Getting ready to leave and 1st night at a Kentucky Rest Area
Two days before I was ready to leave it got super cold, windy with snowThe first stop after leaving Michigan was at the bullet County rest area in Kentucky, just south of Louisville
Red Top Mountain State Park in Georgia
Entering Red Top State ParkThe campground is situated on a Peninsula. Red Top State Park is actually the entire Peninsula in the middle of a large reservoir.A picture of what the campgrounds look like
Silver Lake Campground just north of Tampa, Florida
The campground is located directly next to I 75 so the road noise was terrible. Plus, there was a jerk in his loud boat who kept roaring back-and-forth by the campground dock.Greta parked in sight # 23The only highlight of this campground, was the new bathhouse – sad
Grech RV Experience – The Motor Enclave, Tampa, Florida
The Grech RV ExperienceI was the eighth person to arrive at the event and you could see here’s where I parked GretaIt was media day and they were taking the media out onto the test track to give them a thrill rideThe video doesn’t do justice to the sound and speed of these carsAn overview of the motor enclaveThis is the inside of the main enclave center where we had our seminarsEverything was car related. They even had an engine hoist used as a heating lamp for lunch.End tables made from engine partsThey had a large tent, set up with couches and tables for breakfastDavid Reagan came to my van and did some updatesThis is the entrance ramp onto the test trackThere’s a gas pump right there on the grounds that sells racing fuel. Take note of the price per gallonThe golf carts that drove around and the ground had air-conditioning on themRich people can buy a garage on grounds to store their vehiclesI tried to sneak a picture of one of the owners garagesJust a cool old tree on the groundThere were a bunch of runoff ponds that from time to time alligators visitGrech hosted a owners meal in the motor enclaves banquet centerThey had a duo singing and playing a saxophone for cocktail timeThe sex player was really goodAgain, noticed they use a tool chest to hold the serving plates and silverwareA conveyor belt, serving dessertsMr. Gretsch thanking the owners for being loyal patronsA rock band played music after dinner. They were really good.Our owner’s dinner was capped off with a fire displayI signed up for a cooking seminar with an Italian chefThis true Italian chef was demonstrating how to cook a meal in your vanSitting down to enjoy our freshly cooked mealWhen I told the chef that my wife was a vegan, he immediately pulled up a menu containing all vegan items
Coe Landing Campground, Leon County, Florida (1 night stop-over)
Just to stop over campground on my way to Pensacola. Coe Landing Campground turned out to be a pretty nice place, but it was chilly.Coe Landing Overview – it was in the low 40’s – CHILLY!!My campsite for the nightThe very first time I used the stove and Greta. I went for something easy, hard boiled eggs.The next morning, I went to Calvary Chapel for Sunday church. Heavy rain.
Fort Pickens National Seashore, Pensacola, Florida
After leaving Tampa and the Gretsch rally, I stopped at a disc golf course in PensacolaVery nice and lush disc golf course rate by Pensacola high schoolLots of water hazardsIt was a very compact, but tough courseArriving at Pensacola BeachThis is what downtown Pensacola Beach looks like. Lots of condos.Fort Pickens is the National Seashore ParkThis was my campsite. Site 7Read from the campground there’s a boardwalk out to the beach areaThe wind was really whipping and I considered it a red flag dayI was enthralled with the crashing wavesIt’s fun to watch the pelicans, skim less than a foot off the ocean and dodging the wavesThere was tug boats, pulling something long out in the Gulf of AmericaAn artsy pictureApparently, this was a shipwreck that they’ve left as a historic markerThis is the marker that actually attached to that wreckageThese were the shells that I found on that first walkOn the way back to the campground, I spotted these turtles and HeronClose-up of the heronFort Pickens is actually three different fortsA view from on top of one of the fortsAnother artsy picture looking through one of the windows in the fortsI just thought it was cool how you could see down the walkwayStopped at the fishing pier and watched the lazy pelicans begging for foodDuring a morning walk, I came across the stingray in shallow waterAnd then I came across this jellyfish in the shallow waterA couple more shells
New Orleans and St. Bernard State Park
