Chasing Autumn

Where the heck is the warm weather! We left NY in early November after having a long visit with family. Nowa had his 5th birthday at my sisters house which was super sweet, thanks sis! The nights were getting cooler now so we had an electric heater from my MIL to take the edge off and we carry a small propane heater on board when we need. Our plan was to head south an find the warm weather. It was surreal driving south and seing leavers on the trees again after leaving the north where all the leaves were down. We ended up in North Flordia hoping for some t shirt days and frolics in the sea. Well that was not the case. The weather was cold and wet, we ened up staying at an RV park on rthe ocean to rest and get our bearings after our initial legs of the journey. I can count on my hand the number of sunny days we had and I swam in the Gulf of Mexico once! I did not bring much cold weather layers on the bus thinking we were going to be in the south and not need much, hogwash. Luckily, I found a fleece jacket for 5 bucks at a thrift store and had it on most of the time we were in Northern Flordia. After a month at the beach we drove south to Miami to see Uncle Joe my Dad’s oldest brother, who is now 85 years old.n On the way down the bus began to loose power on the interstate just outside of Venice. I pulled off the next exit and limped into a 7-eleven parking lot. I had a sense it might be the fuel filter so I began to remove the old one under the bus to change it out with the extras we we carrying. After I removed I realized the new one would not work so I called a mobile mechanic who luckily came out and helped us out. We were back on the road in under 2 hours, phew! And I learned more about this bus and engine from the mechanic who was happy to share his knowledge. We spent the next afew days at Uncle Joe’s s place it was so good to see him and my cousin Kelley who lives with him now. Lots of laughter and sharing stories ! From here we decidecd to chase the sun a little further south in the Flordia Keys. Again we lucked out to find a campsite just before dark in one of the state parks. What a glorius place these keys! Lots of blue water and white sand, I could feel my whole being relax into the groove of the place. I could see what inspired Jimmy Buffet and so many others to call this place home. It was hard to leave as our luck ran out after a few days and ran out of options for parking. Most people make their resevations a year in advance. We were all rejuevinated by the time there and made a mental note to return someday. On the way back up the west coast of Flordia we stopped in Crystal River to swim with the Manatees. What a cool experience. Ivy , Inanna and I went out with a guide and a boat to the fresh water river nearby to these amazing creatures in their winter habitat. Huge , gentle , seal l;ike swimmers that come top these warm water every year to feed and rest. We were able to snorkel with them and get right next to one that weighed about 2000 pounds. With the snorkel and mask i could see their eyes and feel their skin, the one who came up to me stayed with me for over 20 minutes and we just floated together so peacfully. He began to chew on my hair and gentle pull it like it was sea grass. It didnt hurt at all so I just let him keep doing it. So very special to connect with these beautiful beings and I coulkd sense their ancirent inteeligence in their eyes.