Change of plans

We have changed our plans. We were hoping to get to the keys but time is just flying by, so we had to structure (yeck I hate that word) a time line and choose places we really want to see. You really have to have reservations to stay on the beach in Fl. So we are staying just outside Jacksonville Fl tonight and tomorrow night. We lucked out and got reservations for 3 nights in St. Augustine from there we will head to Washington D.C. Drove all day today. Has been dark and raining all day so was a good day for driving. Suppose to be sunny tomorrow so am looking forward to a long bike ride.

Flordia

 Well this is how I got to spend my day today, the emergency room in Pensacola Florida from 10 am to 430 getting a CT, blood work and poked 4 times trying to get an IV started. Started urinating blood and having back pain last night. Because of my fall and the huge bruise on my right kidney there was concern I might have done something to my kidney. Just have a infection and have to take antibiotics. We are in State camp ground. Haven't got to see much hopefully in the am.

 Tami this picture is just for you. After leaving New

 we stopped in Mississippi and camped in a state park on the Bayou. We took this hike through the Bayou. At the trail head they said to be on the look out for venous snakes. There were bugs and more bugs but  didn't see any snakes. Did see turtles and a few alligators. The humidity was unreal. It rained that night and the humidity increased.  

 Just one of the many rivers we crossed between Alabama and Florida. Illustrates the thick vegetation that goes on for ever.  

 Took this driving down the freeway in Alabama. Again the vegetation is so thick  all you see on both sides of the road is a wall of trees. 

 My cousins Chat and Graces beautiful farm in Walnut Hill Florida. We had a great time visiting with my cousin and his wife Grace Jantz. It has been fifty years since I last saw him. It was great to get acquainted with each other again. They treated us to a great Catfish dinner home make ice cream and then breakfast this am. I wish we would have had more time together. We truly enjoyed our visit and hope to see you soon.
 

Last Day New Orleans

Yesterday we rode the trolley cars down St Charles Street in the garden district to downtown. Had lunch and just roamed around. New Orleans is a great city it has been fun. We are headed to Florida unless we see something else on the way. I have a cousin who lives in Pensacola we will spend a few days there and then back to roaming. 

I think these are so cool they are all over the city each decorated differently. They were part of a SPCA fund raiser. They were decorated and then auctioned off with all funds going to SPCA.

Yesterday was a lazy day. Took a long bike ride on the levee that runs along the Mississippi. There is a bike walk trail that is about 20 miles long. Was a beautiful day in the low 80's.

In the evening we went into town for dinner and listen to some blues/Jazz. We had a new Orleans specialty (so we have been told ) called a berinet. It is fried bread covered with powder sugar.  Very yummy!!!!  Today its the trolley cars

 Yesterday we went into town did some exploring and took a tour of the city and the 9th ward. The 9th ward is the area that was so hard hit by Katrina. It was interesting to learn a lot of the history and to get to see areas we might not have seen. We had lunch in the French Quarter on an outside deck. Craw fish again what else.

 This picture was taken along the main blvd of the French Quarter. Carriages line up. You can take a city tour that last about an hour.

 This is one of the paddle boats you can ride on the Mississippi River.

 These next two pictures are of  a New Orleans Cemetery. The first is above ground burial. People are buried above ground because NO is below sea level and when it rains everything floods and bodies float back up. Thus the need to bury in cement blocks. The second picture is a wall in a cemetery. When people can not afford the other they are buried in this wall . 

This is just one of the many many wonderful houses along St Charles. The homes here are beautiful. In 2018 New Orleans will be 300 years old. The architecture here is fantastic. I could spend days just driving up and down streets looking at houses. We have decided to stay a couple of more days, keep finding things we want to do and see. The NCCA final four is here this week end so we will leave by then maybe. 

New Orleans Night Life

 So arrived at the KOA early yesterday. Got settled in took Willow for a long walk then we took the park shuttle into town. The shuttle goes in twice a day 9 and 5. We took the 5 in. The driver was great he gives you kinda a min tour with LA history.  This is a pic of a street band in the french quarter. The French Quarter is about a 10 block area. Its very touristy but wild. There are street bands, jazz and blue clubs everywhere. As well as great restaurants. There are some of the greatest chefs in the world here.  I had my usual craw fish something. I love craw fish. Last night it was in a caujan

 sauce with Penna. WONDERFUL.
You can drink on the streets. When you order a drink they give it to you in a to go cup. They have drive through daquair (sp) bars.
This second pic is the oldest building and bar in the French quarter. It has survived two fires. The inside is dark with uneven floors and usually packed. 

