The Tulip Fest

Here I am again, trying to catch up. We’re in Holland Michigan, attending the tulip festival, May 7-9th. Dick & Marcia greeted us as we arrived and after we set up, went for lunch and a little tour around the Holland area. The main stop was Veldheer’s farm. Inside they have all kinds of Dutch stuff available and a wooden shoe store with all sizes for anyone – I’m fearful of woodpeckers so I didn’t get a pair!  Also, their wooden shoe factory was open to watch demonstrations of how they make their shoes. After we wandered not so aimlessly, we made our way back to the campground to find our friends John & Di, Ray & Donna and Jack & Barb from Ontario setting up. They came all the way from St Thomas under the guise of coming to the tulip festival but we know it was an excuse to have an occasional beverage and the ‘odd’ game of Mexican Train! Once they were set up, we broke out the lawn chairs and brewski’s and had lots of laughs catching up with each other’s winter activities. After happy hour, Dick & Marcia headed home and the rest of us had a meal of wiennies and burgers, yum. You have to appreciate where we choose to play our train games – we all have 5th wheels, ours and John & Di’s are pretty spacious, Jack & Barb’s is a customized bunk house type 5er and Ray & Donna’s is a comfortable unit for 2 people so hey, let’s jam 8 of us in there to play Mexican Train!

On Wednesday, May 8th Dick & Marcia – they are crazy for punishment – came back over to join us for coffee before we headed into downtown Holland to enjoy more of the festival. Of course, coffee with this gang means fortifying it with Baily’s or Kahlua to clear out any lingering cobwebs from the night before. After we start to feel normal, we climb into the vehicles and try to find a parking spot that is somewhat convenient to the excitement. The flowering trees and the tulips in full bloom were magnificent throughout the downtown area.

Our fairly short walk brought us to the civic centre and fast food vendors. In the civic centre, there are several booths set up selling Dutch souvenirs, cheese, baking and various demonstrations. There was a demo showing how they used to carve the wooden shoes so Jack & I asked how they do the inside and the gent says that there will be a demonstration in a few minutes. Jack & I wait patiently. In about 20 minutes, the gent comes back to the booth and starts to set up to demo shoe carving and when we asked about the inside, he gave us a surprised look and said ‘not to day, that’s not his demonstration’. Wow, and we thought we were speaking clearly! So, Jack gets a plate of apple pie and ice cream to drown his disappointment while the rest of us make our way down to the vendor row to find a delectable morsel to tempt our palettes for lunch.

Back at the campground, Barb, Marcia & Barb head back out to visit the quilt show at the festival while the remainder of us not so crafty types set out the lawn chairs and proceed to cure the major woes of the world. When the quilt ladies returned we again climbed into the vehicles and drove into Grand Rapids to meet up with George & Dottie – another couple we know from the Plantation – to enjoy a nice meal at Rush Creek Bistro. Our waitress was quite the social gal and provided lots of fun for us. We were not too quiet either, a lady & gent were trying to have a quiet meal to celebrate her birthday so of course, being friendly RVers, we surrounded their table and serenaded them with our rendition of Happy Birthday. Too much fun to be legal.

Thursday was a quiet hang out day. Dick & Marcia came back again to visit - I can`t believe their fortitude. We also had a visit from friends of Jack & Barb that live nearby in Le Grange. Another evening of Mexican Train, snacks and beverages – I’m sure I put more pounds on with all the eating and drinking we’ve done.

Friday we break camp and head back to Ontario and our summer perch. After dumping our tanks, we take off, all 4 units as a convoy with Barb & I bringing up the caboose but after a wrong turn which I missed, we never did catch up with the front 3. No big deal, we were headed that way anyway and arrived back in Ontario after an easy crossing even importing a case of our favourite wine.

So, we’re set up again, looking forward to getting back to normal, yes, that means Barb sewing/quilt centre back in operation. Come back again to see what we’re doin’. Hope all is good where ever you are…..

Raccoon Running Wild

In our last posting, we were on our way to Raccoon Valley for a stop over to meet up with Dan & Barb and Ann & Bill. It will be like an ole homecoming. As we rolled onto our site, Barb came over to greet us – it’s great to have a warm welcome when you arrive, it’s always nice when you come into an Escapees Park but so much better when friends take time out to also welcome us in.

We’re all set up now at Raccoon Valley and expecting Ann & Bill to arrive soon then we can greet them – see how it works? Anyway, they get in and set up but no one is eager to cook so off we go out for dinner. Too much fun, this can not be legal without paying some sort of tax! Unfortunately for us, Ann & Bill are back on the road the next morning, meandering their way back to NW New York for the summer.

