We're Home

Well, we made it home yesterday afternoon around 3:30. We stayed in Anderson, IN on Monday night. Just took a few items out of the motorhome yesterday, as well as the food in the fridge. This morning we took out all the other stuff. Had a few calls to make and appointments to set. Now we have to get used to the colder weather, especially the mornings.

This is the close of this time for where the Maverick travels. We let all my blogger readers know by email when we will be gone again to read our adventures.

Our Sunday in the Park

Well, we didn't get any storms last night. Hardly in rain either. Today was beautiful--another 80 and sunny; however, it was very windy. We toured the park today.

This is taken from the Gatlinburg By-pass of the city of Gatlinburg. We are on our way back to have supper. All these pictures are backwards of our day.

As we were leaving the park, I spotted this bear on the side of the road. Carl quickly backed up because there wasn't any cars behind us. However, there was no where to really park without a drop off. Cars were going around us and wondering what was happening. But, as soon as I got my camera out of the window, others began to figure out something was up.

We took a long hike up to see Laurel Falls. It was 1.3 miles all up hill and of course, down we had to go. It took us about an hour. It was suppose to be an easy hike. It was paved but no good. It was indicated that it was a good hike for handicap. Mom got out the scooter and headed up hill a bit before we realized it was all up hill. She went back and waited for us.

This was taken of the area of Cades Cove. It is an 11 miles one-way drive. It has been closed because they were fixing the road and just opened yesterday and today at noon. They will continue a little longer fixing it.

Basically, this was what it looked like on at least one side of the road most of the way. However, in some areas the water was deeper and much more swifter.

This is the entrance to the campground we are staying at. The rv's that you see in this picture are up a hill from the creek.

Going to close now. Getting ready to watch the Amazing Race. Going to leave here tomorrow and head north. It is only going to be 62 here tomorrow. We haven't seen that cold of weather since about April 12. Guess we will have to start putting on jeans again. See you Tuesday or Wednesday. This may be my last post on this vacation, but you never know.

Saturday in the Smokies

Last night we headed into Pigeon Forge for supper. Our campground isn't far from the busy parkway, but far enough to be quiet. We are nestled in the trees by a creek.



This morning the weather was partly sunny, so we headed on the parkway to the visitor center of the park via the Gaitlinburg by-pass. Spent some time there, but the weather was getting cloudier as the day went on. So, we decided to go into the park tomorrow because the weather is suppose to be much better. We went back through Gaitlinburg. What a mess! Traffic everywhere and no place to park. That town is definitely a walking town.



Then we took the road back into Pigeon Forge. Again a lot of traffic, but there are 3 lanes and turn lanes--but a lot of traffic lights. Stopped by an old mill just off the road that we visited years ago with the boys. Found a nice spot to park. We were going to go into a little cafe for a cup of tea and a piece of pie. Then it began to rain and the wind came up. So, we headed back to the camp.



I then figured that I still wanted pie. On the way back, was a Kroger's. Carl dropped me off and I went shopping. I got a nice peach pie. Then, I saw some nice strawberries; so picked up a couple of cartons and a pound cake. Thought if I had to stay in this afternoon, we might as well eat. Made tea when we got back and had the delicious pie. Cut up the strawberries getting them ready for shortcake.

We took a walk around the park and up to a log cabin resort later this afternoon after the rain stopped. Then, headed to have a hot shower. It is now about 6:30 and going to cook up some pork chops. We are just staying low waiting for the storm to hit, but hoping it won't. Been watching the weather channel and keeping abreast of the storms. This is the first day we had with rain since we left. There were a couple of days that we had a little rain in the morning and it ended way before noon.

Friday Night in the Foothills of the Smoky Mts.

Here are some pictures. I put them in after writing the blog because I didn't think they would upload because I have only one bar for internet service.

This is a picture of the St. Andrews State Park looking from our campsite down the road. The intercoastal waterway is just across the street.

This is our campsite. We were in the Lagoon side. The other side they have is the Pines. When we pulled in the girl acted like the park was full and, of course, asked us if we had reservations. She said she had a site for the night and then later said we could probably stay on it for 3 nights. We get in the campground and you wouldn't believe all the empty spots and most of them were better than the one we had. The next day the same thing. It kind of reminded us of the Michigan State Parks and the empty sites because of those reservations.

This is a view of both the gulf, the jetty, and the intercoastal waters.

We went hiking one late afternoon and saw some of the birds in the viewing area.

There were a lot of white Egrets out in the area. There were all these big white spots in the middle of all the green.

