TeePee to the Keys

After our first ShakeDown trip and having some of the things fixed, we thought it would be a good idea to do another little trip to test the TeePee before we take it on a "big" trip to Tallahassee in a few weeks.

We decided to head south and visit friends in Key Largo.  The first campground we tried to get a spot in  (John Pennekamp) wasn't able to accommodate the TeePee so we found another spot that was a little closer to Bob & Toby.

We had a great drive from Jupiter to Key Largo! 

Welcome to the Keys!

Beautiful water (bayside)!

Even the drive on the two-lane Overseas Highway in the Keys was good. 

It was quite an adventure when we reached the RipTide.  The entrance was just barely the width of the TeePee, and there was truck parked about 6 inches in the driveway.  

Frank did an awesome job getting the TeePee into the grounds.  The next adventure was parking.  The drive was very narrow and rather than the usual 3 point turn to back into a space, we got it done in about 25 turns.

This picture was taken after the camper next to us left.

We knew the park was "Keysee", but guess we didn't realize how "colorful" it was!!

Click to enlarge the picture.  You'll note the outdoor laundry facilities, microwave, etc. 
But the decor is authentic Keys - lifejackets, bouys, and crab traps!   :o)

We got things set up and since we were in the Keys, it didn't matter what the time on the watch said, it was "5 O'clock somewhere".

We spent Sunday morning taking care of a few things around the TeePee and walked down to the beach area.

"Church"

We've had great fun with the Schuberts and the next day, the Nearys arrived!  Everyone met up at the TeePee for cocktails.  (Unfortunately, it was too hot to sit outside, but we were all comfortable inside.)

Toby, Barbara, Bob, Frank and Don

On Monday, it was fishing for Bob and Frank with Bob's nephew, John.  No luck, but it was a pretty day to be on the water.  Meanwhile, Barb, Toby and I played tourists.

At the Pink Juntique

At the Rain Barrel - little shops with trinkets, treasures and artwork.

That evening, we planned to head to Islamorada for sunset cocktails and dinner at Kaiyo.  We all met at the Schubert's for a pre-cocktail cocktail.

Don, Toby, Bob, Leann & Barbara

Frank and Barbara

Toby recommended the perfect spot to see the sunset - Pierre's in Islamorada.

Really, this is what the Keys are all about!

Not the best picture, but had all our people and what was left of the sunset.  :o)

We are learning a lot about the various types of RV campgrounds/parks/resorts.  While this one had a pretty beach area, dock, etc., not sure we'll be back.  But we've learned more questions to ask when we are making reservations.  :o)

It was a great few days in the Keys and we enjoyed spending time with the Schuberts and Nearys!

Two for Two

I'm not talking about basketball shots, at-bat/hits or any other sports-related analogy.  I'm talking about selling properties! 

Last September, the house in NC sold, after being on the market for nearly two years.  And yesterday, the closing on the townhouse in Tallahassee (which had been on the market just as long), finally happened!   

We are two for two - selling property without ever meeting the buyers!   It took time, patience and some effort on our end, but it paid off and the right buyers came along!

Woohoo!

Not the Publisher's Clearinghouse, but close....

I know we said we would announce the winners by April 16, but we are so fond of the winning name and we just can't wait!

We had 32 unique and creative entries in the "Name the Coach" Contest and we will now start referring to the Coach as

"THE TEE PEE".

Congratulations....

Sherry Glaser (Tennessee) - "Our Tee Pee"

and

Victoria Broome (Florida) - "Golden Tee Pee"

who provided the inspiration for an easy-to-refer to name and an accompanying graphic (in progress).

Honorable Mention goes to:

Richard Jones (Oregon)       -      "TUB" (The Ultimate Behemoth)
Susan Yoder (Illinois)            -      "S.O.B." (Seminoles on Board)
Bonnie Jones (Florida)         -      "Rollin' Renegade"

Thank you everyone for your creativity and participation! Be sure to let us know if you'll be in Tallahassee for some

Tailgating at "The Tee Pee".

