Day 28 with Ruby and Rocket

Well OMG!  I thought driving to Dauphin Island would be challenging but that was a piece of cake! They wouldn’t let me on the Ferry this morning to head to Pensacola as the tides were too low so I had to drive in to Mobil, Alabama and head east from there.  This was no walk in the park!  Gabby directed me back to I10 North to Mobil so the traffic was a little heavier and a lot faster.  I had to go through a tunnel and then a really long bridge over the Mobil Bay.  I think I really earned my kitchen remodel today! He owes me big time! It was I10 the whole way to Pensacola.

This is a nice RV Park but nothing really to do and I’m happy just vegging out.  Oh and guess what???? There is a pizza place that delivers to the Park so guess what’s for dinner!!!! YIPPEE

It’s a pretty morning and Duncan and I have just had our walk.  He’s still a little slow from playing ball on the beach in Dauphin Island.  We head to some such place today – De Funiack or something.  I hope Gabby knows! Anyway, it’s the weekend as cartoons are on TV so maybe I’ll get ready and head on down the road.  I’m looking forward to this part of the country as I think we’re on a lot of beaches.  Then we stay a couple days in Orlando at the Disney World RV Park and of course go to Disney World. Bill’s a Disneyland junkie!

Take care and have a good weekend, Neita

Day 27 with Ruby and Rocket

I know some of you were worried about the tornado that hit Alabama.  It was in Tuscaloosa and we are quite south from there.  It's very sad and it really makes you think what would happen when you're in this little metal box.  I hope we won't be in that situation but we have a plan so please don't worry.  Say somes prayers for those who weren't so fortunate.

I had a beautiful drive to Dauphin Island mostly on the Interstate but then exited on to country roads through the town of La Batre and on a few miles to the BRIDGE! Well it wasn’t so bad and really quite fun to drive. See photos as I’m driving!!!! This is a really pretty spot and I found the RV Park which is right at the end of the island across from the ferry docking.  Bill arrived shortly after and the weather was perfect so we launched Rocket to do some exploring.

We drove all the way to the other end of the island which really isn’t that far and were amazed at how beautiful it was.  The beach and sand are so pretty you wouldn’t believe.  We sat on the beach for a while and I could have stayed there for a week or more! I miss my River. There are a lot of beach houses for rent but not much else is here on the island.  We talked to a local and Katrina really had an effect on the island and lots of business has been lost.  So I think it’s mostly fishing.

I woke this morning at 4:30 am so I could watch the wedding.  Of course I had to stay up late last night to watch Idol.  If we don’t have local cable in the Parks, our satellite feed comes from California so it’s a 2 hour time difference and then California shows are an hour after AZ.  I may need a little nap this afternoon!

Bill is taking the Ferry this morning but with the tides, RV’s aren’t always allowed so I think I am going overland. I'm still in bed and just heard the Ferry horn so I better get going. This was a great stopover.

Off to Pensacola today.  Take care,

Day 26 with Ruby and Rocket

Hi

We left Poplarville, MS kind of early to avoid any weather that was forecasted.  I had a great drive to Vancleave and didn’t encounter any weather issues although the sky was threatening. We did get some rain in the afternoon but we were nice and cozy in Ruby. 

This is kind of an interesting RV park.  There’s a huge SandBar that’s in the middle of the river.  It’s quite a destination place I guess in the summer for swimming , etc.

We had some rain in the night and it’s pretty cool (57) this morning. Duncan and I just came from a walk.

 We head to Alabama today and Dauphin Island.  You really need to Google this as it’s a little island in the Gulf of Mexico. It might be a scarry drive as I have about a 6 or 7 mile bridge with water on both sides.  Paula’s Steve already gave me visual on what could happen there! Thank you very much Steve! He was on a roll and you had to have been there! Anyway it looks very interesting so I’m looking forward to it.

Off to Dauphin Island, Alabama!

Neita

Day 25 with Ruby and Rocket

Well the rain let up so I made my break to Poplarville, MS.  No wipers and no lights needed.  It was a beautiful drive as I crossed the Pearl River in to Mississippi.  I drove through many small towns, farms, etc. all on country roads which were pretty well maintained.  Yeah!

Got settled after a couple of tries in a pretty primitive RV Park and Bill arrived soon after.  This is a back up spot and I did that really well but then the spot I picked didn't have a water facet so had to bring up the struts and move to another site.  Got settled there and after a while realized a tree was scaping the back of Ruby. So had to bring in the slides and struts and move Ruby a little forward.  I know this is probably boring but it's part of my little world!

We tried ordering pizza but no deliveries available in town.  Bummer! Duncan did not make friends with the RV Park black lab so he’s inside in timeout!

It’s windy here this morning and there is a weather advisory of 40 miles an hour winds.  Bill took off early so I’m thinking I need to get going as well.