Drove from Pensacola Florida to Saint Bernard State Park in Louisiana.On the way into the State Park I went through a tunnel of treesI had a good campsite, but it was definitely a rough few days because the temperatures went down into the mid 20s at night and low 30s during the dayWent for a walk through the campground, and since the campground is swampy, land alligators could appearI thought this was a cool bridge in the campground with the sun settingI attended first Baptist Church in New Orleans on SundayInside first Baptist Church during worshipGod, miraculously provided street parking for Greta in the French QuarterAfter church, I went to Brennan’s restaurant in the French Quarter in downtown New Orleans for brunchScreen I ordered the five course traditional brunchBrandy Milk PunchBaked AppleTurtle SoupEgg HussardeChampagneFilet MignonSyrah WineThe story behind Bananas FosterHow Bananas Foster are madeBananas FosterBourbon Street in the French Quarter – watch the lady at the end photo bomb the video đ
Galveston Beach & Galveston Island State Park
Yahoo!! TEXAS!!The famous rainbow Bridge in Texas is closed. I went out of my way to experience it. BUMMERLoading onto the ferryI’m a ferry ready to departInterestingly, the ferry is completely freeOn our way to GalvestonCheck out all the seagulls, looking for fish that were stirred up by the ferryThe houses built on Galveston Island are all on stilts about 20 feet above groundI got to the campground just as the sun was settingSunrise on Galveston BeachA video of the campground, early the next morningVideo of being on the beach at sunriseAbout 20 miles out in the Gulf – I zoomed in with the camera 30x to get an Oil Rig and a Coast Guard ShipGalveston Beach is not a beach for shell hunting. This was the only show I found and it wasn’t worth keeping.Sunday morning, I went to Seaside ChurchEven though it was a small church on Galveston Island, the worship and teaching were very goodCan you believe it? I made one pot lasagna!!Pleasure Pier in Galveston – what famous Disney movie had pleasure Island in it?I went to the oil rig museum in downtown GalvestonI never saw pure white pelicans beforeGalveston Harbour is a definite working harborTons and tons of oil rigs out in the Gulf of AmericaOne oil rig has a lot of supporting devices down on the sea bedOne oil rig has a lot of supporting devices down on the sea bedSince the museum is actually on an old retired oil rig, you were allowed to walk around on the rig deckMore looking around under the oil rig deckAfter the museum, I went to Katie’s for lunchTexas Crab and Corn ChowderCucumber Shrimp AppetizerCucumber, shrimp appetizerGrouper and Shrimp for lunchEarly sunrise over the Gulf of AmericaI couldn’t pass up the chance to take Greta out on Galveston Beach
Twin Coves Park in Flower Mound, Texas
Coming into Houston from Galveston, Texas. The downtown area looks nice, but the outskirts are strictly industrial.Arrived at Twin Cove’s campground. Feels very familiar.Greta is in campsite 21A campfire and a relaxing spot overlooking over the marinaThe Solo Stove works wellHiking on the North Shore TrailThere was still snow left in spots along the trail from the previous weeks cold spellsThe North Shore Trail just feels good to take a hike onOn Sunday, I attended Rockpointe ChurchFishing in Grapevine LakeA trip to Flower Mound means a trip to Hard Eight BBQDisc golf in Heritage Park in Flower Mound
Abilene State Park, TX – Perini Ranch Steakhouse in Buffalo Gap, TX
After leaving Flower Mound, I stopped at a Blue Beacon truck Wash to get Greta cleaned upPerini Ranch Steakhouse in Buffalo Gap, TexasMy Ribeye Steak with JalapeÃąo Harmony as a side and of course, Sweet TeaAbilene State ParkAs I was getting situated in my camp site… I had a visitorIn Armadillo was hanging out looking for insects in my camp siteI do have to admit – he’s kind of cuteOut for a hike and came across this Bird BlindThis is a deluxe Bird Blind to sit and enjoy watching the birds
Monahans Sandhills State Park – on the way to Big Bend NP
On the way to Monahans Sands State Park a train was running parallel to the highway and what struck me was the number of Tanks that it was carryingReally nice entrance into the parkFor a State Park their Visitor Center was really really nice!Standing on a Sand Bluff – I took this picture to show the geology of the parkIt was raining at the park – we spent the night in site 24Just a quick video showing an overview of the park
Big Bend National Park in Texas – Rio Grande Village Campground
