March 29 - April 4, 2011 "Louisiana"

Where is the calendar? Without it, I have no idea of where we have been, OR, where we are going, OR what day it is. We left League City, TX, in route to Lake Charles, LA, where we stayed at Sam Houston Jones State Park, just north of Lake Charles. A very nice park, we can highly recommend; the sites are large, and the area is beautiful.  http://www.crt.state.la.us/parks/iShjones.aspx (Click on the images to enlarge)

At the top of the list, on things to do, was finding the best Cajun food in town. We asked around, and hands down, all agreed, Steamboat Bill’s on Lakeshore Drive; it did not disappoint!

We both opted for the gumbo; CC had piquant and I chose chicken and sausage. After 4 months of Mexican food, my taste buds were kicking up their heels with a new culinary sensation. Mmmmm Good. I think CC enjoyed it as well; she might not be so bold as to publicly admit it, being the Hispanic connoisseur that she is.  http://www.steamboatbills.com/

We tried or luck at the local casinos, Isle of Capri and L’Auberge, and had mixed results. Win a little, lose a little; kind of like kissing your sister. Oh well, at least we didn’t break the bank; ours OR theirs. Now it was time for a walk along the lake, as they have a very nice paved walk on the NE side, adjacent to the downtown area. It was an overcast day, in the mid 70’s, as we strolled along watching the ducks swim and children feeding oyster crackers to the hundreds of hungry pigeons.

Travel Day. On to Breaux Bridge, LA, where we wanted to stay at Poche’s, but ended up at Cajun Palms RV Resort, which is actually nearby in Henderson, LA. Cajun Palms is a new park, maybe 2 or 3 years old, and is already expanding to double its size. It’s a little on the pricey side, but so many amenities; we didn’t have time to take advantage of all of them, because we had sightseeing on our agenda. Check out Cajun Palms here: http://www.cajunpalms.com/default.aspx

We have so much to see in so little time, we had better get off our lazy butts and hit the road. We drove the 10 miles or so to Breaux Bridge, parked and walked around the historic district. The adjacent cemetery was CC’s first sight of above ground burial tombs. I must admit, two dimensional pictures are no match for being there in person.

Eastward to Lafayette, to find a place for lunch. Almost miraculously, as we were driving northbound on University Blvd, I noticed a full parking lot at a little out of the way place named Country Cuisine. Over the years we have rarely been disappointed when using this method of choosing a better than average eating establishment. As we entered, it became increasingly apparent to me that we were the only albino-like people there. No problemo. We stumbled around for a few minutes, do we sit down, wait for a table, go to the counter and order; just what is the protocol here?

Finally, the lady behind the counter asked, “Would you like to order?” 

“Yes, I’ll have the crawfish etouffee and she’ll have the catfish.” 

As we sat down, the other diners appeared to be having a party, and sure enough, Country Cuisine was having their twenty-fifth anniversary party with family and close friends. It looks like we crashed their party. Oh well, the food was fantastic, and as we exited spoke with one of the owners, who was very friendly, asking us where we were from, as he could tell we were “not from around here”. Go figure.

OK, now onto some sightseeing, as we maneuver southward to St. Martinville, in search of the Longfellow – Evangeline Plantation. As we drove up, I had a visual image of “Tara” (Gone with the Wind), and this was not what I expected; a true working small plantation of only about 700 acres.

For generations, a blend of history and legend has drawn visitors to this meeting place of incredible natural beauty and unique historical background. In legend--the area was the meeting place of the ill-fated lovers, Evangeline and Gabriel. In history--it was the meeting place of exiled French aristocrats fleeing the French Revolution, and of Acadians of Nova Scotia seeking refuge after the British expulsion. It was also the meeting place of wealthy New Orleanians escaping the oppressive heat and epidemics of the city. In nature--it is the meeting place of the swamp and the prairie.

At Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site, visitors are introduced to the diverse cultural interplay among the French-speaking peoples along the famed Bayou Teche. Many visitors may be familiar with the 1755 expulsion of the Acadians from Nova Scotia, and their arrival in Louisiana, as portrayed in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's 1847 epic poem "Evangeline." In Louisiana, the story is also known through the poem's local counterpart, Acadian Reminiscences: The True Story of Evangeline, written by Judge Felix Voorhies in 1907.

