Bear Swamp Trail entrance is behind this camera. Obviously that's my truck and trailer straight ahead. Boardwalk path inside Bear Swamp Trail. I was told to keep looking up as the black bear like to rest there. Path inside Bear Swamp Trail Above, foliage inside Bear Swamp Trail. I kept a steady clip going and it takes about 1/2 hour to walk through it. Palms, pines and deciduous Empty campground! I had families on either side. They left this morning and now I have two new neighbors. Both seem of the milder and quieter side ;-) Had I not been paying attention, I would have walked right into this beast of a spider! Carrion-crows come to check out abandoned campsite. I kid you not ~ I actually wore this out in public! I wonder how many pictures I ended up in. Boy, I tell you, I sure had a good laugh with myself on this scene ~ ha-ha!
Well, I'll be in the Ocala National Forest for awhile. I leave this campsite on the 8th and will hop around to some others. I am sad to leave the salt springs behind but perhaps I'll find other ones. Bye for now ~ take care ~ keep in touch ~ over and out <3 :-) I left Amelia Island around 5 pm and just as dusk was really turning into night, I found a secure overnight rest area parking lot [last pictured in my Christmas Day post]. There had to have been at least 30 semis and a good handful of RVs there. Next time I use one of those places I will park closer to the building, where I was able to brush my teeth and flush the toilet ;-) I tell you, it's the little things in life... I arrive here without any foreknowledge of how the whole system works [does that sound scary to you planners ;-)]. Mind you, it's holiday time and lots of people are out and about looking doing something other than the traditional 'stay at home and be with family around the tree' thing. Long story short, I would be number three in the waiting queue. This entrance takes one either to the camping areas or to the Salt Springs themselves. Many people come here for the day, pay a day fee and enjoy a natural mineral soak in the spring and picnic. I decided to opt to pay to go to the springs to wait rather than drive across the street to sit and wait with a 'maybe' phone call that there would be a spot for me to camp. As with most camping areas, one can camp for 14 days maximum and then 16 days out before re-entering to camp again at the same campground. So if someone had been there for five days already and had planned on leaving that day but changed their mind before 11 am, they could re-up their stay. For this I was waiting. This parking spot is where I waited. The actual spring is behind the camera view. Where my truck is parked is designated for the larger vehicles that come in other than cars. At first I picked the spot that was closer to the camera and eventually got it all lined up how I wanted it but then I realized that the sun would soon shade that area and I wanted to make sure that I was charing my solar panels on top of the trailer so I moved it again to the spot you see before you. BTW, if it's not inside the truck or trailer, I don't own it. Ford has a cool feature called Pro Back Up Assist (or something like that) where you place some stickers on the trailer tongue, take measurements and input the data into the truck which then calibrates it via the back up camera. There is a knob to the right of the steering wheel that when activated, takes over the steering. all I had to do was give a bit of gas and keep checking my mirrors. It's an odd thing to back up and not use the steering wheel! Works like a charm, though :-) I hadn't been there very long when one of the staff members, Lewis, came in his little golf cart to tell me that there was an opening for me!! PTL. Since I wouldn't be refunded the spring entrance fee, I decided to stay for and enjoy the water and area as best as I could w/out really getting into the water for a swim. I ate lunch there by the trailer and stuck my feet in the water for a while. I absolutely LOVE magnesium soaks as I know they are very healthy and can help ward off what ails you (one being transmission spikes). The picture below is the full view of where the springs naturally emerge from underground. This particular spring has been marred by placing concrete wall around it. I hear there are others in the area that have been left in their natural state. So far, I haven't seen any manatee from my eye level. Others out on kayaks or snorkeling in the deeper section have spotted them. I absolutely love these gentle giants. About 20 years ago when I was in Daytona Beach for bike week, we went to an area where the manatee are known to 'winter' during the colder Atlantic water time. I could sit there for a long time and just stare at them. The water is very clear in these areas, being able to see straight down to the bottom. Above, one can see a blue crab. They were all around in the water. Most graciously shared their living