Animalia

Sometimes my blog topics just conveniently fall into one category. Today it is animals. So bear with me while I have some fun with this.  

The RV park where we stayed in West Palm Beach while visiting Astros Spring Training was located adjacent to Lion Country Safari. Online reviews of the RV park said the roar of lions could be heard from the park. We were skeptical of this but sure enough, the first day there we heard definite animal noises, not lions though, more like rhinos. It was the next day that we could absolutely hear lions roaring. That was neat! They could be heard in the mornings and around 4:30 pm when the park closed. Feeding times maybe? 

On our drive back up through Florida we stopped by to see our friends - the Wolf's. It was great visiting with them. They took us to the nearby town of Tarpon Springs for some yummy fresh seafood. We learned that Tarpon Springs was the Sponge capital of the world in the early 1900's. Diving for sponges was a bigger industry in Florida than citrus or tourism at that time. Did you know the sea sponge is an animal?

Our dogs have it a lot better now while we are on the road. They used to be corralled behind a child gate so as not to disturb Captain Chris as he manned the control deck. They are now accepted in the space between our seats and are much happier.

Frog City RV Park near Lafayette, Louisiana was a layover point on our way home. We had dinner nearby in Rayne, Louisiana which is billed as The Frog Capital of the World. The catfish and crawfish were delicious; we passed on the frog legs.

At Chef Roy's Frog City Cafe

While walking through RV parks, I like to note the various names of the campers and motor homes. This is something my daughter and her boyfriend taught me when they glamped with us one time. Along with the adventurous names like Sprinter, Bounder, Pioneer, and Columbus, there's peaceful names of Solitude, Reflection, Destiny. 

Some RV names conjure up the Space program: Challenger, Endeavor, Discovery, while some describe idyllic places: Hideout, Chateau, Homestead, Montana. I can't believe I haven't seen one named "Texas". 

Some names describe scenic images: Open Range, Vista, and Big Country. Some have a solar theme: Sunseeker, Sundance, Sunrise.

Of course there are sleek-sounding animal names like Wildcat, Puma, Puma Den, Cougar, Eagle, Mallard.

Ours is a combination of rugged and sophisticated: "Thor Tuscany".

I hope my animal musings have put a smile on your face and I ain't lion!

Star Struck at Spring Training

Mission accomplished: We made it to Astros Spring Training and got up close to the baseball stars.
   
We attended three games and each one was a different experience.

 
March 1

First game, we arrived about two hours before game time. It was thrilling to walk up to the brand new stadium with the giant Houston Astros "H" star out front. We did the obligatory photo shoot in front of it. Two other Astros fans were also snapping pictures and offered to take our picture. The gentleman took his time, directed us to the best place to stand, tried with flash and without. The other gentleman asked if we were from Houston and then informed us that his companion was his brother and used to be a reporter for KHOU Channel 11 in Houston. I had been thinking he looked familiar! He was Doug Miller. No wonder he knew something about the right camera angle. We talked for a bit about the Spring Training experience at the new West Palm Beach facilities versus the previous digs at Kissimmee. His brother was a military veteran and it was an honor meeting them both.

Chris With Doug Miller

Our seats for this game were right behind home plate, about half way up. In front of us were season ticket holders and baseball scouts researching players. The scouts were all business, holding up radar guns to capture pitch speeds and jotting notes after each pitch. The beer vendor would have no luck selling to these guys. One scout had reading glasses perched over his sunglasses, I guess he's figured out what works for him.

Baseball Scout with radar gun (in striped shirt)

The Florida Marlins took an early lead but there were hardly any Miami fans to cheer them. The crowd seemed to be mostly from New York. Lots of snowbirds down for the winter I suspect.

I'm so glad that I posted on Facebook that we were at the game so a Del Rio friend could tell me to watch out for a player from our hometown who was playing up from the minors. About the 8th inning most of the starting players got rotated out and in comes Jack Mayfield from Del Rio! We watched him play at second base and then we were hoping to see him bat but it didn't look like he would get a chance so we started to leave. Turns out the batting order on the scoreboard was wrong. I happened to glance down on the field as we were literally walking out and I saw Jack Mayfield on deck. We quickly took a seat down near where he was. I wanted to get a picture of him but all we could see was his back. Chris yelled out his name and he turned around and looked right at us so we yelled out "Del Rio" and he smiled. Of course I missed my chance to take his picture. He proceeded to step up to the plate and hit a double! Then another player batted him in to score. And we were right there to see it! Made my day.