Off to Vancleave, MS today.

Take care, Neita

Day 24 with Ruby and Rocket

Hi,

I had a pretty drive to Independence but terrible roads.  I was on the Interstate the whole way and lots of construction and bridges.  Nothing like the Mississippi Bridge!  I checked in at the Indian Creek RV Park and said something about the construction.  The Manager said it was a pain but they were very in need of road improvement.  I’ve noticed that throughout Louisiana.  So Texas had its wind and Louisiana has its road.  Can’t have everything I guess. 

This is a very pretty RV Park with several trailers but no occupants.  These people must park them here and come to visit on the weekends. We seem to be the only people here.  We’re along the Natalbany River so Duncan and I are going on a Nature hike tomorrow.

Next morning:

Well no Nature Hike this morning as it's raining! There's nothing like being in an RV with rain!  It sounds like someone is throwing rocks at you!  Bill just took off in the rain (at least the wind isn't blowing) so it's his first weather day! Yikes.  I'm going to have to figure out how to turn on the windshield wipers and the headlights.  OMG!

I'll report later - we'll be off to Poplarville, Mississippi today.

Take care, Neita

Day 22 and 23 with Ruby and Rocket

OH I had a beautiful drive to the Brec Farr RV Equestrian Park.  I passed beautiful farm land and it was very Bayou like with lots of character.  Then I came to my first big bridge and prayed a lot!  (It's the first bridge pic) Very scarry and thought I was crossing the Mississippi.  Then I came to a long drive on Rt 1 which took me along Lake Mondu which was beautiful.  Lots of pretty homes with docks and boats and OH I wanted to pull off and just stay but of course there was nowhere to stop.  That’s been some of my limitations on taking pictures.  It’s hard to get Ruby stopped let alone finding a place I can get in and out of easily.  Anyway I thought I’d crossed the Mississippi but no it was the Atchafalaya River. So pretty soon I come to this really big freaking bridge and I start praying again because it is the MISSISSIPPI and holy shit it was scarry!  I had to take a turn just before I get over it but manage holding my breath and find my way past LSU and to the Brec Farr Equestrian RV Park.

Glad that was over! It is so peaceful here and I have the most beautiful view out my dining room of fabulous horses.  See pictures.  I fixed the shrimp I bought a day or so ago and it was wonderful.  Hard to peel but well worth it – much different than the shrimp we get in the market.  YUMMY!

We have another day here tomorrow so hopefully we’ll be able to do some site seeing.

Happy Easter! Miss my kids.  Thank You Kim and Lindy for having them for Brunch and giving them their Easter Baskets.  Yes, I still do that and sometimes I even make them hunt for them!

We started out on Rocket and made our way downtown.  Did some site seeing along the Mississippi and saw my bridge! Had some crab cakes at a restaurant on the river.  We road around Baton Rouge a little and through the LSU Campus.  It’s really pretty here and not too warm or humid.

We’re off to Independence, LA – See ya’ll later!

Day 19, 20 and 21 with Ruby and Rocket

Hi,

Well it’s been a couple days.  Silsbee was a little challenge.  I had a great drive there but ended up lost for a while once I got there.  Gabby drove me CRAZY!  I ended up on a very narrow street and hit something with my passenger rear view mirror.  The bottom part fell off so that was not fun.  Don’t know what damage I did to whatever I hit.  Tina at the Red Cloud RV Park was great as she gave me directions a couple of times so I finally found it.  Bill actually arrived before me! 

To make matters worse Bill performed his dump duty and the valve wouldn't close after dumping.  Yuck!  Tina recommended an RV Service place but they were swamped with the Easter Holiday but they recommended a guy who did house calls.  I contacted him and he promised to show up the next morning. YES! 

After this drama I decided I was not cooking.  Tina had recommended a great BBQ place just down the road we bust Rocket out and head on out.  This was serious BBQ and really good.  It was a little small building and very casual.  YUMMY!

The next morning my repair guy shows up with his helper and it takes them 3 hours to replace the value as it's difficult to geet to.  In the mean time the guy rips his jeans and shit leaks out - he says to me it's a shitty job but someone has to do it! After getting that taken care of and he also fixed the mirror, I headed to Coushatta, LA.  Yeah we are out of Texas!

We stayed last night at the Couschatta Casino RV Resort in Couschattta, LA.  This was a nice park and was able to take the shuttle to the casino.  We had a nice dinner at the Resort.  Two nights of not cooking – I’m on a roll!

Today I drove to Marksville, LA and we’re staying at another Casino RV Park.  I must say that Louisiana doesn't maintain their roads as well as Texas! It’s spring break here so lots of families and it’s definitely Louisiana!  I stopped at a little market today on my drive and bought some shrimp they were advertising.  Made me think of Forrest Gump! Anyway no drama today thank goodness. The music is still going strong across the way and it's 10:30 PM. 

