Month: January 2017

After our great experiences in Central California,  we continued North to Santa Cruz.  There,  our friend Phyllis arranged for us to park in the overflow area of the Pasatiempo Golf Course,  where she lives.   With all the rain they have had here,  “Overflow” is the perfect word!  But at least currently high and dry. During our time in Santa Cruz,  we actually stayed with Phyllis,  not in the bus.    This meant a FULL SIZE Shower.  Real bed.  SUPER WiFi!!!   

In exchange for such magnificent accommodations,  Liz insisted I earn our keep.  Therefore,  I helped troubleshoot a phone problem (which turned into a Comcast problem and 2+hours talking to Comcast morons on the phone…how I don’t miss those!).  I also sharpened knives and provided counseling on proper international power adapters.  Liz  offered advice on online banking and Kindle Reader options.  Phyllis’ eyes were starting to glass-over.  Maybe it was the Port, which we purchased while staying at Rio Seco Winery,  that we were all drinking?  

During our Santa Cruz visit we did a bit of touring with Phyllis.  This included a Sushi extravaganza (so nice to have NOT deep-fried fresh fish) and a visit to the waterfront area in SC…which had been pretty badly flooded by the recent rains.   

On Saturday 28 Jan, we were talking about going to the Monterrey Aquarium.  I mentioned that there had been a story in the News about Chinese New Year Celebrations (noteworthy for the lack of political content)…Phyllis thought there wasn’t much happening on that score in Santa Cruz.  BOY WAS SHE WRONG!  Out of the blue,  a friend with whom Phyllis works texted…Would Phyllis like to visit a mutual friend for THEIR New Year celebration.  Phyllis described her hangers on (that would be us),  but Sister Rosa said she was sure we’d be welcome,  and she confirmed this with friend Ping.  So at noon,  Sister Rosa picked us up. 

And what a magnificent celebration it was!  All of Ping’s extended family…from her father (95), 2 brothers (one visiting from China), kids,  kids friends, general friends, coworkers…at least 40 people.  Also,  another of Phyllis’ fabulous coworkers:  Marta, from Guadalajara,  of Lebanese derivation.   

POLITICS ALERT:  Couldn’t help think about the scope of the melting pot in this place, gathered among the cooking pots to celebrate.

Ping opened her house to us,  and her house opened into a backyard compound that shared a back yard with her son’s house, and a small shed and chicken coop.  In the back yard,  and in both kitchens,  various foods were being prepared.  A HUGE wok in the back yard produced a continuous stream of dumplings of all manner.  Shrimp and “Garlic Chive” (a delicacy that one of Ping’s friends said grows wild all over…Wisconsin) wrapped in sea weed and batter.  Fish and Tree-fungus with celery.  A Casserole with mushrooms, shoots, some sort of moss and Pigs feet – which according to custom brings wealth in the new year.  Special Tea with a lesson on the kinds of tea that will keep us aging gracefully.  All the while, great conversation with all of the collected friends and family.

This was a continuous feast beginning at noon.  We left about 6:00. According to Ping,  another wave was expected and the cooking continued  – Several people cooking at once and Ping, who formerly had a restaurant, now managing all of the culinary and conversational aspects like a conductor. 

 After a few days in Santa Cruz,  we are headed next to Half Moon Bay,  a little further up the coast towards San Francisco.  We have booked a spot in a state park for a few days.  Not much planned,  other than catching a Hawks game in nearby San Jose.

Weather still sucks as we left Palm Desert,  but begins to improve as we get a little north of Los Angeles.  We decided to stop for the night at Carpinteria State Beach between Ventura and Santa Barbara.  WHAT AN AWESOME PLACE.   Again,  hard against the ocean beach.  Although with the pounding surf and cold weather,  we were not too tempted to stick our toes in.  But sitting at a picnic table watching the sun set was spectacular.  Seals, Porpoises,  Dolphins just off the beach.  Our neighbors here tell us it is usually hard to get a spot,  but the bad weather has scared people off.  Lucky us!

 

The little town of Carpinteria was a fun place for a bike ride (or two).  They had a CVS Pharmacy,  so Liz could fill her prescription.  They even had a Craft Brewery.  Two, actually,  but the one that looked more “Brew” oriented (Taproom more than restaurant) happened to be closed on Tuesday – timing is everything. 

