This was our 2013 Jayco Flight Swift 198 RD

THIS WAS OUR 2013 JAYCO FLIGHT SWIFT 198RD, PARKED AT THE TOMBSTONE TERRITORIES RV PARK IN ARIZONA



Wednesday, 8 January 2025

Not what we had hoped for

Well, the cooler weather has also crept into southern Florida for a few days. It’s cooler now but not cold by Canadian standards so instead of hanging around the RV we might as well sit in our heated truck and go somewhere. This time Benno wanted to check out Don’s Marine Salvage in Clearwater and that is what we did yesterday. Yes, another boating related outing!


Dan's Internet/Facebook ad


We took a route diagonally through Florida. Just a mile or so from our park we turned into the Brighton Reservation area where they also operate the Seminole Casino. From there we merged into the highway 70 that spans all the way across Florida to the Tampa Bay. It was a long way but pleasantly to drive with not much traffic at all. We stopped at a rest area just before the Toll station on the toll road part of I-275 toward the Sunshine Skyway Bridge which spans over the lower Tampa Bay and connects from Bradenton to St. Petersburg, so I could take a photo. 


Just a quick photo of the casino. I heard they have good food!


The bridge is quite impressive and it was our first time driving cross it. The toll was $1.75 one way. It was easy to find Don’s Marine Surplus yard although we had it programmed into our GPS. 


A view of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge


The view to the other side from the parking lot


driving over the bridge on our return trip




A view from where we came from


As per Don’s Facebook and Internet advertisement the place consists of 17 acres of marine surplus, including boats. Benno had a few items on his list he hoped to find. Enthusiastically he went on his hunt. I took care of our dogs and gave them their deserved walk after their naps and truck ride. A while later I too went into the yard to find Benno and see for myself. 


This is the entrance to the store and yard


Lots of propellers but mostly for outboards


In the yard


Good luck looking for a decent mast and boom


This place might be a treasure trove for some, but soon we realized that this outfit was more a scrapyard  and did not have anything we were looking for or wanted.  However, we eyed a lot of stuff and wondered who would take the time to sort through merchandise that appeared to have been carelessly deposited in heaps. Benno said, “sh.t,” a waste of gasoline!


The goats are to the left of Don's entrance


Chickens, geese, sheep and goats all greet the customers


Overall, we had a great day. I was surely impressed with the Tampa Bay area and can imagine that during warmer days the beaches will be hopping with tourists. The drive home felt shorter, although it wasn’t. Let’s see where we will go to next. Stay tuned.


Thanks for your visit.

18 comments:

  1. How do the US toll highways work for Canadians? Im used to the 402 in Ontario scanning our license plates.

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    1. This particular toll bridge had booths and change for cash was given. There were lanes for vehicles with passes and you could pay any which way with credit cards. However, the Florida Turnpike does not have attendants or booths and passes can be purchased at CVS pharmacy etc. and you hang the ticket/pass on your rear view mirror. The turnpike is monitored electronically just like 407 or 402. If no passes are present, I presume the invoice will eventually be in the mail with higher charges than pre-paid.

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  2. We love that Bridge. When we went over it the toll, I believe was only 50 cents. We used to ride our motorcycle over to the rest area at the end and turn around and ride back to the other side. It was amazing that it had rest areas on each end before the toll booths. That way you got more for your money, Ha Ha!

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    1. Yes, both sides had parking spots and also there were fishing piers running parallel to the bridge on both sides with beaches at the end. The cost must have just recently gone up from $1.50 to now $1.75. Still pretty good for the length of the causeway and bridge I think.

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  3. Sorry about the wasted trip, but it was an outing.

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    1. We've made many excursions, especially in Arizona in the past, so I just see it as an outing.

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  4. An outing on a cool day is berry's than sitting inside at home.

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  5. Have you checked the boat shop around Homestead? You might get lucky.
    Be Safe and Enjoy the warmth.

    It's about time.

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    1. We will probably next month when the boat show is on in Miami.

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  6. Hahaha I know the feeling!! Still, it was a nice drive over a fabulous bridge!!! Now you never have to go back!

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    1. If it wasn't such a long way from here, I wouldn't mind going to the beaches there. But I'll pass.

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  7. Sounds like a good time-killer on a chilly day, but a pretty lengthy ride for sure. Remember when we found that mast in the bushes at Bahia Redonda and used a piece of it for the splice in our mast? We still think of Benno's heavy duty rivet gun which saved the day for us. 😊

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    1. My gosh, yes, I do remember and wasn't it luck in an unlucky situation? The things we did...

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  8. The hunt is half the fun, this one did not work out, but there are plenty that have!

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    1. Oh yes, hunting for something special and the joy of finding it. You just got to have the time.

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  9. Replies
    1. It looked interesting. Can't wait four our Gordie Howe bridge to open.

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