Lost time in Florida!!!!

We are alive and well in RainbowVillage in Zephyrhills, FL. We plan to stay here until April and so far we have noticed a huge difference in vacation RV parks and an RV resort. At parks we planned our day around area events and sights. In our resort you barely have time to travel as there is always something going on here. Les found this winter resort on line. It looked nice and clean but its real draw was that it is central to Florida. This gives us the opportunity to spread out and see more of the state. So this was a good plan – but we had no idea how much there would be to do right in our own resort. Our days start with a crisp walk, followed by palates or yoga. On to the dog park so Brady can play with his friends, Water Aerobics in the indoor pool can be everyday. Then it is time to get dress to go out for lunch. There is a club or activity for everyone. It is very easy to loose your day, week or month in socialization and cocktails. Imagine living in a place where everyone is happy. Why not be?? Everyone is retired, having fun and are making the most of their time. This resort has 374 sites. It is a mix of mostly permanent winter trailers and some travelers. Our little neighborhood is complete with, South Dakota, Tennessee,Pennsylvania, Ontarioand Nova Scotia. The park majority is Michganders, Canadians and Maineiacs. 

 Home Sweet Home

Our new storage area

Brady and Rosie playing in the park

"Throw the ball please"

Baxter, Brady, Rosie, Bella and Annie (the Puppy Park crew)

Z-Hills is a pretty cheap city to stay. The restaurants, shops and resort rates are perfect for the retired persons budget. Keep in mind the only reason this town exists is because of the old folks. You do have to watch out for the occasional wayward cotton top scooter driver. We were talking with a waitress about the area. She did say that the population drops to almost nothing in the summer, but you can tell when the winter season starts as you hear more ambulances. So keep ageism in mind before you plan a stay here. Our resort population is a surprise of stars everyday. We have met many Vietnam Vets, school teachers, WWII POWS, a Sergeant who served with Patton, an air traffic controller from O’Hare, Retirees from all branches of the Military, a retired tennis pro, many musicians from Nashville, and quite a few folks that survived Woodstock. Everyone has a story and is very happy to tell it.

Les and I did not plan well and did not get back to Michigan or North Carolina for Christmas. It was terrific that Max was visiting his Grandma Carol and Grandpa Bill. We spent a day visiting with them at their condo on Pompano Beach. Both are well, happy and living large. Max played tour guide showing us the area and taking us to the beach and Pompano Pier. He had it well time so we could see several fish being caught to include a shark. I do believe that everyone on the beach was from central casting. Les and Max could have spent all afternoon there sight seeing (me too). We had a long lunch, talked much, strolled the area then kissed goodbye. The day was perfect.

Pampano Beach

Handsome guys

"I think I got somethin here"

Don't worry, Mr. Sharky lived to fight another day

Incommmming

We do have our season passes to Busch Gardens (25 minutes from home).  The county parks are great for dog walks and bike rides.  We like to go to Hillsborough Park to watch the Alligators.  There is no shortage of Flea markets or fruit and vegetable stands. If I had one complaint it would be that we are too far from the Gulf (1 hour to the nearest beach in Tarpon Springs). 

So I am back on track and will post more soon.  We have gone places and done things – I have just been too distracted by line dancing classes, horseshoe tournaments and listening to concerts in the park.  Who would have thought old people played so much!?

DEC -  JAN 2012 – Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

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