Sam’s Beach Bar in Hudson, Florida

Nice sidewalk, sand, but not next to the water.

Nice sidewalk, sand, but not next to the water.

Today Sher and I headed over to Hudson, Florida in hopes of going to an auction nearby. The auction was not what we expected, and we were glad we got there early as we did not waste any time there. That is when we headed on to Hudson. We had yet to see the Gulf since we have been in Florida this winter. We found a great little “beach” in a city park. Note the quotes around beach. The sand was there, however it stopped at the sidewalk before the water!

The bar at Sam's Beach Bar

The bar at Sam’s Beach Bar

Right next to the sidewalk was a cute establishment named Sam’s Beach Bar. What the heck, let’s see what was on the menu. Things looked good, so we were seated out on the patio. The sun was out, the temperatrue was in the mid 70’s, and there was a very nice breeze.

Open air patio in the background at Sam's

Open air patio in the background at Sam’s

I ordered the 1/2 pound burger, topped with fixin’s including a great slab of cheddar cheese. It came with a good serving of seasoned fries. Sher had a side of fries and a large bowl of freshly made cole slaw. Tasty, tasty, tasty! We really enjoyed the meal. It was also fun sitting on the patio. We kept wondering how the place kept all the seagulls from attacking everyone’s food. There were tons of those birds, but they would not fly over the open patio at all.

Burger with all the fixin's and seasoned fries: it doesn't get any better!

Burger with all the fixin’s and seasoned fries: it doesn’t get any better!

Delicious freshly made cole slaw

Delicious freshly made cole slaw

 

Sam’s Beach Bar is worth your visit if you get to Hudson, Florida. (Hudson is north of Clearwater on Highway 19.) The parking was a city owned lot, pay your $2 and you are good ‘from dawn until dusk’ as the sign says. The view over the water was calm and peaceful, as was our meal at Sam’s.

Cloudy and cool today at Florida Flywheel

Tractor ready to start the pull

Tractor ready to start the pull

Today was cool and cloudy at the January Florida Flywheelers Antique Engine Club show. The lack of sunshine did not damper the activities. The crowds were moderate, at least those crowds that made it back to the aisle where we have our vendor spot. (We are set up in Row 70, spot 34, near to the tractor pull track.)

The digital reading in real time of the distanace the tractor has pulled. otice the sign on the sled: Antique, 5500 pound max tractor

The digital reading in real time of the distance the tractor has pulled. Notice the sign on the sled: Antique, 5500 pound max. tractor weight

Speaking of tractor pulls, I went over to the track this afternoon for the heavy weight antique tractor pull. Wow, was I impressed with the track and the way they operate the pulls. The track has digital readouts in realtime showing how far each tractor is pulling the sled. (The sled is a piece of machinery that the competition tractor pulls: the sled increases the weight as it is pulled along.)

The crowd watching the tractor pulls. There is another digital sign in the distance at the end of the track.

The crowd watching the tractor pulls. There is another digital sign in the distance at the end of the track.

The track offers plenty of seating for spectators, and of course lots of folks simply park their golf carts next to the track to watch. The track itself was in excellent shape. The rainfall a couple of days ago seemed to have helped by keeping the dust down. It was pretty cool to see a line of the old antique tractors waiting their turn to compete in the pulling contest.

First day of Flywheelers Show

She has a great seat to see the show.

She has a great seat to see the show.

Today is the official opening day of the January edition of the Florida Flywheelers Tractor show at Ft. Meade, Florida. The weather has been cloudy and breezy and cool this morning, with everyone waiting for the forecast sunshine this afternoon.

The crowds are stirring, with a moderate amount of traffic moving around the many many rows of vendors set up. Once again the variety of vehicular transportation being used is been fun to observe.

Another good way to get around.

Another good way to get around.

Looking for that bargain!

Looking for that bargain!

Three wheeler

Three wheeler

Couple creates ride from scratch

The beauty! The walking sitck is one that Bob is working on.

The beauty! The walking sitck is one that Bob is working on.

I was sitting in our vendor booth at the Florida Flywheelers show in January when I saw what looked like a downsized Model T Ford coming down the aisle. I snapped a picture and asked the couple about their vehicle.