An Acadian Cabin vividly illustrates how different the lives of the Acadians and Creoles were. Prior to the arrival of the Acadians, or Cajuns, in 1764, the Bayou Teche area had already begun to be settled by the French. Many of these settlers were descendants of the first wave of French settlers in Louisiana. They are sometimes called "Creoles," meaning native, since they were born in colonial Louisiana.

Travel day has us moving on to “The Big Easy”, where we stayed at the Bayou Segnette State Park, just south of New Orleans. Usually travel days are uneventful, and that is the way we like them, however this was NOT one of those days. As we later learned, the Huey P. Long Bridge, is the most hated bridge in the area, with 9 foot lanes and NO shoulder on either side of the 2 lanes. Our rig is 8’-4”, so that leaves about 4” on each side for clearance, and traveling 45 mph, doesn’t leave much room for error. Just about the time CC shot out of her seat, I heard “massive scraping” on the passenger side, followed quickly by the tightening of my sphincter. As I looked into the driver’s side mirror, there were 2 cars beside me, and the bridge wall a mere 4 inches from the passenger side. As I slowed, and let the 2 cars beside me escape by getting around, I moved to the center, and continued across the bridge right down the middle of the road, blocking any and all vehicles from getting around me. I was not looking forward to stopping and discovering the damage that in my mind,  just had to be horrific.

We arrived at Bayou Segnette, and the first order of business was to survey the damage; OMG, only a relatively small area on the front quarter panel behind the front wheel. Thank you Guardian Angel! The rest of the check in and set up process went without a hitch, although I was definitely ready for my “customary travel day” martini after we got completely set up. I think CC also enjoyed her “Double Margarita”.

No visit to “Nawlins” would be complete with a visit to the French Quarter and the Café Du Monde for beignets. Since it was early, we started with beignets and café au lait.

The art vendors were just getting set up as we arrived, so we walked around the town square, admiring their artistic wares. Only once did this dreadlock wearing female yell at me, “No pictures!” Like what the hell is her problem?  The only reason I wanted a picture was to show the setting, not her ugly mug or her artwork. (She only painted in one color; black) Now when did that become art? Oh well, on to another part of the French Quarter.

After walking around for almost two hours, both of us had worked up quite a thirst, so it was off to Bourbon Street. CC wanted a hurricane at Pat O’Brien’s, just because that is the “touristy” thing to do. I, however, being the one of us that always acts in a responsible and mature manner, agreed to something a little less “intoxicating”, especially since it wasn’t yet noon, and on a Sunday morning at that!

After re-reading this I’m thinking we need to slow down a bit. After all, we are retired and don’t need to try and cram in everything in only one week. After being at one place all winter, we are still trying to re-adjust to “Travel Mode”. With that said, tomorrow is travel day, on to Gulfport, MS, a distance of 103 miles, where we will be staying at the Southern Oaks RV Park. Until next time, take care and stay well……

March 21 - 28, 2011 "Corpus Christi & Galveston"

CC and I continue to scratch our heads and wonder where the time goes. When we were working, the days just dragged on and on; now they pass with what seems is the speed of light. If it were not for the photo journal of our exploits, I’m sure we could only wonder what we have been doing to “waste” so much time. A good friend, just this week, asked me if we were bored yet with this lifestyle, and all I can say, as we near our 10 month anniversary of “full timing”, is simply and unequivocally, ….NO…..!!! With that diatribe completed, on with our “goings on”.

The drive from SPI to Corpus Christi was uneventful, thank God, as one crazy driver passed me on the right side shoulder, as we headed north on Hwy 77, going at least 70-75 mph; Scared the jeebies out of both of us. No doubt college kids returning to school after spring break; I hope he got to where he, and his passengers, was going, alive and in one piece. We arrived at the Colonia Del Ray RV Park (http://www.ccrvresorts.com/index.htm) around 3 pm and decided to go to the pool; bad idea as it wasn’t heated. So, not to be discouraged, decided on the hot tub; wrong again, as it was about 85 degrees. The park was nice, but thumbs down on the pool and hot tub.

 Corpus Christi is home to the USS Lexington CV-16. (http://www.usslexington.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=38&Itemid=49). Imaginations run wild aboard the USS LEXINGTON. The sights, the sounds, and smells, are so real and so intense you become a part of the story the second you step foot aboard this World War II era aircraft carrier. There's an adventure around every corner as you make your way through the maze of tunnels and ladders. Your seat becomes a cockpit in our Flight Simulator. You get behind the controls at our all-new Virtual Battle Stations. And the three story tall MEGA Theater...well you'll just have to see that for yourself. (Click on any image to enlarge)

We have a personal attachment to the carrier, as CC’s brother, Mike, aka call sign “Mad Dog”, actually made his first night time carrier landing on its deck, way back in the early 80’s, in an A-6 “Intruder”, like the one pictured below.

