Great news ... for us us anyway. No water, no raccoons, no nothing wrong with the house on our arrival. After our winter hiatus, we'd almost grown accustomed to dealing with some problem at the house ... but not this year. A welcome change.
I'll need to double check the numbers but I think we put around 4,000 miles on the coach this trip and an additional 11,000 on the old Trail Blazer. And mostly without any mechanical problems. Another welcomed change. As each year goes by we appreciate more and more the quality of our Monaco coach. Sure we have an occasional repair issue but these older rigs were certainly built to a different, and I argue, higher standard. They are simple, yet elegant with materials and craftsmanship but few coaches being built today, can match. Our 11 litre, 400hp Cummins engine pushes us around with little effort and does it with a not too thirsty attitude. On average of over 9 miles per gallon, it may sound like it's pretty thirsty but considering our total weight of over 40,000lbs it's really not bad. Besides ... in what else can you spend the night in a WalMart parking lot (but we seldom do), sleep in your own bed, don't have to pack and unpack a suitcase, and spend most of our time wandering around this great country?
Just prior to arriving home, our final four day stop at Camp Turkeyville RV Resort near Marshall Michigan (www.campturkeyville.com) was uneventful though a little lonely in the empty park. We certainly enjoyed the visits with family and friends in the area. Our hometown Battle Creek, is still our hometown ... even though we've lived away for many years, the family and friends will always make it so.
So after some much needed yard work, thanks to a rather rough winter here, and the effort of cleaning up my junk clogged garage, we'll be heading off to our summer retreat in South Haven Michigan.
We've got some interesting plans for this summer so stay with us and enjoy the ride.
Still livin' the dream in Spring-like Michigan.
Phil
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Friday, April 12, 2013
Back in Michigan ....brrrrrrrrrr
Three clues on why I know I'm in Michigan.
1. I've stopped seeing squashed armadillos on the freeway.
2. The trees don't have those interesting green things hanging all over them.
3. I now reach for the heater controls instead of the air conditioning.
It had to end sometime ... those 80 degrees days with bright blue skies and short sleeved shirts.
The last leg of our trip north began in Anderson Indiana. A return stopover at the Timberline Valley RV Resort and we just got settled and the heavens opened dropping 3.9 inches of rain on us in about 6 hours. The only salvation was a pleasant dinner with Sharon's sister Linda and Brother-in-law John (birthday boy at that) who took time out of their busy schedule to drive down from Carmel to see us. As usual it was great seeing them and hearing about the new house they are having built.
The weather was threatening all the next day (today) so we weren't sure we could even travel, but as it turned out, we decided to give it a try anyway. But not without a little mechanical drama ... This usually means something was not right with the coach. I fired up the engine and noticed my volt meter was indicating less then 12 volts from the generator. I revved up the motor a bit and saw little movement in the needle. I let it run a little longer and it started to move up just a little. Suspecting a slipping belt, I shut off the engine and stepped out into the rainy, foggy morning to check it out. Nope ... it looked okay and the belt was tight enough so I closed up the engine compartment, went back inside, dried myself off and once again started the engine. While admiring the now properly function volt meter (but I have no idea why), a red light and accompanying blaring buzzer went off on the instrument display indicating the engine coolant was low. Oh crap!, I'm thinking ... I know how to fix this problem (add a little 50/50 antifreeze) but I have to go outside again and do the work. This seems to be an on-going issue with the coach so someday I will try to figure out why the sensor keeps failing and giving false alarms. BTW I knew it was a false alarm because it didn't need any additional fluid.
We finally got on the road and decided that we'd stopped at the factory in Topeka Indiana where we had two recliners for the coach made last fall. The recliners are beautifully made furniture by an Amish craftsman named Vernon Lambright. He has a small manufacturing facility not far from Shipshewana and he stands by the products he makes like a true craftsman should. I called him and he said he'd have a look at the adjustments we wanted made, so we decided to drive over to his facility. It was almost on the way anyway ... and even though we were driving in rain and a pea soup fog, when retired who cares about time ... right? I asked his if he thought I could turn my coach around in his parking lot and he said 'no problem' ... plenty of room. The last quarter mile to his factory required us to navigate a now very muddy, pocked marked, lane and a half farm road that I had to share with several Amish driven horse and buggy rigs. I arrived at his place and soon discovered that, since Vernon had never driven a motor vehicle, let alone a 40ft coach and tow car, his notion that I could turn around in his driveway was a little off the mark. We pulled in anyway, knowing that I'd needed to unhook the car then reconnect it after I jockeyed the coach around ... all this in a driving rain.
I shut down the coach, went inside and was met by one of Vernon's young workers. Nate was a lad of about 24 and though he hardly looked 16, was married with a son and another child on the way. He said Vernon was off to a wedding and that he could help me. We explained the chair issues and fully expected to leave them there and pick them up later in the month but Nate said 'do you have about an hour or so?, I think I can get the job done'. And besides, he had to leave at precisely 3:30pm to attend the wedding himself. He noted that he wasn't a family member but it was a pretty special deal to be invited by his boss Vernon. So the young man had about and hour to work on my chair, close up the shop, get the proper cloths on and get to that wedding. He needed wrenches and a screw driver to dismantle the chair so off he went inside to get his equipment. Quickly returning, he took out about a dozen screws and bolts and vanished back into the shop with part of my chair. In his absence, Sharon prepared a short lunch and I rehooked up the tow car. Before long he came rushing out with the issue resolved and with 10 minutes to spare!.
In talking with Nate it was so interesting to get a little insight on how a traditional Amish man thinks. His work ethic and the survival of the family unit and his beliefs are what drives him. His wife raises all there own vegetable for the year, he and his family share a beef cattle with another family, he's not seen television but laughed at the silliness of a program somebody told him about called the 'Amish Mafia' (he surmised probably consisted of previously shunned members), he'd only eaten shrimp once or twice in his life, he's never driven a car, they'll be no dancing at tonight's wedding, and he wouldn't accept any money for the work he had just performed. Actually apologized that we had problems with the chairs. I'm thinking out loud now and I'm wondering if maybe, just maybe Nate could teach us all a thing or two.
So the chair is fixed and off we went. Windshield wipers slapping to the beat of a Ramsey Lewis tune playing on my Ipod, we're headed north again. Only about 90 minutes from our overnight stay near our hometown of Battle Creek.
We're staying at the Turkeyville RV Resort only because Sharon pleaded with them to allow us to stay ... even though the park had not opened for the season. what a woman! Located off exit 42 on I69, north of the I94 interchange, the genesis of the park really dates back probably 60-70 years to a man called Wayne Cornwell. If memory serves me, he started raising turkeys and selling them to local grocery stores maybe back in the 1950's. I remember it was always a big deal at Thanksgiving time to get a Cornwell turkey as they were fresh, not frozen and always had lots of white meat; more than the average bird anyway. So Wayne sold a boatload of turkeys and somewhere along the line he opened up a small restaurant that featured his turkey heaped on a bun with some mayo. Now these sandwiches were and still are fantastic so from these humble beginnings he then opened up an antique barn across the street then over the past few years, has developed the RV resort. Now Wayne has passed some years ago and I really don't know if his family is still involved or not, but his philosophy about running a quality business seems to be alive and well to this day. The facilities are new and it looks like there are lots of things for kids to do.
Anyway we pulled into the park a little late and the manager had already left for home. She left us some instructions as to where to park and she said would see us in the morning. The rain had not let up and, though most of the gravel roads and pads were well groomed and leveled, it was still a driving rain and the ground could only hold so much water. We arrived at our site and it was an erie sight being here by ourselves. Not a soul. No body until the park officially opens on the 15th of April. I guess we can't complain about noisy neighbors! I stepped out the coach into water and very soggy grass. Yuck. But it got worse. I had to unhook the tow car again, but now I had to stand in thick mud and gravel. Not so fun but got it done. I only had to hook up to power as the water had not been turned on in the park, so getting back into the warmth of the coach, and a hot cup of coffee was still very welcomed on this cold, blustery, and not at all like a southern Alabama day.
Not so sure about another day in paradise but still livin' the dream back home in Michigan.
Phil
1. I've stopped seeing squashed armadillos on the freeway.
2. The trees don't have those interesting green things hanging all over them.
3. I now reach for the heater controls instead of the air conditioning.
It had to end sometime ... those 80 degrees days with bright blue skies and short sleeved shirts.
