Traveling with my companion Gypsy Rue, is a bit like heaven on earth. Moving along the roads of America with my sometimes mellow, always curious 113 lb German Shepherd makes it all look so easy. With her by my side I dare to stop more, to explore new places, hidden and not so hidden places that catch my eye as I drive. When traveling alone the idea of stopping "anywhere" is just that, an idea.
We are heading south, chasing the warmer weather. Tonite,I called out to whomever was listening via my CB radio and asked for a "good" truckstop. A place where a soon to be weary, RV driving woman could rest. Quickly the reply came thru, mile marker 29South."That's a good place", the answer came in loud and clear over the speaker. Destination suggested by an anonymous fellow traveler. I answered back, "Well, I have this 113 pound German Shepherd to walk too", the voice committed again, " Yes, that's where you want to be". I took a deep breadth and relaxed a bit.Grateful for this new destination point,  I continued south, knowing rest was soon to be had.

The sunset softened and the sky turned deep pink, and the road became a bit easier, anxious thoughts of where will I stay meandered away. I had a place and it wasn't far . I asked for help , got an answer and made a decision. Soon I'd be cooking supper in the RV, walking the dog, then settling in for the night. The hum of the big rigs running down the highway, these folks, these drivers, are often my go to when I am sitting on the fence, of where to stop for the night.

Gypsy Rue and I have traveled many roads together, often times only once, if I let fear overtake me, the adventure becomes a chore, but when I take each mile in the moment, the adventure remains.
Thanks and see y'all on the road tomorrow~
Moe and Gypsy Rue

Hunting the Elder plant in SW Florida

I found this plant while biking on Pine Island Florida this week. It is called Kalanchoe delagoensis. Common names are Mother of Thousands or Chandelier Plant. Although not a native plant,I have seen it blooming this week in Pine Island Sound and along the Manasota Key area. I was told that it was brought here as a house plant years ago and has since gone invasive on Florida's coast. The bright colored coral tubular flowers hang together, hence the name chandelier plant. The two places where I found it were near old home sites, long since abandoned. I was also told that it takes 2-3 years before the plant flowers, but once it starts to grow it is very invasive.I was on a mission to find the Beach Elder or Marsh Elder, native to Florida when I found this beautiful plant. The Beach or Marsh Elder is not a true Elder (Sambucus), but nonetheless I was intrigued when I was told that elder grew amongst the ocean areas.I have a real affinity for elderberry and love to use it when I can in my blends. When I travel to SW Florida yearly I bring extract made from elderberry that grows in SE Ohio known as Sambucus nigra (black elderberry) for some local friends. The health benefits are far reaching with a focus on supporting one's immune system and helping to fight off the flu. At The Herbal Sage Tea Company we make a highly concentrated extract with the elderberry fruit, as well as adding these powerful antioxidants to our Family Health Tea with elderberry. Thanks for reading this blog and I will share new plants that I discover as I travel the way of the Herbal Gypsy.