It turns out that this unique “automobile” was the creation of Bob and Carole Ramoski of Lakeland, Florida. Bob told me that he in fact made the vehicle from scratch. Carole is responsible for the finish on the wood, including maintaaining the beautiful finish by means of constant touch ups with sanding and re-varnishing the surfaces.

Notice the "trunk"

Notice the “trunk”

Bob made cardboard templates for each of the wood body parts. Cypress wood was used for everything except the bumpers. Bob explained that cypress is a very soft wood not suitable for bumpers of a vehicle. As you look at this beauty you keep seeing the marvelous details that they added to this machine. The headlights are original 1914 headlamps that Bob wired for electric lights, as the original were oil lamps. There is a Mercury hood ornament, and old buggy steps for the entering and exiting of the vehicle. Tailights were origianlly wood, but one of Bob’s neighbors cast them in iron for him, along with the hinges for the top.

1914 head lights

1914 head lights

Model T Ford foot pedals are used on the finished cypress floorboard protected with a carpet. Bob made an attractive trunk behind the seat for storage. Motorcycle wheels are on the ground, complete with wooden hubcaps. Plant hangers make perfect armrests. A brass door knob finishes out the steering tiller. The powerplant for the vehicle is a Honda engine that drives the golf cart transmission.

Bob and Carole, originally from Pennsylvania, now call Lakeland, Florida home. They have been coming to the Florida Flyhweelers shows for several years. They always drive their beauty of a vehicle in the parade each show. Carole shared that these times at the Flywheelers are a great time for them to relax and just enjoy these fun events.

The power plant "under the hood"

The power plant “under the hood”

Bob and Carole Ramoski

Bob and Carole Ramoski

I enjoyed my conversation with Bob and Carole. We discussed Sher and my adventures on the road and they were gracious and generous with their time telling me the history of their neat home-made creation. Part of the enjoyment of travel is meeting interesting folks like the Ramoski’s.

 

Florida Flywheelers get ready to get around the 200+ acre show

"Sheet metal, rivets and a paint job" turned this golf cart into a "Jeep"

“Sheet metal, rivets and a paint job” turned this golf cart into a “Jeep”

The Florida Flywheelers January show starts tomorrow morning. More exhibitors and vendors have been pulling in all day today. Everyone is getting their wares set out and priced. (So have we!) The show is known for the many different types of vehicles that are used to get around this huge place. While golf carts are the “normal” and most common means of transportation, you will see about anything you can think of and lots of things you would never think of as being a way to get around.

Golf carts will be transformed into many different types of vehicles. See the picture of the “Jeep” as an example. When asked how the Jeep came about, Bob Buck answered “sheet metal, rivets and a paint job”. A simple explanation for a lot of clever workmanship! The lady holding the cute doggie is Sharon Buck, an artist who makes quilts. She shared her website with me.

Later I heard a powerful engine a few rows away. I thought it was a muscle car. Imagine my surprise when a blue garden sized tractor came around the bend in the gravel road. It turns out this was a tractor with a V8. Yes, a V8 engine with dual exhausts. Quite the engineering feat here.

Sher and I are looking forward to the start of the show tomorrow. I for one am hoping that the fellow with the bathtub he drives around will be here this year. I have heard about him.

Yes, that is a V8 in that tractor.

Yes, that is a V8 in that tractor.

The Florida Flywheelers January show

Vintage John Deere tractors

Vintage John Deere tractors

Today the site of next week’s antique tractor show was picking up in activity. Named Florida Flywheelers, this show is really large: there are 240 acres with 1700 exhibitor and vendor spaces. The show grounds are located outside of Ft.Meade, Florida. This is the first time we have been to this event. Some fellow vendors told us about this show last fall, and we decided to give it a try.

There are already several exhibitors here with their completely restored antique tractors. I saw a couple of fellows out touching up the shine on the perfect paint jobs on these fine old machines.

We have already figured out that you will see just about any set up here at the Flywheelers show. There are trucks, campers, RV’s, tents and cargo trailers of every size, age and description. I even saw a truck camper mounted on a one ton flatbed! There are vendors already set up selling as wide a variety of goods as there are vehicle and tent set ups. Everything from tractor manuals to typical flea market goods to new merchandise is offered, with hundreds more vendors due for the start of the show Wednesday.