Third stop on the tour

We packed up and headed north from Naples on Monday.  Destination - Tampa!

Our travels took us up I-75 and across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.  We've traveled the bridge numerous times, but never in a motorhome!

Sunshine Skyway Bridge

Top of the bridge

A pretty amazing view out the front window.

We were looking forward to this stop on the "Cocktails at the Coach" Tour because we were bringing the motorhome home!  And all the neighbors were very anxious to see the latest addition.

We pulled into the 'hood without incident.  Had just a few hours to get provisions and set up things before the neighbors arrived.

Because the road wasn't level we weren't comfortable opening the slides.  So it made for no-more-than-two-people at a time tour. 

Everyone submitted their entry for the "Name the Coach" contest and we all got a chance to catch up.

We didn't want to keep the coach parked in the street overnight so after the driveway party we took it to a campground about 5 miles away. 

Our driving school tips and tricks came in handy!  We had to back the coach into the spot, IN THE DARK.  But Frank did a great job and put it in the spot just like we were taught!   (Thanks Barney!)

The shakedown trip was a success and we have a list of things that need to be fixed.  All in all, it was good.

The last step....get it from Tampa to Jupiter and we will have been full-circle. 

Still accepting entries for the "Name the Coach" contest.  Send them to leannmooretpa (at) aol (dot) com.

More entries in the "Name the Coach" Contest - Updated 3/9

After our third stop on the "Cocktails at the Coach" Tour, the entries have tripled!
Here's the current list (updated 3/8/11):
  * Nole Big Deal
  * Our TeePee/Seminole TeePee (Tipi)
  * Seminole Wind
  * Tomahawk Cruiser
  * The Ultimate Behemoth (TUB)
  * The Beast
  * Flo-Ride (Florida Ride)
  * S.O.B (Seminoles on Board)
  * Coachtails
  * Seminole Road Warriors
  * Mo-Jo Mo-Ho (Moore-Jones Motor Home)
  * Golden TeePee
  * FrankLe Mobile
  * Big Seminole Chief
  * Touchdown Dream
  * Big Movers
  * Noleling Along
  * Another Naughty Nole
  * Renegade Spirit/Renegade Spear-It
  * Rolling Nole
  * FrankLe Don't Give a Dam
  * "CHIEF"
  * Traveling Renegades
  * WOLF (World of Leann and Frank
  * Semi-"NOLE" Express
  * The Tomahawk
Added 3/8:
  * "Chief Onthegoah" (like Chief Osecola)
  * Seminole Segway
  * Rollin' Renegade
  * "Here we come dagummit!"
Added 3/9:
  * "Off the Hook!"
  * Tackle Box

Submit your "Name the Coach" entry* by sending an email to:

leannmooretpa (at) aol (dot) com.

(Sorry, but if I put an easy link to an email address, I end up with spam/gremlins/bugs.)

Follow the blog for the names submitted and to find out the winning entry.

**One entry per email address. Winning entry to be announced by April 16. Winner will be notified by email.

Keep 'em coming!

"The Crossing"

Saturday morning was going to be the first test of our "closing up" procedures.  We were diligent to make sure we unplugged everything that had been connected, closed all the bay doors, and secured all the loose items (most importantly the booze, coffee maker and knife block). 

We enjoyed breakfast with Ray and Bonnie (our DelRay chauffeurs) at The Original Pancake House before hitting the road.

One last check of everything, and soon enough DelRay was in our rear view mirror.  (Ok, we don't have an actual rear view mirror, so the side mirrors and backup camera will have to do.)

The second stop on the "Cocktails at the Coach" Tour is Naples.  And each leg of our trip gives us one more hour of time in the seat/behind the wheel.  (From Jupiter to DelRay = 1 hour.  DelRay to Naples = 2 hours.)  It was still pretty windy crossing the state via Alligator Alley, but Frank did a great job and the traffic was relatively light.