Del Rioan Jack Mayfield

March 2

The next day the game was against the Washington Nationals who share the training facilities with the Astros. Although we were the home team, we were outnumbered by Nationals fans. Once again the Astros lagged behind in the score. Chris assured me that the purpose of Spring Training is not to win games but to try out pitchers and for the players to work on specific mechanics. Yeah, but it's more fun to win!! Our seats for this game were in the outfield but we never actually sat in our seats as it was too sunny so we moved in a little to sit in the shade. No Del Rio players, newness had worn off for me, so this game wasn't as much fun. But I snapped some pictures of the beautiful stadium.

March 3

The next day, the Astros were playing an away game. I took a break from the baseball scene while Chris chose this day to go early to the fields and watch practice and maybe get some photos. His goal was to get a picture with Carlos Correa.

The practice fields have viewing areas for fanatics like Chris so he got to watch some batting practice and chat with some of the team. I wonder if the players ever feel like animals in a cage with spectators gawking at them.

The players move around to different fields for various drills. Sure enough, who should walk right past Chris but Carlos Correa? Star-struck Chris could only blurt out to him "Have a good season!" And there went his chance for a picture with him. When Jose Altuve, another idol, walked by shortly after, Chris composed himself enough to ask for a selfie with him. As Chris struggled with his phone camera, Jose offered to take the picture. Here it is. Cute isn't it?

Chris and Jose Altuve 

March 4

Our third and final game was against the New York Mets. This was on a Saturday and there was a much larger crowd, mostly Mets fans of course.

We got there early to watch batting practice and for one last chance for that Correa photo. There were more fans in the viewing area this time and as the players would walk down the sidewalk, they signed autographs and were happy to pose for pictures. This time when Correa walked by we were ready, no stressful selfie, just me taking the picture. Success! Even I was a little star-struck and took the picture too soon; didn't want to miss the chance.

Chris with Carlos Correa

Correa and Altuve working the crowds

Our "seats" this time were on the Lawn, a grassy sloped area in the outfield. It was a beautiful day, we spread out a blanket and watched from this different perspective. We could hear the outfielders talking to each other and watch the pitchers warming up in the bullpen.

The Lawn was a fun area, very family-friendly with little kids rolling down the hill as I'm sure our kids would have (when they were younger of course). The only issue we had was where to set our beer on the sloped ground. Easy, kick off your shoes and use them as a holder.

So our first Spring Training trip was a great experience. Chris got some up-close time with the Astros. I know my dad was there in spirit, loving every moment.

Astros Spring Training RV Trip

• Retrieve Thor from his country home (storage)...
• Procure food for two weeks of meals on the road...
• Hitch up our new Jeep Cherokee...
• Attach bicycles to the back of the Jeep...
• Load up the dogs...
• And we are... On the Road Again!

Chris even started off our travel playlist with Willie's iconic "On the Road Again" song. I love it - seems like something I would do!

We are heading to West Palm Beach, Florida to take in some Astros Spring Training games. Chris has been wanting to do this for years; it just never worked out until now. Retired life is great!

I'm hearing echoes of my dad's voice from years ago... "Only xx more days until Cocoa Beach!" He was an avid Astros fan and would count down the days until the team was in Florida for Spring Training; sometimes starting the countdown as soon as the regular season ended (in defeat). Since then, the Astros moved their camp to Kissimmee and now, for the first time, to West Palm Beach.

It is also the first time we are towing a vehicle. It will be nice to have easy mobility when we arrive. But now Chris has the extra challenge of making sure the caboose on our train safely makes it around the corners when turning. No backing up allowed unless we unhitch the Jeep first. Plus our rearview camera now shows this a-hole car constantly tailgating right on our bumper.

Sunday, February 26

Day one went smoothly enough. Even when we missed the entrance to the RV Park and had to turn around in a neighborhood. Luckily no backing up was required and we didn't have to take any shortcuts through yards.

We spent the night at Reunion Lake RV Resort in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. This was a fairly new place, very clean, with two swimming pools. We reserved a premium site on the lake but somehow ended up paying for two spots, side-by-side. So it was an expensive stay but nice to have lots of open space around us. Our Jeep got to spend the night in his own RV spot.