Liz was a good sport,  though,  joining me for a pint at Rincon, the other one.  And I bought a few for the road.   

While in Carpinteria, we continue to explore the various features of our new home.  This time,  we pulled out the blender and experimented with the NUTONE WORKCENTRE that is built in to the kitchen counter.  The Workcentre also has a power-can opener attachment,  but up until now we hadn’t bothered…using instead the hand-model.   It works PERFECTLY after all these years.  We made smoothies with fresh Strawberries.  Maybe  Daiquiris if it gets a little warmer? 

CSB was such a great place we decided to extend our stay by one night.  Unfortunately,  our spot was reserved and the interlopers had reserved 2 adjacent spots so the park staff could not switch them and leave us alone.  So we had to move.  20’ to the west.  Which is a little bit of a process since we have to unhook everything, start and air up the bus,  move 20 ft,  re-level, rehook all hoses and wires.  WELL WORTH IT,  for another night.   

Tuesday Morning,  I went to the beach to have my coffee.  There,  an older fella motioned me over.  “THANK YOU” he said.  “For what?” I asked.   He continued, “I like to sketch,  and the park is pretty empty…I had run out of subject matter.”  (When he said this,  I could not help but think, but didn’t say, “With the beach, surf, ocean, porpoises, mountains…you have nothing to sketch?”)  “Then “RV WHERE YET?” pulled in!!!”   

He was doing a SPECTACULARILY detailed drawing of mainly our bus, but he managed to capture Liz and I as we were setting up…I am intensely focused on the sewer hose and Liz is supervising.   He claimed his subject matter was the contrast between our ride and a newer one a few spaces down.  You could tell this fella (I later learned his name was Bob) was much more impressed with the OLD than the NEW.   I asked if I could take a Pic of his Pic when he was done.   He said “sure,  but at a cost.”  I had visions of this old fella painting-to-eat.  But he said, “I would like to have a tour inside…”   Which we gladly offered.  When he met Liz,  he said he would update the drawing to reflect he red hair! 

Leaving Carpinteria and heading North.  Our plan was to take the old Highway 1 all the way along the coast, but there is still at least one spot blocked by a mudslide.  As an alternate, our friend Phyllis suggested there are some nice Wineries near Paso Robles.  Phyllis said, “Good wine,  beautiful settings and NOT NAPA prices.”  Sounded good to Liz.  And Liz WAS a good sport at the Tap Room,  so it was my turn to be a good sport.   

Investigating a little,  I found a website called “Harvesthost.com” which offers overnight stays at small family farms and…wait for it…wineries. Including three near Paso Robles.  The membership was $44/yr.  Less than one night at an RV Place. Once a member, the overnights are free,  though you are “encouraged” to patronize the company store after tasting a flite or 2.  NO PROBLEM.  And no need for a designated driver,  since we would be staying in their parking lot!    

To select one winery from the three available (yes,  I know we could have visited the tasting room at all three,  but we could only stay at one!),  we polled the friend  we were seeing next to see if she preferred White or Red. Hoping her preference could guide ours, unfortunately, she (and now that I think about it,  most of our friends!) was not helpful in narrowing the scope.  She said: “I prefer red,  but I don’t remember ever turning down a White.”  With no help from our friend,  we resorted to other,  more scientific criteria to select.  One of the wineries was owned by a former career minor-league baseball player.  DONE.  Something for Dan to do while Liz is enjoying a flite or 7.  Choice made.   I called to make sure they had a space,  and we headed there on our way north.    

Once we arrived at Rio Seco,   We situated the bus overlooking the vineyards. An AWESOME setting.  Then we went inside for some tasting…we were immediately welcomed.  By George the cat,  Monte the dog and the owner…Carol Hinkle.  In my lap. All at once.  Wait, NOT CAROL.    Her husband Tom passed away,  but was a scout for several BB teams including the Cubs.  Carol showed me his business card.  Followed by very generous pours and multiple of a couple.  We selected and purchased several.  Proving “free” can be somewhat expensive.

We  made it across Arizona and NM.  It rained off and on throughout this desert.  Then we spent some time with friends in San Diego.  Our friends, Stefania and Jim, arranged a street parking permit for our RV and we were able to find a spot about 200 yds from their apartment.  It was great to catch up,  and to be formally accepted into California culture.  By that I mean,  after breakfast we spent some time in the hot tub!

