Spending Overnight in Key Largo and on to Key West - Dec 2018

We were up early and ready to roll out of our campsite at Fort DeSoto campground in St. Pete.  It was a little tight but we went slowly and negotiated the turns fine.  We had to dump tanks so that took an extra 15 -20 minutes.  It was a fairly easy drive to catch I-275 and then I-75.

We were planning on spending the night at the Miccosukee Resort and Gaming Casino parking lot that night.  We made pretty good time even though we caught the morning traffic in Tampa and found more near Fort Myers and Naples.

About mid-morning we were talking about dry camping in the casino parking lot.  We are not big fans of casinos but many have RV accommodations or allow overnight stays.  Each of the three previous visits to Key West we have stayed at this casino.  Pam wondered out loud if there might be a campsite at John Pennekamp State Park which was another 40 miles down the road.

We called and to our surprise we were able to get the only reservation they had for the night.  We made a diesel fuel stop at our favorite Tom Thumb convenience store along the way and arrived at the state park for check-in about 2:30 PM.

We had some tree issues but were able to move the Roadrunner forward in the campsite and park it to one side so our DirecTV dish somehow missed the nearby trees.

It's always a good day when we have good wifi, a level site, cell phone service and satellite TV.  All the comforts of home.

We were parked in between three couples who were all from Quebec.  We talked with Diedre and Dianne who were a real nice couple.  They had a Monaco which they purchased in Toronto.  We compared motorhome stories and could relate to different issues we've experienced.

They were off to get some time near a sandy beach while I was setting up.  When they returned we talked some more.  They asked if I wanted to learn or improve my French? and invited me to Happy Hour with their friends.  It was nice of them but it had been a long day so I declined.

We had a great night's sleep and pulled out of our spot into an open area to connect the Honda behind the Roadrunner.  Pam noticed something in the back of the motorhome engine compartment.  I opened both doors and realized some of the insulation on the engine compartment was laying on the engine.  The insulation tape (looked like regular HVAC tape to me) had come loose.

I knew I should have at the time, but the was a little disconcerting, so I didn't take a single picture.  I was more concerned with assessing the damage.  We could not reach far enough into the compartment to cut away the portions of the insulation that were hanging down and knew that we had to access the area from inside our bedroom.

We had new carpet installed last year so it made it a little more difficult to find the four screws securing the compartment access lid from the bedroom.  We were not on a schedule so that was good.  We were able take our time and remove the large trim wood board underneath the closet door and then take out the screws.  Lifting the bed, we pulled out the lid and shined a light into the engine compartment.

We cut away three pieces that were hanging down and removed them.  There were three pieces of insulation on one side of the compartment that we cut way.  I inspected it all and didn't see any more out of place and buttoned it all up.  Later, I called Brannon at Custom RV in Red Bay and asked if there was any risk and he said we'd be OK like it was until we got it all replaced.  The bedroom closet floor was likely to be hotter than usual during our travels but we should be safe.

Another noteworthy start to our driving day.  Off we went toward Key West.  We passed through Key Largo, Islamadora, Marathon and the rest of the Keys on a beautiful day.

It is one of the scenic drives in America and a favorite of ours. The water is clear and blue and just what you'd expect in a tropical place.

We looked closely for hurricane damage from Hurricane Irma that hit landfall in Sept 2017.  It was pretty amazing, but we could see very little of the hurricane's effects.  We hardly saw any debris and only a couple of buildings that were damaged.  We did some a lot of new construction since our last visit to Key West in 2016.  There obviously was major destruction going on during the hurricane.  The cleanup was a testament to the hard work and ability of the cleanup crews to get it all back to normal.

Our campground is the at the Sigsbee Naval installation at Mile Marker 3.  We checked in were able to extend our original reservation through January 8, 2019.  They have 90 sites with full hookups and 310 dry camping sites.  If all the spots are taken in full hookups, we spend time dry camping until our turn comes up.  Campers get two weeks of full hookups and then rotate again to dry camping or leave.  It is very organized.

Our first order of business after we got our site was to grab some lunch at one of our favorite places:  Sandy's Cafe:

Then we went over to Island Bicycles where I rented a seven-speed hybrid with airless tires. They are solid and work surprisingly well.

The next morning I set off on one of my most favorite things to do in all our years of full-timing.  Ride my bike around the island of Key West.  I just love it.

The 13+ mile route around the island was full of memories from our previous three visits here over the last 10 years.