The last leg of our trip north began in Anderson Indiana. A return stopover at the Timberline Valley RV Resort and we just got settled and the heavens opened dropping 3.9 inches of rain on us in about 6 hours. The only salvation was a pleasant dinner with Sharon's sister Linda and Brother-in-law John (birthday boy at that) who took time out of their busy schedule to drive down from Carmel to see us. As usual it was great seeing them and hearing about the new house they are having built.
The weather was threatening all the next day (today) so we weren't sure we could even travel, but as it turned out, we decided to give it a try anyway. But not without a little mechanical drama ... This usually means something was not right with the coach. I fired up the engine and noticed my volt meter was indicating less then 12 volts from the generator. I revved up the motor a bit and saw little movement in the needle. I let it run a little longer and it started to move up just a little. Suspecting a slipping belt, I shut off the engine and stepped out into the rainy, foggy morning to check it out. Nope ... it looked okay and the belt was tight enough so I closed up the engine compartment, went back inside, dried myself off and once again started the engine. While admiring the now properly function volt meter (but I have no idea why), a red light and accompanying blaring buzzer went off on the instrument display indicating the engine coolant was low. Oh crap!, I'm thinking ... I know how to fix this problem (add a little 50/50 antifreeze) but I have to go outside again and do the work. This seems to be an on-going issue with the coach so someday I will try to figure out why the sensor keeps failing and giving false alarms. BTW I knew it was a false alarm because it didn't need any additional fluid.
We finally got on the road and decided that we'd stopped at the factory in Topeka Indiana where we had two recliners for the coach made last fall. The recliners are beautifully made furniture by an Amish craftsman named Vernon Lambright. He has a small manufacturing facility not far from Shipshewana and he stands by the products he makes like a true craftsman should. I called him and he said he'd have a look at the adjustments we wanted made, so we decided to drive over to his facility. It was almost on the way anyway ... and even though we were driving in rain and a pea soup fog, when retired who cares about time ... right? I asked his if he thought I could turn my coach around in his parking lot and he said 'no problem' ... plenty of room. The last quarter mile to his factory required us to navigate a now very muddy, pocked marked, lane and a half farm road that I had to share with several Amish driven horse and buggy rigs. I arrived at his place and soon discovered that, since Vernon had never driven a motor vehicle, let alone a 40ft coach and tow car, his notion that I could turn around in his driveway was a little off the mark. We pulled in anyway, knowing that I'd needed to unhook the car then reconnect it after I jockeyed the coach around ... all this in a driving rain.
I shut down the coach, went inside and was met by one of Vernon's young workers. Nate was a lad of about 24 and though he hardly looked 16, was married with a son and another child on the way. He said Vernon was off to a wedding and that he could help me. We explained the chair issues and fully expected to leave them there and pick them up later in the month but Nate said 'do you have about an hour or so?, I think I can get the job done'. And besides, he had to leave at precisely 3:30pm to attend the wedding himself. He noted that he wasn't a family member but it was a pretty special deal to be invited by his boss Vernon. So the young man had about and hour to work on my chair, close up the shop, get the proper cloths on and get to that wedding. He needed wrenches and a screw driver to dismantle the chair so off he went inside to get his equipment. Quickly returning, he took out about a dozen screws and bolts and vanished back into the shop with part of my chair. In his absence, Sharon prepared a short lunch and I rehooked up the tow car. Before long he came rushing out with the issue resolved and with 10 minutes to spare!.
In talking with Nate it was so interesting to get a little insight on how a traditional Amish man thinks. His work ethic and the survival of the family unit and his beliefs are what drives him. His wife raises all there own vegetable for the year, he and his family share a beef cattle with another family, he's not seen television but laughed at the silliness of a program somebody told him about called the 'Amish Mafia' (he surmised probably consisted of previously shunned members), he'd only eaten shrimp once or twice in his life, he's never driven a car, they'll be no dancing at tonight's wedding, and he wouldn't accept any money for the work he had just performed. Actually apologized that we had problems with the chairs. I'm thinking out loud now and I'm wondering if maybe, just maybe Nate could teach us all a thing or two.
So the chair is fixed and off we went. Windshield wipers slapping to the beat of a Ramsey Lewis tune playing on my Ipod, we're headed north again. Only about 90 minutes from our overnight stay near our hometown of Battle Creek.
We're staying at the Turkeyville RV Resort only because Sharon pleaded with them to allow us to stay ... even though the park had not opened for the season. what a woman! Located off exit 42 on I69, north of the I94 interchange, the genesis of the park really dates back probably 60-70 years to a man called Wayne Cornwell. If memory serves me, he started raising turkeys and selling them to local grocery stores maybe back in the 1950's. I remember it was always a big deal at Thanksgiving time to get a Cornwell turkey as they were fresh, not frozen and always had lots of white meat; more than the average bird anyway. So Wayne sold a boatload of turkeys and somewhere along the line he opened up a small restaurant that featured his turkey heaped on a bun with some mayo. Now these sandwiches were and still are fantastic so from these humble beginnings he then opened up an antique barn across the street then over the past few years, has developed the RV resort. Now Wayne has passed some years ago and I really don't know if his family is still involved or not, but his philosophy about running a quality business seems to be alive and well to this day. The facilities are new and it looks like there are lots of things for kids to do.
Anyway we pulled into the park a little late and the manager had already left for home. She left us some instructions as to where to park and she said would see us in the morning. The rain had not let up and, though most of the gravel roads and pads were well groomed and leveled, it was still a driving rain and the ground could only hold so much water. We arrived at our site and it was an erie sight being here by ourselves. Not a soul. No body until the park officially opens on the 15th of April. I guess we can't complain about noisy neighbors! I stepped out the coach into water and very soggy grass. Yuck. But it got worse. I had to unhook the tow car again, but now I had to stand in thick mud and gravel. Not so fun but got it done. I only had to hook up to power as the water had not been turned on in the park, so getting back into the warmth of the coach, and a hot cup of coffee was still very welcomed on this cold, blustery, and not at all like a southern Alabama day.
Not so sure about another day in paradise but still livin' the dream back home in Michigan.
Phil
Monday, April 8, 2013
Heading home
I'm just sitting here ... the shimmering reflection off the giant red Shoney's sign hits the glass smooth pond that separates our coach from the distant eatery. I65 traffic streams by but the only notice I take is the colorful ribbons of tail lights and headlights in the distance. We've left our Gulf Shores hideout for the past five weeks and are finally heading north. We're not alone today as many fellow 'snow birds' have joined us on the freeways ... some in no hurry at 55mph ... others it's pedal to the metal. We're somewhere in between but really in no hurry as it looks as if the expected Spring weather has once again alluded Michigan. With heavy fog expected here in the morning I'm sure we'll be delayed a few hours at the very least.
Our quiet stay in Gulf Shores was a pleasant surprise. We purposely cut back our socializing and spent more time just relaxing and doing little else. The 500 site Gulf State Park is a real gem. Very well maintained and lot sizes were huge. With many southern schools on Spring break there were a lot of kids in the park but the park is so big they were hardly noticed ... with one exception.
About a week ago a couple of young guys pulled in with nice new truck and new 5th wheel. My guess is one of their parents provided the rig but for sure these guys were going to have a great spring break. To the beach they'd go in the day and in the late afternoon return to party. They knew they were surrounded by old farts at this end of the camp so they kept the shades pulled and the windows shut. The only hint of their party ways was the growing pile of empty beer cans at the foot of their trailer steps. Friends usually joined them at night and before long the pile was probably near 100 empties. It was a mess but most of us knew it couldn't last forever and they'd be gone soon enough. So after about three days the party boys couldn't contain themselves. Out from the confines of their trailer the roar of exuberant and very drunk youngsters landed on their patio. With no vulgarity left unsaid and usually said for the entire park to hear, they then started 'let's play kick the empty beer can' game. We couldn't see, but only hear how the game was going as we were then laying in bed and it was 1:00am in the morning!
Soon my tolerance level was breached and I reached for the phone to call the park authorities. The guy who answered wasn't too impressed with my complaint but I reminded him that I didn't sign up this behavior when we checked in. He backed off and said he'd call the park ranger. A few minutes later I could hear somebody (turned out to be the ranger) talking on a radio outside our bedroom window. He apparently came up with his lights off to observe the party boys. While on the radio he asked for backup as a bunch of drunk young men might be more than he wanted to tackle. Within a few more minutes the Gulf Shores city police arrived and broke up the party. But not before they had every beer can picked up and the extra party boys were asked to leave. I chatted with the ranger after the commotion subsided and he said the young guys and their daddies trailer would be leaving first thing in the morning and apologized for the disturbance. As promised, when morning arrived, the ranger arrived and Spring break was over as the party boys drove away. Now if the party boys had only offered me a cold beer in the first place .......