After San Diego,  we left for Huntington Beach, CA where we connected with old friends Fran and Mike McDowell. They also travel and camp — in their case in a cool Airstream Trailer.  We try to organize our orbits to intersect occasionally,  and Huntington Beach and the next stop, Palm Desert coincide nicely.  Fran found the campgrounds,  and deserves the credit in this case!

Anyway,  in HB we were offered a whole series of significant Pacific Storms.  Lots of rain and wind.  Huntington Beach was not a total washout, though.  A GREAT RV parking facility hard against the beach and right next to the Huntington beach Pier.  The beach had excellent bicycle paths for miles.  The pier had a restaurant that served EXCELLENT hand-dipped malts. The mainstreet of HB had a nice breakfast place.  And there was an excellent Mexican restaurant with a bar/balcony overlooking the sunset. 

After a couple of days in HB,  we saddled up and headed for Palm Desert.  This was NOT a pleasant drive.  The Pacific Storms kept rolling in.  Massive rains.  60mph winds.  Fog.  Keeping the bus on the road was far more challenging than it should have been. Rain predicted 2 of the three days we plan to be in PD.  Snow in the mountains surrounding. An old friend who lives in PD part of the year had this to say:  

The California legislature is considering an ordinance to create new border checkpoints for the purpose of turning away Chicagoans and their weather.  All I can say is:  “Chicagoans are NOT paying for it.”

While in HB,  we visited the Nixon Library in nearby Yorba Linda.  As has happened to me before,  at other Presidential Libraries, the complexity and breadth of the man conflicts with my simple memories.  I was particularly surprised by Nixon’s efforts for universal healthcare, creation of the EPA, Title IX and many, many other progressive initiatives.  The first “nixed” by the democrats at the time. Reminds me how astray our politicians and politics are…”NO” to what the other side wants to do seems to be the only policy.  Sorry.  Politics again.

Arriving at Palm Desert, another first:  The lady checking us in to the “resort” asked us how old our bus is. A common question.  Usually followed by, “COOL, can we have a tour?!”  This time a little different.   “We don’t allow RVs older than 10 years… ”  Hmmm.  Keeping the rabble (or the Chicagoans-bringing-bad-weather) out!   There was the realization that the website where we registered (and which gladly charged our credit card) had no such restriction, so how could we know? Ultimately, she invented a new category “Vintage” and finished checking us in.  We said we hoped she wouldn’t get in trouble — would anyone complain?  She said she was absolutely POSITIVE someone would complain, but she then said, “They don’t run our lives.” 

Saturday is apparently “RV Detailing Day” as there are many service vehicles polishing various of our neighbors.  As if to punish us (and the office lady who was able to see “Vintage” not OLD) for degrading the resort, I immediately broke off a key in the door lock.  Fortunately,  was able to get the remnant turned enuf to open the door and then out so I wouldn’t have to climb in a window.  What would the neighbors have said about that, I wonder?  Anyway, no one was the wiser.

We spent some time at the Palm Desert “Street Fair” which is just an upscale flea market–right down to the booth titled “Cool things you didn’t know you needed.”  We are space-limited even for uncool things we definitely need,  so wallet stayed in pocket.   

After the fair we visited the Annenberg Estate and Center on the recommendation of a friend who lives here.  In a trip full of surprises,  the latter is certainly one of the most.  Here is a family who,  after making millions (actually billions),  used their money (and committed their legacy) to create a center for presidents and leaders of the world’s nations to meet and discuss solutions.  With fabulous architecture, world-class art and sustainable landscaping, the idyllic surroundings and distance from partisan norms cannot help but put them in a constructive mood.  It affirms for me that the very wealthy can choose (have an obligation to?) to create an unselfish,  lasting POSITIVE legacy for the world.

After dinner with our old friend in PD,  we are off again tomorrow.  Our goal is to head north,  for the Bay area.  But the weather may be a SIGNIFICANT obstacle.  We are planning to head west to Santa Monica then North on HWY 1 (Pacific Coast Highway).  We are going to have to be very aware of the weather,  landslides, flash floods, etc.  The good news is,  we are not in a hurry.  The better news is we have a fully-configured hotel suite and fully stocked fridge on the road with us.  If we get “stranded” we shall not be uncomfortable!

