FL 4-10-15
Lately the days have just whizzed by. Friday we took a long drive to see Thomas Jeffersons Monticello. I suspect it gets fewer visitors than Mount Vernon due to the location. However, it certainly is worth the effort. Much like Biltmore, Monticello is well hidden. Even after you park your car, purchase a ticket, and board the shuttle bus, the main building is nowhere in site. After climbing a steep winding road it finally presents itself. Make one wonder why a farmer choose the top o
FL 4-13-15
As we near the end of our winter get away we decided to spend a few days unwinding. Yesterday we took a drive over the mountain to Culpepper VA. It was another beautiful blue sky day. The views from the mountain were spectacular. The balance of the day was spent at our CG enjoying the 70 degree weather.
Today we traveled over the mountain again to have lunch with another Bradford neighbors. The Marshall's were in Virginia visiting Judy's sister Karen and her husband Mike. When we f
FL 4-9-15
We left enchanting Asheville NC Tuesday morning. I felt brave after reading a few reviews concerning I 26 to Tennessee and off we went. Yes, there are at least three 6 or 7 degree grades to negotiate. Gracie's 350 Cummins did just fine, even with the Burb in tow. Two of those grades slowed us down to 35 mph but we still made them. Water and Trans. temperature Both stayed in the normal range and between the Exhaust brake and the Burb's brakes at work downhill, I was able to keep Gracie
FL 4-6-15
Today was a return to Biltmore. We just had to see the gardens before we left. It's early spring here so blooms were limited. However the landscape itself is worth the trip in any season. Rolling hills, winding paths and majestic trees all blend together for visual overload.
A large conservatory anchors the entire maze of gardens. Inside were hundreds of species of plants and flowers, most in full bloom! Several areas had striking arrangements with benches, making the perfect picture
FL 4-5-15
Quite a bit has happened since my last writing. After 2 days of rest we moved from Lexington SC to Asheville NC on Friday April 3rd. The drive was of little note until the last 10 miles or so. For some reason it's always those last few miles in the day that present the most stress. As we entered metro Asheville the traffic really picked up. We didn't see any reason other than heavy volume. The slower speed itself isn't much of an issue until it comes time to exit left or right in four
FL 3-31-15
Well five days have passed by in a hurry since we left Savannah. We are now in a suburb of Columbia SC in the town of Lexington. The name of our CG is the Barnyard, but don't be confused by the name. This is at the top of our list for having all the amenities important to us. The lots are very spacious and level pull throughs with gravel landings and concrete table areas. Lots of grass and a few ornamental tress occupy the rest of the area. Very quiet and very clean. When we walk Osc
FL 3-26-15
Today we woke to a weather report for 80 degree temps. Without hesitation we began to plan our day. First a 20 minute drive to Fort McAllister state park to check out the camping facilities.
This is a very well preserved area with large trees and spacious camp sites. Big rigs and fifth wheelers do NOT fit in all sites and the park is frequently booked. We knew that yesterday when we attempted to reserve a spot. As with most State parks the campsites only provide electric and sewer h
FL 3-24-15
Sunday past we left Flordia and began our slow trek north. Our first stop over is Savannah GA. We made it to our destination, Richmond Hills KOA. This is a fairly nice CG with the exception of the sandy sites. Here comes the mess inside our motorhome.
By the time we were settled in and hooked up, the rain began and continued through Monday. So we didn't venture out until today. Our plan was to get into the historic district and take a trolley tour. Mission accomplished!
Although th
FL 3-21-15
Today was another beautiful 86 degree blue sky day. My sister in law Linda and her husband John stopped by our campsite for a visit today. Seems like anytime one of us heads for Flordia the other one shows up. We spent the afternoon gabbing away and then went out for an early supper so they would have time to catch their flight home today.
We have been here at Clerbrook RV resort in Clermont ( spelled correctly both times) for the past two days. A very nice place! Three large comple
FL 3-18-15
The last couple days I had very little to write about. We are at Alliance Coach having a few minor repairs done. Thing is it takes time to schedule your turn and not all repairs are straight forward due to the complexity of these things.
The past 2 days we spent our time exploring the countryside. This area is full of horse ranches and I'm not talking 10 acres! They go on for miles. The pastures are beautiful, the homestead is Southern Fork worthy, and the horses are of all varietie
FL 3-15-15
Today we are in Wildwood FL. Nothing really planed for today so I began by just tinkering a bit. The Toad wiring needed more tape where it had chaffed against the safety cables. Easy fix in less than 15 minutes.
While I was outside, I got in a conversation with my neighbor. He's a retired pharmacist traveling by himself in a 38 foot motorhome. A very friendly and quite interesting fellow. Frankly, it's hard to find a jerk in this lifestyle. We're nearly all retired and spending down
3-12-15
Today we are staying at caverns state park in FL. What a change from Texas. This AM when we stepped outside our air conditioned living space the humidity was intense! The temperature was a pleasant 80. MAYBE IF YOU WERE NECK DEEP IN A POOL.
In spite of that we came here to see the caverns, so off we went. Our drive through the park was lovely. Spring has arrived here and trees were bursting their buds along with several varieties of wild flowers in bloom.
Once the Burb was parked we s
FL 3-10-15
We left San Antonio TX Monday. Our original plan was to stay there for a couple weeks and then slowly head for Branson MO. However, it was cold in Texas, and Branson doesn't really get going until late April. So plan B was put in motion. Return to Florida get warm, do some beach time, and stay there until warmer weather sets in on the east coast.
