Gulf of Mexico

There is something about the  Alabama Gulf Coast that keeps calling us back whenever we are in the area.  Squeezed between Mississippi and Florida's panhandle, Alabama only manages to dip its big toe in the Gulf of Mexico, but it's big enough for us.

 We are hoping to stay at least a week, but  hurricane Ivan will make that decision for us.  

 The coast here has only 32 miles of beaches, but activities are plentiful along this span.   The beaches are clean and plentiful.  Along the route are wonderful shops and restaurants.  The golf course are beautiflied groomed and often empty.  For me, relaxing on the beach is first the thing to do.  I'm off now to catch the tide.

Catch you all later.

This and That

Well, as of yesterday we are one of 4 RV's in the whole campground.   We can have any water front site we want.  No need for a reservation.  Labor Day is over, and everyone has gone home, except us and Frances.  He is very gentle now, having  left his line of destruction behind him in Florida and southern Georgia..  We have lucked out again.  We know someone is watching over us.  When we woke this morning there was no electricity in the park.  400 thousand Georgia customers were in the same boat as we were.  But as we sat down for coffee, on it came. From now on until we get to Arizona there will plenty of sites where we go and no long lines to any attractions. This is one of our favorite times of the year to travel.  We purposely sleep a little later so as not to make any of you late for work!  LOL

  I found a site that with just a daily click you can help feed an animal in need.. Let's break a record and pass this on.   The Animal Rescue Site : Feed an Animal in Need  

If it doesn't rain tomorrow, we will be leaving Georgia, heading for Alabama and the Gulf shore for a week or so. That is providing  hurricane Ivan doesn't spoil our plans.  

Sorry  I haven't posted any pictures, but I need to download the album program and the cell connection I am using now is just to slow.     Catch  you all later.

Labor Day

HAPPY LABOR DAY WEEKEND EVERYONE

 

Bald Ridge Creek, GA.

We are now safe and sound at one of our favorite camping spots,  Bald Ridge, in Cumming GA.   This Core of Engineer Park is just such a treat for the eyes.  No dirt roads, I've seen a lot of these.   Each campsite is on the water or has a water view, cement pads for the RV's and lots pf maintained grass.  Each site also has a grill and a large sturdy picnic table.   There is a drop of for boats also.

   We talked with friends of our and they are in south Georgia.  Their campground is full of folks from Florida fleeing hurricane Francis.  We should all remember them tonight in our prayers.  

 Our friends in Ma. are going on a cruise this Sunday and we hope they have smooth sailing.  

 We bought a new camera, and if the sun comes out over the weekend I'll try it out.      Catch you all later. 

Jekyll Island

Thursday    Aug. 19, 2004        Today we spent at the beach on Jekyll Island in south Georgia.   Ten miles of uncrowed beach with its fine white sand.  Absolutly beautiful.  We  could smell that salt air before we got there.  The water was a perfect swim tempature, even for Bob.   

 There is a lot to see beside the beachs including a historic district, shopping, bike trails, golfing and sightseeing tours.   I couldn't believe it but, there is aso a water park there. 

 There is also a millionaires village with wonderful old estate houses.  For many years in the past the  Island was the exclusive domain of the Jektll Island Club and a winter retreat for some of America's most elite families.  Some of these houses can now be rented by the week for a mere $3000.  

 All in all we enjoyed our day here.  Legend has it....."Once your feet touch the sands of Jekyll Island you will always come back. "   I hope this is true.

Are We Going To Blow Up?

                                             

Wednesday Aug 17, 2004

  Are We Going To Blow Up?

  This has been some week, and this morning was the topper.   We stopped in at the Flying J Truck stop to fill up with propane.  They sent out a nice young lady to fill her up.   This to me is a dangerous job for all,  if you don't know what you are doing.    Well, as nice as this girl was, she was not properly trained, nor was she certified to do this, I later found out.   She filled it up but when she started to unscrew the connection from our coach, it started hissing out.  She called for help and a man came to help her.  Next she called the manager, who didn't know what to do either.   Now we are all getting nervous as any thing might set this thing off.  I'm getting teary eyed thinking of everything that's in there. 

  Dumbo, the manager then asks us "How long have you been having this problem?"  What problem are you talking about?  We had no problem before coming in here.   He says "You should have that checked out, it's dangerous." He then calls 911 and surrounds  us with cones so no one comes near.  Good grief,  if this thing blows, we'll take down the entire truck stop.  

 Next thing we know the Florence, SC fire chief is there with his crew and an ambulance to carry us off, if need be.   For some reason I still don't feel better. The chief suits up and walks over and easily disconnects the Flying J fill pipe from our coach and as soon as he does the hissing stops and all is well.  He thoroughly checked our connections and found them to be in good condition.  He told us  Flying J  was responsible and told  the manager that it was his fault.  

Just a big thank you for the Florence Fire Department.  They saved my home.

Cape Hatteras and The Wright Brothers

Wed.  Aug. 11 We took the ferry today  from Hatteras to Ocracoke.  This was an enjoyable trip viewing pristine beaches and on the return trip a beautiful sunset.  The ferry was large enough for a touring bus and about 23 cars, and was provided by the N.C. department of transportation for free taking about 40 minutes each way.   Ocracoke , 14 miles long, is a typical island tourest town with lots of quant little shops, fishing excursions, and restaurants with catchie names like "Dirty Dicks Crabs"  

 

 Thursday Aug 12...  This was to be our last day here .  But listening to the weather we have decided to leave today.  They are predicting flash flooding this afternoon at 2pm .   There is still water visible from last weeks hurrican Adam.  Bonnie, a tropical storm and Charles , doing who knows what is on the way.   It's a drive just to get off the island , so being older and wiser, we're out of here.