moving on to the Pan Handle

We've packed up, packed away, folded up and moved our whole world over to Panama City, and the beautiful beaches of the Gulf!

It's oddly comforting to be able to stash our whole world in about an hour.  Once you've established what is going to be with you, it's just a matter of figuring out where to fit it in..... all the decisions and preparations that go into the "getting ready" phase are behind you.  And, if it really won't fit, you simply leave it with the campers next door.

Ivan & Sasha waiting to be taken inside

what a campsite!  right on the Lagoon

beautiful sunrises.... will send photos

campground critters

We've been spared any attacks from angry birds, but have found a number of other interesting visitors - including these

the local flea market had a coop full of these fluffy pigeons

tiny little tree frog!!!

flea markets

We found several great flea markets nearby - and although we certainly don't "need" anything (especially furniture) I can always find some treasure that can't be left behind.  I discovered the "rusty metal" dealer at one market - and went back to visit him every week.  He had lots of odds and ends that have served as inspirations for assemblage pieces when we return home.

keeping busy while relaxing

Fred really settled in the campground routine at Williston - he joined a breakfast biking group (sort of like the old days of "eat & Ski" when it was hard to establish which part was most important) .  He was also learning to play Pickleball - a cross between tennis and racquet ball played with large pingpong paddles.

And, of course, there were the regular walks around Paynes Prairie to check in on the wildlife:

a member of the herd of wild horses that live on the Prairie

lots of birds - herons, cranes, ibis, marsh hens

For my part, I've enjoyed working on studio projects on our patio - wet felting, needle felting, painting backgrounds for future projects, and mono-printing - and some handsewing,  I always seem to have plenty of things to keep me busy!

Christmas in an RV park

Most parks host all sorts of holiday activities - and there seems to be boundless energy when it comes to decorating the RV and the campsites.  The clubhouse had 20 unique xmas trees  - plus these palms

Our efforts were a bit more modest

wrapping up our stay in Gainesville

the past 30 days have flown by - beautiful Florida weather in a beautiful park midway between Ocala and Gainesville.  The Williston Crossing RV Park is growing to about 4x the size we remember from last year.   The "new section" is actually the older campground that was overgrown and undersized for today's larger RVs.  The transformation was startling - and  is attracting many full-time rv-ers.  We're still digesting how we feel about the changes, but the park does remain one of the most attractive:

Williston Crossing RV Park

the pool  and pavilion

the mill pond

the fire pit - a favorite spot!

this wasn't our "site" but it gives you an idea