Golf, Golf, and more Golf

We mount up and with the help of ‘James’, our new GPS, we are heading to Wanee Lake Golf and RV Resort in Ashburn, Ga. Traffic was good and with only one fuel stop and a break for lunch, we could have pushed through to the campground but that would be breaking another of our rules – not to pull into a campground after 4 PM! Anyway, with James’ help, we find the WalMart in Moultrie, Ga., our resting spot for the night. After dinner, we walk around the lot but the menacing sky forced us back to the rig! We were looking at lots of black skies and high winds, threatening a sever storm throughout the night. And we got it! The rain was driven in sheets as the lightening and thunder kept the sandman away for most of the night! Fortunately, we had parked with the nose of the trailer into the wind so we didn’t rock and roll to much. Tuesday morning, we start out again with blue skies and lots of sunshine and were parked on a site by noon, perfect, now we can leisurely set up and get to enjoy the remainder of the day.

Our 5er and looking down first fairway

On Wednesday, Barb & I decided to hoof it around the golf course. It was great walking with my bride again as we batted the little white ball around the links! Ouch, our feet are getting sore as we complete the third hole. After taking some time on the fourth tee to do some make shift bandages, we continue on. After nine, Barb can hardly walk let alone swing at that little cursed sphere! So for today, we are happy to get nine holes in. We are still dazed at this deal, $16 for a full hook-up site and all the golf we care to play! Wow! We get a surprise email that Jim & Lydia are coming down from Jasper to join us here for a little re-union and some golf! What a neat surprise!

Thursday, Barb & I get out early so not miss Jim & Lydia’s arrival. We’re supplying dinner as so many others have done for us after a road trip so we have to complete our round to prepare – you have to have priorities! Anyway, the blisters on Barb’s heels are really sore so she tries to play in her Crocs! OMG, she is hitting it a ton with no spikes! Now that’s balance!

A little lunch between nines

Jim & Lydia arrive and after a quick hello with hugs all around, they get set up and we spend the evening laughing and enjoying all our and their stories since the last time we were together! Of course, we have recorded the 1^st round of the Masters and we are watching some of that too. We have a rig beside us that is from Kitchener and they too are having friends from Gravenhurst meet them here before continuing north to home.

Around the campfire

Friday the weather is spectacular! Sunny with lots of blue skies and hot! We tee off early to beat the heat. We had a great day but Barb was out of her mind, she shot 78! I struggled a little with an 87! I think I’m going to have to try golfing in my Crocs too! Friday night, we joined Bill and Janet (new friends from Kitchener) and their friends around a campfire for some camaraderie. Poor Jim & Lydia were out numbered, 6 Canadians poking fun but Lydia turned on her southern charm and had us all in stitches with her ‘southern belle’ comedy. It was great fun.

We hope y’all are having as much fun as we are where ever you are!

Winding Down Time

It’s that time of the year that many members are heading north to their summer places and the activities are winding down. Even though, there is still lots going on – eating, shopping and even more time on the water.

It’s Thursday, March 24^th and after Barb comes back from her morning quilting session with the ladies, we load up the boat and head back to the Fish River and go south again to go see what is around that bend! Life is too good, peddling along the river with the sun beating down on us! Using Google Earth to measure our route, we completed a 4.6 Km round trip this time. It was another great ride!

 

Barb’s sewing machine was acting up at the most inappropriate time so we needed a field trip to Pensacola for a consultation! Luck was with us, the previous sales person sold Barb the wrong part! That was a relief, Barb will be able to continue with her projects! Of course, we couldn’t make this trip solely for fabrics etc so we dropped into Harbour Freight! What a neat store! I was in ‘toyland’! After an hour or so off aimless wandering with my mouth gapping, we finally decided on a few things and got back on the route home. Whew, I was exhausted!

Saturday evening we attended the ‘Sundowner’ gathering on the front lawn of a home owner here for a group farewell to many of us heading north. Each of us had to bring a snack to share so the carport was filled with treats and goodies for all pallets! Oh, there we are, eating again! Anyway, lots of chatter and laughs carried us through as darkness fell and we all retreated to our rigs.

We are truly LEOs! 14 of us went to LuLu’s  for lunch to celebrate Monday! Hey, everyone doesn’t like Monday’s so we thought we would salute Monday – what other reason do we need to go out for lunch? We had a table overlooking the inland waterway and the US Coast Guard boarded a pontoon boat to check on papers and jackets etc and we saw a lady drop something over the side – hummmm a little pot maybe? These weren’t kids either! People are always good entertainment!

