Goodbye 2019 – really? The end of the year was a busy time. After our fall trip to the northeast and Maryland, we headed to NC, Norfolk/Virginia Beach, VA; back to NC for Thanksgiving and then on to Florida.

We celebrated Ellie’s 2nd birthday in NC before heading to Virginia in the middle of November. This was an easy half-day drive (approx 200 miles) to Virginia Beach.

Jim’s brother Dave (recent Navy retiree) and wife Theresa relocated to the Norfolk area. Between them and Jim’s nephew, Matt, currently stationed at the Norfolk Naval Base, we got guided tours of the area, including the Base. In spite of a very rainy few days, we really liked the area and plan to return.

We stayed at First Landings State Park near Virginia Beach. The Park is located right on the Chesapeake Bay and has 1 1/2 miles of beach front. We were one of only a few campers in mid-November. Ships leaving and returning to the Base, pass by the park, a pretty awesome sight.

First Landings is a large, natural park; our only minor complaint being the VERY narrow roads and low hanging trees – not exactly big rig friendly, but we managed. The park has a limited number of sites long enough for our rig, but they have 50 AMP service and water hookup. (Dump station located at park entrance.)

The whole family gathered in North Carolina for Thanksgiving. Love it when we are all together. We stayed at our usual Jordan Lake State Park while in North Carolina.

Leaving North Carolina after Thanksgiving, we made the two-day drive to Siesta Bay near Ft. Myers arriving on December 1^st. 

We spent the night just north of Jacksonville after encountering heavy holiday traffic on I-95 south, especially through South Carolina and Georgia.

In early December, we got to visit with friends Steve & Marie who we met at Indian Creek in Tecumseh over the summer. They were spending December in the Naples area.

In mid-December we flew to Michigan, for a couple of weeks with family for Christmas.

A busy January started off with a short drive north to Disney World to meet Dan, Christie, Anna and Megan for several days of fun at the Disney Parks.  We drove the RV to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort Campground for a four-night stay. 

Leaving the car in Ft. Myers, it was a little different not having it in tow, but it was also nice to not have to worry about it.  We used the Disney transportation system to get around, including boats, buses, and “Minnie Vans” (Disney’s venture with Lyft). 

As you would expect, the Fort Wilderness campsites are quite nice and the resort has all the Disney amenities to offer.  We had a great time and would definitely stay there again.

A couple weeks later, Beth, Kevin and Gemma visited Disney and we drove the car there for a couple of days to see them.  We did not visit the parks on this visit, but spent some time with them at Disney Springs. 

Full of restaurants, shops and other attractions, Disney Springs is within walking distance from the Saratoga Resort where Beth and Kevin were staying. It’s a nice way to get some of the Disney Experience without going to the parks.

A trip in late January took us to the Tampa area for our first “RV Rally” with the Fleetwood Discovery Owners Association.  Over 100 Discovery RVs were in attendance at this week long event with coaches ranging from brand new to 20+ years old. 

The event is hosted at LazyDays RV Resort and planned by the Discovery Owners Association members.  The RV Resort is situated next to the large LazyDays RV dealership. A group of owner association volunteers put a lot of time and effort into this event.

We were very impressed with the organization, knowledge and technical seminars offered, as well as the social events. 

We found a small group of owners, like us, that had purchased 2019 Discoveries.  It was so nice to get together with them and discuss experiences, and share knowledge and tips.  The rally and “Camp Discovery” was a very positive experience and we have already signed up to return next year.

Over the next couple of months, we are expecting more family and friends to visit, and will attend some Spring Training Baseball games.  We have tickets in early March, as Ft. Myers is home for the Boston Red Socks and Minnesota Twins training facilities. Siesta Bay has booked some live entertainment shows that we have purchased tickets for: cover bands for Stevie Nicks and Bruce Springsteen – should be interesting! 

Tax Season:  It’s that time of the year again, and I have already stepped up my work hours.  It continues to be a great fit for me and I can manage to get a few hours in as needed around our activities.  February and March will be a little busier, but it all works and I am grateful to continue to have this remote work opportunity. 

RV thoughts:  We have enjoyed traveling and living in our new Discovery for over six months now.  Still learning a few things, including the “Aqua-Hot” system that provides hot water and heat.  Good information on this was obtained at the rally.  Jim is gearing up to do the first oil change on the engine when we return from Tampa.

A big adjustment in the Discovery is using the electric induction stove and microwave/convection oven.  To be honest, baking has been the biggest challenge, but I’m still experimenting.  Also adjusting to the quick cooking induction stove. The washer and dryer make up for it though, so quiet and efficient compared to the Winnebago.

We are mapping out our travels for 2020, which includes a quick trip (flying) to Maryland for Gemma’s 1st birthday later in February. We plan to travel back to Michigan in late Spring, after stops in NC & MD as well as Fleetwood factory in Decatur, IN. We will have a couple of warranty items addressed there and take a factory tour.

We might just get to Glacier National Park in Montana this year! Trying to stay on track with reservations needed far in advance in certain locations. Looking forward to a fun and adventurous year.

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