We're currently in Clanton AL and when the fog clears tomorrow we'll head for Cave City Kentucky some 300 miles up the road. Surprise ... Surprise ... I think they are known for the large number of caves in the area. Since spelunking was a pastime for my family when I was kid, it seems like a great place to stay. Sharon, and her notion that caves and hairy bats go together like peanut butter and crackers ... it might be a great place to visit but we're not going into any caves she tells me.
So the Michigan-Louisville championship game is at half time so I'll close for now and ... Go Blue!
Still livin' the dream on a warm Spring evening in southern Alabama.
Phil
Our quiet stay in Gulf Shores was a pleasant surprise. We purposely cut back our socializing and spent more time just relaxing and doing little else. The 500 site Gulf State Park is a real gem. Very well maintained and lot sizes were huge. With many southern schools on Spring break there were a lot of kids in the park but the park is so big they were hardly noticed ... with one exception.
About a week ago a couple of young guys pulled in with nice new truck and new 5th wheel. My guess is one of their parents provided the rig but for sure these guys were going to have a great spring break. To the beach they'd go in the day and in the late afternoon return to party. They knew they were surrounded by old farts at this end of the camp so they kept the shades pulled and the windows shut. The only hint of their party ways was the growing pile of empty beer cans at the foot of their trailer steps. Friends usually joined them at night and before long the pile was probably near 100 empties. It was a mess but most of us knew it couldn't last forever and they'd be gone soon enough. So after about three days the party boys couldn't contain themselves. Out from the confines of their trailer the roar of exuberant and very drunk youngsters landed on their patio. With no vulgarity left unsaid and usually said for the entire park to hear, they then started 'let's play kick the empty beer can' game. We couldn't see, but only hear how the game was going as we were then laying in bed and it was 1:00am in the morning!
Soon my tolerance level was breached and I reached for the phone to call the park authorities. The guy who answered wasn't too impressed with my complaint but I reminded him that I didn't sign up this behavior when we checked in. He backed off and said he'd call the park ranger. A few minutes later I could hear somebody (turned out to be the ranger) talking on a radio outside our bedroom window. He apparently came up with his lights off to observe the party boys. While on the radio he asked for backup as a bunch of drunk young men might be more than he wanted to tackle. Within a few more minutes the Gulf Shores city police arrived and broke up the party. But not before they had every beer can picked up and the extra party boys were asked to leave. I chatted with the ranger after the commotion subsided and he said the young guys and their daddies trailer would be leaving first thing in the morning and apologized for the disturbance. As promised, when morning arrived, the ranger arrived and Spring break was over as the party boys drove away. Now if the party boys had only offered me a cold beer in the first place .......
We're currently in Clanton AL and when the fog clears tomorrow we'll head for Cave City Kentucky some 300 miles up the road. Surprise ... Surprise ... I think they are known for the large number of caves in the area. Since spelunking was a pastime for my family when I was kid, it seems like a great place to stay. Sharon, and her notion that caves and hairy bats go together like peanut butter and crackers ... it might be a great place to visit but we're not going into any caves she tells me.
So the Michigan-Louisville championship game is at half time so I'll close for now and ... Go Blue!
Still livin' the dream on a warm Spring evening in southern Alabama.
Phil
Monday, March 25, 2013
Somebody has got to do it
Now we're talking! Weather so nice here there is no good reason to be inside. I know you folks up north, both in the US and Europe are having a cold, cold winter but I think relief is on the way. Spring has sprung, so the calendar says so keep your fingers crossed. We'll be headed your way soon enough so we're hoping a warm spell is not far off.
I'm slowly getting the coach ready for travel again ... checking battery condition is one of the more important duties as if there is any one thing that will ruin a trip is problems with batteries. Along with checking the oil and coolant levels, and tire pressures make up the majority of things I look at before heading out. The last thing any rv'er wants are coach problems while on the road.
I had a chance to set up my ham radio equipment and a 40m vertical antenna and have enjoyed listening around the bands. People wander by and ask what that big tall pole in the yard is for and I usually tell them it's for long distance fishing. I usually get a blank stare from them before telling them it's just an antenna. They just nod and walk off ... probably wondering why we were let into the park in the first place.
Today was enjoyable as the weather was so nice and just sitting on the patio with my camera taking pictures of anything that came by was appealing. Since our backyard is mostly jungle-like undergrowth, there is lots of critters out and about. The first thing that scooted by was a little gecko.
He'd hold still for about a second before darting off to find something to eat so I had to be both quick and lucky. Measuring only about 5 inches, they probably eat their weight in bugs every day so we like to have them around. My guess their life span is pretty short however as I think a number of birds eat geckos as well.
Speaking of birds ... here are a couple that landed near my perch in the easy chair.
So there's a little update on what little we've been up to here on the Gulf Coast. The temperature is going to take a nose dive for the next few days thanks to that cold jet stream air finding it's way here. Not as bad as the Midwest but cold for this place. The winds has been upwards to 25mph so the surf is up and this brings out the wind surfers. Similar to the shores of South Haven, our summer nesting place, the surfers are a tough lot braving the cold waters and evil rip tides ... but fun to watch.
Still livin' the dream alongside the sugar white sands of the Gulf.
Phil
I'm slowly getting the coach ready for travel again ... checking battery condition is one of the more important duties as if there is any one thing that will ruin a trip is problems with batteries. Along with checking the oil and coolant levels, and tire pressures make up the majority of things I look at before heading out. The last thing any rv'er wants are coach problems while on the road.
I had a chance to set up my ham radio equipment and a 40m vertical antenna and have enjoyed listening around the bands. People wander by and ask what that big tall pole in the yard is for and I usually tell them it's for long distance fishing. I usually get a blank stare from them before telling them it's just an antenna. They just nod and walk off ... probably wondering why we were let into the park in the first place.
Today was enjoyable as the weather was so nice and just sitting on the patio with my camera taking pictures of anything that came by was appealing. Since our backyard is mostly jungle-like undergrowth, there is lots of critters out and about. The first thing that scooted by was a little gecko.
He'd hold still for about a second before darting off to find something to eat so I had to be both quick and lucky. Measuring only about 5 inches, they probably eat their weight in bugs every day so we like to have them around. My guess their life span is pretty short however as I think a number of birds eat geckos as well.
 |
| Face to face with the monster gecko. |
 |
| A Michigan favorite, the Cardinal strikes a colorful pose. |
 |
| I'm fairly sure this is a Brown Thrasher, but without a name tag I'm not positive |
 |
| Brown Thrasher II |
Still livin' the dream alongside the sugar white sands of the Gulf.
Phil
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
A random act of kindness
Today we had something special happen. Something that may be insignificant to others but it was a thoughtful gesture by a group of young Christian college students.
A very small piece of paper was stuck in the door jamb of our coach the other day. On it were several items that were available, free of charge to the 500 residents of this state park. Listed were a free pancake breakfast, a free RV wash and several other items. I originally didn't pay much attention to it but Sharon mentioned it again so we stopped at the registration office to find out what was going on. As luck would have, several other folks had asked the same question but none of the office help seemed to know anything about it. I persisted with one of the clerks and she finally agreed to make a phone call to a supervisor to get the details. She made the call and found out that a group of young Baptist college students were spending their Spring Break helping out travellers at this RV park. I asked the clerk to get out a note pad and start a list as I thought getting my dirty coach cleaned was a swell idea. Though the cost was free, I knew I could make a donation to help their efforts.
A van pulled up to our site promptly at 8:30am this morning and out piled 5 kids ready to tackle washing my coach. I quickly learned that this was their first wash job and none of them had ever washed an RV before and ... I was the first of 20 they had scheduled today. The supervisor dumped a pile of hoses, buckets and brushes out the back of the van .. gave a few instructions ... asked if I would be staying outside with them (yes ... of course, I said) and off he went to get another crew started. I helped them get my ladder out, extra hose nozzle, and towels and they went after that dirty old bus like a swarm of bees in a clover patch. Water was being sprayed everywhere, soap suds were oozing from every corner, and most of all the kids were having a good time and actually doing a pretty good job.