We went hiking that same evening around alligator pond. Didn't see any alligators and I was glad for that. There are all these funny looking trees with crazy trunks. We each sat on one that seem to have a good seat.

This how the road looked that we were travelling on on Santa Rosa Island in the Gulf Islands National Seashore. There were plenty of turn-offs too. Water on both sides.

Here we are tonight in Tennesee. Another beautiful day in the 80's. However, could have a rainy day tomorrow which if it rains all day, will be our first since we left. We are leaving here Monday morning which is again suppose to have some rain and get cooler like in the 60's--Yikes! We need it to be warm when we get home. Sunday is suppose to be a good day, so hope we will be able to see all and do all we want here. We are staying at Creekside RV resort in Pigeon Forge. Probably will stay on the road one more time before we get home. It looks like we will be home on Tuesday or maybe Wednesday next week,

Today is Thursday, April 22

I do not have good free wifi tonight, so no pictures. We don't have cable TV either at this campground and can't get regular TV either. We are in the middle of nowhere I guess. We are staying tonight at Cave Springs, Georgia at the Cedar Creek RV park which is about 100 miles NW of Atlanta close to the Alabama border.

We left Gulf Shores on Monday, the 19th. and took HWY 98 along the coast to Panama City. It was just beautiful along the way on Santa Rosa Island on the Gulf Island National Seashore. We just took our time that day.

We stayed for 3 nights at St. Andrews State Park in Panama City. The actual park is really nice. It is quite beautiful with the intercoastal waterway and the gulf. The water is emerald green. However, the campground needs to have some work. They don't keep it up like they should. Also, there seems to be a lot of "hicks" staying there. They have loads of board walks that take you down to the water. The swimming at the jetties in the intercoastal water was shallow, beautiful colors and warmer water. Kids were really enjoying it.

Not sure where we will be headed next, but thinking about heading towards the Smoky Mountains. Will let you know when I get service again. Should be home by this time next week. The weather is still great. They say it is going to rain, but hasn't. The weather today was 81 and still in our shorts. So, the weather better be good when we get home too.

In Gulf Shores

This is where Jasper likes to sleep. It is okay except when we need to wash up.
Ranger Rex just got done checking the GPS to make sure that we are heading in the right direction!

We are going over a bridge that is 18 miles long in Louisana to get over the swamp land. Below is another picture of what the area looks like from the window.

The drive along the HWY 98 (?) along the coast in Mississippi from Waveland/Gulfport/Biloxi. There are pull offs like you see in this picture in areas and then just beach and the gulf waters. Most all of the new buildings are now on the other side of the beach road. In Biloxi there are a couple of casinos though that have been built on the gulf side.

This is our campsite in Gulf Shores State Park.

Another view.

This is taken from the side of our spot looking down the road.

We are leaving here Monday and heading down the panhandle of Florida, then back north.

This week here has been beautiful; couldn't ask for better weather.

I am in the activities building here using their internet. Have been to the beach the last few days and am taking a breather this afternoon. May be headed out to the new fishing pier in a bit. Ryan said it is a 1/4 mile long.

Carl has been feeling the best he has these past few days. We are all happy about that.

Don't know when the next post will be.

Second week of April

When we left San Antonio we stayed in Biloxi, MS. Then we stayed 2 nights in Biloxi, MS at the Gulf Islands National Park. We are now in Gulf Shores, AL staying at the state park. We will leave here next Monday. We got here yesterday, Wed. Weather here is in the 80's. Very windy today though with the red flag out. It is going to be a beautiful week. I am sitting now writing this outside the visitors center "borrowing" their wireless. It isn't very strong, so no pics this time. Don't know when I will be able to post again.

For those who have been to the state park here in Gulf Shores, you won't believe the difference on all they are doing since Hurricane Ivan. We were here 4 years ago and the improvements are many. All sites have full hook-ups and they are putting in a new activity cente, pool, tennis courts, etc.

Well, that is about all in this up-date. Hope to write again later.

Leaving San Antonio

We left San Antonio and Braunig Lake RV park this morning. Just a few of the staff from the rally are still there. We are staying in Beaumont, Texas tonight. Had planned on maybe going as far a Lake Charles, LA, but the wind really picked up.

I tried to get a picture from the window of all the beautiful wildflowers they have along the roads in Texas. Right now the Bluebonnets are out in the San Antonio area; in fact, they are having their Bluebonnet Fiesta this weekend. In this area, they are pinkish red and yellow--don't know the name other than the Indian Paint Brush.