space with us invaders but some wanted to nip. Me? I steered far around them. I always wear my water shoes when I'm in the water. Below, this is a zoomed in pictured of the blue crab. They were fun to watch as they moved about in the water. I noticed they were territorial and guarded their space. Below, finally make it to my campsite and this is what it looks like setting up ~ LOL. Not to worry, it won't be so disorganized looking next time. It's all a learning curve. I've already made many adjustments to make life more efficient. I'm all about efficiency . I have been wanting to sit in front of my Solo Stove for months now. It's been in storage since June of 2021 and was eager to get it out and enjoying it. On 12-24 I had taken out one of my treasured Duma Meats clean beef steak with thoughts of eating it on Christmas Day thinking I would be sitting on the beach and watching the ocean. Ha. So there was this nice steak in the fridge; I get a cooking fire started in my solo stove and get the meat cooked. Generally I like to have all my sides and main time out at the same time, not so much this time. I had a jar of Aldi's red cabbage with apples and one other side that I can't remember right now. In the end, I enjoyed my meal. If I stay in this area, I will look for something similar to Duma Meats. If you haven't checked them out, it's well worth the trip to Mogadore to do so. I love knowing that I'm eating clean meat. Destiny Farms in Medina is another good place for clean meat. Tell Henny I said hi and that I'm enjoying my 'ventures. Below, this is the first time that I used my toy door as a patio and it worked out nicely. I could stand in front of it or be on top of it and either worked well. Too bad my folding rocking chair is blocking the view of the stove in the above picture. I also used my clothes line for the first time and if my towel was turned around, you could see a cow and her calf manatee. Lit up the area with my 'backyard' LED lights over the toy door. My son says that the space station can see me ;-) ha-ha. Fair warning for the weak at heart. The next picture will be of my wounded fingers after the nail came off on 12-27-21 (after a good magnesium soak from the day before). And the one after that is the final one you will see of my wounded fingers. If you notice on the left side of the middle finger you can make out a faint red line where the finger tip started tearing away and it crosses over to the bottom right. God was surely gracious to me to spare me my finger tip! Although the outer area has closed off very nicely, there is still major repair work being done inside the finger and is very painful when I bump it or even when I'm swimming in the water and stroking through with my hands. BTW, my fingers may look shiny because they have coconut oil on them.
No infection and no stitches!!! The amazing healing body along with some homeopathic help. I am blessed! Well ~ 2022 is upon us! Happy New Year to all :-) I had thought I would post more of my pictures from the past week, and I will still, however, I just wanted to send a message of greeting and well wishes for any who care to receive it. During my journey of discovering these past weeks, I’ve had lots of time for reflection both of myself and for matters [society, the world, that we function in] around me. No matter what my circumstances may be, I personally am secure. I purpose to forget things that are behind me and focus on moving towards what is to come or what is in front of me (yes, I’m referencing Phil 3:13). My goal is to move into 2022 towards the good that God has in store for me. The best thing I have is my eternal salvation, or security, because I accept that Jesus was born, died, buried and rose again. My forever will be in my Savior and Creator’s presence for all of eternity. After all, what could be better than that?! I ended 2021 with Psalm 13:6 ~ “I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.” Here I am, after all, doing something that my heart desires to do. The wide road is open before me and I get to step into it and experience it. God is good and always faithful, this is my experience, and I wish that for you as well, dear reader. During this morning’s Bible reading in the book of Proverbs (I read the date’s corresponding chapter every day) chapter one focuses on fearing the LORD and acquiring wisdom. If I’m not seeking first after God, how can I be wise? Where does wisdom come from? Anyone can acquire knowledge (book learning or street smarts) yet to understand oneself and the ways of God, wisdom is required. Wisdom is gained when I humbly ask for it, seek after it with intent and purpose to live by it. This is a gift from God. These insights, dear readers, is what my heart’s desire for your 2022 yearns for. Find people of like mind and live within a tight group shot ;-)
