Mon - Dec 30/13

We slept in!

Needless to say - the 3 travel days just caught up with us.

Lunch was the slices of pizza that came home with us last night - still as tasty!

 

After lunch we walked to the office (Sunday the office is closed) so we had to return to pay and take care of the details. Payment was made, a post office key picked up and we booked a tour of the resort.
They had a few more check-ins at the gate so they will come and pick us up at our lot as soon as they were done.

Our lot is perfect! A nice large 8 x 20 concrete patio on a 40 x 60 lot. It is in the original part of the park. Oak trees line the paved streets in this area - elm tree in the new area. Unlike many resort "parking lots", the RV's in our area are all on large angled lots. There are more than 400 sites and all are immaculate - many with small storage sheds, wooden decks with flower gardens and landscaping.

A half hour later our tour guide arrived!

The park is privately owned and our first stop was at the owner's garage. The owner often drives his '29 Buick through the park to talk with the guests.

He also may be out in a Model T or Model T "Woody".

Army Jeep w/Machine Gun or Truck hauling a Howitzer. Both used for events - not keeping the residents in line!

RV groups have a dedicated area with a Rally Host provided by the park. There was a large group in today. They come every year for the park's New Year's Eve Party! Should be fun - we already have our tickets.

Unlike corporate parks, the owner really cares about the park and the residents. He meets with all once a month, the suggest box is expected to be utilized and there are little extras in the park that I have seen nowhere else.

There are several building throughout the park for activities and events. Even though certain areas in the park do not allow pets (on the ground - they can ride or be carried) the other parts are pet friendly.
There is even a pet washing area.

There is an excellent fenced-in pet park with an obstacle course and a gazebo to shelter the owners from the sun when the pets are playing.

Besides the usual shuffleboard, bocce ball, ping pong and pickle ball courts there is a runway for model airplanes (electric motors only - less noise) and RC cars.

 

A heated pool (84 F) has the cover opened on days when the temperature surpasses 70F.



 

 

The large recreation hall, along with Bingo, features entertainment (from Branson or Vegas) on a regular basis (complimentary snacks, soft drinks and beer provided). Pool players have 3 tables available for play. There is an exercise area with aerobics/water aerobics sessions available. There are rooms for crafts, wood carving and quilting.

 

Group Excursions are also on the calendar (e.g. Tampa Casino).

 

There is a huge library, reading and game area with a great view of the lake.  There is a large screen TV with a Wii game system and a large screen movie night w/popcorn. Want to bake a cake for someone - use the oven in the large kitchen area. Pancake Breakfasts, Ice Cream Socials, Pot Luck Suppers and special meals are a regular event on the social calendar. A commercial ice maker provides free ice to all guests.

 

 

The washrooms and showers are immaculate and the laundry area features commercial grade equipment for reasonable rates. There are 3 large paved clothesline areas for those that like that fresh dried smell!

 

 

Guests can even borrow certain medical items like a wheelchair or crutches if needed while at the park.

 

 

Metered Propane is available 3 times a week (M-W-F). Pay for the fill at the office - they will pick up, fill and return your tank. Try and get that kind of service anywhere else. They also provide 4 paved car wash areas with vacuums for guest use.

If you are a long term resident and want grass they will provide the seed. Once it needs to be cut they will deliver a lawn mower (gas included) for you to use and pick it up when you are finished. Need any basic equipment (shovel, rake, etc.) - just call the office and it will be delivered! Wow!

Lake Pearl is a private lake with excellent fishing. They will even put your boat into the water and remove it when you leave.

The Wi-Fi is not only free - it is the best I have found anywhere!

With all this (and some things I am sure I forgot) - no wonder the tour takes an hour!