The winter here in Bonita has been pretty much “chill” with mostly average temperatures overall. We did have a few chilly nights and cooler days but most noticeable this year was the wind. It sure has been windier than normal but the 10 day forecast shows that we now will be warmer than normal with highs between 80-84 F and overnight lows from 59-64 so we certainly can’t complain about that.
We have never claimed that Imperial Bonita Estates (IBE) is a great RV park with fabulous amenities so why do we continue to come here every other year? There are two main reasons: 1) the location being near to so much to see and do and 2) we have been enjoying social activities with a lot of wonderful people. The location and the people here are why we continue to come back.
This year certainly has been different due to the destruction caused by Hurricane Irma and IBE really suffered. When we first arrived in December we were told there were 26 park models that were going to have to be demolished. That made for some sad families and some long time snow birds would no longer be able to return. Add to that nearly every other park model in the park as well as most of the RVs left in storage were damaged (some much more than others).
The tennis/pickleball courts were completely wiped out and the shade shelter over the shuffleboard courts was lost. There was damage to the Rec Hall so a temporary office had to be brought in. It was just a mess in December. Currently lots and lots of remodeling has been going on through January and even now into February. The Rec Hall is up and running and there are only a couple more park models waiting to be destroyed. The park has begun transforming these former park model lots into RV spaces. A temporary shade shelter is over the shuffleboard courts and the base has been poured for the tennis/pickleball courts. It has been amazing witnessing the transformation.
The presence of FEMA was obvious during the month of December but it has been volunteers from groups such as “We Care” whose presence has been life changing for some. Another group of volunteers will be here in a couple of weeks so reconstruction is well on it’s way. Even yesterday I photographed a small barge making its way up the Imperial River clearing hurricane debris from its waters.
Through all this our small group of friends and the friendly people of IBE have prevailed, We have had fun playing in the weekly corn hole gatherings, the fun-shuffle activities and of course all of the great happy hours. We have hit the beach on several occasions, hiked a few trails, checked out the farmer’s markets, visited a nearby casino and visited a few of the local establishments. We also had the pleasure of an impromptu gathering with some of our RV’er friends and it sure was great seeing John and Janie once again.
In addition we have accomplished a lot of work on our rig (and more to come). We have made a few new friends along the way and we are looking forward to enjoying another three plus weeks here before hitting the road once again…
NOTE: We are now in our winter home until March 1st in Bonita Springs Florida at Imperial Bonita Estates RV park and Coop.
Os the light as pleasing? We also installed LEDs and altho Fran does not light the brighter light I like it better. Easy way to gain a little more time off the grid.
ReplyDeletethe light is a bit brighter but has no off color - we love them!
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