and batter playing a game of cat and mouse... who will win?

I usually root for the home team, unless the home team is playing the Indians. However, in this case, I had to root for the visitors. The Twins are without their two super stars who are playing in the World Baseball Classic Joe Mauer (USA) ant Justin Morneau (Canada) while the Pirates had a split squid. I still felt the Bucs had a better chance of winning. Andrew McCuthen had a no doubter two run Home Run in the third over the left field wall. That HR put the Bucs up, but the lead did not last long . In the fifth with one run already in a bases loaded strike out pass ball that scored a runner from third tied the score. In the seventh, with most of the starters out of the game the bench players came in and picked up were the starters left off by scoring three runs and securing the win for the Bucs.  I tried to find ever little detail in the game .... baseball is back. I LOVE THIS GAME!

                                             What a view, walking to the stadium from our car.

Waterfall in front of stadium

Our view of the game from the lawn seat

Pirates BP

Andrew McCutchen pregame workout... 
This is when we call his name for an autograph

Between innings lying down soaking in the sunshine

FLORIDA WEEK 3 (PART 2): SPRING TRAINING TICKETS & FLEA MARKET

9 Mar

First thing in the morning we headed to both the Twins and Red Sox spring training to get our tickets. We left batting .500. We got tickets to the Twins on 10 Mar, but stuck out on Red Sox tickets. For the Twins game we got lawn seat and all tickets for Red Sox was sold out except for standing room only. There is no way the wife would go for that. About a three hour game of standing, she would want to be gone by the 5th inning, so I passed on the tickets. 

We still had the whole day free and we went to the local flea market. I have to say we were disappointed. The site was on a large open lot, but nowhere close to being full or even having a good selection of vendors. We will try another one next week, we are hopping next week is better. We drove around looking for a mall to get our walking and window shop fix for the day. We came back with something for the dollar store.

Today, was not that interesting, but next week we have planes for almost everyday. Some are small activities or appointments while other will be full day long activities. 

FLORIDA WEEK 3: ANOTHER SHORT WEEK 

Another week has come & gone and I'm trying to find out where the time went. I guess the saying, "time flies when your having fun" is true. This week was divided into two parts; one, long drives and two, staying at the RV park. As my mother told me growing up, "don't spend all your money in one place". We try to find free or low cost actives and save our money for the big events. In a few weeks will be one of those events when we are going to head for Everglades park and take a airboat tour ride looking for gators and we will also drive to Key West mile marker 1. Keep your eyes open in the coming weeks (around the first week of April). I wanted to go to a spring training game or practice, but the time just went by so fast. We have decided to go to a Twins game on the 10th and a Red Sox game on the 12th. Now is the hard part in making sure we get tickets. Twins should be easy, but the Red Sox and their Nation followers the game might be sold out like all their homes games the past 10 years or so.

2 Mar

Going through our visitors books and fliers we found a free RV show. The show was at RV Resort in La Bella, FL. We drove out there just to spend the day in the sun, turned out to be overcast and rain. The Resort itself was nice, on four lakes and the bay to open water. We saw some big boats going out and coming in. Each lot is owned and the owners pay a quarterly fee, like a HOA. Each lot has lots of space. They can fit a class A motorcoach, lawn furniture, room for two cars and also has a storage hut on the lot and still have more space. Most on the huts are converted to full bathrooms and kitchens. Good idea to keep your coach tanks clean and heat out of the RV when cooking. We saw lots for sell with waterfront starting at $40K up to $70K. We still have many years left of open road ahead of us, but a home in Florida for $40K is a good deal. When you are not using the lot you can rent it out to passing RV'ers. OK, back to the RV show itself. The show was mostly high end Class A Motorcoach along with bus style RV and the new Class A+. There was new along with used models ranging from $135K to $800K. After a while they all started looking the same, but we love the room a Class A has to offer. For now, we are happy with our 31' Class C we can still get into anywhere we want. However, when we upgrade it will be to a Class A 40'+, then we will be limited to where we go. 

4 Mar

We went to Fisherman's Village a waterfront shopping, dining, resort and marina. Another day in the sun (this time no rain) were we did window shopping and ate seafood basket lunch at Harpoon Harry's. The lunch basket was enough for two people and was served with shrimp, fish, clams, oysters and french fries along with a basket of conch (all sea food was fired). All for around $20. We then visited the Military Heritage & Aviation Museum inside the shopping center (free admission). To top the day off we walked around the marina and sat in a swing chair along the waterfront enjoying the view. 

                                           
                                    Remembered to took picture after most of the food was gone.

