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!

11/14 to 11/16 Lake Jasper RV Village

 Lake Jasper RV Village

Hardeeville, SC

November 14 to November 16 

On my way out of Myrtle Beach State Park, I stopped for a glimpse of the ocean. Poor lighting, glare and an overcast sky didn't make for spectacular photos.

This is the James B. Edwards Bridge over the Wando River. Poor framing while driving made me find a better shot online.

I thought of my bridge loving (fear of=Gephyrophobia) friends who would have loved this up-and-over-the-bridge ride at 60 mph with cross winds.

Today's trip down route 17 was good though slow going through the traffic light infested Ocean Highway. That was expected; with the average speed at 55 mph, the fact that roads continue to be smooth as glass made for a most pleasant drive. Going through the rest of Myrtle Beach showed just what a tourist venue it is during peak season. Name the store, cuisine, attraction or place to stay, it's all along the Ocean Highway. Once beyond the small towns like Surfside Beach, Garden City, Murrells Inlet, Huntington Beach, Litchfield by the Sea, Pawleys Island, Georgetown, North Charleston, and Jacksonboro to name a few, I once again was able to cruise along at 60 mph. Some sights along the way:

Dozens of these wooden "structures" dotted the highway for miles and miles. Some like this one had form; most others were in all stages of disrepair or collapsed from neglect into piles of lumber that should have been removed long ago. At first one would think that during the tourist season local farms would have their crops to sell.

But no; closer to inhabited areas in town many were selling Sweetgrass Baskets. Check out the link to learn more about a craft that has been "passed down from generation to generation since the 1700s, the sweetgrass basket craft is unique to the Lowcountry and represents one of the oldest West African art forms in America.

'

"Along North Highway 17, sweetgrass basket makers set up roadside stands to sell their wares to tourists and locals alike. The exquisitely-fashioned baskets are a Lowcountry tradition—an American art with African origins. When West African slaves were brought to South Carolina, they brought with them the tradition of weaving baskets from grass with them."

Further along highway 17 near Yemassee, SC, I saw a sign for the Carolina Cider Company and decided to take a break from driving and visit a local shop. My stop was in Store #1 of 3 and what a nice surprise within. Check out the website to see the wide variety of goods for sale. Along with my other purchases, I had to have a homemade oatmeal raisin cookie, my lunch while driving.

At last, I arrived in Hardeeville, SC. Formerly known as Camp Lake Jasper, it was bought out by Cove Communities and renamed Lake Jasper RV Village. Explore the link to see the amenities and photographs under the new management. I've been stopping at this campground since 2015 either on my way to or returning from my stays in Florida. 2019 and 2020 were the latest. (Very) long time friends and fellow Blue Mountain Middle School retirees, Roger and Wendy have lived in nearby Sun City, Bluffton, SC, for years and the location is a convenient and looked-forward-to stop along the way. My two-day stay this year was precluded by the unfortunate passing of Wendy's sister-in-law in Jamestown, NY. The timing was such that this year we will miss each other. My condolences to the families. This LINK is to a very early (2015) two-part blog of my visit with Rog and Wendy.

During my short stay I will try to get over to Lake Jasper for some photos. The gallery on their website had ten good ones I'll share here. My captioned photos follow these:

The overcast skies and threatening weather wasn't going to provide me with any sunsets.

Site 103 was within walking distance to Lake Jasper. My photos follow.

Viewing Winnie level and shaded. With full hookups I even had Mr. Rooster crowing nearby most of the day.

The path behind the pool and bathhouses, Lake Jasper to the right.

This scene had the makings of a gorgeous sunset. Not meant to be.

17 sites are set aside for Lakeside back-in sites.

Looking back over poolside toward Winnie, center left.

Short and sweet though it may have been, my layover here in SC ends and my march towards the Sunshine State continues. With my warm regards to Roger and Wendy, I hope their fond remembrances of the good time will be with them always.

My next stop is Port Orange, Florida. Once again my layover is planned to include a visit with long time friend, Mya and Mark. Folks back in New York have witnessed temps in the 30s these last couple of nights, one of the reasons why Mya moved from Yorktown, NY, and made her home here years ago. See you at the Nova Family Campground.

Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind. – Seneca