February 25

Hi, Just realized that we have not blogged since Memphis, if anyone is there to care.   We didn't do very much there, but did drive down to Beale Street and had lunch at one of the establishments there. can't even tell you the name, the reason we there was that they had an outside balcony and it was very  sunny there.  We had been to Beale Street two years ago on a very cold Saturday night and there was a lot of music but it was very cold. it was nice to sit in the sun and hear just a little music. Oh, we stayed at the Graceland RV park, again, at our neighbors were 'Aussies'.  What interesting, friendly people who are travelling around the country until August.  They were going over to Graceland, and then we were going to meet them later, which we did.  They are about these age as we are and we just compared lives, families, travels and countries.  Made some suggestions as to where they should go and asked them to visit us while up north.    It was just a fun evening.  The weather was not very warm when we got up the next morning, so we all decided to leave.  Their travel agent told them it would be summertime so they were not prepared for our weather.  They headed to Florida and we headed for Paducah, KY.  Paducah is the one place that I did not want to head home without stopping at.  We are here and I'm in paradise.  Our furnace has stopped working so we had to address that issue this morning.  t still isn't working, but we have an extra electric heater, so we are toasty.  Tomorrow AM we are going to Mayfield to have it repaired.  this afternoon we went to Hancocks of Paducah, a quilters dreamland.  Russ is so wonderful and patient and helpful and we have lots of material to play with once we get home.  I probably won't share it with him, as he had his pick in Pensacola.  After that we went to the National Quilting Museum.  It was wonderful, everyone should have the opportunity to visit.  The ladies volunteering there were delightful, and it was just a great afternoon.   Then we went for lunch.  Just a fun afternoon.  Unfortunately, it was raining so we were not able to walk around the downtown or see the murals that have been painted on the Riverwalk wall.  Oh, that wall is on the Ohio River and Illinois is on the other side.  We will be visiting Paducah again.
So tomorrow we have the furnace fixed, and then we decide whether to go left or right.  We will let you know later which way we go.... See  you all soon.  Linda

Feb 22 Belle Chasse, La

hi,  
                                         This is the Carnival cruise ship Triumph that was towed in from the Gulf of Mexico and tied up in Mobile.

                                          This is coming into Biloxi, Mississippi

                                      This is bridge over a canal where we started our "Swamp tour".
                          The neat part is that is looks very much like the Memorial Bridge in Kittery. The same lifting setup just this one was built in the 30's and it has a sign saying to call operator 4 hours before needing the bridge opened.

                 A typical house along the bayou

                        Two Navy ships tied up in New Orleans. "RORO's ( roll on / roll off) standby transports

                                      A view of New Orleans from our steam powered paddle wheeler cruise down and back 11 miles of the Muddy Mississippi. ( the only way I can spell is by singing it as we did in early schooling)

                         The Dole sugar refinery next to the Mississippi. They take the raw sugar from barges with crane buckets and dump it into huge pierside hoppers. They produce over a million pounds a day

             well here's the alligator that I was scheduled to wrestle . Poor thing was so small I decided to let it be. plus the water looked to cold to be in.

 we decided to stay here(new orleans/belle chasse) one more day and just veg around the camper. we did drive out Rt 23 looking for Cajun food and didn't find any place we thought looked good so we ate at Popeye's . what a trick, they call it Louisiana's kitchen and the chicken was SPICY and the red beans and rice was very good. got fuel for $3.89/gal and came back to the base. We are on a very large Military base in a nice park. we can hear and see the helicopters and planes coming and going but it's not loud at all and they stop at dusk. Linda says they all go home for the nite. The bad weather they have been predicting has mostly gone around us. we have had some light rain and overcast skys but the temps have been in the 60's.  I am going to upload some photos while the internet connection holds. I have to sit outside to get a free signal from the park. 

If anyone has any place they want to recommend seeing along the way from here to Memphis, call us and let us know. Looks like a quiet ride for tomorrow. hope to make it to Jackson,MS and spend the nite and head up tp Memphis the next day, or at least in that direction. The weather looks colder up that way so we are in no rush.

February 21

No sun again today, but it is our second ful day in New Orleans.  I started typing this  earlier, and apparently hit the wrong button and erased it.  Very discouraging.  So to tell u what we were up to yesterday I will start again, and remember to save.

