When I was at the Office, I saw a young guy (late 30s?) checking into the campground today with his guitar and backpack.  When the rain started up in the evening I felt terrible for him, he is the lone tent-dweller here.  It rained so hard in the night it felt like sleeping in a car wash.

February 4th, 2016

We were forewarned that there are a multitude of feral cats dwelling on Tybee.  Several hang out at River’s End and it makes me feel sad that they have no lap to snuggle into as they truly are wild.  When Doug and Kelly and I sit out at night around the campfire, we can tell by the motion detector light at the nearby dumpster that the cats are on the prowl for food.

Zuma and Phoebe watch over there and know when the lights come on the cats are about.  Both dogs are on leashes of course.

Two mornings ago the dumpster was emptied and that night the two frequent visitors were scrounging for food.  Knowing there was nothing to be had, I went to the enclosed dumpster area to drop off some meals for the two frequent visiting felines.  WHOA! Surprise! A wild-eyed furry orange rocket shot out of the dumpster and smoked by me as if propelled by a cannon.  At about the same speed, I jumped backwards!  After my heart rate went down and I dropped off cat food, we all sat back to watch if the feral felines would have a meal on us.  They did.  The best part was seeing them emerge from the trash room and line up under the light, licking their paws and preening themselves happily.  If only we could coax them close and find them homes.  The staff and permanent residents here say they are too wild to catch and only a few have been tamed by people in the campground who live here year round.

A staff member informed me that the catchable cats are rounded up once a year, spayed, neutered and vaccinated, then released back here.  Cat.Rodeo.

Last night a very young ginger kitten (3 – 4 months?) emerged from the shrubbery and Kelly was able to entice it to her site with a can of tuna.  It was friendly and almost came nose to nose with Zuma who is fascinated by anything tiny.  Then the kitten gobbled up the small can of fish and perched near Kelly’s for a while.  Perhaps this will be one we can “tame”.

Around dinner time last night Kelly stopped by and told us a tornado had touched down on the other side of Savannah and we were being issued tornado warnings on the news; we turned on the tv and listened to repeated announcements of “Tornado Warning In Our Area”.  By 6:30 p.m. the tornado threat had calmed down and so had the tv; we had rain all last night and all day today.  Timely, I guess, as it was effective in getting both Doug and I back to work!

February 2, 2016

We went into Savannah yesterday and today to sort out the computer problem and I now have this lovely new computer!  Please bear with me, I am new to blogging and it’s even more of a challenge without a machine to blog on.  I think it’s all sorted out now, thanks to Doug and Office Max who just said, “Here’s a new machine, we can’t fix the other one”.

The nearby foghorn woke me up this morning and made me smile, it’s dull musical throbbing reminded me of the sounds of Eastbourne, where I grew up.

Great memories of a childhood by the sea.

Zuma and Doug and I walked around Forsythe Park both yesterday and today; Zuma LOVES it there and we met lots of dogs and people.  Savannah is a very dog-friendly city and at every turn there are dogs, joggers, walkers, all soaking up the warm weather.  It was 78 degrees F yesterday and today a little less than that with a mild breeze.  Perfect walking weather.  We are up to 5 miles a day now, according to the pedometer Doug purchased for me.  This helps me stay on track.  It’s a gorgeous trek around the famous park with the Spanish Moss dripping from the trees, camellias, roses and azaleas in bloom. Freshly planted pansies smiling at the sunshine.

When we arrived back “home”, Kelly and I went to the Tybee Police Station to have her golf cart registered and then we went shopping at the local tourist haunts and picked up a few goodies!

In the evenings Kelly, Doug and the dogs and I are enjoying a campfire at “our place”.  Zuma and Phoebe are now the dearest of friends and like short walks together and flopping lazily on the rug by our door within sight of each other in the evenings.  Little Peanut the Yorkie in a nearby RV loves Zuma and is very confident; he has no fear of her and she adores him.

Everybody here gets along, helps each other, greets each other.
Even the dogs have it all figured out.

