Montgomery, Alabama

Had a great stop in Montgomery where we visited the Alabama State Capital, Rosa Parks Library and Museum, Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church and Civil Rights Memorial and Center. For $1 each per day we rode the narrated trolley around the city then got off at the historical landmarks. What an emotional education for us as the museums were very well done. We met Tony and Barb from California and hooked up for more touring of museums and memorials in Selma plus a couple of short visits to the casinos. Tony and Barb are standing at the start of the Edmund Pettus Bridge where 'Bloody Sunday' happened March 7, 1965 and where Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. and hundreds of courageous men, women and children crossed to march the 54 miles from Selma to the State Capital in Montgomery 3 wks later. April 23rd, John and I are on the road again moving to Decatur to soak up more of Alabama's rich history.

The Travelling Aussies

A few days before leaving Mobile, we met Glenn and Bobby from Australia. They sold everything, came to the US, bought a truck and fifth wheel and are 'on the road' for a year. We hung out with them for a day and enjoyed their company as well as enjoyed learning about Australia. We didn't realize that country was as large as the US. Gas is already $5 gal. Cost of 'toys' is 3 or 4 times higher. Naturally we exchanged email addresses, will keep in touch and look forward to our paths crossing again in the future.

2008 Saturn Outlook getting ready for towing

Well we didn't find a deal in Pensacola so moved on to Mobile, Alabama April 7th. The Saturn dealer here had the car we were looking for so we had a look at it. Well, there it sits in our driveway at Chickasabroque Park. Is an 8 passenger so will hold all our grandchildren. Even has a dvd player for them to watch. And it matches the rv. Went to Pensacola to get the title changed and that was sweet. They were fast, very friendly and, when they recognized by our address that we were full time rv'rs, they offered to print up the new title and registration for $7 rather than mail it. Today we are getting a film put on the front (like Diamond Shield which Tiffin puts on their motorhomes) and then tomorrow the towing plate etc is being put on by the dealer. While we are here, we took the doors off the china cabinets in the rv and had the glass replaced with mirror. Looks great for all of $17. Makes that cupboard much more useful. This has been a pretty good stop. Went to Biloxi and only lost $12 after 4 hours on the penny 'Mr Cashman'. Luv this life!

Wicked weather here in Gulf Shores Alabama

We had planned on leaving Gulf State Park on Monday and going over to a state park in Mobile, AL. However they are getting severe weather with flooding and tornados. Our weather radio went crazy all night. When the alarm went off each time, we were in a deep sleep and woke up shaking. Didn't want to shut it off but..........
We are only getting a bit of rain so it sounds like just north of us is getting the worst.
Went looking at new cars yesterday. John wants to update our 2002 Envoy. It runs fine but, if we get a new car, I want the Saturn Outlook with the bench seats that will hold all 6 grandchildren. It will tow easily. This photo was taken at Lulu's. Fun roadhouse owned by Jimmy Buffet's sister, Lucy. Food was good, prices good and service excellent. Live band started at 5 pm and place was packed by 6. Behind us is a barge pushing coal up the intercoastal waterway toward Pensacola FL.

Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores Alabama

Watch out boys! Uncle John is practicing playing Bongo Ball and is getting good at it. Don't tell Jamie. He wants to be the 'king' in July when we get together at Harrison Park, Owen Sound.

I finally found a palm tree. John was not happy to pay for but ..... it was for his better half. It's so pretty lit up at nite. I might want another one a little taller.

Camped at Miami Everglades near Homestead FL and drove car to Key West for the day. Nice CG and would def go back.

Sunset on the beach in Naples for Valentine Day. See John's new pelican friend behind him. Wanted to share our wine.

Always lots to see and do in Florida

Bob and Cindy came to visit us at Fort Wilderness, Disneyworld. John's first time horseback riding. Went to the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue, Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Circque de Soliel. Fort Wilderness CG was great and will def go back next year.

