New Years Party!

Mostly easy drive from Bradenton to Daytona Beach, except the Orlando area. The traffic through the area of I-4 where I'd been this past July with Alex and Zack was bumper to bumper. It was kinda fun to know the area a little. Driving a 5th wheel through this kind of traffic is definitely not fun and I had almost an hour of it.

I'm heading to Pancho's Rancho. Marvin Panch has a ranch in Port Orange, just outside of Daytona Beach. He's a member of the LoW camping group, I met him in St. Marys, GA this past October and I've been invited to his annual New Years Eve party. Apparently, He's been having these bashes for about 20 years. Marvin is a great guy and very interesting. He won the Daytona 500 in 1961 and still races. He raced in a senior division earlier this year to celebrate his 85th birthday! Incredible!

I recognized the rig pulling into the ranch in front of me. It's Bob Lynch from TN. He and I camped in three other locations, twice ending up next to each other. He's had some health issues, gave me the password to his rig, and asked me to check in on him if he doesn't show up for an event. He's also given me tips and help with setting up my rig. As we pulled in we saw lots of familiar folks. It seemed like old home week. They have it very well organized. Bobby and Linda are checking the rigs in and assigning spaces. Members of Marvins race pit crew are helping to park the rigs. One large class "A" got stuck and had to be pulled out with a tractor. I helped Bob back in and I backed in next to him. Lots of hugs from people who felt like old friends. It's hard to believe I just met them a couple of months ago.

There are 53 rigs and about 75 people ready to party. We set our lawn chairs in a huge circle for happy hour. Everyone in a festive mood. I seem to know about half the folks. Many from LoW and Escapees who I know. Some from other groups called Wandering Individuals on Wheels (WIN), Singles International (SI), and Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA). FMCA is almost all couples. WIN and SI are mostly singles but allow couples. Escapees (SKP) are mostly couples. There are also friends of Marvins, his family, and several long time members of his pit crew. Everyone stood up, said a few words, and introduced themselves. Lots of toasting to Marvin and general good times. Dinner was barbecued chicken and ribs with all the fixings. Dave Irons then led the whole group in karaoke and played country songs on his guitar until late. Breakfast was incredible, an Amish casserole (delicious) and a French toast blueberry casserole (also great), along with homemade biscuits, homemade jams & jelly's, fruit, juice, hot chocolate...,  I'm going to gain back the whole 10 pounds I've lost!

Mid morning we took a short trip to Blue Springs State Park to see the manatees. The park counted 322 wild manatees by the springs today. The park rangers have a book that lists over 400 manatees which have been identified and individually named. A few of us helped the rangers pick out specific manatees. They are such gentle creatures. As they frolic and play they caress each other. You can't help but smile as you watch them. Bob drove some of us to the springs, but was obviously driving erratic. He said he wasn't feeling well and asked me to drive his truck back.

We had an early dinner of hamburgers, hot dogs, and tons of appetizers and side dishes. We then had time to clean up and change for New Years. The party started at 8pm and went till around 1am. The DJ had us up and dancing all night. I tried to go light on the appetizers but they were soooo good. No hard liqueur for me but lots of wine and of course champagne at midnight. Lots of hugs and kisses all around. A really great party.

Breakfast was interesting. They had several large pots of boiling water. We put two eggs in a heavy plastic bag and added whatever fixings we wanted to the bag; cheese, ham, bacon, sausage, broccoli, mushrooms, etc. We put our name on the bag and dropped it into the pot for about 12 minutes. It was delicious! In Boy Scouts we had the scouts put some bacon on the bottom of a paper bag then place an egg and cheese on top. They had to keep the bag close enough to cook the egg but not so close that the bag caught fire. Only a few scouts actually got their eggs cooked. This approach worked for everyone.

Mid day we had what I was told was a traditional southern good luck meal of black eyed peas, collard greens, and homemade cornbread. I can't describe how delicious it was. We then went to the Daytona Speedway with Marvin leading our tour. The speedway provided a tour tram and driver/guide. Marvin was treated like royalty. I had come to know him as simply "Marvin". His picture is all over the speedway. I'd never been to a race track and couldn't believe how big the place was. On race day they have over 260,000 people and it becomes one of the largest cities in FL. It is an amazing place. I'd hate to be on the roads in the area when this place let's out (lol).

Sunday evening we had a pulled pork dinner with all the trimmings. After dinner there was a British comedian who was hilarious! He did everything from tell jokes, to play about five different musical instruments, tease several of us (not me, thank you, thank you). He did some magic, told some great stories and generally had us in stitches. I said my good byes as we all went to our rigs since I was leaving early. I can't believe how great RV'ers are. They are super friendly and welcoming. 75 people with mostly the only thing in common is a love for RV'ing and the outdoors. Not a single problem. Everyone helping everyone else and just enjoying themselves. What a great life!