January 31st, 2016

Yesterday morning we woke up refreshed from our first night in Hula Girl.  It is unbelievably comfortable and cozy!  There’s plenty of room for all three of us. We’re working on organizing a very small space after living in a very large house.  Both Doug and I are able to work here …. and also able to work through the glitches that come with small spaces.

After digesting her breakfast, Zuma was prancing at the end of her leash, eager for a long walk so off we went to explore the area.When we came back, another RV had pulled into our rather secluded area of the Park.  Enter Kelly, Tom and Phoebe.

HOO-RAY!

We all immediately became friends.  After they got their RV in place, Kelly and Tom invited us out for lunch at Coco’s Sunset Grille, a nearby restaurant on the Lazaretto River.  We had a blast! Kelly and Tom have been friends for decades and Kelly works for Tom.  They are a fun and friendly and love living life.

That day, the Islanders held their annual festive Mardi Gras celebration, complete with a parade and numerous activities around the town. We missed watching the parade but were content on the sunny, unpopulated deck at Coco’s nursing a frothy, chilled summer cocktail and a delicious seafood lunch with Phoebe lounging at our feet.  She is a very sweet senior citizen lady dog, a Siberian Husky of great distinction who loves nothing more than hanging out with friends.

After a scrumptious lunch of shrimp served in a variety of ways, we headed back home to the RV Park as we all had much to do to set up our “homes on wheels”.  As we were leaving Coco’s, I jokingly convinced Tom to ask at the bar if he could score some beads for himself as he was so into Mardi Gras and the waiter said sure!

After lunch, Tom decided to hop in a taxi and join the festivities down by the pier.  There was a band and everyone was enjoying the revelry, dancing and singing.  People had booths selling gumbo and Mardi Gras accessories.  Tybee really put on a good time for everyone.  When he arrived home in the evening, Tom was excited to share with us that he’d even joined a Congo Line!  Good thing he was wearing his necklaces!

Meanwhile, Phoebe and Zuma are working on a friendship. Phoebe is 13 years old and has experienced some traumatic events with dogs dominating her so she is understandably nervous around other canines. Zuma is puzzled by Phoebe’s defensive barks but slowly they are working things out.  Phoebe will relax once she realizes Zuma is no threat.

pic of Phoebe and Zuma

When Tom returned here from his frivolities at the Mardi Gras celebrations, he came home in one of the island taxis.  The “Breezy Taxi” is hot pink and the headlights sport a huge pair of plastic eyelashes.  Tom claims that Ron, the 40-something driver is “one of the last hippies”.  Ron laughed at that comment as he dropped Tom off.  Ron has long blonde hair and jeans with the knees ripped / worn out of them and well, here he is:

pic of Ron

He is just the coolest guy; he knows everybody’s name and says if you want a trip anywhere on the island, all the cabs charge the same amount, $3.00 per person.  Tom also offers services such as walking your dog/taking care of it, picking up groceries, pizza, etc. and delivering it to your door.  I am getting into island living.

January 31st, 2016

Doug returned from a few days in Maine on the 28th; he drove my car for 2 1/2 days to get here so we’ll be more mobile now.  We decided to check out of The Crabby Pirate a few days early and relocate Hula Girl to the Island RV campground (River’s End) and then we can get set up and decide our next move.

As with any good journey, plans change if you want them to.  When we find somewhere we like, we stay, when we feel our location isn’t the best for Zuma and ourselves, we move on. Our most important requirements are to have places to exercise Zuma and nice accommodations for all of us.

We have been eager to move into Hula Girl so Doug drove her to River’s End and we are settling in.  Our first impressions are excellent.  The RV Resort is clean, immaculately maintained and friendly.  The Staff is outstanding, the sites bright and also shaded by huge trees and whatever we need, the sky is the limit. The staff delivers ice, firewood, UPS packages (!) and cannot do enough to be helpful and courteous.  If you had told me a few months ago we would be doing this I never would have believed you, but it’s just perfect and we’re all getting plenty of warm weather and exercise.  Zuma has settled in quickly here and is very comfortable; we’re finding new routes to take to keep it interesting for her.

In the evenings when we go for a walk, we often see 50 or more White Herons perched in the trees along the river/marsh.  They remind me of a gloriously decorated Christmas tree!

