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Dave &
Joyce's Great Loop Adventure
.... and other Bucket List trips! |
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Welcome to Dave and Joyce’s blog. This blog was
initially created to capture our Great Loop adventure. However, it has
now transformed into our “Bucket List adventures” blog. Many people
followed our Great Loop blog and have told us how much they enjoyed it.
That somewhat surprised us … and totally pleased us. So we decided to
continue the blog with post Great Loop trips … i.e. “Bucket List”. We
hope you enjoy our new adventures!
A note about navigating the blog: Since
the beginning, the blog was an active journal, updated daily whenever
Internet service was available. The latest information is always posted
at the top of the blog page to make it easier for viewers to see our
daily/weekly progress. However, when viewing it later, the format is a
little awkward. For example, to see the pre- Great Loop blog, scroll
down to the archive section and click on the last link
July 2010 .
After the page is displayed scroll down to the bottom and begin viewing
by scrolling back to the top. This will give you a better sense of the
trip since it is the true time sequence of our travels … we hope this
makes sense … Enjoy!
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Cell: 317-403-0128
Email: davejoyceajohnson@gmail.com
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06-30-2014
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We had to publish this funny
story. Joyce's cousin and her husband visited us last
weekend. We decided to take them to the farmers' market on
the town square to check out produce plus we knew they would be filming
a movie segment that day. Well we saw the camera crew but since
it was cloudy at the time no filming was taking place. We shopped
a bit and upon leaving Linda and Joe wanted a picture in front of
the Greencastle Market sign. Photographer Dave gets the shot line
up when a stranger appears and puts his arm around Joe and says "now we
are ready". Dave is thinking this guy is a nut but goes ahead and
takes the shot anyway ... and the guy walks away. Turns out he is
the star of the movie. The actor is Marc Menchaca best known for
portraying Lauder Wakefield, an alcoholic disabled ex-Marine in the
acclaimed Showtime series "Homeland". We didn't realize it until
later ... so no autograph:-( We are not sure when the film
comes out but it is a psychological thriller called "Reparation".
We will definitely need to see this film.
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06-13-2014
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We had a very nice visit with our deceased son's best friend Doug
Padgett, with friend Akiko (spl?) and mom Bev. Doug is an
outstanding artist (see bio on right). The love of art is what drew son
Dennis and Doug together at a very young age.
Interestingly, when researching online Doug's art, we ran across some
of Akiko work. She is a very well known designer of high-end
jewelry ... what an artsy couple!
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DOUG PADGETT is
from the Midwest. He studied art at the John Herron Institute, Purdue
University, and the BFA Painting program at Indiana University. Mr.
Padgett lived on Cape Cod for several years before moving to New York
City, where he now lives and works. Padgett has been exhibiting in
Provincetown galleries for twenty years. His work has been shown in The
Provincetown Art Association and Museum, Brooklyn Museum of Art and he
has been with the Schoolhouse Gallery in Provincetown since its
inception. Recently, he was awarded the Cape Cod Modern House Trust artist fellowship at the Kugel/Gips house in Wellfleet.
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05-26-2014
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We just had to show off our
granddaughter Chelsie and her attack dog (i.e. licks you to death)
"Whit". They are on surf board in a lake that Chelsie has her
home on. To everybody's surprise, Whit sits perfectly still as
Chelsie paddles her around the lake ... how cute!
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05-02-2014
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We have been enjoying the fox and her cubs. Both pictures taking
from our front room window. This morning mama fox was nervously
looking for her six cubs (left photo). She finally located three
of them ... but who knows where the other three are hiding? We
are also wondering how long it will be before the cubs leave the
den. Hey, this is even better than bird watching :-) !
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04-30-2014
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It's been awhile since the last
update. Busy getting back to Indiana, selling truck, buying a new
car and getting settled in. We left our RV in Florida hoping that
it gets sold sometime this year. If not the Toyota Camry is going
to strain pulling it :-).
We have been enjoying a fox and her six cubs. The picture to the
right is from our side window and shows two of the cubs playing in the
street. It is a sight to see when all six of them are scrambling
around ... mother fox is a nervous wreck when the little cubs run into
the neighboring yards ... hey mom, control your kids.
Joyce and Dave bought new smart phones (that are smarter than both of
us). We even signed up for texting. The grandkids are
thrilled ... but we aren't :-).
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03-27-2014
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Today we drove aproximately 50 miles into the lush Florida woodlands to
visit Solomon's Castle. The home, galleries and workshop of
internationally renowned artist Howard Solomon are open to the public.