In the morning we drove out to Slidell to go on a swamp tour.  We were going alligator hunting, but fortunately we weren't going to be providing meals for everyone on the boat, as the only gator we saw was about 4 feet long.  Guide said it had been warm for the past few days and the gators had been out, but the air was cold so they went back into hibernation.  Gator bury themselves in the mud and bring their heart rate down to one beat a minute.  Sound like a great diet plan.  Gator season is in September so we didn't see Troy or any of his friends.  Wouldn't have made much money on that little guy anyways.  So, not seeing any gators, we went hunting for other wildlife.  Really didn't see anything to speak of, but did go into the swamps.....as far as I wanted to go.  There were people frome every place on that tour, so it made for an interesting few hours.  Learned more about the changes people have made in their lives since Katrina.  heck, our storms are nothing....even Irene when we lost so many trees on our island.  The tour guide lost his house; had to sell his shrimp boat and build a new home on a higher level of land.  Driving through New Orleans, you can still see places which were destroyed and have not been repaired.  The French Quarter wasn't one of those areas.  Water didn't get to the French quarter as it is on the Mississippi, and it was Lake Pontchartrain that caused the damage by going over the levees.  There is so much water around here, and so many bridges.  I really don't like high bridges, especially when we are towing,  but we made it here.

We did drive by the Super Dome, and I had to send a text back to one son-in-law to ask if it was a new one, but it had just been rebuilt.  Super Bowl was there this year, I think.  It really is beautiful, although it looks like a spaceship. We camped in a completely different area last year so did not bump in to it.

Oh, while on the swamp tour, we had to sail under a drawbridge, which was in much worse shape than the old Memorial Bridge.  Doesn't get used much, about three times a year.  But one of our fellow tourists had never seen a bridge like that and wanted to know what all the stuff was above the bridge was.  Just a miniature old Memorial Bridge.

Going to have to stop now, as we need to figure out what we re going to do today and get moving.  Hope. I hit the right spot to save this so I don't have to start all over again.
Its evening now, still on the 21st and we are sitting outside, doing our laundry.  Such a fun thing to do, but works well when there are more than one washing machine and dryer.
Well, today, we went back into the city.  We were considering going on the NATCHEZ, a steam powered paddle boat, and thats what we did.  It has two day time cruises, both with meals, but we decided to just get something to eat before hand and go on the 2:30 cruise.   Last night, while on the cocktail tour, Russ asked about the best place to get a roast beef po boy.  Found it, and had lunch there.  I had chicken three decker sandwich and Russ had his beef po boy.  No complaints from either of us except mine was huge.  His was the special, so was just a half, and they don't serve half po boys unless they are on the special.  Well, we wondered around the city for quite a while after that and before we could get onto the boat.  Found a place where we could get our 'to go' cups of hurricanes and margaritas.  New Orleans has no problems with their quests wandering the streets with a drink in hand, as long as its not in a glass cup.  The cruise lasted two hours, and first we went down the river.  We were shown where the piers were prior to Katrina, and were burned during the storm, and where the city is planning on rebuilding piers for the tour boats.  Carnival is going to be sailing out of NO, so we have heard.  Also went by two Navy cargo boats, the KNOX and the KENNEDY, which can be loaded and sent overseas for a 6 day crossing of the Atlantic.  Some of the areas looked like Portsmouth, with the salvage metal being craned out of the hulls of barges, in this case.  Also, saw Domino sugar being taken from barges and going to the refinery.  Just like Portsmouth, but on a much larger scale.
New Orleans is 110 miles from the Gulf, so we didn't go that far.  Did go up past the pier, which is an area we have not walked to.  Coming back down to the pier, the captain came on the loud speaker to ask everyone to remain seated as the winds were stronger than normal, and it took a little extra time to get docked.  All's well, and we are now back at the campground doing our laundry.
Oh, mentioning Carnival.  When we left Pensacola, we drove through Mobile on Route 10, along the river.  The Triumph is under repair there, and we were able to see it from the truck.  I'll ask Russ to download a couple of those pictures, as I am sure it will be so interesting.  Just looks like a cruise ship, a big cruise ship.
Oh, another thing, this campground, in case I hadn't mentioned it before, is across the river from NO, so today we took a ferry to get to NO.  Had to drive about nine miles from the campground.  Walked onto the ferry, for the 20 minute ride, and then returned the same way.  Ferry is free, apparently paid for by the state.  Beats going over some of these bridges.
Well, wash almost done, and we are leaving in the morning.  Russ is on the IPad trying to figure out where we are going next.  Can't stay in any one place for too long.
We'll let you know tomorrow where we are......