We decided to take the “scenic” drive around Corpus via Port Aransas, and find a place for a late lunch. After the brief ferry ride…………..

We arrived at what looked like a promising culinary establishment in the Port Aransas Marina, “Fins”.

And, what I can only describe as Waaayyyy overpriced, our combo arrived that we split; shrimp, oysters, fries and coleslaw. The food was good, not great, as the price may have indicated, but we were both famished, so had no problem devouring every morsel.

The following day we decided to explore North Padre Island, thinking it would be comparable to South Padre Island, but we were sorely disappointed. Not exactly a vacation hotspot, as far as we are concerned, the island is mostly residential and not overly populated at all. It just didn’t have the “it” factor we look for, and the beach was, shall we say, less than inviting.

We did however, manage to make a silk purse out of a sows ear, by discovering “Snoopy’s” Seafood Restaurant & Bar, right on the water of Corpus Christi Bay. The food was excellent, and very reasonably priced, we rated it two thumbs up.

OK, on to the Galveston area, with a nice tail wind we finally managed decent fuel economy; almost 8. The “toad” (Jeep) pulls down the MPG by at least 1, possibly 1.5 MPG, so I was pleased with what we averaged. We filled the tank about halfway up the coast for $3.49 per gallon. With prices approaching $4, we will just adjust our travel plans, move a little slower, and stay in one place a little longer. CC the travel planner, found a quiet, reasonably priced Passport America Park in League City, TX, about halfway between Houston and Galveston. http://www.safarirvpark.com/amenities.html

The following day we ventured to PPL RV Sales & Consignments, to look at Diesel Pushers. They were having a huge sale, with about 450 units to choose from. We found one that we liked and went in to “talk turkey” with the sales manager; bottom line, they really did NOT want our trade-in as they were out of space and money for new inventory. The 2007 Itasca Horizon may have been a good deal, but not a great one. We’ll wait until one comes along; they always do.

Now, on to explore Galveston Island. We were impressed with the architecture, beach, and the overall “feel” of the island. We took a stroll on the beach, toured a RV park as a possibly stay next winter for a month or so, had lunch, and then another 4 mile walk on the beach, hand in hand. (All together now……Ain’t that sweet!)

Most of the damage done by Hurricane Ike has been repaired and/or rebuilt. We did notice a few places right on the beach that were damaged, that had yet to be restored. After speaking to some of the locals, we speculate they either had no insurance or are still in a fight with their insurance company over damages.

Our next destination, Lake Charles, LA, a short hop of around 150 miles, where we will be staying at Sam Houston Jones State Park. See ya there. Until then, take care and stay well………



March 8 - 20, 2011 "Spring Break at South Padre"

It’s hard to believe almost 2 weeks has gone by since our last blog entry, but we have been so busy, we just haven’t had the time; or I should say, we haven’t TAKEN the time. Why? Party, party, and more party.

Our last week at Country Sunshine was just a series of going away parties. We made many friends while we were there, and each of them wanted to give us a party. I’d like to think it was because we will be missed, but in retrospect, they were probably just glad to see us leave. Either way, we made some good friends, and will most likely return next winter for at least a month or so. Adios amigos y amigas.

Of course, we made 3 trips to Nuevo Progreso during our last week in Weslaco to stock up on the essentials (Tequila, medications, purses, gifts, etc.) , and to get our SOTB fix ($2 margaritas, Mexican food - lonches, $7 haircuts, $8 manicures and $8 pedicures). As always, click on any photo to enlarge.

We left Weslaco on March 15, en route to South Padre Island (SPI), to re-connect with Carl & Carla, whom we first met at Country Sunshine in December. We ate our fill of shrimp, fish and oysters, and consumed a few(?) adult beverages during our 5 day stay.

South Padre Island – Coca-Cola Beach was the “happening place” daily from 11 am to 5 pm. We attempted a “walk around” and took nearly an hour. Everyone was having a good time, and all the kids we met made us feel as if we were a part of their party; maybe there is hope for our future generations.

The Capt Morgan Crew made an appearance, providing samples, trinkets, t-shirts and temporary tattoos; CC placed hers on her ??? and, I had my picture taken with the Captain and his first mates. Do I look like I'm having fun? This truly is a tough life we now live. Extremely tough.