The architecture is unbelievable  

This was a street artist she stands still until someone puts money in her bucket then she bows.  

Just more pictures of Bourbon Street in the French Quarter In the center of the FQ there is a park that has a 6 ft fence around it. Artist display their work. Street bands play.

 I love music as most of you know. Around 830 all the bars have some kind of jazz or blues. You just wonder round listening to the different kinds of music. We found this bar the Funky Pirate Blues Bar. This guy Big Al (450 lbs) plays there on a regular basis. He was great. We really had a great time. Was a great night.

Will catch up in the am on today's activities. 

I'm sitting outside and my battery on my laptop is getting low. Had a great day. Think we are going to stay for a few more days. So much to see and do. Thinking about everyone and hope all is well.

State Campgrounds

 I will try and catch up on the last four days. Internet and phone service has been pretty weak. These photos are of Lake Fausse Point. The park we went 4 wheeling to get to. It rained the night we were there. It is a beautiful park. But it is in the wetlands (swamp). When it rains everything gets flooded. It has a lot of trails but they were all underwater. The great thing about LA parks is they cost 18.00 you get electric, water, free laundry, and wifi if it is clear. Saw my first armadillo and alligator. The river has snakes and lots of alligator so no kayaking for me!! The birds and birds calls are fabulous. Listen to two owls talk to each other most of the night

Bayou State Camping Ground New Orleans
Stayed two nights at this campground on the west bank. The first night it rained cats and dogs with thunder and lighting. The next day it was like a steam bath.  Beautiful camp ground.This long cement wall is part of the new levee. It seems to go on for ever.

 The campground has a wave pool (opens 4/1), hiking, trails, kayaking, boat ramp, cabins for rent and conference center etc. We did a lot of bike riding and relaxing.  I am on my 5th book.

While riding our bikes we found a block of fresh fish markets. There are 25 to 30 shacks that sell fresh fish, crawfish, crab, and shrimp. We had lunch at one of the stores. Bought a pound of large shrimp for 3.75. They still had heads on.
While cooking dinner our last night at the campground I was coming out of the trailer with my hands full slipped and fell. I have a huge black and blue spot on my right side and messed up my elbow.  Feel much better now.
We decided to move to a KOA RV park to be closer to town and transportation.

Rest Stops

(Margo double click on pictures to make them bigger)

 No swimming

Looks like a pretty cool place this is a Louisiana rest stop. As soon as you leave Ca the rest stops can be pretty spectacular. Most sites are located with a view of something. They have Wi fi at many, picnic tables and BBQ's. This place was awesome. It had a trail around a swamp. We stopped and had a craw fish and catfish poor boy sandwich with sweet  potatoes fries for lunch. Our destination was Lake Fausse Pointe State Park in Iberia Parish.  Four hours from Bay Town. Set our GPS double checked it against the map. The map showed three was to get here we decided to trust the GPStyu. Big mistake. We ended up on a muddy levee road. Thought we were lost untill we saw another trailer trying to turn around. We got out to help them. Thick yecky mud. They also had a GPS giving the same directions. Figured we had to be on the right track. The road just kept getting worse. Was pretty scary. Even in 4x we were sliding around. Not fun with the trailer behind us. There was no place to turn around we had to keep going. Appox 10 miles later we arrived at the state campground only to discover the the two other ways in were all smooth paved road. From what the camp host we are not the first ones to  end up on the levee road. It has been raining pretty study for the last few days and we are in Louisiana wet lands. Ever see the movie deliverance. I'm sure it was filmed here!   

Truck covered with mud

The park is great took a long walk got every one settled in.  There is a place to see baby alligator so that is our plan in the am. Think we will move on tomorrow afternoon. Getting excited about New Orleans!!  

Padre Island

Great day on the beach yesterday. Went for a 3 hour stroll along the beach. The sun was out and Willow got to run off leash. Last night the camper was rocking and rolling from the wind. Had lighting and thunder. Rained off and on most of the night. This morning the winds had died down so we decided to move on. Left the camp site around 10:00. Rode the ferry across to the main land.   Stopped in Bay Side at Kings Buffet. For those of you familiar with Kings in Reno the Kings in Bayside Tx is just as good and I think cheaper 5.00 for lunch. After getting our Chinese food fixed we continued onward with the goal of getting past Houston.
This picture is a bridge we crossed leaving Houston. We skirted around the edges of Houston avoiding traffic. We are in Bay town. Got here around 530 fed the animals and ate some dinner. Ed has been in bed since 730.  Tomorrow we will head for Port Charles Louisiana. Should be a short driving day There is a state park there that we want to check out. Should be in New Orleans by the end of the week.

