Last stop=Grand Finale

 April 5-7, 2023

Suwannee River Rendezvous CG site 174

Mayo, Florida

I know you probably think I haven't written lately because I've been just getting lazy, and that is partially true.  I sure did get to play a lot while we were at Foscue Creek Campground.  But by the time we arrived here, I was ready to romp and stomp once again....and that's what I did at the dog park at this campground.  I have to admit, it is much warmer here in Florida than I've been accustomed to and my tongue was really hanging low by the time I got back to the rig....so yes, I took a nap.

But I'm not to the point of being babied like my new friend Bentley who is a REAL cuddler with his Mom.

I have to admit, he does have a good reason for needing all that TLC as he had surgery on his left leg not too long ago.

I don't have my own computer, so I share Momma's.  But it seems she is well aware that I get over zealous about my treats and toys so she hasn't shared her password with me.  I think she's afraid I'll get carried away and make a huge order on Chewy.com or even Amazon.  She says I need to be 'monitored'.  I guess she knows how impulsive I can get.   But Frog and Pink Panther are getting a tad worn so I may just have to sneak a replacement order.

So to bring you up to date, we are enjoying our monthly campout with our Golden Triangle camping friends at our final campground/rv resort on our caravan schedule.  We have a couple of additional rigs that have joined us here.  All that translates to the fact that Momma has been too busy to 'monitor' me with all the activities going on with her camping friends.  If she's not playing cards or Fast Track, she's in the kitchen preparing something to bring to a shared meal or playing Corn Hole or Bean Bag Baseball. 

That's Dad at 'bat' with the bean bags.  As it turns out, Momma once again was on the winning team so Dad got to snap the picture to share of the smiling winners.

I guess they can sure work up an appetite.

And they serve up some yummy treats.

All that is drawing to a close though as our adventure will draw to a close on Saturday morning as we all head back to our homes.

We have had a fantastic trip with some awesome friends.  

It won't be our last gathering though as we tend to keep the wheels rolling at every opportuntity.

I love singing....'on the road again'......

Catch you down the road on our next journey.

I'm Chloe

Dad said a bad word

April 3, 2023

Hidden Hollow Resort site A1

Cottonwood, Al

Momma said she has never heard that bad word come out of Dad's mouth before.  I guess he was a tad upset??

Let me go back to the beginning of the day.  It was travel day so all 11 rigs were getting ready for a wet ride.  Even Momma heard the thunder between 4 and 5 am....without her hearing aids.  By the time everyone was hitching up and warming up their engines, the rain had stopped.  Well, for the most part.  There was one unexpected short burst that caught a few unprepared.  Momma and Dad lucked out on that one.  They just had their hand on the door latch when the sudden heavy burst of rain came down so they waited.  After a few minutes, it was safe to venture out without dancing in the raindrops.

The sun looked like it was trying to peek thru the clouds but the further we traveled, the gloomier it got and the light off and on rain began.  Actually, the water from the roads being kicked up by the traffic was worse than the actual sprinkle.

All things considered, everything was going along rather smoothly being able to find a nice, convenient 'get in and get out' with ease fuel stop until.....

Eight miles to go and the cars were stopped for a light that had just turned green as we approached.  The cars didn't immediately take off so Dad applied the brakes.  I heard Momma say, 'You're going to hit him" and we kept right on sliding, and sliding, and sliding in slow motion....and Momma even helped by pushing on her imaginary brake but alas, we slid right into a white Totoya Highlander and kissed its bumper.  And that's when Dad said the bad word.

See that black mark just above his bumper line?

The metal ring on our truck connected with his car.

So a police report was completed and insurance companies were contacted.

The Ram now has a lisp and a bit of a crooked grin.

Wet roads can certainly be a challenge and cause unexpected experiences.   At least this experience didn't involve deployed air bags or towed vehicles.  Just a bit of a cosmetic repair called for.

Unfortunately, we weren't the only ones with a wet roads experience.  Dale and Debby had pulled off for a rest stop in a large lot and they drove thru what appeared to be a wet puddle in the road.  They discovered it was actually a DEEP hole that didn't agree with their tow bar.  Did I mention that it was a brand new towbar that they had just purchased at the rally in Perry a couple of weeks ago?   Now it is a bent tow bar

New challenges ahead.  They can still tow, but hooking up will demand patience, for sure, as that rod no longer slides back into the black covering.  The car will have to be in a precise location to attach the rod.

This rest of the day went without incident with a delightful happy hour gathering.  Then dinner on our own with some enjoying meat from the grill before gathering for shared deserts.

A group of 6 decided to enjoy a game of Mexican Train.  I have to say, the office staff are much more accommodating this year as they have tables set up for playing games off the lounge area in their main building.  Last year, when we had inquired, they had nothing to offer us.