CC the cougar, was not to be outdone in the picture department, so she rounded up a few young studs for this photo op. She is obviously NOT having fun. HaHa.........Yea right.

Our friend Carl only drinks Miller Lite, especially when the Miller girls are working. Again, all the young ladies were very friendly and very personable to all of us, even Carl.

AND, he can't resist when it comes to getting his picture taken with a pretty girl, even ones wearing Duct Tape!

My beer of choice is Bud Light on Wednesdays, and this day just by chance was a Wednesday, and it just so happened that the Bud Light girls were “sampling” their product, among other things???. They requested a picture, and who am I to say no; it’s just not in my nature.

And finally we caught Carla in the act of rustling up a young stud of her very own. I saw some phone numbers being exchanged, but my lips are sealed. What happens in SPI, stays in SPI.

We parked at the KOA on SPI, directly across the street from Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark, which had nightly concerts from 9 pm - 2 am. So, sleep was hampered by the loud music. On Thrursday night, Snoop Dog was the featured act, and at midnight, they REALLY cranked up the watts, so loud, in fact, it rattled the windows on the rig. So many in attendance they were parking cars EVERYWHERE; including the flats directly north of the campground. We awoke friday morning, and noticed 3 unfortunate ones that didn't make it out before the tide came in.

Eventually one made it out, with the help of a good samaritain unscathed, another twisted off a rear axle but managed to get out, and the third one was stll there when we left on Sunday moring. We speculate he called the finance company to tell them where their truck was located.

Today we moved northward to Corpus Christi, TX, where we will tour the USS Lexington, and visit North Padre Island, before moving on up the Gulf Coast to the Galveston area. We are back on the road and loving every minute. Until next time, take care and stay well………………………

March 1 - 7, 2011 "Vegas Night and Smokin' on the Rio"

Wow, time sure does fly; especially when you’re having fun. One more week here in Weslaco, and we’re on the road again. Hopefully, the weather north of here will be warming by then, as it is always a difficult task predicting when, exactly, Winter is over, and Spring has begun. Coupled with the rising cost of gasoline, has our travel plans in a quandary. It is our hopes that we leave here, head across the Gulf coast to Florida, (eating as much fresh seafood as humanly possible…..”What oil spill?”), and up the East Coast, seeing all there is, and on to Niagara Falls (Canada). CC has never been to New Orleans, Washington DC (Smithsonian), New York City, or Niagara Falls; she has led a very “sheltered life”……poor thing. (OK, now in unison…..aaahhhhh isn’t she mistreated?)

There is ALWAYS something going on here at Country Sunshine, most of which involves food and/or adult beverages. “Vegas Night” was an eclectic mix of Ropa Fashions and craziness. It was the topic of conversation for over a week amongst the pool “bobbers”. CC and I had no idea what to expect, as the majority of the participants were somewhat secretive about their “Jockey Uniforms”. (Click on images to enlarge)

OK, here is how it works. Participants dress up in a wide variety of costumes and ride a wooden horse through a column of taped squares on the floor. Six “Jockeys” per heat, line up at the starting line. The first of two dice are rolled to determine which “Jockey” will advance in lanes 1-6. The second dice is rolled to determine how many spaces the rider will advance, from 1 to 6 spaces. The winners of the heats make it to the semi-finals, and those winners advance to the finals. The mood for this evening could best be described as “Mucho Jocularity”.

For those of you that have not been to the RGV (Rio Grande Valley), upon arrival one of the first things you might notice is the overall majority of “healthy(?)” people, as it appears there is no malnutrition or descendants of “Twiggy” living here; the locals are a very “well rounded” Hispanic culture. Eating is not a necessity here, it is an event as witnessed by “”Smokin’ on the Rio” Texas State Bar-B-Que cook off in nearby Mercedes this past weekend, with 129 entries vying for the $10,000 first place prize money. We sampled far more than our $5 entry fee would buy at any restaurant, as this was easily the best $5 we’ve ever spent for good “Q”. Contestants with big towable rigs or smaller castered ones, everyone had a good time, and we left fully stuffed.

Next stop, we are moving to South Padre Island for Spring Break Week. Since CC and I never took a trip to the beach for Spring Break during our college days, it is on our "Bucket List", and it was a natural choice considering we are so close.

Until next time, take care and stay well..................