Warm and sunny days mid and uppper 70s - ahhhh warmth - Still!!
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It was an exciting time at the Villages where we were treated to OUTSTANDING hospitality from hosts Jim and Justine and Rocky the Wonder Dog. As a slight recap, we met the Knight's Kingdom crew first at the Great Loop rendezvous meeting in Alabama a year ago last October. We again met up at the marina at Demopolis, Alabama this past November. We traveled together on the lower part of the Tenn Tom waterway to Mobile and the Panhandle of Florida to Pensacola. We had a wonderful time and they invited us to their new home in The Villages of Florida.
The Villages is 55+ community that is centered on activities and fun for us old people - think I will change that to "older folks." It is located in the center of Florida about an hour north of Orlando. With about 120,000 residents and growing, it has become a wonderful world unto itself.
We had been looking forward to the trip for a number of weeks. The time arrived last Thursday and was all to soon over on Monday - but the time there was to quote the famous ad "priceless"
As always the best way to describe our trip with photos. So grab a second cup of coffee - as there are 71 photos - and here we go.
While the photo below was taken by a neighbor at the end of the stay - I thought it would be a good start to show the fine foursome. You will note their very nice Michigan dressed golf cart that is the prime mode of transportation with the Villages - there are miles of dedicated cart paths that includes my favorite feature of the whole visit - that you will see later.
Their beautiful home was only completed last year ...
in fact all the homes you see here were done in the same time. That's amazing
It was great to see them - but Captain Jim had prepared a very important and shocking demonstration for me about how the Admirals have been using places like Ulta and Macy's to secretly control the outcome of our Great Loop Trip through the use of the Dark Web. It was hilarious and all I can say is Jim is one creative fellow and provided a great start to a laugh filled weekend. It was a great confirmation that you meet the nicest folks while boating - they would fit in wonderfully with the great group of boaters from the Downeast Yacht Club back home.
And I would be terribly remiss if I didn't have a photo of Rocky the Wonder Dog. Not only is he cute, but you never have to "wonder" what he is thinking - "When am I going to get my nice snack guys?"
We started our tour of the Villages with a ride to Brownwood Town Square. There are three such squares that have shops, restaurants, and an entertainment stage in the middle.
Along the way we stopped at one of the many "Recreation" centers. This one being themed around the armed services and called the Eisenhower Center.
The purpose of these building is to provide multiple rooms for gatherings and crafts. The Lobby and foyer and rooms were all decorated with military artifacts and memorabilia - wonderfully done.
The grounds are wonderfully landscaped
And we have arrived at Brownwood - done in a western theme.
I laughed at the rows of golf carts.
There was first shopping to do.
Sorry Rob and Ryan - but it is true - but only by a pinch.
And here we are watching tonight's free concert - Rocky and the Rollers. They were very good and playing old tunes as you would imagine. It was a bit chilly but it was some better than back home where it was 9 degrees.
After the show we headed to Cody's Roadhouse - it was great fun.
Notice the NH license plate.
And the next morning Rocky is asking his well known question.
And after breakfast it was time to head north to visit the Town Square of Spanish Springs. And along the way we stopped at my favorite feature of the Villages - a GOLF CART TRAFFIC LIGHT. Too funny. And boy is it needed given some of the backups we saw waiting for the light.
A dedicated cart path
Another cool morning
Shops. restaurants and theater are all here.
Even a Talbots for our girls back home.
Read the sign and you will know why they are smiling.
This is looking at the center of the square where the band plays ..........
in the gazebo.
And then back to one of the 90 or more recreation areas to try our hand at shuffleboard - (hate to admit it was great fun for the old folks)
And bocce ball
Saturday was farmer's market - wonderful variety - back down at Brownwood
And interesting contrail in the very blue sky.
And then some posing with local beef hunks
There are some nice nature walking areas like out over the pond below
It was then time for a trip to the Sumter Landing - the third of the three Town Squares. As you can see this one has a nautical theme.
And here we are waiting for the girls again. But the folks are smart and have great places for the men folk to sit and relax.
While waiting, we met Kevin. It was great fun and enlightening talking with him. He was noting that there needs to be more done for the disabled and he had a smile and laugh that affirmed that "yes we do need to do more." He lives here with his mother. It was a great reminder of how fortunate we all are.
And here is just one of the very custom carts that are all around.
And in the square is the "designer" boutique where people who have agreed to build a place go to pick out the details of their home. Jim noted that there will be a "guard dog" that will not let you past the entrance without a contract in hand - and he was right - even his endearing charm couldn't break the resolve of Sandra from Naples, ME. That was as far a we got!!
And in the sales office was this listing of the 27 folks that have bought a place at the Villages in the last two days - 7500 new owners a year. That's a lot of old people!!
And back out along the boardwalk along the water, I noticed that the chairs are awfully comfortable. I was going to ask the fellow in the photo below if that was true but not sure he would have heard me.
Sunday found us out to a country club restaurant for brunch.
And then a second day of pickleball. They have many dedicated pickeball courts. Jim and Justine had not played and soon improved - the second day being big steps beyond Saturday's first game.
It was back to the house to relax a while before heading out to a nice evening meal at yet another country club restaurant - I had a nice lamb shank - yum
Jim had again recorded the Sunday football games. It was great to see Tom Brady and the Pats look sharp in a playoff game. And it was interesting to see the end of the Eagles try at repeating. It was a great way to end our last full day with Jim and Justine.
During our time there Faye got a text from our friend Mary, from back home in NH, that she and her friend Dave were at the Villages renting a place. We had not met Dave yet and we had a wonderful visit. It will be great to see them back home.
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And soon it was time to start heading back south to Sarasota and Long Boat Key. It was a great visit. The weather was nice, company wonderful, and a great treat to experience the Villages that we had heard so much about.
So now that we are back at the boat and the sun is setting, it is time to say ..............
Good Night and May God Bless