Tractor seats, all antique, all different!

Tractor seats, all antique, all different!

Florida backroads

Good ol' fashioned gravel roads

Good ‘ol fashioned gravel roads

Sher and I are setting up at a huge antique tractor and steam engine show next week. We were able to get our vendor space this week, giving us plenty of time to get ready and even get to a couple of aucitons before the show starts. We headed to a nearby town yesterday to get some supplies, and our GPS thingy (a Garmin) led us down about ten miles of gravel road. Talk about being out in the middle of the country!

Between the thousands and thousands of orange trees in grove after grove that were flanked by large pastures full of cattle, we really saw true Florida agriculture in person.

 

 

Orange trees everywhere!

Orange trees everywhere!

 

 

 

Sisters run Buddy’s Auction House

Buddy's Storefront

Buddy’s Storefront

While in Clearwater, Florida, Sher and I found a listing for an auction the evening we were planning on being there. So off to Buddy’s Auction House we went.

We found a great little facility that was packed with items up for auction that evening. This establishment has an auction every Tuesday night. Two sisters run the business which is named after a rescue dog that goes to yard and estate sales with the owners.

Beth shared with me that she and her sister Ruth aquired the business in March of 2014 and their first auction was held on April 15th. Normally a full 70% of the items up for sale each week are owned by the sisters.They are constantly on the move buying at estate sales, yard sales and anywhere they can find good merchandise.

Sold!

Sold!

When we first got to the business Beth was busy talking with folks who were previewing the items for that evening’s sale. She also told us some of the stories of folks she has interacted with in the business. Lots of people will put things in sales on a consignment basis. While I was talking to Beth a fellow came in wanting to put things in on consignment.

Beth shared that she and her sister used to have ‘normal’ jobs but loved antiques and the hunt for good antiques. When the opportunity came along to get their own business they boh jumped at the chance. Now these  lively vibrant ladies are living their dream and enjoying what they do.

The auction stared at seven. We had spent the rest of the afternoon in the coach. About a half hour before seven we went in, got our bidder’s number and took one final look at the items up for sale. Ruth introduced me to their auctioneer, Vince Gepp, and the rest of the staff. We had a great time during the sale. Some items did prompt some lively bidding.

Ruth, Vince, Beth and the rest of the Buddy's staff

Ruth, Vince, Beth and the rest of the Buddy’s staff

And yes, I did end up with a few things that I thought I couldn’t live without. That is what happens we you keep bidding on an item until everyone else stops. Go visit the Buddy’s Auction House website to learn more, and see what is up for sale next Tuesday night. You will find a friendly, helpful staff, have a fun time and chances are good you’ll also go away with a treasure or two. Sher and I highly recommend Buddy’s. Tell Ruth and Beth we sent you!

Clearwater: A beautiful place

The boardwalk to the Sand Key Beach

The boardwalk to the Sand Key Beach

We are in Clearwater,Florida today. We got here around 11 this morning. The strip down by the beach was packed with cars and pedestrians enjoying the nice weather. It is cloudy, but the temperature is very mild, and it is so much warmer than the midwest now we are really loving it!

We found a very nice public park with lots of beach frontage. Sand Key Park has lots of parking, although there were very few people there when we were. I guess Tuesdays are not the busiest times for beach visits.

Pretty widflower on the beach

Pretty widflower on the beach

 

 

 

 

 

In Florida now and love the warmth

Florida Welcome Center (I-75)

Florida Welcome Center (I-75)

We got to Florida yesterday, missed the free OJ at the welcome center by a bit less than an hour. Too bad they closed at five instead of six. Oh well, we made it .at least. Sher and I are sure enjoying the warm weather. We even commented last night that we were hot. I opened windows on the coach and enjoyed a nice Florida breeze all night.

Today we went to Webster planning on going to an auction. Once we got to the area we were happy to see flea markets that were open .Normally flea markets are closed on Mondays in the mid west, so Monday opens were a surprise to us. Two of the three markets we found were huge and did have literally anything and everything for sale. We are tentatively planning on returning next Monday to set up at one of them.

It is off to the gulf tomorrow. We can’t wait to see the water and get a little beach time in!

One of the smaller Flea Markets at Webster, FL

One of the smaller Flea Markets at Webster, FL