tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62020869834266348292024-03-13T04:54:14.032-07:00"Podding" in ParadiseAdventures around America in a
R-pod Travel Trailer!Wheeling through Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844643299360522298noreply@blogger.comBlogger141125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202086983426634829.post-8090986380438481272017-11-23T16:49:00.001-08:002017-11-23T16:49:23.118-08:00Making a Move!A new move from Blogger to Wordpress for our blog! On Blogger posts were sorta bland. There may have been a way to jazz things up, but being non-techy, I couldn't figure out how. My niece recommended Wordpress from personal experience. So, I just spent a few hours getting the blog up on Wordpress (I know, I know...it should have taken 30 minutes!!) and I am pleased with the outcome. It didn't go smoothly, and I may have published it three times instead of once, but hopefully the experience will go smoother with my next post!<div><br></div><div>Please go to Podding in Paradise at: <b>poddinginparadise.wordpress.com. </b> There you can sign up to follow the blog at its new address.</div><div><br></div><div>The next entry on the blog will be about our camping on Mt. Lemmon at Molino Basin Campground!</div><div><br></div><div>See you over at Wordpress!</div>Wheeling through Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844643299360522298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202086983426634829.post-46062198802009484352017-11-23T12:22:00.001-08:002017-11-23T12:22:03.719-08:00Arizona in Bits and Pieces part 5One way we spent time was to visit plant nurseries to see the many types of plants for home and garden that are available for the Tucson climate. Couldn't help but take a slew of photos of unique cacti and other plants!<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZvY4IJW9do0/WhctjXRvFaI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/0sDBHYZ8VTQBWd2vgQaO2MYUY0yKkN-0gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1853345268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZvY4IJW9do0/WhctjXRvFaI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/0sDBHYZ8VTQBWd2vgQaO2MYUY0yKkN-0gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1853345268.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7tgE5YjVv4E/Whctw6BmM1I/AAAAAAAAEUg/aQ_p-T-Yr487gKSZto2NhGEXXTOIyQr2QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1437654849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7tgE5YjVv4E/Whctw6BmM1I/AAAAAAAAEUg/aQ_p-T-Yr487gKSZto2NhGEXXTOIyQr2QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1437654849.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CPRBwpgMBH0/Whctcr3XrqI/AAAAAAAAEUI/rWPIzlHM9rExgmlmFUW5pa9nUtI29AeHwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1461355151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oxjyqz8w9kE/WhctqLKnkSI/AAAAAAAAEUY/0_TNicut4RcM1S7rHPeiPPJ85_HuYBCnQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1085403647.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rsTdE8NOBEM/Whct3djeGRI/AAAAAAAAEUo/PXusCeT4RWQx5_v1fcMN4GouJMdK6ynkQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-950013315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rsTdE8NOBEM/Whct3djeGRI/AAAAAAAAEUo/PXusCeT4RWQx5_v1fcMN4GouJMdK6ynkQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-950013315.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K3YEpMyJ7as/WhcttU7caYI/AAAAAAAAEUc/Ke01z1ENeJAbvSk__6e2Xl2Ovz6lN6sOgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1517539891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K3YEpMyJ7as/WhcttU7caYI/AAAAAAAAEUc/Ke01z1ENeJAbvSk__6e2Xl2Ovz6lN6sOgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1517539891.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qfceJZyGTpo/Whct6kekuqI/AAAAAAAAEUs/VW6YkxYj4fExXO4AzqJQXjd0ktjylg1eACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-390038918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qfceJZyGTpo/Whct6kekuqI/AAAAAAAAEUs/VW6YkxYj4fExXO4AzqJQXjd0ktjylg1eACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-390038918.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Love the diversity of desert plants and cacti!</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Wheeling through Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844643299360522298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202086983426634829.post-23713462593861896512017-11-23T12:19:00.001-08:002017-11-23T12:19:30.327-08:00Arizona in Bits and Pieces part 4Mary Lou and Jim, our friends from the east coast, recommended that we go birding at Sweetwater Wetlands so Harriet, Michael and I set out one day to bird there.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-99SChqZdsKA/Whcs5WAKqQI/AAAAAAAAETg/qjK4xWmPqJsfq81kTHdyoHpiAI5vtwgpQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-714856074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-99SChqZdsKA/Whcs5WAKqQI/AAAAAAAAETg/qjK4xWmPqJsfq81kTHdyoHpiAI5vtwgpQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-714856074.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KnVrwtkz1N0/Whcs82Os9nI/AAAAAAAAETk/ke_pVFJPDNM_HqrWrxCgR6e-xz53tEeuwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1067754659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KnVrwtkz1N0/Whcs82Os9nI/AAAAAAAAETk/ke_pVFJPDNM_HqrWrxCgR6e-xz53tEeuwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1067754659.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yx02iKGDICQ/WhctABJM0PI/AAAAAAAAETo/o6w8z0jOPb8klINfpVAwSxhg_JM8SKzbACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1789775330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yx02iKGDICQ/WhctABJM0PI/AAAAAAAAETo/o6w8z0jOPb8klINfpVAwSxhg_JM8SKzbACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1789775330.jpg"></a></div>American coot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZnhQ7Zm0NgI/WhctDSetWcI/AAAAAAAAETs/qaZaNi27qrQUzDbiMvsZcGNst2Sl0qgUQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1478382657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZnhQ7Zm0NgI/WhctDSetWcI/AAAAAAAAETs/qaZaNi27qrQUzDbiMvsZcGNst2Sl0qgUQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1478382657.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qj_JKjh7c88/WhctQ_3uk6I/AAAAAAAAET8/et_w5-0R7JcefwcEiiHWeG7rAWwucS2tACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-694765200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qj_JKjh7c88/WhctQ_3uk6I/AAAAAAAAET8/et_w5-0R7JcefwcEiiHWeG7rAWwucS2tACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-694765200.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qs_Fc9W_nb8/WhctKCW7BjI/AAAAAAAAET0/2nT0KWPKcD8xsteyqGWGfSc8bYKIxCiuwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-406492014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qs_Fc9W_nb8/WhctKCW7BjI/AAAAAAAAET0/2nT0KWPKcD8xsteyqGWGfSc8bYKIxCiuwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-406492014.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o_GIx-t_cHo/WhctNalQkfI/AAAAAAAAET4/zy9yGsEx-pIxaNuL_WFOjdlKNTxxbLjjACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1717649166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o_GIx-t_cHo/WhctNalQkfI/AAAAAAAAET4/zy9yGsEx-pIxaNuL_WFOjdlKNTxxbLjjACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1717649166.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Michael and Harriet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--PNExF7l1Tw/WhctG5t95pI/AAAAAAAAETw/iQpbw_fsRksD_PStujSbPP7QH6vn023WQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-344055239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--PNExF7l1Tw/WhctG5t95pI/AAAAAAAAETw/iQpbw_fsRksD_PStujSbPP7QH6vn023WQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-344055239.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-prFerLkQOaU/WhctUL8xGeI/AAAAAAAAEUA/4n1YeEU9kRM9VZ-Lo_Uqa_N_PGrZ_cboQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1056094305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-prFerLkQOaU/WhctUL8xGeI/AAAAAAAAEUA/4n1YeEU9kRM9VZ-Lo_Uqa_N_PGrZ_cboQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1056094305.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This was a fairly large wetland area and the trails did a figure-eight around the pools of water. Good birds were seen (and heard): ruddy duck, Northern shoveler, male Northern Harrier known as a Gray Ghost due to its overall gray plumage, American coot, Abert's towhee and white-throated sparrow. We heard what we believed was a clapper rail also. Not too birdy, but still a neat place to explore.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next...part 5!</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Wheeling through Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844643299360522298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202086983426634829.post-9253004850445388072017-11-23T12:16:00.001-08:002017-11-23T12:16:56.201-08:00Arizona in Bits and Pieces part 3We had a delightful surprise when I heard from a friend and former volunteer at Mass Audubon's Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary where I was volunteer coordinator before retiring. Mary Lou follows this blog (thanks Mary Lou!), and she and her husband were vacationing in Tucson for a week and wanted to get together. So we met at the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area visitor center, part of the Coronado National Forest and Santa Catalina Mountains for a hike. It was so great seeing Mary Lou and Jim!<div><br></div><div>In addition we did a hike with Harriet on another day. This is a beautiful spot and we have only explored a small portion of it. <br><div><br></div><div>This recreation area includes Sabino Canyon and Bear Canyon. In addition to these deep canyons, the mountains soar high here. Diverse plants and wildlife call this area home, and have adapted to the desert environment and blend in with the landscape. </div><div><br></div><div>There are numerous trails and we chose a flat trail leading to Sabino Dam. Birds seen: Swainson's hawk, American kestrel, mourning dove, greater roadrunner, gila woodpecker, verdin, bushtit, cactus wren, rock wren, blue-gray gnatcatcher, Northern mockingbird, curve-billed thrasher, phainopepla, yellow-rumpled warbler, house finch, lesser goldfinch, song sparrow and house sparrow.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OvRI-HHnwco/WhcsgAdCIzI/AAAAAAAAETI/1Y0e8ABUa40wMVr1F8YNeP3telBnjfy8wCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1554067209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OvRI-HHnwco/WhcsgAdCIzI/AAAAAAAAETI/1Y0e8ABUa40wMVr1F8YNeP3telBnjfy8wCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1554067209.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3zohsjyKzmY/Whcsqc1OuBI/AAAAAAAAETU/qTdZjF-DpAAhPuLmA9tPYfjPFrm70VLBgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1348945595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3zohsjyKzmY/Whcsqc1OuBI/AAAAAAAAETU/qTdZjF-DpAAhPuLmA9tPYfjPFrm70VLBgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1348945595.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lpqEM_TRsJ4/WhcscugHVEI/AAAAAAAAETE/UaQYwnBpQH8CjH3ZCIdSjS8NqLDc0rg7QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1450195910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lpqEM_TRsJ4/WhcscugHVEI/AAAAAAAAETE/UaQYwnBpQH8CjH3ZCIdSjS8NqLDc0rg7QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1450195910.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--b9eviFIMe8/Whcsm1Qk-pI/AAAAAAAAETQ/k3NqTmuNfyInxOvS3bkBT4BmHwAGN0UtACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1738270366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--b9eviFIMe8/Whcsm1Qk-pI/AAAAAAAAETQ/k3NqTmuNfyInxOvS3bkBT4BmHwAGN0UtACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1738270366.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LJjNX3OJVfg/WhcstpRdHmI/AAAAAAAAETY/wEwFoU_krNoBdXKVwsuSJDD1NLV-IpMhACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-308314168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LJjNX3OJVfg/WhcstpRdHmI/AAAAAAAAETY/wEwFoU_krNoBdXKVwsuSJDD1NLV-IpMhACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-308314168.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-anbQu-BrHPs/WhcsjYOe0uI/AAAAAAAAETM/BNv1-GRnzxs537ZXqZa9oC9c7lJEHK1eQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-48245468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-anbQu-BrHPs/WhcsjYOe0uI/AAAAAAAAETM/BNv1-GRnzxs537ZXqZa9oC9c7lJEHK1eQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-48245468.jpg"></a></div>Our purchase! A Guatemalan woven wall hanging!</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dvfyIHznsUU/WhcsZYEsgCI/AAAAAAAAETA/uVQqAx7HJ1AK3Vf-5m8GjdRALnIIoxLBACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1072578648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dvfyIHznsUU/WhcsZYEsgCI/AAAAAAAAETA/uVQqAx7HJ1AK3Vf-5m8GjdRALnIIoxLBACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1072578648.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_D-R3W8YHC8/WhcsV0j00MI/AAAAAAAAES8/BZHAE7MukM87cT3rb0LfIlQ8S-aO1TxmQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--448845367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_D-R3W8YHC8/WhcsV0j00MI/AAAAAAAAES8/BZHAE7MukM87cT3rb0LfIlQ8S-aO1TxmQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--448845367.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On to part 4!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div> </div></div>Wheeling through Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844643299360522298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202086983426634829.post-61074242022381349072017-11-23T12:13:00.001-08:002017-11-23T12:13:06.002-08:00Arizona in Bits and Pieces part 2One of the most beautiful places in Tucson is the Saguaro National Park. Offering desert plains, mountains and foothills, one of the most interesting and unusual ecosystems in the US is Saguaro National Park. The saguaro is referred to as the "monarch of the Sonoran Desert", and is renowned as a symbol of the southwest. Since 1933 this extraordinary giant cactus has been protected within the national park, along with other cacti, desert trees and shrubs, and animals. It is one of the hottest and driest regions on the continent with summer temperatures over 100 degrees and less than 12" of rain in a typical year It has an eight mile loop for driving. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DcGn-0Kq3kg/Whcr0AaxfCI/AAAAAAAAESw/cN-VWysRspMfL5zXMKdlUnz7FRAYf9BZQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-449616374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DcGn-0Kq3kg/Whcr0AaxfCI/AAAAAAAAESw/cN-VWysRspMfL5zXMKdlUnz7FRAYf9BZQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-449616374.jpg"></a></div>My sister Harriet and I did the drive one beautiful day and it was awesome to see so many saguaro, plus other cacti species.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XeyGjuY_KvI/WhcrwmNbiDI/AAAAAAAAESs/4bzWmgJR86QQqV0T8dolXCqYqwp1XJSKgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--770693256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XeyGjuY_KvI/WhcrwmNbiDI/AAAAAAAAESs/4bzWmgJR86QQqV0T8dolXCqYqwp1XJSKgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--770693256.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--FNwIXXJ-g8/WhcrcO1axlI/AAAAAAAAESU/Oo5JMiq7ZVwcWFbG8Nfrookoa7nNBI1GwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-811831517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--FNwIXXJ-g8/WhcrcO1axlI/AAAAAAAAESU/Oo5JMiq7ZVwcWFbG8Nfrookoa7nNBI1GwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-811831517.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Cholla. There are several species in the desert and this is either teddy bear or jumping cholla.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ny0Iz_K4NVw/WhcrfQ0dhRI/AAAAAAAAESY/lwdgeW3vCX42VS3FkPexxIB64xVRfQ4hQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--2022772116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ny0Iz_K4NVw/WhcrfQ0dhRI/AAAAAAAAESY/lwdgeW3vCX42VS3FkPexxIB64xVRfQ4hQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--2022772116.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eKgY4M6UTus/WhcrjTg5L8I/AAAAAAAAESc/3fZemSC83rgUx-PjhDRh4IC2nnYRriYyACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1611991473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eKgY4M6UTus/WhcrjTg5L8I/AAAAAAAAESc/3fZemSC83rgUx-PjhDRh4IC2nnYRriYyACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1611991473.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ocotillo. In spring it is covered with small red flowers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aCuyIkCDk94/Whcrm-EnABI/AAAAAAAAESg/asbz5n49E3gSURvo3zDCzf4omJa5-l97gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1805440951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aCuyIkCDk94/Whcrm-EnABI/AAAAAAAAESg/asbz5n49E3gSURvo3zDCzf4omJa5-l97gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1805440951.jpg"></a></div>These stately giants (saguaro) have arms reaching up, down, and sideways.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-90hzEQtsep0/WhcrqR9QT4I/AAAAAAAAESk/XEA95jzATfk3ymIWigEpbKMhqys9RVhegCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1260778630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-90hzEQtsep0/WhcrqR9QT4I/AAAAAAAAESk/XEA95jzATfk3ymIWigEpbKMhqys9RVhegCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1260778630.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WIjtWAS0Jtw/WhcrttBsguI/AAAAAAAAESo/6AX2SIU7OEEFXmvwI5FtsyZ1tBURulpLACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1725967628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WIjtWAS0Jtw/WhcrttBsguI/AAAAAAAAESo/6AX2SIU7OEEFXmvwI5FtsyZ1tBURulpLACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1725967628.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Onward to part 3! </div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Wheeling through Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844643299360522298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202086983426634829.post-67120272719991418492017-11-02T12:52:00.001-07:002017-11-23T12:09:00.100-08:00Arizona in Bits and Pieces part 1Today is Saturday, November 18th and we have been in Tucson, Arizona for about three weeks. We have done a lot in this time span, so instead of one Arizona epic story, I am posting several smaller stories. Beware! Lots of photos included.<div><br></div><div>When we arrived, we stayed in a parking lot in my sister Harriet's neighborhood. We spent much time with Harriet and she took us around to many beautiful places. Weather was comfortably warm with cooler nights. Apparently, it was warm enough to set a record or two for highest November temps! But after hot and humid Texas, the warm and dry weather here can't be beat!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We visited Agua Caliente Park in Tucson twice. This park is 101 acres of aquatic/riparian habitat surrounded by the Sonoran Desert. The park is thought of an oasis in the desert! The park has a long history going back to 5500 years ago where archaic projectile points found within the park boundaries suggest the site was used by hunters and gatherers. At times it was a Native American village as early as AD 1150 - 1250, an army encampment in the mid 1800's, an orchard and cattle ranch in the late 1800's, a hot spring resort in established in1881, various owners operated the ranch as both a cattle ranch and resort until the 1920's, and in the years that followed assorted plans and uses for this land came and went. In 1984, a local businessman donated money toward the purchase of Agua Caliente and the county used this money to create the park which was opened in 1985. Two buildings on the site were renovated, the Ranch House and the Rose Cottage. In 2009, Agua Caliente Ranch Rural Historic Landscape was listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the US Department of Interior.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There are two ponds that support a variety of waterfowl and birds. While visiting the park we saw the following birds at the pond: American wigeon, mallard, ring-necked duck and American coot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J42O8xqS_78/WhcpwnHWR_I/AAAAAAAAERs/qLD_xgF2qNgZgEOHCwsxS5J_P_x9wy5IACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1680619237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J42O8xqS_78/WhcpwnHWR_I/AAAAAAAAERs/qLD_xgF2qNgZgEOHCwsxS5J_P_x9wy5IACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1680619237.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QykFvDBcCI8/WhcqhJN9NnI/AAAAAAAAESA/aYZueLDjEEkAqMFJD0GuhVVbO4O2exItgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-439109286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QykFvDBcCI8/WhcqhJN9NnI/AAAAAAAAESA/aYZueLDjEEkAqMFJD0GuhVVbO4O2exItgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-439109286.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Saguaro and prickly pear cacti.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_uNiy35Fbwg/WhcqzKzcCSI/AAAAAAAAESE/ONpPi_tAKQom1m_ZHRiJk6NHVDs3mNk6QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1139909051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_uNiy35Fbwg/WhcqzKzcCSI/AAAAAAAAESE/ONpPi_tAKQom1m_ZHRiJk6NHVDs3mNk6QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1139909051.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zRiztStqCvI/Whcq2k9BUSI/AAAAAAAAESI/7y0rXRZ151UnmoVRBQbS5a31aRww2XNAQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1636253268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zRiztStqCvI/Whcq2k9BUSI/AAAAAAAAESI/7y0rXRZ151UnmoVRBQbS5a31aRww2XNAQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1636253268.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Barrel cactus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6fxrCBxJvd4/Whcqd7HM4AI/AAAAAAAAER8/9-wKyK3hnCg59TxpG2Q26CXqv4VHlheKACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--645581733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6fxrCBxJvd4/Whcqd7HM4AI/AAAAAAAAER8/9-wKyK3hnCg59TxpG2Q26CXqv4VHlheKACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--645581733.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Odd to see tropical palms in Arizona, and this one was old! The trunk was huge!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j4D73HuMXjg/WhcqanH6SEI/AAAAAAAAER4/jlpstnKZACk5ZpdSCvXToreCv0P4VdMCACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--638490448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j4D73HuMXjg/WhcqanH6SEI/AAAAAAAAER4/jlpstnKZACk5ZpdSCvXToreCv0P4VdMCACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--638490448.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dRpJ0YU15aU/WhcqHbgMsTI/AAAAAAAAERw/0hkDI9g8GY88VCeIJ2UVK-QLlNDMyWE9QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-658705763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dRpJ0YU15aU/WhcqHbgMsTI/AAAAAAAAERw/0hkDI9g8GY88VCeIJ2UVK-QLlNDMyWE9QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-658705763.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Prickly pear.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This was our first of two visits to Aqua Caliente, and birding was slow on our first visit. However, on our second visit, we had quite a few good birds, including Bewick's wren, gila woodpecker, verdin, red-tailed hawk, Cooper's hawk, killdeer, white-winged and mourning doves, Anna's hummingbird, belted kingfisher, Chihuahuan and common Ravens, phainopepla, yellow-rump warbler (Audubon's), white-crowned sparrow, house finch, lesser goldfinch, house sparrow and northern flicker (red-shafted). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uHEjcsxsaGI/WhcptMAIwZI/AAAAAAAAERo/gFdZKctfKw0aC50RALN5qaTYLPQW005PQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1325614353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uHEjcsxsaGI/WhcptMAIwZI/AAAAAAAAERo/gFdZKctfKw0aC50RALN5qaTYLPQW005PQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1325614353.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next stop (part 2), is Saguaro National Park.</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Wheeling through Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844643299360522298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202086983426634829.post-1325863328128089242017-10-30T11:30:00.001-07:002017-10-30T11:30:51.686-07:00New Mexico & ArizonaWe reached New Mexico the other day and stayed overnight at another nice rest area. We've been impressed with the cleanliness and atmosphere of these areas since central Texas!<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LYoMccEZeEU/Wfdv2vtGW0I/AAAAAAAAEQ0/UY-nUWrRlNUVNn3LW-VmJCg60ODPzWEaQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1172530122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LYoMccEZeEU/Wfdv2vtGW0I/AAAAAAAAEQ0/UY-nUWrRlNUVNn3LW-VmJCg60ODPzWEaQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1172530122.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tWVU-b0DfbE/WfdvjANJz6I/AAAAAAAAEQY/s34R7CPim7kiRFQ7N1ra7NZxcBOFA273gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--517557850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tWVU-b0DfbE/WfdvjANJz6I/AAAAAAAAEQY/s34R7CPim7kiRFQ7N1ra7NZxcBOFA273gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--517557850.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aC1Ubt7vnck/Wfdvwzb7WKI/AAAAAAAAEQs/OUH-Tq6JE9QVJ6Y6NkrMkOSgpFlWDmZAgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1131931875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aC1Ubt7vnck/Wfdvwzb7WKI/AAAAAAAAEQs/OUH-Tq6JE9QVJ6Y6NkrMkOSgpFlWDmZAgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1131931875.jpg"></a></div>Chaparral in New Mexico.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QlX3OUExSgU/Wfdu0Oqfg4I/AAAAAAAAEPU/ZwhYK7994A8LPkoJKiA3E_3oL5DTnLoNgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-351194920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QlX3OUExSgU/Wfdu0Oqfg4I/AAAAAAAAEPU/ZwhYK7994A8LPkoJKiA3E_3oL5DTnLoNgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-351194920.jpg"></a></div></div>Beautiful grassland!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rw0LrguemEg/Wfdvq2OSdeI/AAAAAAAAEQg/C7uI7c6qeTs1cNJhHxJHeA9joteBqWAOwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1879443752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rw0LrguemEg/Wfdvq2OSdeI/AAAAAAAAEQg/C7uI7c6qeTs1cNJhHxJHeA9joteBqWAOwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1879443752.jpg"></a></div>Roadrunner! Large metal sculpture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rTxoHS65kUo/Wfdvc5gFxmI/AAAAAAAAEQQ/88Zs-OGEJHclHweu3_ReR9hj4X6kz_MDwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--190467385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rTxoHS65kUo/Wfdvc5gFxmI/AAAAAAAAEQQ/88Zs-OGEJHclHweu3_ReR9hj4X6kz_MDwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--190467385.