October 2010 Archives

Everyday can be a holiday in Hilton Head, SC

Early in our full time RV'ing we discovered Hilton Head RV Resort; a gem of a resort within a few miles of Hilton Head Island. In fact, our signature Providence picture on our home page was in Site #1 at the resort. Nicely landscaped, well maintained, friendly staff and great location. Savannah, GA is a relatively short drive and is one of our favorite southern cities. We also have long time friends, Don and Carolyn Lanning, who live in one of the many golfing communities in the area.

A funny thing happened to my front tire this morning ... a praying mantis looking for a ride. It was suggested that it might become a mascot (like the Geico gecko lizard) and travel North America with us. Great idea and we can call it the Praying Providence Mantis!

There is nothing quite like a great Beef Burgundy on a cold winter evening (or any other time for that matter). This recipe has the best of everything ... rich taste, light broth, vegetables that are not over cooked and an elegant presentation. There are a few important tricks here to get it perfect. Ready to eat? Pair with a fine quality wine, maybe a French Bordeaux ... 

Preparation will take some time but well worth the effort. Here is the instruction manual (be vicarious):

Country Club Living in Casa Grande, AZ

We were looking for a place to winter last year and an acquaintance recommended Palm Creek Golf and RV Resort. We stayed here January through March of 2009 and immensely enjoyed it. Palm Creek is for 55 and older and has just about every activity one could imagine; from golf and tennis to arts and crafts and weekly entertainment. The sites are high quality gravel and have a large concrete patio. Common area landscaping is exquisite. We met several people who have become friends. Look for ward to seeing them in 2011!

This is one of our favorite fish dishes when fresh* sea bass is available (caution: sea bass is expensive at $20 or greater per pound). Cooking options are pan searing, grilling or broiling. We pan sear and then finish in a hot oven. Seared and topped with the sauce creates a nice crust and delicious flavor. Serve with rice and maybe lightly steamed sugar snap peas. Easy to fix and will not disappoint! Here are the instructions:

* I found Chilean sea bass has always been shipped frozen even to the best of fish markets

The Ultimate Motor Coach Resort in Indio, CA

Outdoor Resort Indio is a fee simple ownership property which also rents owner's sites. It is a Class A only motor coach resort for coaches 34 feet or longer. It is absolutely immaculate. Exquisitely maintained, lush landscape, golf course, lakes, swimming pool and clubhouse.

After two full years of travel around the US we have stayed in RV Parks resembling dingy, old motels to the Ritz Carlton of all RV Resorts and everything in between. Our criteria includes:

• Cleanliness
• Level asphalt or cement pads
• Maintenance
• Landscape
  
• Location
  
• Amenities
• Views
• Price

See our Road reviews in the "Best of the best" category.

It was two years ago today we started wandering across North America in our Providence. We are truly fortunate to have visited many of the glorious places America has to offer. On this day, we are in Navarre, FL at the Emerald Beach RV Resort (one of our favorites) ... just 25 miles east of Pensacola. Our site is about a one minute walk to the private beach on the Santa Rosa Sound.

To our west is Ft. Walton Beach and Destin, popular vacation spots on the panhandle. Click more for pictures.

Politics has become the ugliest sport on the planet. It is dirty, disgusting and dishonest. I am afraid it just gets worse over time and may (will) ultimately disable our country. Where are the referees to call the fouls? Is it the media? Depends on what you watch. It is insane.

One of our favorite pastimes on the road is cooking. This is in our top 10 best meals; maybe #1. I came from an English family and grew up with Roast Beef and Yorkshire pudding, usually as the Sunday afternoon family dinner complete with mashed potatoes and lightly steamed green beans. Here are some cooking tips:

Roast:
A top grade rump roast well marbled; maybe 2 to 3 pounds. Season to taste. Dry roast in heavy roasting pan fat side up at 425 deg for 20 minutes to sear then 325 deg until thickest part is about 125 degrees measured with a meat thermometer. Let rest while fixing gravy and Yorkshire. Slice thin against the grain to serve.