Off the Train and Onto the Trailer

The Amtrak train kept loading additional conductors. It seemed strange, what were they doing with all the conductors? Dave, our sleeper car attendant had told us that the attendants worked a round trip and then had a two day break, while the engineers worked 12 hours and switched crews mid way along. These conductors seemed to be hopping on at random. Nothing was said about unloading excess conductors, would we arrive with a double contingent? In addition there was work being completed to enhance the electrical control systems. The train would ssllooow down from it's cruising speed of 70 to about half that through the work zones.

Several times during the night there was an announcement that the train would be pausing in nowhereville or whoknowswhere to load a conductor. Sleeping on a train is like a dozing off in a car on the way home, as the car speeds along the highway it is lights out but when the vehicle slows and stops at the first traffic signal the rhythm changes and you awaken. The gentle rocking of the train assures a sound sleep but each time it pauses, you wake up. You look out the window at some rural siding,  remember the conductor or listen as a freight train rumbles by and promptly go back to sleep.

By the time first call for breakfast was announced, they were also announcing that breakfast service would have extended as the train would arriving two hours late. OK for us, 8 am seems a much more attractive time to get moving than 6 am. We wandered down to the dining car as the last breakfast call was announced. Excellent coffee, juice, fruit, cereal or bagels and a smear. Served by the ever smiling Fonda. A good beginning to another adventure.

Waiting for the cars from the train

It took another two hours for all the vehicles to be unloaded. The new pickup had been one of the first loaded, so it was one of the last off the train. Instead of early morning back on the road it was afternoon. Mid afternoon by the time we arrived at Grandsport RV. About a month prior, the RV investigation had begun, on line research, site visit to a local dealer and email with several distant dealers. The most likely candidate was a self contained travel trailer under 20 feet and 3500 pounds, with seperate sleeping and sitting areas. While esthetically a rounded fiberglass egg was appealing, we would have to drive to the mid-west to the manufacturer. No dealers for new eggs and no old eggs on the market.

The great guys at GrandSport RV,  Greg, Larry and Scott

On the other hand Amish made 16 and 18 footers which met our spec were waiting in Melbourne, Fl. The two trailers were similar except the larger one had a bigger bed open along both sides. Francis was adamant,  he wanted the one which did not require crawling over your sleeping mate. We showed up at the dealership made the selection, Larry the owner agreed to honor the price quote his Son had made me a month earlier. Particularly because it was Friday afternoon, I was annoyingly determined that we get into the trailer that day.  Oh Noooo, we can't cool our heels 'til Monday... Larry's tech installed the supplemental brake wiring harness, the heavy duty hitch, anti-sway bar and leveling system, before he left for the weekend. It was getting quite late when all was complete and Larry invited us to spend our first night as trailer trash on his lot, hooking us up for power and water. We needed to get dinner and linens for the new bed. Larry  then gave us the keys to his personal truck rather than have us fuss with the hitch in the dark. Astounding service!

Our new 18" home

The next morning as various folks wandered in to check out the other RV's, we were instructed on the necessaries of our new homette and away we went down the Florida Turnpike. Francis was at first quite conservative driving well below the posted speed limit. The other drivers passing around us as though we were a boulder in a stream.  There was a sizable storm blowing, with winds exceeding 40 miles per hour. The anti-sway control made it seem as though it was a gentle breeze against the trailer. The truck smoothly pulled the trailer down the highway and Francis gradually became more confident with our speed gradually increasing. Our RV oriented GPS is programmed to nag you each time you exceed the posted speed limit. By the time we were pulling into Homestead, Fl, "gateway to the Keys", I had had to figure out how to stop the GPS' speed warnings.

Our first night on the road we stayed at a resort village of mostly park model trailers. The single wide to the right of us was for sale, Francis was not interested. To our left was a younger family, who seemed to spend all their free time working on their cars and trucks. The shining new pickup and sedan definitely had greater commercial value than their stabile-mobile home. Our time was spent getting the odds and ends to facilitate compact living on the road and figuring out the portable plumbing systems. Three holding tanks, white, grey and black water, and never the twain shall meet ... you sincerely hope.

The RV park was oriented to retirees. As we exited to get provisions several cars were driving in to participate in the Valentine's Dessert Dance. We were in search of dinner as well and just outside the campground we found a little taqueria serving real authentic Mexican. When the menu has tripa and lengua, it is authentic. Yummy. The day before we had tried a Mexican place which claimed to be authentica but it was very Amerikanized. This was the real deal. It was so good we went back for carry out on our way out of town.

Where's my kitchen?

The trailers cooking facilities are minimal, a propane camp stove and a microwave. Never the less we both seem to prefer my cooking to most dining out. There are certainly exceptions to that rule. The pot luck dinner at our next RV park being a major one. From Homestead we drove down to the  Keys. More or less at random selected an RV park called the Jolly Roger. Once we arrived, we were immediately struck by the atmosphere of the place. After consultation we Francis, I asked if they had room for us to stay a week. They only had six days and we took them.

Jolly Rogers turning out for the fish fry

Palms,  orchids and flowering trees.  One of the reasons Francis and I immediately liked the Jolly Roger was the landscaping. Combined with the tivoli lights wrapped around the larger palms there was festive air. The management and the longer term residents did all they could to support the festivities. One evening there was do it yourself wine tasting, the next a pot luck fish fry, followed by a chili poker run. We of course showed up at the wine tasting with a bottle of Conch y Toro, which was well received. The principle was bring your fave tipple and share it. 

Charlie models the latest in fish frying chef's toques

At the wine tasting we met Charlie and Linda. Coincidentally Charlie had retired from MD D o T. They lived in Baltimore, except for the three months of the year when they RVed it at the Jolly Roger. Charlie was one of the primary instigators of the fish fry. A group fished during the week, prepped whatever they caught and fried it up en masse. Everyone else provided the pot luck of sides and desserts, while the park provided the facilities and service. Over a hundred  participated at the fish fry. Charlie and his crew did a splendid job with the fish. Was it good? Francis ate three plates of fish!