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lots of rock!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3FoF3o8xrGQ/WfdvLJ6Bf3I/AAAAAAAAEPw/WFyOvO1QRYsQykHlxFG6cLl6FQLxnIEtACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--445715130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3FoF3o8xrGQ/WfdvLJ6Bf3I/AAAAAAAAEPw/WFyOvO1QRYsQykHlxFG6cLl6FQLxnIEtACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--445715130.jpg"></a></div>Picnic area.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g0Mk-JaWoLc/WfdvBBGXo7I/AAAAAAAAEPk/D-pLB16UI0QpnpcZV2XM12p1nPk2jJFHgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1683189321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g0Mk-JaWoLc/WfdvBBGXo7I/AAAAAAAAEPk/D-pLB16UI0QpnpcZV2XM12p1nPk2jJFHgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1683189321.jpg"></a></div>Happy travelers!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R1M9s4vtjos/WfdvN0ItCoI/AAAAAAAAEP0/lpjR1qNIbjA2vrsSP6sCI5VHyuSIza1YACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--2036733990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R1M9s4vtjos/WfdvN0ItCoI/AAAAAAAAEP0/lpjR1qNIbjA2vrsSP6sCI5VHyuSIza1YACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--2036733990.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Arrival in Arizona!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We love Arizona for many reasons, primarily because one of my sisters lives here. But birding and nature trails and the beauty of the scenery means a lot too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--PPrpHY82ss/WfdvT4334CI/AAAAAAAAEQE/FRaG5E6cq24751krTMl1s6dc5_BYqnY_gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1367371841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--PPrpHY82ss/WfdvT4334CI/AAAAAAAAEQE/FRaG5E6cq24751krTMl1s6dc5_BYqnY_gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1367371841.jpg"></a></div>Right over the AZ border we settled in at the first rest stop. Love the signage that warns of scorpions and snakes!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BquSnGQ61rI/Wfdvt3z8WnI/AAAAAAAAEQk/qLNxTXlEqpwdMN8FdVjn4waFVE6f1mHdACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-737594702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BquSnGQ61rI/Wfdvt3z8WnI/AAAAAAAAEQk/qLNxTXlEqpwdMN8FdVjn4waFVE6f1mHdACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-737594702.jpg"></a></div>Rest stop surroundings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LMrjVzwEH3I/WfdvW8hwjtI/AAAAAAAAEQI/cN3ZPIbLeEQlOcEjGFbpkj3D2SAwWXDogCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1152963842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LMrjVzwEH3I/WfdvW8hwjtI/AAAAAAAAEQI/cN3ZPIbLeEQlOcEjGFbpkj3D2SAwWXDogCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1152963842.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we continued on I 10, there was much to see in rock formations.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dUZBNVJRWzY/WfdvgHTkKNI/AAAAAAAAEQU/n92f57dnDg00j13RriNPtbldIA1mVLbyACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-939571517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dUZBNVJRWzY/WfdvgHTkKNI/AAAAAAAAEQU/n92f57dnDg00j13RriNPtbldIA1mVLbyACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-939571517.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7vdC7Wu0yLk/Wfduw1ILkrI/AAAAAAAAEPQ/lbXs9AMuiQ06oFwIMpPqftwHzd3iXS-1gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--2027396689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7vdC7Wu0yLk/Wfduw1ILkrI/AAAAAAAAEPQ/lbXs9AMuiQ06oFwIMpPqftwHzd3iXS-1gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--2027396689.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">From a distance you can see the dust in the distance. There are many highway signs warning about dust storms and what you should do: get off the road, turn your lights off, and foot off the brake. We are assuming that the reason for no lights has to do with the avoidance of an accident. If a car behind you sees lights, the driver might mistake it for a moving vehicle that they can follow. Then the real possibility of a crash exists.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We headed into Tucson where my sister lives and before visiting Harriet, we stopped at a beautiful park called Agua Calientes. We walked for a bit with Nevelle, but after about 5 minutes he began plopping down where ever he wanted, so we didn't make much headway!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lots of cacti and palms.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KUliFXRj81I/Wfdu9rd7vII/AAAAAAAAEPg/XEt7tqBB_pQ8ATnnP8ZsvTfTlrlXS3cLQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-270562077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KUliFXRj81I/Wfdu9rd7vII/AAAAAAAAEPg/XEt7tqBB_pQ8ATnnP8ZsvTfTlrlXS3cLQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-270562077.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Michael and Nevelle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m_EbW7EYsWE/Wfdu3Db_4yI/AAAAAAAAEPY/dF2G3IA1L8cXHUzKk7uWVyG3YCvvcosoACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-109223548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m_EbW7EYsWE/Wfdu3Db_4yI/AAAAAAAAEPY/dF2G3IA1L8cXHUzKk7uWVyG3YCvvcosoACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-109223548.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Nevelle decides it's time to rest!</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s-5GFoAei_o/WfdvmSLpVXI/AAAAAAAAEQc/Ax-A_L-SlAwM8-_gNV4JLnzCns0INI7yACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-2047398276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s-5GFoAei_o/WfdvmSLpVXI/AAAAAAAAEQc/Ax-A_L-SlAwM8-_gNV4JLnzCns0INI7yACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-2047398276.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UcUOsh35ois/WfdvZ_lXSVI/AAAAAAAAEQM/7Zjqw3VVoPs4Ztiui2E6zI8qUAtRZFd0gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-682411614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UcUOsh35ois/WfdvZ_lXSVI/AAAAAAAAEQM/7Zjqw3VVoPs4Ztiui2E6zI8qUAtRZFd0gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-682411614.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fUIYr38Vie8/WfdvELd6-JI/AAAAAAAAEPo/6pqov4GsnTEnu3u_2E_k2Rsr04OtFqUpwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1808074122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fUIYr38Vie8/WfdvELd6-JI/AAAAAAAAEPo/6pqov4GsnTEnu3u_2E_k2Rsr04OtFqUpwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1808074122.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4yF_TUimzBo/Wfdu6hIXtGI/AAAAAAAAEPc/kGbafImPQzggfuCzdpiDqhJ8zKiEbd6QgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1438538319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4yF_TUimzBo/Wfdu6hIXtGI/AAAAAAAAEPc/kGbafImPQzggfuCzdpiDqhJ8zKiEbd6QgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1438538319.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tyW0spmjLZs/WfdvHu4kmAI/AAAAAAAAEPs/nTn68y_bkwIxFVGs28wQemKcGvMyRUxiQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--922498719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tyW0spmjLZs/WfdvHu4kmAI/AAAAAAAAEPs/nTn68y_bkwIxFVGs28wQemKcGvMyRUxiQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--922498719.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tN57jsDHpRY/Wfdvz6k4ZrI/AAAAAAAAEQw/Hutj6SGoXvUbj8OHczM0W2L8NW0Mw3KFACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1443313103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tN57jsDHpRY/Wfdvz6k4ZrI/AAAAAAAAEQw/Hutj6SGoXvUbj8OHczM0W2L8NW0Mw3KFACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1443313103.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Really large palms!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OAYjzfMUnWY/Wfdut9LISVI/AAAAAAAAEPM/D54Wq1nYOtoV1_Z71Tl3LOLKyxClWQYBgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--185922547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OAYjzfMUnWY/Wfdut9LISVI/AAAAAAAAEPM/D54Wq1nYOtoV1_Z71Tl3LOLKyxClWQYBgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--185922547.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ndz2Qs8bKSM/WfdvQtxQvII/AAAAAAAAEQA/PQx1oAnSxHY5xWWSmLeXNVdIVheQsGv7QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1971442706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ndz2Qs8bKSM/WfdvQtxQvII/AAAAAAAAEQA/PQx1oAnSxHY5xWWSmLeXNVdIVheQsGv7QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1971442706.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Prickly pear cactus.</div><br></div>We will be in AZ for a month or so, not only visiting with Harriet, but birding around the state. For now, our visit has just begun and we're excited. Will continue to share with you!</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Wheeling through Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844643299360522298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202086983426634829.post-41702708372294087182017-10-30T10:22:00.001-07:002017-10-30T10:22:00.315-07:00Texas to New MexicoWe are getting spoiled by this<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> weather! Sunny and breezy with temps in the 70's and chilly nights in the 40's. No humidity, just nice and dry. Autumn in central and western Texas can't be beat! </span><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We have stayed in Kerrville at a Cracker Barrel, and Comfort (twice) and Sheffield rest stops for each night. The Comfort rest stop on west bound I10 was noisy and crowded, but the east bound side was much quieter as it was larger and we were set back a decent distance. Sheffield had a smaller rest stop and was close to the interstate so it was pretty noisy. Nonetheless, we have been so happy about these free camping rest stops with free dump sites and water. They're well maintained and surrounded by pretty scenery. We do free camp as often as possible as a way to save money, but it all depends on where we visit and how long we will be at the location. If our stay will be longer, we will choose a campground with hook-ups.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">On the 24th, we decided to pick a Kerrville nature center to visit called Riverside Nature Center after a quick scoot around the town.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HiN-IRxPvxc/WfdfdEOo50I/AAAAAAAAEOk/8WKEyAvs8rYlWzygBZHgSWLFZ1uOJ5DbgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1188391140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HiN-IRxPvxc/WfdfdEOo50I/AAAAAAAAEOk/8WKEyAvs8rYlWzygBZHgSWLFZ1uOJ5DbgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1188391140.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The nature center was really nice with a visitor center, some exhibits and a small shop. We walked a trail through the botanical garden and were surprised about how many plants are still in bloom!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k-TwSJR_HYg/Wfdfm2JH2BI/AAAAAAAAEO0/qFIBRy0CY40TFUSlrxNNfDvDEU-uO8pkQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1750692719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k-TwSJR_HYg/Wfdfm2JH2BI/AAAAAAAAEO0/qFIBRy0CY40TFUSlrxNNfDvDEU-uO8pkQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1750692719.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FJg72C-T1Tc/WfdfM5bDINI/AAAAAAAAEOQ/Uw_4NEvey-oV2hmRp3nxw78-BujusK00gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-242159493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FJg72C-T1Tc/WfdfM5bDINI/AAAAAAAAEOQ/Uw_4NEvey-oV2hmRp3nxw78-BujusK00gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-242159493.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SpBE7_il-go/WfdfJ9DOYdI/AAAAAAAAEOM/4qeKQjwbS6w9aKGpCDUuauiEYNckx0smgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1110753523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SpBE7_il-go/WfdfJ9DOYdI/AAAAAAAAEOM/4qeKQjwbS6w9aKGpCDUuauiEYNckx0smgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1110753523.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P4iOuJNNHkM/WfdftyX3J8I/AAAAAAAAEO8/INdkAQkbNRk99G2n08EoXLIbcXdP1aqsACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-180494779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P4iOuJNNHkM/WfdftyX3J8I/AAAAAAAAEO8/INdkAQkbNRk99G2n08EoXLIbcXdP1aqsACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-180494779.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k_YjFzBcPMA/WfdfGX_yMEI/AAAAAAAAEOI/LaM0tb0DIgwSl4jo14OXDWbVqvtsY_k8ACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--457880151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k_YjFzBcPMA/WfdfGX_yMEI/AAAAAAAAEOI/LaM0tb0DIgwSl4jo14OXDWbVqvtsY_k8ACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--457880151.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Soldier butterfly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bV6zOTTF2_c/WfdfqZyPL5I/AAAAAAAAEO4/b8Bkwrj6oC8YEecGNnG72LKzhZOMze41wCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1079211220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bV6zOTTF2_c/WfdfqZyPL5I/AAAAAAAAEO4/b8Bkwrj6oC8YEecGNnG72LKzhZOMze41wCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1079211220.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eYOT5a-sJBs/WfdfaKLem5I/AAAAAAAAEOg/2zMYB5WvoQoJ_PoIWsEbwJsReq6YrT09ACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1372836922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eYOT5a-sJBs/WfdfaKLem5I/AAAAAAAAEOg/2zMYB5WvoQoJ_PoIWsEbwJsReq6YrT09ACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1372836922.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-flw-wMIQ2tE/Wfdfjp4vdCI/AAAAAAAAEOs/aeFC47BQjx4CDmZyfLrf7CMXbtcDNaPoQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1706420904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-flw-wMIQ2tE/Wfdfjp4vdCI/AAAAAAAAEOs/aeFC47BQjx4CDmZyfLrf7CMXbtcDNaPoQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1706420904.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mNG85oRlbIM/WfdfQJB2GrI/AAAAAAAAEOU/H3Nl6G4ZjUghomIrXLim-Xj28QGiy4pHACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--757057415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mNG85oRlbIM/WfdfQJB2GrI/AAAAAAAAEOU/H3Nl6G4ZjUghomIrXLim-Xj28QGiy4pHACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--757057415.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When we saw the bat specimen below, we remembered that several nights ago at a Walmart in Fredericksburg, we were really surprised to see hundreds of bats flying back and forth in what's called murmuration (around one of the big parking lot lights). Murmuration usually refers to a flock of starlings that fly as if one bird instead of hundreds or even thousands of birds. In this case bats were flying back and forth in a way that looked choreographed! Flying one way as a group, the cloud appears and then it disappears as they fly the other way. At the beach, tiny shorebirds are often seen flying in murmuration.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The volunteer at the nature center called them part of the "tunnel" bats, referring to a bat colony located at a nearby state park called Lost Tunnel. There an abandoned railroad tunnel is home to up to three million Mexican free-tailed bats!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A12ePigMu_g/WfdfTcLS3hI/AAAAAAAAEOY/BNvnfo8dP_4vCjx_jsaZhuw5Yb5tgK47gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--2059093553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A12ePigMu_g/WfdfTcLS3hI/AAAAAAAAEOY/BNvnfo8dP_4vCjx_jsaZhuw5Yb5tgK47gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--2059093553.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mexican free-tailed bat specimen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On Wednesday, we drove from Kerrville to the Sheffield rest stop and watched the rolling green landscape change from hill country to flatter chaparral with mesas and buttes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g3nnEKhHRxs/WfdfWrA3-2I/AAAAAAAAEOc/mUJSMHXAY_sLKfFv936AcyegD2lqOwPvQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1280513620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g3nnEKhHRxs/WfdfWrA3-2I/AAAAAAAAEOc/mUJSMHXAY_sLKfFv936AcyegD2lqOwPvQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1280513620.jpg"></a></div>Hill Country.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Om6sOPMuySw/WfdfgYULHZI/AAAAAAAAEOo/85i6LE7ZONkFfvH1fGSPKu3j5C_qO-jMQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-590061060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Om6sOPMuySw/WfdfgYULHZI/AAAAAAAAEOo/85i6LE7ZONkFfvH1fGSPKu3j5C_qO-jMQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-590061060.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></font></div>Wheeling through Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844643299360522298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202086983426634829.post-37995346256829677192017-10-24T11:24:00.001-07:002017-10-24T11:24:09.309-07:00Rolling On!After I posted the last blog entry, I realized I forgot to tell you about a really nice experience we had at the rest area! Nearby was a very pretty Lutheran Church:<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2-m47bF4fT8/We-EdTImcyI/AAAAAAAAEMI/7LZ_2BeV11QD7Oxv3R_2mJb_nHIfOycZwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-827417752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2-m47bF4fT8/We-EdTImcyI/AAAAAAAAEMI/7LZ_2BeV11QD7Oxv3R_2mJb_nHIfOycZwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-827417752.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We were inside the trailer when there was a knock at the door. We expected it would be someone interested in the Rpod trailer, but instead a lady stood at the door with a tray containing two hot meals and dessert! She mentioned she was from the Lutheran church and they had just had a luncheon and she wanted to share the homemade leftovers with us! While Michael enjoyed his meatloaf and mine, we both enjoyed terrific mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables. Dessert was delicious bread pudding. We couldn't thank her enough for her generosity. This reminded us of "Trail Angels", those people who reach out to hikers on the Appalachian Trail with food, water, and other necessities.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">To complete the story of our Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park visit, on Friday, the 20th, we found ourselves in the town of Stonewall, known as the LBJ Ranch district of the park. This area offers a driving tour of the LBJ ranch with many properties associated with President Johnson's life. Some sites we saw included the one-room Junction School that LBJ attended at age four, the reconstructed LBJ birthplace, the Johnson family cemetery with generations of Johnsons buried here, including the President and Lady Bird (Clair) Johnson. There's also the home of LBJ's grandfather and the Show Barn where the staff manage the ranch and care for the registered Hereford cattle, descended from LBJ's original herd. The Texas White House is here too, accessible only by guided tour which we did not do. (Always save something for the next time!). And there is a Lockheed Jetstar, one of five used at the ranch. Because of its small size, President Johnson referred to this jet as "Air Force One-Half."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-03HAbmTe7YQ/We-FEFEH_II/AAAAAAAAEM8/odkBz7NLolYFCauVGpAS3lhjXIAzmGfUwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1153246799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-03HAbmTe7YQ/We-FEFEH_II/AAAAAAAAEM8/odkBz7NLolYFCauVGpAS3lhjXIAzmGfUwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1153246799.jpg"></a></div>The quote on this sign also greeted visitors to the Texas White House.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RZqsAPyYgRw/We-EJ6cNJeI/AAAAAAAAELw/5ksMkPUtfWc4rYFCfEr3aF4eA_GygGrHQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-440233690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RZqsAPyYgRw/We-EJ6cNJeI/AAAAAAAAELw/5ksMkPUtfWc4rYFCfEr3aF4eA_GygGrHQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-440233690.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eoQLosAO0tI/We-EpbcCw4I/AAAAAAAAEMY/Lcm8IYgpDCIfCS6ICwTyOkJYPWNUpFK1QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1641451867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eoQLosAO0tI/We-EpbcCw4I/AAAAAAAAEMY/Lcm8IYgpDCIfCS6ICwTyOkJYPWNUpFK1QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1641451867.jpg"></a></div>The Junction one-room school house.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jnua_r2UKog/We-ErwNSBeI/AAAAAAAAEMc/q1BmAWbIdVYvsn26DQMJgoEmqRZ-gnblwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--381551013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jnua_r2UKog/We-ErwNSBeI/AAAAAAAAEMc/q1BmAWbIdVYvsn26DQMJgoEmqRZ-gnblwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--381551013.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BtkR4WJKxGU/We-D0oyfIhI/AAAAAAAAELU/im7pTGKPF4cZpcIwaydWx5-tmWWiB6ANACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1505497453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BtkR4WJKxGU/We-D0oyfIhI/AAAAAAAAELU/im7pTGKPF4cZpcIwaydWx5-tmWWiB6ANACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1505497453.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e6kRnr0Wus4/We-EarOht6I/AAAAAAAAEME/XpZhdHBsZSgsv6T7z1Yc6Kkh8L2kgihSQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-2047535038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e6kRnr0Wus4/We-EarOht6I/AAAAAAAAEME/XpZhdHBsZSgsv6T7z1Yc6Kkh8L2kgihSQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-2047535038.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NAZWKnaYZmg/We-DuwABxDI/AAAAAAAAELM/i3KyclN0HZw3g0frgtz9638nnJMo4TvVQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-128748355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NAZWKnaYZmg/We-DuwABxDI/AAAAAAAAELM/i3KyclN0HZw3g0frgtz9638nnJMo4TvVQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-128748355.jpg"></a></div>The reconstructed birthplace of the President.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ab5lfRUQZOA/We-FAQk0r6I/AAAAAAAAEM4/fK0dFt_H6TcngUKxq31utFnLXUwfpPvawCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--14446665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ab5lfRUQZOA/We-FAQk0r6I/AAAAAAAAEM4/fK0dFt_H6TcngUKxq31utFnLXUwfpPvawCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--14446665.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-igavoU1YGo0/We-EDxq5vbI/AAAAAAAAELo/wQHlKah5qzY3C7SyCWc1FtFvbViv4nWbACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1550560000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-igavoU1YGo0/We-EDxq5vbI/AAAAAAAAELo/wQHlKah5qzY3C7SyCWc1FtFvbViv4nWbACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1550560000.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uNEPfH_1gm8/We-E19usHYI/AAAAAAAAEMs/_Tb9V-ynL9QyQ4jwQLTVyG8qPNw9O1tSACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--273854840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uNEPfH_1gm8/We-E19usHYI/AAAAAAAAEMs/_Tb9V-ynL9QyQ4jwQLTVyG8qPNw9O1tSACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--273854840.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z1XN6dmftfQ/We-EXj3WPvI/AAAAAAAAEMA/swYlE1_--ZUtzzxjCuTK7eoQFzGsWhlEgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--232294489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z1XN6dmftfQ/We-EXj3WPvI/AAAAAAAAEMA/swYlE1_--ZUtzzxjCuTK7eoQFzGsWhlEgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--232294489.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y8DUgtqvn_g/We-EgQogVlI/AAAAAAAAEMM/aQ_WMf5Rbc8rKKNLfc3ubUuZA2mX0s6dwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-435085417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y8DUgtqvn_g/We-EgQogVlI/AAAAAAAAEMM/aQ_WMf5Rbc8rKKNLfc3ubUuZA2mX0s6dwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-435085417.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Part of the Johnson Family cemetery.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z2YfXnI4hl8/We-Evc6qf-I/AAAAAAAAEMg/u8-M5we-PMAiH0s5cXEu4oZJy4azFB3qwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--2123625662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z2YfXnI4hl8/We-Evc6qf-I/AAAAAAAAEMg/u8-M5we-PMAiH0s5cXEu4oZJy4azFB3qwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--2123625662.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The President and First Lady graves.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/---sP57q3BmQ/We-DxoVB7TI/AAAAAAAAELQ/fZeVS14U7UkA1zI284LbFFR-MMO7Be-JACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--842379471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/---sP57q3BmQ/We-DxoVB7TI/AAAAAAAAELQ/fZeVS14U7UkA1zI284LbFFR-MMO7Be-JACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--842379471.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bWujfeD5RJs/We-Eje5uTjI/AAAAAAAAEMQ/KMWzfjgs4zMq0bLjRBx0HABbmGf-G2RyQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1612014450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bWujfeD5RJs/We-Eje5uTjI/AAAAAAAAEMQ/KMWzfjgs4zMq0bLjRBx0HABbmGf-G2RyQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1612014450.jpg"></a></div>LBJ's grandfather's home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some of the beauty on our way to the LBJ ranch:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B9j3ct2PpY4/We-D3l4LnwI/AAAAAAAAELY/plM4LfjzNokofn5S6_KL2kbc2t3UIaQHgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-10946728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B9j3ct2PpY4/We-D3l4LnwI/AAAAAAAAELY/plM4LfjzNokofn5S6_KL2kbc2t3UIaQHgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-10946728.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E137GjwW3aA/We-EmTZ-hiI/AAAAAAAAEMU/weEUNVA6p-kfZRRtkR5ULnt_1ZCiIHVjgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1301679309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E137GjwW3aA/We-EmTZ-hiI/AAAAAAAAEMU/weEUNVA6p-kfZRRtkR5ULnt_1ZCiIHVjgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1301679309.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The LBJ ranch:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5yMZNzTB24k/We-FHqIxLkI/AAAAAAAAENA/wJMz_6B3QWgZ_FenTeTQP1QgxNVHXv8jQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1924080600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5yMZNzTB24k/We-FHqIxLkI/AAAAAAAAENA/wJMz_6B3QWgZ_FenTeTQP1QgxNVHXv8jQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1924080600.