Next morning.  I'm in bed typing and OH! there starts the music again!

I'm off to Brec Farr RV Park, Baton Rouge where we have a 2 day stay.  Yippee! 

Take care and Happy Easter to all of you!j

Neita 

Day 18 with Ruby and Rocket

Hi,

I had a beautiful drive today through the Sam Houston National Park.  I also saw a winery and with the pine trees, I thought I might be in Guerneville.  Wishful thinking! So I’m driving through the forest with no traffic around and I get a strange feeling because I have absolutely no idea where I am.  It was freaky. But never fear for Gabby took me right to Browder’s Marina.  I had really high hopes for this place and thought maybe I wouldn’t have to cook.  But not happening again!  There is nothing here but a little store and a big lake!  Lake Livingston – I think it must be very popular in the summer but it’s still kind of the off season now. 

I sat outside for quite a while enjoying the view but got tired of the wind.  Bill says it’s suppose to die down tomorrow.  I’ll believe it when I see it.

I only had one little oops today.  This campsite is one that I have to back Ruby in to its spot.  So far I’ve been lucky and had pull-throughs.  Well it’s not very crowded here so I think no problem.  Well I get her all lined up and I start backing up and I do it perfectly the first time.  She’s lined up with the patio and I set everything up.  So Bill comes along a while later and says aren’t you suppose to be on the concrete?  And I’m like – that’s the patio!  NOT ! It was a GREAT backup job though and no one told me to move her so there! Won't be doing that again!  Anyway –

Off to Silsbee, TX tomorrow.  Our last night in Texas – Hallelujah Brother!!! 

Take care and miss you!

Day 17 with Ruby and Rocket

So today is a new day and I’m going to visit the fitness center here at the RV 71 Park.  I lock up and get there but it’s a keycode door so I head to the office where I find out it’s a $2 charge.  No biggie.  I head back to Ruby for my money and can’t get the dam door unlocked.  I’ve had trouble with this deadbolt lock in the past so not a good thing.  Anyway,  I get some pliers out of the tool box to help me turn the key.  Well you guessed it – it broke off.  So now I have to break in to Ruby.  There is a window by the door and thankfully a couple days ago I told Bill not to lock the windows.  So I get my ladder which is too short so then I have to get my BBQ table so I can reach in the window.  I’m sure I looked like an idiot.  But I was able to get the screen off the window and reach in and open the door.  I even managed to go back to the fitness center and work out.  Could this start any better???

I got on the road about noon and it started off great going through a pine tree area which blocked out some of the wind.  I travelled by more ranches and farms and had an OK drive except for the wind of course.  Now I’m sitting here in Navasota at the County RV Pavillion which has about 5 sites but full hookups and watching the wind.  It’s almost 5:00 PM so that’s a good thing!  Bill probably roll in sometime soon as we covered about 100 miles today.  I drove through town but didn’t see a pizza place.  I thought delivery would be great but probably not happening.

Anyway, today really was better and I’m not so crumpy.  Tomorrow we’re off to Coldsprings, Texas

YIPPEE!

Day 16 with Ruby and Rocket

Well yesterday was crappy!  I left Blanco State Park and headed to Cedar Creek.  It was through Austin on and off the freeway.  I went by the Austin International Airport and lots of traffic.  They put stop lights in when you think you’re on the freeway.  The wind was blowing and I’m having a lousy time!  I got to RV 71 Park (big whoop) and turned on the air conditioner.  It was hot and the wind was still blowing.  We did have a great dinner – planked salmon and asparagus on the grill.  Oh and wine!!! So I could wine!

Off to Navasota, Texas – will we ever get out of Texas!

Day 15 with Ruby and Rocket

Hi,

Gabby got me to Blanco, TX and the State Park which is beautiful.  It reminds me of Woods Canyon Lake but with a river.  Got to stay on the Interstate for a few miles but then off we go again on the country roads.  Sometimes Bill and I are on different routes and mine took me in to Fredericksburg, TX.  So I’m following Gabby’s directions to take a right on Main Street and lo and behold I’m in downtown Scottsdale on a very busy tourist day!  I’m thinking I’m driving this motor home down this street and people must think I’m crazy.  Well of course I am!  Too bad I couldn’t pull over and do a little shopping.  It looked like a very fun place.  Passed through Fredericksburg and off on another country road and more motorcyclists.  I think most Texans have sold their horses and saddled up to a motorcycle! 

Bill rolled in about 5:30 pretty tired after his ride. We Bbq’d and had a lovely campsite.  (Not as neat as in Campwood but it was quiet and pretty)  Duncan’s back in the dirt!