So, now it’s Tuesday and we’re having ice cream for lunch at a local ice cream parlor! We needed this as we are dining in the clubhouse tonight so we had to keep the kitchen clean! A baby bird – Morning Dove – fell out of its nest on a site behind us and camper put crates around the mom and baby so no one would step on them! As the sun progressed across the sky, the birds kept moving around the crate to keep in the shade. As the evening approached and while no one was looking, they both disappeared. We hope the baby makes it!

Summer here is around the corner. Our senses fill to the top with fragrances and sights of the beautiful Azalea bushes. Trees are almost in full leaf while the Live Oaks are starting to drop their leaves and the new growth shows a new bright green!  Barb says it is raining leaves on our site.

Well, it is roof time again so up I go with the Tilex this time! It made some improvement but not really enough but it will do until I get up there again!

We have been hanging out with new friends, Bill & Ann from upper NY but we won’t hold that against them. We’re having lunches, dinners and just hang’n together and having lots of laughs and fun times. Bill offered me a cleaning product that he thinks will do a better job on the roof. You’ll notice that I am not saying he offered to go up and show me how good it is!

Our time is running out and we wanted to navigate the Magnolia River. We have heard that it is nicer than the Fish River. Saturday is our only opportunity to go – it is breaking our rule of not being on the water during a weekend when all the worker bees are out there! We had to access the river via a creek and once on the main river, we see lots of beautiful homes with docks and decks. Some had to install long board walks to get to their docks through the salt marshes. We went down river toward Weeks Bay and turned around at the big bend before the bay, a 4Km round trip. Another wonderful ride and good exercise – I need something to help me with my young boyish figure!

Well, it’s our last ice cream social at the club house today. Before we do that, the four of us drive over to the Weeks Bay PreservePitcher Plant Bog to view the Pitcher plants in bloom. It was sort of on the way to the Fish River Grill for an early dinner before the social –we had to go to dinner, we were moving the next day and had to keep the kitchen clean! The blossoms are beautiful! The Pitcher Plant is a carnivorous plant but you will learn more from the web site than what I can provide! After walking the board walk in the bog and admiring the plants, we head over to the Fish River Grill only to find they are temporarily closed – how disappointing! Plan B is quickly established and we detour to Big Daddy’s! Good food, cold beer and good service, what more can you ask for?

Monday brings our departure for points north! Several friends stop by to say farewell before we got going. It is always a downer moment for us but we are experiencing the ‘ignition switch twitch’ and it’s time to go!

More about the road trip next time. We hope all is well where you are.

Howling at the Moon

The week has moved along all too quickly! Where did March go? St Patty’s day went by in a green blink and now we’re talking about the trip back north!

It’s that time of the year for the Fairhope Craft and Art Show. It is one of the best in the south with lots of talented artisans. We were going to go over on Friday to avoid the crowds but our day went a little sideways and that plan got pushed into Saturday.  After all, what is the fun of going to an arts and craft show without having to find suitable parking and fight the crowds?  We went with friends Dottie & George from the park, taking the bus from Big Lots to the show.

 

We went to the show and sale back in ’09 and found our bathroom sink. This year’s show and sale was even bigger than in ’09! There was lots of beautiful stuff on display for sale but you had to have your wits about you – this stuff was pricy! The ‘Southern Belles’ were there with the 2010 court exiting and the 2011 court taking their place, participating in service projects throughout their communities.

Later in the day, we were sitting outside chatting with friends, Pat & Al, when someone else yelled out that there was a ‘Howling at the Moon’ party tonight! Howling at the Moon party? What could this be about? Of course Barb & I took our chairs and beverages over to the clubhouse to check it out! And yes, that is exactly what we did – howled at the moon as it rose up over the trees! There was a bunch of us, sitting facing east and as the moon got above the trees, we all howled and hollered at the big orange moon! You will have to google ‘supermoon’ for more info, the web sites are too numerous to list here.

The ice cream social was busier than most! The word had gotten around that it was Milli’s (park manager) birthday and a small celebration was afoot! Both Gary and Milli were kidding each other and we all had fun! After the social, we enjoyed entertainment by the Banjo Lady and JB (Dianne & Jerry from the ERPU row). We have seen so much talent while on the road.

On Monday, we got the boat wet again and this time went north and reached the highway 32 bridge. A good achievement for us! Again, it was great being out on the river. Fish were keeping us entertained along with a few Kingfishers completing some acrobatic moves for some lunch!