As we’ve wandered,  we have covered more than a few ecosystems and cultures across the southern USA.  Here are a few of our observations: 

NOT ALL WALMARTS are the same!  Yes. It is true. We are quite the experts on this subject, now. 

Walmarts in general WANT us to stay overnight in their nice, big, secure parking lots.  Because we shop.  Every time. But in Yuma, AZ, we were actually TURNED DOWN for overnight parking.  This is a first for us.  Now we know that some Walmarts do not allow overnight parking,  but this is usually the result of municipal ordinances. We actually have an app that we consult before we arrive to make sure our target Walmart is not one of those.  Then, we always ask the manager.  Who almost always (always,  until today) sez “Of Course. WELCOME.”      Today,  the answer was an immediate “NO.” Almost a “HELL NO.”  I cannot fathom what injustice the last RVer did to cause this brusque treatment,  but I have visions of Uncle Eddie and a Hose…uggghhh.   Anyway, we took our disposable income and left the store.  That store WILL NOT sell us laundry detergent…no way!!  Pointing west to EL CENTRO California.

The El Centro Walmart Supercenter returned to the courteous and gracious column. ABSOLUTELY.  Please park here.   This Walmart was the BIGGEST WE HAVE EVER SEEN.  By a good deal!   HUGE. I would say easily twice the size of any other we have been to.  And we have some experience in this matter.      We did our shopping while gawking..  Some say that the ”Free” overnight in Walmart is the MOST EXPENSIVE of any RV Overnight option including some very fancy resorts and I think that is true because we ALWAYS go shopping. 

Other differences we have noticed: 

• Walmarts in New Mexico and Arizona often have parking lots covered with Solar Panels…
• Walmarts in Texas do not carry Hummus and when asked,  have no idea what that is. 

And while we are on the subject of familiar things that are not so familiar…

Seafood… Locally caught, fresh seafood is often (usually?) deep fried in Alabama and Northwest Florida. Sushi is non-existent. “Friday Night Fish Fry,” a staple of Midwest VFW lodges and Packer bars would be a strange phenomenon down here in Texas/NM.   Maybe Fish Tacos.

DQ’sare everywhere,  but their local marketing does vary.  Entering Texas,  we are informed by a large billboard that “DQ is a Texas Stop Sign.”  Not wanting to disobey any traffic laws,  we usually oblige.  Question:  If you use the drive-through, could you be ticketed for a rolling stop?

Spanish…In a large part of the southwest,  Spanish is the first language (or at least tied for first).  Leading to some thoughtful misunderstanding.

 Roadkill, too, is an indicator of where you are.  Often the species is not recognizable,  but when it is,   it might be: 

— Deer. Of course,  there are deer everywhere.

— In Florida and Alabama you might also see wild pigs

— In Texas,  Javelina.

— I have yet to see an Armadillo,  but I am told they are everywhere

— Rarely if ever do you see a coyote…they apparently are way too smart to get hit by cars.

Weather verbs and adjectives require translation.  For example,  “Cold” does not mean Chicago-cold.  It might mean temps that would prompt Chicagoans to  put on a long sleeve shirt (while the locals wear mittens and scarves).

After 4 nights,  we decided we are weary of wilderness. We need some commotion.  Maybe a siren.  Some exhaust fumes!  So we left the park and headed towards El Paso.  Our first thought was to stop there overnight on the way to Tucson to visit friends.  The folks in the RV across from us at the park, however,  described El Paso as the armpit of Texas.  Part of us wanted to experience that, especially after the pristine beauty of the Big Bend Nat’l Park.    The other part wanted a plan “B.”  You can guess which part was whose,  and which won.  Las Cruces, NM.   As we passed through El Paso and near Juarez, we decided we liked Plan B.   

Once firmly ensconced in the Walmart parking lot @ Las Cruces,  we looked at options for the next couple days. There was actually cell phone and internet service here!!!  We had built some extra time into our wandering, and the question was how to best use it.   Looking at the map, there is a town called “Truth or Consequences, NM.” And it is only an hour north of our current location.    

