We are currently staying at an RV resort in Clermont Florida. While it is a beautiful and safe place to enjoy the warm weather, the activities are not so much within the park. So, we have a few small outings planned over the month. One of our day trips was a lunch out to Yalaha and then to Mt. Dora to explore.
Yalaha Bakery
Located about 30 miles due north of our location is the small town of 1,400 people called Yalaha. About the only reason that I could find to visit this small speck is to sample the wares at the Yalaha Bakery.
From a Google search I was able to find this bit of information: Yalaha was founded in 1876. It is situated right at the southern bank of Lake Harris in Lake County, Florida, surrounded by small hills. … By the way: Yalaha is a Seminole word, meaning “orange.“
The bakery (LINK) is thoroughly German having a bakery side and a deli side for lunch. And of course the required outside beer garden patio. The bakery had some yummy looking German pastries. I really should have grabbed some, but after a hefty lunch it just did not seem right.
I had the Wienerschnitzel plate that included the breaded and seasoned pork, German potato salad, and of course sauerkraut. Pat went with the lower carb German quiche.
It was a warm sunny day and very nice to be outside under the massive oak trees. On weekends they have a band. I try to avoid most weekend events as they also have larger crowds. On the Monday that we visited, they had maybe a dozen people there well spread out in the garden.
When we return I will have to try the German apple pie!
Mt. Dora
I thought that visiting on a Monday would result in less crowds. Wrong. This very cool little village was packed with cars and visitors walking about. My retired ex co-worker and current good friend Rick had told me about Mt. Dora as had our RV friends Calvin and Sue. In fact, we came here a couple of times last year. Once pre-pandemic and once in the post pandemic world. Strange to have just said that.
The historic Mt Dora hotel 
I suspect that it is crowded all through the winter months. And I can see why. It is a beautiful little town of 14,000 known for its small town charm. Mt. Dora has many antique shops, restaurants and sits on a hill overlooking Lake Dora. It is known as the festival city. There are also many large historic homes to some wealthy folks to escape the northern winters.
Vaccine
Last week, I did receive my first vaccine, the Moderna. The second dose comes four weeks later. The Orlando hospital was very well organized and ran people through in an efficient manner.
For those over 65 it is very easy to get the shot, here in the sunshine state. If you have some computer savviness. Some locations have a first come system that can result in long waits. I found a place that took on-line reservations (Orlando Health) and it was quite easy to enter your information and then select the next up date and time available.
In fact , it became so easy to get the shot that folks we flying in from all over the world and then returning. Our guv found out about this loophole and now allows only residents and those who spend the winter here. The way it should be.
From what I have seen, Florida is doing an excellent job in vaccinating the first responders and those over 65. My arm was sore for about three days, but no major side effects. I have heard they come with shot number two. We’ll see.
Wrap Up
Pat and I have a little over a week remaining on our stay in this Orlando suburb. On Feb 1st, we will move north about 90 miles for another month long stay in the small town of Williston, Fl. The winter does seem to be going by fast. I’m looking forward to our route back home over some new territory.
The weather has been warm and sunny most everyday. Highs in upper 70’s with a couple 60 degree days to change things up. This is the dry season.
Back home in Virginia, our kitchen remodeling job has been delayed due to the custom cabinet shop has had some employee health issues. Instead of a January installation, it may be February or possibly March. I just hope it is complete by our return home! If not, they will have an on-site inspector to deal with.
I started reading three books this last week, with two of them getting rejected back to the resort’s library. The one I’m reading is by Catherine Steadman called Mr. Nobody. Pat is reading Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah. We are trying to read at least one book a week.
We are also continuing to watch a sermon or two each week instead of actually attending. Maybe this summer…
Take care and God Bless.
Looks like a great place. Maybe I need to give some of Florida a try.
Robert