Nov 28th to Dec 1st - Ft Lauderdale to Naples

Nov 28th - Fri - Ft Lauderdale FL
We saw the granddaddy of all after-Thanksgiving shopping destinations today. We went to BrandsMart USA at Sawgrass Mills about 10:30. We lucked out with a close parking spot in a jammed parking lot and started walking to the store. We thought there was an auction going on at the loading dock but it turned out to be people standing around waiting for their name to be called to pick up their purchases. The names were being called continuously. As we got closer to the door we saw a huge line of people waiting to get into the store so we left. We ended up at a Home Depot where Terry got a new tool box to replace a bag that was not working and I could not resist a poinsettia in a 6 inch pot for 99 cents. We stopped at the large flea market on the way back so Vicki could get some shammies.
After my favorite lunch of turkey sandwiches, we went to the pool and then sat and enjoyed the sunshine. Vicki had a roast in the crock pot and invited us for dinner.

Nov 29th - Sat - Ft Lauderdale FL
We drove today to explore Ft Lauderdale and finally get to the beaches. First we went to the Convention Center area and walked part way across a bridge to look at all the cruise ships in the harbor. Parking along the beaches is at meters (couldn’t find a spot) or in lots that are a flat $10 for the day. Since we only wanted a short time, we kept going until we found a spot in front of some stores & restaurants at Deerfield Beach. We walked out on the pier where there were quit a few fishermen but the only fish that we saw being caught were what we figured were bait fish. Then we had lunch at a restaurant where we were parked before continuing our drive north past miles of beaches, large apartment buildings and huge, gated estates. At Boynton Beach we headed over to I75 and back to the park.
None of us were too hungry so we all went to Baskin Robbins and had banana splits or brownie sundaes for dinner.

Nov 30th - Sun - Ft Lauderdale FL
We went on the water taxi today with Paul & Vicki and a couple that they know who live in Ft Lauderdale. The taxi has 11 stops along the Intercoastal Waterway that runs parallel to the coast through several states. In Ft Lauderdale, it includes some areas with many canals, huge houses and equally huge yachts moored by the houses. Water taxi personnel commented on who owned what, how much it costs for moorage at the yacht club ($6 per foot per night, even for 80 footers!) and how much some of the yachts for sale would cost (6.5 million!).
For $13 each, you can get off & on at any stop all day and was a very fun way to spend the day. We got off at a stop near the beach where there was a shopping center and a Hooters where we had lunch. Then we carried on to Las Olas which is a shopping area with mostly higher priced stores and restaurants. We were one stop from the end but we decided to return. The weather was not perfect - some showers & wind. We ducked under some trees to hide from rain as we were waiting for the return taxi and managed to get to our vehicles before it rained again.
And rain it did. We had the door open when it started and did not realize that the rain was blowing into the rig until we had a wet mat and puddles in the shoes by the door. Paul & Vicki came over for cheesecake for dessert and had to wait until the rain let up to make a dash for home.

Dec 1st - Mon - to Naples FL
It continued to rain on & off last night but let up for us to pack up to leave. We said goodbye to Paul & Vicki and hit the road just before 10 for the 2 hour drive across Florida to the west (Gulf of Mexico) side. We are at the Lake San Marino RV park just north of Naples. When we stopped at the visitor info center as we came into Florida, we picked up a pamphlet with a special offer for 8 parks in the Sun RV resort chain so we are paying only $280, electricity included, for the month of December here. The park has quite a few permanent residents but we are in an area with several temporary sites so should meet some new friends. In fact, the couple behind us (Ray & Clare) joined us briefly for a drink before dinner.
After setting up and having a late lunch, we made a trip to WalMart for some awning tie downs to replace some that disintegrated and for some groceries. A large Publix grocery store is nearby with the small WalMart right across the street. We passed several large malls on the way in and beaches are nearby. There is a bicycle club in the park that goes on rides a couple of times a week. We just have to start getting up earlier again to be ready to go at 8:30!