After leaving Monahans Sands State Park – there was a part of my drive was straight and flat for about 75 miles – not even other carsOn the way to Big Bend National Park, and only about an hour out of my way was the Worlds Smallest Buc-ee’s.That’s Big Bend National Park in the distance Made it to Big Bend – It’s a huge National Park. Over 1200 square miles!!Here’s my camp site at the Rio Grande Village CampgroundAfter backing into my spot – there were wild Donkeys in the back park of my camp site!!After an early dinner, I quickly drive to the Boquillas Canyon Trail to take in the sunsetSunset over the Rio GrandeBig Bend’s Night Sky is Incredible!! I tried to take this picture – it really doesn’t do it justice The next morning I headed of to Grapevine Hills Road It’s a flat out 4×4 “road” out to the Balanced Rock TrailI’ll just say it was and interesting drive đĩâđĢI stopped to take this picture of the Chisos Mountain RangeBalanced Rock TrailIt was a good first hike for the dayAs tou get closer to the Balanced Rock attraction – the trail becomes steep and it’s hard to discern the trail – I was glad for the signage!Yep, that’s “Balenced Rock”I had to take a movie once I my it!!I started early today because I had a busy day planned – this picture is just before sunriseOn the way to the Hot Springs – a Black Bear ran across the road in front of me – by the time I grabbed the camera – I only got this picture of his Butt going down into a ravine đI was the first person at the Hot Springs Trail – very please to have the place to myselfCool Rock Cliffs on the way to the Hot SpringsMexicans cross the Rio Grande River and leave handmade merchandise for sale – honor systemThis is her overview of the hot springs which are directly next to the Rio Grande RiverMy Feet in the Hot Springs – and yes – it’s really HOT. Just like a Hot Tubtried my best to get a self-timed picture – didn’t work too wellThe next stop was the Lost Mine TrailAnd Yes – Big Bend really does have Bears and Mountain LionsI was only supposed to hike to this point on the trail – but some people coming down told me to go a little further for a great scenic overlookIt really was a very Beautiful ViewBy now my 2 mile hike had turned into a 5 mile hike – Way in the distance you can see Greta in the Parking LotI zoomed in with the Camara’s x30 zoom lens to get this pictureMade it to the top of Lost Mine Mountain!! Since I was only supposed to hike 2 miles – I didn’t bring water – WHAT A MISTAKE!! 8 Miles without water was bad news đĩThe Pink Arrow is pointing to Lost Mine Peak – that’s where I hiked to WITHOUT water On my way to the Santa Elena Canyon River Trail – the scenery was stunningI found a place to park and started down the trailWhat’s so shocking is that the rest of Big Bend is a desert but along the Rio Grande the vegetation is lush and greenInside the Santa Elena Canyon – end of the trail The Rio Grande was way to deep to try and crossClassic picture of the Santa Elena CanyonAnother Movie trying to capture the volume and speed of the riverI decided to take the old Maverick Road back instead of the highway. It was 18 miles of washboard teeth, jarring thriving. đĨĩSunset from a Lookout Point while drive back to the campgroundParting Picture from my last night in Big Bend
After leaving Big Bend, I drove up to McDonald’s observatory in West Texas. The observatory has the largest optical telescope in the United States along with multiple other telescopes.Unfortunately, I was visiting Observatory on Saturday and the visitor center along with all the tours are only during the weekA view of some of the telescopesI took this video to capture how crazy windy it was up on the top of the mountain, where the telescopes areA picture of the largest optical telescope United United StatesThe story behind McDonald observatoryOn the way up towards New Mexico, there were multiple border control, security stopsMade it to New MexicoAs I passed through El Paso, Texas, which is on the border with Mexico I took this video of The Border Wall that has been erectedI made it to Aguirre Spring Campground just outside of White Sands National ParkThis campground is actually bureau of land management property. But it’s a beautiful setting of this campground is located.As I said, this is BLM land and ranchers are allowed to have their cattle free range on the landMy campsite was actually at the foot of the mountainsSunrise looking towards White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park – Lee’s Pecans, Arizona
Just a short ride from the campground to white Sands National ParkJust driving on the road in the Park feels like you’re on the surface of the moonYou feel kind of lonely in this park for some reasonI took this picture because in the distance you can see that Water Tank, which is part of White Sands Missile RangeZoomed in picture from one of those MountainsHundreds of miles of White Gypsum SandPark Overview MovieMade it to ArizonaAnother Border Security checkpointIt occurred to me that I’ve never taken a picture of me while I’m drivingWhen I stopped for gas, I looked on the map and saw that there was a family owned pecan farm nearby. Linda called in. They said for me to “sure stop by.”Driving up to the garage where they sell their pecans fromNancy Lee, one of the owners showed me a video of how they harvest and take care of their orchardThat night, I camped at a rest area off the highway. But it was a beautiful sunrise.