Miss everyone – it’s only been 2 weeks!! Yikes

Off to Cedar Creek, Texas

Day 14 with Ruby and Rocket

It was sad to leave our beautiful place in Campwood.  After the drive to Buckhorn Lake, I should have just called Bill and said forget it! (Except we didn’t have cell service)  OMG the drive was harrowing!  First I pulled back out on Texas 55 going East and thought this is great!  Had my favorite CD going and all.  Well shortly it got a little more exciting and then it was pretty populated with lots of motorcycles.  IT WAS A MOTORCYLIST’S DREAM!  Narrow, windy and hilly roads which took all my concentration.  I had to pull over several times to let the motorcycles go by as they were coming and going.  So I’m moving along and Gabby (my GPS) tells me I need to take a right in about 3 miles but I see Highway 39 which is the highway Bill told me he would be on so I didn’t listen to Gabby and turned on to Highway 39.  Never again will I disagree with Gabby!  This rode was 39 miles of excitement!  More turns, narrow and motorcycles plus crossing the Guadalupe River about 10 times I kid you not!  I stopped at this picnic place for a sandwich and to get control of myself.  I talked to Chris as he’s at some big concern thing in Coachella this weekend and his camping neighbors had a bloody mary bar.  I would have killed for a bloody mary about then!!

Anyway I made it to Buckhorn Lake RV Park.  Wow is it fancy.  So far Ruby has been like a Cadillac but here she’s more of a Chevy!  There are some beautiful RV’s here and some with their stupid, fancy motorcycles. Needless to say I’m having a little wine with dinner!  May have to visit the fitness center in the morning.  It’s so funny that all these people have little golf carts and drive everywhere.  They need to be at the fitness center!  One couple was driving their cart while walking their dog.  Now really people  would it hurt to walk!

Bill had a hard day of riding with headwinds and 80 something miles.  I don’t know if I feel  sorry for him as I had a little trying day myself!  Tomorrow shouldl be easy with only about 60 miles to go.  Hopefully Gabby has the best route planned out for us. 

Off to Blanco, Texas.  Oh and it’s still windy!

Day 13 with Ruby and Rocket

WOW! What a great day.  The drive to Campwood was kind of fun.  I was on a back road that took me by ranch after ranch.  (Kept it to 45 Ron)  I crossed a bridge and a beautiful lake and what do know but that was my destination.  I pulled in to Cooksey RV Park which is really a county park and it was the prettiest scene you wouldn’t believe.  We are camped right on the lake and we haven’t seen any other campers besides the hosts.  There are huge oak trees as a canopy, grass and asphalt.  No dirt!  Duncan fetched his ball in the lake several times and I’m hopeful he washed a lot of that dirt off!

Bill rolled in around 3:30 after 84 miles with a big smile on his face.  He couldn’t believe we were camping in this beautiful place.  We had a BBQ, ate outside and enjoyed a beautiful evening on Lake Nueces.

Off to Buckhorn Lake tomorrow.

Day11 with Ruby and Rocket

Wednesday, April 13

Well yesterday was a rough one!  Bill left the Canyon RV Park, Sanderson, TX at around 8 am and had 110.9 miles to go to reach the Three River RV Park in Del Rio, TX.  It was going to be a long ride but the bad part was that he had head winds the whole time.  He arrived about 6:30 PM and I was getting a little worried as we had no cell service most of the way.  He did manage to get a call through around 5pm but it just rang.  At least I knew he was still pedaling.  It was a little stressful driving Ruby as well.  She doesn't like the wind.  I crossed the bridge over the Pecos River with a Semi truck coming at me and said a few prayers.  Pictures attached. 

We’re in a nice RV Park in the Lake Amistad area.  There are 3 pet bunnies that are driving Duncan crazy.  If we let him out on his chain he barks at them so he’s inside now pouting.  I saw a deer yesterday when we went for a walk.  Hopefully we can do some exploring on Rocket today as we have a rest day.  Yippee! 

It’s a little overcast and breezy but at least there were no trains last night. 

Nola – don’t worry about that dry stuff.  I have a wine cellar under my bed but thanks for the thought.  I know all about that dry stuff!

Anyway take care and thanks for your posts.  Neita

Just an update – We explored downtown Del Rio on Rocket.  Saw a sign for a winery but we could never find it.  Blast!  Then we rode out to Lake Amistad and walked part way across the DAM to where the border is between the US and Mexico.  It was pretty cool.  See pictures.  Had a lovely dinner at the Cripple Creek.  Lots of good ole boys!  One couple was from Ruidoso so then another guy had to ask them about that so when we left we walked by them and I told them my sister went to Ruidoso High School.  Well didn’t that just beat all!

Off to Camp Wood, TX today.  YEEHAH!!!