So, you know, one thing leads to another and here we are one week later. Happy New Years, BTW :-) <3 God has been good to me this year but more about that later. I am currently sitting behind the gate house inside Ocala National Forest, Salt Springs, in Florida. I arrived here 12-26-21 and really enjoy it. I opted to take the 14 days maximum while I explore the area and become more familiar with it. There is lots to know and experience and I've been talking to many helpful people. Just ask Elisha ;-) There we were having an excellent conversation when my camping neighbor approached me. He ended up being a wealth of information and I was loathe not to engage him further as they were packing to leave within the hour. I now know 3 additional areas to check out regarding camping that I will investigate 'next year' ;-) I know, it's corny to enjoy the old elementary giggles we used to indulge in ~ I still enjoy them. Anyway, here I sit in order to get some wi-fi in order to post the past week of my journey. I would have originally posted one longer blog but as I never know exactly how the wi-fi will hold out or if someone may call me and take up some of my time, I figured I create smaller ones. I hope you enjoy the photos! I left Sumter SC [thanks again, Teresa & Lloyd, for your most excellent and welcoming Godly hospitality!] Christmas morning. It was one thing after another why it took so long to leave there but leave I did and onwards I traversed. I had thought that I could spend the night right on American Beach in Amelia Island; this being just a bit south after crossing into Florida. Did I mention how nice it is to be actually inside DeSantis's 'we-aren't-mandating-anything-here' Florida? It's nice! I still see so many walking around with masks on but that is on them and not pressured anywhere! I see very few signs posted on the door while I'm out and about but it really isn't a thing here. Refreshing. I hear my old stomping grounds are starting to crack down again. Anybody ready for an escape? Come join me in Florida! If that doesn't entice you, perhaps the 80 degree sunny days will. The entrance to American Beach, furthest northern point on Amelia Island. Did I actually drive out on the beach with my truck and trailer? Nope. One had to show proof of residency along with having four wheel drive and some other stuff. The guards at the entrance, however, did allow me briefly walk out there and put my feet into the ocean. I told them I was coming from the cold North and this had been my destination. Here are some unclaimed shells with the tire tracks of the day. My feet in the Atlantic Ocean on Christmas Day, 2021. Boardwalk to Burney Park Beach, Amelia Island, FL. I walked the coastline for about an hour and spoke with my mom's two remaining Canadian sisters and a cousin in Edmonton; all were happy to hear I was enjoying Florida. The place I spent Christmas night. It was actually very nice, considering. I knew I was safe and to me much better than a big box parking lot. The flush toilets were an added bonus ;-). See, Nancy UK, this is where I did end up, not long after we hung up the phone.
Greetings to all ~ wherever you all might be. Me? I'm in Sumter, SC! Are you surprised? Not really? Yeah, me neither. However, there is good news. The trailer is all hitched and ready to leave first thing in the morning. I was waiting until today for a part that I needed for the hitch to be shipped and delivered. It arrived and now I'm prepared to leave. It'll be different, yet again, being back on the road but I'm extremely excited to move further south. I'm heading to Amelia Island in Florida where I'll likely spend a day or two. One can officially boondock for a night or two right on the Atlantic side beach. By the afternoon I'll be sitting pretty with my trailer door open or my lounge rocking chair in the sand and listening to crash of waves with sand under my feet. Come on, admit it, sounds like a splendid way to spend the day. I'm planning on cooking a steak, from Duma Meats (of course) along with some red cabbage and small yellow potatoes. Tonight's fare was also pretty tasty ~ walleye and a can of French green beans warmed up in bacon grease. Yum. I finished the meal with Tate's GF ginger zinger cookies. Here are some fun pictures you might enjoy. Fair warning, the last two will show what day 21 looks like on my finger wounds. Definitely going to lose the middle finger nail; especially since the cuticle is already removed from the finger. This is the step going up into the trailer. I wanted something to wipe my feet off with before inevitably dragging debris into the trailer. I took one of those rough surfaced outdoor area mats and cut it to size for the step and literally screwed it down to secure it in place. So far, so good. I like my handiwork ;-) The temperature here this morning. Bur, chill will!! The sun did come out later and warmed up, not like yesterday's 50s something, so that was good. I took my computer outside and worked in the sunshine.
