Life On The Road With Niki | RVing solo

  Back in 1914, my granddad didn't just sell cars; he sold the future. Along with two partners, he opened Southern Highway Garage to sell and service the legend that was the Ford Model T. Fast forward to 1924, and there he is snapping a photo, showing a model T, a visiting Ford factory rep and his business partners, looking like proud owners. Fast forward another 101 years to today, and the plot twist is wild. Here I am, your friendly retired grandson turned antique auto enthusiast, sitting in the back of that same 1924-era machine. But there's a new co-pilot: Niki, my little white therapy dog, who looks way more comfortable in the leather seat than I do. We were at a "Learn to Drive a Model T" event hosted by our Fort Lauderdale Antique Auto Club chapter. Spoiler alert: It's nothing like checking your car’s oil or driving a Tesla. It's all about clutch control, hand-cranking, and praying you don't stall out in front of the assisted living home where Niki ...

  He never did. Here’s my experience visiting Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. This part of North Florida attracts me because this area retains much of its historical character, with nearby attractions like White Sulfur Springs, Florida’s very early tourist attraction. This Florida state park deviates from the typical nature-themed parks. You might be surprised to see magnificent brick buildings and the largest carillon of tubular bells in the world.  After setting up my campsite Niki and I did some exploring. The park museum was closed so next time we will arrive earlier. In the campground we found a peaceful and private atmosphere, likely due to our weekday summer visit when only two other campers were present.  That evening Niki and I sat under our awning to celebrate the life and music of this famous composer, I played some Stephen foster tunes on my harmonica. In the background you may hear the rushing sounds of the Suwannee River. * * * Click Here * * ...

  You may be curious as to why a retired man, standing six feet eight inches tall and weighing two hundred thirty pounds, would choose a small eleven-pound Maltese/Shih Tzu to be a therapy dog. It all started on February 28, 2019, when my wife and I decided it was time to welcome a new member into our family: possibly a French bulldog. We considered adopting a rescue dog but ultimately opted to buy a puppy from a trusted breeder. When we arrived, a tiny pup caught our eye. She was lying on her back, tail thumping, looking up at us with pure playfulness and trust. At that moment, all thoughts of a French bulldog vanished, and just like that, she was in the car on the way to her new home. We named her Niki, and for the next few years, we had wonderful adventures taking her on trips in our RV. Sadly, my wife passed away, leaving just Niki and me. I remember how much my wife valued Niki's visits in hospice. Reflecting on this, I realized that Niki and I could spread joy to others throu...

  Although this article is not about a current trip, I have always been fascinated by this attraction that I saw years ago and it might be of interest to you. Rounding the curve, a strange object loomed up ahead on a trip up the Mississippi River road on old highway 61 to Missouri from Louisiana. Get off the Interstate and see things that you might not see otherwise! Here's what the Internet says about what we experienced: Exploring the Historic United States Highway 61 Arch ​ Nestled just inches from the Arkansas-Missouri state line in Mississippi County, Arkansas, stands a unique and historic structure: the United States Highway 61 Arch. ​ This concrete arch, erected in 1924, is the only known arch that spans a United States Highway in Arkansas, making it a significant landmark in the state's transportation history. ​ A Brief History The arch was constructed to mark the boundaries of the Mississippi County Road Improvement District upon the completion of the first hard-su...

  Unearthing a piece of family history, a picture from around 1953 captures a bygone era on Highway 50 just north of Smithton, Missouri. The image showcases Garfield Armstrong's Skelly service station, a beacon for travelers on the corner where the narrow 2 lane paved highway met the gravel road leading into town. The Skelly brand, recognizable by its red and white logo, dotted American roadways in the mid-20th century. Garfield's station served as a vital stop for motorists, offering not just fuel but also a friendly face and a chance to stretch their legs and buy a soda pop during a long journey. The picture adds a personal touch with the inclusion of a 1950 Chevrolet Styleline Deluxe "woody" station wagon. This classic car, belonging to Garfield's brother-in-law, and my grandfather, A.F. Neumeyer, stands proudly beside the pumps. The woody, had steel body panels that were painted to look like wood grain. This was a more affordable and durable alternative t...