I took a lot of pictures and had a nice leisurely ride.

We were able to extend our stay and intend to be here for three weeks.  We are off to a great start.

Thanks for joining us today on the Roadrunner Chronicles.

Merry Christmas Everybody!

Pam and I wish everyone a Merry Christmas!  

We hope the New Year brings you the 

Best of Everything!

We appreciate the many folks who take the time to check in and see what is happening on the Roadrunner Chronicles.  It has been a great year with big things to come in the next. 

~ Randy and Pam

Roadrunner Review: 2016 Travels Across the US - Some Highlights

We covered a lot of ground in 2016.  The interactive map below allows you to zoom in and see the finer details of where we were throughout the country.  That feature also lets you to see and enlarge the more congested areas of our travels -- like the places where we camped in Florida.

My goal in providing this is really for our personal record -- We want to be able to get a synopsis of what we did in 2016.  For the many tales and memories along the way, we can refer to the individual posts along the right sidebar that are organized monthly.

Meanwhile, we look back fondly on what was a great 2016 and the end of our 7th year on the road!


In 2016 we started in Cedar Keys, Florida and ended up in Virginia Beach, VA.  We spent  120 days in Florida and another 51 in Virginia which accounted for almost half the year.

We stayed in 70 campgrounds during the year and camped anywhere from an overnight stop to a full three weeks in one location (Portland when I had eye surgery.)  16 times we stayed a week or more at one place including eight days in July at brother Marty's cabin in the Sierra's and a full week in December at Key West.

So here's my take at some of the highlights of our travels:

One of our goals during the year was to get to know more of Florida.  We were in Cedar Keys on the Gulf Coast when the New Year began.  That was an interesting place with some history.  I learned that John Muir of Sierra fame actually visited the area in 1916.  It was part of his 1000 Mile Walk to the Gulf which originated from Indiana.

While in Florida we found out some resorts have a 'one time' deal where campers can stay for a week free.  We did that in Hudson FL at the Word of Life Campground.  We also found out again how great County Parks are in Florida.  Almost all the parks are great in Florida.  We camped at some new places along the east coast for the first time and also located a couple of professional golf tournaments to attend.

While north of Tampa, we toured the museum in Tarpon Springs and learned about the sponge industry of years ago.

We got to see a golf tournament not too far away.

One of my favorites, Patrick Reed, is putting out at the Honda Classic.  The PGA really does a nice job with vets and their 'Birdies for the Brave' program which has tickets and lunch for former military members.  

We also saw an LPGA event in Ocala.  We saw Christie Kerr and Paula Creamer but neither were competitive that week.

While in Florida last winter we also got to see a few special friends:

Bob and Patty

Ed and Candace

Marge and George

Mike and Helen

Howard and Linda

Joe and Carolyn

Bill and Marg

We had a couple of 'at the right place at the right time' moments during the year.  Our first , we were leaving the Roadrunner in Florida and going back to Virginia to celebrate Brooks' first birthday.  We had just read on FaceBook that long time friends Steve and Teresa were spending a few weeks in Hilton Head.

Steve and Therressa

 Another was being about to catch up with Cousin Kevin and Wife Sue (here with one of their three sons Tristin).

Last time we saw these folks was in California when they were in the San Diego area.  Later we were out in Walla Walla WA and I sent a message to cousin Gary who now lives in Costa Rica.  He grew up in Walla Walla and I said, 'Guess what?  We are here in your home town for a few days. Unbeknownst to me, he was having a high school reunion the next day in Walla Walla.

We got to join him and Lisa for lunch.

But back to our travels early in the year.  We spent some time around Tampa and Hudson in Florida, and then made a quick trip back to Virginia Beach to celebrate this guy's first birthday.

He amazes me.  At one year old, he had already been walking for a couple of months.  What a fun guy!  And he has really changed now in January as he approaches his

Next it was off to Macon Georgia for another Habit for Humanity Care-A-Vanner Build.  We got to work with these fine folks and make some new friends.  We had worked there before with the two couples on the left.

And a few weeks later we joined up with Tom and Carol at the North Ft Myers HFH for more Habitat work.

We always find some time for the beaches...We love the Florida beaches!

We could stand being away from little Brooks for too long, so we headed back to Virginia Beach for a few weeks.
It doesn't take too much to tire Grandpa out sometimes...

 He loved for daddy to push him in his front yard swing.

