Hello Texas

 May 23, 2025

Bayou Bend RV Resort site 92

Baytown, Texas

Today was travel day once again.  We bid Louisiana farewell and headed into Texas.  But before we could depart, Dad and Pam worked up a sweat.....it was warm out this morning as it never really cooled off very much last night....working to get Pam's right rear jack to rise into travel position.   The part has been ordered and the appointment has been scheduled for repair but in the meantime, that jack needed to be raised before departure.  They finally had success and we departed around 10am, with a planned stop in Iowa, Louisiana at Rabideaux Sausage Kitchen

for one last Cajun meal before departing Louisiana.  Momma and Dad have stopped there many times so they knew there was a LARGE parking lot behind the building with ample parking room for the rigs. 

It may not look like much from the outside but inside is a whole different story...complete with wonderful smells for a lunchtime feast.

boudin ball with potato wedges

ready for grilling or to stock your freezer

Dad was a tad worried as the exit we needed to take was closed for repair, but fortunately, the next exit was only a mile or two down the road so he was able to double back without any issues.  As it turned out, our timing was perfect as we just beat the lunch crowd.  It's a popular place!

Our entrance into Texas was made with a stop at the rest area.

And a sign that had Momma worried.

Needless to say, we stayed in the parking lot close to our rig.  

We passed a billboard advertising burgers as big as Texas.  I guess most everything in Texas is extra large, including the underpasses.  We are used to seeing height signs for 14+ feet, but we passed several signs posted on underpasses that claimed a height of 18.1 and even 20.2 feet.  

Even the construction areas were bigger...and went on mile after mile beginning right at the border crossing until approximately 15 miles from our destination.  

It's a good thing Momma had done some navigation research as the Garmin GPS would have gotten us lost for sure taking us to exit 795 rather than getting of at exit 798. The frontage/service roads on either side of I-10 in this area are one way only.  We had to exit the interstate, get on the service road, go under I-10 and head back in the opposite direction on the service road on the other side of I-10 to gain access to the park entrance.  It was easy to do following the recommended written directions rather than the the GPS guidance.  In other words, we dodged what could have been a rough landing and turned it into a smooth arrival.  

We are on nice, new, level concrete pads so Pam only had to drop her nose to level her rig.  The decision was made to leave the rear jacks alone until after the repair has been completed, hopefully on the 29th at our next location, if all goes as planned.

This campground even has nice, lush grass that tickles my paws and cools my belly as I stretch out belly-down enjoying the cool breeze blowing through my fur.  

What a great ending to my day!

I'm Chloe

Frogs

  May 22, 2025

Frog City RV - site 17

Duson, Louisiana

I've heard lots of rumors about how delicious Dad's French toast is.  And from the way Momma acts when she delivers a forkful to her mouth, I get the impression it has a fantastic taste. I just wish they would turn their heads .... just for a second or two...so I could give you a first taste report.  I wouldn't even be greedy and steal a sausage patty...just a small bite of French toast.  But then again, if the taste lives up to my expectations, I may just gobble a whole slice...if given an opportunity that is.

I'm not so sure about frog legs though.  I understand Rayne, Louisiana is known as Frog City.  Local entrepreneur Jacques Weil noticed the abundance of frogs in the region and started exporting frog legs to New Orleans. This venture proved successful, and soon Rayne became known for its frog exports, earning its unique moniker.  They no longer ship frog legs but the frog murals and frog statues have kept the Frog City moniker alive.

It appears that most businesses have a frog statue.  I'm sure you'll be able to pick out the one that sits in front of the bank.

And if there is no statue, you'll probably find a painted frog mural.

flower shop

dry cleaners

bakery

 I wonder if frogs make good playmates?

I'm Chloe

Do things really happen in three's?