When the area we are traveling thru is boring, I'm reading a book or the map.

In this picture, you have to look close. Enlarge it and right above the windshield wipers by the yellow line, you will see a nice perfectly round spot on on the window where a truck threw a stone at our window. At least, it is in the middle and towards the bottom and no spreading. Will have to get that filled when we get home.

The skyline of Houston. Was planning on going around the city, but we were going along so good, we decided to head right on through the city. Being a Saturday may have helped too.

Here is our spot tonight. Ranger Rex seemed to like it. He's back now. He took a little siesta during the rally. He wasn't allowed on the bus, etc. because he didn't register.

We are staying at Gulf Coast RV Resort in Beaumont, TX tonight. It is only 5 years old and quite nice. A lot of people stay here by the month. We are staying on a site where the person left. We finally got to use one of our CampUSA campgrounds. We only had to pay $17.50 tonight and getting a free continental breakfast--the kind with waffles, etc.-- in the morning. This is the fourth private campground we have stayed in Texas and they all have something in common that we don't have in Michigan or many other places. It is: all their bathrooms are private. Each bathroom is your own sink, toilet and shower. Near the area where we were staying in San Antonio, they only had 2, but never did we have to wait for a shower (by the way they were the nicest and HOT water). Guess when the campgrounds have full hook-ups everyone uses their rigs. We let Mom use the shower in the motorhome though because I think it is safer for her. Well, time for a walk and grill up some dinner. Think it is about time we head to a grocery store again.

We are going to see if we can get into the Gulf Islands National Seashore Park for a couple of days. It is by Biloxi, Mississippi. So, I won't have internet there. After that, we are headed to Gulf Shores, AL and probably will stay at the state park. They may have some service there or I will have to go find some wireless somewhere.

By the way, Carl is feeling fine today. He almost seems normal. We are getting away from all that pollen too. My lower back is still bothering me, so will have to see the chiropractor when I get home.

The last 2 days

We have been watching this mother mallard duck who hangs around two males the past two weeks and today we found her in a little narrow area of water that is all green with her new little babies. I counted 13 little ones.



The morning on Thursday we didn't do too much. Caravaners were reminiscing, etc. and we haven't anything to reminisc about. They have a time here when they talk about all the rallies and caravans you can go on and people were signing up like crazy. Money seems to be no object for all the people here. We could get $200 off, but that isn't nothing compared to the prices. People were signing up for tours costing $6,000 and getting only $300 off and they think that is great.

But, in the afternoon we came for the Little Egypt Belly Dance Show. There was a younger girl, an older lady (probably younger than me), and a lady that thinks she is young. But, they weren't the main dancers.


This is the lady that heads them. She was really good and pretty too. She had the moves. She was walking around between the tables. The picture isn't real clear because she was a shaking.

We had our Festive Boot Scootin' Boogie Farewell Dinner Party. We had prime rib that they cooked out on the grill - fabulous! And, again desserts. Of course, the liquid refreshments.

We had a really good band names "Oh So Good Band." And, it was. They played and sang great tunes from the 1030's to 1980's. Had a good time!

This morning, Friday we had a pancake breakfast to say goodbyes. Met some super folks and all were so friendly and especially the staff. Mom was quite a hit here. The people next to us are from Ohio and we exchanged info to visit them. This morning was good-byes and hugs.

After doing our laundry this morning (as mentioned earlier in a blog) we are cleaning up here between my blogging. (It seems to take awhile to download pictures.) Carl is up from laying down. Gave him 2 Tylenols (he had a fever) and he seems to be better. He is out shaking out rugs. Going to grill some fish for supper. We have had our share of beef lately. Going to pack up and leave tomorrow morning.

Change of plans. We are not heading towards the Grand Canyon after all. Weather is not cooperating for us. It is now in the high 50's to real low 60's which doesn't bother us. But, it is going down in the 20's at night. Don't want to have to run the furnace all night and still that won't keep us that warm in those temps. Plus the water freezing. Have been checking this other blog and they went to Williams, AZ and took the train and he said it was so windy you dare not stand on the edge to look over the canyon. then, yesterday he wrote that the motorhome next to him had his vent cover ripped off. We battled the winds down here and do not want to have to do it again. Texas is a very windy state. Not breezy but windy. People tell that Texas is always windy. It lets up a little in the evening and then starts up again later in the morning.

So, we are headed along the gulf through Louisana, Mississippi and Alabama. Probably we will stop in Louisana tomorrow and then to Biloxi, MS. Planning on staying a few days in Gulf Shores. After that not sure, but maybe Panama City and then up to the Smokies and home. Will keep you posted we I can along the way.