Padre Island

Talked to Margo this afternoon she sounded soo good! 

Has to stay in the hospital few more days but sure was great to talk to her.

 We made it to Mustang Island State Camp ground late this afternoon. Left San Antonio around 930. Got lost in Corpus Christi and ended  up taking the ferry over to Padre Island. Was very cool. It is a free ferry and there are 5 to7 running at all time that ferry cars to the Island. Had crab salads at Koby's a local place before heading to campsite. We are about 70 feet from the ocean behind some sand dunes. You can hear the ocean. We have taken several walks since getting here. We will be here at least 2 nights and maybe 3. There is suppose to be a storm passing through with high winds. So we will keep an eye on the weather and just go with the flow. No more time restraints. 

Observations

The speed limit in Texas is 80 so we all know what that means everyone tries to drive 90!

The blue bonnet is the Texas state flower and they are in bloom. Tried to get some pictures today but hard to do when you are driving. They are awesome. There are fields of wildflowers in bloom every where  but the bonnets are in abundance.What a awesome sight.

San Antonio has 3x worse traffic than the Bay Area. You can not go anywhere without being in bumper to bumper traffic. It is insane. Even the country roads are bumper to bumper. Yeck.!!!! 

The first picture was done by Zeb on Nathans bedroom wall

Last Day in San Antonio

Time seems to fly by. Has been great just hanging out with Zeb, Megan and the kids. We are heading out tomorrow for Mustang Island. Margo is doing much better and expects to go home in a few days. She is so amazing!!!! An inspiration to all. My brother David was back in the hospital he had a heart attack but was expected to go home yesterday. I thought things only came in threes. Anyway we are going to continue on our journey for the time being. Today went to the show with kids and saw Lomax in 3d. Then pizza and the arcade.
Toby youngest grandson has discovered scrabble on iPod touch. He is very good.

Missions

Feel like we are getting hit from all sides. Margo (Ed's sister) has had two heart attacks this week. We are still waiting to hear how she is doing before we move on. Ed is considering flying back to San Jose or heading home we will know more today hopefully.
Yesterday we all did a tour of the missions. Was fun and interesting. Just hanging out spending time together. It is nice just to be around the kids. Zeb BBQ'ed ribs for dinner last night.
Nathan goes to Dr today for a check up on his arm. He has been in a sling all week. Running, slipped on cement and hit his elbow bruised the bone with a possible break.
Got bite by Texas red ants the other night trying to get Charlie from under the truck. Big hurtful blisters where I got bit. Those suckers are mean.
Emma and I are going birthday shopping and out to lunch today. Her B-day was March 9th.
The weather is overcast and humid. Was in the 80's yesterday cools down to the 60's at night. Normal Texas weather.

Balmorhea Lake

Stayed at Balmorhea lake last night. It is part of a Indian Reservation. You pay 5.00 per person and you can camp anyplace on the lake you like. It is not kept up very well but the lake is beautiful. After talking to Zeb he told us there are lots of water snakes and not seeing any other boats we decided to for go kayaking. Had a nice dinner  and enjoyed the sunset. Willow was able to be off lease and got a good work out after being in the truck so much.
Left early this morning with the intent of traveling for a few hours but the state parks were all full due to spring break so we plowed through and made it to Zeb's around 5. The plan is to stay here until Monday. The kids are on spring break and Zeb took a week's vacation.

New Mexico

We are in New Mexico. Not in love with the desert but I love New Mexico. I don't know why but I do. The sky and the mountains are spectacular. Every time we come through here I  am captured by its beauty.
 We stopped in Wilcox Az this am for breakfast with my brother. It has been awhile since I last saw him and was good to visit.
We are at Lansburg Dam State campground about 20 miles outside of Las Cruces NM. We are on the Rio Grande and there is suppose to be kayaking but they have the river dammed for construction work. We got here about 3 and have take a couple nice long walks along trails. Had a candle lite dinner which turned into a flashlight dinner in our little covered alcove. The wind kept blowing out the candles. Ed is waiting for me to finish so we can play some cards. We are  about  600 miles from Zebs in San Antonio. Plan on a late start tomorrow and driving about 300 miles tomorrow. Hope to make Zebs late Tue or early Wed.  Zeb called Nathan his oldest son broke his elbow. My brother David is out of the hospital but still very sick. Willow, Charlie and Angel doing well. Angel has gotten out a few times and is determined to get out again. She waits by the  door. Till tomorrow.

