Geocaching 101

WHEN? Tuesday · January 29

WHERE? South Baldwin County, Alabama · find us on the map

Motorhome parked at: Rainbow Plantation in Summerdale

• A new toy: We're the proud new owners of a handheld GPS unit
• A new hobby: Ever been geocaching? It's all the rage, and an excellent way to explore as we travel.
• Wendell even purchased a how-to book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Geocaching – and might eventually read it.

But for now ...
The full-time RVing community's premiere geocaching experts have moved next door! Barb and Dave O'Keeffe have shown us the ropes with excellent hands-on training, so we've decided to not bother sticking our heads in a book for the time being. They operate as a team (Barb's the Navigator / Recorder, Dave's the Looker / Finder) and have been downright fun to learn from.

Dave helps Wendell celebrate his first geocaching find

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Barb recorded three successful cache finds today:

• We began along the Fish River, where Dave found the day's first cache attached to the underside of a Mobile Bay Civil War Trail marker.
• Wendell's first ever Mardi-Gras-licious geocaching find was located in a local Baldwin County park
• A cleverly-concealed cache at Foley's L&N Depot Museum was inside a tiny Altoids box that had been painted black to match the locomotive

After abandoning our final search at a Foley Park gazebo, the four of us luppered in Gulf Shores at Original Oyster House.

We couldn't have asked for better geocaching mentors than Dave and Barb and expect to brave it on our own one day soon.

See more on flickr:
Geocaching photo collection

Flora-Bama

WHEN? Monday · January 28

WHERE? Perdido Key · find us on the map

The Flora-Bama Lounge is as much a part of Redneck Riviera culture as white sand and sunburns. Frequented by both locals and tourists, it attracts patrons of all types.

Last week we joined area Snowbirds for an afternoon potluck:

By the following weekend, the dance floor was packed:

Warmer temps two weeks later encouraged the girls to swing around the dancer-pole in their swimwear:

Although Jimmy Buffet's Bama Breeze doesn't mention it by name, it's rumored to be about the Flora-Bama. Like the song, the music video is kinda cheesy, but here's your chance to decide for yourself:

Home of the Blue Angels

WHEN? Monday · January 21

WHERE? South Baldwin County, Alabama · find us on the map

Motorhome parked at: Rainbow Plantation in Summerdale

Known as The Cradle of Naval Aviation, Pensacola is home to the National Naval Aviation Museum, and its Naval Air Station is home to the Blue Angels demonstration flight team. As we took a drive to re-familiarize ourselves with the area, we were certainly reminded of this: Blue Angels-this, Blue Angels-that — at one point we were even traveling along Blue Angels Parkway. And they deserve every bit of the hype: We had the opportunity to watch the Blue Angels during a photo shoot over Devils Tower last July, and they're downright impressive.

Since we expect our stay in LA to be busy, chances are we won't catch one of the weekly Blue Angels practice shows that are popular with area visitors. But I won't soon forget last summer's combination of their remarkable show over such a grand monument:

The Perpetual Vacationers 7/26/2007
Angels above

Redneck skyscrapers

WHEN? Thursday · January 17

WHERE? Orange Beach, Alabama · find us on the map

Motorhome parked at: Rainbow Plantation in Summerdale

During our visits to Alabama's Gulf Coast over the last decade, we've typically stayed in one of the area's beach condos. Although well over a hundred of these high-rise buildings dot the Redneck Riviera coastline, area developers continue to construct new ones. We discovered several more during today's visit to Orange Beach's newest luxury resort.

For tourists who enjoy coastal destinations but want to avoid crowds, a beach resort during the off-season might be a lifesaver! Learn more about our three-hour tour of: The Wharf LIVING... MAEDEANS STYLE

We see seafood

WHEN? Thursday · January 10

WHERE? Gulf Shores, Alabama · find us on the map

Dining on Alabama's Gulf Coast is one of the reasons we've been itchin' to get down here. Over a decade of beach vacations, we've picked some favorite spots, but tonight wanted to do something different. We were so delighted to discover Original Oyster House that we're certain to return at least once before our stay here is finished.

Inside-looking-out over the beautiful Gulf Shores bayou

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This place was fun even before we went inside

January 29 update
Shared our new discovery:

Geocaching 101 with the O'Keeffes turned out to be the perfect opportunity to visit Original Oyster House a third time and introduce our new local favorite to others.

Since the four of us were having so much fun that we didn't stop for lunch, we ended up at Original Oyster House in time for a mid-afternoon lupper.

Investing in a good night's sleep

WHEN? Wednesday · January 9

WHERE? Robertsdale, Alabama · find us on the map

Motorhome parked at: Escapees Rainbow Plantation in Summerdale, Alabama

Full-time RVing comes with a price tag, but not necessarily a pricey one. After realizing that the Airstream's parking spot was un-comfortably un-level, we promptly drove to Camping World in search of a solution. (We'd been trying to dream up a reason to go anyway.)

After comparing the various RV leveling options available, we splurged for a 10-piece Leveler Block set. Ten bucks was a small price to pay for a creature comfort that stay-at-homers and hotel guests take for granted.

Home on the Leveler Blocks

South Alabama's RVer toy store

I Love LA (Lower Alabama)

WHEN? Tuesday · January 8

WHERE? South Baldwin County, Alabama · find us on the map

One of the first things we noticed when we stopped at the Alabama Welcome Center was the Mardi Gras tree – the first one either of us had ever seen. As we neared the Mobile area, we noticed even more preparation for this upcoming holiday. Mardi Gras is evidently a big celebration on Alabama's gulf coast – and folks begin decorating for it shortly after Christmas.

See more Mardi Gras in Alabama photos on flickr

Having lived in Jackson, Mississippi for 25+ years, we have vacationed in the Redneck Riviera a number of times. This is our first January visit though, and it's so nice to be here for an extended period. Since we intend to remain in LA for over a month, I expect this photo album to grow and encourage you to check back for photo-album updates between now and March.

Christmas should definitely be over and a new year begun, don’t you think? After all, the 12 Days of Christmas are definitely over – been over for 10 days now. Right?

Not necessarily ...
The official Christmas season is only half over for those who follow the liturgical Christian calendar. They celebrate Christmas on January 7th and observe Epiphany or Theophany on January 19th:

The Eastern Orthodox Twelve Days of Christmas

Which in some cultures includes a Mardi Gras King's Cake

So maybe we aren’t as far behind as I thought. Maybe I’m just operating on a different calendar.☺

Tinseltown

WHEN? Christmas morning

WHERE? Arlington, Texas · find us on the map

Christmasing with family in Arlington:

Hoppy Halidays from Mae Dean

More Christmasing in Texas:

LIVING... MAEDEANS STYLE A Texas Christmas Christmas in Texas on flickr

Toast your toes

WHEN? Sunday · December 23

WHERE? Pantego, Texas · find us on the map

During the Christmas season we spent a good bit of time at The Waterford where Mother lives. The multiple Christmas trees and other decorations just begged to be photographed. For a look at some of them check out:

Christmastime at The Waterford on flickr

And in case you're wondering about the two fireplace photos ...

I'm considering having one of these enlarged to put in our Airstream for a pretend fireplace. Don't you feel warmer just looking at it?

A year older and wiser

WHEN? Thursday · December 20

WHERE? Arlington, Texas · find us on the map

Has it really been only a year?
In spite of hitting the road as full-time RVers only last Spring, this lifestyle's busy-ness encourages quick "veteran-ship". Like last December, we met with several full-time RVers at Treetops RV Village in Arlington, where we swapped the past year's road-trip stories and shared upcoming travel plans. Before going separate ways, we made arrangements to get together again. When another Full-Timer tells us, "I know just what you mean" ... they really do!