Luckily we were on relatively flat ground when we unhitched the Jeep without the parking brake on and it started rolling. Strong Chris held it with his arm until I could jump in and set the brake. It was a lucky and learning experience.

What we noticed about this RV Park was all the golf carts. It seems to be the thing there to drive your golf cart around. They have a whole list of rules for golf carts. Some were decorated up for Mardi Gras. We were fine with an old-fashioned stroll around the grounds.

Monday, February 27

We started the day driving through heavy rain in Louisiana, past a string of misplaced Mardi Gras floats on the Mississippi interstate, then clearing skies through Alabama, and finally we were greeted with palm trees when we reached the Florida state line.

Photo from Jacksonville.com

After encountering more rain in Florida that quickly turned to sunshine, we made it to our Day 2 resting spot in Lake City. Tomorrow we travel to our destination at West Palm Beach.

A Few of My Favorite Things

 Beach or pool? Shade or sun? Decisions, decisions

Shades of aquamarine teal azure sky-blue filling my view

Soothing Swedish massage

Sunrise yoga on the beach

Lace-edged waves swirling on the shore

Energizing walks along the beach

Scuba-diving husbands, sun-worshipping wives

Free night hotel stay thanks to Mike's abundant travels

Breakfasts at Coconut Joe's

Visit to Turtle Farm aka Turtle Prison

Warm sun, cool breezes

Coconut scent of suntan lotion

Pirate Week on the Island

Gazing at the super moon through palm trees

Sky-on-fire sunset with pirate ship silhouette

Sightings of iguanas, turtles, roosters, chickens, chicks, lizards, sand crab, fish

Catching up with fantastic buddy family friends

Feeling grateful and blessed and less-stressed

These are a few of my favorite things from our week on Grand Cayman Island.

RV Roadtrip - Fall Version

It had been almost two months since we returned home in August from our first big RV trip. The road was beckoning us to seek out some pretty fall foliage, find a college football game, and frolic with some friends. Our 11-day, early-October trip fulfilled the mission.

It felt good to be on the road again and I was inspired to post some observations about our latest adventure.

First stop, near Hattiesburg, Mississippi

I found myself not snapping as many photos this time. It was as if the newness of RV travel had worn off and I could just relax and enjoy the journey.

The autumn season meant it got dark earlier than on our summer trip, necessitating dinner inside the RV. That was not as much fun as eating outside but it's nice to be able to see your food. Plus it's a little easier than lugging everything outside and then back in again.

This time we used a special GPS navigator for RVs. It interfaces with a Good Sam app that contains our route and campground stops. Last time we used up a lot of data running map apps on our phones. We still have our road atlas but you can't zoom in on a paper map. Also, Chris seems to like verbal driving instructions -- so long as they're not from me! The GPS announces when we cross a state line, upcoming curves, and gives a warning when our speed exceeds 9 mph over the speed limit. (Heard that one a few times!)

We usually were on the road for about five hours a day. I would pack a lunch in the morning so we could have a quick picnic break at rest stops. It took me back to all the school lunches I made for the kids over the years, and now here I am back to making lunches, but for me and Chris this time.

We chuckled at how our 11-year-old golden retriever, Ginger, could barely make it up the steps to enter the RV but she had no problem jumping up on the couch or driver's seat where she is not allowed. 

When we needed to shop for some supplies, Walmart was the obvious choice with its huge parking lot that welcomes RVs. We parked far away from the store where there was plenty of room and near some other very nice looking RVs. Also parked nearby was a well-worn car which appeared to have a woman living in it. Boy did that make me feel guilty. Living in an RV is a much different situation than having to live in your car.

We traversed through nine states over eleven days:

• Texas
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• Alabama
• Tennessee
• Kentucky
• Illinois
• Missouri
• Arkansas

Here are some highlights of each stop:

Hattiesburg, Mississippi - Okatoma Resort & RV Park - We enjoyed catching up with Chris's college roommate and his wife, Julian and Melissa, who joined us for dinner at our campsite. We were right on a lake but dogs were not allowed to swim in it due to lots of fish hooks in it. Sorry Jack and Ginger!

Decatur, Alabama - Point Mallard Campground - This place had lots of permanent residents with cool Halloween decorations displayed. We took the dogs on a nice hiking trail by a nearby golf course; they slept well that night.