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l1srUz5Dq5A/We-FOxg4bKI/AAAAAAAAENI/b_f96_yQOK8QTn7S5VpHR6g9_8Xymo5PgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1313814864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l1srUz5Dq5A/We-FOxg4bKI/AAAAAAAAENI/b_f96_yQOK8QTn7S5VpHR6g9_8Xymo5PgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1313814864.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9ObGnCb6phw/We-EU6GQIwI/AAAAAAAAEL8/czbevuP7D3s7DQlZd3NtgshnxHWgS1_UwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1609592114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9ObGnCb6phw/We-EU6GQIwI/AAAAAAAAEL8/czbevuP7D3s7DQlZd3NtgshnxHWgS1_UwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1609592114.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MAaraKIRZz0/We-E5cPErNI/AAAAAAAAEMw/xplqSBM2kVEhyFFQGDe-oy0S9MPi12s7wCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1631780928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MAaraKIRZz0/We-E5cPErNI/AAAAAAAAEMw/xplqSBM2kVEhyFFQGDe-oy0S9MPi12s7wCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1631780928.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Calves from this season's calving.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wr-76F2PGVM/We-EGzd94dI/AAAAAAAAELs/KTd_zNL0YIguAmfMd6pmd61TUJNyJXMOgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--412568519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wr-76F2PGVM/We-EGzd94dI/AAAAAAAAELs/KTd_zNL0YIguAmfMd6pmd61TUJNyJXMOgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--412568519.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9M4HM-C5L0s/We-D6pSrDoI/AAAAAAAAELc/0pLZ8DbX-EU01zb2gCSAwegzeNMPP25OACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-2016656889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9M4HM-C5L0s/We-D6pSrDoI/AAAAAAAAELc/0pLZ8DbX-EU01zb2gCSAwegzeNMPP25OACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-2016656889.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Goats.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xi0DWY62Cis/We-ER0oUs5I/AAAAAAAAEL4/7Px7KQd8P2ck1vXTO0iUR_JcyNDHHaYqACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1455296718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xi0DWY62Cis/We-ER0oUs5I/AAAAAAAAEL4/7Px7KQd8P2ck1vXTO0iUR_JcyNDHHaYqACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1455296718.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-thQIw55mTcM/We-E86BAIyI/AAAAAAAAEM0/Hd0QwzpzbC0kLmUROHViSKOyDrHYplmnACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-221975042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-thQIw55mTcM/We-E86BAIyI/AAAAAAAAEM0/Hd0QwzpzbC0kLmUROHViSKOyDrHYplmnACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-221975042.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The visit to both park districts was well worth it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Roq9PpQ5dqM/We-FRwVcSNI/AAAAAAAAENM/RN0FUwubmH4n7aw5YgSZkN0kxxXQXmfGgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-2022618790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Roq9PpQ5dqM/We-FRwVcSNI/AAAAAAAAENM/RN0FUwubmH4n7aw5YgSZkN0kxxXQXmfGgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-2022618790.jpg"></a></div>Here's what a cat does after a long day of touring!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sunday, the 22nd, has us at another great rest area in Comfort, offering free dumping of our waste tanks and potable water, plus a free overnight stay in a park-like setting:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HZzbh37oY8s/We-EywcY7XI/AAAAAAAAEMk/7C7eJAl-nOolZ2ZQoN6MLeZ1lNimLypFwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--121477777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HZzbh37oY8s/We-EywcY7XI/AAAAAAAAEMk/7C7eJAl-nOolZ2ZQoN6MLeZ1lNimLypFwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--121477777.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UaaiL09BjbM/We-FLcFedyI/AAAAAAAAENE/4IenRq81gkArp25tDEQ7eVVqXzKeebbJQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-162906430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UaaiL09BjbM/We-FLcFedyI/AAAAAAAAENE/4IenRq81gkArp25tDEQ7eVVqXzKeebbJQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-162906430.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qZSBPX7W7Ws/We-D9yh2jgI/AAAAAAAAELg/CP7At9sVtAkbFD5l5Mu5T2_WVHB_0Gc2QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1593291003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qZSBPX7W7Ws/We-D9yh2jgI/AAAAAAAAELg/CP7At9sVtAkbFD5l5Mu5T2_WVHB_0Gc2QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1593291003.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Monday, the 23rd we are headed to Kerrville for the day! Meanwhile, we are enjoying a bright sunny day with temps in the 70's and a brisk, yes brisk, breeze that has us in fleece! But what a pleasure after the hot and humid temps we had in east Texas!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UfefzJ8G1uk/We-EA4zeyVI/AAAAAAAAELk/UDimxvyiq2ENn5qH-NnaygHDkraA_ilUwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1242876686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UfefzJ8G1uk/We-EA4zeyVI/AAAAAAAAELk/UDimxvyiq2ENn5qH-NnaygHDkraA_ilUwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1242876686.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">See you soon!</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div>Wheeling through Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844643299360522298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202086983426634829.post-65090152848559473412017-10-21T14:52:00.001-07:002017-10-21T14:57:11.755-07:00Arizona BoundMonday, October 16, we wrapped up a few weeks stay in Coldspring at our sweet little spot in the Sam Houston National Forest. And we learned that all of our camping there might be against the rules. Over the weekend a very nice hunter told us that hunting season had begun on October 1 and that camping where we were was not allowed. Plus the idea that an arrow could come zipping through our campsite (it's bow season) was a little scary. Charlene and Alan and Michael spoke with the hunter, who returned the next day with a copy of the regulations for us to keep. We need to learn if camping is allowed there in the non-hunting season. Meanwhile, Alan and Charlene left on Sunday, and we headed out on Monday.<div><br></div><div>We headed through Conroe, Buda, and Marble Falls and Thursday, landed in Johnson City, Texas, birthplace of Lyndon Baines Johnson. Along the way we visited the Canyon Dam, in Canyon Lake.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SLMQ2QZTgSE/WevAnoQWv9I/AAAAAAAAEJU/aQ-4rUONjAMHkALlBnqgkDwE2GzEjngxACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-830606209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SLMQ2QZTgSE/WevAnoQWv9I/AAAAAAAAEJU/aQ-4rUONjAMHkALlBnqgkDwE2GzEjngxACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-830606209.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dYPek_Z87zM/Weu_5olwC4I/AAAAAAAAEIc/ic_e0o-d5KA9SS-AeiP7SNaAiWFVq8A-gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1966557680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dYPek_Z87zM/Weu_5olwC4I/AAAAAAAAEIc/ic_e0o-d5KA9SS-AeiP7SNaAiWFVq8A-gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1966557680.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VpcFmDXqnUU/Weu_8XX2VeI/AAAAAAAAEIk/RKb-u-9UtW0VWd9Mp8zUCFF_SN5sCG-0QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--66580055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VpcFmDXqnUU/Weu_8XX2VeI/AAAAAAAAEIk/RKb-u-9UtW0VWd9Mp8zUCFF_SN5sCG-0QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--66580055.jpg"></a></div>Canyon Lake and the spillway.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r4K3wS6Y_b0/Weu__SgRPiI/AAAAAAAAEIo/0TXgMYHuUuIrA917ggDPb16Z_adST_3qQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-413634848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r4K3wS6Y_b0/Weu__SgRPiI/AAAAAAAAEIo/0TXgMYHuUuIrA917ggDPb16Z_adST_3qQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-413634848.jpg"></a></div>The dam, a popular walking spot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sJeC4BalzBk/WevBF3uNxXI/AAAAAAAAEJ4/yBL8u2T3o_88jURdBaCwl-d7TzqWx-juACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-235438184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sJeC4BalzBk/WevBF3uNxXI/AAAAAAAAEJ4/yBL8u2T3o_88jURdBaCwl-d7TzqWx-juACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-235438184.jpg"></a></div>Driving in Texas Hill Country, a beautiful area in central Texas. Although green and hilly, there's lots of prickly pear cactus around.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Welcome to Johnson City!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L9laYn_lIC0/WevAIEy0ViI/AAAAAAAAEIw/jaQqYn0u3aYsoqvItdC1_T5pKC-ELY3mACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1769657145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L9laYn_lIC0/WevAIEy0ViI/AAAAAAAAEIw/jaQqYn0u3aYsoqvItdC1_T5pKC-ELY3mACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1769657145.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our visit to Johnson City included a few hours at the first of two districts of the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and National Historical Park, which documents the origins, ancestry and life of the 36th president. We stopped in the visitor center for information, exhibits and two short videos about the president and the First Lady. We toured LBJ's boyhood home and some of the out buildings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This was a lovely spot with old live oaks and pecan trees. I was particularly taken by the trees, as they were at least 200 plus years old! Majestic and full of history! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ub5CjRud_Kk/WevAaepecQI/AAAAAAAAEJA/fRtJ0z0-uCoPfKc9ktHdiJmu58l3nY4yACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-2078422196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ub5CjRud_Kk/WevAaepecQI/AAAAAAAAEJA/fRtJ0z0-uCoPfKc9ktHdiJmu58l3nY4yACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-2078422196.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9Fp4KinucD4/WevAE57hppI/AAAAAAAAEIs/KoFAjCRL3C8V-Lyf2ELHvkpmfFCqtK1ZACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--885077134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9Fp4KinucD4/WevAE57hppI/AAAAAAAAEIs/KoFAjCRL3C8V-Lyf2ELHvkpmfFCqtK1ZACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--885077134.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HdHpKFdRaCM/WevASTiVDnI/AAAAAAAAEI4/uQY3pFRB9lU2nkYeENiRiaZ4zBZxR2N5gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1920186883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HdHpKFdRaCM/WevASTiVDnI/AAAAAAAAEI4/uQY3pFRB9lU2nkYeENiRiaZ4zBZxR2N5gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1920186883.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--wjHUe3g0d0/WevCsjz73CI/AAAAAAAAEKk/vXlqUo1uW6E3sQuPq778bMKI4FTVnQyygCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--815871753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--wjHUe3g0d0/WevCsjz73CI/AAAAAAAAEKk/vXlqUo1uW6E3sQuPq778bMKI4FTVnQyygCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--815871753.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ldzRFYvqEDE/WevA6h4sYAI/AAAAAAAAEJs/zMPbbSI15Z0iNr7D_Wz2yAyBPyNbCVgqQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1848539716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ldzRFYvqEDE/WevA6h4sYAI/AAAAAAAAEJs/zMPbbSI15Z0iNr7D_Wz2yAyBPyNbCVgqQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1848539716.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZFHtYHNKyX0/Weu_2vj2glI/AAAAAAAAEIY/OeTE6LFAxAk7jawnM5fZDOs9c--QG9nLQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-514646812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZFHtYHNKyX0/Weu_2vj2glI/AAAAAAAAEIY/OeTE6LFAxAk7jawnM5fZDOs9c--QG9nLQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-514646812.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The exhibits included several like the following, outlining his presidential work on key issues of the day (still appropriate for now).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MyLmHUD7ngY/WevAPcfqXvI/AAAAAAAAEI0/bZZI_c0FqEYHbEBc4GYc4slaGlIj6UT6QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1482622377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MyLmHUD7ngY/WevAPcfqXvI/AAAAAAAAEI0/bZZI_c0FqEYHbEBc4GYc4slaGlIj6UT6QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1482622377.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bORdMm0OVp8/WevAgE9ySjI/AAAAAAAAEJM/pXuF5ZYf2g4FeatF0SgzD5ADMRbrZPAEQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-950316852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bORdMm0OVp8/WevAgE9ySjI/AAAAAAAAEJM/pXuF5ZYf2g4FeatF0SgzD5ADMRbrZPAEQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-950316852.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pr91SWRL20E/WevAjN-zcFI/AAAAAAAAEJQ/TX2sjkwk2cw3hS69CikZY7bDkcpGkIX6wCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--401112154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pr91SWRL20E/WevAjN-zcFI/AAAAAAAAEJQ/TX2sjkwk2cw3hS69CikZY7bDkcpGkIX6wCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--401112154.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dcEwU4wvlSs/WevBVitymHI/AAAAAAAAEKE/eNX27_kxWJQDcHDqRCqFcHmgxemeeBB1QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-958061976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dcEwU4wvlSs/WevBVitymHI/AAAAAAAAEKE/eNX27_kxWJQDcHDqRCqFcHmgxemeeBB1QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-958061976.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Michael admiring one of many varieties of trees on the property.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KKY-jcVrmB4/WevBo0t-OHI/AAAAAAAAEKY/MXaNrxTOY3kZVVzPsxJf4lHD1a5BgkdUQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1393789485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KKY-jcVrmB4/WevBo0t-OHI/AAAAAAAAEKY/MXaNrxTOY3kZVVzPsxJf4lHD1a5BgkdUQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1393789485.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">LBJ's boyhood home. Some architectural details below as well as interior pics.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ianV8n3d2kE/WevBKeJIxyI/AAAAAAAAEJ8/FMgR_9BEVRkSyf4SXhx-W3Eqlo67aAMqgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--399103414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ianV8n3d2kE/WevBKeJIxyI/AAAAAAAAEJ8/FMgR_9BEVRkSyf4SXhx-W3Eqlo67aAMqgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--399103414.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QxMKaAeE1VI/Weu_vTnAp7I/AAAAAAAAEIU/0lfx0CDRNto4dSTZtcZBUVY1cV0JLn3YgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1878118535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QxMKaAeE1VI/Weu_vTnAp7I/AAAAAAAAEIU/0lfx0CDRNto4dSTZtcZBUVY1cV0JLn3YgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1878118535.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aU-xBP8zbzs/WevAV-M0S2I/AAAAAAAAEI8/WSbSBEDYxRIcZxq38s4xN0f-Dg2WAtfFgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-446249475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aU-xBP8zbzs/WevAV-M0S2I/AAAAAAAAEI8/WSbSBEDYxRIcZxq38s4xN0f-Dg2WAtfFgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-446249475.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FlUjleUXSqw/WevBRi3_EII/AAAAAAAAEKA/EaAdh1MDngAky4n1DXrF3z8Cqejpyw2VgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1098822990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FlUjleUXSqw/WevBRi3_EII/AAAAAAAAEKA/EaAdh1MDngAky4n1DXrF3z8Cqejpyw2VgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1098822990.jpg"></a></div>A porch bedroom!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JFk0HSIzmnE/WevAdI8WgBI/AAAAAAAAEJI/JcKF5mFChgM_T-w3ROz2jD74cFfID06uQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1118128954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JFk0HSIzmnE/WevAdI8WgBI/AAAAAAAAEJI/JcKF5mFChgM_T-w3ROz2jD74cFfID06uQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1118128954.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we walked around we found an owl pellet under one of the grand old trees, with bones in it. Couldn't identify the animal that served as dinner for the owl!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q3lGa5O60Lk/WevAxYqGDOI/AAAAAAAAEJg/IIk9WmtPFUsAiwD2mYzYm-sdngYNTiDSgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-603058251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q3lGa5O60Lk/WevAxYqGDOI/AAAAAAAAEJg/IIk9WmtPFUsAiwD2mYzYm-sdngYNTiDSgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-603058251.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The laundry out building:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kbsqHjND3-M/WevBbNOyJlI/AAAAAAAAEKI/NrDa86rVRDoFpb1F8l_G0_NWPdUk3-GnwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1950688755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kbsqHjND3-M/WevBbNOyJlI/AAAAAAAAEKI/NrDa86rVRDoFpb1F8l_G0_NWPdUk3-GnwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1950688755.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4P-ekqISEnY/WevBBA8OdFI/AAAAAAAAEJ0/F6uTBuHwoCQIx60UpLB9ks_6K81yMFFaQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1630776657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4P-ekqISEnY/WevBBA8OdFI/AAAAAAAAEJ0/F6uTBuHwoCQIx60UpLB9ks_6K81yMFFaQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1630776657.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r_gWdAnMLPk/WevArAURs_I/AAAAAAAAEJY/hlg9B0p3SH89vLs-b2Mwn0NRM02s9271QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1281212260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r_gWdAnMLPk/WevArAURs_I/AAAAAAAAEJY/hlg9B0p3SH89vLs-b2Mwn0NRM02s9271QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1281212260.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jimHtsNIZQ0/Weu_WUxX_kI/AAAAAAAAEII/ZJVqor2TJkYlsvWixcu48CgDTOKVw9OeACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1112699058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jimHtsNIZQ0/Weu_WUxX_kI/AAAAAAAAEII/ZJVqor2TJkYlsvWixcu48CgDTOKVw9OeACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1112699058.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3KSs7tIhogI/WevA3rOlk-I/AAAAAAAAEJo/oEf2_oa30Xsl3v_HqXDmSEasjMT48X2GQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--226186352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3KSs7tIhogI/WevA3rOlk-I/AAAAAAAAEJo/oEf2_oa30Xsl3v_HqXDmSEasjMT48X2GQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--226186352.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After this visit, we drove around a bit:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lFkslflTR8I/Weu_d71llcI/AAAAAAAAEIM/RBNIZuzwoN02YMFsvao2bpKw231gSPyzgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-378470220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lFkslflTR8I/Weu_d71llcI/AAAAAAAAEIM/RBNIZuzwoN02YMFsvao2bpKw231gSPyzgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-378470220.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This was a general store from LBJ's childhood, but now houses an exhibit and Chamber of Commerce.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vQ_6R8l1ysw/Weu_rXCKb4I/AAAAAAAAEIQ/WUSfHKlw2HQJ4tndgmBq_SCEwlfezQJQQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1123865985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vQ_6R8l1ysw/Weu_rXCKb4I/AAAAAAAAEIQ/WUSfHKlw2HQJ4tndgmBq_SCEwlfezQJQQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1123865985.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ws3tZlk5FTM/WevA0cQep-I/AAAAAAAAEJk/a8-gMe-oXnAJMpY_5UGos_sjRphgI-L5gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1655830599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ws3tZlk5FTM/WevA0cQep-I/AAAAAAAAEJk/a8-gMe-oXnAJMpY_5UGos_sjRphgI-L5gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1655830599.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We left Johnson City for a local rest stop, again with beautiful old trees and grassy lawns:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2VyEFSnrCyU/WevBfDsnOSI/AAAAAAAAEKM/hJFNqdoQgTkywTMoLhe9z6d-xSbsZ4GoQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1532268121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2VyEFSnrCyU/WevBfDsnOSI/AAAAAAAAEKM/hJFNqdoQgTkywTMoLhe9z6d-xSbsZ4GoQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1532268121.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WUtgjzT7lyQ/WevBju_xxLI/AAAAAAAAEKQ/C2KjG9QxQxI03WxDHSnVfGwS8O9TXX95gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1865750215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WUtgjzT7lyQ/WevBju_xxLI/AAAAAAAAEKQ/C2KjG9QxQxI03WxDHSnVfGwS8O9TXX95gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1865750215.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We spent the night here as this rest stop allowed visitors to stay a max of 24 hours. Above, an example of trying to herd cats!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We'll be back soon with a post about the LBJ ranch, cemetery and other features in Stonewall TX.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><br></div></div><br></div>Wheeling through Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844643299360522298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202086983426634829.post-22207860353189954942017-10-04T14:09:00.001-07:002017-10-04T14:09:08.501-07:00Catch up!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sPdDiyJTwbE/WdVNJ2u-4vI/AAAAAAAAEG0/qfOfnJIuDhsVzkrHty8CywVanHtuFc5KQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-2068815903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sPdDiyJTwbE/WdVNJ2u-4vI/AAAAAAAAEG0/qfOfnJIuDhsVzkrHty8CywVanHtuFc5KQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-2068815903.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Michael has baked an amazing banana walnut cake in the Dutch oven over outdoor fire!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XjtP3Jn324Q/WdVN5BvEehI/AAAAAAAAEHU/Jl_rrL3lxS0MyJJcJ-Zu-b4tZE4ElBYrQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1121517988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XjtP3Jn324Q/WdVN5BvEehI/AAAAAAAAEHU/Jl_rrL3lxS0MyJJcJ-Zu-b4tZE4ElBYrQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1121517988.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Nevelle sleeping through his playtime with Precious!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YIUJLnbygP0/WdVNEeRx1DI/AAAAAAAAEGw/m9SUpqRwKA0usEN-FIaiK3Zb6cS6X8esACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-141475344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YIUJLnbygP0/WdVNEeRx1DI/AAAAAAAAEGw/m9SUpqRwKA0usEN-FIaiK3Zb6cS6X8esACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-141475344.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Being retired means coloring books for adults outdoors!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PrNRK3mbRhs/WdVNyqRy7MI/AAAAAAAAEHM/Wspq7c2B1eIftNULwNKE3bY49Qb7VfNSwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1540500701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PrNRK3mbRhs/WdVNyqRy7MI/AAAAAAAAEHM/Wspq7c2B1eIftNULwNKE3bY49Qb7VfNSwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1540500701.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BtDrljNcFRU/WdVNVJdHSeI/AAAAAAAAEG4/JssgirsTx-0o4wmcgJPQmDw0dK6uu03hACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-695059510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BtDrljNcFRU/WdVNVJdHSeI/AAAAAAAAEG4/JssgirsTx-0o4wmcgJPQmDw0dK6uu03hACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-695059510.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nAL43tQgkyM/WdVN8k42JcI/AAAAAAAAEHY/U8Uti-O0qW8QFYgeSeZO_bFGtlbCvGv3ACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1569452491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nAL43tQgkyM/WdVN8k42JcI/AAAAAAAAEHY/U8Uti-O0qW8QFYgeSeZO_bFGtlbCvGv3ACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1569452491.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tiny delicate mushrooms!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2hwKaX8ZfaU/WdVN19btABI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/2raPzO8dEMk-gwJArlNpcCKG5xCciXnHQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--2089597966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2hwKaX8ZfaU/WdVN19btABI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/2raPzO8dEMk-gwJArlNpcCKG5xCciXnHQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--2089597966.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b3Nx4GSjl8c/WdVNoiKZIRI/AAAAAAAAEHE/SsatfxSZjdc0kWApdy0qpT1gAF28oUTBwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-993369469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b3Nx4GSjl8c/WdVNoiKZIRI/AAAAAAAAEHE/SsatfxSZjdc0kWApdy0qpT1gAF28oUTBwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-993369469.jpg"></a></div></div>Campfire with a waxing moon!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sri66fnOtuQ/WdVNbOxh8WI/AAAAAAAAEG8/CKplz_IIRAk7_D-pNdL0aDtRz6_MY3n3ACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1970051991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sri66fnOtuQ/WdVNbOxh8WI/AAAAAAAAEG8/CKplz_IIRAk7_D-pNdL0aDtRz6_MY3n3ACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1970051991.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FsXVkT5ZBHU/WdVNiNn4EsI/AAAAAAAAEHA/NAAEJB-l5lIsXFPBFKSg-SqsF8n0Na4PgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1109189168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FsXVkT5ZBHU/WdVNiNn4EsI/AAAAAAAAEHA/NAAEJB-l5lIsXFPBFKSg-SqsF8n0Na4PgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1109189168.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XMjjN-yeizo/WdVNtya5VmI/AAAAAAAAEHI/Xldn7bWgvvcT0wlvNZmCyoXROdtWUsStACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1979720500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XMjjN-yeizo/WdVNtya5VmI/AAAAAAAAEHI/Xldn7bWgvvcT0wlvNZmCyoXROdtWUsStACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1979720500.jpg"></a></div>One of four ruby-throated hummingbirds. When not drinking, they will stand their ground protecting their territory!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Update-- I have completed five physical therapy sessions for my lower back, hips and shoulder, and so far no improvement. Rather a new area of my back, the tailbone, is quite painful. Out of the clear blue sky something new pops up and it is making me very frustrated. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">There are seven more sessions, so hopefully I'll feel great soon. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Still camping in the national forest with fiends Charlene and Allen, and throughly enjoying the butterfly show! Common Buckeyes, loads of black swallowtails, a monarch of two, a queen, tiny clouded sulphurs, tiny checkered whites, gulf fritillaries, giant swallowtails, and more, along with some beautiful dragonflies. Enjoy sitting outside in the morning, listening for the pileated woodpeckers who then soar overhead. Although we are enjoying our stay, we are anxious to be on the road. Will update y'all on those plans next time!</span></div></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Wheeling through Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844643299360522298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202086983426634829.post-27533818268691634602017-09-26T10:11:00.001-07:002017-09-26T10:11:16.792-07:00A Texas DayI just wanted to share some photos of the Sam Houston National Forest with you. Aside from an errand or two, we are enjoying our time at a campsite with friends Charlene and Alan.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AhM6VEWl4eM/WcqI6RFmmkI/AAAAAAAAEFg/Y0_bZW-cg_AkRGrlv7HkG2UWehJMpZkHACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--91510492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AhM6VEWl4eM/WcqI6RFmmkI/AAAAAAAAEFg/Y0_bZW-cg_AkRGrlv7HkG2UWehJMpZkHACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--91510492.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AJ8Jzovokxg/WcqKM0wTfkI/AAAAAAAAEGE/b_8lKSEgzgURVnVpAyI4nebbOaj_9j_xACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-635114256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AJ8Jzovokxg/WcqKM0wTfkI/AAAAAAAAEGE/b_8lKSEgzgURVnVpAyI4nebbOaj_9j_xACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-635114256.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Silhouettes of a ruby-throated hummingbird, one of four which have been visiting our two feeders. Watching them interact is great as they all display territorial behavior.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iZM8wPFVU3w/WcqJ3bRuOEI/AAAAAAAAEF4/2GvfG7gnmD0LzI1i5W5iGBbTV8t27utMwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1503781696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iZM8wPFVU3w/WcqJ3bRuOEI/AAAAAAAAEF4/2GvfG7gnmD0LzI1i5W5iGBbTV8t27utMwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1503781696.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A phlox-like flower is one of several plants now in bloom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tEGkwhs-YJ0/WcqI_alemzI/AAAAAAAAEFk/baD9wNI4OLMlDvcU4j2OyPs-fryPPLB9wCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1552725607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tEGkwhs-YJ0/WcqI_alemzI/AAAAAAAAEFk/baD9wNI4OLMlDvcU4j2OyPs-fryPPLB9wCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1552725607.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h_4dXj9eJvY/WcqJFlwf7PI/AAAAAAAAEFo/kwRbrSzehYsuQugjWrCJJN5cAI2QIkm3wCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--722634080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h_4dXj9eJvY/WcqJFlwf7PI/AAAAAAAAEFo/kwRbrSzehYsuQugjWrCJJN5cAI2QIkm3wCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--722634080.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BdXRf4bEKZ0/WcqJt9UKPqI/AAAAAAAAEF0/C5ZxKNmIsFUTHCcWvHPLlYNj7B0K7rMOACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-605085506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BdXRf4bEKZ0/WcqJt9UKPqI/AAAAAAAAEF0/C5ZxKNmIsFUTHCcWvHPLlYNj7B0K7rMOACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-605085506.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qsr4qXQnU6Q/WcqJ_7cWTKI/AAAAAAAAEF8/rjKnf6XHUbII0quXMdM-K24OdQtcPMB_wCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1654984732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qsr4qXQnU6Q/WcqJ_7cWTKI/AAAAAAAAEF8/rjKnf6XHUbII0quXMdM-K24OdQtcPMB_wCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1654984732.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YX6vGDZf9Vg/WcqJPwhG8XI/AAAAAAAAEFw/9sDUXblb9GsV3rjXoHng4ITAoYcFsjiVQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1518759132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YX6vGDZf9Vg/WcqJPwhG8XI/AAAAAAAAEFw/9sDUXblb9GsV3rjXoHng4ITAoYcFsjiVQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1518759132.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YpefmnYR4GE/WcqJKeUx04I/AAAAAAAAEFs/4EUodtHjZjEQYiAyGXAZU_Ou3UJRWmbnACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--2079370284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YpefmnYR4GE/WcqJKeUx04I/AAAAAAAAEFs/4EUodtHjZjEQYiAyGXAZU_Ou3UJRWmbnACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--2079370284.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then there's Nevelle, sleeping through a warm and sunny day! Mostly it has been hot here, and when a breeze kicks in we all cheer! Temps are scheduled to come down into the low 80's in a few days. Rain showers kick in most afternoons and then disappear and the sun is back out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AFCbqsWNqOc/WcqKE_4nD9I/AAAAAAAAEGA/7evZfHQo960nqqFzTFgcsiZppYr9-x5FgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1448452125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AFCbqsWNqOc/WcqKE_4nD9I/AAAAAAAAEGA/7evZfHQo960nqqFzTFgcsiZppYr9-x5FgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1448452125.jpg"></a></div>A beautiful sunset seen from our campsite.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Wheeling through Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844643299360522298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202086983426634829.post-48030797285471663002017-09-18T11:33:00.001-07:002017-09-18T11:33:02.595-07:00The Nature of Full-timingWhen we started on our full-timing in April of 2015, we were of the mindset that we would be landing in one awesome spot after another. Our excitement was overtaking reality! We knew we had to pay bills along the way, but there's been medical stuff to attend to, annual visits to Texas for truck and RV registration and inspections, then we purchased our truck in NJ this spring and had to deal with that, and so on. <div><br></div><div>Well, we have learned that in this nomadic lifestyle, we have very little control over what may or may not happen. It could be health, weather, or some other factor. For example, we planned a great route to Colorado, scheduling a departure over the weekend of September 8th. However, it didn't happen.</div><div><br></div><div>I have a "bad back" that has plagued me since my teens. It's been looked at a few times over the years, but other than physical therapy, nothing much was done for it. As time has gone by, and due to my getting (a bit!!) older, my back has become more of an issue. Add to this one three-year old hip replacement that pains me to this day and my other hip becoming painful, I haven't been feeling on top of my game. Walking even a short distance often hurts, so hiking has been out of the question. Needless to say, my mood goes up and down. This all is pretty discouraging, so we finally decided it is time to do something about it.</div><div><br></div><div>We had been in Livingston for several weeks camping at the Escapees RV Campground, where we also experienced hurricane Harvey. A luxury in that we we had full hook-up, electric, water and sewer. But, it comes with a price, and we knew we had to find free camping. So, we are back in the Sam Houston National Forest, at our favorite quiet and beautiful spot. Upside: lots of butterflies and dragonflies, beautiful surroundings, and hummingbirds at our nectar feeder. Downside: no hook-ups. Therefore once a week we have to hitch the trailer up to the truck, and go into Livingston to dump our waste tanks and fill our fresh water tank. The trailer battery is being charged by solar and luckily we are having bright sunny days. Due to this we can watch a little TV or a DVD, use our lights, and the water pump (to pump water from the fresh water tank to the toilet and faucets). But no air conditioning. And it has been hot!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q26s3aRu3u8/WcAQyyM8VOI/AAAAAAAAEEM/t3F2trTaCj0vGeTbcui3HRsXNTWINngvgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--416886730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q26s3aRu3u8/WcAQyyM8VOI/AAAAAAAAEEM/t3F2trTaCj0vGeTbcui3HRsXNTWINngvgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--416886730.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Pine needles everywhere after camping through Hurricane Harvey.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-91dAzSFoJHg/WcAROUkUkQI/AAAAAAAAEEs/p9nO24UxYaUX8VUoT59gqw76P3zi_Bc3ACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1562478700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-91dAzSFoJHg/WcAROUkUkQI/AAAAAAAAEEs/p9nO24UxYaUX8VUoT59gqw76P3zi_Bc3ACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1562478700.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Looking out as 30" of rain fell!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uy8jZU3b0NM/WcAQjKMS60I/AAAAAAAAED4/b8EJ5mhA_nMzDOHnE9Co0RC6kBBhOjPtACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-992775486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uy8jZU3b0NM/WcAQjKMS60I/AAAAAAAAED4/b8EJ5mhA_nMzDOHnE9Co0RC6kBBhOjPtACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-992775486.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">More rain at Escapees RV Campground.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S3DXuwgwX9w/WcAQZKH3KiI/AAAAAAAAEDs/0kdnSxA_N70ehv4CkjK7BP3boou_0BoGACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1162024988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S3DXuwgwX9w/WcAQZKH3KiI/AAAAAAAAEDs/0kdnSxA_N70ehv4CkjK7BP3boou_0BoGACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1162024988.jpg"></a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Driving into Sam Houston National Forest.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RRvDFyaBjtM/WcARUPbXEII/AAAAAAAAEE0/TMEAFFZE4BI8KiZTGh5LffmNlsMwPKlcACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--535763832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RRvDFyaBjtM/WcARUPbXEII/AAAAAAAAEE0/TMEAFFZE4BI8KiZTGh5LffmNlsMwPKlcACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--535763832.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div><br></div><div>Because we have had some great weather, we set up our canopy and enjoy sitting outside. To a limit. There is a bug, known as a love bug, everywhere! Mostly, they are mating as they fly around! When in flight, they look like black confetti and they land on us and everything else! They make me crazy whereas Michael deals with it pretty calmly! We laugh that we are in training for the bug population we'll confront in Alaska next spring and summer! Right now I am failing miserably!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VG_67syv1C8/WcARCrJr41I/AAAAAAAAEEg/DFjF2ldfM08a-Xq8It_KirJRTIB4812qACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-913548904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VG_67syv1C8/WcARCrJr41I/AAAAAAAAEEg/DFjF2ldfM08a-Xq8It_KirJRTIB4812qACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-913548904.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Love bugs!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l1k5TNRpN_k/WcAQf40-w3I/AAAAAAAAED0/U6Vrc7rIDG4yY7TU9nkaJGzH_wKOEGk5QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1680956106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l1k5TNRpN_k/WcAQf40-w3I/AAAAAAAAED0/U6Vrc7rIDG4yY7TU9nkaJGzH_wKOEGk5QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1680956106.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Not the prettiest pic, but evidence that the love bugs are here and plentiful!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A highlight of our stay is having our friends, Charlene and Alan with their dog Precious and their cat Cody, here with us. They showed up about a week after we got here and we love having their company. As an aside, this friendship began over a year ago when we met at the Escapees campground where they too are members, as well as full-timers. It exemplifies how easy it is to meet wonderful people all over the country as we travel!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5-PmfEn39S4/WcAQ5BWSneI/AAAAAAAAEEU/gPVQxYQQmCsSA7SLoaWuNmSBQULirGLlgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1286179394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5-PmfEn39S4/WcAQ5BWSneI/AAAAAAAAEEU/gPVQxYQQmCsSA7SLoaWuNmSBQULirGLlgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1286179394.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Charlene and Alan</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xw6FlCm4uac/WcAQWHgSsQI/AAAAAAAAEDo/2ZdAe27tpt837h6PJKLse1mi9ZscotfIwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1523105432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xw6FlCm4uac/WcAQWHgSsQI/AAAAAAAAEDo/2ZdAe27tpt837h6PJKLse1mi9ZscotfIwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1523105432.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Precious</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some of the highlights at the national forest:</div></div></div></div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hrzvq3Vh9o4/WcAQcodvrQI/AAAAAAAAEDw/ElC6Q8Ilqmou-RyaVaN9A1TolzirDF4JgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1491074740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hrzvq3Vh9o4/WcAQcodvrQI/AAAAAAAAEDw/ElC6Q8Ilqmou-RyaVaN9A1TolzirDF4JgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1491074740.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Gorgeous beauty berry!</div></div><div><br></div><div>Meanwhile, I have found an orthopedic practice in Houston and am being checked over with an MRI of my back. Fortunately, I don't need surgery, but do need 6 weeks of physical therapy. So our travel plans have come to a halt for the time being. We are frustrated and disappointed, but realize it is only temporary. We'll begin planning a new route for travel after Texas and head west and south rather than north. Plus we will work on our Alaska itinerary.</div><div><br></div><div>So that's where things stand at the moment. We watch the birds -- had three red-shouldered Hawks in flight above us, and lovely blue-gray gnatcatchers flit around the campsite! We hear a pileated woodpecker regularly, but no sighting. Butterflies are numerous: various sulphurs (orange, clouded, cloudless, and another small one we haven't identified yet), giant, black, and tiger swallowtails, checkered whites, and a really cool long-tailed skipper.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aZYaC9nUO5Q/WcAQvvTZ_3I/AAAAAAAAEEI/tWb_8e4sLmc0DBvSUjskf5KgkXT2khZSwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-173458954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aZYaC9nUO5Q/WcAQvvTZ_3I/AAAAAAAAEEI/tWb_8e4sLmc0DBvSUjskf5KgkXT2khZSwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-173458954.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We believe this is a Texas green anole.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-toGE8o4Zbdo/WcARXRUg1WI/AAAAAAAAEE4/KK8ptd6E1hAB0CLbTQ2ExCRxkYUMFVSXwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1609350724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-toGE8o4Zbdo/WcARXRUg1WI/AAAAAAAAEE4/KK8ptd6E1hAB0CLbTQ2ExCRxkYUMFVSXwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1609350724.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Not a good picture, but this was a small blue dragonfly with green eyes that we can't ID.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KnAXsY0mjR4/WcAQ_kE34lI/AAAAAAAAEEc/hSN-3fxpumoIUwfFvoNk7L_ymtc4igvwgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1754111095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KnAXsY0mjR4/WcAQ_kE34lI/AAAAAAAAEEc/hSN-3fxpumoIUwfFvoNk7L_ymtc4igvwgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1754111095.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UU0-tmko6mU/WcAQpVKZuVI/AAAAAAAAEEA/3UkRiZjcV68LyzzuiSFXqkeviHRdF8zZQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--767797674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UU0-tmko6mU/WcAQpVKZuVI/AAAAAAAAEEA/3UkRiZjcV68LyzzuiSFXqkeviHRdF8zZQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--767797674.jpg"></a></div>If you look carefully to the left of the red, there is a ruby-throated hummingbird there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Michael birding:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VE6j3w-2zSY/WcARJo2GnaI/AAAAAAAAEEo/FYawXJgPpNADevXBuyCx8gcOJNJTdf-tACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-899236084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VE6j3w-2zSY/WcARJo2GnaI/AAAAAAAAEEo/FYawXJgPpNADevXBuyCx8gcOJNJTdf-tACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-899236084.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The camera in my old IPad isn't the best so we are looking at a better set-up. Thanks for bearing with me!</div></div></div></div><div><br></div><div>Have to share some cute camping cat pics!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SYvvrJFroBw/WcAQmFTYt7I/AAAAAAAAED8/gkdmiXctSkMIfdQJCR_qqzxkB6ZxFU5LgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-563966768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SYvvrJFroBw/WcAQmFTYt7I/AAAAAAAAED8/gkdmiXctSkMIfdQJCR_qqzxkB6ZxFU5LgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-563966768.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Nevelle (white) and Rice having some interaction!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2LuTp6zOmmM/WcAQ8V0oKbI/AAAAAAAAEEY/aHQKEUnX1N8bWC-K0s0boO09bY-irFKjgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1844446842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2LuTp6zOmmM/WcAQ8V0oKbI/AAAAAAAAEEY/aHQKEUnX1N8bWC-K0s0boO09bY-irFKjgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1844446842.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Rice loves being outdoors on a tie-out!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T_lI9szRsek/WcAQ2DKDlSI/AAAAAAAAEEQ/c702ZOb5T2Q-LS5RsrT_ltwU2vh38BnjQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1544203934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T_lI9szRsek/WcAQ2DKDlSI/AAAAAAAAEEQ/c702ZOb5T2Q-LS5RsrT_ltwU2vh38BnjQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1544203934.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Curry chilling out!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pn_93QRxYHw/WcAQsd43KEI/AAAAAAAAEEE/It7uoa1_hxMlQ0pAjbw7i9gojp_31x7vwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1907472296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pn_93QRxYHw/WcAQsd43KEI/AAAAAAAAEEE/It7uoa1_hxMlQ0pAjbw7i9gojp_31x7vwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1907472296.jpg"></a></div>Curry eyeing bugs flying outside the door!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tzXut3mnPxQ/WcARQ7aUfzI/AAAAAAAAEEw/pgJvUwGT8nQDHCqlN8n090RXGXYSKq_7ACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1145492393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tzXut3mnPxQ/WcARQ7aUfzI/AAAAAAAAEEw/pgJvUwGT8nQDHCqlN8n090RXGXYSKq_7ACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1145492393.jpg"></a></div>Nevelle and Rice bonding!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lchdu48sWfs/WcARFza_WyI/AAAAAAAAEEk/dpmgUmqse5w0DinBUjV7bY_0imJG7NkSACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1464810626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lchdu48sWfs/WcARFza_WyI/AAAAAAAAEEk/dpmgUmqse5w0DinBUjV7bY_0imJG7NkSACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1464810626.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Should I climb this tree??</div><br></div></div></div></div><div><br></div><div>We will touch base again soon with updates!</div><div><br></div>Wheeling through Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844643299360522298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202086983426634829.post-24245167009407052542017-07-27T17:24:00.001-07:002017-07-27T17:24:49.226-07:00Texas or BustWell, we have finally pulled ourselves away from New Jersey! On Sunday, July 9, we had a "see you soon" dinner with family and headed out on the 10th to begin our next phase of travels! As much as we loved our long stay with Michael's mom, it was definitely time to hit the road again! <div><br></div><div>After visiting a free dump station at a rest area near the Delaware Memorial Bridge to empty our gray and black water tanks, we headed to the bridge and crossed over into Delaware. Crossed into Maryland and then into Pennsylvania. We chose to take back roads and ultimately reached our first night's destination, York, PA, and the Cracker Barrel parking lot for our overnight stay. We chose York because it was east of Gettysburg and Gettysburg National Military Park was one spot we wanted to visit.</div><div><br></div><div>Backroads are definitely the way to go! The scenery was so pretty, with loads of soybean and corn fields and lovely old barns. We traveled from York to Gettysburg on Tuesday the 11th, through a couple of small towns. Lots of rural charm!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PJaKpUAoMeg/WXqDQZOd4iI/AAAAAAAAD_w/uqIM96jsQv8n5M4ffYc_Ps0VnlLJd24LQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1668053476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PJaKpUAoMeg/WXqDQZOd4iI/AAAAAAAAD_w/uqIM96jsQv8n5M4ffYc_Ps0VnlLJd24LQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1668053476.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nSCG6VgvBIc/WXqCsT5XxTI/AAAAAAAAD-8/J88eq8LqpPc53pu2sNWSNKSuFXKpT7FywCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-2067196056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nSCG6VgvBIc/WXqCsT5XxTI/AAAAAAAAD-8/J88eq8LqpPc53pu2sNWSNKSuFXKpT7FywCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-2067196056.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IUuGYyuH7Mg/WXjO-aAMQAI/AAAAAAAAD-Q/0l2fXxV5WEErFm-p6Kvx3xEGwFMOwvXaQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1164247361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IUuGYyuH7Mg/WXjO-aAMQAI/AAAAAAAAD-Q/0l2fXxV5WEErFm-p6Kvx3xEGwFMOwvXaQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1164247361.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-puC5oDMB-Tc/WXqDYvj6N_I/AAAAAAAAD_8/csSZNvHV8d0kCauRJukOeShg9UGkNRjfACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1693902687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-puC5oDMB-Tc/WXqDYvj6N_I/AAAAAAAAD_8/csSZNvHV8d0kCauRJukOeShg9UGkNRjfACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1693902687.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oBtx-CR7dAA/WXqEIeLKSMI/AAAAAAAAEA8/Fqp3JTPZd-AlH91cojtc3oECj7_cgfskQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-292855841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oBtx-CR7dAA/WXqEIeLKSMI/AAAAAAAAEA8/Fqp3JTPZd-AlH91cojtc3oECj7_cgfskQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-292855841.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Gettysburg (the area and the park) was beautiful. We headed into the battleground complex to stop at the Visitor Center for information. Guided tours, the museum, and the film were all a bit costly, so we opted for the self-drive auto trail. Our first stop was at Soldiers' National Cemetery. This was the setting for Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, delivered at the cemetery's dedication on November 19, 1863. Standing where Lincoln stood was pretty thrilling, and perhaps a bit emotional.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B3UOJ_-6HQc/WXqDTNy5oPI/AAAAAAAAD_0/zTWNXe5h5fMQeMHu_mhYmINtoeQ3nOevgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1251965308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B3UOJ_-6HQc/WXqDTNy5oPI/AAAAAAAAD_0/zTWNXe5h5fMQeMHu_mhYmINtoeQ3nOevgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1251965308.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qwzRQiLLZg4/WXqDgjBbzKI/AAAAAAAAEAE/WzZNyELZt7MFfFKLhCXUIMUS3j1kMJTfQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-442741243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qwzRQiLLZg4/WXqDgjBbzKI/AAAAAAAAEAE/WzZNyELZt7MFfFKLhCXUIMUS3j1kMJTfQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-442741243.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t8jufOYurds/WXqDNoZllHI/AAAAAAAAD_s/dvCZQJg2TdkbtB09VIbt0wvFMwLkEUwiQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1998865256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C-x4tKnKCM0/WXjO0bCajDI/AAAAAAAAD-M/v5nUHoZB6NAj0Qfq2gJpBbixg7ufgQq5QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--625304992.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After the cemetery visit, we continued driving around:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L6Op2wCIEjw/WXjM_lZKztI/AAAAAAAAD90/Gj02bOjGud8stSPAUm0m9-fWkn5LsAcdACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1997083267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L6Op2wCIEjw/WXjM_lZKztI/AAAAAAAAD90/Gj02bOjGud8stSPAUm0m9-fWkn5LsAcdACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1997083267.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WhquTynr6Sk/WXqDdhX4YdI/AAAAAAAAEAA/fzr-2XdqN6M4Yulq_xOIP2Lj87e5f-tbQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--2087636252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ttiRvrjIVm4/WXqD5jLqWDI/AAAAAAAAEAo/yd4bkk_fxhEacYyUX2bw6iL761fQnE5KgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-252150478.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q9_bGyI0R58/WXjMlXKDsKI/AAAAAAAAD9w/J7J9i7rcY38M14ClN_hlR30_2bMyPzHLQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1530288602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q9_bGyI0R58/WXjMlXKDsKI/AAAAAAAAD9w/J7J9i7rcY38M14ClN_hlR30_2bMyPzHLQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1530288602.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y4smoaNureg/WXjPkxW5O7I/AAAAAAAAD-Y/iucKUXeuY2Y1vyT5TBiTngCCjd4x11U_gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--277451961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y4smoaNureg/WXjPkxW5O7I/AAAAAAAAD-Y/iucKUXeuY2Y1vyT5TBiTngCCjd4x11U_gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--277451961.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OpRi6JQT-uI/WXqEOM4JplI/AAAAAAAAEBE/qu5QzGs8_aMhCO1rWAQshzdv1rKS7isoQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--2036402222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OpRi6JQT-uI/WXqEOM4JplI/AAAAAAAAEBE/qu5QzGs8_aMhCO1rWAQshzdv1rKS7isoQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--2036402222.