Barb & I have procrastinated long enough, the number of times we have stayed here, we keep ‘talking’ about touring the American Museum of Science & Energy in Oak Ridge or should I say the ‘Secret City’ where they processed weapons-grade uranium-235 for the A Bomb or maybe better known as the Manhattan Project. It was a chilling tour. There were enough ‘toys’ to play with that demonstrates the kind of tools that were used. Also some neat ‘sciencey’ things that awed us. Here is one of the houses that was built for worker accommodations. This house was an original that was used by relatives as a summer home then was donated back to the museum. It’s scary to know what was done and what is still out there, waiting!

We spent some great time with Dan & Barb, had happy hours and meals with them, chit chatted and generally enjoyed our time at Raccoon Valley. Of course, Barb & Barb just had to get some more quilting stuff so off on a Knoxville shop hop! Too much fun.

One of the times here, we found the Sweetwater Valley Cheese Farm and had to make a run for their delicious Corn Cob Jelly. As we pull into the Cheese Farm, we see a Barn Quilt on the end of their event centre. It’s crazy that these little wonders are probably missed by the un-initiated.

After farewells with Barb & Dan, we continue our journey to the Tulip Fest in Holland, Mi., we stayed at Walmart in Wapakoneta, Ohio as overnight in Walmarts are not allowed in Indiana so it made our trip a little longer but hey. As we were clearing Lexington, we came upon a 3 car wreck. It must have just happened so our delay was minimal – I wonder if the cause had anything to do with a phone. Otherwise, our trip both days to Holland was comfortable and relaxed. The big truck volume on I75 continues to amaze me. As we meander over to Holland Michigan, we see this ‘special’ RV heading up I196. It was kinda weird to see on the road.

Our entry into Holland took us right through town with the trees in full bloom and lots of tulips. As we pull into the fair grounds at Holland, we find Dick & Marcia waiting for us to arrive – that is too neat, they came from their home in Grand Rapids to welcome us to Holland. We set up on site and took off for a quick bite before our St Thomas buds arrive to join us at the Tulip Fest.

 

I will stop here and hope you come back for more….

Heading Northward

We have left the fun and frivolity behind as we leave the Plantation for another winter season – Not! On our way north, we decided to stop off at FDR’s Little White House in Warm Springs, GA. It was a little out of our way but isn’t that why we have wheels on our home? Anyway, our GPS took us the shortest route seemed like the long way but it was a pretty drive. The route from exit 2 on I85 took us through winding roads, past lakes and ponds and over the hills of south west Georgia. The ‘park’ was not hard to find and lots of room for RV parking. We got there late in the afternoon and only had an hour to spare before closing but with our roller blades on, we were able to see most of the estate. The cottage was small looking from the outside but seemed larger than expected when we were inside. It was cozy and serene with the back deck overlooking the woods. It certainly would have been a little piece of heaven back in the day – too many people around now!

Now a short drive to the Walmart at Newnan, GA for the night. Again, the GPS took us the scenic route (also the truck route) but the interstate would have been quicker but we got there anyway. We know we could have made it to Jim & Lydia’s campground of course it would have been against one of our little rules about arriving late.

Up and at’em and on our way at the crack of 9ish, we didn’t want to tangle with the rush hour in Atlanta. We arrived at their campground (Atlanta-Marietta RV Resort) before our reserved site was vacant so we had to wait. The entry sign sure covers many languages. As we pulled in we could see Jim & Lydia’s rig and truck parked so we thought since we have to wait a bit, let’s make ourselves known and say hello. We took a few minutes to pull our rig to the side so we wouldn’t block the road and then walked over to their place – knock knock…. no answer and their truck is now gone! Hummm a message being sent? Our site comes available and we get set up and settled. We expected to hear Jim & Lydia knocking on our door when they drove past – they had to to get to their site, but nothing so we keep an eye out for them to pass. Don’t know how they did it but they snuck past us so we hoofed it down to their site with hugs all around. We laughed that they did not notice our little unit parked in the campground, not 150 feet from their site! What’s the saying, you can’t see the forest for the trees….

We had an enjoyable time visiting Jim & Lydia and met Fred & Jo, their friends they made during their volunteer stints with The Cradle of Forestry in N. Carolina. Lydia being the hostess extraordinaire had plans for the week. We had dinner at Fred & Jo`s on our arrival, dinner at Jim & Lydia’s on Thursday. On Friday we toured the Kennesaw Mountain Civil War site. We all managed to squeeze into Jim & Lydia’s Expedition for the short ride to Kennesaw National Park. Next, we toured the museum and then drove near the top but left us a little hike to reach the summit of the mountain. Whew, all the eating and drinking this past week has left it’s mark!

Saturday we all wandered somewhat aimlessly around the farmers market in the square in Marietta. We offered to have dinner at our place on Saturday. Fred & Jo were leaving on Monday so we decided to go to the Longhorn Steakhouse for a celebratory farewell dinner on Sunday. Jim was a little under the weather – completely understandable – so he decided to stay home. We said our farewells with Fred & Jo Monday morning. Sunday was our 46th wedding anniversary and if you recall our experience last year, we did not have a good time celebrating our 45th in Chanute, KS! This year, we were with friends and Jim & Lydia’s anniversary was Apr 25th so we celebrated a few time – the six of us made sure the 2 bottles of champagne were seriously damaged, I’m sure we toasted at each happy hour and Barb & I exchanged our cards in Walmart!

