Wednesday, December 17, 2003

We got things rounded up and loaded and ready to leave about 1pm today, pulled outside the gate to get hooked up, and that's when things started downhill. First off, the tow bar was all froze up, the arms would not slide out. After working and beating on it for about an hour, we took it to Riley's, where they determined it looked bent. How? We have no idea.

Decided to just go to Houston to get it fixed at Smitty's, but the coach would not go into gear. Called tech support at Foretravel, learned the engine was idled to high, computer would not allow it to engage transmission. While talking to Foretravel, found out they had and identical tow bar. Riley got the idle down enough to engage transmission.

We then went to Foretravel, and they worked on it while Donna and I installed the new tow bar. After installing new springs on the throttle return, all was working ok (we thought).

We had already decided to just cut over to Natchitoches, La to view the Christmas lights, and then go down I-49 to I-10. We got past San Augustine, pulled over to check lights, and discovered the idle was too high again. Since we had seen where they worked on it, we were able to manually push the throttle down, and get going again.

Arrived in Natchitoches about 7:30 and the lights along the river are fantastic. After viewing the lights we played a partial game of Phase 10, which we will finish tomorrow night. I then tried to get the satellite up and running, and the menu would not come on the screen. Have no idea what that problem is, but gave up, and will work on it tomorrow. I am probably just not doing something right.

Thursday, December 18, 2003

We got hooked up and left Natchitoches about 7am. Again, had high rpm on the engine, but managed to 'fool' the computer by shifting in to Drive before fully cranking the engine. James Triana (Foretravel Tech) had suggest that the night before.

Headed down I-49 toward Lafayette, called a couple of Cummings dealers, and decided to have one in Lafayette take a look. About 15 miles from Lafayette, we stopped at a Rest Stop and sprayed the throttle linkage with some silicone. When we stopped at the dealership, the problem was gone.

So, we just left and went on to New Iberia for some sight-seeing. We toured the oldest rice mill in the area, and then had lunch at a nice little cafe across Bayou Forche. We then drove around downtown, looked at some old homes and then headed to Avery Island for a tour of the Tabasco plant. They had a neat old (new) country store, where we made a couple of small purchase, then drove through where lots of the employees live. Mostly looked like old farmhouses, medium size, that were at least a 100 years old, but maintained good.

We then took a drive through 'Jungle Gardens', a bird and plant sanctuary. Although, the birds were gone for the season, we saw some of the finest and oldest Live Oak Trees believable.

We left there, went back to the visitor's center where we had left the motor home (with permission), hooked up, and headed back to Lafayette, and I-10. We arrived in Baton Rouge right before 5pm. Yep, a real traffic jam on I-10 and then I-12. At one point it took about 25 minute to travel 6 miles. We got to mile marker 63 on I-12 and decided to spend the night on a Wal-Mart parking lot here in Covington, La. The lot was too crowed and hard to access, so went back to where there had been a previous Wal-Mart, now with a Books-a-Million and Office Depot, plus a furniture store. Lots of room, no problem parking, and we even spent a few dollars in the Books-a-Million.

Friday, December 19,2003

We left the parking lot about 8:30 with a short drive to our next destination, the Prime Outlet Mall in Gulfport, Ms. Arrived there shortly after 9:30, had no problem parking. We did a lot of shopping, at least for us it was a lot. Made quite a few purchases in quite a few store, the last of which was the Tommy Hilfiger store. This has been my annual stop to stock up on more shirts that I like to wear.

Donna had made several trips back to the motorhome to store things we had bought. We had lunch in their Food Court, some take out Cashew Chicken, which actually had peanuts instead of cashews.

We made it back to the coach about 1:30.. 4 hours of shopping. Good things packed away, and hit the start switch.. Opps, dead battery. Then I noticed the reason, I had left the head lights on and totally run the engine batteries down. I tried to boost off the house batteries, but I guess the engine batteries were just way to low.

So then I tried to get it started by using the charger on 'Start' setting. Suppose to be 100 amp start power, but all that did was burn up my charger. So, then nothing left to do but call our Good Sam Emergency Road Service. The guy from D N D Towing (Jack) was there in about 15 minutes, and after about and hour ,he managed to get enough charge into the batteries, that with the boost from the house batteries, I was able to get it started.

We then took off for Florida, and arrived at the Florida Welcome Center about 6 pm.
Donna fixed some grilled hamburger patties, and we had Atkins Mashed Potatoes to go with them. The potatoes where actually pretty tasty.