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We made it into VA on Tuesday. Again beautiful scenery and amazingly, smooth traffic and no hang-ups on interstate 81.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mTqcJeqLLZk/WXjQLpigk3I/AAAAAAAAD-c/F1Kbzmd8hPELXEpvBeTIq5IqN64xITg2wCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--2064998396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mTqcJeqLLZk/WXjQLpigk3I/AAAAAAAAD-c/F1Kbzmd8hPELXEpvBeTIq5IqN64xITg2wCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--2064998396.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The kitties are traveling well in the new to us Toyota Tundra, finding comfy spots in the backseat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X17oLOPR0lU/WXqDo0URlvI/AAAAAAAAEAQ/iI6uBUByAwAKOnWwE44Wrc3YzI-6Ca8FACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-2486151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X17oLOPR0lU/WXqDo0URlvI/AAAAAAAAEAQ/iI6uBUByAwAKOnWwE44Wrc3YzI-6Ca8FACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-2486151.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Nevelle</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DuHW-GHlg-U/WXqC6S7p2NI/AAAAAAAAD_Q/lg3Dfec6dAgXyLYXzNm-TUuEPA8AssHHgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1101609797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DuHW-GHlg-U/WXqC6S7p2NI/AAAAAAAAD_Q/lg3Dfec6dAgXyLYXzNm-TUuEPA8AssHHgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1101609797.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Rice and Curry</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Wednesday the 12th, we left the Woodstock, VA Cracker Barrel restaurant to keep heading west. We have nicknamed this part of our travels the Cracker Barrel Tour, as we have hit them three nights in a row so far and are aiming for one in Nashville on Thursday. It's great that they allow RV'ers to stay overnight for free. Of course, we eat in the restaurant so we end up paying in that way!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ma02Ngb-BoQ/WXqCx8EgadI/AAAAAAAAD_E/Kt7UDnqG8ww3aNSn4_cE4-i820zrq2gJwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1870060409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ma02Ngb-BoQ/WXqCx8EgadI/AAAAAAAAD_E/Kt7UDnqG8ww3aNSn4_cE4-i820zrq2gJwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1870060409.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BQzfNMP8AR8/WXqDr1r6L4I/AAAAAAAAEAU/BJbszpEj-Ng116bHIlbNNSo5BFoZe7g8ACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1782887995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BQzfNMP8AR8/WXqDr1r6L4I/AAAAAAAAEAU/BJbszpEj-Ng116bHIlbNNSo5BFoZe7g8ACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1782887995.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On Wednesday night we stayed at a Cracker Barrel in Bristol, VA, and Thursday rolled into the outskirts of Nashville! Found another Cracker Barrel, of course! But, the heat has really hit with the temps close to 100. The cats felt it and we were really uncomfortable too. Since we weren't able to use AC the fan got a real workout. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thursday, we drove into Nashville. Due to the heat, we couldn't park and leave the cats without any air conditioning. This is one of the limitations you run into when traveling with pets. It was a bit frustrating to be so limited in what we could see, but it goes with pet-parenthood! One spot we wanted to see was the Grand Ole Opry. Although we couldn't take a tour, it was cool to see.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wrf0ptpAcXk/WXqDIKPrtvI/AAAAAAAAD_k/gi8gmvdMD4UmRsS9ROoSrhFGH2rOuTs3gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1139918720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wrf0ptpAcXk/WXqDIKPrtvI/AAAAAAAAD_k/gi8gmvdMD4UmRsS9ROoSrhFGH2rOuTs3gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1139918720.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PUUJi03b15c/WXqD8xkwkuI/AAAAAAAAEAs/6v97O1N8j9MchYmxi1OJE2HCquuF2iKxwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1581490335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PUUJi03b15c/WXqD8xkwkuI/AAAAAAAAEAs/6v97O1N8j9MchYmxi1OJE2HCquuF2iKxwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1581490335.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YGcMMzExCxo/WXqD23WoGTI/AAAAAAAAEAk/Hhi-REDoV2oJ5dK5K5bnxq1tFCmpN5ZHwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-637691955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YGcMMzExCxo/WXqD23WoGTI/AAAAAAAAEAk/Hhi-REDoV2oJ5dK5K5bnxq1tFCmpN5ZHwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-637691955.jpg"></a></div><br></div>By the afternoon, we got onto the Natchez Trace Parkway, a two lane road that runs 444 miles from Nashville to Natchez, Mississippi, cutting through a tiny bit of Alabama. It is part of the National Park System and was completed only in 2005.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This natural corridor dates back many centuries. It bisected the traditional homelands of the Natchez, Chickasaw, and Choctaw nations. As the US expanded westward in the late 1700's and early 1800's, growing numbers of travelers made this rough trail into a clearly marked path. Certain sunken areas of the trail can still be seen today. In 1801 President Thomas Jefferson designated the Trace a national post road for mail delivery between Nashville, TN and Natchez, MS.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some of the famous Americans known to have traveled the Trace include Gen. Andrew Jackson, John James Audubon, Meriwether Lewis (who died on the Trace in 1809), Jefferson Davis, and Ulysses S. Grant. Most travelers were working people.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Today the Trace creates a greenway from the southern Appalachian foothills in TN to the bluffs of the lower Mississippi River. Many historic sites are found along the way, clearly marked by park signage. One site is the Emerald Mound, a national historic landmark and one of the largest American Indian mounds in the US.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We ended up doing half of the Trace, Nashville to Tupelo MS. The Trace passes through four distinct ecosystems and eight major watersheds. It is habitat for nearly 1500 species of plants, 33 mammal species, 134 bird species, and 70 species of reptiles and amphibians. The Trace is a two lane road with 50mph the max speed. It is very lightly traveled so the ride is quite leisurely. We stopped at historic sites and scenic overlooks along the way, and there are picnic areas and restrooms situated along the route as well. We look forward to completing the other half as we continue our travels.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QfFGVPm83LM/WXqECakNwDI/AAAAAAAAEA0/VxwOzVDuMeMRvzGgHUMMDo9g8pUuNXeKACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1664543266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QfFGVPm83LM/WXqECakNwDI/AAAAAAAAEA0/VxwOzVDuMeMRvzGgHUMMDo9g8pUuNXeKACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1664543266.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--tfKnsCY6AE/WXqC9Fe9BDI/AAAAAAAAD_U/cYiQECyy6eIFtAfT05WsQT8ftmKx8Qv4QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--2091527558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--tfKnsCY6AE/WXqC9Fe9BDI/AAAAAAAAD_U/cYiQECyy6eIFtAfT05WsQT8ftmKx8Qv4QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--2091527558.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0dvRYsf-BZk/WXjOubUsYPI/AAAAAAAAD-I/qqUIalrcq-Ar1_PtLWuAzZ1r_aYiGX7TACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--459087206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0dvRYsf-BZk/WXjOubUsYPI/AAAAAAAAD-I/qqUIalrcq-Ar1_PtLWuAzZ1r_aYiGX7TACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--459087206.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DDMY13CDXro/WXqD0JygL3I/AAAAAAAAEAg/feq5HNYbnNY3_zYzpk6Pomw9m7eCJb_ogCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1302523571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DDMY13CDXro/WXqD0JygL3I/AAAAAAAAEAg/feq5HNYbnNY3_zYzpk6Pomw9m7eCJb_ogCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1302523571.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Bear Creek mound.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nhNhwnuHqPU/WXjOkbrJfnI/AAAAAAAAD-E/RRPgMuS_25kvOZvbn5s6kRmxnbIJRVQOwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-141672174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nhNhwnuHqPU/WXjOkbrJfnI/AAAAAAAAD-E/RRPgMuS_25kvOZvbn5s6kRmxnbIJRVQOwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-141672174.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Double Arch bridge over TN Highway 96 won the 1995 Presidential Award for Design Excellence.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QJ9rOV_d8BA/WXqEFR1HvMI/AAAAAAAAEA4/5Y4Q-tnN9YQy9iOAyJOuV9bWnCqqPcJwwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1772076750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QJ9rOV_d8BA/WXqEFR1HvMI/AAAAAAAAEA4/5Y4Q-tnN9YQy9iOAyJOuV9bWnCqqPcJwwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1772076750.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oz3_L_CMWhU/WXqDClEQHJI/AAAAAAAAD_c/x6_PuCl4kz0vQIz_9No94r3F9jnvFDyQwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1800851520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oz3_L_CMWhU/WXqDClEQHJI/AAAAAAAAD_c/x6_PuCl4kz0vQIz_9No94r3F9jnvFDyQwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1800851520.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Gordon House.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xPyKOBNya8s/WXqDxcFWyqI/AAAAAAAAEAc/oY7m1cZeUqEDPXzlsDbgIlsqVwpRh8MuACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1958197093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xPyKOBNya8s/WXqDxcFWyqI/AAAAAAAAEAc/oY7m1cZeUqEDPXzlsDbgIlsqVwpRh8MuACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1958197093.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Pharr mounds.</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wNhu-4rTZeA/WXqC08Ur2hI/AAAAAAAAD_I/JjrqGYWl04UrpnC4frz-CXTc3a9Au843QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1890112206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wNhu-4rTZeA/WXqC08Ur2hI/AAAAAAAAD_I/JjrqGYWl04UrpnC4frz-CXTc3a9Au843QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1890112206.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Pharr mounds, a total of eight burial mounds built 1800 to 2000 years ago.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6kdXDFZJp7o/WXqC_6_2-VI/AAAAAAAAD_Y/uVtidIngcoojOgqr-HkuEubI8mn0VcOXACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-606587419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6kdXDFZJp7o/WXqC_6_2-VI/AAAAAAAAD_Y/uVtidIngcoojOgqr-HkuEubI8mn0VcOXACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-606587419.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vLCN26EhD44/WXjNzFGnVtI/AAAAAAAAD98/HPH-PAs0yswJvryQxoj4k_8kya6fXM8PQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1667909209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vLCN26EhD44/WXjNzFGnVtI/AAAAAAAAD98/HPH-PAs0yswJvryQxoj4k_8kya6fXM8PQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1667909209.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We ended up getting onto I 12 to I 10 to head into Texas. But first, we drove by the Atachafalaya wildlife management area, an area in Mississippi we really want to explore.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qamuHMHluBo/WXqC3nW6ygI/AAAAAAAAD_M/2vB45Ej_J4E2awuOBwNVWLIPNotp8cqfwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-2112883587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qamuHMHluBo/WXqC3nW6ygI/AAAAAAAAD_M/2vB45Ej_J4E2awuOBwNVWLIPNotp8cqfwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-2112883587.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0NNtmS6uhek/WXjNf6DiVwI/AAAAAAAAD94/jF9MSNW-J0gTVDCzC5b_6QUfyVWldwPcACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1547786087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0NNtmS6uhek/WXjNf6DiVwI/AAAAAAAAD94/jF9MSNW-J0gTVDCzC5b_6QUfyVWldwPcACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1547786087.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FQvQZ0yCZzI/WXqET2v6K0I/AAAAAAAAEBM/8O5xgGRnO5c078HwzywXv4D5Zrx3A4MWgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1511221016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FQvQZ0yCZzI/WXqET2v6K0I/AAAAAAAAEBM/8O5xgGRnO5c078HwzywXv4D5Zrx3A4MWgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image-1511221016.jpg"></a></div><br></div>We arrived in Livingston, Texas on Tuesday, July 18 to camp at our home base, the Escapees RV park. We are here for a week or so, tending to some personal business, before we head further west! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Gas at $1.88!</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Wheeling through Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844643299360522298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202086983426634829.post-72662191186195352042017-06-16T07:08:00.001-07:002017-06-27T12:19:54.228-07:00Not on the Road Again...yetThere hasn't been much podding lately. We have taken a bit of a hiatus in our travels, spending almost 3 months in NJ. Michael's mother has been more than generous in opening her home to us for such a long visit. We have loved spending time with family and friends, but we are itching to get on the road again. <div><br><div>One thing kept us busy though. We looked into selling our Rpod and getting into something a few feet longer. Mostly it was me driving this effort! I love our Pod, but with the 3 cats and the two of us, I yearn for a bit more space. Our Pod is 20' long, but that includes the tongue at about 3'. So really we're in 17' of living space. Even though much of our time is spent outdoors, the interior space is a little tight.</div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1rTwrByI0bU/WVKsXCM2pcI/AAAAAAAAD4c/LjFpHoGk7CgZOCBNHe16GvvHcCoE_w-kACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1022561393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1rTwrByI0bU/WVKsXCM2pcI/AAAAAAAAD4c/LjFpHoGk7CgZOCBNHe16GvvHcCoE_w-kACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1022561393.jpg"></a></div>So, this is the layout. The queen bed is really what is referred to as a queen short; it is as wide as a standard queen, but, as the name implies, shorter. The dinette and refrigerator are part of the slide out, which does give us a bit of extra space when camping. When we travel, the slide is in.</div><div><br></div><div>The kitchen area is the largest in the Rpod family of trailers, and there's a good deal of interior storage space with a storage bay accessible from outside for tools, etc.</div><div><br></div><div>She really is a great trailer, but I was anxious to find something bigger. Let's say, Michael wasn't as keen on this idea as I, but he trudged along with me to a few RV dealerships, and even into Pennsylvania to look at someone's used trailer. So, we listed our Pod on several geographic Craig's Lists, on Rpod forums, on RV Trader, and eBay. This was an interesting experience! Scammers do come out of the woodwork, and it was easy enough to pick them out. Others offered to buy for 50% less than our asking price. Lots of nibbles, but not many lookers. Last we thought it was sold, but the prospects offered well below our asking price. Well, that was it. We unlisted the Pod and decided for now anyway that we're meant to stay with the Pod!</div><div><br></div><div>We are here in NJ until next Tuesday or Wednesday, and we are kind of relieved that we don't have to travel over the July 4th weekend. Our goal is to head toward Maine, with stops along the way. Meanwhile, here's life in NJ!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EyGhug-nqoI/WVKvvf8oGXI/AAAAAAAAD4o/j6uS1GT7tMwX0nWCNbSKOFmPKvLxG3mUgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--620222927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EyGhug-nqoI/WVKvvf8oGXI/AAAAAAAAD4o/j6uS1GT7tMwX0nWCNbSKOFmPKvLxG3mUgCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--620222927.jpg"></a></div>Nevelle doing what cats do.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iYyFXLlLvE8/WVKvye_HqEI/AAAAAAAAD4s/86Fm2gGHUYMzR-HfpW21uQKGMt3JYIPEwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--769947062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iYyFXLlLvE8/WVKvye_HqEI/AAAAAAAAD4s/86Fm2gGHUYMzR-HfpW21uQKGMt3JYIPEwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--769947062.jpg"></a></div>Hardcore coffee drinking on my mother-in-law's front porch.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-50mtEyqy85Y/WVKv17qCrnI/AAAAAAAAD4w/jhvg7r9KesgPLnT8RrAC5ZR631XdcDKVwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--69894960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-50mtEyqy85Y/WVKv17qCrnI/AAAAAAAAD4w/jhvg7r9KesgPLnT8RrAC5ZR631XdcDKVwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--69894960.jpg"></a></div>Michael's strawberry shortcake.</div><div><br></div><div>Okay, not very adventurous, but I promise you more exciting times ahead!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Wheeling through Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844643299360522298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202086983426634829.post-52544879642992372382017-05-19T08:15:00.001-07:002017-05-22T05:45:33.651-07:00Spring in New JerseyWell, it looks like we will be here until June 7-ish. One of our priorities for our visit was getting eye exams and new glasses. Once I order my glasses this week it could be up to 14 days until they're ready. <div><br></div><div>What else? The new-to-us Tundra has had a touchy accelerator and thanks to Michael's research and a call to a local Toyota dealership, we learned there's an open recall for the accelerator. So, the truck goes into their service department this week, plus back to the original Kia dealership for installation of a part that went bad related to the fuel system. After this, the truck will be 100%.</div><div><br></div><div>We had a great day recently visiting with close friends, Billie and Allen. Allen is a nationally known mentor of purple martin landlords, individuals who monitor these beautiful birds at their colonial nesting sites. As well he works on a national level for bluebird conservation. He is a certified bird bander, and had a career with US Fish and Wildlife. He's such a knowledgeable naturalist, and not only does the aforementioned, but he designs nature trails, and works for conservation of other bird species.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TzKoFW4NW3k/WSLc7MWtgYI/AAAAAAAADRQ/hivslftDuvMVu7Xj5b4WStL76W60d_WMACHM/s640/blogger-image-927482606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TzKoFW4NW3k/WSLc7MWtgYI/AAAAAAAADRQ/hivslftDuvMVu7Xj5b4WStL76W60d_WMACHM/s640/blogger-image-927482606.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Billie and Allen's backyard looks over a beautiful farm and ranch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6UIkNYzyPJg/WSLdR_PPaYI/AAAAAAAADR4/99zerFHT7-kNUo4h-HpKK9_avsbtPsQywCHM/s640/blogger-image-503721156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6UIkNYzyPJg/WSLdR_PPaYI/AAAAAAAADR4/99zerFHT7-kNUo4h-HpKK9_avsbtPsQywCHM/s640/blogger-image-503721156.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Bluebird nestlings in a nest box on their property.</div></div></div><div><br></div><div>Part of the day was spent at Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center. It was founded in 1968 to engage artists and audiences in the exploration of creativity. Located in Millville, NJ, it features a museum of American glass which houses a comprehensive collection of glass produced in America. The nation's earliest successful glass factory was founded in 1739 by Caspar Wistar in Millville. In 1888, Dr. Theodore Corson Wheaton, a pharmacist, began making his own pharmaceutical bottles in a Millville glass factory. From these early beginnings, today's giant glass manufacturer called Wheaton USA evolved.</div><div><br></div><div>We walked through the glass blowing studio, watching glass being blown. We visited an old glassblowing studio and saw literally huge glass blown objects. There are also craft shops to visit, a nature trail to walk, and a visitors center.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kiubr5_6FvM/WSLdGZUdscI/AAAAAAAADRk/iPkIL_YhHfUGZrKyenXvwPCcAFKDj1b_wCHM/s640/blogger-image--1280253708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kiubr5_6FvM/WSLdGZUdscI/AAAAAAAADRk/iPkIL_YhHfUGZrKyenXvwPCcAFKDj1b_wCHM/s640/blogger-image--1280253708.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Billie and Allen at the entrance of Wheaton Village.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aQtHySCrGWk/WSLdEI971lI/AAAAAAAADRg/8Pj6eErLk10HqeT9LDQ_JMx9tGH4ul1NwCHM/s640/blogger-image--369471226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aQtHySCrGWk/WSLdEI971lI/AAAAAAAADRg/8Pj6eErLk10HqeT9LDQ_JMx9tGH4ul1NwCHM/s640/blogger-image--369471226.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A purple martin colony at the village with birds perched. These birds prefer gourd shaped nesting cavities, and nest in colonies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cW-pw8K9D2A/WSLdBvT8LqI/AAAAAAAADRc/ZbK94N_o2MEcjOnZbXl5OVvgCr-SGbr5ACHM/s640/blogger-image-1778073167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cW-pw8K9D2A/WSLdBvT8LqI/AAAAAAAADRc/ZbK94N_o2MEcjOnZbXl5OVvgCr-SGbr5ACHM/s640/blogger-image-1778073167.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Chimney swifts use this tower for roosting and nesting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vB1N5gZWztI/WSLc43t3SZI/AAAAAAAADRM/Hix7QEza798T74h__TzyxVuKOCpAXtQugCHM/s640/blogger-image-1374242792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vB1N5gZWztI/WSLc43t3SZI/AAAAAAAADRM/Hix7QEza798T74h__TzyxVuKOCpAXtQugCHM/s640/blogger-image-1374242792.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gUjzuqALq34/WSLdbGgbT6I/AAAAAAAADSI/2qcbR7chs78eTiQfY9tq_B6Vu2d_hydDACHM/s640/blogger-image-1288469724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gUjzuqALq34/WSLdbGgbT6I/AAAAAAAADSI/2qcbR7chs78eTiQfY9tq_B6Vu2d_hydDACHM/s640/blogger-image-1288469724.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Visiting the glassblowing studio:</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lu08UsKvj_I/WSLc0asmTfI/AAAAAAAADRE/Q_jmfGkajCcq9goos4NWcnuV6u1QUULcwCHM/s640/blogger-image-1414905877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lu08UsKvj_I/WSLc0asmTfI/AAAAAAAADRE/Q_jmfGkajCcq9goos4NWcnuV6u1QUULcwCHM/s640/blogger-image-1414905877.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X1dwpV3KchQ/WSLc9Qtt_CI/AAAAAAAADRU/2B0hGR00VwgP0nfTyC4wjf9HeUjXH_ucACHM/s640/blogger-image--2062017462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X1dwpV3KchQ/WSLc9Qtt_CI/AAAAAAAADRU/2B0hGR00VwgP0nfTyC4wjf9HeUjXH_ucACHM/s640/blogger-image--2062017462.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-07Qe-k0Q7SU/WSLchx7lMnI/AAAAAAAADQk/fp4KSsX6pY0TwrheMApIGMU2q6SecmoNQCHM/s640/blogger-image-1685537298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-07Qe-k0Q7SU/WSLchx7lMnI/AAAAAAAADQk/fp4KSsX6pY0TwrheMApIGMU2q6SecmoNQCHM/s640/blogger-image-1685537298.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tf7uAz1tGFk/WSLdNObRteI/AAAAAAAADRw/be3pGgdksOEIgxv0CfmgHPhUzz_ZimYWQCHM/s640/blogger-image--913398316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tf7uAz1tGFk/WSLdNObRteI/AAAAAAAADRw/be3pGgdksOEIgxv0CfmgHPhUzz_ZimYWQCHM/s640/blogger-image--913398316.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What forms glass!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j6mI8jp1Hgk/WSLcvmnRCWI/AAAAAAAADQ8/rcqSVg7QDnMDZwCaWVN-tPWMGzRru8u2gCHM/s640/blogger-image-583718198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j6mI8jp1Hgk/WSLcvmnRCWI/AAAAAAAADQ8/rcqSVg7QDnMDZwCaWVN-tPWMGzRru8u2gCHM/s640/blogger-image-583718198.jpg"></a></div>Giant glass blown light bulbs! The base was a beautiful iridescent glass.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yqjxGLwiFYk/WSLcrFP8BbI/AAAAAAAADQ0/KhupB_bWSyooo8AKXykoyy8eZprpOauoQCHM/s640/blogger-image-1906778450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yqjxGLwiFYk/WSLcrFP8BbI/AAAAAAAADQ0/KhupB_bWSyooo8AKXykoyy8eZprpOauoQCHM/s640/blogger-image-1906778450.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The molten glass is twirled on the end of a long pole in the furnace.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yuLEcCY8Bpc/WSLdUJz_aoI/AAAAAAAADR8/WzrKkhZ3o206Vqj0BgfcWnyEzG4Mse3eQCHM/s640/blogger-image--351069758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yuLEcCY8Bpc/WSLdUJz_aoI/AAAAAAAADR8/WzrKkhZ3o206Vqj0BgfcWnyEzG4Mse3eQCHM/s640/blogger-image--351069758.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The furnace chimney goes up and through the roof.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rZzp6MqDCxc/WSLckLXy1AI/AAAAAAAADQo/SaRBs_gIiXEM55p8l-MM5fIolYpMfu8NQCHM/s640/blogger-image--325845424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rZzp6MqDCxc/WSLckLXy1AI/AAAAAAAADQo/SaRBs_gIiXEM55p8l-MM5fIolYpMfu8NQCHM/s640/blogger-image--325845424.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fw4_onnlHFc/WSLc2gIatmI/AAAAAAAADRI/FtvHkoQdRl8P6OBbOMeNoqytyK3bVfG9gCHM/s640/blogger-image--1662770297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fw4_onnlHFc/WSLc2gIatmI/AAAAAAAADRI/FtvHkoQdRl8P6OBbOMeNoqytyK3bVfG9gCHM/s640/blogger-image--1662770297.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Continuing with the glass blowing process.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DrpFqzklDGo/WSLdKy1CKmI/AAAAAAAADRs/cn90ORtiLjQAe_jlyxmVvYIM8D5FsjK5ACHM/s640/blogger-image--2079465866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DrpFqzklDGo/WSLdKy1CKmI/AAAAAAAADRs/cn90ORtiLjQAe_jlyxmVvYIM8D5FsjK5ACHM/s640/blogger-image--2079465866.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Glass vases designed as pitcher plants.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After the glass blowing tour, we walked the mile long nature trail that Allen designed:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_inr4RkVGE8/WSLdIu2YumI/AAAAAAAADRo/QUgNisQnxjQOke04sgWM-LBL5GrxNDdYACHM/s640/blogger-image--1893131865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_inr4RkVGE8/WSLdIu2YumI/AAAAAAAADRo/QUgNisQnxjQOke04sgWM-LBL5GrxNDdYACHM/s640/blogger-image--1893131865.