It is pretty amazing stuff that
this guy has created. Above Joyce is in the home's kitchen in
what the tour guide described as the only plain (plane) wall in the
castle.
Above Joyce is in front of a Boat in a Moat. Actually a resturant
with very good food. We split a corn beef and cheese on rye
sandwich with two sides and were completely stuffed.
On the right Dave stand beside a huge live oak tree. The nature trail was only a 10 minute walk but very picturesque.
If you ever go to south central Florida, this is a must see. We
didn't spend as much time as we should have. A whole day would be
about right in order to see and inspect all of the artist's
"stuff". Oh well, a good reason to re-visit the castle.
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Decorated with more than 80 interpretive stained glass windows and
countless metal sculptures, the castle and museum is something to
behold. Every sculpture, and the castle itself is made from
various recyclable items (i.e. junk).
Joyce talks to the artist himself, Howard Solomon, in his
workshop. He is an interesting character full of wit and
humor. He told us this was a hobby that got out of hand.
On our way to find the nature trail we ran across a replica of the Alamo ... neat surprise!
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03-11-2014
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We left the Branneman's today to see Frank and Kathy Evans at their
condo in Seminole, FL. They have a very nice condo on a golf
course. After watching a PGA pro all day yesterday it was kind of
fun watching old hackers try to hit the ball around:-)
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Frank gave us quite the tour of Fort De Soto, Pass-A-Grill and
Clearwater, FL. Above Dave and Joyce on Clearwater Beach
beach. They anchored somewhere out there when doing the loop.
We had a great visit catching up with old times and old friends.
If any of your ears are burning, we weren't talking about you ....
not!!!
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03-10-2014
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Yesterday we visited Janet and Daryl in Treasure Island, FL and today
we all drove to Palm Harbor, FL to see Chad Collins play in a
Pro-AM. Chad is a PGA pro from Cloverdale, IN. Above Chad,
Joyce, Janet, JT and Daryl pose for a group picture.
Today was a real treat. We followed Chad chatting and joking with
him along the way. He is a witty, funny guy. Not to mention
what a nice guy he is ... Thanks Chad for the entertaining day and good
luck making the cut ... ah hell, good luck in winning the whole damn
thing!
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Above Janet and Joyce watching Chad practice on the putting green.
Above Joyce watching Chad tee off on hole 12 ... man can this guy pound the ball!
Left, Joyce and Dave in front of the Copperhead hole ... hole
#16. The last 3 holes of this Copperhead golf course (Innisbrook
Golf resort) are named after nasty snakes because they are considered
some of the most difficult closing holes on tour.
Note - interesting facts:
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Janet was Chad's freshman English teacher.
- To play with the pro's all you need to do is pay $2,500 ... for 18 holes (but includes the cart).
- Chat's favorite food is pizza ... from the Pizza Niche.
- When Chad comes home he likes to fish and hunt ... even ice fishing?
- Chad's dad bought Dave's Bose surround sound system.
- Daryl is Chad's favorite ... he gave Daryl his Titlist Pro V1x golf ball.
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02-23-2014
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Today is Indiana Day when all
Lake Bonnet Village Hoosiers gather for a social get-together and
dinner. A live skit was performed by some of the "girls" of the
community with the theme being "women of the night" (floozies) dancing
to the tune of ... uhmmm ... yep, you got it ... senior moment;
forgot name of song.
Indiana over took Michigan and Illinois in numbers with over 70 people attending this fun event.
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02-23-2014
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We attended the Sunset celebration with many "loopers" and wanabee
loopers. Once again Pat and George Hospador did a great job
organizing the event. It was a different location this year held
at the beautiful Marathon Yacht Club.
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Above left, the band sings on ... Donnie, the lead singer, is from
Indiana and all of guys did a great job. They sounded great ...
you would never guess it was a pick-up band with little experience
playing together.
Above Pat makes announcements and welcomes everyone to the celebration.
Ya know the party is warming up when the girls start dancing ... We
think Susan, Betty and Karen are the instigators ... Go girls go!
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02-22-2014
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We arrived at Marathon today and of course the first person we wanted
to see was Crew. He was so cute. He charged out of the boat
barking at us like we were strangers, but quickly recognized us as old
friends. Susan and Jon were not ready to go to the point and
asked us to go ahead with Crew. So we left and half way there
Crew turns around and goes back to the boat. Joyce and Dave think
he must be going back for Jon and Susan ... but oh no. After 1
1/2 years he remembers who played ball with him for a whole month ...
yep, he wasn't going back for his mom and dad but rather ... you guest
it, a ball! Crew you are so amazing!
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Left picture is Crew demonstrating to Dave on how to properly throw the ball.