5 Mar

Today we had to go to MacDill AFB in Tampa to take care of some legal matters. The drive was three hours one way. The only traffic was when we arrive in Tampa, were there was road work and a five lane highway became only two lanes. We visited this base in the 2011 so we kind of knew where we was going, but as always I used my trusted navigator (my best investment ever) to get us there. While we were on base, we did some shopping. We bought ice cream sandwiches and when we got home the ice cream has melted. After we put them in the freezer, we now have reverse ice cream sandwiches. Ice cream on the outside, chocolate sandwich on the inside. They still taste good.   

8 Mar

Another Friday, another day at the farmers market at the park close to the RV park. We got fresh vegetables; daikon, green onions, tomatoes and mushrooms for under $5.00. First thing I had when I got back to the RV was a turkey sandwich with the fresh tomato slices. After lunch, we were back on the internet planing next week actives and doing research for campgrounds around the Everglades National Park. I also added to my blog the blogs I follow. These blogs are by fellow RV'ers. Some are friends we met on the road. Others I have gotten sightseeing ideas and informational RV tips. Maybe, they will help you too.

RED SOX SPRING TRAINING DAY 3, TWINS SPRING TRAINING DAY 1

FLORIDA WEEK 2 (PART 3): RED SOX SPRING TRAINING DAY 3, 

TWINS SPRING TRAINING DAY 1

RED SOX

Today, the wife came to the ball park with me. The weather was 70 so not too hot for her. As always, I took a B-line to the field were Travis Shaw practices, and today he was there. We arrived around 10:00 am, this way the wife would not get tired and want to leave before the practice was over and unable to try and get autographs. I also did a walk around to see what other prospects were out. I saw three players I was interested in. Two were the same a yesterday, Bryce Brentz, Sean Coyle and the other was Garin Cecchini. After Travis Shaw BP, he headed to another field were he took grounder at third base. Looks like he will play some third on days the starting third baseman has a day off just like last year. His role will look something like Keven Youkilis was, play first and third. After practice was completed, Bryce Brentz headed off the field. He is still on the DL and I assume he is limited to not running. I was able to get him to sign the picture I took of him yesterday. All the other players did sprint drills from the foul line to deep center filed and back. As Travis Shaw was walking off the field, it felt like he walked straight to us. I asked him if he remembers me and he did saying, "you went to Kent". I congratulated him on getting married in the off season and told him that my wife and I will be celebrating our 20th this year. He was impressed. I finally got the chance to let him know in person that he is my favorite player. He replied in saying, "thank you". He also let me take a picture with him and shake his hand as he left. I walked away with a signed Red Sox mini helmet and four 2012 Topps Heritage Minors cards signed. I now have 221 items in my Travis Shaw collection. Next week there is six home games and practice will be closed. However, three are night games, so I will go to one and get the picture with him signed. Or the following week when there is only one day home game. The last field was running long, so we still had time to get the last two prospects I was looking for. Both Coyle and Cecchini was walking off the field at the same time. I went to Cecchini to get an autograph on a MLB baseball and take a picture. While the wife got Coyle to sign the picture I took of him yesterday. All-in-all a good day for autographs, I got eight and all from the systems top prospects. The pitchers left before I could get Matt Barnes. He is the last one I want to get. There are four more that are in MLB camp or WBC. They are not on the 40 man roster, so they should be the first to be sent down when the MLB camp rosters are lowered. I'm looking for Chris Carpenter (another Kent State player), Jackie Bradley Jr; systems number two prospect (I was able to get him to sign a MLB baseball at a AA game in Akron last year), Brandon Jacobs and the system number one prospect Xander Bogaets (playing in the WBC for the Netherlands). I'm not a Red Sox fan, but I do follow baseball and when these players are on the same team as Travis Shaw I see them in the box scores and listen to games over internet radio you pick up on the top players. Besides, I did not want to come to spring training and not know who tomorrow's super stars are and miss the chance to get easy autographs with all the players on one field.

                                                         Travis Shaw before BP

                                           Four Travis Shaw 2012 Topps Heritage Minors cards signed  

                                            Travis Shaw signed Red Sox mini helmet

                                         Another picture with my favorite player

                                                      Garin Cecchini photo

                                             Garin Cecchini signed MLB Baseball

                                                   Sean Coyle signed photo

                                                     Bryce Brentz signed photo

TWINS

I did not know that Twins Spring Training was this close to the Red Sox until I looked at Florida spring training booklet at the State line Welcome Center or I would have done some research on their minor league system too. After we left the Red Sox we ate lunch and on the way back to our RV we stopped by the Twins stadium. I knew there was not going to be any players on the field, but at least I get to walk around and get to see where all the fields are located. The gates to the stadium was open and did not have to pay for a self tour (Red Sox charge $5 a person). We walked around took some pictures and visited the gift shop. The prices are better at the Twins team shop then at the Red Sox team shop. I got a 2013 Twins Spring Training mini bat for $8 and no tax ($20 for Red Sox Spring Training mini bat... did not buy one.. too much). I will have to do some research this weekend on the Twins minor leaguers and go to a few practices next week. They have four road games so there will be no parking fee.