Today's visit allowed us to catch up with several of our fellow 2006 Escapees graduates:

• Jeff and Suzanne · AKA The Canned Hams
• Dave and Barb · AKA Geocachers Extraordinaire
• Jim and Sherri · AKA The Datastormers
• And attending for his first year, Steve · AKA the guy whose website address I need to get

To view our party photos on flickr, visit
Escapees in the Treetops

Remember whens

WHEN? Wednesday · December 19

WHERE? Cleburne, Texas · find us on the map

Having fun along the way is one of our favorite perks of full-time RVing. Although Christmasing with family is our eventual destination, we're sure having a good time getting there.

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We're the class of '55
We're the class with hep-kat jive

An evening reminiscing with several Cleburne High School classmates left me feeling like a kid.

L to R: Mae Dean, Freda, Charlie Dell, Mary*

*This order was how a group photo was taken of the "girls" that evening. We do not want to overlook three hubbies were there as well, and we all enjoyed those pizzas so much. Can you believe they came from Joshua? Or am I wrong? We would have never "thunk it" in 1955.

M-m-m good!

WHEN? Tuesday · December 18 · (today's second post)

WHERE? Kilgore, Texas · find us on the map

We worked up a Texas appetite while touring Kilgore's oil museum and knew exactly what we were hungry for:

The best ribs in Texas!

We made the short drive just west of Kilgore to Country Tavern Bar-B-Que (State Highway 31 & FM 2767), known in East Texas since 1930 for its famous pork ribs and beef brisket. After several years of good intentions (including one late-Sunday attempt after closing), we finally got in the door! Its large lunchtime crowd was a good sign.

Once our eyes adjusted from the noonday sunlight to the tavern's all-day darkness, we realized that there were no menus to bother with. When we told our waitress that we were undecided between ribs and brisket, she promptly told us, “You want the ribs!” We each settled on a half ribs / half brisket order. This place has earned its good reviews over the years.

M-m-m good!

Wendell left with a full belly
and a rib-eatin' grin on his face

See more Country Tavern Bar-B-Que photos on flickr

Honorable mentions:

• Mae Dean's Country Tavern photos have been included with online reviews from Georgia, Maryland, and Arizona.
• A DFW food enthusiast also visited Country Tavern Bar-B-Que recently. See what she had to say on her food blog: Donna Cooks

Boomtown

WHEN? Tuesday · December 18 · (today's first post)

WHERE? Kilgore, Texas · find us on the map

Motorhome parked at: S&S Apache Camping Center in Jackson, Mississippi for routine service

The story of Kilgore's oil-rich history is a Texas legend: Discovery of the world's largest pool of black gold, derrick-lined streets, and one plot of ground known as the world's richest acre. We lived and learned the legacy of those boom years in the East Texas Oil Museum at Kilgore College.

As one of six cities in the Holiday Trail of Lights, over eighty steel replicas of Kilgore's 1930's wooden oil derricks are topped with a fantastic display of lights, maintaining its title as the state's official City of Stars.

See more East Texas Oil Museum photos on flickr

Pa Rum Pum Pum Pum

To set the mood: The Little Drummer Boy Words and Music

This beautiful counted crosstitch was created and given to us by Wendell's sister Patsy many years ago. We had a tradition of sending Drummer Boy Christmas cards every year, but it seems The Drummer Boy has fallen out of fashion in recent years, and finding one to send out has become quite a challenge.

Since this may be the closest thing to a Christmas card you receive from me, let us Wish You A Merry Christmas and A Happy 2008.

Historic Candlelight Tour

WHEN? Saturday morning · December 8

WHERE? Downtown Jackson, Mississippi · find us on the map

Wendell and I are continuing to enjoy our "vacation" in our old stomping grounds.