Yesterday we drove from San Antonio to Lake Charles LA. Once we began to see all the Isle of Capri casino bill boards, I got the great id
FL 3-7-15
First I need to give a thumbs up to Travelers RV park here in San Antonio. It's easy to find, staffed with friendly and knowledgeable people, and has spacious lots that are clean as a whistle.
Today was mission tour day. We began at San Jose's. It was like a step back in time to the 1750's! Much of it is as it was then. Some restoration has taken place over the years, but one is hard pressed to find where.
As we entered through one of several gates in the wall that surrounds the mis
3-4-15
During the last couple days I toured the USS Lexington, shelled about 10 pounds of pecans, and ate leftovers at Bills house. Our conversations covered all sorts of topics and not once did we have one of those awkward silent moments.
The day we toured the Lexington fewer than 100 others had chosen to do the same. That gave us run of the ship. We could read all the info plaques, take pictures that were not obstructed by people, or just stand and talk as long as we wished without getting
2-28-15
Just had the best 7 hours in a very long time. I met with 3 of 7 others from our SEAL support team in Viet Nam 1970/71. Until about a year ago I had not spoken with any of them. One found me and I found the others. Last Oct. we scheduled a reunion in Corpus Christi for today.
Now this is one of the things retirement and a motorhome give you the freedom to do. It's not all about escaping cold weather or sight seeing. Although those two are near the top of the list, visits like today don
2-23-15
Today we toured the Johnson Space Center. Had I known the 90 minute tram ride was more an open air ride than stop and visit, I would have gone a couple days ago when it was much warmer. Silly me, thinking today was perfect for an indoor activity.
In spite of that, Ruth and I had a pretty good day. The three tram stops were very interesting.
First was mission control for the flight of Apollo 13. Being in electronics my whole career, I was struck by how primitive the equipment looked.
FL 2-21-15
When I watched this mornings weather I decided the best use of today's warmer temperature was to visit a few more things in Galveston. Plan B was to go to the Space Center. That is now on Tuesday's agenda.
Once I remembered I had picked up a stack of brochures at the Texas visitor center my task became easier. The Bishops Mansion peaked my interest so I did some further research on the web. Feb. 21st is a special guided tour from attic to basement at 11 AM. Oh, that would be today
FL 2-20-15
After checking the web for attractions on the island we loaded up and headed for a few. The historical downtown was first. Once we found it we parked and went for a stroll. Although most of the building have serviced since the early 1900's most have been repurposed. Tee shirt shops, soda fountains, candy shops, and souvenir emporiums abound.
If you find the right spot some of these building are quite interesting to photograph. Even though we had very little interest in their wares,
FL 2-19-15
Our March to Corpus Christi continued today. We both slept in and we're ready to leave Beaumont by 10 AM.
I punched in the address of Galveston State park and at the second turn I knew we were not heading towards I-10. However, I felt adventurous so I let George (the GPS) have his way. Well, in no time we were cruising down a state road at 60 MPH with very little traffic. About 50 miles into our 125 mile trip we spotted a digital sign stating "Ferry traffic on schedule". With no wat
2-18-15
Our day began in Baton Rouge and ended in my daughters birth state, Texas.
We crossed the bridge over the Mississippi at 10 AM. For all the stories we had heard about accidents and traffic jams, our crossing took less than 10 minutes.
As we continued west on I 10, we soon were on another bridge. This one was much different though. It was level, about 30 feet above the bayou, and was every bit of 20 miles long. Another observation was the amount of trucks using this road. I estimate 4
2-17-15
Today began by waking up to 60 degrees inside Gracie. Our space heater didn't keep up with the 30 degree temp and strong wind. At 6AM I turned on the furnace and by 7 it was a toasty 74.
My morning chore was to change fuel filters before we left. The last hundred miles Gracie was bucking a bit and the ATC light flashed anytime the engine was pulling hard. Mostly on on ramps and passing. The last time that happened was in Canada and fuel filters was the fix. The instant I put my brand
2-15-15
We woke up to a dreary day today. On and off drizzle and gray skies. It was a good day to sleep in a bit and have a mid morning breakfast.
Cabin fever set in about 1 PM so we decided to take a drive south. We followed the levy for more than 30 miles and never saw the river. We did spot a couple places one could scale the levy on a bike and rid the top. We finally walked up one of those only to find out we were still quite a distance from the river. Our view was blocked be trees and den
2-14-15
We decided to celebrate Valentine's Day by going to the Mardi Gras parade in Baton Rouge LA. Following good advice we got going early and left for downtown by 9AM for the 12PM start time. Our directions were good, taking us right by the LSU Tigers stadium, then straight to the action. Dumb luck landed us in a parking lot adjacent to the parade route.
As we pulled in we passed many spots already in party mode. Tailgates were down, tents were raised and drinks were flowing! After parkin
2-13-15
Today was a travel day and it was a good one, even though it was Friday the 13th. We were up and on the road by 9:30 with blue sky ahead of us. The traffic was light most of the way and the roads were good.
Our day began in Florida, but 20 miles later we entered Alabama (Roll Tide). In no time at all we spotted the sign for Mississippi. A few miles later we pulled into a rest area for a break. Have I mentioned how lovely they are in the south? Large buildings with sparkling rest rooms,