First,  though, just to confirm our resurfacing into the digital world, we needed to replace the screen on Liz’s brand new Samsung Galaxy S7 phone.  It seems it made a close and abrupt contact with the ground.  There was a place in Las Cruces with the necessary part and expertise. 

We experienced no particular Consequences (That’s the truth). So time to continue onwards towards California. On the way,  Hatch NM…self-anointed Chili Pepper capital of the world.   Our next stopping point:   Tucson, where we met a couple couples (not a typo!) of old friends.  Great to catch up.  Our “plan” for Tucson, at the encouragement of Heidi and Jack Wells was to visit the Arizona-Sonoma Desert Museum on Sunday morning on the way out of town.   Once again,  we are reminded not to plan.  POURING RAIN.  In the desert,  I might add.  Since this museum is 80% outdoors,  we made the decision to put it on the list for a future visit.

In driving a bit around Tucson,  we did get to SEE the desert…and it is quite different from the vast expanse of Texas and New Mexico we crossed. Lots of awesome and BIG cactus…esp. Saguaro.   Old friend Jack Hinkes explained that the desert and some of the abundance of cactus-types are not your friend…as he was attempting to desert-scape a somewhat overgrown area of his property. He described Jumping Cholla as a particular (and painful) nuisance cactus.   Not to mention Rattlesnakes.  

Our next destination is San Diego; however it exceeds our desired distance to travel in one day.  Therefore,  we are going to find a place somewhere between Tucson and SD  — perhaps Yuma.  Unless of course we happen upon a place with a name as consequential, and therefore essential as T&C, NM. 

 

We spent 4 days at an RV Park (more of an RV parking Lot) hard against the Rio Grande River.  While the RV Facilities were probably the plainest we have seen including many Walmart parking Lots,  the surrounding area is SPECTACULAR.  Now,  we are Midwestern flatlanders.  The desert is something new,  as are mountains rising to 7,000+feet.  Coyotes,  Javelinas (looks like a pig but actually more closely related to Hippopotamus)   Black Hawks, Road Runners, Mexican Blue Jays. Did I mention Coyotes?  One Coyote stops traffic and waits for a handout.  Sunset turns the hills from yellow to orange to pink against a vivid blue sky.  All of this all around the parking lot.  As a package,  the best place we have been so far. 

 

The first night it got really cold…AGAIN.  About 20 degrees.  No,  our blood has NOT gotten thin,  but our winter coats are back in Chicago!  The water hose for the RV actually began to freeze.  I caught it in time to extricate the snowcone it was becoming and we left the water running at a trickle.  Others were not so lucky.  Fortunately, the weather is expected to warm for the rest of the week.  I am beginning to think WE are the problem, having the cold follow us from Chicago to everywhere we go. 

We spent our first full day hiking.  Our neighbor at the RV park gave us a packet of material (we arrived too late to get to the visitor station).  From these we picked a short-ish route for our first real hike of our retirement.  A little less than 6 miles,  and about 800ft elevation change. 

  Absolutely spectacular in every direction.  Virtually alone (very few other hikers).  This was the “Window Trail” in the Chissos Mountain Basin.  This area is a bowl at about 3000 ft in the center of hills rising to about 7,000 ft.  The hike follows the path water takes to the “Window” where it falls (several thousand more feet!) out of the basin.  There was very little water,  but the hike was great,  and the window was really something to see – and imagine with torrents of water after a rain. 

 

 

After the “Main Course,”  we decided to have a little “Dessert” hike in the desert.  There is an old Hot Spring that is a short hike off a very rough road, which the Clown Car managed just fine though I think we disappeared in some of the ruts.  The Hot Springs used to be a Spa.  Actually extends out into the Rio Grande.  Dipped feet in the hot water,  then spin around and dip in the Cold Rio Grande.  Repeat several more times.  Many people dipped more than feet. AWESOME. 

Lunch at a National park restaurant in the basin where we earned about a new possibility.  Apparently,  there is a whole transient group of folks that work in National parks…waiters, housekeepers, caretakers.  Pay is not great,  but it includes accommodations at the national park.  Some live in trailers or dorms provided by the Park,  others have their own campers and live on camper sites provided by the park.  These folks move from park to park almost at will.  Our waiter said it is pretty easy to get hired anyplace you go.  Our waiter works winters at Big Bend and Summers at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.  If this whole retirement thing doesn’t work out,  maybe we can become such migrant workers?