  Well, it's time for another road trip adventure! My trusty car, now a seasoned 9-year-old with over 100,000 miles on the clock, needs a little TLC before we hit the open road. A new A/C compressor and some fresh belts and hoses are on the to-do list, but it's a necessary investment for a worry-free journey. Reunion and Relatives We'll kick off our trip by revisiting familiar territory. First stop: Kansas City for another high school reunion. We’re having them every year now. It's always fun to reconnect with old friends and make new memories. After the reunion, we'll head to Missouri to catch up with some relatives. Colorado and Arizona Bound Once we've fulfilled our family obligations, it's time to embark on the real adventure. Colorado and Arizona are calling our names! We're excited to explore the stunning landscapes and experience the unique culture of these states. First Stop: Ross Prairie State Forest Before we head west, we'll make a ...

  Introduction There's nothing quite like a family reunion, a celebration of shared heritage, love, and connection. It's the perfect recipe for creating lasting memories. Our recent gathering in Cody, Wyoming, was no exception. It  was a perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and quality time, with three generations under one roof.  The Heart of the Reunion Joyce's storybook backyard retreat was the epicenter of our reunion. A quaint log cabin playhouse stands nestled amidst colorful flower beds, beautiful shade trees, and comfortable seating areas. A vibrant backyard, teeming with life and joy. No wonder this had been a stop on the annual Cody garden tour.  It was the ideal setting for relaxation and fun. Even the resident owl gave us a surprise visit. Corn hole tournaments and ladder golf ignited friendly competition, while card games offered a quieter escape. The evenings were filled with laughter as we shared stories, reminisced about past reunions, and simply...

We rolled into the 50th-anniversary celebration of the Florida Roll'n Gators FMCA chapter, and what a blast it was! With a cozy crowd of 53 attendees, the event was filled with delicious food, friendly games, and a unique auction twist. Unlike your typical auctions, attendees brought items they no longer needed with “gator eggs-a bag of Lima beans for one dollar”, transforming the event into a treasure trove of hidden gems. That's where I stumbled upon a masterpiece! A local member, who happens to be an incredible artist, donated a captivating watercolor painting of St. Pete Beach. Needless to say, I had to bid on this beauty, and it's now proudly waiting to decorate a prime spot on my RV wall. This rally wasn't just about food and fun; it was about the unexpected finds and the camaraderie of the RV community. I also saw this funny sign at the campground art studio. Here’s a link to our Facebook page.

Have you ever played "I Spy" while exploring a new place? This trip, I challenged you to find an owl in a picture – keep your eyes peeled as you read! This adventure took me to Keystone Heights, Florida, a charming town nestled about 50 miles northeast of Orlando. Since it's a long drive from my home, I broke it up with a stop at Jonathan Dickinson State Park near Hobe Sound. This relaxing break allowed me to enjoy the scenery and ease into vacation mode. After setting up camp, we were greeted by our friendly neighbors, Gary, Lynn, and their dog, Major. Let's just say Niki was happy Major stayed inside their RV – his bark had a powerful presence! Gary and Lynn, seasoned campers themselves, were gearing up for a summer adventure as campground hosts in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Day two brought an early start as we hit the road for Keystone Heights. The strong winds posed no problems for our trusty tow vehicle and trailer. However, about 100 miles in, we encountere...

  Niki, a small white dog that is a Maltese/Shih Tzu mix, tilted her head curiously at the sight of a basket overflowing with colorful eggs. In it sat a plump bunny with soft fur the color of cotton candy. It was the Easter Bunny! Niki had never met the Easter Bunny before, but she had heard stories about him from the other dogs in the neighborhood. They said he hopped around the world each year, hiding eggs for children to find. Niki wagged her tail excitedly and trotted over to the Easter Bunny. The Easter Bunny smiled and pulled a bright pink egg out of his basket. "Hello, Niki," the Easter Bunny said in a friendly voice. "I've heard a lot about you from the other dogs. They tell me you're a very good girl." Niki barked happily. She loved getting compliments on how good of a girl she was. "I'm here to hide some Easter eggs in your neighborhood," the Easter Bunny continued. "Would you like to help me?" Niki's tail wagged even fa...

A Tail-Wagging Day at Magnolia Park: Exploring with Niki! Hey folks, Steve here from WheelsWithSteve.com! Today, before I left the campground I grabbed my trusty canine companion Niki (a ball of white fluff always up for an adventure!), and headed to the scenic Magnolia Park near Apopka, Florida. Let me tell you, this park is a gem! Towering live oaks, some of the oldest I've ever seen, cast dappled sunlight on our path as we explored. Niki, with her nose glued to the ground, was busy sniffing out all the exciting new smells the park had to offer. It's amazing how much joy a simple walk in nature can bring to a pup! As we wandered deeper into the park, the sound of laughter and chatter reached our ears. Curiosity piqued, we followed the joyful noise and stumbled upon the group campground area. Here's where things got interesting... ...As we approached the source of the laughter, a booming voice rang out, "Would you like a Gatorade Zero?" Parched from our explorati...