Another group of campers from Illinois were enjoying a boisterous game they called 'Clear the Deck'.  Upon analysis, we discovered that we play the same game but know it as "Swoop"...as we swoop the cards off the table.   What a disappointment.  Momma and Aunt Carol had visions of learning a brand new game.

Our travel day was a bit longer than we are used to so I'm sure everyone will sleep well when they turn in.  Not everyone got to nap like I did...... 'on the road again'. 

I'm Chloe

Getting close to departure

 April 2, 2023

Foscue Creek CG site 39

Demopolis, Alabama

I'm sorry to report that this will be my last day at this campground.  Why am I sorry?  Well, for one thing, my site is in a perfect location.  We are near the end of a cul-de-sac so there isn't much traffic and I have a delightful, grassy front yard that I make use of with Momma and Dad as well as friends who drop by.  I can be pretty persuasive when it comes to inviting someone to toss my ball for me.

I even got Uncle Steve to toss my ball while he was sitting in a chair visiting with Dad.....even after he tried to convince me he wasn't interested in ball play.  You just have to be persistent.

But before I got to play ball today, I had to let Dad put me on the tailgate for my trim. 

He not only grinds my nails, he trims the longer hairs on my feet so I'm not wearing furry boots.

While I was getting my beauty treatment, some of the gang went to the bone yard....well not really a bone yard as it is really a collection of wood.

But it is full of treasures to collect.

Some pieces with character

And some that will make great walking sticks - especially since the wood is so light.

The afternoon was packed with board games, happy hour, and a rousing game of bean bag baseball.  

Dad and Momma were on the winning team today.  I guess the losers were too embarrassed to have their picture taken.  

Around the campfire tonight, the donuts from Eufala appeared once again....only this time it was bread (donut) pudding with bourbon sauce.  I guess everyone had their hands tied up with spoons as no pic was taken once again.  That's probably just as well as I tend to drool over the food photos.  

Yep, we are really leaving tomorrow as Dad has stowed most of our gear.  He has even put away the water and sewer connection pieces just in case the predicted rain really does appear tomorrow morning.  That should minmize the time spend dancing in the rain as it doesn't take long to pick up the electric cord and back the truck up for hitching.  

Cottonwood, Alabama here we come....all 11 rigs and their passengers.

Catch you up from down the road....

I'm Chloe

From Rooster Day to Locks

 April 1, 2023

Foscue Creek CG site 39

Demopolis, Alabama

Saturday, the activities were plentiful.  It is Rooster Day in Demopolis. 

The rain shower with a touch of thunder was nice enough to arrive in the early morning so by the time everyone got up, the weather was clear.  

Rooster Day began in 1991 as a Rooster Auction to raise funds to build a bridge over the Tombigbee River connecting Marengo and Sumter counties, the last link in the Dixie Overland Highway.  With the funds raised, the infamous Rooster Bridge was erected.  Rooster Day is celebated yearly as a fun day with crafts and activities for all to enjoy as well as being a fund raiser.

Bob and Reba organized a special viewing of the locks in action for our group in the afternoon.  

Ann, who dearly loves her job with the US Arny Corps of Engineers was our guide.  She was articulate, knowledgeable and interesting to listen to as she shared information with everyone.  The lock viewed is one of several along the river that assist barges and boats as they travel up and down the river.  This lock raises (or lowers - depending on whether they are traveling north or south) the vessel 18 feet in 12 minutes.  As the vessels travel thru the series of locks on the Tombigbee River, they will be raised/lowered a total of 285 feet.  

The campground that we are staying in was created as part of the requirement put into place to helps balance out the land that was taken/used to create the locks system.  Take some land but pay back with beautiful parks.

This huge barge being pushed by a tug just fits into the lock. 

As the water level changes, a vortex is formed in the area behind the gates.

When the vessel is raised to the proper height, the gates are opened and the tug pushes the vessel on up the river.

This vessel would never have been able to negogiate the spillway so the lock is a crucial part of river navigation and plays an important role in commerce as the barges deliver their load from point x to point y along the river.

Dinner tonight sounded REALLY good to me.  There is a bbq restaurant named Slab and More that has limited seating, so the gang ordered take out to be enjoyed back at camp.

Not only do they serve meaty ribs, but they have chicken, pork and fish as well with loads of sides to choose from.

Michelle H. provided banana pudding and Gina made lemon squares to culminate a delicious meal for the two-legged.  

But the evening activities weren't over yet.  Dirty Uno was the card game of choice tonight.  

I think the two-legged are having way too much fun on this March Caravan.  It makes me think they will want to do another caravan next spring.  I'm all for it!!

I'm Chloe