We also visited the ghost town of Terlingua.  They have a world chili cookoff every year,  and not much else.  We stopped for lunch…adequate

---

Spoiler Alert:  A Political Thought…Worth considering regardless of your politics.

---

As we walked on several trails and enjoyed the magnificent vistas in this park,  I was more than once struck by this thought:  Has Donald ever been to Texas?  Has he seen the magnificence of the Rio Grande,  the National Park, the desert, etc? Mexico is right across the Rio Grande – you can see it in our pictures,  and if you are so inclined,  walk across and touch it (no passport required).   For several hundred miles.   
Whatever your politics (and I try to keep politics OUT OF this website),  it is impossible to imagine (or justify) a WALL here.  The scale of Texas makes the whole idea comical, and the beauty – places like the Big Bend National park —  it would disrupt would make it tragic. 

 

We are purring down the road.  OK,  maybe “purring” is the wrong word.  Perhaps “Roaring?”  “Clattering?”

On the road begins with dinner with friends.  First in Lafayette, LA with LC Cambre.    LC is a very resourceful prince of a man.  He produced an exquisite meal entirely with a toaster oven and a microwave!  His main stove is a “Magic Chef” that is approximately 70 years old,  and according to LC the oven does not work very well.     Conversation was equally exquisite.  We are now planning to come back to Lafayette for Mardis Gras, and for more exquisite conversation.

Next, we headed west through Texas,  which seems to go on forever (or so we are told).  Our first stop in Texas confirmed some things for us: 

1. WE ARE IN TEXAS.  We went to a Costco to pick up a couple things.  We asked the manager if we could park overnight in the back of the lot.  He said,  “I don’t see why not, at your own risk of course…it is a reasonable neighborhood,  but our security man leaves at 11:00.”  We talked to security man…he asked if we had “Protection.”  In Texas (Open Carry), I guess,  that is the best way to be safe.  When we said “no” to the protection question,  he smiled,  but I think he now assumed we were from outer space.  Honestly,  the area looked good…lots of shopping malls and traffic…reminded me of Schaumburg right down to the IKEA. We had a great spot in the back of the lot, but it now made Liz nervous to stay here.   
2. In particular,  Houston.  We opened our APP and found a little “RV and Trailer Park.”  Near the Costco and one space available.  Liz felt better about being with other trailers (who may have the necessary “protection”).  We drove there and found it to be a combination RV park and trailer park…several permanent trailers,  a couple of campers and a fifth-wheel.  All this in the middle of a neighborhood.  Across the street a couple newer, large-ish brick house.  On the block several modest houses.  A Hispanic grocery store.  I cannot imagine this mix of uses in Chicago – but this is what a city with reputedly no zoning laws looks like!!   Anyway,  we pulled in and everything was PERFECT.

While in Houston, we were able to organize breakfast with old friend Jacob Leon.  It was great to catch up! 

Texas is going to be COLD for a couple days.  That means 25 degrees F at night.  It is amazing how fast one’s blood thins!   This morning, a few hours before we passed through, San Antonio Hiways were reported treacherous – ICING PRECIP.  Déjà vu.   Fortunately,  due to breakfast with Jacob, we missed that fun, and the  Bus is warm enough during the day with engine heat,  and at night the propane furnace.  Worried a little about the valves on the holding tanks,  so we’ll try to stay at parks vs. Walmarts for a couple days, allowing us to leave the valves open and a trickle of water going.   

We are driving west…heading for BIG BEND National Park where we will stay for a FOUR DAYS.  Texas being rather large,  we think it will take us 2-3 days to get there!!!  NO PROBLEM.  No Schedule,  No Plans…

Once we get to the park,  I suspect we will go dark,  internet-wise.  In the meantime,  you can anticipate a sad blog post about a trail of orphan socks.

Tuesday 3 Jan. We left Gulf Shores,  but not without drama.  Monday afternoon there were Thunderstorms and torrential rains training over us for hours.  No problem…Blackhawks on TV.  Just hanging out feels kinda good.   Then,   DURING THE Blackhawks game (Winter Classic),  a TORNADO WARNING.  Phones Simultaneously sounding the alert,  followed by a crawler and tone on the TV.  DANGER IMMINENT.  SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY.     Closest thing that looked sturdy enough to be a shelter was the concrete Ladies Campground Bathroom.  We were not the first to arrive…and a dozen or so more folks came after us.    Power was out (which is not by itself a concern,  since the bus has a generator).   