Ok ~ fair warning; here come the finger pictures. Bail now if you are squeamish. And it's very obvious that I'm in need of coconut oil on my fingers. In my earlier post, I showed a picture of the Uriah Electric Jack that I purchased in order to stave off the continual mangling of my fingers. Follow up regarding my wounds incurred on 12-3-21. Tomorrow it will be three weeks. I am finally able to type so that is a good thing (just discovered that today). The index finger looks like the nail will remain intake, however, the middle finger nail will definitely fall off. It's just a matter of time. I will probably get a metal finger splint from a drug store to place over the finger after it does come off as I'm assuming it will most likely be very tender w/out a nail until a new one does grow back ~ right? I mean, after all, it should, I would think... I've digressed. The install went fairly uneventful and I enjoyed standing in the background watching the work unfold. John is a certified something something welder and he was even kind enough to place my initials on the plate when he was done welding. The major hiccup that occurred was the actual powering of the electric jack. Apparently Ford, in one of their brilliant decisions, decided to cut back on some of their wiring so that the truck did not recognize the power cord when it was plugged into the back of the truck. Several different options were thrown around and it the end (this took many days to come to this resolution) it was decided to run the wiring through the bottom of the trailer in the front which then came up in the area where the solar batteries were housed. Clips similar to battery charger cables were added at the end and will be placed on the battery when I actually need to operate the jack. I experimented with that yesterday when it was a 60 degree sunny day (don't hate me, you Clevelanders. If it helps, last night low was 29 degree and today only reached mid 50s, albeit sunny skies) and it worked very nicely. I just have to remember the correct order and to disconnect it when I'm finished. ;-) I'll post some pictures now and as they are pretty self-explantory, I probably won't add much verbiage. Hope you enjoy. Here is Teresa and her friend Diane, the wife of George who owns this business and the buildings. They hung out inside and pow-wowed while the work was being done in the back building. Here is George expertly maneuvering my trailer front end into the building. John cutting the steel plate for the stem portion of the jack to fit through. The picture above is where the electrical plug should fit in and have it recognized by the vehicle. Mine did not; thanks, Ford, for chimping out on the wiring and cause me so much distress!! This picture with all the little fuses in it houses the fuses for the F150 system. This, of course, didn't really match up with the owner's manual 'schematic' of what was supposed to be what. I labeled this photo in my computer "My three amigos ~ John, George and Lloyd". Thanks Guys!! Found my welding photos from October 2014. It was Family Day at Lincoln Electric where my daughter worked and we were invited to weld. I enjoyed it. I am the one in the blue welding hat. My youngest, Victoria, welding. My eldest, David, is also a welder. [or better stated, has worked as a welder in the past] 10-4-2014. Good times during Family Day at Lincoln Electric on October 4, 2014 with my daughter, Victoria.
Yes, Sumter, SC, is home to Swan Lake. Read more doubt it here: https://www.sumtersc.gov/community/swanlake I just fell in love with this place! Serene and very peaceful and a great place to see the eight different varieties of swans. This post will be mostly pictures. Here's a website to identify the different swans: https://pondinformer.com/swan-species-guide/ The male swan is a 'cob', the female a 'pen' and the young ones are 'cygnets.' Black swans will usually hatch twice a year. Forefront is a bewick swan with a trumpeter swan opening its wings. The first time I went there, I was able to hear the trumpeter swan vocalize ~ no wonder it's named trumpeter!
It's been one week ago today (almost to the hour) since 12-3-21 when I sustained a pretty substantial wound to my left index and middle fingers while re-hitching the trailer and truck after getting weighed at the commercial weigh station. <Resolution! This photo is what I will use moving forward ~ an electric trailer jack that is to be installed 12-11-21. I will attempt to make enough space before actually posting pictures of my wounds. I have deliberated if I should and I feel strongly that I should. For two reasons: 1) demonstrates the tremendous healing power of the human body [thru Jesus] and 2) demonstrates what homeopathy can do to assist the healing. From the beginning: 12-3-21 arrived and as it was a Friday I knew I would need to weigh the trailer that day or wait until Monday, 12-6-21 when the company resumed their business hours. For clarifications, I've remained in Sumter, SC, since my initial arrival 11-22-21 ~ exactly one week after my Ohio departure. I chose to stay here based on at least two facts: 1) the hosts were leaving to go out of town and were comfortable with my presence on their site during their absence and 2) upon their return, he was going to