Tuesday, October 23, 2012

OCTOBER 19 - 22 ARRIVED SAFELY in FLORIDA

FRIDAY
OCTOBER 19, 2012
 
We started our travel day by 7:17 AM, from Dfuniak, Florida,
and by the time we had traveled one hundred twenty one  miles,
my cell phone was reading 10:36 AM.
NOT FAIR.
We had lost an hour by crossing into the Eastern Daylight Time Zone.  
Even with that time loss, we arrived at Southern Oaks,
in Summerfield, Florida,
by 3 :10 PM.
 
We were greeted by friends who
arrived a few minutes before us.
They had traveled South from Delaware,
and stopped for an overnight,
so we all could have dinner together.
 
It felt like a home coming party.
We have now completed Leg Four
of our 30th Anniversary Tour.
 
We have
driven 13,048 miles,
since leaving home on June 18th.
 
 
SATURDAY
OCTOBER 20, 2012
 
During the day we continued to sort
and weed out the travel literature
we have been accumulating these
four months.  We also sat still
long enough to prepare a slide
show of the first month of our travels.
 
We  have already forgotten some of
places and things we saw,
so it was fun to refresh our memories
and enjoy the sights all over again.
 
 
SUNDAY
OCTOBER 21, 2012
 
When Russ read on the internet that
the Indian Maiden
KATERI TEKAWITHA has been
declared a Saint,
I immeditely thought of the
three different statues
I had taken photos of this Summer.
 
Here they are again,
in her honor.
 
 
Shelton, Washington
St. Edward's Church

 
Page, Arizona
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish

 
Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assissi
 
Which one is your favorite?
Tell me why at:

grandmarita15@gmail.com  

Thursday, October 18, 2012

OCTOBER 18 - TRAVELING IN 4 STATES - LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, ALABAMA, INTO FLORIDA

THURSDAY
OCTOBER 18, 2012
 
We were ON THE ROAD AGAIN today.
My first order of the day was to take a picture
of the Spanish Moss I had seen as we
arrived at Hidden Oak RV Resort, yesterday. 
 
 
Spanish Moss
looks like someone is trying to dry some laundry,
high up in the trees.
 
 
 
 Louisiana license plate was at our
 overnight camp ground.

 
  
 


 
 


 
 


 
 


 
 


 
 


Mississippi had one of the most
inviting and hospitable
Welcoming Centers
of all the State we have visited.
The first thing they asked was,
"Would you like some Coffee?"
                            That is Southern Hospitality for you!!!
 



 
The Oak Eagle
was carved from one of the Oaks
destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, by Marlin Miller.
 
 
Story of the Oak Eagle



 
 
 
 
 
 

One of the fascinating displays at
the Mississippi Welcome Center
was a Quilt by Children.

 
 
 

 
 BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI had two beautiful
buildings in its skyline.  The tops were
like an open cutwork steel steeple.


Fourteen miles further East of Biloxi, we
crossed into ALABAMA.
 
We stopped for gas which was $3.39 a gallon,
and I met the owner of this car with
a very special license plate.
 
 
Vietnam Veteran
Plate.
 

 
 
 
 

I saw a sign directing folks to
the USS ALABAMA,
and can only assume that
is the name of this ship in
the Mobile Bay harbor.
It seemed fitting to have the
American Flag
in the picture too.
 
We arrived in DeFuniak, Florida
 at the King Lake Resort at 2:54 PM.
 
By that time the steady rain let up,
and we have settled in for the night.
 
Tomorrow will be a long day,
333 miles to get to Southern Oaks RV Resort,
 Summerfield, Florida.
 
Today's trip was 282 miles and took
us six hours, including
our lunch which we prepared
and had with us.
 
Please pray for our safe travels tomorrow.
.
 
 
 


Wednesday, October 17, 2012

OCTOBER 17 - TRAVEL TO HAMMOND, LOUISIANA

WEDNESDAY
OCTOBER 17, 2012
 
We departed from Hidden Lake RV Resort
in Beaumont, Texas at 8:10 AM.
Our total travel distance was 259 miles.
We arrived at Hidden Oak RV Park at 5:09 PM,
in Hammond, Louisiana.
Their Southern Oaks were draped with Spanish Moss.
 
You might wonder why it took so long for
us to get here, especially when we were
traveling Interstate 10 EAST,
where the speed limits were often 70 or 75 MPH.
 
Well, at exactly 10:57 AM, Russ got a glimpse
out his side view mirror of something black flapping
in the wind near our RV wheels.
We stopped and this is what he found.
 
 
 
 
 The rear tire on the driver's side
 of our RV was in shreds.
 

 



We called GOOD SAM, a membership organization for
RVers, at 11:01AM, and by 11:38 AM they had Calais Wrecking
come to our rescue.  Within minutes our wheel was off, and
the spare was installed.  At exactly 11:57AM, we were back on
the road.  Praise the Lord for such quick assistance.
 
Calais recommended a nearby RV Repair Service,
so we drove 3 miles to see what they could do to
help us get two new tires.
 

 
I knew the Lord was watching over us,
and it was confirmed when I saw the
name of the repair service.
 