After about an hour they finished up their work and wanted to know if I was pleased with the job they had done. I said I was most definitely happy but wanted to make a donation to their organization for the fine work they had done. Very firmly and without a waver, they all said no ... we are doing this because they wanted to do something for others on their time off from college. Money was not why they were doing this, they said. I again pressed the offer of a donation and they again said we will not accept any. In a few moments their supervisor drove up and gathered all the kids around and asked me if there was anything that they could pray with me about. Completely caught off guard and more than a little embarrassed, I muttered some not-so-clever thing about world peace ... they said they would pray... then moved off to their next rig to wash. They were all probably wondering if I was off my meds or in the sauce after my little request, but thinking fast on my feet ... or doing anything fast is but a distant memory.
We've been blessed with many good things in our lives but this little gesture of kindness from this unknown group of young Baptist college students was very special and very thoughtful. It made our day.
My thanks to Caleb, Chris, Hannah, Everett, and Casey from Barefoot Ministries. (www.barefootministries.com)
Here's some real teamwork going on.
Incidentally readers... this is my 300th blog entry. Thanks for staying with me for these past 7 years.
So another day on the retirement trail and still livin' the dream.
Phil
A very small piece of paper was stuck in the door jamb of our coach the other day. On it were several items that were available, free of charge to the 500 residents of this state park. Listed were a free pancake breakfast, a free RV wash and several other items. I originally didn't pay much attention to it but Sharon mentioned it again so we stopped at the registration office to find out what was going on. As luck would have, several other folks had asked the same question but none of the office help seemed to know anything about it. I persisted with one of the clerks and she finally agreed to make a phone call to a supervisor to get the details. She made the call and found out that a group of young Baptist college students were spending their Spring Break helping out travellers at this RV park. I asked the clerk to get out a note pad and start a list as I thought getting my dirty coach cleaned was a swell idea. Though the cost was free, I knew I could make a donation to help their efforts.
A van pulled up to our site promptly at 8:30am this morning and out piled 5 kids ready to tackle washing my coach. I quickly learned that this was their first wash job and none of them had ever washed an RV before and ... I was the first of 20 they had scheduled today. The supervisor dumped a pile of hoses, buckets and brushes out the back of the van .. gave a few instructions ... asked if I would be staying outside with them (yes ... of course, I said) and off he went to get another crew started. I helped them get my ladder out, extra hose nozzle, and towels and they went after that dirty old bus like a swarm of bees in a clover patch. Water was being sprayed everywhere, soap suds were oozing from every corner, and most of all the kids were having a good time and actually doing a pretty good job.
After about an hour they finished up their work and wanted to know if I was pleased with the job they had done. I said I was most definitely happy but wanted to make a donation to their organization for the fine work they had done. Very firmly and without a waver, they all said no ... we are doing this because they wanted to do something for others on their time off from college. Money was not why they were doing this, they said. I again pressed the offer of a donation and they again said we will not accept any. In a few moments their supervisor drove up and gathered all the kids around and asked me if there was anything that they could pray with me about. Completely caught off guard and more than a little embarrassed, I muttered some not-so-clever thing about world peace ... they said they would pray... then moved off to their next rig to wash. They were all probably wondering if I was off my meds or in the sauce after my little request, but thinking fast on my feet ... or doing anything fast is but a distant memory.
We've been blessed with many good things in our lives but this little gesture of kindness from this unknown group of young Baptist college students was very special and very thoughtful. It made our day.
My thanks to Caleb, Chris, Hannah, Everett, and Casey from Barefoot Ministries. (www.barefootministries.com)
Here's some real teamwork going on.
Incidentally readers... this is my 300th blog entry. Thanks for staying with me for these past 7 years.
So another day on the retirement trail and still livin' the dream.
Phil
Sunday, March 17, 2013
More than Fair....
In previous years we've just forgot. With so many things to do in the Gulf Shores area, we're tugged from many directions and getting it all in is usually impossible. But not this visit. One thing we did not want to miss was the city of Fairhope (Alabama) Art Fair . It was a must-do activity early on. The three day affair is well known throughout the South and is one of the areas big events of the year.
We were going to go Saturday afternoon but since it was a little warm and very humid we thought early Sunday would be our best bet. Since early to rise is not our strong suit, extra effort was made and we hit the road east for the one hour trip. Arriving about 9:00am we were a little early but could quickly see long rows of white tents along every street in downtown Fairhope. Since the fair did not open for another hour we thought we'd stop in for a coffee somewhere. Bad idea. Everyplace we went was full-up with a line waiting. So much for a little hot starting fluid this morning, I thought.
Anyway we wandered around watching the artists getting their displays ready and chatting amongst themselves. Lots of friends meeting old friends on the art circuit I'd say.
One of the first displays that caught my eye was the photographic fine art of Paul Christopher James (www.european-images.com). A Michigan native who makes the long trip south to exhibit his technical excellence and artistry each winter. His European travels have taken him to places most of us will only dream of seeing and his keen sense of composition and style are the hallmark of his work. A very approachable man who was kind enough to share some of his techniques with me and I am greatly appreciative. You can see his work in person at this year's Ann Arbor Art Festival in July or check out his website for more images and show dates.
I met another artist who gift was working with exotic woods. Exquisite jewelry boxes of rare wood combinations. Their buttery smooth finishes and shapes where ... well ... almost sensuous. We chatted for some time learning of this lifelong craft and his single-minded purpose of creating art with wood. However I made two mistakes after our talk. One ... I forgot his name and two ... didn't take a picture of his work. Shame on me so I'll have to do a little digging and learn his identity and share it with you later.
As most of you already know ... art is in the eyes of the beholder. What defines art is the artist and what the observer sees in the work. So this art fair ... like most, has something for everyone. One man's art is another man's junk ... to put it indelicately. So here are a few examples of 'art' that I discovered. We saw and wanted far more than we could afford or even carry for that matter.
We had some much needed exercise, met some very interesting artists, saw some extraordinary art, and witnessed people enjoying a distraction from the troubles of the time.
Still livin' the dream and enjoying others dreams in Fairhope.
Phil
We were going to go Saturday afternoon but since it was a little warm and very humid we thought early Sunday would be our best bet. Since early to rise is not our strong suit, extra effort was made and we hit the road east for the one hour trip. Arriving about 9:00am we were a little early but could quickly see long rows of white tents along every street in downtown Fairhope. Since the fair did not open for another hour we thought we'd stop in for a coffee somewhere. Bad idea. Everyplace we went was full-up with a line waiting. So much for a little hot starting fluid this morning, I thought.
Anyway we wandered around watching the artists getting their displays ready and chatting amongst themselves. Lots of friends meeting old friends on the art circuit I'd say.
 |
| One of many clogged streets |
I met another artist who gift was working with exotic woods. Exquisite jewelry boxes of rare wood combinations. Their buttery smooth finishes and shapes where ... well ... almost sensuous. We chatted for some time learning of this lifelong craft and his single-minded purpose of creating art with wood. However I made two mistakes after our talk. One ... I forgot his name and two ... didn't take a picture of his work. Shame on me so I'll have to do a little digging and learn his identity and share it with you later.
As most of you already know ... art is in the eyes of the beholder. What defines art is the artist and what the observer sees in the work. So this art fair ... like most, has something for everyone. One man's art is another man's junk ... to put it indelicately. So here are a few examples of 'art' that I discovered. We saw and wanted far more than we could afford or even carry for that matter.
 |
| Something to go with that Easter bonnet? |
 |
| A real cutie name Maddy with some new butterfly art |
 |
| Food court bonanza ...artistry in food??? |
Still livin' the dream and enjoying others dreams in Fairhope.
Phil
Saturday, March 2, 2013
More catching up
We've been busy ... so I need to back-track a little and show you a little of what we've done the past week or so.
First, while in Kemah Texas we had the chance to get reacquainted with Sharon's three cousins. John and his wife Brenda, Dan and his wife Cindy and son Zachary, and finally Robert and his wife Kim and son Robert Jr. Robert and his family stopped over to our campsite and even though Sharon had not seen him in over four decades, it was as if they had been our neighbors for life. Recalling memories of their childhood, it was one of those evenings that just didn't last long enough. A couple of days later we had lunch with John, Dan and their families. Again a gathering that just didn't last long enough. We thank them all for their hospitality and love.
Next I'd like to highlight Sharon's camera work as we neared Mobile Alabama. I'm trying to keep the coach between the white lines and she's grabbing a few shots as we approach the town from the west on I-10.
The first neat thing she saw was the wounded Carnival Cruise Line ship Triumph parked at an out-of the-way repair dock off Mobile Bay. When an engine room fire stopped her dead in the water somewhere in the middle of the Caribbean, her passengers suffered from lack of water, food and functioning bathrooms. You know ... one of those unforgettable cruises. Anyway the Triumph finally got unceremoniously towed to Mobile for a much needed repair and cleanup. The Triumph will now need a lot of TLC and a media schmoozing to get folks on board again.