leave again in another day or two for an out-of-state trip and she preferred I stayed. It's been wonderful here. Relationally the three of us have bonded [more than just the common denominator of Jesus; Teresa refers to it as a spiritual adoption into our family]. So, here I've been. All good. No conflicts. I've enjoyed the warm sunny days sitting in the sunshine reading, studying, communing. However, and who coined it, 'all good things must come to an end'? ~ so even, too, this time must come to an end. I figured I'd be prepared and weigh the trailer on a Friday which would then allow me to leave yet that afternoon or Saturday or Sunday. As Francis Marion National Forest remains my next destination, and I wanted to stop in their District Office, for area maps, before entering and hunkering down instead of setting up and leaving again (w/out the trailer) to find the office etc. Generally speaking, from my vast array of experience ;-), I just prefer to stay in one place, if possible. Unless, of course, the wanderlust bug hits hard and I need to expand my surroundings. Back to the wound story: when weighing a trailer, the tongue weight has to be taken off the truck hitch. This all went smoothly. I return to the truck elated as the trailer came in under weight! The maximum weight is 3500 and I weighed in at 3260 ~ PTL! I really can't explain how it occurred, I just know that I had lowered the trailer as much as I could to connect with the ball on the truck yet the two wouldn't pair. I hadn't moved either ~ obviously. I placed my left hand in that general area and before you knew it, I found myself roaring out loud like a lion. Next, I saw my left hand up in the air above my heart and me grasping my wrist. Blood was streaming down. I looked quickly and I didn't really like what I saw. My middle finger's nail bed had been popped off at the cuticle level. I walked across the yard 100% concentrating on exactly what my actions were. I knew between the actual physical trauma to the hand, and therefore my body, on top of the psychological trauma of seeing the injury itself, that I was in shock and needed to focus. I went into the office being mindful that I was dripping blood and headed straight to the sink. I ran water over the area and grabbed some paper towels to catch the flow in my hand. God bless Donna, office staff, who assisted me in initial wrapping in order to stop the continual blood flow. Later I realized that the skin on the middle finger had also split around towards the back. BTW, it would have been good to know at the time that lavender oil stops blood flow as this wound didn't really stop bleeding until the next day. This photo is the initial wrap and back at the house. Again, knowing I was in shock, I couldn't focus on the injury so I called my good friend who had begun dabbling in homeopathy with me prior to my departure. Can you imagine getting a phone call and someone asking you, "What's the best homeopathy remedy for an open bleeding wound?" ?! Thanks, Elisha, for talking me through that ride home. I stayed on the phone with her until I pulled back in the driveway; having called Teresa first to inform her I was returning, albeit wounded. Didn't want to shock her either by just pulling in unexpected and dripping.
During Janet's birthday celebration at the end of October, I met a nice lady whose profession is homeopathy. I had arranged a sit-down meeting with her to develop a first aid kit of homeopathic pillules that one might need living the camping lifestyle. She knew exactly what I had on hand so she was my next call. Actually, the first thing I did was come into the living room and lay flat on the floor with my arm elevated. Within one hour I had taken three different remedies: Hypericum (30c) & Calendula (30c) and Ledum (200c). I did this every few hours through Saturday evening and haven't taken anything at all since. I've applied cold compresses, sprayed colloidal silver on the wound (first two days) and doused in coconut oil (keeps the bandaid from sticking). I neither used nor applied any traditional forms of western medication. Had I gone in to an ED, I would have had to navigate through the ridiculousness of our current times not to mention the pressure of getting a tetanus shot [totally worthless; conduct honest research such as at vaxxter.com]. They would have wanted to stitch me up and I wasn't into that either. Between washing out the wound initially, spraying with colloidal silver, I also applied some organic oregano oil to the open wound. Apparently it has antibacterial properties. Didn't realize then it may counteract with homeopathic methods so only did that the first 24 hours. All that to say, the wound is healing very nicely, no infections are currently present and I never took any pain relievers other than the hypericum. I am extremely pleased with my outcome and humbly grateful. I know that homeopathic will be the way for me to go. Incidentally, I sent both Elisha and Jennifer a picture of the initial view as well as days 3 and 5 displaying progress. Jennifer, true to mother-form, assured me I was fine, not to worry and these were the best steps to follow. Thank you as well, Jennifer. Both Elisha and Jennifer walked me through a very trying time to which I will be