Dogs must be kept on a leash here and there are plenty of dogs; they are all sweet and well-mannered and Zuma is in Dog Heaven. We can walk for hours around the area, exploring the cool beach-y cottages and meeting lots of dog fans.

Zuma has quickly became very popular, bless her heart.  Her even easy-going temperament has made her many friends and wherever we go, people greet her (call out to her) by name and often come to our RV in the morning when we’re out having a coffee at the picnic table, just to visit her. It’s not uncommon for people driving along the quiet island roads to stop us on our walks and get out of their cars to meet her.  People love it that she lays down for the little dogs, pretending to “get small” so as not to intimidate them.  The little dogs are delighted (though not fooled by her size) and their owners praise Zuma even more for her consideration.  She’s going to get a big head with all these compliments.  She is the Jennifer Anniston of dogs here.  After her rough beginning in life, we are so happy for her to receive all this love and affection.

January 22nd, 2016

Today, the whole east coast appears to be in total turmoil about the impending snowstorm destined to slam states from New York to the Carolinas.  We’ve lived through Whopper snowstorms and I feel bad for the people who will be affected by this massive weather front.  These southern states are not well-prepared and lack the snowplows and manpower it takes to combat such weather.  We Mainers take an annual beating and we’re used to it.  We seldom make the news, let alone the headines.  In general, people think we are solidly blanketed in snow and ice 10 months a year.  I’ve even met people who think Canadians reside in igloos.  No kidding.

For us in Maine, it’s no picnic having to smoosh your way out of the house while Zuma jiggles around with legs crossed when there’s a foot of heavy white stuff blocking the door and, like last year in Maine, we couldn’t see out of the dining room window for a week. Then it really heats up when the cats leap over her in their hurry to get outside and SURPRISE!  it’s freaking cold in a foot of snow, that’s why we have litter boxes, hello, kitties.

But that’s not a big deal really, when you consider the elderly who are home bound and without support.  Uh, I think I am becoming categorized into the “elderly”  slot now.  Fawk.  I just feel so badly for people who can’t get out and stock up in preparation for this horrible weather.  It’s really no worries when you’re ready for it.
It’s just when it hits and you’re unprepared, ugh.

Which is why I am here.  I understand now why people move south in the Wintertime.  “Snowbirds” is the term for people like us; they are usually senior citizens who flock south to escape the snow up north.   I get that.  I’m getting on.  I’m fine with that.   My aching knee can no longer tolerate limping around with dancing horses in hand, prancing up and down a snowy icy path from barn to paddock and back.  Last Winter I came to despise chore time.  As the sun was setting I was nearly in tears thinking about the pain my knee would feel and praying the horses would not be too fresh and frisky and cause me to face-plant on the driveway, laying there waiting for a Spring thaw so somebody would excavate my frozen bones from the path.

It’s been 11 years since the accident and my Orthopedic Surgeon told me I’d need a total knee replacement by year 5.  I’ve toughed it out but the arthritis is taking it’s toll and I can take a lot of pain.  But I have had enough.  I don’t want surgery as it’s not always successful if I can remedy this situation with healthy eating and exercise.  I have worked hard to lose 40+ unnecessary lbs and I walk 5 miles a day, every day, 10 miles a day every other day, weather permitting. This is the best medicine for me.

I know, Iiiii know, I will likely have to undergo the surgery in the next year or two, but for now, if I can avoid being back on crutches or in a wheelchair, hospital bed with people leading me to the bathroom, etc., just tolerate my whining okay.  Thank you.  Thank you very much.

Today we picked up the RV.  Doug has named her “Hula Girl” after the little dancing solar-powered plastic chick dashboard ornament we bought at South Of The Border.

She makes me smile.  My friend Claude has always said, if it makes you smile, you should buy it.  So I did.  And I got Emma one too  And it makes her smile as well.