Good Sheperd folks did not do Tire replacements,
so they sent us 3 more miles to
L & L Tire Service.
Fortunately, they sold Firestone Tires,
and began replacing the dead flat tire,
as well as the one opposite, so we have a matched pair on the forward
RV tire locations.  By 3:14 PM, they had us on our way again.



Before we left L & L,
they mentioned that there would be
a long bridge and it was at least ten
miles long with no emergency lanes.
 
 
 
How fortunate for us, that
we discovered our flat
at mile marker 112,
in Louisiana,
rather than marker 124
where we would have been
 on the long dangerously narrow bridge.

 
 
We did cross the Mississippi River,
and this was one vessel we saw.
 
 
 
This is a view of Baton Rouge, Louisiana
 
We were overjoyed when we saw
this truck ahead of us today.
 
 
 
When we stopped for gas, Russ spotted
that same truck getting gas.
I walked over and took these pictures
of the sides, and the driver, Robert.
 
Robert is so proud to work for the Christian owner,
Sam Kholi Transport, Inc. of Fontana, CA,
who has 200 such trucks on the roads
between California and Kentucky.
I told Robert our sighting of his
truck today, was the highlight of our day.
 
 

 
 
We thank each and every one of you
 for your prayers for our Safe Travels.
Please keep praying for us,
til we see you again.
 
Love, Russ and Rita
 
 

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

OCTOBER 15 and 16 - ON INTERSTATE 10 EAST thru Houston to BEAUMONT, TX

MONDAY
OCTOBER 15, 2012
 
As most RVers know,
the time comes when you
have to do some housekeeping.
We spent Monday doing three loads of laundry.
I also began defrosting our freezer,
and prepared dinner for two nights on the road.
 
So, no pictures today.
 
 
TUESDAY
OCTOBER 16, 2012
 
We are doing "one nighters" this week.
Today was a 273 mile trip from
San Antonio to Beaumont, Texas.
We started out at 8:10 AM,
and arrived at 2 PM.
 
We were glad we had purchased a salad
at Wal-Mart, yesterday, to have
along the way.
Once again, the fast food establishments
were scarce along Interstate 10 East.
 
We passed through HOUSTON
around 11:30 AM,
where there were as many as seven lanes
of traffic one way.
Thank God the replacement Magellan
behaved and we moved safely through the
traffic.   It was a relief to arrive
safely at our destination
by 2 PM. 
We have enjoyed cooling our heels this afternoon.
 
 
 
 
Houston Skyline
 



Houston Shoreline
 
 
 
TEXAS license plate.
Taken to use when I organize my
photos to show on a Video.
 
 
 

OCTOBER 14 - SAN ANTONIO River Walk and the Alamo

SUNDAY
OCTOBER 14, 2012
 
The first order of our day was to attend
11:15 Mass at Saints Peter and Paul Parish
in New Braunfels, TX.
It was a joyful celebration with the
Young People serving the Parish
as Lectors, Ushers, and as Musicians.
The group was at least 25 strong and
included a very accomplished Violinist,
Flute and Guitar, and Keyboard.
 


 
 
The stained glass windows were magnificent.
 
 
We went to Camping World to Swap Out the Magellan,
and then had lunch at a nearby Burger King.
 
We stopped back to our RV for our Camcorder
 and then drove into town to see the Alamo,
 and take a ride on the River Boat,
along the River Walk. 
The ride only cost $6, and
was narrated for the 30 minutes it took.
 
 
 
THE ALAMO




RIVER BOATS




The River Walk is lined with outdoor eateries.
Many had music during the afternoon.
 
 





 
SAINT ANTHONY
the Patron Saint
of San Antonio.
 
We completed our adventures in San Antonio
by having dinner at Maria Mia
Mexican Bistro,
almost at the foot of
the escalators from the Marriott Hotel,
along the River Walk.
 
We tried and loved two recipes
we had never had before:
 
CARNITAS and CARNE GUISADA.
 
Both were so good, that I am hoping
I have the recipe in a Mexican Cookbook,
I received as a birthday gift,
from Rog and Carol.

OCTOBER 12 and 13 - TEXAS via US 285 South and Interstate 10 East

FRIDAY
OCTOBER 12, 2012
 
We left Carlsbad RV Park at 10:56 AM,
and headed to US 285 South, toward Texas.
We crossed the border into TEXAS at 11:36 AM MT,
but when I checked my cellphone for the correct time,
 it had advanced to 12:36 PM CT.
 
 
No sooner were we in Texas than we began
to see Oil rigs.

 
We stopped in Pecos,
so I could put my feet on Texas soil for the first time.
We also took time for the lunch we had prepared
in advance.  We had not seen any of the chain type
eating places for the entire morning.
The towns are far apart, and very small.
Many look almost abandoned.
The one Wal-Mart we did see was about a third of the
Super Center size, with no grocery department.
 
After we had traveled 136 miles on US 285 South, we
took Interstate 10 East to Fort Stockton.  It was just
a short distance to the St. Stockton RV Park.
Total miles today - 144 miles. 
 