Just a mile or so down the road she takes at neat shot of Mobile's skyline.
Finally we take the deep dive into the I-10 tunnel under downtown Mobile. If you're a little claustrophobic and happen to be driving 40,000 pounds of RV into a narrow two lane tube that looks more like a soda straw, then you know what this experience is like. White knuckles are protruding from my hands as I have this death-grip on the steering wheel ... and little beads of sweat are dripping from my temples as we enter the tunnel. I think Sharon, after taking the following shot, closes her eyes till we exit the tube. I would have liked that as well ... but didn't.
About an hour and half later we pulled into the Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores Alabama. A 500 site beauty, with extra large sites, pool, store, laundry, miles of walking trails, alligators, and quiet ... lots of quiet. All-in-all a very nice place to stay. We're here for a month.
We got the car unhooked, the coach set up and headed out to see what had changed since here last time here about two years ago. While poking around we ran across a neat view of the Perdido Bridge that, when heading east, will get you on your way to Pensacola Florida.
So there you have it. A quick look at what we've been up to lately. But the best is yet to come. Our Iowa friends Jim and Carol will arrive later the same day and our Maine friends Bob and Carol will show up a day or so later. This is turning into a trip of reunions, and it's fun! It won't be long before our Michigan friends Bill and June will also be rejoining us in this little Shangra La as well.
Still livin' the dream ... this time on the white sandy shores and azure blue waters of the Caribbean and not a single BP oil cleanup crew anywhere to be seen.
Phil
First, while in Kemah Texas we had the chance to get reacquainted with Sharon's three cousins. John and his wife Brenda, Dan and his wife Cindy and son Zachary, and finally Robert and his wife Kim and son Robert Jr. Robert and his family stopped over to our campsite and even though Sharon had not seen him in over four decades, it was as if they had been our neighbors for life. Recalling memories of their childhood, it was one of those evenings that just didn't last long enough. A couple of days later we had lunch with John, Dan and their families. Again a gathering that just didn't last long enough. We thank them all for their hospitality and love.
 |
| Sharon, Robert Jr., Robert and Kim |
 |
| Cindy, Dan, Sharon, John and Brenda |
The first neat thing she saw was the wounded Carnival Cruise Line ship Triumph parked at an out-of the-way repair dock off Mobile Bay. When an engine room fire stopped her dead in the water somewhere in the middle of the Caribbean, her passengers suffered from lack of water, food and functioning bathrooms. You know ... one of those unforgettable cruises. Anyway the Triumph finally got unceremoniously towed to Mobile for a much needed repair and cleanup. The Triumph will now need a lot of TLC and a media schmoozing to get folks on board again.
 |
| Cruise ship Triumph at the repair dock. |
 |
| Too bad we had so many bugs on the windshield. |
 |
| Hang on! Why aren't those fools going the speed limit? |
 |
| Here's our large semi-circle site. BTW the guy behind us lives on Hubbard Lake near Alpena MI |
 |
| How can you not like this place? |
Still livin' the dream ... this time on the white sandy shores and azure blue waters of the Caribbean and not a single BP oil cleanup crew anywhere to be seen.
Phil
Friday, March 1, 2013
Headin' east
We've made a quick two day stop at the Hollywood Casino RV Park in Bay St Louis Mississippi and we're now settled some 150 miles East at the Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores Alabama. We have a great site (pictures next time), weather cool but sunny, the WIFI works great, and best of all ... our RV friends Jim and Carol will be arriving at their condo late this afternoon and we've already made dinner plans.
So you've got it right ... We're still livin' the dream ... Now on the Gulf coast.
Phil
So you've got it right ... We're still livin' the dream ... Now on the Gulf coast.
Phil
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Crawdads, slots and boudin
We're off again in the morning after a short three day stay at the Red Shoe RV Park at Coushatta Casino. (www.coushattacasinoresort.com) A special thanks to friends Tracy and Judy for the tip about this place. A well maintained park, great casino and the price is right! So how was our luck?Well we didn't lose much money for a change. So I think that means we're winners ... almost.
In case you're interested ... Red Shoe was the Coushatta tribe leader back in the late 1800's and established a political and social system that is still governing today's nation.
Actually we visited two other casinos in nearby Lake Charles, about 30 miles south. Isle of Capri and La'Auberge. The later is the newest in the area and really nice as well. Lake Charles is an interesting port town with shipping and oil commerce in abundance. Downtown is a being remade into a trendy location with a number of neat shops and places to eat. On west bound I10 just before the tall bridge at Lake Charles, we stopped in at Steamboat Bill's (www.steamboatbills.com). One of two locations, this roadside eatery is a fried seafood lovers delight. The catfish (I know catfish ain't seafood but you get the idea) was superb but the deep fried boudin (pronounced 'boo dan') balls were fantastic! ... Best we've ever had. What you say? You don't know what boudin balls are? Stop by Steamboat Bill's and discover them yourself. Actually you can find these little jewels throughout the South but be prepared to find that all recipes are different but generally ... very tasty.
Weather has been a little cool but sunny. We expect the same tomorrow as we'll make a one night stop over at Hollywood Casino in Bay St Louis MS then on to Gulf Shores AL for maybe a month.
Still livin'' the dream ... now in Cajun country.
Phil
In case you're interested ... Red Shoe was the Coushatta tribe leader back in the late 1800's and established a political and social system that is still governing today's nation.
Actually we visited two other casinos in nearby Lake Charles, about 30 miles south. Isle of Capri and La'Auberge. The later is the newest in the area and really nice as well. Lake Charles is an interesting port town with shipping and oil commerce in abundance. Downtown is a being remade into a trendy location with a number of neat shops and places to eat. On west bound I10 just before the tall bridge at Lake Charles, we stopped in at Steamboat Bill's (www.steamboatbills.com). One of two locations, this roadside eatery is a fried seafood lovers delight. The catfish (I know catfish ain't seafood but you get the idea) was superb but the deep fried boudin (pronounced 'boo dan') balls were fantastic! ... Best we've ever had. What you say? You don't know what boudin balls are? Stop by Steamboat Bill's and discover them yourself. Actually you can find these little jewels throughout the South but be prepared to find that all recipes are different but generally ... very tasty.
Weather has been a little cool but sunny. We expect the same tomorrow as we'll make a one night stop over at Hollywood Casino in Bay St Louis MS then on to Gulf Shores AL for maybe a month.
Still livin'' the dream ... now in Cajun country.
Phil
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Sharon's fix
Just a short note that, after an uneventful 3.5 hour drive, we're now at the Red Shoe RV park on the grounds of the Coushatta Casino in Kinder Louisiana. Sharon is now ... Reaaaaaaaaaly happy.
The unfortunate guy next to me had to have his dually truck and fifth wheel towed in as he mistakenly put regular gas in his diesel Chevy. Not a rookie at rving but just got distracted at the pump ... but I bet he has better luck at the poker tables ... He's due for sure.
Still livin' the dream and hoping Lady Luck comes out of hiding.
Phil
The unfortunate guy next to me had to have his dually truck and fifth wheel towed in as he mistakenly put regular gas in his diesel Chevy. Not a rookie at rving but just got distracted at the pump ... but I bet he has better luck at the poker tables ... He's due for sure.
Still livin' the dream and hoping Lady Luck comes out of hiding.
Phil
Houston (Johnson) Space Center
Five years ago we visited the Houston area and didn't take the time to visit the Houston Space Center. Big mistake! This time we set a day aside to tour this national treasure and we were so glad we did. Actually the HSC was only about 10 miles from our camp so getting there was no big deal.
They open around 10:00am but we were a little lazy getting around and arrived about noon. A couple of tickets with a discount coupon from the local visitors center costs us about $32 dollars. You step inside the main building and are flooded with dramatic displays of all kinds of space vehicles hanging from the 50 foot ceiling and all around the circumference. If you have a burning desire to jump into a flight simulator ... they have them. Fly the shuttle or try to land the moon lander. Not for those who suffer motion sickness, but I think most all managed to keep their lunch down even though you get tossed about quite a bit. Need to ask a question about space travel ... no problem. NASA people are everywhere and there is not many questions they can't answer. I wanted to know where the men's room was and I received expert instructions BTW. Speaking of the Shuttle ...
