We were up early and saw a few glimpses of the sun. It was cold last night requiring the heat pumps once again. After breakfast we packed up and headed to one of the gas stations we had scoped out. Ron was in the MH and I drove the car behind him. Oh Boy, were we in for an event at the gas station. Not sure why but the entire population of Homestead and Florida City was gassing up on a Saturday morning. Despite our careful planning, maneuvering into the gas station was a nightmare. Did I mention that people in the South just leave their cars at the pumps even after they finish fueling up. They buy food, drink coffee then come out to their cars while the lines get longer and longer. No exaggeration here. Ron was trying to pull up to a pump and no one would let him in. He was concerned because he couldn’t determine if the back end of the MH was sticking into the road. Finally, after 15 minutes of waiting we were both able to get some fuel. Geeze, what a trial by fire. It was a similar situation to the one we experienced in Washington with Kelly and Patrick when Ron got himself into a tight spot in a gas station there. Never want to do that again.
We drove down the road and found a spot on a side street to hook-up the car then we were on our way. Of course we noticed that on that side street was an easy in easy out gas station. WHO KNEW!!!! LOL The drive to our next destination, Monument CG in the Cypress Preserve was very nice and uneventful despite all the road construction. We did stop at the Midway CG in the Preserve but as usual it was full. We have never been able to get into that CG. It is one of the very few full service National CG’s and fills up quickly. We did chat for a while with the CG hosts all from the New England area, Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
One thing we did notice was the increase in traffic on the road. We have traveled route 41 many times in the past and had never seen so much traffic. Oh yeah, it’s a holiday weekend! We never think of holidays when we are on the road because every day is a holiday.
When we arrived at Monument GC (no hook-ups) there were two other campers that pulled in behind us. And within 30 minutes the CG was full. We were glad we didn’t stop along the way and dilly-dally.
Once set up we took a ride to the visitor center. The last two times we were here it had been closed. They were showing a nice video presentation on the Cypress Preserve and Everglades. The park ranger suggested we take the 24 mile loop road through the Cypress Preserve pointing out areas that she considered spectacular. Before we left we walked along the boardwalk to view the alligators who were catching some sun in anticipation of the cold night ahead.
It was a beautiful day so we took the ranger’s advice and headed toward Loop Road. When we began our drive down the road we encountered cars that lined both sides of the loop road with large ATV’s heading our way. We did not know that the Wild Hog Barbecue was in full swing. There were lots of people and cars so we had to wait before we could begin our loop road excursion. Everyone looked they were having a grand time.
Once we got through the traffic it was smooth sailing.
It was a leisurely drive with multiple stops for picture taking. We always enjoy the serenity of off the road places and this was no exception.
As we drove, as usual we enjoyed the scenery and wildlife we encountered. Again, pictures do not do the area justice. It is so very beautiful in person but loses some of that quality in photos.
We were hoping to see flocks of birds but it was too early in the day and the majority of flowers along the road had already bloomed and died.
We both tried to get a picture of the birds in flight but no luck. It took us over two hours to traverse the 24 mile loop road but it was well worth the time. It was just beautiful.
We arrived back at the CG just in time to get some sunset pictures. Yes, we do love our sunsets.
We will continue our journey home one small step at a time. The next stopover will be in the Naples area. We were able to secure a CG – once again surprised at that because of the time of the year. We have two nights booked so will have to find something to do in Naples. We can usually find something of interest to do wherever we stop so looking forward to another interesting day.
The weather is predicted to be very cold overnight in the low 40’s with a wind chill bringing it down into the 30’s. And us with no utilities. Good planning – NOT!!!! LOL We’ve been through worse so will just have to break down and use the coach propane furnace if necessary. Another good day here in the South.
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