 And for Grandma to read to him.

 Sometimes he just contemplated life as he looked out the front window.

We started our journey West the first part of May.  We had stops in Maynardville TN to see family and also Red Bay AL for some maintenance at some local businesses near the Tiffin factory.  While there we saw friends Steve and Karen.

We had short visits with Kirk and Susan in Oklahoma City

and brother Reid and wife Amy in Albuquerque.

From Albuquerque, we journeyed past the Grand Canyon AZ and onto the San Bernardino area and stayed in Yucaipa County Park, near Redlands. While there, we had a bit of deja vu hanging out in Mr. Bob's garage.  We were neighbors in San Bernardino in the mid 1980's and spent hours doing just that while he worked on his many projects.

Bob and Sue

A few days later, we found ourselves north and in Bakersfield country at Tehachapi visiting with Paul and Bobbi at their beautiful place.  We met them in 2010 at a Habitat Build in Santa Fe and have seen them almost every year since then.

We inched farther north past Fresno and then took a couple of weeks to stay in one place at Chowchilla.  We had time for golf and day trips to see Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. 

Nephew Nate and wife Angela 

We were here on the West Coast to see my brothers and wives at another Warner Brothers Reunion.  Brother Marty has a cabin in the Sierras with a parking space, power and water for the Roadrunner.  We enjoyed a week together this time.

We had lots of activities plus some good downtime.  One day we went to Big Trees State Park.

 Marty built his cabin in the 1970's but had the forethought to make the drive way wide enough for a motor home.  Never thought in a million years we'd be parking ours there one day.

 Pam and Reid

 The ladies inside the kitchen

 Eating dinner outside on the large deck

 Coordinating schedules

It was a beautiful time together and we continued on our travels.  The first night out from there, I pulled into a station and put gasoline in our diesel pusher.  Oops.  Not good.  We got towed and six hours later we were all fixed up and made it to our campground for a few days at Travis AFB.

Then it was north to see the California Redwoods again before making it over to the Oregon Coast.

Years ago we traveled north-south along the Oregon Coast, but this time we went in the other direction.  It was breathtaking, spectacular and one of America's most scenic areas.

Our first time seeing the Oregon Coast we liked the Newport area and returned there. 

Yaquina Lighthouse in the distance

Along the coast in the dairy town of Tillamook, we visited the local museum.  We love to do that in small towns.  And here was another one with a great taxidermy collection.  After a couple of hours, we returned to our car and it wouldn't start.  Yikes.  Starter went out and for the second time in three weeks we were getting towed!

We did some walking to find a parts store, a garage and waited a while to get the tow truck.  We were able to get the work done at a rundown looking place on the edge of town.  But when you are out of airspeed and ideas...you go with what you've got.  Everything turned out well and we were back in business the next morning.  So it was all part of the adventure!

We got back on the road and made our way as far north as the Columbia River before turning east.  Pam and I were fascinated by the history of Lewis and Clark and made it a point to see as many of the places they traveled when seeking the 'Northwest Passage'.  We spent a few days in Astoria OR and made it out to Cape Disappointment

And to Fort Clatsop where they spent a winter after reaching the Pacific Ocean.

While in the Portland area, I sensed a bit of change in my eye and found a doctor who said said I did in fact have a retina detachment. Hmm...  This was on Friday and I was scheduled for surgery on Monday AM.  Everything went very well.  Now that I'm back in Virginia Beach, another retina specialist said it looks good and the doctor in Portland did a great job.

Back in Portland while recuperating, long time friend Kimberly came by to see us at the campground.  We hadn't seen her in years and it was nice of her to come by.

After a little more than two weeks there in Portland, we continued along to Columbia River headed east to Walla Walla, Montana and then south to Memphis:

Multnomah Falls along the Columbia River Gorge

Meeting up with friends Marge and George in Walla Walla

Another one of America's scenic places is Montana.  We had hoped to go by and see Glacier National Park again, but weren't able to do that.  During our first summer on the road in 2009, we had the chance to visit Montana and thought it was amazing.  It still is.

Though we didn't get to see as much of the state as we would have liked to, we see a lot of the wonderful vistas and sweeping valleys and meadows in Montana.

It was breathtaking and one of our favorite places.

 Last time through Montana, we weren't able to stop and visit with high school friend Donna and husband.  But this time we did just that.  We met up for dinner one night and they invited us out the next day to their place which is way out in the country (as in 7 miles beyond the paved roads).