Since they have a large variety of displays, it is important that you schedule your time on what you want to see. A tour of whole facility is part of the ticket price so we got in line for the next tram trip out. We jumped on board the covered tram accompanied with about 50 other tourist.
As we wandered around the various buildings they all looked pretty sterile. Few windows in the building and only a number identifying them. Security appears to be very tight No walking off with a moon rock sample. But as we drove around the guide would explain what was going on inside the various buildings. Astronaut isolation facility (after space travel they might need to be de-bugged I guess) ... moon rock storage building, space vehicle development and huge training buildings. The tram stopped at the space station training center and we moved up to a viewing area high above the space that contained full sized mock ups of all our major space station modules. You cannot understand or appreciate the size of these vehicles until you see them up close.
It's absolutely amazing to me how we can blast these size objects off the face of the earth. Then when you get them positioned in orbit, a couple of guys with wrenches and power tools can assemble this high tech city some 300 plus feet long ... all while in the vacuum of space. If you've read any of my previous blog posts you know that I'm really hooked on this stuff.
We left the big training building and was taken to a long building that had an image of the old Saturn V launch vehicle. This was pre-shuttle technology but once we walked into the building there was a real Saturn V rocket laying horizontal on a large mobile platform. It's the second time I'd seen a Saturn V with the first time at Cape Kennedy in 1968. We got within 200ft of the rocket as it was on the launch pad and it was quite a sight. Security won't let you anywhere near the rockets now but it was a kinder, gentler time. Anyway, walking into this building and being so close to this monster you can touch is pretty neat.
After the tram tour we enjoyed various films and demonstrations that rounded out our day here. The Space Center has something for adults and kids alike so make it a stop the next time you're in Houston.
This was a real thrill for me and I even think Sharon enjoyed herself as well. Would I do it again? You bet! The exhibits change now and again and they even offer (for a price) lunch with one of the astronauts!
With yet another item checked off the old 'bucket list' we'll move on tomorrow to Kinder Louisiana and try our luck at the Caushatta Casino.
Still livin' the dream here in earth space.
Phil
 |
| OMG ...50 years of space travel? My how time flies. |
 |
| Parking is apparently a problem here. |
 |
| This is the Shuttle pilot's seat. Do you see where they plug in their Ipods? |
 |
| These were our 'tram buddies''. Great kids ... and pretty too! |
 |
| You're only seeing about half of the building in this shot. |
 |
| Space Station training module Zarya. A Russian module they built and sent to the ISS. |
 |
| Module mock ups for future Orion Project to Mars? |
 |
| This is one big rocket. |
 |
| First Stage Booster. This baby will dry your hair in no time! |
 |
| Second Stage Booster |
 |
| Third Stage Booster |
 |
| Mars Lunar Lander Demo. This gal was really knew her stuff! |
 |
| Mock up of Lunar Lander |
 |
| Latest arrival to the Space Center. It should be ready for viewing inside soon. |
With yet another item checked off the old 'bucket list' we'll move on tomorrow to Kinder Louisiana and try our luck at the Caushatta Casino.
Still livin' the dream here in earth space.
Phil
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Houston ... a city of variety
Okay I think I'm almost back on tract with only a few days behind.
Our new camp in Kemah Texas is pretty nice. Well kept and our site overlooks a tidal canal loaded with all kinds of flying and swimming critters. Crows and vultures have been replaced with seagulls, terns, and these crazy fish that just like to leap out of the water.
The camp is absolutely filled to capacity but in the daytime few are here. As it turns out, most are temporary oil company workers hired for a big pipeline job in the area that will take many months. They leave early, get home late and are too tired to make any ruckus so it's very quite at night.
We've already discovered the local hotspots for fresh fish and I think before leaving we will have sprouted gills. Good stuff and priced low.
Our first adventure out was a water tour of the Port of Houston. We arrive at the dock about an hour early and discover that this is a free trip. Yup ... free!. I'm immediately positive that there is some kind of trick afoot here. What in the world do you get something for free?, I ask myself. I ponder this question for a few minutes but was interrupted when Sharon began chatting with a group of ladies who were also taking the trip. I was soon engaged in the discussion and I was assured that this was no fluke. It was free and it was worth our time.
The boat was about a 90 footer with an enclosed portion and plenty of space on deck for those hardy enough to stand the slightly brisk weather outside.
The Port Authority of Houston (www.portofhouston.com) pays for this little excursion that takes you some 90 minutes to complete. They toss in an ongoing narration of the passing attractions and provide some liquid refreshments. What a deal! Now if you were expecting sandy beaches, palm trees and beautiful skylines ... forget it. The trip shows you what Houston is good at. And thankfully they are good at it ... this port is how petroleum get done. You'll see the distillation plants, the storage depots, the vast array of ships that move our oil products around. Not boring. Didn't see a person on board who thought so either. Being up close to these oil carrying behemoths of the sea gives you a real sense how much oil we really use in the country. Large storage tanks the size of round football fields (I just thought this one up) are everywhere. It does get you wondering when we hear of gas and oil shortages how that is figured however after taking a trip like this. Anyway ... if you're in town; take this trip. You'll enjoy it. BTW ... regular gas was $3.55/gal and diesel about 30 cents more. I thought maybe we'd get an even better deal since we're so close to the source ... but no luck.
In case you didn't know ... This port contributes over 1 million direct and indirect jobs to the Houston area and over 178 billion bucks of total economic activity. The Port Authority has recently added a new cruise line terminal that will continue to add to the over one hundred cruise sailings already planned this year.
Here's a few pictures I took along the way.
So there you have it. Another neat excursion along our winter journey.
Still livin' the dream ... this time in Houston Texas.
Phil
Our new camp in Kemah Texas is pretty nice. Well kept and our site overlooks a tidal canal loaded with all kinds of flying and swimming critters. Crows and vultures have been replaced with seagulls, terns, and these crazy fish that just like to leap out of the water.
 |
| Home Sweet Home (for a week) ... Kemah Texas |
We've already discovered the local hotspots for fresh fish and I think before leaving we will have sprouted gills. Good stuff and priced low.
Our first adventure out was a water tour of the Port of Houston. We arrive at the dock about an hour early and discover that this is a free trip. Yup ... free!. I'm immediately positive that there is some kind of trick afoot here. What in the world do you get something for free?, I ask myself. I ponder this question for a few minutes but was interrupted when Sharon began chatting with a group of ladies who were also taking the trip. I was soon engaged in the discussion and I was assured that this was no fluke. It was free and it was worth our time.
The boat was about a 90 footer with an enclosed portion and plenty of space on deck for those hardy enough to stand the slightly brisk weather outside.
The Port Authority of Houston (www.portofhouston.com) pays for this little excursion that takes you some 90 minutes to complete. They toss in an ongoing narration of the passing attractions and provide some liquid refreshments. What a deal! Now if you were expecting sandy beaches, palm trees and beautiful skylines ... forget it. The trip shows you what Houston is good at. And thankfully they are good at it ... this port is how petroleum get done. You'll see the distillation plants, the storage depots, the vast array of ships that move our oil products around. Not boring. Didn't see a person on board who thought so either. Being up close to these oil carrying behemoths of the sea gives you a real sense how much oil we really use in the country. Large storage tanks the size of round football fields (I just thought this one up) are everywhere. It does get you wondering when we hear of gas and oil shortages how that is figured however after taking a trip like this. Anyway ... if you're in town; take this trip. You'll enjoy it. BTW ... regular gas was $3.55/gal and diesel about 30 cents more. I thought maybe we'd get an even better deal since we're so close to the source ... but no luck.
In case you didn't know ... This port contributes over 1 million direct and indirect jobs to the Houston area and over 178 billion bucks of total economic activity. The Port Authority has recently added a new cruise line terminal that will continue to add to the over one hundred cruise sailings already planned this year.
Here's a few pictures I took along the way.
 |
| A very busy shipping canal |
 |
| Headed for a big grain storage area |
 |
| Tankers from all parts of the world. |
 |
| Oil storage and refining facilities line the shipping canal. |
 |
| This monster was being filled ... not with oil but ... hundreds of used American cars. No idea where they were headed. |
 |
| Cracking towers. Several of hundreds in the area. |
 |
| Aft deck ... out of the wind and close to the refreshments a time for chit chat. |
 |
| Deck hand Kathy. She and the captain manage the ship. She loves her job she says. |
 |
| Marine fire department always on patrol. This is no place for a fire. |
 |
| Almost back to the dock, we all gather in the lounge. |
Still livin' the dream ... this time in Houston Texas.
Phil
Friday, February 22, 2013
Out on the town
I'm trying to catch up here a little bit as we've been far too busy to write this blog. I regress.
Before we left Fentress Texas a few days ago Bill, June, Sharon and I decided we wanted to try out one of the better steak house in the area.. After a little research I got to choose Myron's Steak House in New Braunfels (www.myronsprime.com) as the place to go. Highly rated and serving only the finest prime beef that was dry aged for some three weeks then wet aged for another week or so. OMG this is Nirvana. Now keep in mind that anything prime that is sold is expensive and with all that aging the price keeps on going up. But cast aside the cost I say ... we'll eat Ramen noodles for a month. I gotta try it once.
Here's 3/4 of the group just before heading in for our feast. The thorn between two roses on this Valentines Day. The other thorn was taking the picture. Duh!
Service and attention to detail was first class, as one would expect. The food. OMG!
Something about prime aged beef that give it a 'beefier' taste sets it apart from anything else you might run across in lesser places. Sharon had a bone-in filet (a cut that I have never seen at a restaurant before) and I had a bone-in rib eye. Each plate served exactly as ordered. Bill and June had filet and a host of scrumptious appetizers that they generously shared. Myron's wine selection was one of the things they also like to brag about. With some vintages selling at over $800/bottle, you had to be very careful what you ordered or you'll be eating those darn ramen noodles far longer that you had planned. Top off the feast with a special brewed coffee and a creme' brulee dessert garnished with fresh fruits ... Happy Valentines Day to us.
So fellow food sluts ... this is how to do it right and live high on the hog ... so to speak. One big expensive night out maybe once every 6 months ... it's worth saving up for.
Still livin' the dream and enjoying each day as it comes.
Phil
Before we left Fentress Texas a few days ago Bill, June, Sharon and I decided we wanted to try out one of the better steak house in the area.. After a little research I got to choose Myron's Steak House in New Braunfels (www.myronsprime.com) as the place to go. Highly rated and serving only the finest prime beef that was dry aged for some three weeks then wet aged for another week or so. OMG this is Nirvana. Now keep in mind that anything prime that is sold is expensive and with all that aging the price keeps on going up. But cast aside the cost I say ... we'll eat Ramen noodles for a month. I gotta try it once.
Here's 3/4 of the group just before heading in for our feast. The thorn between two roses on this Valentines Day. The other thorn was taking the picture. Duh!
Service and attention to detail was first class, as one would expect. The food. OMG!
Something about prime aged beef that give it a 'beefier' taste sets it apart from anything else you might run across in lesser places. Sharon had a bone-in filet (a cut that I have never seen at a restaurant before) and I had a bone-in rib eye. Each plate served exactly as ordered. Bill and June had filet and a host of scrumptious appetizers that they generously shared. Myron's wine selection was one of the things they also like to brag about. With some vintages selling at over $800/bottle, you had to be very careful what you ordered or you'll be eating those darn ramen noodles far longer that you had planned. Top off the feast with a special brewed coffee and a creme' brulee dessert garnished with fresh fruits ... Happy Valentines Day to us.
So fellow food sluts ... this is how to do it right and live high on the hog ... so to speak. One big expensive night out maybe once every 6 months ... it's worth saving up for.
Still livin' the dream and enjoying each day as it comes.
Phil
Saturday, February 16, 2013
And away we go!
We're on the road again ... first thing Sunday morning.
Leaving our central Texas park in Fentress, our next stop will be Kemah Texas. Just south of Houston, it's about a 3 1/2 hour drive assuming the city traffic isn't too severe. We'll be staying at the same place we were at some five years ago and are anxious to see all the expansion that has taken place.
We're planning on taking a tour of the Port of Houston, visiting the Space center, taking in the Photography Museum, and if time permits, the Brazos State Park Planetarium. I'm sure our 7 day stay will fly by, but we're up for it. From there it's a few days stop in Kinder Louisiana. Why Kinder you ask? Kinder is the home of Coushatta Casino and Resort. Sharon has been without a casino 'fix' for better than three months and our friends Tracy and Judy say it's a place you just have to visit. So we'll give it a try. Maybe we could win enough money to .........
We're leaving behind our friends Bill and June who are staying in Fentress for a couple more weeks before heading to a spot on the east side of Houston. We'll miss their companionship and being parked right next door. With any kind of luck they will catch up to us in the Gulf Shores Alabama area sometime in March. We wish them safe travels ... the last three months have been great.
Still livin' the dream and on the road again ... stay tuned.
Phil
Leaving our central Texas park in Fentress, our next stop will be Kemah Texas. Just south of Houston, it's about a 3 1/2 hour drive assuming the city traffic isn't too severe. We'll be staying at the same place we were at some five years ago and are anxious to see all the expansion that has taken place.
We're planning on taking a tour of the Port of Houston, visiting the Space center, taking in the Photography Museum, and if time permits, the Brazos State Park Planetarium. I'm sure our 7 day stay will fly by, but we're up for it. From there it's a few days stop in Kinder Louisiana. Why Kinder you ask? Kinder is the home of Coushatta Casino and Resort. Sharon has been without a casino 'fix' for better than three months and our friends Tracy and Judy say it's a place you just have to visit. So we'll give it a try. Maybe we could win enough money to .........
We're leaving behind our friends Bill and June who are staying in Fentress for a couple more weeks before heading to a spot on the east side of Houston. We'll miss their companionship and being parked right next door. With any kind of luck they will catch up to us in the Gulf Shores Alabama area sometime in March. We wish them safe travels ... the last three months have been great.
Still livin' the dream and on the road again ... stay tuned.
Phil
Sunday, February 10, 2013
My fine feathered friend
RV travel can take you places you haven't been and see things you've not seen before. Maybe it's just an extrapolation of the old question 'why did the guy climb the mountain'? Beside getting there it's also the opportunity to see what's on the other side. Whatever the explanation, the world around us usually has something interesting to embrace. Yesterday was no exception.
The road between our camp in Fentress and the small town of Lockhart is a marked change from some of the nearby freeways. This rural road just loafs along the foothills of the famous Texas hill country. An easy drive with gentle curves, an occasional small ranch, an oil well or two and quite a bit of very dense mesquite acreage. Mesquite is sort of scrub/shrub vegetation, very tough and apparently grows in dense patches that defy removal. With needle like thorns and tap roots that will dive to 150 feet, these hardy plants make a terrific refuge for all kinds of critters. Deer, wild hogs, cattle, coyote and a variety of birds find comfort in this prickly confine.
Returning from Lockhart yesterday I was driving pretty slow and noticed a number of vultures feeding on something dead in the mesquite patch along side the road. By the looks of the remains, some 150 feet away, a wild hog had met its demise and lunch was being served (so to speak). I pulled to a stop, got out my camera and 200mm lens and started to shoot. From out of the corner of my eye I saw another bird enter the luncheon. Big, brown, and a beak that looked like it could dismantle a car.
The vultures took quick notice and stepped aside from their lunch treat. It was then this new guy took charge and decided this was his table ... others need not stick around. So with the black vultures lurking and leering in the nearby mesquite bushes and their ever disappearing snack, I took a few images and left for camp wondering what I had seen.
I have an app on my Ipad called Peterson Birds of North America. A feature rich program that I've turned to many times for bird help. Under the section 'Diurnal Birds of Prey' I found the subject of my images. In the sub category 'Caracares and Falcons' I found the "Crested Caracara". Close to two foot tall, this not often sighted winged denizen apparently hangs out with vultures as they enjoy dining at the same places. Anyway here's the young Caracara which I've since given the name "Igor" to. Fitting I'd say.
The road between our camp in Fentress and the small town of Lockhart is a marked change from some of the nearby freeways. This rural road just loafs along the foothills of the famous Texas hill country. An easy drive with gentle curves, an occasional small ranch, an oil well or two and quite a bit of very dense mesquite acreage. Mesquite is sort of scrub/shrub vegetation, very tough and apparently grows in dense patches that defy removal. With needle like thorns and tap roots that will dive to 150 feet, these hardy plants make a terrific refuge for all kinds of critters. Deer, wild hogs, cattle, coyote and a variety of birds find comfort in this prickly confine.
Returning from Lockhart yesterday I was driving pretty slow and noticed a number of vultures feeding on something dead in the mesquite patch along side the road. By the looks of the remains, some 150 feet away, a wild hog had met its demise and lunch was being served (so to speak). I pulled to a stop, got out my camera and 200mm lens and started to shoot. From out of the corner of my eye I saw another bird enter the luncheon. Big, brown, and a beak that looked like it could dismantle a car.
