Sat - 20 Dec/14

Today was dedicated to getting the TV up and running again.

We have had sunshine and 70's F since arriving south. It was just like a summer day (at home) here again. We picked Umatilla, Fl for our base as it allows us to go many places without the hectic traffic like that experienced around Orlando. It was such a nice day we not only had the top off the Del Sol, but we were perfectly comfortable with all the windows down, as well.

We were off before noon on our way to Camping World in Ocala (actually Summerfield, FL) to pick up the items needed to restore our TV service. Of course, we couldn't go in that direction with a slight detour to Gator Joe's Beach Bar and Grill in Ocklawaha, Fl. Going East on SR-25 we made a left turn at the light  (SE 135th Ave) and a block later we were there.

Gator Joe was a 15 ft. 7 in. alligator that lived on Lake Weir in the early 1900s. Gator Joe's, the Bar and Grill, was established in 1926. We thought Oscar, who we saw lazing in the sun by the side of the road when we visited Okefenokee Swamp years ago, was huge. Officials at the  Park south of Waycross, GA said Oscar weighed in at 1,000 pounds. Oscar (only) measured 13 feet, 7 inches from snout to tail, and was the biggest alligator in the Okefenokee Swamp. Gator Joe was two feet larger! Oscar, however, lived much longer. He was almost a century old when he passed away.

Okefenokee is not really a swamp, but a peat bog. The Water Lily growth is so dense that under the right conditions one can actually "walk on water".  Liz was the only one on our tour who was brave (and light) enough to go for a water stroll.

Gator Joe got his fame from the Ma Barker gang who tried to kill him on several occasions; but, Joe ultimately got them instead. The local legend about Joe and the Barkers led the FBI to the Barker hideout on January 16th, 1935. After a 4-hour gun battle the Barker gang all lay dead.

In 1952 Joe crossed paths with a local gator hunter named Vic Skidmore. Since then, Joe's foot has had many homes throughout Florida and even Kentucky. It was donated to Gator Joe's from one of Vic's friends, Mr. Jim Townlee.

Charlotte and I shared an order of Fried Green Tomatoes and their #1 best seller - the Fish Basket (which has always been great). The FGT's were really good, however, we still haven't found any to compare to those prepared at the Original Oyster House in Gulf Shores, AL. Lulu's, also in Gulf Shores (run by the sister of Jimmy Buffet of Margaritaville - Key West, FL fame), runs a close second.

We arrived at Gator Joe's a little after 11:30 a.m. The outside patios were about 1/3 full. By the time our order arrived there were only a few tables left. This place is popular.

When we departed the parking lot had a few dozen motorcycles there and another half-dozen just arriving. Today, being a Saturday with great weather, meant all the retired bikers were out cruising. Florida, Like Arizona, is a mecca for RVers who also bring their Harleys south. The attraction in this area is the number of scenic and uncrowded highways available for day trips.

About 10 minutes after leaving Gator Joe's we arrived at Camping World. It only took a few minutes to pick up the two items we needed:

Item 1: A Winegard Rayzar Conversion Kit to convert my Winegard Sensar to a Rayzar HD (High Definition) antenna. When over the air HDTV first come on-line I added an adapter to the Sensar antenna. It worked just so-so. Stations would fade in and out. It was all that was available at that time. I hoped the new replacement antenna specifically designed by Winegard for this purpose would improve our reception.

Item 2: A Quest Video Control Center. This unit allows viewing of 5 video sources on up 3 TVs. It works with off-air HDTV. has built-in composite video modulator, over-voltage protection and an LED power indicator that operates on 12-volt power with 12-volt output on the “TV Antenna In” line to power the Rayzar antenna amplifier.

I set the items on the picnic table in preparation for proceeding to the RV roof. As we were getting set to start the project, Tom and Chris, neighbours on our street, stopped in on their way home from a bicycle ride. Nice to see them again. They were so helpful when we first arrived last year at the park. That's just what RVers do.

We learnt that the two empty lots near us will soon be occupied by their relatives who arriving in a few days, As I mentioned previously, Olde Mill Stream is completely booked for J/F/M and there is a long waiting list. If you don't reserve for next year before leaving there will not be a spot for you on your return. This says a lot for the quality of the park.

I decided to use the shorter Rayzar antenna shaft rather than the longer one already on the old antenna. This was the recommended solution that would allow the antenna to withstand higher winds. It also gave the unit the room needed to sit on the roof when folded down without conflicting with the existing A/C and roof vents.

Nice views from  up on the roof. We are on the second street in from the entrance, main clubhouse and lake. it is an easy walk to attend activities.

As can be seen from this shot, the park is packed.

About the TV installation - there is good news and there is bad news.

The bad news was that it took a two trips to the roof to complete the job. One trip was bad enough. Being up there always makes Charlotte worry. Replacing the antenna was super easy, however I discovered there was a short in the coaxial cable connection from the old antenna to the Video Controller once I returned inside the RV. I had to return to the roof to replace a section of the coax cable.

The good news: I can return the Quest Video Control Center to Camping World for a refund. I originally thought it was the amplifier in my identical Quest unit that had failed. To be safe I thought I would try it once more after the new antenna was installed - just in case. That is when I discovered the short in the coax. My controller was now working just fine.

A few hours later I had the mess of cables reconnected with new labels printed for each. All was working in time for Jeopardy. In addition to no fading out of stations we added a few new ones that were to weak to come in with the old antenna.

After watching Jeopardy, Charlotte went to the bedroom to watch different programs while I watched NFL Football on the front TV as I made labels for the cables and then worked on the blog.

It was another busy day in the Sunshine State.