11/16 to 11/19 Nova Family Campground

 Nova Family Campground

Port Orange, FL

November 16 to November 19

With a small detour to visit the "Smallest Church in America" in Townsend, GA, it was a 4 hour drive from Hardeeville, South Carolina.

What a beauty. Wish I had my tape to measure its age. In the high 100s would be my guess. If you didn't know, there are FOUR WAYS to tell the age of a tree without cutting it down. Click the link and read all about it.

I was going to get a photo of the Pastor's sermon notes.  Didn't happen. Got this overwhelming feeling of invading his privacy. Of course, they could have been placed there purposely just for me and my arrival, walking in out of the blue and reading his itemized list for words of wisdom, hope and encouragement. (Opps! How did I know what the notes were all about.)  However, I did photograph the Note to God tacked to the board at the entrance of the church.

"Dear God: This year has been the hardest yet. I ask that next year when I am in this place again it will be completely healed. Every good and perfect thing come from you. I thank you for my sister, my boyfriend and my mother. It is your love that has and still sets us free. Help us to fear only your judgement and not any mans on earth. We are your servants. Please make us beautiful and pleasing in your sight oh Lord. Forgive me for my sins. I love you, Katherine."

The sign outside did say "Visitors welcome" and "Non-denominational"; guess this proves anything can enter this little sanctuary of peace and spend time in prayer.

In addition to my photos above, this short video about the church is worth a look. As it turns out this is "one of many small churches in the U.S." Still, a worthwhile detour. See the VIDEO HERE.

Apparently, you're not allowed to park here.

Finally, after 18 days, the destination was within reach; another 2¾ hours to the campground. Yes, this photo is from the Internet but I did pass this one and can confirm, a power-washing session is sorely needed.

Oh? What's this? A bridge?...an up-and-over-bridge? Hang on B, B & S. 

This is the Dames Point Bridge on I-295. The main span is 1,300 feet and takes traffic 145' over the St. John's River.

Up, Up and...

...over, down the other side. Opened in 1989, this view reminds me of  going west on the Tappan Zee back home. It handles 77,000 vehicles a day.

The story to share about my trip down would be all about weather. Leaving South Carolina with drizzle continuing and scattered heavy rain now and then made the drive a careful one. The spray from the 18-wheelers ahead of me made some of the drive hazardous. Visibility at times was less than two car lengths. Slowing down was the order of the day. When I arrived at the campground, the rain was torrential and didn't let up until after 10:30 pm. A non-stop downpour. Leveling and plugging in was a drenching but successful experience.

Nova Family Campground is another campground that has been on my "stop and visit" list for years. Prior to my RV traveling days (pre-2015), I was an annual "resident" in Daytona Beach Shores' motel right on A1A facing the ocean for the entire month of March. It's been upgraded and now it's the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oceanfront Daytona Beach Shores, an IHG Hotel  For seven years. I traveled and enjoyed my morning sunrises while visiting cousins in Boca Raton and Mya in Port Orange. Mya lives just over the Port Orange Causeway better known as the Dunlawton Bridge. At that time, the Daytona 500, Bike Week and Jeep Week were done, it was "off-season" and I paid $50.00/night for the best view over the ocean. Now it's $264/night. I'm laughing at photos of the rooms I stayed in compared to what they look like now. Amazing.

My site, 903, is a water/electricity back in near the entrance and camp store. This made for easy access for Mya and Mark when they came by to pick me up for dinners. The campground also has a video tour for the would-be visitor. You can VIEW it HERE. This place too has changed since my last visit.

Evan as the heavy downpour continued, Mark and Mya came by and picked me up for my first dinner in Florida at BJs Restaurant & Brewhouse in Port Orange.

I enjoyed broccoli cheddar soup in a sourdough bowl and side salad. It was delicious and hit the spot on a rainy night.

For my second evening's dinner, M&M took me to Beach Street in Daytona Beach to Little Italy Ristorante.

Thank you Mya and Mark.

 

Here I treated myself to Penne Alfredo and, my favorite, a glass of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. 

CHI MANGIA BENE, VIVE BENE!

Not to be the "tourist" in the place, I'm using photos from their website's gallery which look a whole better than what I could have taken. A very narrow but deep restaurant with outside dining:

From their website: "The Genesis of Little Italy began in a different time and a different land during the era of Josie’s Restaurant in a Naples, Italy neighborhood. Gary and his siblings were little more than children, but already struggling with dishes and pans. More than a family, they were united by a common bond; not just by lineage but the same passion for the kitchen the customers and the dining experience.

What we have now created is a culinary experience that is both beautiful and inviting to new customers (and soon to be regulars) of Little Italy’s. You will find a real family – where values, like our food. The dream of this special project has finally materialized. Chef Gary, Luigi and Mario Recupido are proud to introduce you to Little Italy!"

And finally, as my 3-day visit came to an end, it was my turn to thank Mya and Mark for their efforts to make my stay another memorable one. Success! The weather wasn't great but for my last day, I saw the sun and enjoyed temps in the mid 70's...Perfect. So, it ends on a high note with me being able to spend time to enjoy their company. They treated me to dinners and drove me to a BJs and Wal-Mart to pick up a couple of items. It was memorable and appreciated. We drove into Orlando (57 minute, 59 miles; they love to drive no matter the distance). We met son, Zane and Amanda for dinner. On the way, along I-4, I had an unexpected treat: a sunset.

From the back sit with an iPhone. They'll have to do.

 Pho Hoa Noodle Soup is  a franchise featuring Vietnamese cuisine. They're located more in Washington State and California. Their website shows one in New Orleans but none in Orlando. It may be newly opened. They have an extensive menu of Vietnamese inspired dishes with familiar combinations that would satisfy most palates.

L. to R. Mya, Mark, Amanda, Zane, Moi

I had Cơm Gà Nường Chả Giò which was delicious.

After dinner it was a short trip to Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream for dessert. Yes, it was a single scoop of butter pecan in a waffle cone.

  

And then a short walk to Lobos Coffee Roasters to top off the evening. Great websites to visit and view their histories and offerings.

Till we meet again in West Palm Beach, I wish all a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving.

Travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer!