Moving on to Mo-zuri

May 31 – It’s been a long day!  We didn’t get up really early but by the time we had breakfast and closed up the RV, emptied the tank and got on the road to Hollister, MO it was approaching 10.  We were in no rush as we only had about 90 miles to go.

Getting ready to leave

The roads were once again, up and down and curvy through the hills of Arkansas.  Traffic came and went but we continued to get a line behind us until the road gave way to a double lane on my side and I made sure everyone got ahead before it ended.  The drive itself is really beautiful with full foliage all around and little hamlets scattered along the way.

We made one stop in Harrison, AK at an Aldi that we had stopped at once before.  I was a little concerned if I could get in and out towing as I really didn’t remember the lot just the location.  Luckily the entrance was plenty wide and we could park along one side of the lot.  Bill waited while I packed a Trader Joe bag as full as possible.  Once things were in their place I reviewed the 2 entrance/exits and decided to use the one we came in on due to turning right and going uphill and the other entrance was much more slanted.  We got back on the road with no issues.

Nice wide open road!

As we left Arkansas and entered Missouri there wasn’t much change until US 65 split into a full 4 lane road and traffic picked up a bit.  We had no problem finding Turkey Creek RV Village and it was easy enough to get in to.  Bill checked us in and Bruce came up to greet us and give pointers on where we were parked.  He carried back the new ladder that had arrived for us.

Parking was quick and simple and we were so happy to be reunited with our friends, Sharon and Bruce for 4 days!  They look great and are really happy with their trip west thus far.  They got here a week before us and have been here several times before so they know the good eating spots and had a lunch location all picked

Two "great white hunters"
ready to stuff themselves

out and ready!  We set up, gave Molly food and water and headed

Bruce and Sharon

to the White River Fish House and had a relaxed lunch overlooking the water. 

Bruce took us on a drive thru part of Branson, pointing out places they’d been to and where we will be going with them to the Dolly Parton Stampede.  We stopped at a privately owned military museum, Veterans Memorial Museum, to get photos of the impressive display in front.  There was a name of a military veteran listed for each state below a

The 50 soldier memorial

soldier ready for battle.  The guys decided they would like to tour the museum and they both could not say enough good things about it.  Sharon and I opted to walk next door to a church thrift store where I got a nice top for $1. 

Once we got back  to the campground we gathered under their awning to relax, chew the fat, drink some wine, eat some brownies and catch up and make our plans for tomorrow.  Once it was getting twilight out we called it a day and both couples headed in for the evening.

We set up the Directv but pretty much just read.  Bill went to bed and I fell asleep with a book in my hands and a crick in my neck.  Not sure what time I moseyed on in!

 

Trip to Moutain Home and Visit the Dam Site

May 30 – At least the rain was over when we woke up.  It was a long windy and wet night!  It was overcast at first but eventually the sun came out and it was a beautiful day here in Bull Shoals, AR.

Without the rain we could see the campground and it’s very nice.  Not all the spaces are the same.  Some have shelters over the tables, some are concrete pads, some are asphalt, some have storage sheds.  There are some full hook ups but most are electric and water.

Bill walked the circle while I showered and then he showered

Delicious lunch!

and we eventually left for Mountain Home.  It’s a lot bigger town/city than we expected.  We stopped at 2 thrift stores and Big Lots before going to lunch at a Cajun fare place called Cooyons.  It was off the main drag but a very good place.  I had my first Crawfish Pies.  They are the size of a Hot Pocket and very tasty and a nice crust.  I had a side of corn fritters that were so light and fluffy.  Bill went with a ham and cheese Po’ Boy and decided the instant he saw it that he should have gone for the smaller version.  At least he has lunch for tomorrow!

I asked a lady if I could take pictures of her Smart car and she was

My next car!

tickled that I asked.  It was an electric one and I didn’t know they made them.  She had a gas one for 2-3 years and decided to go with the electric and loves it.  I know my friend Paul will be jealous that he didn’t get to see it.  Even her license plate was great!

There was a movie theater in the Big Lots plaza and we drove by to check out what was playing.  We decided to make it to the 2pm showing of “Poms” with Dianne Keaton.  Not many patrons at that time of day but we certainly enjoyed the show.  It was a bit emotional but a real tribute to true friends.  It made me think of my peeps and how close we are even though we are not close in distance.  We know we are always only a text or call away!  Shout out to my PEEPS!

Drastic difference in water level!

Time to head back as we wanted to stop at the Visitor Center for the Bull Shoals State Park and the Dam.  It is cool to drive across it and see the different water levels and then to see it from the VC on the hill is super as well.  They have bird feeders out and provide binoculars to watch them feed.  The movie they showed was well done too.  They interviewed people of all ages who have fish in the lake and rivers for years as well as young people who are just starting out with their parents fishing or floating, boating, just enjoying all that the state park here has to provide.  It is a great family spot!

Bill did more vehicle cleaning while I unloaded today’s purchases.  I did a little baking for my buddy Bruce and his lovely wife Sharon, and of course for Bill and I.  Made my usual brownies but also tried out a new bar cookie, dark chocolate with peanut butter chips.  Bill and I tested them and they are keepers!  I made one of Bill’s favorite meals that I view as my quickie go to meal.  I make instant mashed potatoes, instant brown gravy and ½ pound of rare deli sliced roast beef just warmed in the gravy.  Tonight the veggie was zucchini and he was a VERY happy camper!  Takes 5 minutes to make but you need to remember to buy the meat!

Time now to read a spell and we will be at a “regular” campground for the next 4 nights so maybe I can catch up on posting for a few days!

Rough night and rougher day....

May 29 – What a bad night for sleeping!  In the RV every drop of rain on the roof makes the sound of living in a tin can!  Needless to say, I didn’t sleep very well but was glad it rained at night as it was supposed to be raining when we were packing up to leave.  We were not leaving early as Bill wanted to go to one of our favorite used book stores and it was closed yesterday and didn’t open today until 10.

Once he left I put everything away inside and closed up the RV, retracted the levelers and put everything away except I didn’t get to the electric but had removed the water hoses and was working on them when Bill got back.  He was pleased that I didn’t wait for him so he only had a couple of things to do before we stopped to dump and hook up.

We drove in the Ozarks and for the most part the roads were all good.  There were stretches when there were passing lanes so I didn’t feel so bad to slow people down behind me.  At lunch time we pulled into a huge lot that was next to a Mexican restaurant so I told Bill if he wanted he could see if they do take out.  He came back with a lot of food.  We had one entire container we didn’t open and lots of chips and some salsa left.

After lunch the weather went down hill!  Ugh!  I hate driving in the rain, on hilly curvy roads with people lined up behind me.  Talk about tight muscles!  Then when we finally reached our destination in Bull Shoals, AR at a Corp of Engineers campground, it was really raining and the office was not open.  A lady came out from her RV with her umbrella and we told her we had a reservation and she gave us directions to our site and said to come back after 10 tomorrow.  So we donned our rain jackets and went to unhook the truck.  The emergency brake didn’t hold on the truck and we were on an incline so once we got one hitch arm loose the truck started rolling then the other one locked up.  It’s a pain in good weather and worse in bad.  Bill got out the hammer and we wiggled and jiggled the truck and finally got the other one off.  I guess we need to get the brake checked!

Then we went the wrong way around the loop so I wiggled and jiggled the RV into and out of the space across from us and into ours.  Bill couldn’t find where the water was and I thought I had messed up and he was heading to the office and I found a dual pole way behind us, between us and the next site.  He had just enough hose to reach it but at least we have water!

I had TWO Gentleman Jack and gingers!  Didn’t do a thing for my tense shoulders but worked wonders on my mental state!

 
It continued to rain and we had no plans to go out anyway as we had a meal left from lunch and I made salads and heated up a leftover Italian sausage for dinner.  Tomorrow we might visit the local caverns and check out the dam we drove over. 

Toodling around and Date Night!

May 28 – We get a lazy day today!  After breakfast Bill washed the front of the RV while I made several phone calls that I’ve been putting off.  Didn’t really get anything accomplished, waiting for several call backs!  Oh well…

After lunch we loaded up the computers and headed in to Heber Springs.  First stop was

Island off the shore in Greer's Ferry Lake

Ace Hardware.  That is one of my favorite hardware stores.  My favorite is in Pagosa Springs, CO.  I love to browse the aisles.  They have a “home section” with furniture, clothing, kitchenware.  I went for an indoor and outdoor thermometer as ours only the indoor part works.  We checked out RV items but didn’t leave with any, just my new lime dual thermometer.

Marina at Greer's Ferry Lake

We dropped some mail at the post office and went to Dollar Tree, Hibbett Sports and 2 clothing stores that we don’t have in Florida.  Only picked up a couple of things at Dollar Tree.  Then we parked ourselves in McDonalds and got our laptops going.  Of course we needed a snack so we each had a frappe.

Wal-mart was across the street so we did a quick stop there then home to drop things off and check on Molly.  We went to dinner at Mack’s Seafood.  I know better but could not resist fresh fried catfish and all the fried stuff that came with it.  I did get a salad from the salad bar and cole slaw but it was the hush puppies and half a plate of French fries that were not what I needed!  Bill had grilled shrimp over rice and baked potato and cole slaw.  We were stuffed!  From there we headed to downtown Heber Springs to the movie theatre.  They were showing “Aladdin” in 3-D and on Tuesdays you get a free small soda and a box of popcorn.  We waited until late in the movie to get ours as we were full.  The movie was good but the singing was not distinct enough to know what they were saying.  Will Smith was awesome as the Genie!  The worse part of the evening was the seats there are very laid back and that is not how I like to sit.

Molly was happy to see us and we both read for a while before bed.

Slow day

May 27 – Hope everyone enjoyed their Memorial Day and weekend!

As we were packing up to leave today, a new person was moving in beside us.  Bill chatted him up and he was a volunteer at Maumelle where we visited close by and he was moved here as there’s going to be 6 foot flooding there.  On our drive to Heber Springs we saw an area where there were people filling sand bags.  We are not expecting any high waters in Heber Springs.

Once we arrived and checked in, we discovered someone was in our spot.  We didn’t know the check out time was 4pm.  Geez!  So Bill drove around and found a couple of vacant spots with electric and water and they switched us to one.  It is a pull through and bigger so that was fine.  The process took an hour!  The couple “working” didn’t have a clue and called for a ranger and we’re not sure she knew any better.  Later in checking emails I received confirmation of the new reservation for ONE not 2 nights!  Bill went back up and they told him to come back tomorrow.  We also saw that they have way less volunteers/employees than when we volunteered here.  Half of the spots in the volunteer village were empty.

It was fast and easy to settle in!  Then it was just relax.  We put the awning out and our chairs and sat out and read.  The weather is very nice here.  The park has calmed down as most left in the afternoon so there’s not a lot of hustle and bustle.  The entire parking area was packed when we arrived and boats, pontoons, jet skis everywhere.

I didn’t make Bill get the grill out for just one meal so I used George to grill hot links and Italian sausage.  I made kale salad and 2 ears of corn and we were good to go!  For dessert we had mug brownies.  Then we settled in to read as nothing was coming in on the antenna or Directv.

Toodling around Little Rock and N. Little Rock

May 26 -  Not a very exciting day and no real sight seeing.  We took our time getting around this morning and I did some laundry while Bill took the trash over, cleaned the front of the motorhome and later cleaned and rearranged the stuff in the back of his truck.  I did my floors and vacuumed.  After showers we headed into Little Rock.

First stop was the mall so I could use my Bath and Body Works coupons before they expired.  For $20.01 I got 2 jars of body butter, 1 bottle of hand soap and 2 mini lotions.  And then she gave me a new coupon so maybe I’ll see if there’s a store in Branson.

Bill's chicken souvaki

Bill patiently waited in the car and then we went to lunch at Little Greek.  We like the one in Winter Garden and he found one here.  It was just as good except we like the rice pudding better in Florida!  We were stuffed!  He had Chicken souvaki, a salad and side of domades and I had the domades platter that came with a salad also.  Then they served pita with tzatziki and of course our pudding!  Yum, I love Greek!

Not too far is the campground that our friends stayed

Kelly's dolmades

in when they were here last week and we heard it was now flooded so we drove over to see and yes, they had the entrance blocked off with a closed sign.  Then we heard on the news that in the next 2 weeks they expect worse flooding in the area.  Good thing we’re heading further north but when we go west after that we might run into some problems. 

Bill decided he wanted a 2 step folding ladder so we found our way to Home Depot and they had a nice one for $20.  It found a home in the back of his truck!  By then our meals had settled a bit as there was a Freddy’s next door.  Freddy’s is similar to Culvers.  We each got a one dip cup and as Bill’s step-mother always said, “There’s always room for soft serve as it runs down and fills in the cracks around what you ate!”  I would never contradict Lou!  It’s not as good as Culver’s but it’s what we can “go to” when we have no other choice!

Once we got home I started on the computer and Bill watched TV and read.  The campground is very quiet and not many kids around.  There’s no pool here so the kids have to entertain themselves at their sites.  We agreed we were still full so I got out of making dinner!  I had a container of yogurt, so think I’m good for the time being.  Bill had some cheese and is thinking about a yogurt. 

I think once we get settled in tomorrow at the campground we will take our computers to town and use the free wifi so I can post.

The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

May 25 – It’s been quite a day! We left about 9:30 and had a full day planned. Our attempt

Stranded

to fuel up in Vicksburg failed as the station we could easily get in and out of was out of diesel. So we jumped on Hwy, 61 and headed north. When we drove through the Florida panhandle we saw the destruction of high winds. On our 88 mile drive to Leland, MS we saw the destruction of high water. The Mississippi Delta flooded in the last 2 weeks and we saw field after field flooded with lost crops and home after home surrounded by water. The road is built up higher and we just drove through and witnessed homes and businesses stranded in 4-5 feet or more of water. At one place we saw a pickup truck backed

down the driveway as far as he could go with a boat trailer and the boat was stopped at the house where he was trying to salvage what he could. It’s very sad to see.

 

Our first stop turned out to be great timing as there was the first “truck stop” we’d seen, so we filled up there in Leland and Bill talked with a guy who is a Caravan leader for Adventure Caravans. He told him about how they run the Alaska trips.

 

The reason we got off the road here is it the home of Jim Henson, therefore home of Kermit

I was wearing my frog shirt

and they have a nice little building along the creek filled with

Little video of Kermit

Kermit, Jim Henson and Muppet things and information. They have a DVD of Kermit singing his theme song, “Rainbow Connection” and it really brought back memories of my children, especially Kam, enjoying Kermit, the movies and The Muppets. They have so many toys, clothes, slippers, so much memorabilia, even light switch plates of the characters. Jim Henson went to school there until he was 12 I think, then his family moved. Along that creek was where he played and attributes his inspiration to create Kermit. It is a great story and Bill and I both thoroughly enjoyed it.

 

Bill and the largest mound

While we were stopped we decided we may as well have our lunch there and then we pulled out and headed further north to Winterville Mounds in Greenville, MS. Bill had called for directions and to make sure there was a place to park with the RV towing. The guy told us parking should be no problem but his instructions were confusing and when we got there we pulled into the gated lot, oops! When we went in he knew we were the ones that called and said he’d deal with it when we were ready to leave. These are just one of thousands of mound groups in the US. The state

Some of the artifacts

maintains the site as an Archeological Park. There have been digs by major universities. American Indians constructed the mounds by carrying baskets of dirt to the site. Some of the mounds on this site were destroyed by local farmers who owned the land. The site has 11 mounds and 2 plazas. In the museum were displays of artifacts found during the various digs and they showed a short video. Mounds are traditionally found near waterways as a means for the people to travel. Some mound groups are believed to be ceremonial and others are dwellings. It was a very interesting site. The manager opened the gate for us so we didn’t have to unhook the truck and hook it back up. Phew!!

 

We got to see a crop dusting plane do his thing over fields on both sides of us. His plane was a bright yellow, you couldn’t miss it!

 

Yellow crop dusting plane

It was getting to be mid-afternoon and I like a little snack about this time, like an ice coffee or frappuccino. We passed a couple of McDonald’s but they weren’t advisable locations to park. Finally I spotted one on our side of the road next door to a shopping center that had a huge lot. BINGO! Bill went in and got him an iced coffee and a mocha frappuccino for the driver! Yum! It tided us over til we arrived at our site for the night. Actually, we had booked a spot at an Army Corps of Engineers location just east of Little Rock and received notice a few days ago that due to flooding they were cancelling our reservation. We took what we could get!

 

We arrived about 5 and once Bill waited his turn to check in he was told we didn’t have a

Crossing the Arkansas River

reservation. Bill insisted he spoke to a girl and she told him the site number. He said she didn’t write it down and that site had someone on it and all he had was pads with no hook ups. Then he said he could put us on one and provide a 50 amp cord and a hose and with ours added he could get us power and water. Thank goodness! The campground is part of a large city park and lots of trees and every other site is paved. It’s perfect for what we need!

 

Once set up, we took a break and I had a jack and ginger with a twist of lime and just relaxed a bit. I had taken chicken out for dinner and hadn’t really decided what to do with it. I ended up sautéing it with some sweet and sour sauce served it over mixed rice and steamed some zucchini and sprinkled it with some parmesan popcorn seasoning and Voila!

 

We were pleasantly surprised at how many TV stations we get on antenna since we can’t use our satellite under the trees. After TV time, Bill started reading and I started typing. Time to close up and read a few chapters myself. (no WIFI for sure here)

Bustling around Vicksburg, MS

Reminder to my readers, I post a lot of photos in albums.  You should be able to  link to them from the blogs.  Let me know if you can't and I'll get Kam to fix it for me!!

 

May 24 – By the time we got up there were a lot of empty spaces in the park!  We thought that all the folks from Florida that we saw here were part of a caravan but turns out they were just stopping for the night heading out of the Florida heat!



Flowerree

Annabelle

I put a load of laundry in and while Bill went to check on a place to drill new holes in our mud flap and got my shower out of the way.  After he showered we went to take the mud flap and got the holes drilled and we drove a scenic road and saw several historic mansions.  Several are  bed and breakfast places.  We saw Cedar Grove (1840), Flowerree (1860) and Annabelle (1868).  Flowerree overlooks the Mississippi River but between the house and the river is industrial down below.

Barge pushing cargo UP the river

We stopped at a hardware store for parts and found a 6 foot hose that Bill wanted to use between the water and our water filter.  He’d seen one on an RV and took a picture and this was not nearly as pricy so we we’ll see how it does.

After having lunch at home we drove to

Illinois

Vicksburg National Military Park.  They have an excellent movie on the Civil War battles that took place here, which in the end had a big affect on the overall war.  Vicksburg’s loss opened the river for supplies to the Yankees!  We drove the entire park and stopped numerous times to read plaques and take photos.  We saw where the surrender took place

Missouri

and the route is dotted with memorials to the various states’ regiments.  The Yankees had the more elaborate and huge ones, while the demure Confederate states were smaller and more tasteful!  There were a couple of more elaborate monuments but nothing like the Yankees.

There is also a National Cemetery on the grounds.  Next to

USS Cairo

it is the USS Cairo.  It was one of 7 Ironclads commissioned to patrol the Mississippi.  It sunk in 12 minutes with no loss of life but all personal effects went down with it.  It was raised in 1964 and was reconstructed in a matter of speaking and is on display.  There is a nice museum about it next door where hundreds of the items in the boat were also brought up and put on display.

Yummy dinner!!

We made a quick stop at Wal-mart and then home.  Molly is always happy to see us, especially if her food or water is getting low!  We just chilled for a while and had planned to have dinner at the Ameristar Casino as Bill was under the impression that with our member card the buffet was $9.95.  We called for the shuttle and went over but the Friday night buffet is $24.95 so we opted out.  We took the shuttle back and Bill looked up some recommended places and we had dinner at  Gumbo Pot.  The place was crowded and the food was excellent and the prices were reasonable.  The wait staff was a bit disorganized but that’s their problem.  I thoroughly enjoyed my shrimp and grits.  It had a different spin on it than some I’ve had.  I thought of Jean and Melissa who both love it like I do!  Sorry ladies!!!!

When we got back to the RV it was still light out so Bill shortened the flap and put it back on!  Maybe being a little shorter will make it last longer, ya think?

Another one bites the dust....

May 23 – With only a 60 mile drive ahead of us we were in no rush this morning.  I made a nice omelet with fruit for breakfast and we dumped our gray water and were on the road about 10:15.  It’s a nice road to Vicksburg, mostly 4 lanes except one short section through a small town.  We ended up not towing the truck so I followed Bill in. 

Poor little mud flap

He had called the campground to verify what the GPS told him and she said not to pay attention to it have gave him directions.  We’re at a campground owned by the Ameristar Casino in Vicksburg.  I had made the reservation and knew it was across from the casino and was following Bill when he passed by it at a light.  I should have gone ahead and turned and then called him but I didn’t.  I thought maybe there was another casino campground.  I followed down into the casino which is literally on the Mississippi River.  He stopped at the entrance and spoke with someone who directed us back up to the main road and Bill knew where it was.  Well, it was fine until I was making my left turn on the road and heard the mud flap tear off and I could see it in my side mirror on the road.  I turned into the outer lane and put on my flashers and Bill was on down the street.  I went to retrieve the mud flap and it was gone!  Then 2 guys in a truck waved and said they would follow me as I gathered they knew where I was going.  Bill was pulling out to come back after me since he saw I had stopped in the road and had my flashers on.  So the guys waited for him to u-turn back and put the flap in his truck and we both thanked them for they help.  No another flap bites the dust!

What's wrong with this picture?

The campground is pretty nice, has a pool and nice green grass between sites.  Luckily for us, our site was level as some in front are not even close!  The lady told Bill when he checked in that we could not extend as she was booked full for the weekend.  We had no plans to extend so that was fine.  Once we set up we had lunch and I put a load of laundry in.  While it was washing I called the shuttle to come take up to the casino.

We got gaming cards with $5 credit on them and Bill gave me his and took his book and found a spot to relax and read in while I gambled a bit.  There were so many penny machines and dollar machines and I found a nickel machine and played Bill’s card for it’s $5.  Actually I left with a nickel!  Then I hunted quarter machines and they were upstairs.  Now to find one I knew how to play!  No more pulling the handle, that’s a lot of the fun!  I finally found a bank of Double Diamond and Triple Diamond machines and I put in $20 in addition to the $5 on my card.  I played for almost an hour on it and spent my $20, but I enjoyed every minute of it!  I got pretty well ahead and should have quit, but naw, I planned to spend the $20 so I did!

The shuttle was waiting and ready to go.  She said she’d made several trips after us.  She does 8 hour shifts, 5 days a week and quit gambling in 1998. 

I got the TV up and running while Bill washed more bugs off the front of the RV.  I put a white potato and a sweet potato in to bake for dinner after taking a reading break.  Bill had some calls from his coach buddies and his brother and I set up my computer in case I can get enough WIFI signal to post tonight.

I heated leftover cube steaks, steamed some asparagus and gave Bill is white potato while I had my sweet one.  Yum!  We enjoyed our dinner and watching the campground continue to fill up.  Bill has planned out our day tomorrow so my job is to show up, camera in hand!

Great day in Natchez!

May 22 – Other than no or limited phone service, this is a very nice park!  Quiet and no children during the week until school gets out.  We are only about 15 minutes in to Natchez so we weren’t in a rush this morning as we had a good breakfast and eventually left about 10. 



Natchez Down Under



We covered all of the sites we had planned to see.  We went to Natchez Down Under and perused the one shop there and met a solid black cat that reminded us of Bob, our house cat, at my family’s business.  He just showed up one day and now is the official store cat!  The Mississippi River was not too muddy considering the water making its way south from Oklahoma.

 

 

Rosalie

Melrose

Stanton

Elliott

After a stop at the visitor center where they showed an excellent movie, (and we jumped a couple’s car who he didn’t even know what was his battery), we checked out the Rosalie home, Elliott Hill home, Stanton House, and the last was the Melrose Mansion. All were quite beautiful and the Melrose Mansion still maintains all of the out buildings as well.  It is part of the National Park Service.  Our last and longest stop was the William Johnson House that is also part of the National Park Service.  That was more of a history lesson!  He was ¾ white and ¼ black and his wife was 50/50.  He was freed by his father/owner and became a successful businessman.  He was murdered at the age of 42 leaving his wife and 11 children.  He was killed by a neighbor but the witnesses were not allowed to testify since they were black.  It’s a very interesting life story and his wife looked Caucasian and not much is known of his children.  He wrote a daily journal for years and that is how the story of his life is known.

Bill asked around about lunch spots and most close at 2.  We ended up on Main St. at the Biscuit and Blues.  I had the muffaletta appetizer and Bill had a po’ boy.   Yum!  Perfect meal! 

On the way out of town we stopped at a local store, Wal-Mart!  Time to restock the fruits and veggies and a few other items.  Can’t believe it’s been a week already! 

On the way back we took a different road and found a much better way to get back on Rt. 61 for our trip to Vicksburg tomorrow.  The campground appears to have a few more sites filled tonight than last night.  There are 2 nice motorhomes across from us, a Newmar and a Monoco.  $$$$

I took a pill and made Italian sausage meatballs with red sauce and served it over spaghetti squash.  That was AFTER 2 Radlers!  I was so thirsty from the olive salad on the muffaletta!  Anyway, it was all very tasty!

We're not in Alabama anymore....

May 21 – We were on the road by 9 as we didn’t have to dump so packing up and getting on the road was easy.  We drove US 84 which was mostly 2 lane back road with little to no traffic.  The bulk of the traffic was logging trucks.  Everything is so green and the up and down slope of the road made for a rather enjoyable ride.

We crossed the Tombigbee River in Alabama down the road after we crossed the Alabama.  Both were muddy looking so I guess lots of rain waters are flowing in.  Speaking of rain, we heard from our friends currently in Oklahoma that they have 3 leaks in their RV and hope to get what they need to fix it tomorrow. We’re already discussing dinner plans for the first night we meet them in Arkansas.

The negative of not driving the interstate is there are no formal rest areas and it’s difficult to navigate the motorhome towing into a gas station or fast food place.  On the highway there are Pilot and Flying J truck stops where we can stop for a fast food lunch.  Since we didn’t have any lunchmeat I was hoping for a Wendy’s but that didn’t happen!  We stopped at a Shell station and I was excited that they had chicken livers and gizzards (deep fat fried) and chicken tenders.  I have always loved livers and gizzards and it’s been years since Bill stopped at the Ready Market in Ocoee and got them for me.  Not that I need them, but they are a comfort food for me.  I had no idea how many a small or large order was and for $3.99 I figured I’d get large.  Well, I have enough for 3 meals at least!  They are so delicious and I thoroughly enjoyed them with some pole beans for my side.  Bill is more of a chicken tender and fries kind of guy!

As we approached Natchez, MS where we had reservations at the Natchez State Park, the GPS said to turn right on Tate Rd.  Well it was a small road and we didn’t realize we were at it until I saw the road sign as I passed, so I U-turned and came back to it and made my left turn and STOPPED!  It immediately became a dirt lane!  I told Bill there was no way I was driving down that lane and he agreed.  I could not U-turn so we unhooked the truck and I wiggled and jiggled the RV around and we drove further up the road to State Park Rd.  Well, it was no where near the best road and there were so many low trees I was back and forth from my lane to the other lane.  Apparently we were on the other end of State Park Rd.  Bill tried to call the park several times as he drove to see where we check in and there was no answer.  He figured out which campground we were in with our reservation and we found our pull thru spot and it’s perfect.  Totally level and neighbors spotted around. 

We’re about 10 miles from the town so that’s on the agenda for tomorrow.  We have 1 bar on our phones as long as we are in the front of the RV.  No posting tonight!

Bill had to wash lovebugs off again!  He didn’t expect them once we got this far from Florida!

I relaxed with a glass of wine and closed my eyes for a bit with my baby beside me.  Molly is the best traveler, and so good for the whole ride.

Bill had his leftover tenders while I had my livers and gizzards and I made a waldorf salad and we had some leftover salad from last night.  We’ve already decided to have dinner in town tomorrow night.

The satellite won’t work since we’ve got trees around us and antenna is only picking up 4 channels so I don’t think there will be much TV viewing from here!

Ahhh relaxation!!

Dam and locks from upstream

May 20 – What a great day!  No rush to get up and get moving, relaxing breakfast as themist lifted off the Alabama River.  Once breakfast was behind us, well inside us, we walked up to the entrance gate so see if we could walk to the dam but there is no path so we came back and took the truck.  There were quite a lot of fishermen on both banks of the river attempting to secure a day’s catch of catfish.  There are 2 locks on our side of the river but we didn’t get to see any boats enter or leave them.  Doesn’t appear to be a very busy waterway. 

There was a museum building along the shore but we found out that it is no longer open and the exhibits were moved to Monroeville.  We checked out the other boat launch and headed home.  There was an Alabama alligator cruising up the river not too far from shore right at our site.  Later we spotted others on the other side.  Glad there’s a lot of big rock up

Alabama Al

the bank to dissuade them from paying us a visit.  We only saw one boat that went and came from a little further up from us.  The squirrels were having a great time of chase and breaking on occasion to grab a bite to eat.

Dam and locks from down stream

We talked with our friends who are currently in Oklahoma where some of the bad weather has been going on.  They experienced hail so far and rain and we are praying for them to be safe out there!

After lunch I put a fresh blueberry cobbler in to bake and then we spent most of the afternoon sitting out along the river, watching gators move, birds swoop and not a squirrel in site.  I guess it was nap time.

I kinda cooked dinner, just some cube steaks and a big salad as the dessert was covering our carb intake for the day.  We are kinda readied up to head on west tomorrow.  No plans to leave too early since we have about 270 miles to go.  I emptied the last Trader Joe bag and found spots for everything.  I did clean out 2 cabinets and pitched some stale date items as well.  I can’t EXACTLY totally relax.  A near impossibility!