Years ago as I was waiting for a ride home from work at a downtown Jackson bus stop, I noticed people coming and going at the Governor's Mansion. I envied those people who were taking that tour and wished I could have been doing the same thing. When I recently saw a notice about the upcoming 12th Annual Old Jackson Christmas by Candlelight Tour on a website, I vowed I'd not miss it again. The weather was unusually warm for the evening, and it was just so pleasant to take in all three historic sights:

• Manship House
• Mississippi's State Capitol
• Mississippi Governor's Mansion

Thank you, Greater Jackson Arts Council, for providing the free transportation by Cline Tours. It was such a good way to enjoy Jackson at night.

To find out what the image on the right is, view Mae Dean's Christmas by Candlelight Tour photos on flickr.

Only the Capitol allowed indoor snapshots, but photos were taken at every opportunity — even the lights of the cars streaming into Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium from I-55 to go to the Class 5A state football championship between South Panola and George County high schools. We arrived home in time to see the game on TV. An extra treat: Instead of intrusive game discussions during halftime, we got to see both high school bands perform!

An article on the game was on the front page of today’s Clarion-Ledger:

Tigers grab 5th straight crown

Not only did the South Panola Tigers win 28-21 over the Rebels of George County, but they also increased the nation’s longest active winning streak to 75 games.

City With Soul

WHEN? Thursday · December 6

WHERE? Jackson, Mississippi · find us on the map

Jackson: City With Soul

While on an afternoon trip downtown for a haircut, I discovered a collection of civic murals. Since they were displayed on a fence in front of the Pinnacle Building's construction site at One Jackson Place, they served to make an otherwise-unattractive area appealing.

The one pictured above is my favorite because of its simplicity and pretty colors. To see all 15 murals, visit:

City With Soul murals on flickr

On-the-go Internetting

WHEN? Thursday · November 29

WHERE? Jackson, Mississippi · find us on the map

Airstream parked at: Timberlake Campground

After several months of frustration, we hope we've found the Internet connection that will best serve our needs as fulltime RVers. We are getting wonderful connectivity in the Jackson area now with the Verizon Wireless PC5750 PC Card. We look forward to seeing how it works for us as we travel.

The addition to our PC Card line–up operates on our Rev. A broadband network with typical download speeds of 600–1400 kbps and uploads speeds of 500–800 kbps*. With the Verizon Wireless PC5750 PC Card and VZAccess Manager you can connect to corporate applications, email, instant messaging and the Internet. This PC Card also comes with a high performance hinged antenna and an external antenna connector to boost signal strength and improve network connectivity in fringe areas.

* Speed claim based on our network tests with 5 MB FTP data files without compression. Actual speeds and coverage may vary. If usage exceeds 5 GB/line/month, we reserve the right to reduce throughput speeds to a maximum of approximately 200 Kbps.

We're calling this purchase our HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY & HAPPY NEW YEAR gift to ourselves.

TCOB

WHEN? Tuesday · November 27

WHERE? Ross Barnett Reservoir just outside of Jackson, Mississippi · find us on the map

After spending 10 days with family at Thanksgiving in Olive Branch, Mississippi, we are now here TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS.

Jackson is the closest thing to home for us since we lived here last before going into fulltime RVing, and we lived here over 25+ years, which is longer than we have lived anywhere else.

This is our third day at Timberlake Campground. We're not sure how long we’ll be here, but the good news is they have full hookups and WiFi.

Is that what I think it is?

WHEN? Monday · November 26

WHERE? Olive Branch, Mississippi · find us on the map

Happy birthday ... and dig in !

click on the image to learn all the yummy details

And the pilgrims give thanks

WHEN? Thursday · November 22

WHERE? Olive Branch, Mississippi · find us on the map

Good food:

Great fellowship:

A perfect start to the holidays!

Wendell and I weren't the only pilgrims at Carla's for Thanksgiving this year, but I'm certain we were the only family members who also enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal last August.

See more Thanksgiving photos on flickr