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FHIV9jTpg04/WSLctdDebmI/AAAAAAAADQ4/gnveqDaBqxknQoUMaD-oc2UOkCmY_cn0QCHM/s640/blogger-image--144005275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FHIV9jTpg04/WSLctdDebmI/AAAAAAAADQ4/gnveqDaBqxknQoUMaD-oc2UOkCmY_cn0QCHM/s640/blogger-image--144005275.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TaX-sX6VQrE/WSLcmdU0h9I/AAAAAAAADQs/tXA0aOZCQBcgeAbxUa4fmmQcAzNEZiehACHM/s640/blogger-image-1466223768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TaX-sX6VQrE/WSLcmdU0h9I/AAAAAAAADQs/tXA0aOZCQBcgeAbxUa4fmmQcAzNEZiehACHM/s640/blogger-image-1466223768.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Pink lady slippers, typically not easily found!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FGZjYHdEQNQ/WSLdPnKM00I/AAAAAAAADR0/TLPbqOUsVccJKVibskLvn4vvpX5cYnptgCHM/s640/blogger-image-2025530075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FGZjYHdEQNQ/WSLdPnKM00I/AAAAAAAADR0/TLPbqOUsVccJKVibskLvn4vvpX5cYnptgCHM/s640/blogger-image-2025530075.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WDyYG37-FSQ/WSLcyK5wCLI/AAAAAAAADRA/jRniPvudEQsxT7c-j7zD1odxWYfl51YjACHM/s640/blogger-image--605121778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WDyYG37-FSQ/WSLcyK5wCLI/AAAAAAAADRA/jRniPvudEQsxT7c-j7zD1odxWYfl51YjACHM/s640/blogger-image--605121778.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R0Ur1SUDb9Q/WSLcom0AM3I/AAAAAAAADQw/40Qkn57JsPMCOQx9qRIWwDXdkQFwAJ46QCHM/s640/blogger-image--1773171761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R0Ur1SUDb9Q/WSLcom0AM3I/AAAAAAAADQw/40Qkn57JsPMCOQx9qRIWwDXdkQFwAJ46QCHM/s640/blogger-image--1773171761.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IfMhlup4otI/WSLdWaPh7EI/AAAAAAAADSA/AaS6N6xpnRgha9WJWaIAdJXfBMoV2JPCACHM/s640/blogger-image-970470250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IfMhlup4otI/WSLdWaPh7EI/AAAAAAAADSA/AaS6N6xpnRgha9WJWaIAdJXfBMoV2JPCACHM/s640/blogger-image-970470250.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A wood duck nesting box, over the pond.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Other beautiful signs of spring:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OhpGXdpjQus/WSLdY_dymsI/AAAAAAAADSE/-ljCfkoLMqQgtjs5ILMLwcOWm-Za_TJJwCHM/s640/blogger-image-1596934394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OhpGXdpjQus/WSLdY_dymsI/AAAAAAAADSE/-ljCfkoLMqQgtjs5ILMLwcOWm-Za_TJJwCHM/s640/blogger-image-1596934394.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X38S50rEJLs/WSLc_oOUloI/AAAAAAAADRY/NdltxcjF-P0my5o8sBWpgR8qBdJ5B1OiwCHM/s640/blogger-image-121074598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X38S50rEJLs/WSLc_oOUloI/AAAAAAAADRY/NdltxcjF-P0my5o8sBWpgR8qBdJ5B1OiwCHM/s640/blogger-image-121074598.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Even though a little rainy, this was a great way to spend the day! Will catch up again soon!</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Wheeling through Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844643299360522298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202086983426634829.post-83538008143577935882017-05-15T10:28:00.001-07:002017-05-18T05:46:09.378-07:00Hangin' in New JerseyWe've taken a hiatus in our traveling and have been staying with family for an extended visit in New Jersey. We've been here for about four weeks and will depart at the end of the month. It has been a month of visiting with friends and family, dealing with a death in the family, celebrating Mother's Day, buying a truck, doing trailer chores, etc.<div><br></div><div>Let's talk truck! We have loved our 2004 Toyota 4Runner as an everyday vehicle since we bought it used several years ago. Mechanically, it was outstanding. Except for routine maintenance, this car performed really well and presented no major issues. Thankfully! As a TV ("tow vehicle" in RV parlance) we ran into issues when driving hills and mountain roads. The transmission would overheat, even when we were towing our tiny teardrop before our current Rpod travel trailer. And from time to time we think of upgrading to a larger trailer, so a truck capable of towing heavier trailers is necessary. We were lucky to find a Toyota Tundra (2007) with a tow package (7 pin plug receptacle for charging the trailer's battery, wiring for the trailer electric brakes, and a towing capacity of over 10,000 lbs.)</div><div><br></div><div>The truck tires were rather small and worn, so Michael researched new all terrain tires and we decided on Cooper tires. The Kia dealership where we bought the truck ordered them for us at no charge to us. We ordered the new steel rims and delivered them to the dealership for installation.</div><div><br></div><div>We had a good laugh when we first discovered the truck on the lot. The previous owner had Hello Kitty decals all around the truck's exterior! Much happier with all of them gone!</div><div><br></div><div>We love this truck! It has a smooth and comfortable ride, a second row of seats perfect for the cats, and a good sized bed for our stuff! We had to drive to a dump station to empty our black and gray water tanks in the trailer - our first experience towing the trailer with the truck. Both truck and trailer handled perfectly! A real test for handling, though, happened when a car pulled out onto the roadway right in front of us and I had to brake hard to avoid hitting the car. The brakes handled fabulously, and the trailer did not sway thanks to anti-sway bars, part of the trailer's hitch set-up. Luck was on our side, too, this day in that an accident didn't occur.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n4XEWQCUJ2Y/WRsBQYohfGI/AAAAAAAADPU/0XFtLwIUzroUoJfEkEzcQbEbIUS_pTSdwCHM/s640/blogger-image-142729434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n4XEWQCUJ2Y/WRsBQYohfGI/AAAAAAAADPU/0XFtLwIUzroUoJfEkEzcQbEbIUS_pTSdwCHM/s640/blogger-image-142729434.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> We ordered a tonneau cover for the bed which came in recently so we are all set!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Since Texas is our domicile, we need license plates from there which we are waiting for. The truck passed NJ inspection, but we are looking into whether we have to return to Texas for an inspection there. If yes, our plans to head into New England fall by the wayside.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Being with family was invaluable when a death in the family occurred. If we were on the road at this time, the experience would have been more difficult. What cheered us was being able to celebrate Mothers Day with our mom. The highlight was surprising her with a hammock for the backyard! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H984LaB8sO0/WR2XkL-5mYI/AAAAAAAADPw/q3xPgFQdFOwB5JK7bo6OocaczNcEyCChQCHM/s640/blogger-image--753702179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H984LaB8sO0/WR2XkL-5mYI/AAAAAAAADPw/q3xPgFQdFOwB5JK7bo6OocaczNcEyCChQCHM/s640/blogger-image--753702179.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Michael with his mom. And the amazing strawberry shortcake Michael made!</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Planning on a visit to Wheaton Village here in southern NJ with long-time friends. This spot is a historic center for glass making. We're looking forward to seeing glass-blowing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Wheeling through Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844643299360522298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202086983426634829.post-81497954331753046262017-04-19T08:22:00.001-07:002017-04-30T09:34:01.423-07:00South to North Part III<div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">On M</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">onday, April 3, we were sitting out tornado watches and severe thunderstorm warnings in Santee, South Carolina at the Santee state park, in our travel trailer. Watching radar on our cell phones showed where tornadoes might appear. For a brief moment, our county was pictured, and then thankfully it disappeared. Even earlier that evening the ranger came around to alert campers about the possibility of a tornado; directions were to head to the brick and concrete restrooms if a tornado was imminent. We were prepared to book it! Although we did experience thunderstorms, predicted hail and damaging winds didn't materialize. Our only issue is that we lost electricity for just a short time. Overall, we were quite lucky as severe storms were happening in the areas around us.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We picked the state park off the map as it looked like a nice area and decided to stay two nights. Electric and water hook-ups were available and the fee was not very high, although the cost eludes me now! The loop we camped in was called Lakeshore, right on the shoreline on Lake Marion, off of the Santee River.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z5kwaAAcO04/WPzXv9LGPhI/AAAAAAAADBY/AH39mNy93sQH5PYm9S2DWrFgoHN44qyDACHM/s640/blogger-image--1581723379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z5kwaAAcO04/WPzXv9LGPhI/AAAAAAAADBY/AH39mNy93sQH5PYm9S2DWrFgoHN44qyDACHM/s640/blogger-image--1581723379.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Heading down the road to the Santee state park.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BjNWmhmynz0/WPzX_QJ_WjI/AAAAAAAADB0/IjGH0U1FUtQd82-d2pU0LUibmJ28-x1KwCHM/s640/blogger-image-1743216082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BjNWmhmynz0/WPzX_QJ_WjI/AAAAAAAADB0/IjGH0U1FUtQd82-d2pU0LUibmJ28-x1KwCHM/s640/blogger-image-1743216082.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zDwI1MBmNSg/WPzX2cMAZ2I/AAAAAAAADBk/Kwxf25N92e48f0sc6Ztmay0pvEhDQ-NWgCHM/s640/blogger-image-1118188066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zDwI1MBmNSg/WPzX2cMAZ2I/AAAAAAAADBk/Kwxf25N92e48f0sc6Ztmay0pvEhDQ-NWgCHM/s640/blogger-image-1118188066.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OkOXHnLvYeU/WPzX67RLQJI/AAAAAAAADBs/W_3gn859X6QeKWtLsnvLRfvSd4mOwLr0QCHM/s640/blogger-image-1147319839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OkOXHnLvYeU/WPzX67RLQJI/AAAAAAAADBs/W_3gn859X6QeKWtLsnvLRfvSd4mOwLr0QCHM/s640/blogger-image-1147319839.jpg"></a></div>This is part of the sinkhole the trail is named for!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We requested a campsite on the perimeter of the loop, and though we were close to the woods, we had a slight view of the lake. Later we went down to the lake just to take it all in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XyVUeGS2nds/WPzXtaUNLfI/AAAAAAAADBU/c_opuQmD_Pk0WHkZgHCKskzEsaDeMlxpwCHM/s640/blogger-image--769827920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XyVUeGS2nds/WPzXtaUNLfI/AAAAAAAADBU/c_opuQmD_Pk0WHkZgHCKskzEsaDeMlxpwCHM/s640/blogger-image--769827920.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lake Marion.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-27kgUQLybkM/WPzX4jQXsHI/AAAAAAAADBo/dB1X1gAyC3YMcB9yqiGNUiEMsTNS0AbpgCHM/s640/blogger-image--1973810926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-27kgUQLybkM/WPzX4jQXsHI/AAAAAAAADBo/dB1X1gAyC3YMcB9yqiGNUiEMsTNS0AbpgCHM/s640/blogger-image--1973810926.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v7b9Sm9h-xo/WPzXxxz6wyI/AAAAAAAADBc/AUomqYYIdWUvQM3I2spGxZc8_KD-tUniwCHM/s640/blogger-image-790803701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v7b9Sm9h-xo/WPzXxxz6wyI/AAAAAAAADBc/AUomqYYIdWUvQM3I2spGxZc8_KD-tUniwCHM/s640/blogger-image-790803701.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On the 3rd, before the storm warnings, we noticed a piece of something was loose in the center of the tire rim, ultimately discovered to the the bearing buddy, a cover that goes over your wheel's bearings. A silver disc-like cover goes over the assembly and that was missing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AKxGrcSwMP4/WPzX9JC8rQI/AAAAAAAADBw/HbvJh0eTzkEkpcaJjITUbm5Ly2tQ76-5ACHM/s640/blogger-image--1946981934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AKxGrcSwMP4/WPzX9JC8rQI/AAAAAAAADBw/HbvJh0eTzkEkpcaJjITUbm5Ly2tQ76-5ACHM/s640/blogger-image--1946981934.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Two of the greatest resources we refer to for trailer answers is the Rpod owners forum and the Rpod Facebook group. Both of these groups are very active, and everyone is free with their advice to help you solve your Rpod related problems. Lots of folks chimed in with their comments, everything from "uh oh, your are in trouble", down the line to identifying what this loose part was. Michael took off the wheel and rim and discovered it was an easy fix (thankfully!). He re-installed the bearing buddy tightly, and that was that! Once the wheel was reassembled, Michael covered the opening with duct tape, silver of course for a match, until we order a new cover to go over the bearing buddy. Luck was on our side with this one!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LmYyMaNAjtY/WPzX0MZ8y6I/AAAAAAAADBg/1dkMOrFONcIgceH445PAfaS3C-rFaIezQCHM/s640/blogger-image-185050895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LmYyMaNAjtY/WPzX0MZ8y6I/AAAAAAAADBg/1dkMOrFONcIgceH445PAfaS3C-rFaIezQCHM/s640/blogger-image-185050895.jpg"></a></div>A great zebra swallowtail butterfly!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One beautiful spot we visited was the Santee National Wildlife Refuge, Bluff Unit, not too far from the state park. It is bordered by Lake Marion on the west and Cantey Bay to the east. It has been called one of the best inland birding areas in the southeast. There are forests, ponds, fields, and freshwater marsh. After stopping at the small visitors center, we drove on the refuge road to the Santee Indian Mound that dates back to 1200 to 1450. This one mound rose about 30' and was part of a ceremonial mound complex. European settlers encountered the Santee Indians in the 1700's and shipped many to the West Indies as slaves. British troops erected Ft. Watson on the abandoned mound. General Francis Marion, for whom the national forest is named, took it in 1781. This remaining Santee Indian Mound was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It was a moving experience to be there thinking about the history of this special place. We climbed up to the observation deck allowing us to view the mound from above.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y7cjERGtm2Q/WQYRncnTF1I/AAAAAAAADDM/JtSLgm0q0j82dOomm9U216ZFvuJfW409gCHM/s640/blogger-image-1446524409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y7cjERGtm2Q/WQYRncnTF1I/AAAAAAAADDM/JtSLgm0q0j82dOomm9U216ZFvuJfW409gCHM/s640/blogger-image-1446524409.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mw746_PORCE/WQYR1I6qubI/AAAAAAAADDk/ComdD4Saq8QgU-6oGjJediAeu-2Ch3D5ACHM/s640/blogger-image--2096101434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mw746_PORCE/WQYR1I6qubI/AAAAAAAADDk/ComdD4Saq8QgU-6oGjJediAeu-2Ch3D5ACHM/s640/blogger-image--2096101434.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CopFYE8vKIg/WQYRlbjp53I/AAAAAAAADDI/LNKwcG2Xyo8O9vA7TycngetfIx5XZ_97ACHM/s640/blogger-image-1519442787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CopFYE8vKIg/WQYRlbjp53I/AAAAAAAADDI/LNKwcG2Xyo8O9vA7TycngetfIx5XZ_97ACHM/s640/blogger-image-1519442787.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-heOtcKUYkxo/WQYRuC4ZF-I/AAAAAAAADDY/QIE9tVKz8WoOrSGNg24UKxfx_KUe91hLACHM/s640/blogger-image--1976571195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-heOtcKUYkxo/WQYRuC4ZF-I/AAAAAAAADDY/QIE9tVKz8WoOrSGNg24UKxfx_KUe91hLACHM/s640/blogger-image--1976571195.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We then took a walk one the one mile Wright's Bluff Nature Trail. It was an easy walk through the woods and overlooking Cantey Bay.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8NV03RFnGjA/WQYRwW4lneI/AAAAAAAADDc/uAONUoGOZGkKCgNsjSn4k793JTdnm7QBgCHM/s640/blogger-image--31127159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8NV03RFnGjA/WQYRwW4lneI/AAAAAAAADDc/uAONUoGOZGkKCgNsjSn4k793JTdnm7QBgCHM/s640/blogger-image--31127159.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-flvuW7k2xGQ/WQYR-HlIvHI/AAAAAAAADD0/FFdQkOp1ACwKh5MnrwHOw1zOVaFHQzrgwCHM/s640/blogger-image--1807627553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-flvuW7k2xGQ/WQYR-HlIvHI/AAAAAAAADD0/FFdQkOp1ACwKh5MnrwHOw1zOVaFHQzrgwCHM/s640/blogger-image--1807627553.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e6L8MJWucCM/WQYR5oQOutI/AAAAAAAADDs/AGaKMbc87qY3A4o6xylk-Z0OwX7Wl4x2QCHM/s640/blogger-image-374444896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e6L8MJWucCM/WQYR5oQOutI/AAAAAAAADDs/AGaKMbc87qY3A4o6xylk-Z0OwX7Wl4x2QCHM/s640/blogger-image-374444896.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L065AA1iWgA/WQYRrw_wdKI/AAAAAAAADDU/tLGO7vEB_pUsqn9Dhta8kUT7EFcTp0EwgCHM/s640/blogger-image--884709535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L065AA1iWgA/WQYRrw_wdKI/AAAAAAAADDU/tLGO7vEB_pUsqn9Dhta8kUT7EFcTp0EwgCHM/s640/blogger-image--884709535.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Cypress trees.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Va9zzQySA6s/WQYRi8rCvNI/AAAAAAAADDE/Qb2wuuol8Hw3-IgFsck544WLbTpr4mTHACHM/s640/blogger-image-206905945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Va9zzQySA6s/WQYRi8rCvNI/AAAAAAAADDE/Qb2wuuol8Hw3-IgFsck544WLbTpr4mTHACHM/s640/blogger-image-206905945.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hitching a ride!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aG6W1DXOuK4/WQYR7w9YPOI/AAAAAAAADDw/gzjUeNovTYgRWHF9jjPaIPDSDsnjiQNygCHM/s640/blogger-image-353024084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aG6W1DXOuK4/WQYR7w9YPOI/AAAAAAAADDw/gzjUeNovTYgRWHF9jjPaIPDSDsnjiQNygCHM/s640/blogger-image-353024084.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Heading deeper into Francis Marion National Forest.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-km-bcdQQCvo/WQYRy7vSZ_I/AAAAAAAADDg/mVgQ9bX-5nskBQP_ahdI0euSsiTI_4M_gCHM/s640/blogger-image-838085372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-km-bcdQQCvo/WQYRy7vSZ_I/AAAAAAAADDg/mVgQ9bX-5nskBQP_ahdI0euSsiTI_4M_gCHM/s640/blogger-image-838085372.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_c3q9i57SRc/WQYRppg1wNI/AAAAAAAADDQ/GWzcAt-gYBoQEwgCimRJcmHgIcJ6AdckQCHM/s640/blogger-image--1533254796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_c3q9i57SRc/WQYRppg1wNI/AAAAAAAADDQ/GWzcAt-gYBoQEwgCimRJcmHgIcJ6AdckQCHM/s640/blogger-image--1533254796.jpg"></a></div>Two of our three cats traveling comfortably!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U0g5aXQ5W6U/WQYR3bKEMlI/AAAAAAAADDo/yDQTpeagGGkV9xW3GjHg-Kfraw4xFoR-ACHM/s640/blogger-image--1352876858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U0g5aXQ5W6U/WQYR3bKEMlI/AAAAAAAADDo/yDQTpeagGGkV9xW3GjHg-Kfraw4xFoR-ACHM/s640/blogger-image--1352876858.jpg"></a></div>Bought great tomatoes and boiled peanuts. I couldn't handle the smell of hose peanuts! Michael liked them!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now we are in NJ, visiting relatives. I'll update soon!</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></span></div>Wheeling through Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844643299360522298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202086983426634829.post-31394644596206799542017-04-13T08:46:00.001-07:002017-04-19T08:28:31.616-07:00South to North Part II<div><br></div><div>Georgia presented one of the true highlights of our two years on the road...the Golden Isle, and more specifically, Jekyll Island! We have wanted to visit the island since we hit the road, and this time the logistics were perfect! The big attraction for us on Jekyll Island was the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Why? Well, we developed a love for sea turtles while living on Cape Cod in MA, when we volunteered for Mass Audubon's Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (and where I worked for our last four years on Cape). During the summer, adult and juvenile sea turtles (primarily loggerheads, greens, and Kemp's Ridleys, the rarest and most endangered of all sea turtles) born in the south, migrate north to the Cape Cod Bay to feed on an abundance of food. As the water temperature starts to dip, the instinct to migrate back to the south for the winter kicks in. Putting it simply, the juveniles don't quite get it and end up stranded in the bay. As water temperatures continue to decrease into the 60's and 50's, these remaining turtles get stunned by the cold temps. Their metabolism severely slows down and they begin to float on the water, unable to fend for themselves. November and December are the peak months for stranding so the wildlife sanctuary forms a large corps of volunteers to walk bayside beaches looking for these stunned turtles. The turtles are typically brought onto shore by the incoming high tide and then as the tide goes out, they are left on the beach.</div><div><br></div><div>Volunteers are trained how to handle these stunned turtles, who look dead. But in many cases they are actually alive, but so severely stunned they do not move. Sanctuary staff gathers the turtles off the beach and take them back to the center where initial assessments are made as to the condition of the turtles. Then additional volunteers drive the turtles to the New England Aquarium for rehab. If the number rescued is very high, the aquarium will ship the turtles out to other turtle rehab centers for care. Which brings us to the Georgia turtle center!</div><div><br></div><div>We were thrilled to visit the hospital area and see 3 Cape Cod turtles that were saved this past winter! Be prepared for lots of following photos!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-upemkaIv1v0/WPd6N1WLV9I/AAAAAAAAC_I/k-vntEU4jVg/s640/blogger-image-1581884847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-upemkaIv1v0/WPd6N1WLV9I/AAAAAAAAC_I/k-vntEU4jVg/s640/blogger-image-1581884847.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pmD_2nz1SzI/WPd6Hce9dLI/AAAAAAAAC-8/K0lyb019F6M/s640/blogger-image--2040162756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pmD_2nz1SzI/WPd6Hce9dLI/AAAAAAAAC-8/K0lyb019F6M/s640/blogger-image--2040162756.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-03ZF2nWmMEw/WPd6JmxxteI/AAAAAAAAC_A/ZGEyP92_Mbs/s640/blogger-image-1806266837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-03ZF2nWmMEw/WPd6JmxxteI/AAAAAAAAC_A/ZGEyP92_Mbs/s640/blogger-image-1806266837.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The above two photos show the tanks used to rehab the sea turtles. The above turtles are loggerheads. They are tended to by veterinarians, vet techs, and volunteers. See below.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FYfPon3efjE/WPd6ScMAmRI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/qDgfA6QrE-M/s640/blogger-image--2132235966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FYfPon3efjE/WPd6ScMAmRI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/qDgfA6QrE-M/s640/blogger-image--2132235966.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X3V_QbubTkQ/WPd6L6h0QXI/AAAAAAAAC_E/fUGBjiRB3tk/s640/blogger-image-247155724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X3V_QbubTkQ/WPd6L6h0QXI/AAAAAAAAC_E/fUGBjiRB3tk/s640/blogger-image-247155724.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HFl-Tw1vfho/WPd6UueCubI/AAAAAAAAC_U/NLARdcMiSVA/s640/blogger-image--1883287586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HFl-Tw1vfho/WPd6UueCubI/AAAAAAAAC_U/NLARdcMiSVA/s640/blogger-image--1883287586.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The above two photos are of diamondback Terrapins, a salt marsh turtle, not a sea turtle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-daPtQDXxxEE/WPd6QHb1XWI/AAAAAAAAC_M/UotNBj-jT8w/s640/blogger-image-665414578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-daPtQDXxxEE/WPd6QHb1XWI/AAAAAAAAC_M/UotNBj-jT8w/s640/blogger-image-665414578.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The above are box turtles! These turtles are superficially related to tortoises in their terrestrial habits and appearance, but are actually members of the American pond turtle family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The center had a very impressive education center and gift shop, too! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fs-U9KOJM5I/WPeAO-gDbPI/AAAAAAAAC_4/jowsMYRYExU/s640/blogger-image--1175938636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fs-U9KOJM5I/WPeAO-gDbPI/AAAAAAAAC_4/jowsMYRYExU/s640/blogger-image--1175938636.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1zC9Jhjo5eA/WPeADr_pPJI/AAAAAAAAC_k/z8QUAdC_XAI/s640/blogger-image--103339006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1zC9Jhjo5eA/WPeADr_pPJI/AAAAAAAAC_k/z8QUAdC_XAI/s640/blogger-image--103339006.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Jekyll Island itself is beautiful! Quiet residential areas, lovely beaches, fantastic bike and walking trails, small shopping areas, and more. We camped just two nights at the island campground.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g737vfM3PpY/WPeAVYeUZ7I/AAAAAAAADAE/a58aNl7m6pE/s640/blogger-image--1912944742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g737vfM3PpY/WPeAVYeUZ7I/AAAAAAAADAE/a58aNl7m6pE/s640/blogger-image--1912944742.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EGxHlXYewoQ/WPeAQ8IviJI/AAAAAAAAC_8/zv9-OYxTlW0/s640/blogger-image--1815217286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EGxHlXYewoQ/WPeAQ8IviJI/AAAAAAAAC_8/zv9-OYxTlW0/s640/blogger-image--1815217286.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Le1y3d7t0rY/WPeAICWO8GI/AAAAAAAAC_s/BT4pPgdhHMc/s640/blogger-image-774619353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Le1y3d7t0rY/WPeAICWO8GI/AAAAAAAAC_s/BT4pPgdhHMc/s640/blogger-image-774619353.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MsLldYt6uSU/WPeAMiYis-I/AAAAAAAAC_0/rwXequE-HfA/s640/blogger-image-216921181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MsLldYt6uSU/WPeAMiYis-I/AAAAAAAAC_0/rwXequE-HfA/s640/blogger-image-216921181.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F3KgEkiEsO4/WPeAaFmCivI/AAAAAAAADAM/Ij154bm-eoo/s640/blogger-image-470708285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F3KgEkiEsO4/WPeAaFmCivI/AAAAAAAADAM/Ij154bm-eoo/s640/blogger-image-470708285.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T6242NK_Ffo/WPeAXgEDGgI/AAAAAAAADAI/0U_0R1ABJOc/s640/blogger-image--683922487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T6242NK_Ffo/WPeAXgEDGgI/AAAAAAAADAI/0U_0R1ABJOc/s640/blogger-image--683922487.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lots of island history to check out, too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3ppmPyRnpeE/WPeATJsJ5VI/AAAAAAAADAA/hC8G3J9wmEg/s640/blogger-image--505973023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3ppmPyRnpeE/WPeATJsJ5VI/AAAAAAAADAA/hC8G3J9wmEg/s640/blogger-image--505973023.