 
SATURDAY
OCTOBER 13, 2012 
 
We knew today would be a 318 mile day, 
to get to San Antonio, Texas via I 10 East.
So, I we were up early and ready to leave the
campground when I turned around and saw this Sunrise.
 

8:01AM CT
 


8:02AM CT
 
 
About 10 AM, we stopped for gas.
When Russ got back into the truck,
we had a hitchhiker that made
itself visible after we were underway.
So, this beautiful RED ADMIRAL butterfly
rode with us for the next 29 miles,
until we found a rest area where
we could let it go free to a nearby tree.
 

 
 
We arrived in SAN ANTONIO by 2:15 PM,
and began negotiating the 5 to 6 lanes of traffic.
In the midst of the heavy Saturday afternoon
traffic, our new Magellan GPS died.
We began praying, for sure, and I had
the presence of mind to ask Russ if he had printed out the directions,
as he often does.  Fortunately, he had.
 
The RED Notebook was within reach,
so I ruffled through the pages and
found the proper exit just two before it was
time to take Exit 153 to Exit 574 toward
Corpus Christi to TX 13 loop/Military Drive Exit 135.
We were so thankful to be off the road that
we stayed in the RV for the balance of the day.
I was so glad we had provisions to make
dinner and just relax that evening.
 
In the meantime, we called Camping World
in Albuquerque where we had purchased
the Magellan, on October 2nd, and they gave us the
number of the nearest Camping World.
We talked with the Texas store, and
made arrangements to SWAP OUT the
unit on Sunday.
 
LESSON for other RVers.
 
CAMPING WORLD will Swap Out electronics
during the first 90 days.  You do not have to
send it back to the manufacturer yourself.
We were so grateful they had a duplicate
we could take with us.  The
replacement is doing its job, and the
screen seems brighter than on the first unit.
 
 
 

Friday, October 12, 2012

OCTOBER 11 - CARLSBAD CAVERNS, NEW MEXICO

THURSDAY
OCTOBER 11, 2012
 
It was so good to wake to a morning above 50 degrees
and have it up to 71 degrees by 11 AM,
 when we drove 25 miles to Carlsbad Caverns.
  We stopped and bought a lunch to-go.
 
We arrived at the Visitor's Center, 12:20 pm,
and took time to watch their video (15minutes after the hour),
eat our lunch while waiting,
listen to a Ranger presentation (at 45 minutes before the hour),
about the variety of BATS
in the Cavern, and
then took the elevator
down 750 feet into the Cave
BIG ROOM at 2 PM,
which is a self guided area
 
Our Golden Parks pass saved us $6 each Park entrance fee.
There is no charge to view the BIG ROOM.
We paid $5.00 for the use of an Audio Stick
which gives fascinating information
about the 50 sites that are
disbursed throughout the 1.3 miles walk.
 
The walk generally takes 1 1/2 hours to
complete, and because of my stopping
to take pictures, took us two and twenty minutes.
I took 169 photos that I downloaded.
Of course, many were duplicates,
and some just did not "take"
because of the dim lighting conditions.
However, I have some that I am
absolutely thrilled with,
and will share a few with you.
 
 
 
I call this one a FRINGE formation.
 
 
 
 
This one was named DOLLS THEATER.
 
 
 
 
I've decided to call this one
FROSTED FINGER
 
 
 
 
ILLUMINATED BIG ROOM
 
Our experience of seeing the Caverns,
up close and personal was far
more powerful than even
the Grand Canyon.
 
In fact, it was a very holy experience,
like being in a BIG CATHEDRAL.
The various lighted chambers being side altars.
The size of the space was beyond my wildest dreams.
For a person who has problems with enclosed spaces,
where there are no windows or outside light,
I was amazed how open and spacious the Big Room is.
 
The space of the Big Room is as large as 14 football fields.
 
 






 
 
The loop we walked was 1.3 miles around the outside edge.
 
 


ROCK OF AGES
 
 
 
 
"Pink Glow"
 
from light in another chamber
through this archway.
 
 
 
BAT FLIGHT
 
an artist's rendering in
the Gift Shop.
 
The grande finale to our visit to Carlsbad Caverns
was at 6 PM.
 
Nightly from mid-May through mid-October,
thousands of BATS come flying out of the Entrance to the Cave.
 
They go searching for their daily average of 1 1/2 times their own
weight in INSECTS.  Moths are their primary food,
with other bugs as available.
 
As predicted by the Ranger, ERIC,  who spoke for the first
ten to fifteen minutes about the bats importance
to our environment, and their habits,
the flight began about the same time
the Barn Swallows retired from their flights.
 
Eric said it was like the changing of the guard.
When the Barn Swallows moved on,
the BATS moved OUT.
 
There was a special amplifier monitor in the Cave that
alerted us to the bats activity,
so we knew when to expect them to
start flying out of the Cave.
They came out in swarms,
without stopping for over 30 minutes.
 
As Eric predicted, we soon tired of the novelty
and decided we had seen enough.
 
We had to sit very still,
and could not take pictures,
or have any electronic devices turned on.
 
Enough said - especially for the School students
and families with young children.