Tuesday was ‘Terry wash the roof day’! I tried Murphy’s Oil Soap – recommended by a RV repair shop – and it turned out pretty good but we have a big case of black spot up there. The manufacturer – NuWa – suggested I use Tilex on the roof to reduce the black spot. That will be another day, I’m already stiff from the 1^st application!

Barb needed some bases for her baskets so we contacted an outdoor furniture guy we saw at the Fairhope Craft Show. His shop was just a few miles away and he welcomed us to come around and see what we could make useful! What a find! He let us paw through his scrap bin and we came up with a couple of nice looking pieces of cypress! We continued on and got propane and what the heck, let’s have lunch at Sonics – our favorite fast food joint! We get back to the rig in enough time that Barb can get some more work done on her quilt project while I kick back on the lounger outside, enjoying the beautiful day! Later, friends stop by and asked us to join them for dinner at the Fish River Grill – again, one of our favorites for cat fish! Wow, talk about belonging to the LEO (lets eat out) club! The day was capped off with George and Dottie coming in for a few games of Aggravation! Boys against the girls and the girls squeaked out the wins! Now that’s aggravating – I have to cook for the next week – what, I do that now!!

Well, this post is getting a little long so until next time, we’re hoping all is good where you are….

Back to Normal Post Mardis Gras

Wow, Wednesday brought us one hell of a storm! We were on Tornado watch most of the day and one did touch down in Silverhill, a small town just north of the Plantation! We had some wind but lots of rain. Our site was actually under water most of the day. Pat & Carolyn stopped by to say farewell. They are heading off to ‘greener’ parades in New Orleans! We had Jim & Lydia in for dinner and games. They are leaving soon so we have to cram in as much as we can in the short time left!

Thursday, the girls went to a quilting/sewing project class in the club house while Jim & I took to the links with a couple of other guys. Jim & Lydia brought dinner over and we had more games and fun again.

 

On Friday, we took a tour day and headed to Bellingrath Gardens via the Fort Morgan/Dalphin Island ferry. The boat ride over was uneventful as we passed through many, many oil well rigs that are planted on the bottom of Mobile Bay. Once we landed on Dalphin Island, we took a quick tour of the beach area then head north to Bellingrath Estates.

 

What an estate! There is too much to mention here so you’ll have to go to the web site if you want more info. It was beautiful but we were too early for many of the plantings and flowers, a nice day none the less.

Saturday we went to the clubhouse for breakfast and on the way back, we took Jim & Lydia around to the ERPU row to show them one of the sites that we may be in line for. While standing and looking, Madonna and Ed came over to say hello and welcome us to the row – whenever we get a site which should be soon as we are #2 on the list and there are 2 or 3 members leaving! We had a great chat and started back to the rig. This walk which is normally a 5 minute walk took us 45 minutes – too many folks out and about to chat with!

Sunday was another beautiful day in paradise but a sad one. Jim & Lydia are heading on down the road to meet up with family for a camping holiday! We wave farewell to good friends and companions! The rest of the day was quiet while Barb & I worked on ongoing projects. Dianne and Jerry from the ERPU row came by to welcome us to their community! We are really getting excited now!

The week started out with beautiful sunshine so we decided to get the boat wet again! We launched at the same place as last time but went south. Somehow, we got the wrong seats – I had Barb’s and she had mine – so we were not set up the same in the kayak! Our legs were too close to our peddles and by the time we realized our situation, we could not change the seats over and it is tough to make adjustments when you’re on the river! We cut this trip a bit short but enjoyed the ride anyway. We didn’t see very much wildlife. Have I mentioned the absence of shorebirds here? Is it because of the BP oil spill or is it the housing that crowds the shoreline of the river?

The quilting ladies took a shopping trip over to Pensacola for the day and dragged Barb kicking and screaming along with them. Apparently they had a great time shopping at their favorite fabric stores, stopping for lunch and didn’t get back until late in the afternoon. I made myself busy learning how to make wind spinners out of beer cans. The difficult part was acquiring the raw materials – I needed 6 cans so…. Anyway, it’s just another way of recycling! The evening was capped off by an old fashioned weenie roast around the camp fire. Weenies and beans, what more could you ask for to keep us warm in the evening?

Our rig roof is really dirty so I tried a different product in an attempt to clean the black spots off the rubber. It didn’t work but I’ll try it again and leave it sit longer and see if there is an improvement so that task is back on the ‘to-do’ list!

I think enough for now, be well where ever you are….

Mardis Gras Time at the Plantation

This is a busy week ahead. Mardis Gras preparations are in full swing along with all the other activities and crafts going on. I have the chair finished and it looks great. We decided not to put it into the auction but will take it home and see if someone close to us wants it!