We both in bed by 8 pm, joking that we could probably leave by 5 am. Guess what, I am writing this at 4:30 am (Saturday) and we are preparing to get on the road.

Saturday, December 20, 2003

We left the Welcome Center about 5 am, and hit the I-10 Super Slab headed for St. Augustine. Until we reached the I-75 highway we were traveling over previously traveled ground. From I-75 it was all new sights for us. As we arrived in Jacksonville, I intended to take I-295 around the west side and avoid the downtown area, but never saw the exit sign. So, just continued on to the end of I-10, which connected to I-95, where we headed south toward St. Augustine.

Much to Donna's pleasure, we saw TWO Outlet Malls just outside St. Augustine, which of course we will be visiting while we are in the area. We arrived at the campground, after calling ahead to make sure of available space. Ocean Grove Campground is right on A-1-A, the old north/south highway, and only a short drive to downtown St. Augustine.

We spent a little time driving south to see a few sights and then headed back north toward St. Augustine. Major developments all along all the beaches between A-1-A and the beach. We checked out Anastasia State Park, which was nice, but typical of State Parks with very small sites.

Then we drove on into downtown St. Augustine, and went to the Visitor's Center to gather information. Lots of opportunities to tour the city such as a Tour Train, Tour Tram, Trolley, Carriage, and guided and un-guided walking tours. We drove around downtown a bit, and as it was getting dark, we lucked upon a parking spot right downtown. And as luck would have, we park right in front of an Art Gallery that featured Thomas Kincaid painting. The paintings were what is called 'Oil on Lithograph', and actually looked like real oil painting, even thought they were 'Signed and Numbered' copies, but much better looking than prints.

We walked around a bit, but it was getting pretty cold and we only had light windbreaker jackets, so we left and went to a seafood place to have dinner. Their special for Saturday night was Mahi Mahi, I had mine grilled in Lemon butter and Donna had hers broiled. Excellent food.

Then back to the coach to play another game of Phase 10, which Donna won, as usual. Incidentally, we did finish the game we started back a couple days ago, and Donna won that one, too. Guess I need to work on my technique.

Sunday, December 21, 2003

Today was 'Tour Day' for us. We got started about 9:30 or so, stopped by the office on the was out, and signed up to stay at this location until the morning of December 24, 2003. Then we head toward the old town and went to the Trolley station to purchase ticket for the trolley, including a tour of the Florida Heritage Museum and the Old Jail. The Old Jail was really interesting from the view point of the sheriff and the sheriff's wife in the early 1900's. We saw the cell blocks, the gallows, the bird cage, the kitchen and the sheriff's office and parlor/dining area.

Then onto the trolley for a tour of the city, highlighting areas of interest. We got off at the Sabastin Winery, but the tour and wine tasting was already in progress, so we caught the next trolley in 15 minutes. The trolley ride cost $19, including the Museum and Old Jail, and allows 'on and off' privileges for 3 days.

After re-boarding at the winery, we got off again downtown and went to the Athenia Cafe (a Greek restaurant) for lunch. After lunch we spent a couple of hours walking down St. George street looking at and in lots of shops. We watched a Candle Maker (Bryan) make a Unity Candle special order for a wedding. Donna found a shop that had purses at fantastic prices, and made a good buy on a nice purse.

As we approached the City Gates, there is a gallery there that features Thomas Kinkaid works, where we spent nearly an hour talking to Marc about the various levels of reproductions that are available. Except for a few of his early paintings, Mr. Kinkaid never sells an original painting. Painting are available in prints of various quality, including the 'Oil on Lithograph', which have been enhanced by artisan's under Kinkaid's employ. A few 'proofs' are actually enhanced by Kindaid himself, and signed by Kinkaid.

Then we walked across the street, caught the trolley again, and rode to the last stop before returning to the station. This was the 'Fountain of Youth'. The fountain actually does exist and we even had a sample of the water. Don't know if I am actually and younger, but I sure feel like it. LOL There were several interesting features at the park, including a stature of an Indian Warrior and Ponce de Leon. In addition, there was a program featuring a Globe about 30 feet high showing the settlement of the New World and a Planetarium showing the St. Augustine sky on the night that Ponce de Leon first sailed to the area.

In addition, there was a display about Indian life, and an illustration of a burial ground. We then visited the Gift Shop, and went to the parking lot to catch the next trolley. It was about 4:55 and we then realized the last trolley was at 4:45.. Oops!! Fortunately, we were only about two blocks back to the station, so we just walked.

