11/20 to 11/27 - Beverly Beach Campground-Week One

 11/20 to 11/27

Week 1

Beverly Beach Camptown

Beverly Beach, FL

I decided to break my two-week stay here in Beverly Beach into one-week segments to keep the blog short and sweet. Today's 30-minute trip south to Beverly Beach was interrupted with a stop at Publix. The scenery of course was awesome, the temperatures a tad on the chilly side. Hugging the coastline, A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway presented incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and the luxury condos and home that occupy the nearby shoreline.

Over the Matanzas Inlet bridge.

With the way Mother Nature has been acting lately, my only thoughts for these beautiful residences was, "you don't stand a chance."

I'm sure these homes have a replacement value greater than $500,000 or more so from what I've researched in this area, premiums could range from $3,762 to over $10,000 annually, depending on coverage limits and deductibles.

One portion of the 3-building complex known as The Surf Club Luxury Oceanfront Condo at Montanza Shores. 482 units. Interested? Read about it HERE.

And before I knew it, after a grocery stop at a nearby Publix, here I was. Right on A1A; talk about prime real estate.

And just when I thought it couldn't get any better, I pulled off the highway and up to the Office/Store. It was another WOW moment for me. There it was, an old friend, the Atlantic Ocean. What a spectacular view. First impressions? Yes, they do stick Even in my pre-RV days, 7 years (2008-2015) I'd travel down and stayed in Daytona Beach Shores for a month at a time. Today's view reminds me of those gifts from the past.

View the intro video and catch a drone's eye view of the entire site HERE The day before arriving, on a whim, I called to see if any cancelations would allow me to get closer to the ocean. Viewing the campground map above, the red SQUARE in the lower portion of the map had been my original booked site. It turned out that, yes, there was a site available AND it was available for my two-week period. The red CIRCLE marks my new site. A1A separates the two sections.

From the air. My site 82 is 70 steps to the sea wall. There's a 10' drop from the seawall to the beach below.

Site 082 is sandy with a concrete slab and picnic table, 50-amp service (I needed my adapter), water and sewer. A1A is on the other side of the wall and more of the campground beyond that. Constant sea breezes require strapping down the awning. Gusts to 22 mph at night and temps dipping down into the low 50's requires heat in the coach.

After registering at the desk, I took a quick tour in one of the largest "Camp Stores" I've come across and I started wondering...

...whether it was a good choice to spend $140 at Publix before I arrived. (That did include 4 bottles of Chardonnay)

After setting everything up with Winnie, I took a bunch of photos for you to enjoy.

Looking north

The sites across from me, right at the seawall are "premium" sites and are $160/night, weekends, $200. There are no weekly rates. Jan through March they're $200/night.

Cabins now are $200/night (weekdays), $245 Jan through March

As I approached site 82, my first impressions were "tight fits" but in Florida that's to be expected. No neighbors...yet.

Lookin south.

With 1,500 linear feet of beachfront, this campground will be crowded during the season. This view is facing north; 30 miles to St. Augustine.

I found the texture and color the the beach in this area to be much different from other beaches in Florida I've seen.

Looking south; about 30 miles to Daytona Beach.

Looking westward back toward Winnie, it's about seventy steps (and much less expensive for a week's stay.)

Third site down are recently retired Don and can't-wait-to-retire, Paulette. They're from the west coast of Florida and spend a week or two here each year and are quite happy about the place. It's the first time for a November stay. 

During a walk along the shore, like everyone else who spends time on the beach, one could stand and watch the never ending ebb and flow of the surf all day. Its sound rolling in and out all night made for a delightful experience when getting ready for a night's sleep. Below is a clip in slow motion.

And just like that, by the time I was all set up, done with the photos, it was 5:27 pm and time to be blessed once again.

With gin and tonic in hand, I enjoyed my first sunset in Florida (this year). Cheers!

What a sense of warmth and relaxation. (The sunset, not the G&T.) The glow washes away the problems of the day, releases the troubled mind and invites a sense of peace. (Actually, so does the G&T.)

And in but a few minutes, the fiery red pallet is changed to a serene pallet of gold and blue that gives promise to a restful and peaceful evening.

But wait! There's more. Peaceful sleep achieved. Another treat was about to be shared. 

At 6:47 a.m. Sunrise! That majestic ball of fire that dominates our lives makes it subtle but powerful entrance on earth's stage.

Like a flaming pumpkin, the dominant force that gives our planet its very existence prepares us for another day. 

We find comfort in the warmth it provides. All of Nature will benefit from its presence. "The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but for the wide world’s joy." ~~ Henry Ward Beecher.