All around us, spring has sprung. The Red Bud trees and the Seedless Pear trees are all in bloom. They look gorgeous along the roadside as we travel. Monday was a stormy day because of the heat so we went north to the Eastern Shore mall to buy the TV for our bedroom – still replacing equipment from the power problems we had in December. Barb needed more fabric for a quilt project so lots of shopping done today!

Back in February, we dropped Jim & Lydia a note about the Mardis Gras celebrations here and being party revelers, they decided to “come on down” and arrived on Tuesday. I’m sure there won’t be a dull moment during their stay!

Wednesday sees me in the clubhouse kitchen taking Cajun Cooking lessons. We all had a good time learning and eating a savory Cajun lunch! Barb continued with her quilting and carving projects. With Jim & Lydia here, it’s like ‘ole home week! Dinners, games and lots of laughs prevail!

Friday was a windy cool day so 8 of us went to the show to see The King’s Speech’. It was a perfect way to spend a less than desirable weather-wise afternoon with friends – oh, it was a good movie too! Today was the start of Mardis Gras here at the Plantation. Dinner, entertainment and the selection of the King and Queen for the festivities! Cupcakes were served as dessert and a tiny doll was hidden on 2 of them so when you bit into the cupcake and ‘found’ the doll, you became Royalty! They were escorted off to another room to adorn the ‘Royal’ cloaks and paraphernalia, and then back into the hall with the ‘Royal Entourage” for the Coronation with all the necessary pomp and circumstance! After they received their ‘crowns’, they sashayed around the hall so the peasants could pay homage!

Saturday, we attended breakfast at the club with the King and Queen and wandered around the craft show and sale. It demonstrates how many talented people there are here at the Plantation. Soon after, we are heading off to our first Mardis Gras parade – Krewe of Mullet Mates in Point Clear. It was raining as we drove over but stopped as we arrived. We had to double park – maybe triple park and quickly find a spot at the street edge as the parade arrived with music playing and trinkets landing all around! A fun time for all! Lots of loot being tossed!

After the parade, we head off to Camping World then to dinner at the Fish River Grill for all you can eat cat fish! Yummmm! You have to appreciate the area here, we started at the Plantation – about the middle and then to the eastern shore of Mobile Bay! Then to Camping World way over on hwy 59 then almost all the way back to the Grill close to the eastern shore again! It’s a good thing fuel is cheap!

Sunday is quiet until the Ice Cream social at the club house. We decide to head on down to LuLu’s for an early dinner – we know there will not be any time after the social as skits and music are on the program! We lucked out and had a table overlooking the Intercoastal Waterway. It was a bit cool but we were in the sunshine and love’n it!

Back to the Plantation for the evening of Mardis Gras entertainment! Barb and Lydia are in different skits on stage. This is certainly outside the box for Barbie! Lydia, well you gotta know her to understand she couldn’t resist the opportunity! Barb has been in knots all week working on her lines and costume for this event! It’s been fun!

Monday brings the Plantation’s own Mardis Gras parade through the campground. It is just a crazy opportunity for a lot of adults to act like a bunch of kids in a bike parade! Everything was decorated from golf carts to lawn tractors, walkers, antique farm tractors, scooters and of course the local fire department was on hand with their units! It was a hoot! After, we were off to the clubhouse again for a parade lunch. After lunch, there were more skits and the grand finally was the auction of 11 caned chairs with the proceeds going to Escapees Care in Livingston, Tx.

Monday was a beautiful day so we decided to go down to the beach in Gulf Shores before the night Mardis Gras parade in Fairhope by the Krewe of Magnolias. The beach was a little cool but we were able to have a walk and watch the antics of the Pelicans. There was a construction crew there moving large plastic pipes onto the beach so they could ‘vacuum’ the bottom of a small lagoon and pump the sandy silt onto the beach for disposal.

Fat Tuesday is the culmination of our Mardis Gras festivities here at the Plantation! The day was a normal day with the various crafts going on in the clubhouse until about 2PM. Fat Tuesday dinner and ‘ball’ started at 5:15PM with the arrival of the King and Queen for their last official function. The meal was followed by skits and music, a great end to a busy 5 days of celebrations.

Until next entry, we hope all is well where you are.

Outside Again

Whew, we’re tired already and we’ve only been here for a couple of weeks! Saturday, a dozen of us drove over to McGuire’s in Pensacola to celebrate Carolyn’s birthday and had a great time! The food was good and reasonably priced and the company was exceptional! Of course, since we were near a fabric and craft store, the men were out voted and we had to stop and browse. The saving factor was that the store closed at 3PM (on Saturday – what’s that) and we didn’t have a lot of time to be ‘window’ shopping too much.

