30/04/08

More accessible to the punters is probably not the word, but, it obviously worked, we readvertised the bike and it sold within 2 days, so Jane rode it all the way from Lake Wales to Apollo Beach (80 miles), she was a bit miffed when it went but all the toys have to eventually. We spent two nights with Susan and Norman, whilst the bike purchaser obtained the full asking price from his bank.
Just before leaving Apollo Beach at 10am I readvertised the RV on Craigslist, at 11.50 we got a call from a guy wanting to see it. He lived near Clearwater, so we diverted nearer there. He saw it and liked it, but would not commit until his wife saw it, so said he would come to wherever we were staying on the night. We set off for Weeki Wachee, and the cell rang again at 17.15 whilst passing through Holiday, a guy said he would like to see it, guess where he lived – Holiday. To cut the story short, he bought it there and then, so technically WE ARE HOMELESS. However the purchaser said we could keep it until Sunday to allow us to remove our personal rubbish. (Our words – not his).The blog is not finished, we have, or will be, reverting to plan B, but we haven’t invented it yet!!!! Watch this space!!

27/04/08

We have been hooked on a game that Robbie and Lorrie showed us. It is called Joker, and played on a board using marbles and multiple decks of cards.
Further to that Justin, Brenda and family pulled in with a superb built to order motorhome. It is based on a Volvo wagon chassis and is BIG. 12’ 3” high and 43 feet long.
They soon learned to play the game, and believe me it is quite cut throat when six are playing.
When they go we will be back to four players, but is still very interesting, I have all the rules and plans for the board, I will definitely be making one on my return to UK.We have decided to move out on Monday 28th, all the gear has been advertised on the internet, and we have had a couple of “sniffs”. So are moving nearer to civilisation to be more accessible Joker by night
Even Robbies rig looks small beside the purpose built.

20/04/08-c

Life has not been without its excitement, on the way back from Sun ‘n Fun, we heard a strange noise from under the bonnet, turns out it was the clutch on the air conditioning pump overheating, sparks and things were flying about under the bonnet when I checked. Could not get the clutch off so it ended up as a complete unit change, what a pig of a job!! We could be back on the road now though if we wanted, even if we haven’t had the system charged. Who needs A/C ?? , we just open the windows wider.

One slightly scorched clutch.
Doesn't look much to change it, but think everything on the engine is fastened to it.

20/04/08-b

We manage to escape occasionally, and on the 12th we went to the annual air show entitled “Sun ‘n Fun” at Lakeland Linder Regional Airfield. This is reckoned to be the second largest in the USA by number of small aircraft, and there were a considerable number of diverse types there.

This one being (I believe only one of three in existence) a car / plane.
The USAF Thunderbirds display team

20/04/08

The complaints department has been overworked of late reading and sometimes answering emails about why we have not updated the blog recently. It could be that everyone who reads it has put finger to keyboard. I could make hundreds of excuses, but to put it bluntly, nothing new or exciting has been happening.On the 28th of last month after the shuttle landed, we moved across Florida to Lakeland, and that is where we have been since, enjoying the heat, and the alternating rain, sun, rain, sun that seems to be affecting the whole of the state this year. We have fallen very easily into the laid back “Floridian” way of life – for the first time on our trip actually finding time to relax and chill!! We didn’t think everyone would want to hear us constantly ranting about how nice our day had been, how hot the sun was, how warm the pool is etc. etc. Decided to “stay put” in what could be termed as a wrinklies environment (an over 55’s community). It is a very nice “place” albeit quite remote from the local town, and the residents, sorry the people (must remember it is not an old folks home) have been very nice, friendly and inviting to us – making us feel a “part” of the community with the odd BBQ etc. The campground is generally thought of at a winter retreat for the “snowbirds” from the North, and most have now pulled out to return home for what they consider summer.