The vultures took quick notice and stepped aside from their lunch treat. It was then this new guy took charge and decided this was his table ... others need not stick around. So with the black vultures lurking and leering in the nearby mesquite bushes and their ever disappearing snack, I took a few images and left for camp wondering what I had seen.
I have an app on my Ipad called Peterson Birds of North America. A feature rich program that I've turned to many times for bird help. Under the section 'Diurnal Birds of Prey' I found the subject of my images. In the sub category 'Caracares and Falcons' I found the "Crested Caracara". Close to two foot tall, this not often sighted winged denizen apparently hangs out with vultures as they enjoy dining at the same places. Anyway here's the young Caracara which I've since given the name "Igor" to. Fitting I'd say.
 |
| Igor
And so it goes ... another day livin' the dream.
Phil
|
Friday, February 1, 2013
ISS ... I see you
Okay space watchers ... I'm at it again.
This time it's a photograph of the International Space Station as it passes over Fentress Texas this morning at 6:22 CST. So how do you know that I'm not just spoofing you and this is just a Piper Cub whizzing overhead. Well here's the deal. NASA, our almost defunct space program administrators, have a service that they provide for those who like to spend some part of their lives peering into space when they should be sleeping. You give them your location and when their computer indicates that the Space Station will be visible to you, they send you an email the day before noting the time it will be visible (at your time zone), the inclination off the horizon, the direction of travel, and how many minutes it will be visible.
So yesterday they sent a message, which BTW, are not sent everyday but maybe once a week, telling me that at 6:22am it will appear in the WNW sky about 49 degrees off the horizon and heading to the SSE. And most important it would only be visible for 4 minutes!
I got my gear all together the night before ... camera, 24mm-105mm lens, tripod, extension cable, warm clothes (it's still a little chilly here), a red light (so I could see at night) and readied for another foray into the joys of photography. I made the necessary adjustment to the camera ... Shut off all automatic features, set shutter to 'bulb', locked the mirror up, set the ISO to 400, and settled on an aperture of f11. Don't quiz me too deep on the f11 as it was more instinct that empirical knowledge. Anyway I set the alarm for 6:00am and when it jars me into consciousness I leap into action.
The first thing I do is look out the bathroom window. I have a nice skylight but the bathroom is usually my first stop anyway so ... Egads ... the moon overhead looks a little fuzzy! Is this going to be another ruined cloudy day because of the weather, I wonder? Since I'm now awake, I hurried and got dressed, gathered my gear and stepped outside. Yup it was cloudy but intermittent with long bands of wispy clouds layered across the sky. But eureka! I could see stars in between the cloud bands. I made a quick calculation where the West North West was, set my camera in place, set the focal length to around 35mm and set the focus to infinity. I looked at my watch and saw that I still had about 5 minutes left before it would appear so I took a test shot of about 1 minute to see what I would get. A quick glance at the results confirmed that I would need to increase the exposure time and that the light from the moon would contribute to lighting the bands of passing clouds. So with the nearby trees, moving clouds but little surface wind, the challenge was about to begin.
6:22 arrived and I strained to see this man-made marvel racing across the sky. Nothing. Damn clouds I murmured to myself. But wait, there it was. Bright as NASA said it would be (brightest object in the sky other than the moon) and travelling fast ... very fast. I quickly reposition my camera to reflect the trajectory and fired off the first shot lasting about 90 seconds. With little time to figure what to do next, I again repositioned the camera toward to southeastern sky and shot another exposure. There it was ... and there it wasn't. That was a fast 4 minutes!
Here's the best of the two exposures. I can't wait till I get word of the next viewing.
So I admit I'm still a kid at heart as this stuff still excites me after many years of star gazing. From laying in the backyard straining to see the first Russian Sputnik and America's Vanguard satellites as a youngster, to standing next to the last gigantic Saturn V rocket at Cape Canaveral, to watching three Space Shuttle launches ... to this.
Still livin' the dream.
Phil
This time it's a photograph of the International Space Station as it passes over Fentress Texas this morning at 6:22 CST. So how do you know that I'm not just spoofing you and this is just a Piper Cub whizzing overhead. Well here's the deal. NASA, our almost defunct space program administrators, have a service that they provide for those who like to spend some part of their lives peering into space when they should be sleeping. You give them your location and when their computer indicates that the Space Station will be visible to you, they send you an email the day before noting the time it will be visible (at your time zone), the inclination off the horizon, the direction of travel, and how many minutes it will be visible.
So yesterday they sent a message, which BTW, are not sent everyday but maybe once a week, telling me that at 6:22am it will appear in the WNW sky about 49 degrees off the horizon and heading to the SSE. And most important it would only be visible for 4 minutes!
I got my gear all together the night before ... camera, 24mm-105mm lens, tripod, extension cable, warm clothes (it's still a little chilly here), a red light (so I could see at night) and readied for another foray into the joys of photography. I made the necessary adjustment to the camera ... Shut off all automatic features, set shutter to 'bulb', locked the mirror up, set the ISO to 400, and settled on an aperture of f11. Don't quiz me too deep on the f11 as it was more instinct that empirical knowledge. Anyway I set the alarm for 6:00am and when it jars me into consciousness I leap into action.
The first thing I do is look out the bathroom window. I have a nice skylight but the bathroom is usually my first stop anyway so ... Egads ... the moon overhead looks a little fuzzy! Is this going to be another ruined cloudy day because of the weather, I wonder? Since I'm now awake, I hurried and got dressed, gathered my gear and stepped outside. Yup it was cloudy but intermittent with long bands of wispy clouds layered across the sky. But eureka! I could see stars in between the cloud bands. I made a quick calculation where the West North West was, set my camera in place, set the focal length to around 35mm and set the focus to infinity. I looked at my watch and saw that I still had about 5 minutes left before it would appear so I took a test shot of about 1 minute to see what I would get. A quick glance at the results confirmed that I would need to increase the exposure time and that the light from the moon would contribute to lighting the bands of passing clouds. So with the nearby trees, moving clouds but little surface wind, the challenge was about to begin.
6:22 arrived and I strained to see this man-made marvel racing across the sky. Nothing. Damn clouds I murmured to myself. But wait, there it was. Bright as NASA said it would be (brightest object in the sky other than the moon) and travelling fast ... very fast. I quickly reposition my camera to reflect the trajectory and fired off the first shot lasting about 90 seconds. With little time to figure what to do next, I again repositioned the camera toward to southeastern sky and shot another exposure. There it was ... and there it wasn't. That was a fast 4 minutes!
Here's the best of the two exposures. I can't wait till I get word of the next viewing.
 |
| ISS emerging from the WNW horizon at the bottom |
Still livin' the dream.
Phil
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Ole'
Nope ... we're not on the Autobahn in Germany. This 85mph highway (I-130) here in south central Texas is this nation's highest legal speed limit interstate. Running roughly north/south in parallel with traffic choked I35 between Waco and San Antonio, this toll road was all but empty of traffic. I've taken the highway several times because I think it's just plain safer than I35. I think the old TrailBlazer would still do 85mph but not under my watch. Both the car and driver are far more comfortable at 75mph. So if you're ever travelling north/south through Texas and have a few extra buck for the toll charge, enjoying driving without bumper to bumper traffic, give it a try. You'll bypass most of Austin, all of San Marcos and New Braunfels, and enter San Antonio when you connect to west bound I-10.
 |
| Go baby ... go |
Our day trip today was San Antonio. Though not quite as big as Austin, it sure seems as if it is. With a freeway system that resembles a bowl of spaghetti, getting around the sprawling city keeps your hands on the wheel and eyes not gawking around. Therefore it's a nightmare for me. I like to look around and see the sights but not a good thing to do here. After a little shopping on the west side of town we decided to head downtown to the big city market. With Mexican knick knacks of all descriptions and neat things like the pottery below, it's fun to see what other cultures make for us tourists.
 |
| Hand Painted Pottery R Us |
 |
| Knick-Nack Patty-Wack ... Something for all |
 |
| My bride ready for some south-of-the-border goodies |
Here's what you're greeted with when you walk through the door. How could you not like this place?
 |
| The place where smiles are born. |
Colors, textures, nuts, fruits ... I could on and on. Pralines of all types and colors.
 |
| Mexican bakeries know how to tempt you. |
So another day trip is in the log. Other than the intense traffic on the west side of San Antonio, it was another rewarding and beautiful clear day in Texas.
Still livin' the dream in Central Texas ... but not for long as we're hitting the road again soon.
Phil
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)