Can't believe a year has gone by !

Here we are, a year later, and we haven't stopped long enough to update our blog. So much has happened. We had spent most the 2007 winter in Zephyrhills, FL. In April 07 we headed north, taking our time, going along the east coast and stopping at lots of rv parks along the way. We had finally sold the house and were feeling very free and easy. We spent the summer with the kids, waited for Sarah Hildenbrand to be born on August 31, then headed southwest. In Dec 07, we travelled east to trade our HR Endeavor in on a 08 42' Tiffin Phaeton. We wandered around Florida from Key West to Disney's Fort Wilderness then on the Tennessee to the Nascar race in Bristol. Now we have landed in Gulf Shores Alabama and think we'll stay put for a few weeks. Weather is warm and state park is rather nice.

Dione and Sarah come to Texas

In December, Dione and Sarah flew to Houston TX and spent a week with us in the rv. We were parked in Kenah just south of Houston. Nice rv park in a really nice area. Spent an evening at a Texas ranch, lunch in Galveston and an afternoon at Moody Gardens. It was great to enjoy their company and it motivated us to see more of the area.

On Galveston Island, Dione made sure she put her hand in the water. We would not have even stopped in this area if Dione hadn't wanted to meet us and spend some time. This airport was convenient in our travels.

We are so glad we spent a week there and got to know Kenah and Galveston better.

Yuma, Arizona

Bill and Doris invited us to dinner.

Felicity, California - The Center of the World. Arm and Finger pointing is a sundial. We were amazed at people just pulling their rv's into the desert and parking.

New friends, Steve, Rene and Bear.

We enjoyed the experience of living in Yuma for a month.

Zion National Monument and Bryce Canyon, Utah

Don's new car.

Being watched by mountain goats.
Bryce Canyon





The scenery we saw in Utah was breathtaking!

Arches National Park, Utah

Shafer Trail in Canyonlands, Utah

We white knucked it down the switchbacks hold our breath and mumbling a few prayers. As scarey as it was, we were pretty pleased with ourselves.

The white on the side of Potach Rd is salt.

It took us almost 4 hours to drive 13 miles.

Dead Horse Pass and Shafer Trail Debate

Standing up on Dead Horse Pass, we studied the Shafer Canyon Trail and debated as to whether we could make it in the Envoy. 1000 feet almost straight down. You can see the trail with no guardrails and barely wide enough for one vehicle. Rock make driving down very difficult but, once we decided to go, we were committed. Nowhere to turn arund. And once we got to the bottom, we were def. not going back up. Dead Horse Pass is in Canyonlands in Southern Utah. We were camping near Moab, Utah and believe it is the most beautiful area we have ever seen.

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Frijoles Canyon, New Mexico

Frijoles Canyon near Santa Fe, New Mexico. For years this site was called Ceremonial Cave which suggested it was primarily for religious purposes. The alcove acually sheltered the homes of several ancestral Pueblo families. At the front of the cave is a reconstructed kiva, a room for religious acivity, teaching and meetings.




Kateri Tekakwitha 1656-1680 First Indian of North America to be promoted to Saint.
Statue is outside St Francis Church in Sante Fe, NM

Balloon Festival Albuqueque, NM

Balloon Festival in in Albuqueque New Mexico with Don and Scarlett Whaley in Oct 07

Kasha Katuwe Tent Rocks National Park, NM

We climbed up to the top of escarpment. 650 feet up and over rocks. This was at the Kasha Katuwe Tent Rocks National Park in New Mexico.

Summer in Canada

Ty's new friend likes his shirt - too much!

Pappa and Tate destoying Gramma's Tony Stewart hat ! !

We had an awesome summer with the kids. Camped in Harrison Park, Owen Sound and many of family joined us.

Took Ty, Tate, Abby and Grace to Marineland and camped at King Waldorf CG for 4 days. Everyone had a great time.

Stayed long enough to see Grace go to school for the first time.