Thu., 31 Jan 13

Up and out early this morning.

We were standing in line at "The Hearth" (closest resort clubhouse) by 7 a.m. ready to load for the Seminole Hard Rock Casino (Tampa, FL) trip. We phoned Liz to wish her "Happy Birthday" before she headed for work while we waited in line.

There were two buses loading in the order of the sign-up sheet. The cost was $20 each. We were on bus #2.The first bus went directly to the casino by the fastest route. Our bus had to make an additional stop at another RV park in Bushnell, FL before continuing on to the casino. This added an extra half hour to our trip in both directions.

The casino is located just off I-4. They need all the parking space they can get so there is no RV parking and the buses must park off site. There are only 8 bus bays. Each bus is given a departure time upon arrival and has only 15 minutes to load and depart. They had 45 buses coming in today.

We had to give detailed information when signing up being we didn't have a casino card. When we arrived the casino their rep boarded and gave everyone three $10 certificates for the slots. We picked up our casino card from our resort trip guide as we departed the bus.

The casino, as many on Indian reservations, is built to be functional rather than attractive like Las Vegas. It is large and functional. We each went our own way after arriving at the casino slots. We both have different preferences and roam looking for a "lucky" machine often stopping by at each others location to see "how we are doing".

At lunch we headed for the "Harvest Buffet". It was $15 (with member discount) and there was a long line. We decided to pass as we had to leave at 3:15 p.m. and did not want to lose an hour or more eating lunch. In exchange I offered supper out when we returned to the park.

They had a quick lunch counter that is set up from 11 am to 2 pm. $5 gets a 1/4 lb hot dog or a turkey sandwich - each w/soft drink and a bag of Lays potato chips. We ordered one of each. Both were excellent. We shared a stand-up counter shared with folks from Springfield, IL.

After lunch we agreed to meet at the bus lounge at 3 p.m. and set out to find a "winner". The casino was giving away 1 million points an hour. On the hour they would announce a name and the person would have 3 minutes to claim the prize - or another name would be announced.

When the 3 p.m. name was announced I knew it was time to head for the bus. It had to leave the bay at  3:15. As luck would have it - my machine began to "Re-Spin". It just kept spinning and spinning. The Re-spin won a Re-spin. I finally was able to leave the machine at 3:08 and walked as fast as I could to a ticket payout machine - then stood in line. Finally, with winnings in hand, I headed for the bus. Charlotte had come back to look for me as she was worried I would be left behind and we met at the bus bay entrance. I made it  back at exactly 3:15. The guide read the name checklist shortly after we were seated (all present) then we departed.

We arrived back at the park at exactly 5 p.m. A short walk from B Street to G Street (less than 1/4 mile) and we were back at the RV.

As promised, we got into the car and headed for supper. The trip would have additional purposes. We would detour to Jo-Ann Fabrics (Tavares, FL) for a ball of yellow wool. Being close to dusk I would be able to check the night time setting on the GPS. The GPS calculates the time of the local sunrise and sunset and changes the display map and lighting intensity automatically. Halfway to Tavares it switched to the night view. The setting (brightness) was perfect for viewing.

I would also be able to check out the new headlight bulbs on this trip as well. They were also OK although it was hard to see if they actually had additional range as advertised being I could not use the high beams due to the amount of oncoming traffic.

While Charlotte shopped I set the GPS for Charlotte's supper choice - Red Lobster (Clermont, FL). A nice feature of the Rand-McNally RVND 7720 GPS is that it can be programmed to announce upcoming construction (internet updated) as well as speed zones and POI's (Point of Interest). I am enjoying these features. As we turned off US-27 we discovered a whole shopping area with major stores that is not visible from the highway. Local regulations are really tough on signage and unless you know where stores are you would never be aware they exist. When roadside signs are allowed (other than on the building itself) they are so small or low to the ground  (actually below eye level) a passing car will make them invisible.

At Red Lobster Charlotte chose the Mahi-Mahi and Caesar Salad and I decided on the 45 shrimp (Feature). My shrimp choice (3) was the Parmesan Crusted; Garlic and Alfredo w/baked potato and Caesar. Enjoyable as always.

We were back at the RV by 8:30 p.m. which was perfect as "Person of Interest" is on TV at 9 p.m. Since we were up before 6 a.m. today we decided to watch it in bed with the sleep timer on. Charlotte fell asleep first. Even thought "Person of Interest" is my favourite TV program I was asleep before it ended. Thank God for re-runs.