Apparently, several nice sailboats share the name Hula Girl and, as our new friend Carol puts it, we now own a “Land Yacht”.  It was kinduv sad to part with our Blanca but we were really cramped in her so this is an exciting new family addition.

pic of rv

We’ve rented this cottage until the end of January and are really enjoying the space and peace.  Zuma’s itchiness has subsided and I’m glad she’s getting a break from that.  Her heartworm test was negative but she tested a mild positive for anaplasmosis.  The vet here said that may because she has been vaccinated for Lyme disease and the test is showing a “false positive”.  Zuma looks like she  “has the moth” (as my mother would say) on her hind end.  No fleas or flea dirt sighted, just allergies.

We bought a new comforter, mattress cover and sheets for Hula Girl.  I’m stocking the cupboards with stuff from Blanca.  It’s a huge adjustment.  I can’t just jump in the van now and go and fetch a bag of ice or jug or milk.  Simplifying our life has made it more complicated.  We got a ton of rain here this morning and the grassy parking area in front of Crabby Pirate is saturated so we’re parked next door, thanks to the generosity of the gals at Mermaid Cottage Rentals.  It’s a gravel space, level and well-drained.  I am so sorry for the folks north and south of us who are getting hit hard by the wind, snow and ice.

February 18, 2016

Today, Doug arrived from Maine (morning temps 12 degrees there).  He can really notice the temperature change!  It’s so nice to have him back , he is thawing out as the east coast braces for what the media is labeling “The Monster Storm”.  We are south of the predicted path and Maine is north of it so we should be safe.

photo of pier

Along the southern end of the island is a pier, very nice to walk along and, at this time of year, really quiet.  I can be the only one there and it’s a luxury.  We went for a jaunt there after Doug arrived back at The Crabby Pirate, then we sat at the bar at AJ.’s for a cocktail and asked about whether or not the Saturday night waitress had been able to connect with adopting the Great Dane we were asked to place.  No news yet.  Paws crossed.

Several movies have been filmed here, including a Nicholas Spark’s movie, starring (gag) Miley Cyrus (who bought a home here). Sandra Bullock has a home here, too.  Sorry, not into name-dropping, ya’ll.  Just sayin’.

photo of beach

It’s pretty freaking nice here.  I’m glad we’re on a quiet residential street with no hoopla.  The most excitement is when I have to race out to take the garbage and recycle bins to the curb (sometimes in my underwear at 3 a.m.).  I like it like that.  Everybody seems to do their own thing, on “island time”.

People here say thank you and Ma’am and Sir and ya’ll and they really mean it when they wish you “have a nice day”.

Simplicity, simplicity.  I love it.

On the way to Savannah, I dove into one of our travel books and found some attractions “not to miss”.  This place is one of them: South of The Border.  This is a cheesy touristy place you simply cannot drive by.  You would have to be in a coma to miss the multiple billboards lining the highway for miles before the turn off, diverting you to this iconic gem of a tourist trap. Everything is loud, colorful, crazy and makes you smile and laugh out loud.  We only stopped for an hour but we had a good laugh and bought “Hula Girl” for the dash in Blanca and also one for Emma.  The place has been around for decades and is a real landmark in Dillon, SC.  If you’re ever out that way, stop in.  It’s a hoot!

pic of south of the border …. dog with Z and I

On to Savannah, where we checked into a nice hotel and ordered Indian take-out.  It feels good to stop and stretch all our eight legs. It feels even better to be back in Savannah.

After a good night’s sleep we headed into the city and walked around the historic district and down by the river.  Zuma made friends with other dogs and we chatted with their owners and exchanged business cards.  It was warm and sunny and there weren’t too many tourists on the cobblestone streets.  The same street musicians are still performing along River Street, same songs.  It all feels so familiar and friendly.  Savannah is nicknamed “Slowvannah” by the locals because of the casual style of the people.  I bee-lined it to a fave local Greek restaurant and bought some tzadziki and pita to go, perfect for dinner; when we stayed in a loft apartment here a few years ago this was my “go-to” place. BEST.TZADZIKI.EVER!

In the evening we searched on our computers for a long-term rental hotel for Zuma and I as Doug has to return to work this week and it’s still too cold to stay overnight in Blanca.  There was very little in the way of pet-friendly hotels near the downtown area, so we decided to head out to Tybee Island and look around at campsites and possibly cottages to rent for a week or two.  We love Savannah and the area and have lots yet to explore so we want to stay here for two to three weeks.  I don’t believe in going on a trip and racing through 8 countries in 9 days.  How people do that I will never understand.  Got a postcard, back on the bus.  Sigh.  It’s so nice to stop and get to know the place and meet the people.