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FDMw1enJtQg/WPeAF9F8fGI/AAAAAAAAC_o/rHFUecYavGw/s640/blogger-image-255388635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FDMw1enJtQg/WPeAF9F8fGI/AAAAAAAAC_o/rHFUecYavGw/s640/blogger-image-255388635.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hRuyKBr8ccU/WPeAKYELR9I/AAAAAAAAC_w/bFRt7qEBx5w/s640/blogger-image--432488613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hRuyKBr8ccU/WPeAKYELR9I/AAAAAAAAC_w/bFRt7qEBx5w/s640/blogger-image--432488613.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We look forward to returning to the Golden Isle to visit other islands in the chain. Meanwhile, stay tuned for South Carolina! See you in a few days!</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><br></div></div>Wheeling through Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844643299360522298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202086983426634829.post-38462120805444598502017-04-12T06:52:00.001-07:002017-04-13T08:50:09.293-07:00South to North Part I<div>After spending a few days in Ft. Myers, Florida with Michael's father and brothers, we headed to Tampa for a visit with family, my sister and brother-in-law, Linda and David. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RTzTSIdOMN4/WO5B23Atb7I/AAAAAAAAC9c/EnIcwpbn78M/s640/blogger-image-182461083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RTzTSIdOMN4/WO5B23Atb7I/AAAAAAAAC9c/EnIcwpbn78M/s640/blogger-image-182461083.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">David with some of his large orchid collection.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qYhpcv5FbdE/WO5B06o2LeI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/Mi4aWJpJgfM/s640/blogger-image-486759092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qYhpcv5FbdE/WO5B06o2LeI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/Mi4aWJpJgfM/s640/blogger-image-486759092.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Linda cooking for us...again!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One of Linda's friends, whom we never met, left a gift for us. It was perfect:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NpO9R-7Wy1I/WO5BwD4Vo3I/AAAAAAAAC9Q/YsIfzxEITXg/s640/blogger-image-441565519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NpO9R-7Wy1I/WO5BwD4Vo3I/AAAAAAAAC9Q/YsIfzxEITXg/s640/blogger-image-441565519.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ffJjDPkHVJg/WO5Byj8rnJI/AAAAAAAAC9U/183-SliwvdY/s640/blogger-image-435254443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ffJjDPkHVJg/WO5Byj8rnJI/AAAAAAAAC9U/183-SliwvdY/s640/blogger-image-435254443.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">While in Tampa, we had to find a place to camp each night as Linda's neighborhood doesn't allow parking on the street overnight. So we alternated between Walmart and Cracker Barrel. And who knew birding could be so good in a restaurant parking lot!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0zxtp_pvWQI/WO5ITQVG8FI/AAAAAAAAC9s/Jz3yhe3nJRw/s640/blogger-image--400611883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0zxtp_pvWQI/WO5ITQVG8FI/AAAAAAAAC9s/Jz3yhe3nJRw/s640/blogger-image--400611883.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Wood stork</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a_wjEX3CxYM/WO5IWHPhCqI/AAAAAAAAC9w/TG1KCBH-Zcs/s640/blogger-image-501426634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a_wjEX3CxYM/WO5IWHPhCqI/AAAAAAAAC9w/TG1KCBH-Zcs/s640/blogger-image-501426634.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Great egret with some breeding plumage.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M8FR7ueToOg/WO5OVKDH64I/AAAAAAAAC-A/Bn0WzH92Xow/s640/blogger-image-63125244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M8FR7ueToOg/WO5OVKDH64I/AAAAAAAAC-A/Bn0WzH92Xow/s640/blogger-image-63125244.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">White ibis.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><br></div><div>It was time to head north, so once again we headed to Ocala National Forest. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Since Lake Eaton didn't have potable water or a dump station, a fellow camper told us about another Ocala campground a short distance away that had both the dump station and water. This campground at Fore Lake was larger with roomier campsites, so we ended up camping there for a couple of nights. It also gave us the opportunity to continue our unsuccessful search for the elusive red-cockaded woodpecker, and once again, no luck finding this bird!!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Next stop, Georgia!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></span></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Wheeling through Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844643299360522298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202086983426634829.post-52554649675265268492017-03-15T09:38:00.001-07:002017-03-15T09:38:13.393-07:00Thoughts and On the Road Again!<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">When we decided to hit the road in 2015, we really had no idea how our routine and travels would unfold. We had lots of tent camping experience but had never towed a travel trailer. Confidence wasn't a big issue, until I jackknifed with the teardrop, our first trailer, and put a sizable dent in the 4Runner. That shook us up a bit. The teardrop survived unscathed, but ultimately became too small for us when we adopted a cat in New Mexico! Not part of the travel plan, but we couldn't resist Nevelle! And then we happily traded up to our 20' Rpod travel trailer and adopted two more kittens!</span></div><div><br></div><div>So our first year brought those unexpected surprises. It also taught us that there's more to consider living full-time on the road then traveling to really cool destinations. Foremost, finances. Never having done full-time traveling, we had no idea how to budget for expenses. With so many variables, we had to travel for some time to learn what our costs would be. Fuel, campground fees, entrance fees, recreational costs, medical needs, food, repairs, and on and on. Expected and unexpected expenses are faced every month, just like you all experience. We resolved the questions over time, although fuel and medical expenses still challenge us!</div><div><br></div><div>Secondly, thinking of resources that are national, not regional, like banks, vets, and pharmacies. </div><div><br></div><div>Third, surprise medical issues, of which we've had a few! We have used hospital emergency rooms and care clinics which can add up financially. We do return to Texas in the winter for regular medical check-ups. Health insurance has also presented its challenges! Being Texans, I had to go through the ACA, and only one insurer is available, and this year my previous PPO is now a more restrictive HMO. Michael has had the stability of Medicare. Hoping for a healthy 2017.</div><div><br></div><div>Overall, we are still so happy with this lifestyle. When we drive, we often take back roads so the scenery is mostly pretty. Even on interstates we often pass through beautiful spots. We like seeing all of these unfamiliar places! But we're getting itchy to broaden our horizons. For the last two years, we've followed a similar route so we could be in Melbourne, Florida in November for the Native Rhythms Flute Festival. Then south to travel back to Texas for the winter. It's time for a change!</div><div><br></div><div>We're skipping the flute festival this year, however we are in Florida, heading to Ft. Myers to visit Michael's father who is quite ill. This weekend of March 17th we are meeting up with Michael's two brothers to spend a few days visiting. We are then planning to head north up the east coast ultimately to northern New England. Then we will travel west, either through Canada or the upper tier of the US. Canada's 150th birthday is this year and as a promotion a pass for free entry to their national parks is available (at no charge). I received ours recently so we plan on visiting Canada at some point. After that, who knows! We have several travel options to choose from.</div><div><br></div><div>Recently, we were in Texas for annual responsibilities such as auto inspection, physicals, etc. We had plans to work/camp at the Escapees campground in Livingston. Without going into details, let's just say it didn't work out. After several days we packed up and left for the Sam Houston National Forest, to a favorite spot where we have camped previously. And an added bonus was having our friends, Charlene and Alan, camp with us! They, too, are full-time RV'ers, whom we met last year in Texas.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jm4V-Gi1wJc/WMltksylb8I/AAAAAAAAC7I/QPT-oWc8h4U/s640/blogger-image--1081747406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jm4V-Gi1wJc/WMltksylb8I/AAAAAAAAC7I/QPT-oWc8h4U/s640/blogger-image--1081747406.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was both fun and relaxing so we stayed for about three weeks. In addition to walks and drives around the area, we began hearing the songs of birds as they began to migrate through on their way to breeding grounds. On the sunny, warmer days we felt spring had already arrived! We also had our share of chilly and rainy weather which reminded us that we were still in the clutches of winter!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o_Jnh86Soig/WMltdZrJK-I/AAAAAAAAC68/JNTIrxIy4UY/s640/blogger-image--595733005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o_Jnh86Soig/WMltdZrJK-I/AAAAAAAAC68/JNTIrxIy4UY/s640/blogger-image--595733005.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Black swallow-tailed butterflies were everywhere!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RPerY4GS4r0/WMlt9ErCRbI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/fAHy1LCZgUQ/s640/blogger-image--900199636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RPerY4GS4r0/WMlt9ErCRbI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/fAHy1LCZgUQ/s640/blogger-image--900199636.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Curry getting used to being on a leash outdoors.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Last Thursday we departed Texas for our trip east to Florida. We reached Florida a few days ago. Along the way, we camped in a small RV park in the panhandle to charge up the trailer batteries and hook up to what's referred to as city water (great for long showers in the Rpod!). We had noticed our batteries were reading a low voltage which could indicate a problem. We posed some questions to the fantastic Facebook Rpod group and got lots of feedback about potential resolutions. It was recommended that we get hooked to AC electricity to see if we could successfully charge the batteries. Happily it worked. Since we often stay a night at Walmarts and Cracker Barrel restaurants for free, we have to depend on our 4Runner to charge the trailer via a seven pin plug that runs from the car to the trailer. Since this hadn't charged the battery, Michael checked around under the hood and thinks there might be a fuse issue. We will be looking into this further when we depart Ft. Myers and reach Tampa for a visit with my sister.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For now we are camping in the Ocala National Forest (for our second time!) and with sunny skies we are getting a great solar charge for the trailer. A beautiful spot!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xWSLpAtbKd8/WMltfj59DeI/AAAAAAAAC7A/3i-X2MSZr-s/s640/blogger-image--1279806551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xWSLpAtbKd8/WMltfj59DeI/AAAAAAAAC7A/3i-X2MSZr-s/s640/blogger-image--1279806551.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Michael keeping our kittie Rice warm! It was around 40 degrees this morning!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s3z8_t-ptJU/WMltpc-BeKI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/J4tzxOA4nPM/s640/blogger-image--2013632470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s3z8_t-ptJU/WMltpc-BeKI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/J4tzxOA4nPM/s640/blogger-image--2013632470.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9Y-G-M5qECI/WMltnGTMglI/AAAAAAAAC7M/OtpFIzF6pKY/s640/blogger-image--826571958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9Y-G-M5qECI/WMltnGTMglI/AAAAAAAAC7M/OtpFIzF6pKY/s640/blogger-image--826571958.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nlfqpiPQb9Y/WMltiU97uhI/AAAAAAAAC7E/Twd19ZuGP6g/s640/blogger-image-916365775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nlfqpiPQb9Y/WMltiU97uhI/AAAAAAAAC7E/Twd19ZuGP6g/s640/blogger-image-916365775.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dv2le3zGKIo/WMlt6gL3UJI/AAAAAAAAC7U/LBa99XNVEqU/s640/blogger-image--275014176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dv2le3zGKIo/WMlt6gL3UJI/AAAAAAAAC7U/LBa99XNVEqU/s640/blogger-image--275014176.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div>We'll be in touch soon.</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Wheeling through Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844643299360522298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202086983426634829.post-68613074380251182852017-01-18T13:07:00.001-08:002017-01-18T13:07:52.671-08:00Long Time No See!It has been some time since I have posted, and mostly due to the fact it has been a relatively uneventful period of time. I also spent much of December "under the weather", so my ambition level was low. But, in this new year, I do feel better and wanted to catch up! Belated happy new year wishes to you!<div><br></div><div>We traveled through Biloxi, Mississippi, parking overnight at Harrah's Casino for free. About five other RV's were parked with us for the night.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RnLm1RzJ2II/WH_Y6r0_lHI/AAAAAAAAC5g/cXJmXVUcssU/s640/blogger-image--4418417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RnLm1RzJ2II/WH_Y6r0_lHI/AAAAAAAAC5g/cXJmXVUcssU/s640/blogger-image--4418417.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In Biloxi, we met up with a wonderful man who makes fantastic Native American style flutes, George Dyson, Jr. I already own one flute by George, a beautiful cedar key of G. George had another flute for me that I had ordered from him back in November in Florida at the Native Rhythms Festival. This one is a beautiful key of low C, made out of river cane. George incorporated some malachite that I had bought months ago in Oklahoma and he did a wonderful job using it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jKdt_9bFvuY/WH_YMEr0UHI/AAAAAAAAC4s/byKf3xpiNKs/s640/blogger-image--1285796883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jKdt_9bFvuY/WH_YMEr0UHI/AAAAAAAAC4s/byKf3xpiNKs/s640/blogger-image--1285796883.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-83j7IKe0PkM/WH_ZGehxAbI/AAAAAAAAC5s/yBclcD5o0DE/s640/blogger-image--645844059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-83j7IKe0PkM/WH_ZGehxAbI/AAAAAAAAC5s/yBclcD5o0DE/s640/blogger-image--645844059.jpg"></a></div>Welcome to Louisiana! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We found a great little neighborhood spot for lunch called Fiorella's, in East New Orleans. The menu offered Cajun and Italian, and we had a terrific meal there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uimftsU5qbg/WH_YfHXv1CI/AAAAAAAAC5A/e3nUjHQA6Hk/s640/blogger-image--1010679271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uimftsU5qbg/WH_YfHXv1CI/AAAAAAAAC5A/e3nUjHQA6Hk/s640/blogger-image--1010679271.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>One highlight was visiting Baton Rouge in Louisiana where we spent a few hours at the Museum of Art and Science. We were lucky to find parking for the car and trailer, along a river walk by the Mississippi River. At the museum we went to a planetarium show and walked through exhibits. It was a great place and only cost $9/per person.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VSeJWeL2DXA/WH_YanbjRJI/AAAAAAAAC48/tUQIsQEM-Hc/s640/blogger-image--1440837280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VSeJWeL2DXA/WH_YanbjRJI/AAAAAAAAC48/tUQIsQEM-Hc/s640/blogger-image--1440837280.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tab3i9_soDE/WH_YzaSJcXI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/SWA-bD5UDYA/s640/blogger-image-937825274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tab3i9_soDE/WH_YzaSJcXI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/SWA-bD5UDYA/s640/blogger-image-937825274.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rzAK41c3tmE/WH_Y3Ho2zUI/AAAAAAAAC5c/8rV0WEWcp8A/s640/blogger-image--1314290717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rzAK41c3tmE/WH_Y3Ho2zUI/AAAAAAAAC5c/8rV0WEWcp8A/s640/blogger-image--1314290717.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Red Stick</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7jngXwwM6FU/WH_YFJhq8FI/AAAAAAAAC4k/vZImXwbxbF8/s640/blogger-image--545418336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7jngXwwM6FU/WH_YFJhq8FI/AAAAAAAAC4k/vZImXwbxbF8/s640/blogger-image--545418336.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lCVAxoabbpg/WH_YitiX5xI/AAAAAAAAC5E/rLeRoz00HEg/s640/blogger-image--1631765451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lCVAxoabbpg/WH_YitiX5xI/AAAAAAAAC5E/rLeRoz00HEg/s640/blogger-image--1631765451.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mJfq7CSacbU/WH_YB9iJiJI/AAAAAAAAC4g/Dfd0AGyeA50/s640/blogger-image--1325698239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mJfq7CSacbU/WH_YB9iJiJI/AAAAAAAAC4g/Dfd0AGyeA50/s640/blogger-image--1325698239.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The museum and planetarium dome.</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YM8_ow__Xmk/WH_YI4TG3YI/AAAAAAAAC4o/MIUiMxaxp70/s640/blogger-image--1204799607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YM8_ow__Xmk/WH_YI4TG3YI/AAAAAAAAC4o/MIUiMxaxp70/s640/blogger-image--1204799607.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uY_6bcVVI5Q/WH_YmiIKCSI/AAAAAAAAC5M/gFmcj-LSaJ8/s640/blogger-image--1081603068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uY_6bcVVI5Q/WH_YmiIKCSI/AAAAAAAAC5M/gFmcj-LSaJ8/s640/blogger-image--1081603068.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i7695N065xc/WH_YqukjZhI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/0TF-vWkTBxU/s640/blogger-image--2040463943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i7695N065xc/WH_YqukjZhI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/0TF-vWkTBxU/s640/blogger-image--2040463943.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fzLYWXhWlh8/WH_ZJ0n4nPI/AAAAAAAAC5w/CH8JY_6k774/s640/blogger-image-1426909845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fzLYWXhWlh8/WH_ZJ0n4nPI/AAAAAAAAC5w/CH8JY_6k774/s640/blogger-image-1426909845.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A feast at a local restaurant!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Adjl96BZwGE/WH_Y-uriOkI/AAAAAAAAC5k/TZ-X0_lDDIQ/s640/blogger-image-570803780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Adjl96BZwGE/WH_Y-uriOkI/AAAAAAAAC5k/TZ-X0_lDDIQ/s640/blogger-image-570803780.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kJUMBWlztc0/WH_YTCIaPtI/AAAAAAAAC40/tbK1N1_xIw0/s640/blogger-image-780551880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kJUMBWlztc0/WH_YTCIaPtI/AAAAAAAAC40/tbK1N1_xIw0/s640/blogger-image-780551880.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xvhiIwM5dnk/WH_ZCaNHIMI/AAAAAAAAC5o/wTmh229IRa0/s640/blogger-image--1526030084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xvhiIwM5dnk/WH_ZCaNHIMI/AAAAAAAAC5o/wTmh229IRa0/s640/blogger-image--1526030084.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We are now in Texas. We have returned to a wonderful spot in Sam Houston National Forest where we have camped before. Upon arrival, it was cold!! Temperatures went into the twenties and teens at night with ice accumulating on the car, grass, and even on our windows inside! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aedgoddUir0/WH_YPr-qY-I/AAAAAAAAC4w/CKHYNCq0XZs/s640/blogger-image--893466367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aedgoddUir0/WH_YPr-qY-I/AAAAAAAAC4w/CKHYNCq0XZs/s640/blogger-image--893466367.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Dressing warmly!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We are happy our trailer has a heater. Without electric hookup we ran the thermostat low, but it was enough to take the edge off the chill. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nTivT0NJkWM/WH_YvMHr6HI/AAAAAAAAC5U/8KLrm1tADV4/s640/blogger-image--209724015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nTivT0NJkWM/WH_YvMHr6HI/AAAAAAAAC5U/8KLrm1tADV4/s640/blogger-image--209724015.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Nevelle and Rice cuddled for warmth!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dTu3vxoS1y8/WH_YWxwWLEI/AAAAAAAAC44/tQOg4EWJrfY/s640/blogger-image--708584965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dTu3vxoS1y8/WH_YWxwWLEI/AAAAAAAAC44/tQOg4EWJrfY/s640/blogger-image--708584965.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Homemade corn bread by Michael!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We will be here for a couple of weeks more. Although temperatures rose into the seventies, and we had sunny weather for a few days, it is very rainy now. Won't see sun for another day or two. Passing time in the local library!</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div></div>Wheeling through Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844643299360522298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202086983426634829.post-77750798205404384752016-12-10T09:47:00.001-08:002016-12-10T09:47:01.372-08:00To the Florida Panhandle...and beyond!<div><br></div>Somehow we manage to find little jewels for camping and Saturday night, December 4th was no exception. We stayed at a Cracker Barrel the night before in Lake City, Florida after departing Tampa. Once again Allstays app got us there! After a good breakfast Saturday morning we headed to our next destination. <div><br></div><div>We knew we wanted to camp in Apalachicola National Forest, and Michael ended up finding Hickory Landing within the forest. The ride in was pretty, and the campground itself was beautiful. Not too big, which always appeals to us! A few sites were occupied and all were within walking distance of the scenic Owl Creek. The bathrooms were the cleanest vault toilet set up we have seen to-date! This campground only charged $3 per night, and with the appropriate national parks/forest pass, the fee is only a mere $1.50 per night!! If we didn't have reservations elsewhere we would have stayed several days!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yuKXcsZHYdw/WEw_NH3VESI/AAAAAAAAC2c/NAIUfH6JQZc/s640/blogger-image-1537741091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yuKXcsZHYdw/WEw_NH3VESI/AAAAAAAAC2c/NAIUfH6JQZc/s640/blogger-image-1537741091.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BNcEnfD24pA/WEw_SyR1YoI/AAAAAAAAC2k/Ne8tulfU51E/s640/blogger-image--1860592453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BNcEnfD24pA/WEw_SyR1YoI/AAAAAAAAC2k/Ne8tulfU51E/s640/blogger-image--1860592453.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U2DNyHmp8hM/WEw_YGNeawI/AAAAAAAAC2s/oOOgg72omTI/s640/blogger-image-1827125044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U2DNyHmp8hM/WEw_YGNeawI/AAAAAAAAC2s/oOOgg72omTI/s640/blogger-image-1827125044.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-py8zwbWUtPk/WEw-o35Ir9I/AAAAAAAAC1c/J1TCAovejB8/s640/blogger-image--1984354585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-py8zwbWUtPk/WEw-o35Ir9I/AAAAAAAAC1c/J1TCAovejB8/s640/blogger-image--1984354585.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ICGb4Wnzd70/WEw_FkVATuI/AAAAAAAAC2M/l8ALus9svpQ/s640/blogger-image--183998288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ICGb4Wnzd70/WEw_FkVATuI/AAAAAAAAC2M/l8ALus9svpQ/s640/blogger-image--183998288.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kuqpgg52_r8/WEw-1cN1J4I/AAAAAAAAC1w/AaodjNCeBkg/s640/blogger-image-930158798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kuqpgg52_r8/WEw-1cN1J4I/AAAAAAAAC1w/AaodjNCeBkg/s640/blogger-image-930158798.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-igBp2K2DPtw/WEw_fjRORMI/AAAAAAAAC24/RJrtk40R70w/s640/blogger-image--1084352883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-igBp2K2DPtw/WEw_fjRORMI/AAAAAAAAC24/RJrtk40R70w/s640/blogger-image--1084352883.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rzEzRdHO0Zc/WEw_VbI13xI/AAAAAAAAC2o/lFs-KsOyEW8/s640/blogger-image-474071467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rzEzRdHO0Zc/WEw_VbI13xI/AAAAAAAAC2o/lFs-KsOyEW8/s640/blogger-image-474071467.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On Sunday morning, we headed to our next campsite, St. Joseph's Peninsula State Park, outside of Port St. Joe, Florida. The ride was only about an hour and was pretty. Route 98 is a scenic route along the Gulf, however, we veered into Port St. Joe on 30 A to do laundry since it was too early to check in to the campground.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rErb9dv7Y94/WEw-zHwCZ_I/AAAAAAAAC1s/7dsgOAWlmNU/s640/blogger-image-620170647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rErb9dv7Y94/WEw-zHwCZ_I/AAAAAAAAC1s/7dsgOAWlmNU/s640/blogger-image-620170647.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our first view of the Gulf!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fnkto_SiWJ0/WERN9giMWzI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/Nc1I4dWLJ8g/s640/blogger-image-44515128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fnkto_SiWJ0/WERN9giMWzI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/Nc1I4dWLJ8g/s640/blogger-image-44515128.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Route 98 west.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We stayed at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park a year ago and loved the Gulf Breeze Loop which is situated behind sand dunes separating us from the Gulf of Mexico. The beaches offer 9.5 miles of white sand and clear waters. We took our chairs up and just sat watching shore birds and letting the water lap at our feet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EuMiWWSXVcM/WEw_KX3bM1I/AAAAAAAAC2U/JmAQTLvJRNY/s640/blogger-image--1337283023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EuMiWWSXVcM/WEw_KX3bM1I/AAAAAAAAC2U/JmAQTLvJRNY/s640/blogger-image--1337283023.