We then did some more driving around the downtown area, looking at the lights and visiting a couple more shops. Left downtown, and had dinner at a place recommended by one of the trolley drivers, The Seafood Kitchen. Really good food, and very reasonable prices, with what appeared to be mostly local patrons,

Then back to the coach, and a game of Phase 10, and YES, Donna won again!! Guess I am going to have to figure out a way to beat her!!

Monday, December 22, 2003

Our first stop today was the Lightner Museum located in what used to be a grand hotel and spa. The museum itself is located in the spa part of the complex, while the hotel portion is occupied by the City of St. Augustine. The displays were very interesting, but the building and it uses was just as interesting. The Ballroom was huge, with a large opening in the center looking down on what was the swimming pool, now housing a restaurant. The displays of leaded crystal was absolutely amazing.

We then went to the San Sebastian Winery for a tour and wine tasting. The tour had already started, so we waited in the tasting area for the tour group, and joined them there. The San Sebastin sample were typical of most wines, very reasonable in price, and a couple of wines really appealed to Donna and I. Of course, we purchased a few bottles, and totally skipped the tour of the facilities.

By this time it was time for lunch we went to the Santa Maria Restaurant, a large restaurant located on a pier out over the bay, right next to the Lion Bridge. Since we were sitting against the window, we had a great view of the bay and bridge, and the staff brought some old bread to feed the birds and fish. A little trap door next to each table allowed us to place the bread on a ledge for the birds or dropping it in the water for the fish.

The next stop was the 'Oldest House in St. Augustine', a house that was over 400 years old. We learned from the guide about the various occupants of the house, and the various add-ons and changes in use over the years. The Historical Society acquired the home in 1918, restored it and made it available for viewing.

We then toured the Old St. Augustine Village, a collection of 9 homes accumulated by a Mr. Dow, and later willed to the State of Florida for preservation. We had a guided tour of two of the homes and self-guided tour of five others.

Then into a Starbucks in the Casa Monica Hotel for a small snack and drinks, before going back to the coach for a break.

About dusk we went back downtown to take some night pictures of the lights and toured a couple of neighborhoods to view the lights. Then back to St. George street to visit a few more shops. We located The Columbia, a famous restaurant since 1905, where we had an excellent dinner.

No Phase 10 tonight.. I think Donna thought it was my turn to win.

Tuesday, December 23, 2003

We decided today to do a little exploration of some of the surrounding area, and headed to Villano Beach, a resort area on the ocean just north of St. Augustine. Found a cute little restaurant for breakfast, and had our first biscuit in about 2 months. Ok, so we splurged a little, but only for breakfast, immediately thereafter we were back on the Adkins program.

St. Augustine is 'blessed' with TWO Outlet Malls, so we decided to check them out. We did buy a few things, but not really much to speak of. Had lunch at the second mall in their Food Court, then headed down US 1 to check out Wal-Mart and Home Depot sales. Home Depot was totally sold out of Christmas stuff, and Wal-Mart won't put theirs on sale until the 26th.

Then it was back to the coach to re-group and decide how to handle the remainder of the day. Decided to go back to the Kinkaid Gallery to further investigate investing in a painting. We eventually decided on one called 'Hour of Prayer'. It is a Gallery Proof which will be shipped to us on January 5, 2004.

After driving around in some more of the old neighborhood, we went back to the coach, Donna cooked her famous Salmon dish and we played a game of Phase 10. And GUESS WHAT! Nope, wrong... Donna won again!!

Wednesday, December 24, 2003

Today was a travel day, we left St. Augustine about 9 am or so, headed for I-95, and stopped at the first rest area for breakfast. Then straight through Jacksonville to the Georgia Welcome Center. We hoped it would be open, but unfortunately they were closed for the Holidays. So we continued on to the park, Bellaire Wood, in Richmond Hills, about 15 miles southeast of downtown Savannah.

After getting set up and hooked up, we headed for downtown, and a trip to the Visitor's Center. Luckily, they were open, we got some information and maps, and even made reservations for Friday the 26th for a Christmas Lights Tour with one of the Trolley operations.

We drove around some, found the Thomas Kinkaid Gallery, and spent a while looking at paintings and talking to the owner. Then we parked on River Street, an area right on the River with about 6 or 8 blocks of neat shops. We even found quite a few of them open. This is a cobble stone street and really old buildings.