  Just off route 17, Florida Scenic Highway, near Dundee Florida is an unusual place where you can visit a railroad built on on old orange grove. Don’t think you can hop right on and travel to Tampa. This railroad is just for enthusiasts who are passionate about miniature trains. The rail line consists of over 7,400 feet of mainline track and and an additional 10,000 feet of sidings. The space between the rails is 7 1/2 inches to give you an idea of its size. Yes, you can actually ride a small train car around the loop. I was lucky enough to attend the Ridge Live Steamers Winter Meet in February. It happens that I know several members of this group so it was a pleasure to attend and be with my friends. I talked to many of the participants, some were from as far away as New York and Colorado. One individual was from Great Britain who is a Florida snowbird. The winter meet lasted for 4 days and trains were running even at night.   Click here to a link to their website Click here...

An Unforgettable Campsite Encounter My fall road trip took an unexpected turn at Anastasia State Park campground near Saint Augustine. While hoping to reconnect with my old fraternity brother Merlin, who was unfortunately out of town, fate intervened. A quick call to Earl, another fraternity brother living nearby, resulted in a warm reunion filled with years of catching up (and meeting his lovely friend Betty!). Back at the campground, serendipity struck again. My neighbor turned out to be Jeremy, an adventurous soul from Vancouver Island, Canada, traveling the US on his motorcycle with a tent for company. You could tell he loved adventure and was taking advantage of a time in his life for a grand trip. As we chatted, the topic of the evening's SpaceX launch came up. Knowing the beach offered a prime viewing spot, I invited Jeremy to join the celestial spectacle. That night, under the inky blackness of a Florida sky, the magic unfolded. The launch of the 70th Falcon 9 of 2023, carr...

  Chanhassen Auto Plex is a private garage condominium complex located in Chanhassen, Minnesota. It is known for its: Private Garage Condominiums: Chanhassen Auto Plex provides car enthusiasts with a unique opportunity to own their own private garage condominium. These garages range in size from 1,200 to 5,000 square feet and offer various amenities, including climate control, lifts, and workshops. Car and Cave Shows: Chanhassen Auto Plex is known for its annual Cars and Caves car shows, which take place on the last Saturday of every month from April to September. These shows showcase a wide variety of classic, collector, and exotic cars, as well as motorcycles. Man Caves: Many of the garage condominiums at Chanhassen Auto Plex feature elaborate "man caves" that are designed to be the ultimate hangout spot for car enthusiasts. These man caves often include features such as home theaters, game rooms, and bars. Events: Chanhassen Auto Plex also hosts a variety of other events t...

Here’s an utter unusual and unexpected place. Retrieving Freedom, Inc. near Sedalia Missouri is a a pleasant surprise. They are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that trains and places Service Dogs for veterans with disabilities and children with autism nationwide, completely  free of charge to the recipients. Their brand new facility is located just out of town on a stunning property with a lake and hiking trails designed for the physically disabled. They train and have placed over 300 Service Dogs to assist with specific tasks for their clients, such as mobility assistance, seizure alert, and emotional support. In addition volunteers provide loving homes and basic training to future Service Dogs during the first stage of their journey. They partner with colleges, universities, and correctional facilities to provide training opportunities and raise awareness about Service Dogs. In their career development program they hire and train local residents to become Service Animal trai...

  My cousin Bob and his wife Betsy invited me over to play a card game called Hand and Foot with a group of friends he had been playing with for years. I had never heard of the game before, but Bob assured me that it was easy to learn and a lot of fun. When I arrived at Bob's house, I was introduced to the group of players. They were all very friendly and welcoming, even though I was a newbie. Bob took the time to explain the rules of the game to me before we started playing. The game was actually quite simple to learn, and I was able to pick it up quickly. I enjoyed playing the game, but I wasn't very good at it. The other players were much more experienced than me, and by helping me, I was able to win the first hand.  The next day Bob took me to his farm to show me his new Bad Boy brush hog and his new shed to house it.  I was impressed by how well-maintained his farm was. He had mowed the areas around his fields, and it looked like a beautiful park. Bob told me that he...