Wind at the campground was straight-line…maybe 60—70mph.  Pretty violent.  Some trees down.  Furniture flying.  Our bicycles did a Mary Poppins for about 30 yards.  But in the end,  no damage to anything of ours.  LOTS of damage evident along the road as we left town.  Weather service said there was in fact a tornado at the Gulf Shores Zoo (about 5 miles away).   

I don’t know if it was a coincidence,  but the Hawks and Blues were tied 1-1 when the storm hit and we left the TV to head to shelter.  When the all-clear was sounded,  the Hawks had lost 4-1.  All the St. Louis action occurred when we were not (couldn’t be) paying attention.   I think we need to find a way,  whether by Satellite or Buffalo Wild Wings to make sure we are paying attention going forward. 

Although a broken airbag “stranded” us for 5 days, the broken part was successfully repaired by Val and our friends at Lazzari Truck Service.  Since we are now planning to put several thousand miles on the bus, while the bus was up on the lift  I had them do a stem-to-stern preventive maintenance and an Oil Change.  They pronounced the bus in EXCELLENT condition,  though they found a few bolts loose and one important suspension bolt  completely missing!     AND the repairs I made to the leaking ceiling seem to be holding.  The torrential rains in Gulf Shores produced not one drop inside the coach.    So,  we are now ready to make our way to California.   

The missing bolt,  by the way,  was found in Lazzarri Truck Service’s driveway!  Not kidding,  you cannot make this stuff up.  We have driven 5,000 miles or so since we have owned the bus.  The bolt fell out 30 yards from the repair place, suitably equipped to put it back!   

While, Lazzari was working on the bus,  Liz took the Clown Car and went shopping.  Where,  I have no idea.  I am wondering if  her credit card bill will be higher than Lazzari’s. 

Waiting for the Airbag Part to arrive for the bus,  we took full advantage.  New Year’s eve we drove the Clown Car to Mobile.  There we spent the afternoon at  Battleship park.  The centerpiece is the Battleship USS Alabama, which is open and there is a self-guided tour…really excellent.  There is also an Airplane museum with some pretty interesting stuff.  Unlike most such museums,  you can get close enough to touch…and really appreciate some really interesting aircraft.  Such as an AR-12 (CIA version of the SR-71 Blackbird).  A Mig-17 was on display along with an F86 Saber,  F105, A4, F4, A6 – all aircraft it would have faced in Korea and Vietnam.   

After the museum,  we drove to downtown Mobile.  There we had a couple local beers and watched ‘Bama Football on TV.  ROLL TIDE.  (When in Rome…).  While downtown,  we learned some really interesting things: 

• There is NOTHING going on in downtown Mobile when ‘Bama is playing football. 
  
• Mobile INVENTED Mardi Gras (or so they say).  They are already preparing for it.  
• Mobile’s version of Times Square’s Crystal ball is a MOONPIE DROP.  From the top of the tallest building in Mobile.   We would have stayed to watch,  except biblical rains were forecast.   
• There is a Moonpie General Store…where you can buy Moonpies of many flavors and sizes.

 

So,  WHAT THE HECK IS A Moonpie?  I can best describe it as the Southern Equivalent of a Hostess Twinkie.  It is a Sandwich.  The traditional Moonpie is about 4” in diameter and about 1” thick. A thin layer of chocolate, covering soggy graham crackers with a filling of Marshmallow.  These are available at any 7-11 equivalent south of the Mason Dixon Line.   

Apparently, Moonpies are traditionally enjoyed at Mobile’s Mardis Gras.  At least according to the waitress in the bar.  Of course,  she admitted to being from California and hating Moonpies.   We bought and sampled several at the Moonpie General Store.  Let’s just say there are other ways to enjoy Mardis Gras (I hope).

 

We are still on track to get the bus fixed Tuesday.  In the meantime,  though the weather is intermittently rainy,  we have managed a bunch of bike rides.  We also took a walk (in shorts!) on the beach.  The beach is fairly deserted because it is WINTER here.  That means temperatures in the low 70s.