Above is the old gang enjoying happy hour on the
Banana Bay dock. Brings back fond memories. Later after
cocktails on Pat and George's boat Reflection, we went to dinner with
them and Pat's cousin Karen and husband Jamie. A great way to end
the day!
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02-21-2014
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We left yesterday for Englewood
where Joyce's sister Judy lives. Yesterday we were treated to a
spaghetti dinner at the club followed by a game of scrabble. Lots
of fun!
Today was beach day. John (Judy's significant other), Judy and
Joyce enjoying the sun ... of course the photographer is
absent:-). Tomorrow we head to Marathon to see our buddy Crew ...
and other good friends. Dave received an email from Crew stating
his mother made him take a bath ... Dave sympathized because Joyce made
him do the same ... see you soon buddy!
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02-17-2014
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Well we locked down our winter stay for 2015 on Lake Placid which is a
3320 acre fresh water lake. Above Joyce stands behind the cottage
with owner Alice Hedges ... Joe was being bashful:-)
We plan to be here Jan 9, 2015 to April 9, 2015.
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Photographer Dave walked around behind the girls to shoot a picture of
the lake view ... very pretty with a natural white sand beach.
Joe says there are big bass in the lake ... 8 lbs is not consider
trophy size ... 10 - 12 lbs are the wall hangers! It is currently
rented ... so early April we will show inside pictures. Or visit http://www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/25027.html?promoType=none
for more information and pictures.
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02-16-2014
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Who
would have thought of a Schwier cousin reunion in Avon Parks Fl.
? Well many Indiana snowbirds travel to Florida this time of
year, including Schwier descendants. It was great to meet at the
old Jacaranda Hotel for a Sunday afternoon buffet. Seated left
side of table are Bud, Jerry, Sue, Patty and Joyce. Right side of
table are Janie, Gerry, Becky, Rosie and missing photographer
Dave:-). Food was great, company was better!
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02-11-2014
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Joyce
and neighbor Sue enjoying the sunset on Lake Bonnet. Nope, no one
saw the green flash ... only Keys people will understand that
comment:-)
Dave continues to catch one or two bass everyday ... fish fry coming soon!
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02-09-2014
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Neighbor Grace and Rick had a big birthday party for Rick. Above
neighbors gather around both RV sites. Too much good food to
mention. In Dave's opinion Rick's barbecue won the taste
contest:-)
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Above Grace with birthday boy Rick. Rumor has it that Rick turned 68 today ... or was it 86:-) Gotcha Rick!
Good food, good friends ... doesn't get any better than this!
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| 02-04-2014 |
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Dave went
fishing this morning and caught several 13 in. bass and finally caught
a 16 in. keeper. Later in the afternoon he caught a 20 in., 4 +
lbs. bass (pic on left). Fish in the freezer!
Tomorrow is golf day with Jon and Loyd. Thursday Rick (neighbor)
is taking Dave fishing at another lake which is suppose to be really
good for crappie and bass ... we will see.
Admiral Joyce is thrilled because she loves fresh fish ...
what we do to keep our women happy ... tough job but all is great!
Oppps, forgot to mention while fishing an alligator came within 10 ft.
of the "soft cover" fishing boat ... glad we didn't look appetizing to
him:-)
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Archives |
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Jan 2014 Florida - Marathon and Bonnet Village Lake
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Sep - Nov 2013 - Back home again in Indiana
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July - August 2013 - Bad Lands, Black Hills, Yellowstone, Tetons and family
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May 15, 2013
to June 15, 2013 - 500 race, RV initial trips, mystery trip |
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Feb 2013 to
April 2013 - Marathon and South Caribbean cruise |
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Oct
13,2012 thru Jan 2013 - RV, hunting, parade, Christmas and back to
Marathon |
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July 19 -
September 27, 2012 - Lake homes northern Indiana; Cape Cod |
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January 2012
- July 10, 2012 - includes Europe |
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November - December
2011 - finishing the Loop and afterwards |
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September 1 -
October 31, 2011 - Joycie back Captain a happy guy! |
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July 1 - Aug 31,
2011 - Moving Joysea south without Joycie - Captain not a happy guy |
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June 2 - June 30,
2011 - east coast, NJ, NY, Canada where Joyce breaks hip - not
good |
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April 22 - May
30, 2011 - Beginning the loop |
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January - April 20,
2011 - Winter in the Keys - paradise! |
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November - December
2010 - Mentors Pat & George - following to Keys - fun now!! |
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August,
September, October 2010 - Moving boat from Maine to the Keys -
scary! |
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July 2010 - Home
sold and found our boat in Maine |
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