February 19

Hi folks, if anyone is still out there.
We have not been very good bloggers this year.  Not sure why, but it may have something to do with our 'unstable' wifi, but we are still alive and well and now in Louisiana.  Not quite in New Orleans, but across the river in Belle Chase.  We are at the Aviation Arbor RV park, at the Naval Air Station pint Reserve Base.   This is our second 'military base' park, and it is again a nice park.  Wifi leaves a little to be desired  and the television is limited, but the price is a definite plus.  This appears to be an actual base, as there are jets flying by, and we actually heard taps.  I thought it was the call for YANKEE at Seabrook dog track.  Flights have stopped so it is quiet now.  The ride from Pensacola was enjoyable, as we. Detoured and went along the beach.  Sun was out, so it was beautiful.  Biloxi has numerous casinos.  Great place to go, I presume, and the beaches were good.  May be a place to consider for next year.  But there are a lot of foundations without the houses on them, so there must have been storms.  Just something else we need to look at before making a choice for next year.  
Tomorrow we are going on a Swamp Tour.  Neighbors here in the park went today, so gave us the brochure.  Also we want to go on the 'walking cocktail tour' in the city, so that might be tomorrow or Thursday.  We have 'reservations' here for three nights, but may stay longer.  Who knows.
Oh, we did go back to the quilt shop in the pharmacy. I still was not able to pick out fabric for what I want to make, but Russ went wild.  Wait to u see what he wants me to make.  I want everyone to know that he picked some beautiful material and it may be on the table in the breezeway at some time.
Enjoy your winter, and we will also.  Let us know when the snow stops so we can head north.....not too soon, we have a swamp tour soon.

Feb 16 Pensacola beach

Update!!! Linda found a quilt shop that overwhelmed her so much that she couldn't even find any material to buy.   This is the place that holds that shop. It is advertized as a Pharmacy, which it is. Inside is a old town pharmacy, a appliance store, a "Michaels" type crafts etc, a little area for hardware and a HUGE, HUGE material shop. We walked around and around and there was just to much to pick from and I got a headache so I went outside while my quilting queen continued to wander aimlessly. She had her prescription filled while she shopped and when she came out she was empty handed, I was flabbergasted!!!   a great place to visit.  We stopped at another place that was advertized as a quilt shop and found out it was the factory where they make a special rotery cutter that she already had. the girl there was kind of pushy but showed us their new products and taught Linda how to make her existing cutter work easier. Was really worth the stop even though they didn't have much material.  We then headed to Pensacola Beach.  It is alot like South Pardre island in Texas. lots of beachy wear type shops and eatery's  then condos and motels that tower over the dunes, then just a road with sand and beach on either side. We stopped so Linda could stick her feet into the water. then on our way back into the over developed area we stopped to watch some guys "kite surfing"     a huge kite type parachute and a wake board. the wind was really strong and they were flying. Litterially flying. they would turn the chute and scream along parralell to the shore then go out from the beach into the waves and become airborne and I don't mean just jump the waves, they would be 30 or 40 feet into the air and we both wondered if they could get down and then they did something and came back down fast and into the water and back to travelling so fast along the shoreline. very fun, and Linda said that "she could do that" she took my line.
   The Dock
 

 The Dock ceiling fan, notice the sag in the blades

we then stopped at "THE DOCK" for lunch. It is right on the beach and quite the dive lounge. Not bad food and I am sure on a warm weekend nite it would be the hot place to be.

 back to the campground and turn the heat on. cold predicted for tonite (might be a freeze) wind is almost as strong as on Port A beach last year.
Note from Linda.  I plan on going back to that quilt shop tomorrow.  I just had to check how much room was left in the camper for storage.  After all, we are going to Paducah, KY, and I want to have space available for my purchases there!

