The day trips to the many springs in this area included a bear sighting 😮 (yes, a bear in Florida) and an education in Cypress trees and knees. A master gardener in the area explained the unique root system of these swamp dwellers whose jutting limbs resemble knees... and they do! 😮

Just what the doctor ordered. RxFlect Back: Reflecting back on Season III has been a joy. Each location has added so much to our lives from the natural beauty of Michigan and Savannah, to the diversity of people including the Amish in Indiana to the Gulah Geechee Culture of South Carolina.

Our intention to rest, recreate, and report on the sugar sand beaches of Florida’s Panhandle will be part of our Winter Plan. We will seek out a boat ramp to splash the treads of our Beemers and take time to summarize our impressions of Season III.

Until then, a gentle sea awaits…

This is our third Thanksgiving on the road. It begins with picking up our son from the airport and taking Duncan to Skidaway Island to stretch his legs. We take in the live oaks, palms, and Spanish Moss first hand, it is an extrordinary experience. We love this time of year as it provides an opportunity for gratitude... we have so much to be thankful for!

When you share with others that you are going to Savannah you will receive two responses:

“I love Savannah, it is my favorite place!”

Or:

“I can’t wait to go to Savannah! Be sure and take lots of pictures.”

We understand both sentiments as we could not wait to arrive and can honestly say Savannah is now one of our favorite cities.

“The Smokies are blazing with color, but the Dragon’s flame has been exhausted.”

Many people will tell you where you need to be to watch the changing of the seasons, but when it comes to the Great Smoky Mountains, a million people can’t be wrong. 😳

We arrived in East Tennessee in time to watch the hillsides turn from green to amber, orange, and red. The Smokies, named for the ever present humidity, appeared on fire rather than smoldering. It turns out that this is “peak season” in the park and the crowds did challenge us. We were able to strike a balance between the well traveled and the remote.

Our old Kentucky home for 2 weeks is Cummings Ferry Campground, a limestone canyon on the Kentucky River, strategically located between Lexington, the capitol of Frankfort, and Bardstown, the epicenter of the Bourbon Trail. After settling in and assessing our new digs, we begin the plan.

The first task, saddle up and explore the many pikes that make up Lexington’s legendary horse country. Beginning at the roundabout with Secretariat taking center stage, we are able to leisurely explore countless fence lined farms with one common denominator, perfectly manicured terrain.

“Find It Here” is Ohio’s slogan, so what were we looking for? The 555, Triple Nickel, of course. Hocking Hills for hiking, no doubt. Oh yes, and Skyline Chili, without question. What she offered up was much, much more. Let’s begin at the end, alphabetically that is.

Home? Indiana? Well, not for us, but it was the home for The Grand Shamrock, our home. What an opportunity for us to visit the factory line where she was made, attend a rally of fellow enthusiasts, and take a spin around Northern Indiana with it’s Amish Heritage and the hearolded University of Notre Dame.

The “Mitten” as it is affectionately referred to, is that other Michigan, the one below the bridge. Do us a favor: Hold up your right hand... fingers closed... thumb extended... now look at your palm... welcome to the Mitten! (Lower Michigan)

The Lakeshore Park in St. Ignace was aptly named as a well thrown stone from our RV could hit the banks of Lake Michigan. Add to that a view of the Mighty Mac was a huge bonus and we are set for the coming week.

1. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Such a hidden gem. First you have to get to this area which can be a daunting task in that it is quite north, a long drive, and / or air fare to this area may be an issue. We have been fortunate enough to have more than three weeks to explore this area. Seeing Pictured Rocks requires views from a ll aspects in order to really take them all in. Our routine of “Hike, bike, and ride” really answers the questions for this area.