About dark we came back to the coach and while Donna was baking some Fish Filets, we played a game of Phase 10. Okay, so I am a gluten for punishment. Yeah... she beat me again, even though I did a little better this time. I think she is feeling sorry for me, because she actually offered to give me some advice on how to play better. (Maybe I will take her advice)

Thursday, December 25, 2003

If you like golf courses, shopping, homes, resorts, and lots of old oak trees, you'll love Hilton Head Island. But, if your looking for beaches, they are hard to find. I'm sure they are there, but access was difficult. Maybe you just have to know your way around. We drove over there first thing this Christmas morning, a drove around for maybe 2 hours. Plenty great shopping opportunities but (fortunately) everything was closed.

Then we cane back through downtown Savannah, and drove out to Tybee Island. Since it was about 1:30, we stopped at Captain Chris Restaurant for their Christmas Day Buffet. Lots of good food, but we still managed to be fairly selective, and wandered off our diet just barely. Tybee is really a neat place. The main street goes the length of the island, with hotel and rental homes on the beach side, and other residential on the Bay side. About every 2nd or 3 rd street provided parking and a wooded ramp and bridge across the dunes for access to the beach. Typical of the Atlantic, the beach was brown sand.

Then we went back to downtown Savannah for a while, drove around more in areas we had not yet seen. Lots of beautiful old mansions, and of course some really run down old buildings, too. The residential homes seem to be serviced by an alley, which is the only on-site parking for residents. There is street parking, with meters, but are limited to two hours, most costing 25 cents for 30 minutes.

After a nap in the coach, we drove around the area a bit, and went to Hooters of a bite of dinner. We both had salads (Aren't we good !) Now comes the good part, and we went back to the coach, for our regular game of Phase 10... and Miracle of All Miracles,
I WON
At least I won the first game. Donna challenged me to a second game, which she, of course, won. But, just barely. Maybe I am getting better. Going to be getting up early in the morning, setting the alarm for 5:15. Gotta hit the stores for those after Christmas sales.

Friday, December 26, 2003

Combat Shopping, the order of the day. We were up at 5am and by 5:30 we were sitting in the Wal-Mart parking lot waiting for them to open at 6. Of course there was about 50 other folks standing at the door when they opened. Everybody was after the 50% off sale on all Christmas items. The door opened and the mad rush ensued. Snatch and Grab was the main idea of most of these folks. Donna found a few item we wanted, but no great buys.

From there we headed to Lowe's to check out their bargains, if any. The parking lot was almost empty, but they were open, with only a half dozen folk picking through their 75% Off stuff. Now that was a bargain, and they had several things that would fit for our decorating next year. We actually had two carts loaded down and then headed to the truck. Keep in mind that the bed of the truck was already loaded with a spare tire for the coach and fire wood that we brought from home.

We stacked the back seat totally to the roof, then set things on the console. Since there were still items to load, I sat down in the passenger seat and held 3 or 4 large items, again stacked to the roof. -) Donna drove, and she and I could not even see each other.

We did manage to get almost every thing loaded into the basement storage of the coach, at least almost everything.

We then spent the next few hours strolling the downtown shops, and having lunch at the Cafe at City Market. After another visit to the Thomas Kinkaid Gallery, we came back to the coach for a nap.

Then back to town to take a tour on the Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley, a two-hour tour of Old Savannah, including a stop at a Mansion that is now a 15 bedroom Bed and Breakfast, a really fine old building built in 1892. Enjoyed the Hot Cider, but passed on the cookies.

After returning to the coach, we just HAD to play another game of Phase 10, and you might say I really put it on Donna... beat her pretty good. Seemed it was just my night, and I was really lucky on drawing cards.

Saturday, December 27, 2003

Not a real early start today, left the coach about 10:15 and went to a nearby Cracker Barrell for breakfast. As we left, we met our neighbors in the site next to us, and then ran in to them again at Cracker Barrel. We had to wait about 45 minutes for a table, but the service and food was very good, once we got seated.

Since we had such a late breakfast, we decided that we would wait to eat again until our dinner reservations at the Casbah Moroccan Restaurant at 6pm.

We visited the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, which was very impressive, with its very ornate Nativity Scene and a Poinsettia Christmas Tree at least 20 feet tall. The sides of the church were lined with carvings depicting the trial and crucifixion of Jesus.

We then went back to the City Market, strolled the streets, visited some shops and galleries. We basically spent the next 4 or 5 hours just strolling and relaxing. At City Market they had a couple of guys, Barry and Bucky, performing country tunes, and they were very good.