Like my friends in Bluffton, SC, long time Florida friends, Mark and Mya are always on my must-see list when traveling through Florida. They took the time to drive up from Port Orange, pick me up and together dined at one of their favorite restaurants in Flagler Beach, Crave's Coastal Kitchen and Cocktails. And this is what my neighbor, Jack, has been waiting for. A photo of a real dinner out with friends. My choice tonight, Jack:

Two 4 oz filets seasoned and served with gorgonzola sauce, mushrooms and a side of garlic mashed potatoes with brown gravy. My wine choice was The Show Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina). Velvety smooth with blackberry, cranberry and vanilla notes.

As with all wines I drink, at some point I must read the winemaker or wine tasters "notes" to not only be entertained but to appreciate the wine I've chosen. This is one: "The Show 2019 Malbec has a deep red, nearly purple color, with aromatics of dried herbs, crushed dark berries, with notes of black pepper and stems. Quite brooding, but pure and focused. (Whatever that means.) The velvety tannins are super integrated and smooth, but with terrific balance and finish that gives it unusual length in the palate. 100% of the fruit was organically farmed and the following is where it all comes from: 71% Malbec from Alto Agrelo, 14% Malbec from La Consulta, 7.5% Cabernet Sauvignon from Ugarteche, 7.5% Cabernet Franc from Alto Agrelo. All the fermentations were done in concrete tanks with native yeast and 2+ weeks on the skins post fermentation." Now I can appreciate the wine, right?

In one taster's notes I read it had "cigar box and notes of barrel toast." Barrel toast? Seriously? Well, that's the entertaining part; It's called "wine speak." It's a language that can be both helpful for detailed communication and intimidating or overly pretentious for newcomers. Otherwise, for me, it was a smooth, delightful pairing with my steak.

Mya & Mark did get to spend some sunshine time on the sea wall.

As soon as the sun set, it was time for jackets and sweaters. There are no fire rings. Fires are allowed as long as they're 6" above the ground.  With no room to store those magnificent Solo Stoves widely used during out RV club's get-togethers, I brought out my Mini Solo, a gift from Carlo and MB last year.

For the short remaining time of their visit, the heat provided kept things comfortably warm.

To conclude this portion of the blog, here are some other observations and activities that occupied my time.

Here and there in the grassy portions of the area were rather large noticeable "sand excavations." Their occupants are either fire ants or the Florida ant harvester. I didn't see anything entering or leaving.

I witnessed my second rocket launch from Cape Canaveral, about 70 miles south. This one, on November 21st, was a Falcon 9 launching Starlink Group 6-66, 24 mini satellites for their second generation high-speed low earth orbit internet satellite constellation. I missed the orange glow of the rocket exhaust.

Researched water spikes that were formed in my ice tray. Water freezes at different rates and is one of the rare substances that expands as it cools...8% to be exact. The top surface freezes first and as the water beneath is compressed, any weak spot in the surface allows the expanding water to form a spiked extrusion until it too freezes forming a stalactite shape. Purified water vs. tap water is more ideal for their formation. There ya go. Class dismissed.

Resident black birds (Grackles) visit the dish of water and suet cakes I've set out.

In the food department, I conjured up an hors d'oeuvre consisting of a slice of mozzarella upon which I placed a sliver of roasted pepper, a small teaspoon of ricotta and topped it off with a touch of basil pesto. Very tasty.

I don't think this will make it to the Food Channel but I wanted to dress up a baked potato. Served either as a side or a meal unto itself.

Two slices of bacon...

...cooked very crisp.

Then crushed to bits.

Microwaveable russet potato.

Microwaved about 5 minutes and then...

...mashed with a fork with a little butter added.

Press bacon bits into mashed potato and...

...lay a half slice of American cheese across to be broiled.

Cheese melted bacon bit baked potato, a taste treat.

Then, for a couple of perfect afternoons (note all the clouds in the sky), I joined RV neighbors, Gary and Don as they cast their lines into the surf. There's a 10' drop on the other side of the yellow marking. I listened and learned all about fishing which I haven't done since I was twelve, their past fishing and travel experiences and, at the end of it all, not a nibble on either day. Still, there's a lot to be said for "shootin' the breeze."

Thanks for joining me. Hope you've enjoyed my first week here in Beverly Beach. My next blog will hopefully have some other goodies, like spending Thanksgiving Day with friends, Mark and Mya. It will "mark" the first time I haven't been with family for Thanksgiving. 

 

As I travel, I’ve learned that Thanksgiving is about more than a feast — it’s about the connections we make, near or far. This year, I’m especially grateful for the kindness of friends, the love of family, and the warmth of strangers who’ve made my journey brighter. Wherever this holiday finds you, I hope your heart is filled with gratitude, your table with joy, and your days with blessings. Wishing you a Thanksgiving full of love and peace, no matter the miles between us."