Saguaro National Park, AZ – Camp Saguaro “Cool” Campground
Saguaro National Park which is just outside of Tucson AZThere’s a 8 mile car ride through part of the ParkThe vegetation in this desert National Park was amazingInside the visitor center, there was a exhibit showing they inside of the Saguaro CactusThen I joined up with a Ranger lead tour where he explained the different plantsHe was very informative and willing to answer any questionsNext day I went for a hike and the Douglas Springs Trail. It went to two different waterfalls.Bridal FallsMoving Clouds Movie đŋđThis picture shows how close the National Park is to TucsonMovie of Picking a Yellow Catus FruitCool CatusA picture from the Douglas TrailThese yellow flowers were abundant everywhereJust look at all those Saguaro CactusesMe trying to describe one of theseSaguaro CactiMy CampgroundMy camp site was named instead of a number “Silly Lizard”Bathrooms and bath house was quite interesting since it was all completely outdoorsCool cactus next to my campsite
Mesa, AZ – Chicago Cubs’ Spring Training
I left Tucson & Saguaro NP and while driving north to Masa the was a Tamale truck along the side of the rock. So I stopped and got Tamales Verde.Mesa Gardens RV Park in downtown Mesa. Well taken care of but extremely crowedThere was a nice a nice lounge area while I sat and did laundryI need it to Sloan Park home of the Cubs spring training campGreta in the Sloan Park Parking LotThe line to get in the snow park. It was the first spring training game of the year.View from my seat for game #1ameson Taillon pitched 2 inningsAlex Bregman played only 2 innings alsoOverview movie of Sloan ParkI decided for the second game not to walk to Sloan Park but instead, I took Waymo automated taxi. I thought it was great.Movie from the backseat of myWaymo rideOne of the Cubs spring training fieldsGame #2 – mini replica of the Wrigley Field MarqueeOverview of Sloan Park from the outfieldHere’s the scoreboard. It’s Sloan Park.Matt ShawMatt Shaw battingPete Crow-Armstrong battingI was recently close to the players in the outfield, but the regulars only played 2 innings Waymo back to the RV Park
Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona
Sunday morning before leaving Mesa, AZ I attended Redemption Church in Tempe, AZMade it to Petrified Forest National ParkAlthough it had interesting scenery, this National Park did not capture my heartA Petrified Log/Tree that had fallen is a famous attraction, but they poured concrete underneath of it, taking away from the wonder of itBlue Mesa Overview MovieAnother stop while driving through the ParkAfter leaving Petrified Forest National Park the highway rose thousands of feet until it got up high enough in the mountains where the snow was over a foot deepAnd as the road descended down into New Mexico, the snow disappeared, and flat dry wastelands appeared
Grants, New Mexico – KOA campground
After leaving Petrified Forest National Park, I ended up spending the night in a Walmart parking lot and then getting up early in the morning to explore Grants, New MexicoWhat I found as a explored the town is that this town was a vibrant town before the Interstate I-40 got builtIf I didn’t know any better, I would say the Movie CARS was based off of Grants, New Mexico. I think someone at PIXAR traveling through Grants, New Mexico and imagined the made-up town of Radiator SpringsSince I got to the KOA in the morning, I decided to cook one-pot Lasagna for dinner. The interesting thing is that instead of Maranira sauce – this time I used Red Salsa đHere’s my spot at KOA
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas
Palo Dura Canyon is the second largest Canyon in the United States. Not quite as big as the Grand Canyon, but still worthy of being a State Park.This time I had a Road Runner in my campsite đđBeautiful sunset in the canyonThe next morning, I decided to take a hike. It was actually three different trails that I took. –Lower Comanche Trail to the Rock Gardens Trail to the Cottonwood TrailOverview movieBeautiful sceneryJust looking out over Palo Dura Canyon from the rock Garden TrailThere’s an actual spring fed stream that runs through the park. I never would’ve guessed.This is the cottonwood TrailEarly in the morning, just as the sun was coming upAnother sunset photo. The colors caught my eye.
Mineral Wells State Park – near Weatherford, Texas
A One Night Stay at Mineral Wells State ParkNot sure I liked the roadway driving right on the lake’s spillwayCozy campsite
Back to Flower Mound, Texas for one last visit
Driving into the DFW area from Weatherford, Texas, I came to another famous Texas overpass spaghetti bowl I stayed in the same campsite in Twin Coves CampgroundPlayed some disc golf at the Flower Mound courseI tried my best to video one of my throwsThe disc ended up close to the basketI went to a different BBQ place – HutchinsI had a long visit with Mr. Hutchins while waiting for the restaurant to open for lunchI took a trip to reminisce at Citi’s, Corporate Offices that I used to work at in Las Colinas, TexasMixed feelings – I miss being part of the Mac Team – but glad to be retiredThe next morning was a hike on the North Shore Trail, where signs of spring were beginning to appearI had to take a trip to Grapevine, TexasI waited for convention center’s, clock to chime, but the silly mannequin show never happened âšī¸Downtown Main Street in GrapevineI took the Grapevine Lake Spillway Road back to Flower Mound / Twin Coves
Village Creek State Park in Arkansas
I liked this trucker’s message that he had stencil on the back of his tractor cabVillage Creek State Park was a little out of the way, but the park itself was beautiful and very well keptThis was my campsite at Village CreekIt’s a beautiful state park and the campsites are wonderful, but the bathhouse was such a disappointment
Louisville, Kentucky KOA (not a winner)
My wet and soggy campsiteI would not recommend this campground to anyone. It was a very disappointing end of a wonderful roadtrip