BOSTON RED SOX SPRING TRAINING DAY 1 & 2

FLORIDA WEEK 2 (PART 2): BOSTON RED SOX SPRING TRAINING DAY 1 & 2

Day 1

I wanted to check out the Twins Spring Training, but they were having a game and charged for parking, so I head to the Red Sox facility and the minor leaguers where practicing. I sat and watched my favorite play Travis Shaw all morning and took pictures and video. Travis starting his second year as an everyday first basemen, had a good day on the field. He took some bad hops and turn then into great plays and others got pass him, but over all an good day. In the box, he was selective as always only swinging at good pitches. He had no home runs, but a good stroke and approach at the plate. I did not think that the minor leaguers have arrived, so I had nothing for them to sign. I walked around the four field they were using writing down names and uniform numbers of the prospects I wanted to get autographs from. So, when I come back I will be better prepared.

   Travis Shaw Spring Training Picture

Day 2

When I arrived only two fields was being used and the players were mostly from A ball or on the DL. I did a quick look around and there was no sign of Travis Shaw, so I started looking for the other prospect. I found Sean Coyle (2B advance A) and Bryce Brentz (OF AAA). Bryce Brentz is on the DL from shooting himself while cleaning his gun. He was driving the ball long and deep to all parts of the field. A few were hit out of the park over the left field fence. Sean Coyle had a good day in the box too. He had hit some gappers and one or two out of the park. He also showed range at second getting to some balls to his left and right. After practice I followed them off the field and got them to sign a baseball on the sweet spot and a picture of them. Tomorrow is a night home game and practice will be open again, I will visit and see if Travis Shaw will be on the field and try and get some autographs of him... again.

Bryce Brentz Photo and Auto baseball

 Sean Coyle Photo and Signed Baseball

FLORIDA WEEK 2: NEW LOOK TO BLOG & FT MYERS BEACH

I have been playing around with the view of the blog. I've added a cover photo (which I will likely change, just testing), added Canada map to places visited and I found a count up clock to let everyone know how long we been full-timers. I wanted to add something different to monitor instead of just reading my post. Add your comments at the bottom and let me know what you think of the changes.

25 Feb
We wanted to ride our bike in the park across the lake, but my front break was locked. As I started to fix it a piece of medal got stuck in my thumb. I want to the throw my bike. The wife pulled the medal out of my thumb. Instead of bike riding we walked in the park. We must have walked about three miles and the sweet was poring from our forehead. We went to the store to get a few things and turn out to be a lot of stuff. We spent the rest of the day at the RV park reading a book and using the computer to plane the rest of our stay.

                                                   The train that run around the park
                                                              on a 1/2 mile track

                                                               Crossing another bridge
                                                       keeping my eyes open for alligators

                                              View of the waters surrounding the parks trails

                                         Another view of the waters surrounding the parks trails

26 Feb
Another nice morning and this time we went to Ft Myers Beach (about a 15 minute drive) for our morning walk. It was a sad sight to see dead fish all a long the coast. Not sure what the problem was, maybe something in the ocean waters. There was a lot of people walking on the beach too, so it must be kind of safe. We saw no one in the ocean, but did see some fishing from the shore. All of the dead fish should be a sing not to eat what you catch and move to a different place. We picked up anther visitors guide to get some more ideas on where to go next. The weather was calling for 20+ degree winds and my luck with the awning I did not want to take any chances so I closed it up. The breeze feels nice and cool, but we don't want another broken awning.

                                                     This is what the whole beach looked like
                                                All kinds of fish, not just one type big and small

                                                                       Balloon fish

                                                              Ft Myers Beach Pier

                                             The wind was so strong the camera was rocking
                                              on the walkway when the picture was taken

I wanted to find out what was killing all the fish. When we got back to the RV Park I searched the internet. It did not take long to find out is was because of Red Tide. I also found out it could be harmful to humans too. The alert was issued around the first week of February and has passed, but there are still dead fish everywhere. It was the first ever alert for Red Tide. Click on the link to read more. RED TIDE

FLORIDA WEEK 1: ARRIVE IN ONE PIECE

Sorry, for not posting in about a week. Florida Week 1 was really busy with lots of stuff going on, so I have been working on this week as one big post. I'm going to try and hit all the highlights of the day and if we have picture I will add them too. I'm hoping to have this week post by Sunday or Monday at the latest. 