Nashville, Tennessee - Two Rivers Campground - We were right up the road from Opryland where the Grand Ole Opry is now located. There were lots of hotels in the area and three RV parks: tourist city! A free shuttle bus runs from the RV park to Opryland. I'd love to come back sometime and go to a concert. We rented a car and had dinner with Lexi at The Whiskey Kitchen near Vanderbilt. So wonderful to visit with her.

Nashville

Frankfort, Kentucky - Elkhorn Campground - We got to host Lexi and Max as our guests in our RV for two nights here. We all went to the Vanderbilt football game against University of Kentucky in Lexington. Afterwards we had pizza delivered to the RV park but I had to meet the delivery guy at the entrance. He couldn't find a place on his computer screen to enter our site number. This campground was quite child-friendly with a mini-golf course and a Halloween party. We opted to build a campfire that night. Leave it to Lexi and Max to find an electrical outlet in the RV that we didn't know about. Gotta charge those phones you know!

Nashville, Tennessee - We returned to the same campground for one night. This time there was live music in the evening; of course, it's Nashville! Our next-door neighbors had Texas license plates. Turns out they were from San Antonio, with a kid living in the Houston Heights. Small world.

Cape Girardeau, Missouri - The Landing Point RV Park - We took the dogs down to the creek right behind our site, they loved it. Jack cutely dunked his face in the water, trying to catch minnows or maybe crawfish? 

 We could hear church bells tolling and playing songs -- very pleasant. Chris got a good nap in but suffered with a crick in his neck the next day.

Naptime

Camdenton, Missouri - Here we stayed with our friends Kenton and Jackie at their awesome lake cabin. We were able to park Thor in front of the house where he just fit perfectly.

The guys had a blast jet-skiing on smooth as glass water. We boated over to a restaurant for dinner one night. We visited Ha Ha Tonkin State Park on a beautiful fall day and saw springs and ruins of a castle. The weather turned cold our last night there so Kenton got to build a roaring fire in the fireplace. It was a fitting end to their enjoyable summer at the cabin. What a great time we had visiting with these guys.

Hot Springs, Arkansas - Catherine's Landing - One more stop on our way home. Paid a little more for a waterfront site which was very nice. It really felt like winter was on its way with temps in the 40s and 50s. The nice thing about the cooler weather was no bugs splattered on our giant windshield!

Near Hot Springs, Arkansas

We made it back home to hot humid Houston where fall seems to have disappeared. It was nice while it lasted.

On the Road to Texas

Quanah, Texas

Today is the day we returned to Texas. Our route brought us back to the same interstate we were on when we left Texas, 49 days ago. We passed through Santa Rosa, New Mexico, where we had spent our first night on this seven-week trip. Memories already!

Today our gas mileage reached almost 11 miles per gallon. It's probably due to the long flat stretches of road and cruise control. It doesn't sound like much but it sure beats the 8 mpg we usually get. Strange to be excited about attaining a whopping 11 mpg.

It feels like we know so much more now about this form of travel:

• Chris has figured out how to turn off the clock display on the rear camera video screen, giving him a better view of traffic behind him.

• We've stopped using the child gate to keep the dogs in the back; they just know to stay back there now.

• We've learned you can use the bathroom while we're moving if you really have to.

• Chris now flashes his lights at truck drivers to signal when it's safe for them to pull in front, and they signal back.

• We now bungee cord the refrigerator doors closed as they have flown open a few times on some of Chris's crazy fast turns.

• I no longer physically lean over when we are passing close by something; apparently it doesn't help.

• We've learned the house heater can run off either propane or electricity. Wish we had known that sooner instead of using up our propane instead of the free campground electricity.

• The vehicle towed behind a motorhome is known as a "toad".

Shortly after we entered Texas, there was a huge spread of those giant wind turbines. Even more than we had seen in Wyoming and Oregon. I didn't remember seeing so many the first time we passed this way.

Texas Panhandle wind turbines

Tonight is our 12th campsite while living in our RV for the last 3 1/2 weeks. We are near Childress in the Texas panhandle. The office for this RV Park is an old cotton gin. 

Ole Town Cotton Gin RV Park

As we spend our last night on the road in our house on wheels, I have to testify that the saying on my shirt is indeed true:

Home is Where You Park It