So, what's this I hear?

haha! Yep, new van. Same manufacturer, Leisure Travel Van, just a different model. It is the 2014 Serenity.  On the outside it is a sleeker, solid fiberglass body,  and just really pretty.

Lyle Kusler,
RV World of Nokomis

It has more insulation which should mean easier winter camping. Yes, winter in Yellowstone is high on my list.  The inside is more open, with a table that is a little larger and swivels to make different arrangements. I like to sit with my feet up and now I can do that! I love driving it, just as comfy as the Unity, and seems easier to get through those tights spots. That is purely psychological, though since it is the same width and height as the Unity.
It has MUCH less storage so I had to go through another purge, I might have to get a cargo carrier,  but that will wait awhile-because then where would I put my bikes? Right now I have to figure out where else to put my license plate because my chairs block it. Tomorrow!!

 

The front chairs still swivel back, the table goes from side to side and front to back.  It has the awesome skylight and nice windows, so nice and bright no matter the weather.    

Arya has adjusted to the new space and loves running madly from front to back. Her carrier didn't fit in the usual spot, so I have tried driving with her just out. She likes that, if I am doing 'city' driving she sits tucked in against the bottom of my chair, she seems to know when I am on the highway and then sits in my lap sleeping.

And now she has a little hiding spot, perfect for just one cat.

Living my life.

Free, Free, and Free

I am sitting in a Starbucks in Venice, Florida as I write this-Free wifi. I have spent too much of my data this month on streaming-no revealing here on what kind :-) I like Starbucks wifi better than Pandora, it tends to be faster and they don't limit use. And I have to admit, I think the atmosphere in Starbucks seems to be a little more 'fun'. So that's one FREE.
Next free-beach parking in Venice and Sarasota. The beaches I visited in West Palm Beach all charged for parking. Here I have found great parking for free.

late afternoon -Venice Beach

After a free day at the beach, I returned to some of the best free parking I have found here----- Cracker Barrel. Everyone talks of WalMart, and I have been a WalMartian, but the Marts in this area don't allow parking. I spent my second night at the Cracker Barrel in Venice last night. Both nights were great, last night I improved on my view by moving over a few spots. Looking out the passenger side, I felt like I had my own private camp site. Even enjoyed the smell of bacon in the air this morning. (I don't eat it, but it always smells good to me.) The lot is well lit, little traffic noise-none compared to a typical WalMart lot-clean and you can return for nights in a row, just move during the day.

View out the van door

Cracker Barrel dry camp

I do like a campsite for hanging out and spending time, but for now this site is perfect.

Now, off for a day of sun at the beach.

oh-did you notice? the van looks different? yes, it is :-) more on that later