March 9 - HOME

 While we always enjoy our time in Florida and Alabama, it is always good to get home and settle back in. The hardest part is getting the RV unloaded and getting the laundry done. This time we also had to adjust to 2 time changes in 4 days, a challenge for these old bodies.   We missed Small Group last night but it was more important for us to spend the evening with our son and family. It will take some time to settle in but two more RV trips are already in the works for June and September, each just for a week. Then we have a trip to Ireland scheduled for late September through mid October.  

March 6-7 : Getting home in one piece!

 Yesterday's drive was quite a challenge. Traffic through Atlanta was crazy and was slow moving but we made it through unscathed. 

North of Atlanta, a truck almost hit us, forcing us onto the berm as it slid over into our lane. Thankfully there was a good berm, the truck realized its mistake and pulled back into the center lane before we ended up in real trouble.  A little further up the road a black sedan decided to squeeze between the truck to the left of us and us to sail up the road, continuing to weave between cars and trucks as it sped north. The car scraped the left front of our RV, leaving black paint behind as a souvenir.  It could have been much worse. 

We settled into our last campground stop late afternoon with full hook-up as the temperature was dropping and went down to the low 30s overnight. 

We are back in VIRGINIA! We have been away 68 days. We still have 143 miles to go home but Virginia is a wide state at the southern end.

East on Route 360...

And here Jim is driving in the middle...no traffic behind us.

I will complete this post when we get home today.

March 4-5 - Leaving Gulf Shores

 Yesterday we packed up everything outside, washed off as much pollen as we could on the rug and tent. We wanted to get it put away safely before the winds got too bad. The rain didnt come until evening and it was intense for a few hours. It finally died down before midnight. 

This morning I took Gus for his last walk at Gulf Shores until next year. It was peaceful as we walked along the lake front. 

 Then it was time to leave, headed north. 

Our first stop was for fuel at Buc-ees.

Our second stop was a potty break for Jim & Gus at a rest area off I-65.

Our 3rd stop was another Buc-ees off I-85. Then we passed the state border into Georgia, so no more Buc-ees for us this trip.

Staying overnight in a Baptist church parking lot...dry camping through Harvest Hosts.

March 3 - Slower Day

 Mark & Lori left for home in Midlothian this morning, but not before stopping at Joe Patti's to buy seafood to take home with them. We love having them join us every chance they get...so easy going!!! 

Jim, Gus and I chilled out most of the morning. Heidi slept in a bit and Jerry decided to pack up much of their stuff today. We dont leave until Wednesday  so Jim and I will take the clam down tomorrow, load up and cover up the bikes. There is a chance of rain tomorrow evening so we want everything packed up before that hits. It is expected to be VERY windy tomorrow also so awnings will be brought in and we will stay close to camp.

Heidi and I walked on the beach this afternoon and collected shells for her grandkids. We also visited a few gift shops for "Gulf Shores" memorabilia. 

Tonight it's burgers and hot dogs on the grill, a simple meal! If you are around, come and join us!

March 2

 3 days in a row of over 14000 steps...I'm exhausted! Lori and I took a 3.3 mile walk with Gus this morning. It wore all three of us out. The guys went to the Naval Air Museum, while the girls stayed home. We made a run to the grocery store, read for a while out in the sun and shade, and I took Gus for one more good walk before dinner. Heidi cooked tonight...a mexican taco dish with lots of toppings that was delicious.  We followed that with key lime pie and sitting around the fire. 

MARCH 1 - Sunny and warm.

 The day started slowly, as we were all worn out from yesterday's activities.  Gus walks, biscuits & gravy breakfast, bloody mary's and conversation filled our morning. This afternoon three of us took a walk on the beach and tonight we enjoyed dinner out at Mikee's Seafood Restaurant.  The place was packed but we were able to get a table for 6. 

FEB 28 - THE START OF MARDI GRAS CELEBRATIONS

 After a hearty breakfast that included King Cake, eggs and ham, and bloody mary's, we went for a long walk of over 3 miles around the park to Lake Shelby.  Gus went with us and his tongue was hanging out when we got back to our site. We did see a few alligators and one turtle by the lake.

We enjoyed a late lunch, finishing off the gumbo and nibbling on cheese, celery, carrots, and pimiento dip. Then we packed up the small cooler with drinks and drove to Pensacola to meet up with friends and enjoy the first of seveal parades in the area. 

There were so many floats and decorated cars in the parade we lost count.