A little over half way, we make a stop at the oh-so-scenic rest area to make sure everything was still intact, stretch our legs and to have lunch.  There is something to be said for having a kitchen and fridge on board as this baby won't be going through any drive-thrus.

Our specific destination was the Neapolitan Cove Resort in Naples.  We were looking forward to this stop, not only to see friends, but also to be able to test the TVs since we'd been semi-disconnected from the real world as the place in DelRay didn't have cable hookups (but thankfully they had internet).

We were greeted by the owner, Jim, who escorted us to our spot and guided us in.  Frank did an amazing job backing the coach in!  (Another test of skill and ability.)

We are learning the different between "park" and "resort". This place definitely qualifies for the resort category! Each spot is nicely landscaped and comes complete with a picnic table and all the hookups, nice clubhouse with a pool.

We're starting to get the hang of the set-up part and it was in no-time flat we had the slides out, awnings out. TVs tested and things in their places.  We were ready for the annual gathering of the Government in Exile!


Dave, Roger, Melissa, Toivo, Connie and Frank

It was great to spend time with friends in a comfortable setting, with all the conveniences of home!

Each day, we are learning a few new things about the coach and are getting more used to it.  Still need to give it a name.  Keep those entries coming!  (Send an email to leannmooretpa (at) aol (dot) com.)

Next stop, Tampa!

"Name the Coach" Contest entries

Wow!  There are some creative people out there!  Here are the entries we've received so far:

                    * Nole Big Deal
                    * Our Tipi 
                    * Seminole Wind
                    * Tomahawk Cruiser
                    * The Ultimate Behemoth (TUB)

Submit your "Name the Coach" entry* by sending an email to:

 leannmooretpa (at) aol (dot) com.

 (Sorry, but if I put an easy link to an email address, I end up with spam/gremlins/bugs.)
Follow the blog for the names submitted and to find out the winning entry.

**One entry per email address. Winning entry to be announced by April 16. Winner will be notified by email.
 
Keep 'em coming!

The first 24 hours...

......on our "shake down" trip have been quite successful and uneventful!

We left the storage facility in Jupiter a few minutes earlier than planned and started on our journey south, heading towards DelRay Beach.

The first planned stop was to fill up with fuel.  (Wouldn't you know, the week we take possession of the coach, gas prices sky rocket!)  We scoped-out the recommended gas station a few days earlier to plan our entry and exit.  Everything went very smoothly.  The coach was 50 gallons heavier and the wallet was $200 lighter.

The drive along 95 was easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy!   (I say that, but since Frank was driving, he might have a different opinion as it was pretty darn windy and we could certainly feel it.)

We reached our destination in DelRay Beach, the Del-Raton RV Park.  It's an older (ok, really old) park/campground with minimal amenities, but the spaces are pull-thru and there is water hookup, electricity and sewer.  And for the per night price (of $39) it was perfect for our first stop! 

Arthur (the owner) met us at the front and guided us to our spot.  (Which for this being our first time, was very helpful.  But frankly, they probably want to do it so power/water poles don't get run over.)  While pulling in, we noticed another FSU coach, which was parked next to a UF coach. 

Fortunately, Frank's brother and sister-in-law, Ray & Bonnie live within a few miles.  Plans were hatched for them to come over for the inaugural "Cocktails at the Coach" and then we'd go to dinner.  (Note:  we don't have a car with us, therefore we are relying on the generosity of folks to schlep us around if needed.)   :o)

Ray was concerned about us being stranded and brought us a car to borrow should we need it.

We've found a few things that aren't working exactly perfect (i.e. the water pump, a few outside lights, etc), and no cable hook-up here so we can't test the TVs.  But the important things like ice maker, refrigerator, potty, hot water heater and shower all work great!

For the most part, we'd say the first 24 hours have gone pretty darn well!