May 20-21, 2025

Frog City RV - site 17

Duson, Louisiana

A minor glitch occurred on Tuesday.  The AC repair on the Ram was scheduled for completion at 1pm but.... the numbers on the clock rolled around to 2 pm...and then 3pm...and that's when the decision, a no brainer decision...was made to extend our stay for an additional night.  This is considered slow season for this area.  As the gal in the office said,  'It's too warm for camping and filling our park.'  So it all worked out quite smoothly.  We paid for an additional night in Slidell and when we called Frog City RV Park and shared our situation, she said, 'I'll just adjust your arrival day in our computer system.'  

Renaissance Motors finally completed the work around 3:30 and the Ram is now healthy once again.  

We really didn't get to challenge the AC system today during our travels as we began our travels with temps in the 70's and lots of cloud cover which eventually turned to rain.

a view looking over the dash

I have to admit, luck was with us as this heavier rain didn't take place until after we had negotiated the congested area near Baton Rouge where a lot of braking was needed as we crawled out way out of the heavy, slow moving traffic.  And we were certainly pleased to have left the rain behind us when we stopped for our travel break.

Our arrival was smooth but then the other shoe fell.  Issue #2 arrived.  Just as we began our set up routine, a text message arrived asking if anyone recognized a charge made to Furry Friends Pet Central.  Well, don't look at me even though it sounds like a good place for me to shop!  Someone used Dad's credit card number but somehow the transaction triggered a fraud alert and the charge was denied.  Time to deal with locking the card and beginning the process for a replacement.  

About that time, I looked over at Aunt Pam's camper with the wheels off the ground and the driver's side front jack up in the air.  WHAT is that all about?  After a second attempt at auto leveling with the same results, it was time for a call to technical support with Lippert.  After trying a few things, the diagnosis resulted in a recommendation for replacing a part.  That triggered a bunch of time spend on the phone with extended warranty to set up a repair.  Can we just call that #3 and be done with the issues for a while?  After all, Aunt Pam is our 'shadow'.

When we arrived at the campground, the gals in the office shared some recommendations for good Cajun food nearby.  Dad said he was ready for a good poor boy....and that's what he got along with some outstanding sweet potato fries at Cajun Claws Seafood.

Artistic artwork greets everyone.



 

And of course crawfish Pam was on the porch.

With all the issues addressed, I'm sure tomorrow will just be a normal day, checking out the area.

I'm Chloe

It feels warmer than expected in Louisiana

 May 19, 2025

Pine Crest RV site 17

Slidell, Louisiana

It's travel day with a goal of 142 miles taking us from Alabama 

through the tunnel on I-10 in the Mobile area.

Perhaps you can explain why the traffic slowed w - a - y down as we approached the tunnel.  I realize the sign says 40mph, but under 20mph??  And there didn't appear to be any issues such as accidents or stalled vehicles.  

I guess no one, amazingly enough, was in a hurry today.

Our trip was rather uneventful as we entered Mississippi.

Knowing that the campground office closes for lunch from noon until 1pm, we decided to take a nice break at the rest area.  

And that was the end of the uneventful trip......

And now you are wondering what made the rest of the trip eventful. It wasn't the fact that we observed a couple who had stopped at the Louisiana border to snap a selfie. 

It had to do with the attempt to cool the cab back down to a comfortable temperature after our rest stop.  Hmmm....why is it still quite warm even though it is cloudy out?  Okay, so we'll just lower the temperature to a lower number.  Hmmm... It's not cooling much at all.  Now granted, it wasn't unbearable but it wasn't that comfortable temperature we have grown accustom to.  And it is only approaching 90 outside with an hour of travel to go.

Our welcome at the campground was friendly and helpful.  'What do you like to do?  What are your interests?  What can we recommend?'  And our response was, our Ram needs some AC attention. 

After quickly getting set up, Dad headed out with his ailing Ram to find some urgent care for the failing AC.  Momma got an alert on her phone that showed a high charge on the credit card followed by a phone call from Dad saying he needed a ride back to the campground.  Momma thought he might be calling to say he was in pain and needed medical attention due to the estimate for the repair.  He always gets a jolt when he sees a good sized bill. 

