Daytona Turkey Rod Run 2011

The day I was waiting for was finally here. It was November 23rd, 2011, and time for our annual trek to Daytona for the biggest car show in the southeast United States, the Turkey Rod Run. Gary and his friends have been going to the show since the late 80's, and now that I'm a member of the gang, I get to go too. This was my third year, and once again, I would be camping at site #10 at Tomoka State Park. It's a nice place, nothing fancy, but perfectly fine for me and my car show buddies. Marty and Kyle had arrived at the Green Acres Garage the previous night, and Marty's awesome '69 Chevelle spent the night in the garage with me. Lots of people stop by to see me, but it's not often that I have a guest actually stay with me inside the garage. That Chevelle is a pretty car, and I enjoyed hanging out with it. Gary and the boys went out to get supplies for the trip, and after a few pics here at home, we were off. The weather was perfect the whole time we were camping. Low 70's during the day, and around 60 degrees at night. It was windy during the entire trip. While I hung out at the campground, Gary, Marty, and Kyle hung out at the car show with Marty's brother Ron, his son Jason, and our good friend Tommy from North Carolina. As always, Ron brought his beautiful '67 Camaro to the show. The car has been in their family since it was new. On Thanksgiving night, Ron and Jason joined me and the boys for dinner at our campsite. They all ate too much and had a good time. I'm watching my weight and didn't partake, but I enjoyed watching everybody else. Left to right in the second picture above, is Jason, Ron, Gary, Marty, Kyle, and Tommy. Tommy came by for a visit on Friday night. He has a 22ft. Winnebago Warrior, so he knows a thing or two about RV's. I think he was impressed with the work Gary has done on me, and was surprised that as small as I am, I can sleep four people in individual beds. Sunday morning rolled around quickly, and it was time to leave Tomoka State Park until next year's car show. Usually, I am really bummed out when we leave because I might not be going anywhere else for awhile. But this year, I know that Gary and I will be going to several places we haven't been to before, and I'll have lots of exciting things to tell you about before the new year. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Hope to see you soon.

Blog Promotion

Gary never ceases to surprise me. While cleaning up the van and me, and packing for this week's trip to the Turkey Rod Run car show at Daytona International Speedway, he pops into the garage and applies this vinyl decal to my bumper. Pretty cool, huh? Now, unsuspecting people on our journeys down American highways will see that I have my own blog. I guess there's nothing like a little advertising. As for all of you who know me through the internet and the vintage trailer websites, I thank you for all of your support and kind words. Who would have thought that a little Serro Scotty from Georgia would be known around the world? I'll be cruising down the road soon, so watch for me and my new bumper decal. Be sure to honk and say hello.

Looking For Hookers

By the title of this blog post, you've probably gotten the idea that I'm being a BAD boy. Believe me, it's not as bad as it sounds. Let me explain. As I think I mentioned in a previous post, Gary and I went to St.Petersburg this week so he could do some work on his house. Just like during our previous visits there, I hung out on the driveway under that HUGE triple-trunk oak tree that you can see behind me in the first photo. I spent two days and nights on the driveway while Gary repaired some plumbing, installed a new door, and did some yard work. On the third day, he hitched me up to the van, and moved me over to the parking lot of a business on Central Avenue. If you're familiar with St.Petersburg, you know that hookers tend to hang out on Central Avenue. They usually hang out in the downtown area, and not in Gary's neighborhood. But just to keep me amused while I was away from the driveway and facing Central Avenue, Gary told me to look for hookers. I never saw any, but it kept me busy. See, I was being a good boy. You didn't think I was really LOOKING for hookers, did you? While I was away from the driveway, Gary trimmed the branches of the oak tree that were hanging low enough that they were nearly touching my roof. I'm sure glad he moved me and didn't try to work around me. Some of those branches were big enough to crush me. When he was finished, he moved me back to the driveway for our final night. It was hot and humid while we were there, and it rained the following morning as Gary was getting me ready to come home. The rain didn't last long though. It was sunny all the way home, and thankfully, the temperature was getting cooler as we headed north. I'm not that picky about the weather, but Gary likes it when it's cooler. He's in a better mood when it's cooler, and a better mood means more fun for me. Next week, we're off to Daytona, and beyond that, we're going to lots of cool sounding places we've never been to before. I'm going to get a bath in a few minutes, and then I guess I'll catch a few rays and wait for our next outing. Have a good weekend, and be sure to watch for hookers (HA-HA!!!).