Lisa at The Tybee Tourist Info Center was very friendly and helpful.  She gave us a list of places available and we chose Mermaid Cottages, a cottage rental company.  FANTASTIC!

We looked at a few places and chose a darling little cottage circa 1940) by the marsh, its called The Crabby Pirate.  It’s clean, nicely decorated and welcoing.  Plus it has 3 bedrooms and 1 1/2 baths so we can chill out here until the end of the month and prepare for the next leg of the journey.

We will head onwards to Florida; Doug has wanted to go to St. Augustine, Florida for a long time so that will be our next destination.  It’s really a treat to unload the van, thin out, get reorganized.  It’s pretty cramped but it works and it’s fun.  Between Blanca and Zuma, it’s impossible to go anywhere without someone talking to us about one or the other.  I could have sold the van ten times or more.

You know how antisocial  shy and private I can be, this is waaaay out of my comfort zone but it’s good for me to leave “Hermit Mode”.  Which is why I am doing this.  Well, that’s one of the many reasons I’m chucking myself out there.  I need this.

Before I left Maine, I called my nearest and dearest to tell ya’ll that I’m launching off on this “walkabout” with Zuma, planning on writing a book about our travels and, for the first time, writing a blog.  It’s all a learning experience and I love it.  Sadly, when I called my brother-in-law Dave in Ontario (he has Alzheimer’s) we had a nice chat and then I heard him tell the nurse in his room:  “I have no idea who this woman is on the ‘phone”.  The nurse was kindly and took the ‘phone and explained this happens and that his health is declining.  Dave and I talk once a week or once every other week.  Later, I called back and he knew me and it was like old times.  One thing I know for certain, I am glad that Doug, Zuma and I are able to do this trip while we are still healthy and able.  I am forever grateful.

January 14th, 2016

We’ve been settling in and getting to know the Island and it has a great “feel”.  The Dog Park is a super place for Zuma to go off leash and discover new friends and we’ve been meeting some fun folks too. One couple from Vermont are new to the RV world and are staying at the campground here; the guy said he doesn’t want to go back to Bennington, he doesn’t want to stop exploring; they left on a two week tour and have almost doubled that time away.  They have to head back to VT but he wants to keep going.  They just love it.  It was interesting to hear him tell about their travels with their RV (it’s huge); there are some limitations with parking in small towns but otherwise they are seeing a lot and they don’t have the hassle of trying to find lodging for themselves and their dog.

Zuma is having another bout of itchy skin.   No signs of fleas.  Just itchy scratchy.  Poor dog.  The vet on Tybee gave her an injection and I had her heartworm tested; the meds they prescribed take care of fleas too.  I have not had her on this stuff before but I feel it is essential down south.

January 13th, 2016

It’s snowing in Maine.  I have to tell you, I do not miss skating around up and down icy hills with horses in hand.  Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Emma has things all under control.

Here the people are complaining it’s cold (low 60s) for this time of year.  It’s perfect for us!  Today we packed up our bags and Doug bought me a new laptop  for me so I can get back to “work”, then we are headed to Tybee Island.

pic of Wiley’s

Along the way, I spied Wiley’ Championship BBQ Yep, THIS is THE PLACE, it is famous for it’s award-winning bbq. We stopped and had lunch. Wiley himself was seated at the bar and was very interested in “that big dog of yours and how do you like that van?” Wiley is an elderly gentleman now and most charming.  Having read about him and his accomplishments for years, it was a real honor to meet him in person.

pix of awards

He couldn’t have been more welcoming.  And the food, OMG, it is amazing.  Voted 4th best bbq in America, he has certainly earned the title.  We had a sampler platter of chicken, pulled pork, beef brisket, cole slaw and collard greens.  It seems the further south we go, the larger the portions! Doug and I split this and took enough home for our dinner! You’d have to be a starved truck driver to eat all the food they give you. Every bite was delicious and memorable.  We will go back for more.  When we are hungry again!