18 Feb

With 621 miles of road ahead of us and a three days window to get there we were not in any hurry. We left Azalea Acres in AL around 10:00 am with a group of six people to see us off and wish us a safe trip. As we drove out of the park, others came to the roadside to waved to say their goodbye. Then we hit the highway taking I 10 East at a blazing steady pace of 60 mph (speed limit 70 mph). For some reason there was strong crosswinds all the way to Fort Myers, so we played it safe and took our time. Other drivers on the road must have been in a hurry to get somewhere, as they were passing us like we were standing still. Our goal was to get on I 75 South by night fall, but after passing into Eastern Standard Time Zone we lost an hour so we pulled over for the night at a rest stop just East of Tallahassee, FL.

                                       
                                                    The wife starting us off on the road

                                        What the traffic looked like most of the way to Ft Myers

                                            Florida's gas prices, that why we dove 60 MPH

19 Feb

Woke up to temperatures in the high 50's, with no outlet power to turn the heater on we jumped in the driver seat withe the heater on and started driving to the next rest stop. 30 miles later we arrived worm and ate breakfast. As soon as we reached I 75 South the weather warmed up pretty fast, I had to change from jeans to shorts. We stopped at a rest stop to eat lunch. The weather was nice, so we ate outside under a picnic table. With plenty of time to spare, we took about a two hour break to eat lunch and take a nap. To our surprised the traffic was not a problem, we were driving at our 60 mph pace and it was smooth driving all the way to Punta Gorda, FL. With only 30 miles left to the Lake RV Park, we stopped for the night at a rest stop. In Florida, the signs say no over night parking, but we had no issues. There was even an armed patrol car at both rest stops and not one knock on our door to move on. 

                                            Tree at the rest stop where we ate breakfast

                                                  Lunch of Champions, Japanese Tuna Fish

                                                Enjoying lunch under the sun at a rest stop

                                                                     Rest Stop Palm trees

                                          Bug that flow into the RV window (he did not make it)

20 Feb

Woke up to thick fog, so we decided to wait it out until it cleared. After the fog cleared, we were back on the road to finish our  last 30 miles. We arrived at Lakes RV Park, to our surprised it was right on the main road however, the park is pretty quit. We are right in the middle of all kinds of stores and restaurants. Our camp site is small, we had a tight fit between two light poles and a concrete slab for a patio. After a few tries, the wife finally got the RV in and I hooked everything up. The rest of the day, we just settled in put our stuff the way we like it.

                                                           First sunset at the RV park

21 Feb

The first full day in Ft Myers and we want to get to know our surrounding. We drove to find what store are near by for our groceries and eat-out for some dinners. We also found the Minnesota Twins (7 miles away) and Boston Red Sox (15 miles away) spring training facilities. I plan to attend both parks to see practices and maybe a game or two.

22 Feb
Our neighbor told us of the farmers market in the park, so we headed there in the morning. We got a few things and then wanted to walk around the park a little. The park is BIG. We did not even get close to walking half the park. We saw direction sign and decided to come back on our bikes and ride though the park another day. The Red Sox had no game today, after a quick lunch we went to the practice fields only to find out that most of the players took the day off to play golf. It looks like only the Major Leaguers are in camp and only a few Minor Leaguers have arrived. I asked around and no one knew when the minor leaguers report day was, so I guess I'm still waiting for the arrival of Travis Shaw. The weather was in the mid 80's and the wife did not want to cook, so we ate out.

                                                            Beignet at the farmers market

                                               Crazy red face duck trying to beg for food

                                                   JetBlue Park Red Sox Spring Training

                                                Me at one of the six practice filed fences

23 Feb
Early in the morning, I washed down the RV. The RV was pretty dirty and it needed it. Besides, I want to hang the US map that show every State we visited on the side of the RV and need to wash the area on RV first anyways. I will hang the map in a few days. When I was at the Red Sox facility I picked up a few schedules and inside there was a coupon for buy one get one free ice cream cone. I took the wife out to try and surprise her, but like always she figured it out before we arrived. We both got villain and orange swirl ice cream cones. On the weekends there is nothing on TV we like so at night we watched a movie outside on the patio. As I was bringing everything inside I looked up in the sky and it looked like it was still day time. All of the lights coming from the main street lite the sky around us. It's different from Azalea Acres when at night the sky is pitch dark and the only thing you can see are the moon and stars.

                                                            Ice Cream.... So Good .....

                                                       In front of Sun Harvest Citrus Center

24 Feb
A real slow day, Red Sox on a road game today. I put up the state map on the side of the RV to show people where we have been. I left room above the US so I could add Canada map next. We stayed in the RV most of the day with the air conditioner on. It was too hot to cook dinner inside so I cooked dinner on the grill.

                                                                          Before

                                                                          During

                                                                        After
                                                                (21 down 29 to go)