Talked to Ryan this morning and they are having a great time and weather good in Gulf Shores. They will leave back for home tomorrow morning.

Tuesday, Day 8

Today at the rally, at least for us, was more of a restful day. There were things you could do if you wanted to but we just took it easy in the morning. Went over to the convention center for a hamburger feast with all the trimmings. And, at each time we eat there are always plenty of desserts too. I got a picture below of a couple of workers at the liquid refreshment center. Next to the guy on floor are the kegs.

Here is a picture of the rally folks eating and socializing.

The entertainment tonight was a live big band orchestra. Nice music and dancing. We could come wearing dressy casual. Carl wore a nice pair of slacks and shirts and mom and I wore a cotten shirt and tee.

Monday Day 7 of the Rally

This Monday morning we left for the SAS (San Antonio Shoes) shoe factory. We were to tour the factory, but the owner let the factory workers have the day off after Easter. So, we just went to their store. The shoes are hand made. Most are not very fastionable, but there a few that weren't too bad. Prices were high. Kids shoes were $45. Women's sandals were $72 and some other shoes were 94 and the rest over 100. And, those all had a little blemish in them. There were little tags on the shoes to tell what was wrong. Can imagine what they cost in the store. Of course, we didn't buy any. I guess they are really comfortable and last a long time. A lot of people in the group bought them though.


Then, we headed over the Towers of Americas. Beautiful grounds with great flowers and lots of water falls. We saw a film first that was a simulator ride where they bounce the seats, blow air and water at you. It was all about the different areas of Texas. Then, we went to the top of the tower to view the city. A tour helicoper came so close that we could wave to each other. Had lunch at the revolving restaurant.

This is the arena were the girls final four was going to be held the next day. It was very crowded at the towers and the streets below because of all the final four tourist in town.

Then we headed over to the famous river walk. Again, crowded more than a normal Monday. We had our own chartered boat ride on the river. We were able to go further than the ones you would ordinarily ride on if you bought a ticket yourself. It was about an hour narrative ride. Below are a picture of the river walk.

This is one of the boats from our group going past us as were were sipping our Margaritas at an open door restaurant ride by the river.

A little note: I am trying to get caught up today which is Friday, April 9. Carl is still having that cough. He sure is using up the cough syrup. Wednesday night Mom started coughing too. Yesteday she had a scratchy, horse throat. Don't know what is the matter with these folks. However, everyone is complaining about the high pollen count especially the oak trees. Everything has a dusting on them. Also, it hasn't rained here all week and the dust is bad.

But, today Carl isn't feeling very good again. He has got that afternoon fever again. He has been sleepy all week too. Can't figure out what it is. So, he is laying down. I'm blogging. We did laundry this morning.

Day 6 - Sunday

We had an Easter service this morning here at the campground with the Rivoli. It was a nice service. After the service, we had an Easter egg hunt. Everyone could get 2 eggs. It was in the lawn area behind the Lakeside center. Carl and I just got candy in ours, but Mom had a number in her egg along with the candy. She got a bottle of white Mexican vanilla. I had already bought a bottle of regular Mexican vanilla. I understand using the white vanilla, it won't change the color of your batter. Mexican vanilla is also pure vanilla and a little stronger.

Early afternoon we had a flea market where you could bring things you make, etc. to sell. Then there was a live auction. Carl should have made some of the "ladder golf" because he probably could have sold them or auctioned them off at a starting price. During this time, we had shortberry shortcakes with ice cream too.

As seen below, we had some crazy cowboy characters come into the center and did a couple of shootouts and skits. While that was going on we had hors-d'oeuvres off the grill.

The sheriff
Head bad guy

The undertaker. And, we think he wasn't acting.

He was getting everything mixed up.

A hanging and his wife wanted to help.

Here is mom waiting for the chuckwagon Bar-B-Que Dinner

The staff eating the dinner outside. They are the ones who cooked it.

The bar-b-que wagon.

We had ribs and slices of beef, cornbread, macaroni salad, baked beans, dessert.

Rally Day 5 (Saturday)

Below is a couple of pictures of the area around the Lakeside Convention Center where we have most all of our festivities.

Saturday was a relaxing day for us. Carl wasn't feeling very good. We went into the town to buy him some stronger cough syrup. Mom dropped off her prescriptions. Carl basically laid down all day. Mom and I went to the Rivoli Comedy show and really enjoyed ourselves. They were very humorous.