Their little slice of heaven sits right on the banks of the Stillwater River.  It was nice seeing her again and meeting Paul.

We had done some route planning and wanted to see Custer's Little Big Horn.  This time it was right on the way so we were able stop for a couple of hours at Custer's Last Stand (Little Bighorn National Battlefield),

We found a campground for the night in Sheridan Wyoming where friends Cindy and Tim (on each side of Pam below)

were with the others in the picture at a Habitat Build.  We had planned on being on that build, but had to back out to get my eye worked on.

We continued on our trek back to Virginia for a few weeks with stops at the famous Wall Drug

and Sioux Falls -- where we got to see Steve and Therressa again since its their hometown,

Steve and Therressa

In Des Moines, we carved out time to visit the Iowa State Capitol

(and saw the state capitol)
then St. Louis to see more RV friends

Geri and Art

Next we went to Memphis.  In Memphis we went to Graceland.

Then it was on to Red Bay and get togethers, scheduled repairs and friends and interesting food.

Chocolate gravy and biscuits.  Only in Alabama

And then we drove over to Tennessee and then back to Virginia Beach.

Within a few days, we were greeted with cool weather and some great views.  But then Hurricane Matthew came nearby and our topper over the Drive Side slideout tore.

 That required we include a stop at Red Bay in December to get it fixed.

But for the six weeks we were in VB, we tried to take advantage and spend lots of time with Brooks, Kelly Jon and Adam and Melissa in Fairfax.

 Brooks and his goat buddy

One of the great sites at Sea Mist RV Campground (military) in Virginia Beach.

We are about 30 minutes from Kelly and Jon's house and get to spend a lot of time with them and Brooks.

 Brooks hanging out with his best buddy dog Lennon.

 And we get to go on outings with them to the petting zoo.

 And we got to see him get his first school picture done.  He goes to school 3 1/2 hours a week.

 And back home, Jon is a master chef on his Big Green Egg (GBE).  He's some of his handiwork:  Boston butt done just right.

 And some tenderloin steaks.

Six weeks seemed to fly right by and we were back on the road to Florida for a about a month.  Then back for Christmas and the holidays.

 Our first place on the itinerary was the state capitol of South Carolina.  We got a tour and checked out the grounds.  Very nice.

Our next capitol visit was to Atlanta.  We toured the grounds outside since it was closed on Veteran's Day but it was worth it.

 We stopped in Macon GA to see more friends.

 Steve and Tara

Later that night we also got to see friends Barbara and Ross but somehow forgot to get a picture.

Down in Florida, we spent a week at Lakeland

 And then went down to the Keys.  Here we had dinner with Tim and Cindy.

 The drive to the Keys is always a fun one and unique.  It was beautiful and the 45 miles went pretty quickly.

 The spot we ended up at in Key West for the majority of our time there was close to the water and picturesque sunsets.

We made it a point to stop in Fort Myers for a couple of nights and got to see Tom, Carol, Christa and Bonar.

After we left the Keys, we stayed at a number of Florida State Parks on our way to Red Bay Alabama.  Here is our site at Manatee Springs SP.

And we went by Fort Walton Beach and got to see Karin.

We drove further north to Montgomery AL and took a tour of the Alabama State Capitol.

 And then made it to Red Bay to get our toppers and some other things fixed.  While there, we made an office call on Mr. (Bob)Tiffin, president and CEO of Tiffin Motorhomes.

 I am always amazed that he takes the time to visit with regular folks.  Those 10 or 15 minutes we will long remember.  He was one of the nicest CEO's I have ever met.

And after a short stay in Red Bay, we beat feet and headed back to Virginia Beach and a spot again at Sea Mist RV Campground.

We were able to spend time with our kids and Brooks during the holidays and look back with wonder on all that happened during 2016.

Adam, Melissa, Pam, Me, Brooks, Jon and Kelly 

Christmas Day Picture 

I told myself this edition was going to be a 'summary' and I'd hit the high points.  That translated into a very long post.  But this will serve its purpose for us-- we can look back in one place and see some of what the year included.

If you have persevered through the entirety of this, I thank you.  We love hearing from you and always look forward to your comments and when you send them -- your emails.  Thanks for joining with us in this great adventure.  It's something we feel very privileged to be doing and look forward to many more years of it.

Thanks again for joining us on the Roadrunner Chronicles!  Happy New Year!