We got home on Friday the 25th of March, which means we were gone more than 3 months, the longest we’ve ever been away from home. When you’re gone that long, you learn a lot.
Like what to bring along next time (more casual clothes) and what to leave behind (less dressy clothes for starters). Basically, if you’re not barefoot or wearing flip flops, you’re overdressed.
You learn how little you need to actually get by. During the entire three months, I had a total of 5 pots/pans in the cupboards, and hardly cared. And this is coming from someone who likes to cook.
Where we were and what we did has gotten fuzzy. I’ve forgotten many details, although I did occasionally keep track of our whereabouts in my Evernote app. I couldn’t possibly share all the pictures I took (over 400) or all the places we went, in one post, so I’m just going to give you some highlights and break it up into a few posts over the coming weeks.
I’ll admit, we were both a little nervous when we started out. We weren’t certain BAM would make the trip unscathed. I kept waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop, but when we made it to Florida in one piece we were at least a little more relaxed. That’s not to say the trip was trouble free, but *most* of the bumps in the road had nothing to do with BAM.
For starters, we had major car issues the beginning of January while in Naples (more on that another time), I experienced a LOT of stress due to my blog redesign gone awry, Fisherman had a mild case of Bronchitis for almost two weeks in February, I lost my driver’s license while in Venice which meant Fisherman had to do all the driving, we experienced yet more major car issues in March, and while driving home BAM’S windshield shattered.
So now we need a vacation :).
But let’s get on with the trip, shall we?
We spent Christmas on Tybee Island. As far as islands go, it’s not, in our opinion, a ‘must see’. It’s ok. Very quiet, not much to do, and not much of a downtown to speak of. For me, the best part of Tybee is that it’s close to Savannah, one of my favorite places ever. We stayed in Tybee for 4 nights before moving on to Tampa where we met some friends and spent New Year’s Eve at Lazy Days, which, if you don’t know, is the largest RV dealership in the US. They also have a resort area, and they did a nice celebration on both the 30th and the 31st, but we won’t be returning next year.
After Tampa we made our way to Naples, where we stayed at an RV resort for the month of January. Some of you may be aware that January was the rainiest it’s been in Florida for over two decades. What that means in the ‘rv’ world is you better hope your site is on a concrete pad, or you’ll be swimming in mud. Fortunately for us, it was. The resort, while nice enough, isn’t one we will be returning to. It was a little too small with not many activities, although it was nicely situated and allowed for easy access to both Marco Island and downtown Naples, both of which are lovely places to visit.
The highlight of the resort was getting to know our neighbors, Nancy and Ray. We shared several meals together and went on a few outings as well, my favorite being Stan’s, located in Marco Island just over the bridge.
If you like to people watch, I highly recommend it ;).
We left BAM behind and took a one night trip to Key West in the hopes of finding a place we might like to stay in for next year, but it was not to be. We were most interested in the State Parks, as their sites are quite spacious and practically right on the beach, but they’re so popular, it’s almost impossible to nab a reservation. They literally sell out 10 minutes after they are made available on line.
Some of you wanted to know what activities I would recommend in the Naples area, so here goes:
The Everglades is relatively close by (within an hour). We took an airboat tour while visiting which was lots of fun!
Take a drive to Sanibel Island (where I got this shot). If possible, visit late in the day, just before sunset. We didn’t, but rumor has it you can get some beautiful pics because the egrets are most active then.
Go to the White Elephant Thrift Shop in downtown Naples
Take a dinner cruise (that’s what we did for my birthday and where my profile pic was taken). We took the one out of Marco Island but Naples has them also.
Have dinner in downtown Naples at night. The street is lit up so nicely, it looks magical!
And of course, if you’re luckier than us and you get good weather, go to the beach 🙂
February 1st we were off to Venice for the month, which proved to be not only our favorite area, but our favorite resort. I’ll be back with details and pics later in the week.
In other news…
The last couple of days have been exhausting! Getting the stuff out of BAM is the equivalent of moving a small apartment, plus we needed to thoroughly clean it before storing it. Putting everything back has made me realize we have a lot more stuff than we need. Time for some Spring cleaning!
I’ve noticed I’m not getting nearly as many emails at my new email address. I think I’ve missed out on many of your post updates, so forgive me if I haven’t visited lately. I had my househoneys email forwarded, but I think since it’s no longer up and running, the forwarding isn’t working. If you’re reading this and I haven’t been by, don’t be shy! Let me know and I’ll resubscribe.
