We survived a rushed loading session back in Virginia due to a delay in getting the rig. The low stress five-day loading process turned into a hurried 1.5 day controlled chaos. I only missed packing a couple of things, and I believe Pat got everything needed for the kitchen. Pretty amazing since the weather turned cold at 22 degrees on the morning that we left. That was just a nice reminder of what we will be missing!
The Route
I usually only like to drive 200 miles when I’m towing the 5th wheel trailer. It can be a little stressful watching out for all the nuts on the road, so after 200 miles and a couple of rest stops, we find our park, plug in and relax for the evening.
Our journey this year is to an RV resort near Anna Maria Island is exactly 800 miles from home, so the easy math has us driving an average of 200 miles per day and four days of driving.
It was not too bad of a drive this year. No major traffic backups or other issues. The only risky venture was the I-75 section around Tampa. I drive just under the speed limit, since I’m pulling the 16,000 pound payload, and some cars were passing at 90-100 mph and weaving back and forth through traffic. I just held back expecting a monumental pile up, but somehow all survived. Phew!
Buttonwood Inlet RV Resort
We have been here once before, four years ago. Love the small 70 site park. We are staying the month of December, then move a couple of hours north for the rest of the winter.
Our site for the month 
Buttonwood is very neat and landscaped. It has a pool, boat launch ramp, showers, a pond that we back up to and a library. The major draw though is that it is walking distance to the beach and 20 or more restaurants and bars. The RV park is in Cortez, FL and just walking across the bridge we are on Anna Maria Island (AMI).
Another reason that we select this RV park is that RV friends Mike and BJ come here every winter and it’s a chance to catch up with them. We met this Illinois couple when we were at Betty’s RV in Louisiana about 5 years ago.
Cortez and AMI
Cortez is a small fishing village that has several fresh fish and shrimp markets and many restaurants offering fresh seafood just off the boat. I enjoy the beach walking, sunsets on the gulf, but love the fresh seafood. One of my weaknesses is finding good food!
We toured the Cortez history museum and learned that the area was founded by a few fishing families from North Carolina in the 1800’s. The fishing off the NC coast was drying up, so several families moved to Cortez upon hearing of the bountiful fishing. They started a business shipping fresh fish on ice by boat to the northeast coast of the US. Some of the original families’ businesses still remain to this day. They would also harvest and ship the mullet eggs (roe) all over the world and especially to Russia.
We also have the world’s largest Moose Lodge on AMI. It is quite amazing with large windows to watch the surf and sunset or else go to the rooftop and enjoy. But, better get there early as it fills up quickly.
Having a drink waiting for the sunset hour 
The multi-million dollar view from inside the Moose.
Anna Maria Island is a resort destination that is made up of three cities on the 7 mile long and 8 blocks wide island. Like any popular destination these days, traffic is bad in December at certain times, but from January through March it is very unpleasant when snowbirds are in full season.
Wrap Up
My next update will be some local sightseeing, a visit from the kids, and some other local exploring. Take care and God Bless.
Me and Pat at sunset 
Glad you got to FL ok. Enjoy the “Star Fish” for me.
We have now been to the StarFish 3 times, but who is counting? 🙂