Our New Friend Dan

Yesterday, Gary went out to visit with a few of our teardrop trailer friends, who were having a get-together at Anastasia State Park. Lou was there with her teardrop "The Lou Drop Inn". Her boyfriend Dan was there as well. Gary had met them both at the Silver River campout last February, but didn't get much of a chance to hang out and visit. A couple of weeks ago, Lou (without Dan), got to hang out with me and Gary quite a bit at the Manatee Springs campout. She's a HOOT!!! Dan was on his way to their cabin in Georgia today, and stopped by for a visit. As with all of our guests, Dan had to pose for the obligatory photo with me, and a tour of the Green Acres Garage. I didn't get to see the cool vintage Play-Mor camper that Dan was towing to their cabin, but Gary told me how awesome it was. Lou and Dan have plans to restore it in the near future. Gary was really impressed with it. I saw the pictures, and I must say that it is a nicely shaped little trailer. It will be fun to see it someday when it's all fixed up. Well, I'd better get off this computer and start packing for tomorrow's trip to St.Pete. I'll tell you if anything exciting happened after I get back home. Have a good week everyone.

Gamble Rogers State Park, Flagler Beach, FL.

I just love this time of year. Cooler weather is the best time to camp when you live in Florida like Gary and I. While our northern friends are putting their trailers away for the winter, we are just beginning to journey out and explore new places, and re-visit a few as well. Our fun began a couple of weeks ago at the Manatee Springs Halloween campout with a bunch of our good friends. Gary and I were supposed to go to St.Petersburg this past Monday, but our trusty van developed a bad vibration problem last weekend, so the trip was postponed. The u-joints were replaced and the driveshaft was re-balanced, and we were ready to roll on Thursday to a one-night stay-over at Gamble Rogers State Park. The park is located right on the Atlantic Ocean in beautiful Flagler Beach. It is a VERY hard place to get into, but Gary had lucked into finding a cancellation awhile back. Even though we were only going to be staying one night, I knew this was going to be FUN! We couldn't get into our campsite until 1PM, but we left home early enough to take our time and enjoy the sights along the A1A coastline. It was the most beautiful day, with clear blue skies and warm sunshine. Photo opportunities were endless, and you know by now how much Gary likes to take pictures. We made our way to the campground, and got in around 1:15. It was GORGEOUS being right there next to the ocean. We had really nice neighbors next door (Rick and Amanda), and they came over to see me. It's always fun to meet new people. I relaxed (as I always do), while Gary took off for some sightseeing on his bike. He explored the trails and the Intercoastal Waterway on the west side of A1A, and then headed back to the east (ocean) side for a long walk on the beach. I was the only vintage trailer in the campground, but on a day this nice, I didn't feel old at all. The afternoon went by quickly, and with night came gusty winds and much cooler temperatures. It was 47 degrees and another absolutely flawless day as Gary and I headed back up the coast to St.Augustine on Friday. I'm back in the garage until Monday when we head to St.Petersburg for some driveway camping at Gary's house there. This will be a working trip for Gary, but everyday is a vacation for me when I'm camping. New adventures are just ahead, so check back often. This is Toaster saying, "Bye for now!".

Manatee Springs Campout, Days 4 & 5 (Mon-Tues)

Monday morning had arrived, and this was our scheduled time to leave the campground. Dennis left around 9AM, and Linda's sister Bobbi shortly after. Once again, the remaining participants gathered at Jim's campsite for some morning chatter. Lou and Jim were going to have to head home, but the "final four" consisting of Gary, Dave, Delyne, and Linda decided to stay for one more day. Dave and Gary went out to get ice and firewood, and to pay for one more night of camping. Lou and Jim left while Dave and Gary were gone. Just like on Sunday, it was a lazy day around camp. The sun came out, and it was a very pretty Monday. Nobody did anything too exciting. Delyne and Linda read books, and Dave and Gary took naps. Gary also watched a movie. It was nice to hang out with him for a few hours. He hadn't spent much time with me while we were here. Leftovers were cooked for dinner. Everyone gathered at Delyne's campsite. It was directly across from me, so I was able to enjoy the glow of the fire and watch what was going on. The "final four" were pretty quiet in comparison to the larger groups. But the laughter was still going on, and they were having a great time. The night ended around 12:30. Gary walked down the road to the garbage dumpster, and there were deer everywhere. Too bad the pictures didn't come out so I could post them. Monday night seemed like an unusually short one, and Tuesday morning was upon us. Linda was the first to leave. Gary helped Delyne pack up, and she was next to depart. Gary and I were next, with Dave not far behind us. This was the third group campout that Gary and I had attended, and it was one we will never forget. Actually, I don't think there will be another one to ever compare with this one. It was SO much fun. Next week, Gary and I will be going to St.Petersburg for three days of driveway camping at Gary's house there. And on the way back home, we will be spending one night at Gamble Rogers State Park. It is right on the Atlantic Ocean, and looks to be a very pretty place. So, this adventure is over, but more fun lies ahead. Check back soon!

