MIGRATING NORTH

LEAVING THE WARM WEATHER OF FLORIDA.....

March 2017

While driving through this beautiful country, it is always fun to stop at Harvest Host locations.  Farms, wineries and some museums will sign up to host an RV for a night.  We have stayed at  several of these venues in the past but these two were the most interesting by far.

This is a winery and blueberry farm outside of Okala, FL where the host could not be more accommodating.   The manager and vintner of Island Grove Wines gave us a tour, his home phone number (in case we needed anything) and the password for his Wi-Fi.  We departed the next morning with a bottle of Sorta Sweet Blueberry wine.

GEORGIA

Just north of the Florida/Georgia line was Golden Acres Ranch of Monticello, GA where we stayed in the yard of Fred (retired accountant) and his lovely wife who raise goats, chickens and board dogs.  I believe their main goal in their retired years is to teach travelers about agriculture and farm animals.

 This is a farm which primarily raises goats for pets (24 inch tall Fainting Goats) but larger ones for processing.  So why the picture of the Pyrenees dog?  He is the goat herder and guard who stays all day and night with his group of goats.

They are very sweet dogs, but no predator would dare to invade the pasture.

The dog lives all day and night with his herd.

Every pasture of goats has a companion dog.  Even though they are friendly dogs, Fred's wife will not let her grandchildren play with them because the dog is to bond with the goats only.  These dogs are strictly outdoor and are not good house pets. They can destroy a house determined to find their family if left alone.  Very loyal to the extreme.

We were taught so much about their farm.  Unfortunately, we parked under the tree that their guinea hens roost in for the night.  We watched as one by one, they flew into the tree to find their place and finally settled down for the night. Their job is to keep the farm free of ticks.

Thomasville, GA

I wanted to see a plantation, thinking of the Civil War period, so Pebble Hill was listed as a top destination.  It existed during the war but only as a run down farm.  It was eventually rejuvenated as a hunting lodge in the late 1800's and early 1900's for the rich and famous.  Not really what I was looking for but a nice visit.

Warm Springs, GA

Roosevelt's Little White House and museum is a real treat.  We did visit his family residence and library in Hyde Park, NY last year, but this is more like a cottage where he could go and take advantage of the warm mineral spring to get a little relief from the symptoms of polio.
 He also died here in 1944 while still in office.

                                 The cottage is perhaps 1200 sq. feet but very warm and cozy with only 2 bedrooms; one for Mr. President and the second one for his secretary and companion, Lucy Mercer Rutherford.

                                         Roosevelt's bedroom where he spent his final hours.

                                                Dining and living rooms were combined.

Edsel Ford contributed money to build the pool FDR shared with polio sufferers to come for relief.  The 88 degree water along with natural minerals in the water was soothing for those with painful joints.

       Hundreds of people were welcomed here at the pool to find relief from physical ailments.

These buildings housed servants, guests and Secret Service and were located 50 yards from the President's cottage.

Warm Springs is in western Georgia, but another draw to the area is Calloway Gardens.  We were expecting Gardens, but what we found was a huge park.  It was a nice place to spend the day, but not really a top destination for me.

On to the Georgia Mountains, Helen and Hiawassee, GA

Chattahoochee National Forest covers an large area of northern Georgia and is filled with fun hikes, state parks and small country towns.  We stayed at an Airstream only park called Top of Georgia.

                  This was an inviting, active and centrally located to stay for our visit.  There was a rally scheduled which we happily joined.  A new experience was watching our pot lock meal being cooked in several Dutch Ovens.  It was interesting to learn about but very labor intensive.

                                         Always something new to learn on the road.

                                                                  elevation 4783'

 The highest location in Georgia is called Brasstown Bald that once was a fire lookout station, but is now a museum of rural mountain life.   We talked to the museum interpreter about his part time job and new established retired life in the area.  He was a dean of a small Boston college and his wife taught mathmatics at the same college and he is also lead singer in a rock band!  It is always interesting to know what people did in their first life and where their interests are now.


The Blue Ridge Mountains are still rather rural and but doted with very small picturesque towns.  A  local destination for shopping is called Alexander's Store. A few miles from Brasstown Bald, one can purchase appliances, ammo, Vera Bradly purses and everything in-between!  Be sure to bring your pickup.


Hiawassee, GA

In the most northern area of the Georgia mountains is the town and lake of Hiawassee.  Truly a summer destination for campers and boaters and the best part...no gators! Southern lakes are so beautiful but I would be so hesitant to even go boating.

Time to wind it up for the travel season.........


Naturally, while in the south, we must stop in Charlotte to see the grandchildren before heading to Michigan.....so here they are

LIFE IS GOOD..........