Kim says
Welcome home! Wow, that sounds like quite an adventure, but it does sound like you need a vacation now! 😉 Of course being home will probably feel like a bit of one after all of your travels. Thanks for taking us on the road with you.
kim says
Doreen
A new blog, I wasn’t expecting this! Glad you made it safely back. It does sound like you need a rest from all of your adventures though. You seemed to have weeded out the best places for next years trip.
I’ll be checking back, now that I know who fox den rd belong to!
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
Welcome home and looks like you had a great time despite the vehicle problems….
Emily says
WELCOME HOME! I always say after a trip “there’s no place like home!” I know you had a few bumps along the way and I know that was stressful, but I know it was grand. From all the pics it looks like you had a great time, relaxing and joyful. I would love go for that long but I would miss my home to stay away that long. Six weeks is what we dream about. Glad your safely home and I know you probably have a lot of catching up to do. I haven’t heard from you lately, guess I’m on the problem list.
Happy week……..
Cecilia says
Welcome home! I can’t imagine being gone that long but then I’ve never dealt with snow all winter either! ha. I’d love to be on a beach for an extended period of time though. You sound like you had fun for the most part.
I changed your blog on my side bar so it now has your new name (which I love, btw!). It was good to hear from you!
hugs,
Cecilia
Amy says
Welcome home, Doreen! Glad you made it to and from safe and sound! Looking forward to hearing all about your trip in much more detail! Bring on those photos!
Vera says
Hi Doreen,
Wow 3 months gone is a really long time! You must have many adventures and stories to share – looking forward to you picking your favorite photos of the 400 and sharing them with us. I especially love the one from Sanibel Island. John and I went to Tybee Island when we vacationed in Savannah GA. We enjoyed eating on the water with buckets of hard shell crabs. You’re right Tybee isn’t much of an island. My Brother lives in Palm Beach county so that’s where we visit when in Florida, also Miami and Key West we love. I’ve always wanted to go to Venice Florida so maybe next trip 😀
What happened with your old blog and losing every photo I am sure was really frustrating, but I am glad you have started up blogging under a new name.
Welcome back home!
Hugs,
Vera
AnnMarie says
Wow, that was a long trip but you were in the sunny, mostly, weather compared to what we had here! So worth it for the lovely places you visited. Welcome home…..now rest!! While we are packing to go on vacation I am already thinking of getting back home. Two weeks away is long for me.
Jemma says
You handled the ups and downs with style and a good outlook, which I just knew you would.
The photos are amazing and you look so happy and relaxed, I am so thankful that you were able to go away for the Winter.
Now you are home and the gardening and decorating will begin and I am looking forward to seeing what wonderful inspiration you will be sharing with us.
Welcome Home!
xx
Jemma
Vickie says
You look so happy and relaxed posing on that swing! I admire your ability to roll with the punches and make the best of things when you have trouble along the way. I tend to focus on the negative which I’m trying to change. You do need a vacation after you’re done unpacking!!
I read about the problems you’ve had with your blog redesign. Geesh! I’d love to make over my blog, but my knowledge of technical things is pretty minimal, so I hate to start playing around. I noticed you changed the name of your blog. That’s another thing I may do myself. My blog name is associated with all kinds of military sites, which is not at all what I want!!
Welcome home!
Pinky says
Welcome home, Doreen! Since you mentioned it please do come and resubscribe to my blog posts. I have lost many email subscribers and don’t know why? It looks like you had a great “vacation”. I LOVE naples, have been there 3 or 4 times with girlfriends. One has a condo there so we go for 4 or 5 days in the winter. Gorgeous city! I know what you mean about needing a vacation after your vacation!!!:):)
Sue says
My sister went to Sanibel Island this year and stayed at two locations and shared some photos with me, so I do think it is someplace special. When people say they go RVing, it doesn’t always occur to me how things can go wrong like a windshield breaking, so that was enlightening. Can’t wait to see more photos of your other locations.