forever grateful! Blessings... I purposely made the following pictures smaller so they wouldn't be too graphic. The top row is Day 1 and the second row is Day 5. Stop reading now if you don't want to see them. This is Lake Marion in SC (find it on the map for a better understanding of it's location). I crossed this body of water driving from Sumter to Yemassee which should have been about 1 1/2 hour trip. I knew it was going to take me a bit to do this drive but I really wanted to go there. I figured that on a Sunday morning the major highway would be fairly empty. HAH! For whatever reason, I left later than my original 9 am intended departure time (now it's 9:30 am which puts me at the door at starting time) on top of drinking a coffee type that I am not accustomed to. Sometimes drinking coffee makes my heart really pound and sets my nerves on edge; I bypassed the former and went into overdrive on the latter. Had I not been in a 'rushing mode', never a good thing and I highly recommended avoiding it at all costs, I don't believe the traffic and driving styles of the freeway would have had such a negative impact on me. All I could think of was these people needed to have driving lessons on Cleveland's 480! If there is a gap, fill it! Why does traffic come to a complete DEAD stop for NO apparent reason? I saw this occur on the northbound side as well and experienced it myself at least twice. If the posted speed limit is set for 70 why is left hand traffic crawling along at 60 mph?! Flabbergasted and flummoxed, I say. Moving along and away from that subject... I follow Lin Wood on Telegram ~ love that guy! He has been so unjustly maligned by mainstream media trying to silence his truthful message of fixing the stolen 2020 election [DJT is my President] and saving our children from torture for their adrenochrome [not familiar? research it! IMO (in my opinion) we should all be aware of this by now] and sex trafficking . [Not sure about that? Research DUMBS (https://www.grassrootshealing.org/2021/03/special-ops-soldiers-killed-in-cabal.html) and what takes place there] Folks ~ can I just say that we have to start thinking for ourselves and not allow the mainstream media or our 'government' (which are really career-controlled politicians doing the bidding of those controlling them) to dictate how and what we believe? Ok, enough on that. I hope some of you may be inspired to do some deeper research and for the love of Pete, do not use Google as its algorithms are dictated. Off-side question ~ why did FB Zuckerberg insist on donating $400M to the 2020 election? Google is owned by FB as is Instagram, SnapChat and Whatsup app. You are being censored and tracked if you choose to use any of these software designs. Even MeWe, it was designed for/by CIA. I guess since I've already ripped the bandaid off on some thinking, you may as well know that CIA and FBI were designed for their nefarious endeavors all under the guise of sanctioned and legal. What were John F Kennedy's words regarding CIA right before he was 'assassinated'? May as well just throw any three lettered agency in there: CDC, NIH, WHO, IRS ~ find more on your own. Yes, there is more, far more, but not for here and now inside my travel blog post ;-) All the above was to say that since I follow Lin Wood I wanted to attend the church that he recommends so I drove a 3 hour-round trip to do so. I'm glad I did. See my truck, third back, along the road? It was nice to worship with other like-minded believers. Those who fear God over man and his dictates. Stuart Guthrie delivered a challenging message in Helpful Hope. He began his advent series with the question ~ 'in what am I hoping for?' I had hoped to eat here but they didn't open until 4 PM and by that time I could have been back in Sumter so I figured I would just eat my left-overs in the fridge. Although I did stop for something to drink, a soda, and found my favorite brand, Sprecher, in the cooler. They even carried the ginger-ale, much to my delight. I love to sit in view of, if not in, sunshine. I was happy for this view :-) Teresa is such a gracious hostess! She uses what God has given her and shares warmly and openly. "This is God's house so you just make yourself comfortable and stay as long as you like." Today (12-2-21) she and I made this delicious chicken in her Ninja Foodi. Thanks to Rebecca who introduced me to Aldi's 'Never Any' food products, I was glad to eat this chicken knowing it was 'clean' of the garbage that most meats are pumped with and processed in. It was extremely moist and tasteful. Yummy to our tummies! Our side was mashed cauliflower. Teresa purposes to eat healthy [reminded me of Nancy, Cesli and Janet <3]. She is an inspiration to me. I've been introduced to this product and really enjoyed it as I did substituting cauliflower for white mashed potatoes. Now I can forgo the carbs of white pasta (wheat pasta is not now, or ever, an option!). I have one jar left of my favorite spaghetti sauce that I discovered two Fall seasons ago while in Pittsburgh w Dorthy ~ Penn Mac's Artichoke Sauce in Strip District.
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AuthorHelen ~ who is on a journey discovering. Archives
February 2022
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