ya right,RB

Feb 16, 2013 Pensacola,FL

Hi all you happy campers,
 We are in Pensacola Florida without much to say, but as you all know me, I will try.  We are staying in our first military base campground and it's very nice. We have kniown for quite a while that as retired "DOD" (dept of defense) employees we are allowed some perks and campgrounds are one of them.  I found this place on line and it looked nice and had great reviews so i called and they were very helpful and nice so we thought whu not.  we are right on the Pensacola Perdido Bay and huge flat concrete pads, full services, huge shower and restrooms cheap laundry. couldn't ask for a better place, other than the free "wifi" signal is very weak so we can't get online line that way. last evening I was talking to our neighbor and he has a couple of books that have to do with DOD perks. one is a list of all bases and what they have for services etc and the other is cheap flights that we are allowed to use. He and his wife took a military charter flight to Germany form Washington dc and it was only $25 PP. I need to get these books.   enough of that rant other than to say we are looking into other base campgrounds for our next stops.

Yesterday we went to the Pensacola Naval Aviation Museum.  The place is HUGE!!! they have every sort of plane, moon landing capsule, helicopter and more. all day event at this place that is a must do for anyone. we went on the aircraft carrier flight deck simulator, all the wind, noise, smells of the real thing.  climbed into the  Blue Angle jet cockpit, toured the flightline, and lots of other neat stuff.

 Its Linda now.  And today we are going to Quilt shops!!  Found two on line, and I hope these will be open.  While staying at the Grayton Beach State park, we had addresses, but now shops.  One of these today is in a Pharmacy, and the other is near by.  Weather is going to be cool, but sunny, so that is nice.  We want to find Pensacola Beach which we have been told is the most beautiful beach in the world.....think we have been told that before.  Oh, while at the Naval Aviation Museum, we saw a NH plated car with AYUH on the plate.  I know I have seen that plate up north.  Anyone know who it might be?  We were headed for the flight line on a trolley, so couldn't stop to leave a note.
Last night we were making plans for our stop over in New Orleans.  We are going to be staying in a completely different area (Military installation of some type) so will be taking a ferry to New Orleans.  Last year it was a shuttle.  Russ is having fun trying to plot our travels along the locations of these camp sites.  It continues to be interesting and fun.  Just always hope for another beach day!
Enjoy the weather, love to you all.

Mardi Gras in Mobile, AL

We have just returned from watching two Mardi Gras parades in Mobile.  What fun.  It was a miserable day, raining just about all the time, but pouring buckets when it wasn't just raining.  Mardi Gras, in the US, was first celebrated in Mobile.  Don't know why or when, so I'll have to get back to you on that.  Mardi Gras is celebrated over a period of about a month and ends on Fat Tuesday.  I know we have celebrated Fat Tuesday, as just a reason to go out with friends, and that it is the beginning of Lent, so all this has to do with Easter.   Well, in Mobile and also New Orleans, parades go on over this period of time.  I think there were five  or six parades scheduled for today, but we only stuck around for two.   We found a good spot on a corner, and naturally asked the locals what to do.  This is serious business.  Lineta, and her son, Tanner, spend every year on this corner, watching all the parades.  This spot is at the beginning of the parade and again at the end, plus, all the float riders throw lots of beads at this corner.  I didn't know how much they hurt when they hit your finger tips, as you are grabbing for more than one at a time.  Plus they toss cups, stuffed animals, flowers, moon pies, and I don't know what else.  Moon pies is something else having to do with Mardi Gras.
Everyone loved the fact that we were new at this, so we were loaded down with beads.  I think we now have about 25 pounds of purple, green, gold, and silver beads.  It was a fun afternoon, and now we are just trying to dry out.
One more day here in Mobile, there's a barbecue place we want to hit, and then we are headed back to Florida.  Want to spend some time in the Pensacola area.
Russ is going to add some pics from today.  Enjoy....... these are just a sampling of the photos we took.

what a haul!!!! we could have had twice this much, without even trying. the Moon Pies and roses aren't even in the pile.   you need to try this if you ever get the chance. A total ball even in the pouring rain.