Cyn says
Ahh…you’re back! Can’t wait to hear all the details and to see some pics! I kept waiting for your return and I knew it was longer than I thought it would be. Glad you made it back safe and sound. 🙂
Debbie from MountainMama says
Welcome home, sweet friend!! I love hearing about your trip and living vicariously through you! Looking forward to hearing more….when you have had a chance to settle in. I’m sure you’re so glad to be home – let’s face it, there’s no place like it! xo
Mary-the boondocks blog says
Welcome Home! It sounds like you had quite the adventure. But that is what life is all about after all. Now take your time, get settled in and then you can take care of business which never ends but that’s ok! I’m really looking forward to seeing your pictures from your long trip. Looking forward to them. By the way, I subscribe to you and I’ve had no problems with the e-mails. The only problem I’ve found is that when you comment on my blog, when I click on your name it doesn’t take me to your new blog, but instead to an address that is fox den road… lol
tammy j says
it’s about time you got back home!
a person can have just so much fun and excitement and catastrophe!
good grief charlie brown! a shattered WINDSHIELD???
that first picture in this post says it all for me. it’s just beautiful.
very touching. and just lovely in every way.
if somebody made me live in florida I would choose venice I think!
becky from ‘abbey home’ lives there in the wintertime. they have the dearest little cottage! so I will look forward especially to those venice posts of YOURS!
ok. time to leave. i’m starting to use way too many exclamation points.
i’m so glad you’re BACK. SAFE and SOUND! XOXOXO♥
Carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Welcome back weary traveler!! Sounds like many memories (at least the ones that aren’t fuzzy- Lol) and fun moments were made. 🙂
I’m so fascinated by it all because, as you probably remember, my hubby and I talk about the potential for RV time for the winters in our future. How did you do most of your research for where to go and places to reserve? Like did you do a lot of it online? Or word of mouth? Pamphlets etc? Maybe you can do an in depth behind-the-scenes kind of post one of these days. Love to know more tips and things you learned along the way.
Glad to have you back and hope you have a wonderful, unpacked and relaxed week ahead. xoxo
Pamela says
We spent our first winter in Naples FL. It was wonderful.
Marilyn @ Pink Paper Cottage says
Welcome home! glad it went mostly well and you had a grand time. I think the most I can be away from home is 2 weeks! After one week, I’m missing my home so much that I can hardly wait to get back. I must admit, I did get to the Oregon coast in late February and it was gorgeous and sunny and warmer than central Oregon, so after I week, I wasn’t quite ready to come back.. maybe another week would have been nice. But I love my home and all of the comforts and knick knacks and all my crafting stuff and am always glad to get back. It makes it that much sweeter to be away now and then. Look forward to your story telling and more pictures to come! Marilyn
Vicky Hunt says
Great pictures! Looks and sounds like you had a really god time overall! The rain was awful…we had it in North Central Fl too. I’m so happy BAM made it down and back. And, I’m glad you made it home safely. I imagine it is exhausting unpacking and repacking. Maybe you will get rested up from vacationing soon. 🙂 Have a great week!
Rosella says
Hi, Amy from Ms. Toody Goo Shoes suggested I check out your post about RVing in Florida. We were 20 days on the road and also enjoyed the State Parks the best. Met so many nice peeps along the way who told us of many more nice places – private as well as state owned. The Panhandle beaches were just heaven although I think it’s quite a bit cooler there until March. Looking forward to reading more about your travels!
Feral Turtle says
Sounds like you had a wonderful trip. Looking forward to reading about all of your recomendations of where and where not to visit! I think that is a problem with motorhomes. My sister and brother-in-law’s motor home’s windshield shattered too about two years ago. Hope you have a great weekend.
kelly says
I loved hearing about some of your vacation. I agree with you about Tybee. It’s nice but not much to do except go into Savannah. There is a good crab restaurant on the island though. I haven’t traveled to Naples before. I’m looking forward to hearing about Venice next.
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
It seems that, even if not everything was perfect, you had a nice time in Florida. That last picture is great!
Al says
Welcome home. When did you switch your blog over? Did I miss it? It looks fantastic and I love the name.
Julie says
Welcome back home Doreen! Aww it sounds like you had a wonderful time and love those photos. I can’t wait to hear more about the trip! Take it easy and don’t overdue now that you are back home. Enjoy the weekend.
Hugs, Julie
handmade by amalia says
I enjoyed catching up on all your adventures, Doreen, and seeing the photos. Isn’t it nice to be home? Welcome back.
Amalia
xo
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
Welcome home / sounds as if it’s been a great 3 months down South! 🙂