Then at 6, we went to the Cashah for dinner. The food was Moroccan, and its traditional to eat with your right hand, no silverware. Since you will be eating with only the hands, the waiter brings warm water to wash your hands before eating, a nice little ritual. We both and an appetizer of shrimp, and for the entree we both had Spicy Roast Lamb, which was not only great, but also very spicy. And, after dinner, the return to wash the hands again. (We did use silverware, by the way).

Oh, I almost forgot to mention the entertainment. A lady named Layla Katrina performed for us. Layla is a belly dancer, and from my very limited knowledge, she seemed to be very good. We saw three performance, the first was just plain ole belly dancing, the second she performed with a sword on her head, and the third was with three little cups of fire. Like I said, she was very talented.

After dinner, we went back to the coach, and played our regular game of Phase 10, which of course Donna won. Guess my luck ran out!!

Sunday, December 28, 2003

We again headed for downtown today, hoping to have lunch at The Lady and Sons Restaurant. This famous place is owned by Paula Deen and her sons. Paula is a star on Food Network. She started about 15 years ago as The Bag Lady, prepared lunches for delivery to businesses by her sons. Quite a success story.

Unfortunately, we didn't have reservation, and it was impossible to get a table. So we went back to the Cafe at City Market for lunch. By the time we finished lunch, it was time to try to find a parking place near the Savannah Theatre for the Lost in the 50's show. The Savannah was originally built in 1818, damaged by fire a couple of times on the years, and is a really nice theatre. It is the oldest theatre in the United State still in use.

The show was excellent. The production was originally presented in Branson in 1999, and started in Savannah in 2000. One of the featured performers was a kid named Bubba Lewis, who recently played the part of a young Bobby Jones in a movie about his life.

Also featured was a singer who's name I don't remember that really belted out a couple of really great songs, including Georgia, Georgia.

After the show we stopped at Hooter's again, shared an order of grilled chicken strips, then came back to the coach to start getting organized for leaving tomorrow. Yep, we played a game of Phase 10, and I actually won. If you have not been keeping score, its now 8 to 3, Donna winning.

Monday, December 29, 2003

Just travel today. We left Savannah about 9 am and decided to take a secondary road back toward home. We traveled US 84 through a bunch of little Georgia towns, and even a couple not so little. We are now in Enterprise, Al, parked in a Wal-Mart parking lot. Just went in to do a bit of shopping, and I needed a Battery Charger, since I burnt the other one up back in Gulf Port at the Outlet Mall.

Gonna be time for a game of Phase 10 here shortly. I will leave a report later.

(Later) Sorry to report that Donna won again. It's now 9-3!

Tuesday, December 30, 2003

Today again was a travel day. We did have another problem with the coach. Not real major, but kinda irritating. Discussed it with James at Foretravel, and it seems we may have a problem with the Ride Height Control Valve. We get a screeching sound that lasted about 1/2 second, every so often. Supposedly will not cause any damage, but it is irritating.

We arrived in Nathez a little after 3pm, and camped in Vidalia, right across the river from Nathez. Staying right on the banks of the Mississippi River, watching the barges go up and down the river.

We drove over to Natchez tonite and had dinner at the Magnolia Grill, in the area know as 'Natchez Under the Hill'. Really good food. We then made a short trip to the gambling boat, lost a tiny tad of money, came back to the coach, and had more fun playing Phase 10. Actually played two games, I won the first and Donna won the second. Record is now 10-4.

Wednesday, December 31, 2003

Today we traveled from Natchez to Marksville, La., a trip of only 77 miles which took over 2 hrs because of all the little bitty Louisiana roads. Our destination was the Casino in Marksville, a very nice casino. We had stopped here on our way back from our first trip to Florida in 2001. About 3pm or so we went to the Casino, which was not real busy, and we had very little luck. I won a few bucks playing Let It Ride, but Donna lost a few at the slots. She claims they do not 'Turn the Machines On', until about 11pm, and then you have to be by the front door so the attention is drawn to you.

So we went back to the coach, took a nap, and about 10pm returned to the Casino. I tried my luck at Let It Ride and the Roulette Table, and lost a few bucks. About 11:45 I found Donna by the front door, of course, and she was hot. She said they turned them on about 11pm (just as she said) and her machine was paying off, and making lots of noise. Course Donna was a little noisy, too. By 1 am, she had won over $600 on a couple of Quarter machines.

During the day we played 3 games of Phase 10, and she won all 3. Now its 13-4. I guess tomorrow we will head home.





Thursday, January 1, 2003









Friday, January 2, 2003