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_qroKDat0CU/WEw_atfrJZI/AAAAAAAAC2w/K1lP0YegMh4/s640/blogger-image-1501847013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_qroKDat0CU/WEw_atfrJZI/AAAAAAAAC2w/K1lP0YegMh4/s640/blogger-image-1501847013.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">View from our campsite toward the Gulf.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JBoo7_aq8aY/WEw_PpvdzqI/AAAAAAAAC2g/aOtG4ZnDkyA/s640/blogger-image-240212367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JBoo7_aq8aY/WEw_PpvdzqI/AAAAAAAAC2g/aOtG4ZnDkyA/s640/blogger-image-240212367.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A very friendly shorebird, a sanderling, kept visiting us!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3q5b2jucxBQ/WEw-wS3brEI/AAAAAAAAC1o/m4Ootp3a-20/s640/blogger-image--205764557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3q5b2jucxBQ/WEw-wS3brEI/AAAAAAAAC1o/m4Ootp3a-20/s640/blogger-image--205764557.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A beautiful gray and breezy day with spotty rain showers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f_xODzAu0zM/WEw-t9VRgxI/AAAAAAAAC1k/JmOml1RKJTw/s640/blogger-image--313621270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f_xODzAu0zM/WEw-t9VRgxI/AAAAAAAAC1k/JmOml1RKJTw/s640/blogger-image--313621270.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e7QzlTuukSU/WEw_dLK7dCI/AAAAAAAAC20/uOE8ngNxq7U/s640/blogger-image-907647841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e7QzlTuukSU/WEw_dLK7dCI/AAAAAAAAC20/uOE8ngNxq7U/s640/blogger-image-907647841.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Walkway from campground to the beach.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VucRlte7vHc/WEw_iUVXICI/AAAAAAAAC28/p4QDpLj7F5Y/s640/blogger-image-83715402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VucRlte7vHc/WEw_iUVXICI/AAAAAAAAC28/p4QDpLj7F5Y/s640/blogger-image-83715402.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Campsites had water and electric. They are mostly close together with minimal privacy. We lucked out - no neighbors!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We had one day of high winds and heavy rain, with a tornado watch as in effect, but luckily nothing materialized except thunderstorms. Having the travel trailer rather than the teardrop was fantastic as it was an indoor day! Michael made pizza in the convection oven and we watched TV and read.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eGAB6eHQ6g0/WEw_lEPRxcI/AAAAAAAAC3A/QZkQ97zj4Aw/s640/blogger-image--480237322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eGAB6eHQ6g0/WEw_lEPRxcI/AAAAAAAAC3A/QZkQ97zj4Aw/s640/blogger-image--480237322.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sW1AhXCLgaM/WEw-fNZVkKI/AAAAAAAAC1M/u4dO_TPpDFo/s640/blogger-image-1151247036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sW1AhXCLgaM/WEw-fNZVkKI/AAAAAAAAC1M/u4dO_TPpDFo/s640/blogger-image-1151247036.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Wednesday, the 7th, we departed the peninsula and continued west through some neighboring towns. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XvBgMixQ720/WEw-8DI_G9I/AAAAAAAAC18/g7smBpkqnC0/s640/blogger-image-1555345735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XvBgMixQ720/WEw-8DI_G9I/AAAAAAAAC18/g7smBpkqnC0/s640/blogger-image-1555345735.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tZAcMgAb3a0/WEw_ICep_UI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/kXIHsDHdFJU/s640/blogger-image--2104564951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tZAcMgAb3a0/WEw_ICep_UI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/kXIHsDHdFJU/s640/blogger-image--2104564951.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iGReZg0PZUw/WEw-hRwC82I/AAAAAAAAC1Q/m5qsKp_IYQc/s640/blogger-image-428349409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iGReZg0PZUw/WEw-hRwC82I/AAAAAAAAC1Q/m5qsKp_IYQc/s640/blogger-image-428349409.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We found a Walmart in Lynn Haven for a free overnight, and a Camping World to have our propane tank filled and to buy Dicor lap sealant to seal around the spoiler on the roof. We haven't had any leaks but since we have heard that this spot can be a potential problem, we are going to be proactive and seal it now. We also bought some caulk to put around the sink edging where the factory caulking has come unglued.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Onward to Alabama and the Conecuh National Forest, on Open Pond, for 5 nights camping. We found a non-hook-up site for $4/night overlooking the pond.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-plA_XusL9BI/WEw_A6JzlgI/AAAAAAAAC2E/l-mdTEC-Goo/s640/blogger-image--1938985051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-plA_XusL9BI/WEw_A6JzlgI/AAAAAAAAC2E/l-mdTEC-Goo/s640/blogger-image--1938985051.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uEm0Ia3Yjl4/WEw-mFLVHxI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/hqriEshC00U/s640/blogger-image-1627052822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uEm0Ia3Yjl4/WEw-mFLVHxI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/hqriEshC00U/s640/blogger-image-1627052822.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KaWIjFJzXy4/WEw-57r-awI/AAAAAAAAC14/ygbanN9cRtw/s640/blogger-image-1252607472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KaWIjFJzXy4/WEw-57r-awI/AAAAAAAAC14/ygbanN9cRtw/s640/blogger-image-1252607472.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8Oi-Q4mxqy0/WEw-rfX-0eI/AAAAAAAAC1g/dtTKEnc7iNo/s640/blogger-image--507849296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8Oi-Q4mxqy0/WEw-rfX-0eI/AAAAAAAAC1g/dtTKEnc7iNo/s640/blogger-image--507849296.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The campsites are roomy and there are loops with hook-ups. We just decided to go without, and use solar. Look forward to some hiking. Meanwhile, temps are cold, freezing at night, and 40's during the day. We have used the trailer heater for the first time, running it to take the chill off! We are happy to have it. A heatwave of 60 degree temps is due to arrive tomorrow!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Eu09ZGnolN4/WEw_DDUepsI/AAAAAAAAC2I/e-XNyUE3BjI/s640/blogger-image-1542174202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Eu09ZGnolN4/WEw_DDUepsI/AAAAAAAAC2I/e-XNyUE3BjI/s640/blogger-image-1542174202.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zv_snIq0jYE/WEw-jhdBnbI/AAAAAAAAC1U/JnN_lOiXViA/s640/blogger-image--696399807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zv_snIq0jYE/WEw-jhdBnbI/AAAAAAAAC1U/JnN_lOiXViA/s640/blogger-image--696399807.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Town square of Andalusia, the closest "big" town. Very small!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hope you all are having fun this holiday season!</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Wheeling through Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844643299360522298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202086983426634829.post-77046571601193762842016-11-28T12:49:00.001-08:002016-12-04T08:35:38.286-08:00Tampa Time!<div><br></div><div><br></div>After a terrific two week stay in Ocala, on Saturday, November 26, we headed to Tampa (Florida) to camp at Hillsborough River State Park and spend a week with my sister and brother-in-law. An added bonus was a visit with both my niece and nephew and their families, a wonderful reunion! We got a kick out of the kids, ages 7, 6, 3, and 2 1/2, as they ran and played, and I even got to join in the creative imaginary games of my youngest great-niece, Sophie! There's something to be said about using your imagination when you're an adult!<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-djrwqMTKWvE/WD7kUOzse7I/AAAAAAAACxg/L5K-fpGhaS4/s640/blogger-image--916395281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-djrwqMTKWvE/WD7kUOzse7I/AAAAAAAACxg/L5K-fpGhaS4/s640/blogger-image--916395281.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Nephew Steven and great-niece Sydney!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HsroQcKGn5o/WD7kR8f4FEI/AAAAAAAACxc/EF28lnLncEU/s640/blogger-image--1752529034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HsroQcKGn5o/WD7kR8f4FEI/AAAAAAAACxc/EF28lnLncEU/s640/blogger-image--1752529034.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sister Linda with her hubby David and my great-nieces Sadie and Sydney, and great-nephew Mason.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xa2oZBi6xHM/WD7kWEH_dNI/AAAAAAAACxk/RzYH4Ts_kTg/s640/blogger-image--1302850175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xa2oZBi6xHM/WD7kWEH_dNI/AAAAAAAACxk/RzYH4Ts_kTg/s640/blogger-image--1302850175.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Great-nieces Sadie and Sophie!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KlTSAJkGxAY/WERFm2yGHKI/AAAAAAAACzo/ux0301SeRhQ/s640/blogger-image--1881709547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KlTSAJkGxAY/WERFm2yGHKI/AAAAAAAACzo/ux0301SeRhQ/s640/blogger-image--1881709547.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My nephew Steven with his wife, Lauren and son, Mason. Glenn with his daughter, Sydney.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FPo4FfJmnWM/WERFJwb9yJI/AAAAAAAACzE/t8pVWoKS_Ow/s640/blogger-image--1171760861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FPo4FfJmnWM/WERFJwb9yJI/AAAAAAAACzE/t8pVWoKS_Ow/s640/blogger-image--1171760861.jpg"></a></div>Niece, Sheryl with her husband Glenn.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The state park is really pretty, with lots of palmettos, tall palms, and other trees. Sites are kind of close, but we lucked out in a nice spot with a campsite on only one side of us. Each night we hear barred owls calling and we have had them in trees very close to our trailer! No luck in actually spotting them, though.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-92CoiCb3hsY/WERFywH0uOI/AAAAAAAACz4/wxr-x2j7Jpc/s640/blogger-image--231883110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-92CoiCb3hsY/WERFywH0uOI/AAAAAAAACz4/wxr-x2j7Jpc/s640/blogger-image--231883110.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8wm2VF1LA2s/WD8_n_yQZ_I/AAAAAAAACx8/6q1T5p4DpT8/s640/blogger-image--956822860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8wm2VF1LA2s/WD8_n_yQZ_I/AAAAAAAACx8/6q1T5p4DpT8/s640/blogger-image--956822860.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NKDw4ZSJePM/WERFOq2-oPI/AAAAAAAACzM/iJmtq1RJiLg/s640/blogger-image--1009796757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NKDw4ZSJePM/WERFOq2-oPI/AAAAAAAACzM/iJmtq1RJiLg/s640/blogger-image--1009796757.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XfE_LPMEgzI/WERFjFAlhzI/AAAAAAAACzk/wH4VncCQq0g/s640/blogger-image--284941285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XfE_LPMEgzI/WERFjFAlhzI/AAAAAAAACzk/wH4VncCQq0g/s640/blogger-image--284941285.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My brother-in-law, David, has a orchid collection on their lanai in Tampa, and a couple of orchids were in bloom while we visited. Even without blooms, there are unique plants there.</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0aAyTZjdZPI/WERFGtyVdII/AAAAAAAACzA/vKsCnWeJeSU/s640/blogger-image--895698958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0aAyTZjdZPI/WERFGtyVdII/AAAAAAAACzA/vKsCnWeJeSU/s640/blogger-image--895698958.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ig5AgrMeRII/WD8_sINo3oI/AAAAAAAACyE/USxBMresWuY/s640/blogger-image--939934577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ig5AgrMeRII/WD8_sINo3oI/AAAAAAAACyE/USxBMresWuY/s640/blogger-image--939934577.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jwgXS3i5pDk/WD8_qEdiZ9I/AAAAAAAACyA/rgDTZJ-fSO0/s640/blogger-image--2128534911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jwgXS3i5pDk/WD8_qEdiZ9I/AAAAAAAACyA/rgDTZJ-fSO0/s640/blogger-image--2128534911.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One day we took a ride over to Tarpon Springs, a community with a heavy Greek influence that goes back to the days when the first Greek divers for sponges came here to establish their businesses. Along with boats in the harbor and piles of sponges, there were many Greek restaurants, and lots of shops, some touristy and some not! We ate a terrific meal at Hella's followed by some yummy desserts from their bakery, and then we just meandered for a while. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9Ev4nyuULO0/WD8_uTY-SkI/AAAAAAAACyI/V5jNBj5rhFs/s640/blogger-image-726136191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9Ev4nyuULO0/WD8_uTY-SkI/AAAAAAAACyI/V5jNBj5rhFs/s640/blogger-image-726136191.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uDm93c2b7X0/WERFvYas8MI/AAAAAAAACz0/iEwONrbWiyY/s640/blogger-image--1259535685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uDm93c2b7X0/WERFvYas8MI/AAAAAAAACz0/iEwONrbWiyY/s640/blogger-image--1259535685.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z9-pTqWAflY/WD8_lBIo76I/AAAAAAAACx4/q3K2vX5Q6y0/s640/blogger-image--129955202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z9-pTqWAflY/WD8_lBIo76I/AAAAAAAACx4/q3K2vX5Q6y0/s640/blogger-image--129955202.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WlRsbLzAAdk/WERFbCVEqBI/AAAAAAAACzc/-Qb5dCzLOQI/s640/blogger-image--1497036307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WlRsbLzAAdk/WERFbCVEqBI/AAAAAAAACzc/-Qb5dCzLOQI/s640/blogger-image--1497036307.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CpljIG6KIIk/WD8_wbKnTMI/AAAAAAAACyM/fcuBSNy0skU/s640/blogger-image--540866083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CpljIG6KIIk/WD8_wbKnTMI/AAAAAAAACyM/fcuBSNy0skU/s640/blogger-image--540866083.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Flaming cheese...oompah!! And, really good!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ayy2q3tIB9M/WERFX8fuk4I/AAAAAAAACzY/Bn8XL6hvhBY/s640/blogger-image-390045923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ayy2q3tIB9M/WERFX8fuk4I/AAAAAAAACzY/Bn8XL6hvhBY/s640/blogger-image-390045923.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Key lime is definitely not a Greek dessert, but I couldn't resist!</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rEO-Sb78kGA/WERFduqqssI/AAAAAAAACzg/cEXQ1kT-dDQ/s640/blogger-image--726672001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rEO-Sb78kGA/WERFduqqssI/AAAAAAAACzg/cEXQ1kT-dDQ/s640/blogger-image--726672001.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RV7EO0EDdao/WD8_zHHUVgI/AAAAAAAACyQ/W4YnPL2hxDI/s640/blogger-image--1621523219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RV7EO0EDdao/WD8_zHHUVgI/AAAAAAAACyQ/W4YnPL2hxDI/s640/blogger-image--1621523219.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-az5ngRbWGxo/WERFp_tkhcI/AAAAAAAACzs/8gPYDxm93F0/s640/blogger-image--498495762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-az5ngRbWGxo/WERFp_tkhcI/AAAAAAAACzs/8gPYDxm93F0/s640/blogger-image--498495762.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Took a drive to Apollo Beach, where the big Tampa electric company plant, where the warm waters draw in manatees. Except for two very distant manatees, too far for a photo but visible in the binoculars, we saw no wildlife to speak of.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4UizoCDe5oo/WERFREBVwlI/AAAAAAAACzQ/eMGOJyAJpfA/s640/blogger-image-1388709839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4UizoCDe5oo/WERFREBVwlI/AAAAAAAACzQ/eMGOJyAJpfA/s640/blogger-image-1388709839.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yMcWOMvbI6g/WERF2LCeeyI/AAAAAAAACz8/p7-l_eJOqSQ/s640/blogger-image--1600499617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yMcWOMvbI6g/WERF2LCeeyI/AAAAAAAACz8/p7-l_eJOqSQ/s640/blogger-image--1600499617.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With sister, Linda!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-icFsj5yQ8_U/WERFMdp6UgI/AAAAAAAACzI/tBdCFJxurXM/s640/blogger-image--67864458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-icFsj5yQ8_U/WERFMdp6UgI/AAAAAAAACzI/tBdCFJxurXM/s640/blogger-image--67864458.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ovFKLtNveMU/WERFUCpO0nI/AAAAAAAACzU/-iFs3beSNIw/s640/blogger-image--981062569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ovFKLtNveMU/WERFUCpO0nI/AAAAAAAACzU/-iFs3beSNIw/s640/blogger-image--981062569.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The best view of a manatee we got all morning!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We also went to a Cuban restaurant for lunch in south Tampa for great yellow rice and beans, fried plantains, yuca, Cuban bread and more. The location isn't the best, but the food was worth it! Check the sign out carefully for a good laugh!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pMC87D19afk/WERFs8g9KHI/AAAAAAAACzw/nkTznVmfX60/s640/blogger-image-642144782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pMC87D19afk/WERFs8g9KHI/AAAAAAAACzw/nkTznVmfX60/s640/blogger-image-642144782.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We left Tampa Friday, December 2 as we begin a northward drive toward the Florida panhandle. Plans to camp a few nights at St. Joseph's Peninsula State Park starting Sunday.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div></div></div></div><br></div><br></div><br><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Wheeling through Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844643299360522298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202086983426634829.post-21559363370504636072016-11-24T08:21:00.001-08:002016-11-24T15:13:55.259-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!On this sunny, 80 degree day, we give our thanks for our blessings from Ocala National Forest! We hope you have had a happy holiday with friends and family.<div><br></div><div>Yesterday, we braved grocery shopping, and as we thought, everyone else decided to do their last minute shopping as well! Wall to wall people. We had planned on eating Thanksgiving dinner at a local Cracker Barrel, but changed our minds and decided to eat outdoors in this beautiful spot! We're glad we did!</div><div><br></div><div>Michael picked up a rotisserie chicken for himself along with stuffing that he "doctored up" with sausage. Since I don't eat any meat, I ate all the trimmings including fresh green beans, cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes. And sweet potato pie for dessert. Eating under tall long leaf pines draped with Spanish moss, and live oaks only added to the happiness of this day!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C4hf-QlP_jo/WDd0GuN6C6I/AAAAAAAACwY/VRHAVJghuJ8/s640/blogger-image-197246119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C4hf-QlP_jo/WDd0GuN6C6I/AAAAAAAACwY/VRHAVJghuJ8/s640/blogger-image-197246119.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The cooking over fire begins! The above became this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cHCe_0Pvux0/WDd0Jbs6HZI/AAAAAAAACwc/Iqf1HeDtv9k/s640/blogger-image--1658337850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cHCe_0Pvux0/WDd0Jbs6HZI/AAAAAAAACwc/Iqf1HeDtv9k/s640/blogger-image--1658337850.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OmQRWnV5wKA/WDd0EZrAGAI/AAAAAAAACwU/8UBluyYNOpA/s640/blogger-image-719339039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OmQRWnV5wKA/WDd0EZrAGAI/AAAAAAAACwU/8UBluyYNOpA/s640/blogger-image-719339039.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As the evening wore on, a few more campsites became occupied, much to our surprise. One couple said that they camp here every Thanksgiving through the weekend, and the campground fills up as hunting season begins the day after Thanksgiving. Our timing for camping here was perfect!</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y_bEhp4uf-Q/WDd0LWBvIUI/AAAAAAAACwg/YTlPoIvNp_s/s640/blogger-image--1330478990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y_bEhp4uf-Q/WDd0LWBvIUI/AAAAAAAACwg/YTlPoIvNp_s/s640/blogger-image--1330478990.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After dinner campfire!</div></div></div></div></div><div><br></div><div>The other night we went down to the water with our chairs and Nevelle and enjoyed the sunset hour. I know I keep mentioning the vultures, but the sheer numbers of them is amazing. Although we counted upwards of 70 in one kettle (group of birds circling on thermals) plus one bald eagle, the iPad lost charge before I could get a photo of that group. But these will give you an idea:</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ef0fzG7FYow/WDcTZA2rPyI/AAAAAAAACvQ/8Pxd-FBOB4w/s640/blogger-image-1497635918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ef0fzG7FYow/WDcTZA2rPyI/AAAAAAAACvQ/8Pxd-FBOB4w/s640/blogger-image-1497635918.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TZK9W7HTV0U/WDcTfl4z1WI/AAAAAAAACvc/zs998739jds/s640/blogger-image-161527404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TZK9W7HTV0U/WDcTfl4z1WI/AAAAAAAACvc/zs998739jds/s640/blogger-image-161527404.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AzjtIwLapBo/WDcTjBnRSAI/AAAAAAAACvg/ICbnHSDfCSE/s640/blogger-image--1156235725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AzjtIwLapBo/WDcTjBnRSAI/AAAAAAAACvg/ICbnHSDfCSE/s640/blogger-image--1156235725.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XfwS7bNsT7I/WDcTW6PZJNI/AAAAAAAACvM/DZicPS21Hg8/s640/blogger-image--718662326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XfwS7bNsT7I/WDcTW6PZJNI/AAAAAAAACvM/DZicPS21Hg8/s640/blogger-image--718662326.jpg"></a></div></div></div>Nevelle watching the activity!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Pretty views across Lake Eaton:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0LiC4AsXvWE/WDcTbZ7EbHI/AAAAAAAACvU/F8yVgHwNqZ8/s640/blogger-image-72795010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0LiC4AsXvWE/WDcTbZ7EbHI/AAAAAAAACvU/F8yVgHwNqZ8/s640/blogger-image-72795010.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ynpqozpz_jY/WDcTUjaPfeI/AAAAAAAACvI/3RbXABWfWlA/s640/blogger-image-115994704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ynpqozpz_jY/WDcTUjaPfeI/AAAAAAAACvI/3RbXABWfWlA/s640/blogger-image-115994704.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Nevelle found the tiniest little frog today that I gently moved away:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e0tl1iXSQPc/WDcTdYbnToI/AAAAAAAACvY/jXW7E6SX80A/s640/blogger-image--1263145449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e0tl1iXSQPc/WDcTdYbnToI/AAAAAAAACvY/jXW7E6SX80A/s640/blogger-image--1263145449.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Speaking of Thanksgiving, 14 turkeys meandered by our campsite last evening. Funny timing!:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3rvz4ydB0CQ/WDcdEKo8-YI/AAAAAAAACv8/Naz5XdevexY/s640/blogger-image--2075801768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3rvz4ydB0CQ/WDcdEKo8-YI/AAAAAAAACv8/Naz5XdevexY/s640/blogger-image--2075801768.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qbVEuAcDxAE/WDcdB9yf6WI/AAAAAAAACv4/oydz8Jkbbq4/s640/blogger-image--1954907065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qbVEuAcDxAE/WDcdB9yf6WI/AAAAAAAACv4/oydz8Jkbbq4/s640/blogger-image--1954907065.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">All three kitties enjoying the outdoors!:</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U0d_g1ETqr0/WDcdGAhaI8I/AAAAAAAACwA/lwZf9GfJ4Og/s640/blogger-image--719545435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U0d_g1ETqr0/WDcdGAhaI8I/AAAAAAAACwA/lwZf9GfJ4Og/s640/blogger-image--719545435.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Nevelle continues to love being outside on his tie-out, and the kittens seem to love being in their crate, getting used to the outdoors. We just bought two harnesses and leashes to start training them to go for walks. First, we will put the harnesses on for a bit at a time, so they can get them used to them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A few nights ago, Michael cooked a great vegetarian dinner for me using the Solo gasification camp stove. Northern white beans, raisins, and a variety of vegetables made a delicious stew! He added canned chicken to his version. Food tastes so great cooked over a fire! The Solo is a double-walled stove that uses either charcoal or bio-mass (leaves, sticks, pine cones) and creates a smokeless fire. The fire is drawn down and through the two walls to create an efficient fire. We've had this stove since day one and it is one of our best purchases. It is great to have when we don't want to make a campfire or don't have the means for a campfire.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UEgkxvPvI2c/WDcc9TuLbrI/AAAAAAAACvw/Nt_y1iTBpoM/s640/blogger-image--430710942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UEgkxvPvI2c/WDcc9TuLbrI/AAAAAAAACvw/Nt_y1iTBpoM/s640/blogger-image--430710942.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H77z9TVcNio/WDcc_yALycI/AAAAAAAACv0/76vlR8-1QlU/s640/blogger-image--1384597889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H77z9TVcNio/WDcc_yALycI/AAAAAAAACv0/76vlR8-1QlU/s640/blogger-image--1384597889.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We're departing the national forest Saturday morning for a two hour drive to Tampa. This has been a great stay. Only $4/night with a senior pass, and except for the hosts and another camper here and there, we have had the place pretty much to ourselves until tonight. Quiet and pretty - can't ask for much more than that!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We will "Walmart camp" Saturday night after a family visit on Saturday, then move over to Hillsboro State Park until Friday, December 2. We will spend the week with family before departing on the 2nd.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We will begin to head back to the Florida panhandle and toward the west to Texas. There's a camping gathering on north Padre Island in Texas starting the 5th of January that we are planning to go to.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This afternoon, a monarch butterfly and a cloudless sulphur butterfly went by, but never settled for a photo. Calling from above was a red-shouldered hawk...more like a cry! As the sunset, large dragonflies flew all around us. Love it all!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Wheeling through Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844643299360522298noreply@blogger.com0