On Sunday, the 3 Ontario couples formed a click and went out to Big Daddy’s for lunch. Life is good; we got a good table outside in the sunshine over looking the Fish River – how much better can it get without wining a lottery? Of course, we couldn’t not go to the Ice Cream social at the club house – we had to know how the plans are progressing for the Mardis Gras festivities! More eating and more partying and a parade!

Monday brings us back to the club house for more crafts. Barb is learning how to make a tooth brush mat. It’s not for your tooth brush but was made in earlier times with the old wooden tooth brushes. Back in the day, when the bristles wore out, the ladies would file the head down and use the hole in the handle for their eye of the needle and weave a rug using old rags etc. I continued on with my caning project on the seat of the old chair. With the progress I am making, I should have it completed this week and then work on varnishing the other parts. It is looking real good and I’m impressed with my own handy work!

Tuesday night was an opportunity to gain some culture! The Baldwin Pops were performing at the Fairhope Civic Centre. It is free admission which fits my pocket book just fine! Ross, Pat, Barb & I found seats near the front and enjoyed an evening of wonderful music and great entertainment. The row behind us was full of other Escapee members from the park. We all know a bargain deal when we see one!

Wednesday, we took an afternoon off from our craftiness and took the kayak over to the Fish River and paddled around for an enjoyable, relaxing afternoon on the river! It was wonderful to be out there, lots of sunshine and warm temps! Here is a picture from Google Earth of our kayak trip. The red line is our route!

Thursday was a trip day. We departed the campground around 11AM and returned around 9PM. We drove over to Pensacola Fl., then south – yes you can still go south – to Santa Rosa Island and the Gulf Islands National Sea Shore. Lots of sand and lots of condo type homes on stilts! We didn’t see as many shore birds as we did when we were in Rockport Texas last year – we wondered if that was due to the oil spill! They (not sure who) are still picking up tar balls which are a result of the oil spill. The beach was closed with posted warning signs stating that there is still oil under the surface of the water and is hazardous to your health. I guess we took our bathing suits for nothing – ya right!

Friday morning, we say farewell to our new friends Ross & Pat from Lindsey, Ontario as they head off for more adventures. We have good memories from their stay here and hope we meet up with them again down the road.

Hope all is well where you are.

Can We Find Things to Do?

Wow, is it cold but it’s the same all across the south – except maybe Florida, we’re wondering why we left so early! Oh, that’s right, we wanted to get involved!

And, we have done that. We’re enjoying the events, crafts and camaraderie! On Friday, Feb 11, 60 of us descended on a little café in Daphne for a lunch out. Luckily, with some effort by café staff, they were able to squeeze us all in! It was loud but good food! On our way to the ‘home made chocolate’ store, we found a used furniture shop. Barb & I were planning to come back later but Pat insisted he drive us around to find the right chair for me to learn caning! I asked the owner if they had any broken chairs and she informed me that they do not take in broken furniture and directed us to another store that might carry something we’re looking for! After a short trip, we find a small warehouse of not so carefully handle furniture and found just what was needed! The sales lady wanted $10.00 but I chiseled her down to $7 with tax in! What a steal! I begin my caning classes next week!

Saturday is the monthly craft sale and breakfast with lots of people with their wares on display. Wow, so much talent! Everything was available to the shopper; of course I went straight to the baked goods table! There were wood carvings, wood signs, copper work, jewelry, sewing items, pysankas and other arts and crafts too many to mention.

Sunday, we shared a happy hour with some new folks from Lindsay, Ontario. It really is a small world with so many nice people out here! Then of course we just have to go to the weekly ice cream social! It’s ok though; we walk over and back to the club house to wear off those few extra calories!

We hope y’all had a great Valentine’s Day. The club house was buzzing with a Valentine’s dinner and dance. The band of campground musicians played love songs and ballads – no disco or rock so Barb & I left early!

Barb is busy this week with her regular activities and she is starting a new craft to learn how to make a cutsie teddy bear. I started the caning on Thursday but worked hard to get the chair ready to cane – it was a little rough around the edges! It had to be sanded, nails and screws removed, holes filled a rung and a hip support replaced. Once the caning is done, I’ll re-finish it with varnish.

As I write this entry, the weather has turned wonderful, low 70’s during the day and mid 40’s at night! It’s been great since the cold departed! Hope all is well out there where you are.