 

We decided that a late lunch at the Red Eyed Mule – one of Marietta’s best burger joints – and a light dinner would work best for us. All this eating – we had a happy hour complete with nibbles and beverages every day then a big meal, wow, just roll me home!

After our warm goodbyes with Jim & Lydia, we were back on the road to Escapees Raccoon Valley campground. We have planned to meet up with Bill & Ann and Barb & Dan there. The drive northward was easy and uneventful. The truck traffic is horrendous but we make it without incident.

Hope all is well where ever you are….

Slowing Down

One of the last crafting events was a beautiful beading item that was well attended by many ladies. The pendant is very attractive and Barb couldn’t resist joining the class. It is also that time of the year to finish up some of her projects that she has been plucking away at throughout the season. Along with these items, Barb has also been coaching another lady with her first time quilt that she sort of started in 1980ish. Marti created some needle point ‘squares’ that they turned into a full size quilt. Busy busy, but you know….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marti’s wonderful quilt.

 

It is hard to believe that this winter season at the Plantation in LA (Lower Alabama) is coming to an end. At each social activity or gathering, that seems to be the most talked about topic – when are you heading north or what are your plans to go north etc. As I write this, the park is very quiet and all activities have come to an end. Oh, there are still some ladies that are in the club house sewing or creating some other form of art work but the organized group things are done. The major items that are still going on are the fair well lunches, dinners and eating extravaganzas!

 

 

 

We joined a bunch for a day at the beach and oh, lunch! Go figure…. The day at the beach was very quiet after the March breakers had gone back to school so we had the beach to ourselves. Watching the waves roll ashore, the shore birds pecking for food and the kite boarders zipping up and down the shore line, it was pretty relaxing after such a busy season. We packed some snacks, beverages and more snacks! Wow, when I climb into the truck to come home, I am sure to push the GVWR over the limit! After our relaxed sit on the beach, watching the pleasure craft float by, we gathered ourselves up and headed for lunch – yes, more to eat.

We ended up at Flounders Chowder House which was surprisingly not busy so we had lots of choices of seating. Large Margaritas for the ladies and some of the guys and of course, a beer for me. The menu had everything for anyone and soon the over loaded plates were set in front of us and we chowed down once more. Whew, it was a good thing that there was a wheel barrow handy to get me back to the car!

After Barb & I got back to the rig, we put our chairs in the shade of our Magnolia tree and sat and pondered how lucky we are to be in this lifestyle, the friend’s we’ve made and the site we have here at The Plantation . Life is good for us.

We had an impromptu fabric shop to one of the ladies favourite fabric shop in Gautier Mississippi – a drive well worth it for both the ladies and Bill & I – we went to The Shed for lunch and dollar draft after Barb & Ann shopped for what they ‘needed’. We had a happy hour with our neighbours, took in the Loxley strawberry festival with Bill & Ann.

Bill & Ann found The Compleat Angler, it had a big deck that looks west over Mobile Bay so we just had to go there before we left for the season. The sunset provided us with a nice view almost on queue and the food was delicious – another great find.

There are some activities that we just had to attend in the final days at the Plantation. There is a diner in Elberta – The Road Kill Cafe – that normally opens at 11AM and closes by 1PM because they are out of food to serve. So, our park manager arranges for a special evening meal and the Cafe opens only for us. It was a little later than usual this year and about 70 attended but the fried chicken and ham were delicious. Last year we followed the instructions and the doors opened at 5PM AND we had to wait for a table, so this year we were there by 4:30! Oh, did I mention it is all you can eat for $8.50?

 

Another ‘out of the park’ event is the annual Baldwin Pops outdoor concert at the Bayside Park in Daphne. It is a ‘take your lawn chair’ type of event and many people attend. We had a sizable walk from our parking spot to the concert but it was well worth the inconvenience. The concert finished just at sunset and the view was spectacular. We sat beside a sign but did not pay attention to it until a lady came up to it to take a picture. Curiosity got the better of us and we had to look to see what was worth the picture – you be the judge.

 

 

 

 

 

It would not be complete without one last lunch at Big Daddy’s. There is something to be said for sitting on the deck beside the Fish River with good friends having lunch and sipping a cool one!

Well, our days here at the Plantation are drawing to a close and as usual, we are of conflicting feelings – happy to be getting back on the road but sad because we are leaving this wonderful piece of paradise. We are happy to be on the road because after all, our home has wheels and that is why we started this in the first place. We also have some exciting plans for the trip home.

We hope you come back to read more of our adventures and we would like to see more comments (besides John’s). We hope all is good out there for you….