Manatee Springs Campout, Day #3 (Sunday)

We started the weekend with 11 trailers and 20 people. Unfortunately, some of our friends had to leave today. Michelle, Kimberly, and Scott left very early. Later, Richard and his family left, then Ellen and Gordon, and then Becky and Kelli. By noon, 7 trailers and 8 people remained for another day of fun and endless laughter. It was a lazy day for all of us. Everyone made the rounds visiting each other. Gary made a run into town and bought some supplies at Wal-Mart late in the afternoon. As for me, well I'm chronically lazy, so a day like that was perfect for me. I just hung out and enjoyed the calmness of the day. As evening fell, everyone began gathering at Jim's campsite for some dinner and conversation. I could hear them all talking and laughing from five campsites away. A couple of people (I won't say who), drank up all of Jim's vanilla rum and tequila. This led to some added howls from the group. Before long, Lou and Gary were singing songs (mainly Beatles) together. Gary can't sing, but it was hysterical to listen to from where I was. Having less of a crowd for the evening didn't derail the fun in any way. Gary finally made it back to our campsite at 1:30AM, then went to take a shower. It was 2:04 before his head hit the pillow. It rained again during the night, but not as long or hard as it had done on Friday night. This was supposed to be our last night here, but those plans would change the following morning. And on it goes....

Manatee Springs Campout, Day #2 (Saturday)

Gary and I woke up on Saturday morning to a cool and refreshing day. By 8:30 or so, Gary was off with his friends to do some hanging out and catching up. As always, I hung out at the campsite, and enjoyed the comings and goings of all our camping buddies as they passed by. A few stopped by to visit with me. In the afternoon, Gary and a few others went for a walk to take in the sites of Manatee Springs. The springs lead into the Suwannee River, and the water is crystal clear and 72 degrees year 'round. Gary tells me it is very pretty, and by the pictures I've seen, I totally agree. As afternoon headed into early evening, everyone gathered at Becky's campsite for a hot dog roast, pumpkin carving, and Halloween candy packaging session. After eating and visiting for awhile, Gary came back to our campsite, and changed into his "hippie" Halloween costume. I hardly recognized him. This long-haired '60's throwback didn't look anything like the old bald guy I know so well. Oh, that was mean, wasn't it? I like to joke with Gary, but he knows I love him. The entire group walked through the campground, passing out Halloween candy to our unsuspecting fellow campers. Everyone really got a kick out of it. After that, everyone returned to Becky's campsite, and had a great time laughing and joking until well past the 11PM quiet time. Gary returned to our campsite around 1AM and we hit the hay shortly after. It was a fun day for everyone involved, and a beautiful day for a little Serro Scotty like myself to relax and enjoy camping to it's fullest. This is what it's all about!

Manatee Springs Campout, Day #1 (Friday)

Thank goodness that Gary didn't oversleep. My excitement had kept me up all night, and I was ready to get rolling. By 5:30AM, we were on our way. After fuel and food stops, we arrived at the park by 9AM. Nobody had camped in our spot the previous night, so we got in immediately. Campsite #66 was all ours for the next few days. A few of our camping friends had already arrived and we were anxious to see them, but first things first. Gary got right to work setting me up, and decorating me for Halloween. I looked pretty festive if I do say so myself. I relaxed and got used to my surroundings, while Gary made the rounds and talked with our friends. More of our camping pals arrived throughout the day, and it was fun to see them all. As darkness fell, Gary was finding it harder and harder to stay awake. Come to find out, he was just as excited as I was about the trip, and didn't get much sleep either. While our other friends partied until quiet time at 11PM, Gary took a shower and called it a night much earlier. Apparently, he re-charged his batteries (so to speak) very well, as I would be alone late into each of the following nights. Our first day was a muggy one, but all of that was about to change. It rained for hours during the night, but by morning, the rain had stopped and the air was MUCH cooler. Both Gary and I love it when it's cool, so we were THRILLED. Bring on day two!

An Afternoon With Nancy And Spencer

I apologize for being a little behind in posting to my blog. It has been BUSY around here for the past week. Gary and I will be going a lot of places over the next few months, and I will have lots to talk about, so I will try to be more prompt. Anyway, as we were packing for our Halloween camping trip (more about that in future posts), our new friends Nancy and Spencer stopped by for a visit. Gary and Nancy had met through the SSCE (Serro Scotty Camper Enthusiasts) forum. Nancy and her dog Spencer were in St.Augustine for a T@B Rally at Anastasia State Park. In addition to two Scottys, Nancy also has a T@B. I had never seen one before, and it was REALLY nice. Visitors always come out to visit me and my Scotty relatives in the Green Acres Garage, and our new friends were no exception. After a brief visit to the garage, Gary, Nancy, and Spencer had some lunch and hung out for awhile in the house. Then Gary led them to the entrance of the park. It's always fun to meet new people and their pets. After Gary returned home, he completed packing for our camping trip, and hitched me up for an early morning departure. It had been awhile since my last REAL campout, and I was SO excited, I couldn't sleep at all!