Squatted vehicle

 Back in Mississippi we mentioned modified trucks. Have only seen them there and attributed them to car show. Seems my first thought was correct (a local fad). Also seems law makers are not fans.

things you see on the road

2024 Epilogue

 71 days on the road.

7204 miles traveled.

With the exception of one stop, a successful memorable trip in our opinion. There were some deviations from the original plan. The stop not deemed successful was Salt Fork in Ohio. A beautiful park, the trouble was with the weather. It seemed the weather system followed us for some time. In Ohio the weather was quite ugly in the direction we needed to go. (north by northwest). We don't mind drizzle or even rain that is green on the radar. Our designated day for sight seeing would have meant driving 50 miles into a solid storm, more dark red than orange or green. We opted to be safe. After the storm had passed and skies cleared we drove to nearest town for groceries. When we came out it was raining and looked ominous to the east. When we got back to campground we found limbs down, hail/sleet piled up against the wall of check in gate. Rather nervous at this point, we were relieved to find Veronica had survived a glancing blow from the storm.

 In West Virginia I made a last minute change in our place to stay. My gut was correct in the place we stayed at was fine, where we were supposed to be not so much. In Georgia I changed campgrounds having decided the plan one would have meant too long of day trip. Good decision. The COE contacted me and cancelled our stay at Stillhouse hollow campground. So I found a spot at Bastrop. At the same time I changed a planned stop on Lake Sam Rayburn to one at Lake Livingston.

 We spent more time running a heater than we did the a/c. The last two weeks were quickly changing the balance toward ac. Because of heat advisories we decided last night to forego camping at Bastrop. A place we have been to many, many times. Instead we made the long drive from Livingston to home. Home sweet home. Will take some time to empty and clean out Veronica. She is a good traveling companion and we got many compliments on her. She gathered a nice selection of refrigerator magnets to remember her adventure.

time to rest from gathering rosebuds.

Lake Livingston SP

 On Wednesday, June 26 we left Natchitoches behind and drove about 160 miles. We are now situated at the state park. Nothing on the agenda, just not killing ourselves trying to get home. Probably will antagonize fish some, just for fun.

Been fun but happy to be back in the lone star state 

Gathering roasted rosebuds. A tad warm...

Back to Cane River

  On Sunday, June 23rd we made the long drive to Natchitoches. We were here a few years ago and enjoyed our visit. Beautiful area along the river in the historic downtown section. Also Grand Ecor RV park is one of the nicest we are ever visited. In case you are wondering how to pronounce the name it is Nat-cha-tis.

 Temps are a little toasty so not much on the agenda other than some creole food.

carpe diem

Gulfport/Biloxi

  When we last past thru here, 15 or so years ago, it seemed a lot of high rise condos were being built. Happy to say that is not the case. While there are still many abandoned driveways, and steps to no where, single family home building has flourished. Most of them have a antebellum look to them, which helps promote the pre Katrina look. A good thing, a very good thing. We drove up and down scenic 90 enjoying the view. Stopped and walked thru some casinos we have spent many hours in. Not so much this trip.

 On our way in yesterday we saw some strangely modified trucks. Rear bumper nearly dragging the ground with front end sticking way up high. Over sized rims, (think 26 or 28 inch). Really took a new useful pickup and ruined it. Have never seen any like these before. Must be a southern Mississippi thing. Well on our way down 90 we see more and more of them. Also some Tahoe's and Suburban's modified the same way. What the hell is going on? Then saw street information sign warning of delays due to citywide event. Not knowing, because have never heard of it, we were in town for a big show. More information HERE . No, we did not go to the event. But people were lined up along 90 to watch them go by. We just wanted to escape the traffic and noise (ie stereo competition). The bass would rattle you teeth from blocks away.

 You just never know what you will see along the road...

gathering rosebuds in a pretty area of the country.

Three state day

 Ok, not as impressive as the earlier 4 state day, and to be honest another 15 miles would make it a 4 state day. That being said we are in Waveland Mississippi for the next 3 nights. No set agenda other than visiting old haunts and seeing the changes. This area took a serious whooping from Katrina. While it has rebuilt, it is not the area of charm it once was. We will see what develops.

Seize the day...

Paved paradise and put up a parking lot

 Well not actually, but figuratively yes. I will explain by describing the past two days.

 Pensacola Naval Air station is home to a museum about, wait for it, Naval aviation. Our kind of place. But also Pensacola is home to the Blue Angels. And they have scheduled practice days. Tuesday the 18th was one the scheduled days. Match made in heaven right? Well we got up and out early as it is a good distance to the only gate you can enter. We had our passport for identification ready. The road leading to gate, Blue Angel parkway, is 4 lane road. Two lanes in, two lanes for exit. Gates open at 9am, practice starts at 10am. What could be simpler. Well buckaroo they only let in what museum parking will hold. You are blocked from rest of the facility. Obvious safety concerns. When we neared the gate, still 2 miles ahead all traffic came to a stop. Checking identification I am sure, takes a little time...Ha! 45 minutes later we still are not within eyesight of the gate. My measurements on Google earth indicated we were now 1.19 miles from gate. Time to face reality, we ain't getting on the base anytime soon. Health break would soon be a concern, concrete barriers would eventually eliminate any change of plans...You guessed it, we did a big u turn thru the median and headed back home. We tried, but so did 50 million other people. 

A for effort.

Nine years ago we stayed at Grayton Beach state park. Fond memories and funny stories. Love the beautiful white, sugar sand beaches. Let's head south to the coast, find a beach and dip our toes in the sand. Excellent idea! Off we went towards Fort Walton beach. Things are going great till we come to 98, the coast road. The beltway in DC has nothing on 98. Bumper to bumper for mile after mile. We ain't having fun. If someone offers you use of condo anywhere near Fort Walton Beach to Destin, don't say no. Say HELL NO! Hours later we craw into Destin and pull into parking lot in front of Margaritaville. A place we visited 9 years ago. We were greeted with barricades and signs saying $30 to park your car. Uh, no. So we did another u turn and they let us out, no charge. Good man.

Past Destin we came to Henderson state park, Beach access. Six bucks later we were in, due to rough conditions could not get in Gulf. No problem,  we just want to dip our toes in the sand we told the guard. So today was a success, albeit stressful. Destin beaches are beautiful, just stay home and admire from afar.

Tomorrow we move on to Mississippi. Only 11 days left to our vacation. 

Sandy rosebuds we be gathering...