This vacation stuff is hard work!! Rode our bikes to baseball game yesterday. Saw the Reds and KC. Reds won. Got up early this am to leave and head for Wilcox Az. All hooked up and the blinkers on the camper wouldn't work. After a 2 hour delay figured out it was a fuse under the truck hood. Did some shopping and laundry. Stopped in Benson Az for the night.  Soaked in a indoor pool that was like a hot tub then soaked in the hot tub. We leave early am for Wilcox Az. to see my brother for breakfast then will focus on San Antonio.  

Goodyear Az.

Start of a new day baseball planned for today. Played golf yesterday with a couple of guys for Iowa. Had a great time.
 Please pray for my brother he is in the hospital with CHF and pneumonia. They moved him from ICU to the floor so he is improving.
 Happy birthday Tree, Emma and Toby
Willow not feeling well. Ed up all night with her. Seems to be better this am. The cats got out last night but came right back in. Just worry about snakes not sure they would know what to do.
Was warmer yesterday with no wind yea!!!   

Nice walk this am.  Rode our bikes to the game. Saw Reds and  Padres .  SD  loss. Had a good time . Golf  tomorrow.  You look out our door  at the golf course. Weather is cool 63 and windy. 

Goodyear Az.

Had a really great time with my Uncle Irwin and Aunt Twila in Prescott  Az.  Left their house around 11 am  and headed for Goodyear Ax

We found this great RV spot in Goodyear. There are three covered spots in this Regional  Park that is out of town on a county road . We are 3 miles from the Reds ballpark. It is a easy bike ride. There is a river across the street. Lots of bike and hiking trails in the park. But as far as Ed is concern the best part is  the  golf course about 50 feet away. He has already made tee times.  The only complaint is the wind. They say it just started today.  The temp is comfortable. Plan to stay 4 days. 

Prescott Az.

Arrived at my Uncle Irwin's in Prescott Az yesterday afternoon.  It is beautiful here. We are having a nice visit.  Installed a ladder on the camper, went for a bike ride. Cooking spaghetti. dinner for all tonight. Will head for Spring Training tomorrow.

Stopped in Palm Spring to have lunch with my stepmother. Spent a couple hours catching up  on stuff. Stopped for gas and had to pay 4.69 ouch!!!! But my app which searches for cheap gas says we will find it below 4 in Arizona lets hope so.

We found a place called Lake Tamarise half way between Blythe and Palm  Springs to spend the night.  Really a nice over  50  RV park. Very quite and everyone is very friendly.  The people who run it are from Shingle town. The park is in the middle of nowhere surrounded by mountains. There is a golf course, hot tub and pool. Was really wonderful to soak in the hot tub last night. Then we took a walk around a small lake to watch the sunset. As you can see we have finally hit short weather!!!

Sister Kim's Memorial last night. Was to great to see all of my family! The Mennonite side of my family  prepared an excellent buffet. It was really great to have everyone together. We hope to have a summer reunion. I am really looking forward to it. My cousin John and Roberta fix a great breakfast this am and we got time to visit.
Left Atwater around 10 and headed for Lancaster.  Uneventful day picked up a ladder for the camper at the Lance  factory. Will head for Palm Desert in the am.

Finally got the  mobile device set up so we have internet. Left San Jose around 12 yesterday. Going over Pacheco pass the kayak racks started to fall apart. We had to put the kayaks inside of the camper. When we got to Trees house (my sister) her husband and Ed were able to reinforce them so hopefully we are set to go again. Dinner with Tree and her family. We spent the night at my cousins John and Roberta.They live in the country and we were able to park along side of their house. We had a very nice visit.
Breakfast this am with family and friends at the Jantz cafe. They have the best food, but the portions are big enough to feed 3 people.
Tonight is a family gathering for my sister Kim. Our Mennonite family is providing a dinner. As is our tradition we will gather to remembered and share stories about her.
The weather has been overcast and raining.
Will leave tomorrow for Lancaster to pick up a ladder for the camper and then on to Palm Springs. Love to All