 |
| 2+ hours - 108 miles |
 |
| To visit the website, Click HERE |
 |
| On my way along the busy highway, I thought what an odd combinations of products. I've known a lot of folks who would have loved to blow up their computer. Looks like this would be the place to do it all |
The
ride from Port Richey to Clermont was a breeze. Light traffic (it was Sunday), a
sunny day and I was on I-4 for about 40 miles of the 108 mile trip. The gated resort
rents and sells deeded RV lots, park model homes and is minutes away (11.8 miles) from
all the big names in Orlando Orlando
 |
| They own one of the sites and have really fixed it up to their liking; a very cozy setting to relax. |
I will be here for nine days. My first evening meal was at site 263 with friends, George and Vicki, a stone's throw up the road.
 |
| Site #50 is a flat, brick-paved lot with all I need. |
One of the great pastimes I've enjoyed over the years was having my morning coffee with friend, Ray. Lots of good conversation with solutions to all the world's problems and always the realization that we don't have to go to work that day. The other treat, especially in this location, is to hear that one mockingbird in the morning that just leaves me in awe. Once I thought I heard a neighbor's cell phone; it was the bird. Then I was eager to see some rare tropical bird after hearing its song, only to realize it was the bird. If you'd like to hear about a 7 minute clip which also describes this amazing bird, click HERE. I continued to write this blog as it played in the background. Coming from the nasty weather the northeast has had this winter, I've found this a soothing and refreshing sound.
My first trip out of the RV park was for Monday's lunch. Friend, Tricia, picked me up and we went to Bahama Breeze in nearby Kissimmee.
 |
Left: Pusser's Dark Rum, cream of coconut, pineapple and orange juice, with freshly ground nutmeg;
Middle: Bacardi Black Rum, Riesling and pineapple juice;
Right: Cruzan Coconut, Spiced and Bacardi Black Rums, mixed
with fresh orange and pineapple juice.
|
 |
| Tricia lives in Celebration, FL, with hubby, Craig and Georgia, their rescue. We met in Croton's RV Park three years ago. |
 |
| Rescued roadside on I-95 in Georgia. |
 |
| As you know, it's the company that adds the pleasure to both food and drink. |
 |
| Meanwhile, "back at the ranch..." |
 |
| ...resident Sand Cranes nonchalantly meander through the neighborhood and are not... |
 |
| ...fazed at all by the presence of humans. |
The next extravaganza I enjoyed was on Wednesday, Valentine's Day. It was a perfect day followed by a perfect evening over at Site 223. Friends, Vicki and George, went all out and above and beyond to provide their friends and neighbors to a party they won't soon forget. She also saved me a ton of work by posting it all on HER BLOG and one that I'm hoping my readers will click on to read for themselves. Great photos of neighbors and food (of course).
As time marches on, I continue to smile that while I'm enjoying sunshine and 82°, my New York friends and family will be expecting 4-7" of snow Saturday into Sunday.
I'm writing this portion of the blog on Friday, 2/16, the Chinese Lunar New Year. My best wishes and fond regards have been extended to my Sakura Garden friends. When I'm home, I've been honored by being invited to their after-hours celebrations at the restaurant and made to feel like family. Sadly, I'll miss this year but I'm there in spirit. To Tony, Sharon, Annie, Alex, Jenny, Evan, Little Brother and all their families, a big Happy New Year (the year of the Dog). Tonight, for my mini-celebration, I'll be having
General Tao's Shrimp with brown rice with veggies, and cold Sake, a going away gift from Tony of Sakura. Gānbēi, Tony and Happy New Year:
新年快乐 / 新年快樂 (Xīnnián kuàilè)
 |
| 2017 Last Year, the Year of the Rooster |
 |
| Tony & Doreen from Fishkill, NY, arrived Thursday for their annual visit at Elite. |
Like everything in life, no matter how much you think you know about anything, there's always someone who knows more. In the RV world it's true as well. Ray, Tony and George are three cases in point. Now in my case, besides knowing how little I know, it's now gotten to the point where I can't do as much as I used to. As time marched along, little things in Winnie needed attention. For example, a poor design in my sleeping area and a poor design in the door latch were inconveniences that I had been living with for awhile. Without going into the boring details, this is where friends, Ray and Tony, came to the rescue. On two different days. Ray and I tackled the bed situation (I watched) and on another day, Ray and Tony tackled the door problem (I watched). In a matter of hours, because of their know-how, having the right tools, and taking pride in their ability to tackle a problem and see it to its conclusion, I now reap the benefits. My thanks to both of them. Now, lest my readers think I am completely inept, I will slip in a personal note. In my other life as a homeowner, I did complete two huge projects by myself ("with a little help from friends"). I added a 15' x 30' screened in porch to the rear of our house and after breaking through two walls, converted a two car attached garage into a large living area with a bay window and fireplace. So yes, as a homeowner you must be a handy-man as well.
So, as the snow begins to fall at home, I continue to enjoy the 80+ daytime sunshine. Tonight the temp will dip down into the low 60's but...so what; the adventure continues.
So, as the snow begins to fall at home, I continue to enjoy the 80+ daytime sunshine. Tonight the temp will dip down into the low 60's but...so what; the adventure continues.
And poof, just like that it's Monday night and my time is up here in Clermont, FL. I was treated to dinner by friends, Vicki and George. We went to Disney Springs, their favorite hangout at Disney. It's a world full of restaurants; at least 89 of them are available for review. Morimoto Asia was their choice for their sushi-loving northern visitor who would have his last supper with them
 |
| This piece of real estate took up a huge foot print on the Disney landscape. |
 |
| An impressive and almost overwhelming sight upon entering. The two story restaurant has a separate entrance upstairs to the sushi bar and lounge. |
 |
| Glittering 20-foot-long chandeliers are mesmerizing. |
 | |
|
 |
| Another photo from the website gives a view from the second floor and the Shanghai influenced lounges and private dining spaces. |
 |
| Thank you George & Vicki for another special visit to Elite Resorts at Citrus Valley in Clermont, FL |
 |
| The Laguna Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley was awesome. |
 |
| My spicy salmon roll had salmon, spicy mayo, scallion with a choice of white or brown rice. |
 |
| Spicy shrimp for Vicky with a soft poached egg mixed in with a medley of finely chopped veggies and rice. |
 |
| George had the Orange Chicken: tempura chicken, Chinese broccoli, wok-tossed with a sweet Florida orange sauce. |
 |
| Oh, I almost forgot...they forced me into Sprinkles, a cupcake lover's heaven here on earth for dessert. We just enjoyed their ice cream, sat outside overlooking one of the many lagoons with crystal clear blue water and watched the throngs of families walk among the many shops and restaurants. All I could hear in this "people trap run by a mouse" was "$$$ ka-ching, ka-ching, ka-ching $$$." |
So, farewell from Clermont, FL. My next stop will be an overnight in Perry, FL, 3+ hours to the northwest. It also marks the beginning of my 13-day trip back home to New York via Panama City, near the panhandle of Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Take care till next time.