So if our luck holds,  Renaissance Motors will be repairing the AC unit with lots of new parts $$$$ tomorrow and we will be on the road once again, later in the day than we had originally intended, but still on schedule, as this was just a one night stopover. 

I'm Chloe 

 

USS Alabama

 May 18, 2025

Wilderness RV site E7

Robertdale, Alabama

Today the two-legged left me to go to Battleship Memorial Park and tour the USS Alabama. 

It has been several years since Momma and Dad had first visited the park and right away they noticed some changes.  There were added memorials for the Korean War and Vietnam War just past the entrance guard house.

The USS Alabama has been well kept...especially when you consider the fact it is a World War II ship.  Lots of TLC for sure.

It is sporting new decking as well as a great paint job.

check out that anchor chain

 

It's too bad that it still has open steps as Momma really hates to look all the way down as she climbs stairs. I guess she wouldn't have made a very good sailor.  Dad and Aunt Pam had no issues climbing up and down and exploring all the levels. 

They weren't allowed to enter the highest area, but they got close enough for a birds eye view.

Momma wimped out again when they explored the submarine, but they did have a nice gift/restaurant area for Momma to wait in.

Now wouldn't you think they would thoughtfully dash back to me for a game of ball?  Wrong😔  Once they discovered there was a Culver's nearby, thoughts of concrete determined the next stop of the day.  Now, if you aren't familiar with Culver's menu, think DQ blizzard when you hear Culver's concrete.  It's the smooth, creamy custard with your choice of mixers swirled in.

Yesterday, Dad drove so our Ram has a full tank.  Today, Pam drove so it was her turn to fuel up.  Buc'ee's has the best price.....and it appears everyone traveling on a Sunday afternoon knew it.  What a maze of vehicles to maneuver around!  But once committed, you just join the traffic flow...patiently.  Everyone agreed, this wouldn't have been an easy task with the fifth wheel attached!!!   Talk about a zoo-y experience.  But they survived and accomplished their mission. 

And then it was my turn for some FUN!!

want to play ball?

I'm Chloe

And what did you have for dinner?

 May 17, 2025

Wilderness RV site E7

Robertsdale, Alabama

The sites we were departing from aren't referred to as buddy sites by the campground, but we sure felt like they were.  The sites were two pull through sites, one behind the other that sat parallel to the road.  In order to get hitched, the rig in the front had to hitch up and pull forward to allow room for the tow vehicle to position itself properly in front of the second rig.  It was the reverse action from our arrival taking turns unhooking in the available space.   Last night we watched our neighbor spend a good deal of time getting situated on his site across the way.  He had to back up a steep incline and then aim/maneuver  the back of his rig to the right so that he could fit on the level area of space and off the sloping site entrance.  It was not an easy task.....and all that effort for just a one night stay it seems. 

Our travel took us 225 miles, departing Clio, Alabama and heading for Robertsdale, Alabama, but the majority of the miles were on Florida roads.  We dropped down to I-10 and headed west.  That meant we were once again thanked for spending time in Florida and invited to return

before being welcomed once again to 

  

Momma and Dad felt like this was a L O N G tiring trip today...even with two breaks taken to get out and stretch the legs a bit.  Momma announced after 200 miles that she was ready to be done traveling for the day, but there were still 25 miles to go. And somehow those last 25 miles felt like hours instead of minutes to travel.   I told her she just needs to sit back and relax like I do.  Well, actually, I stretch out and lay down on my travel bed.  It makes for a very relaxing, restful ride.  Now don't get any cute ideas Momma.  I'm not sharing my bed.

We are paying 50% off using Passport America at our current campground so the cheap rate makes it hard to complain about the lack of grass mowing here.  We have a pull thru site with full hook up 50 amp service for a cheaper rate than our previous campground with only 30 amps.   But Dad would definitely be more upset with the conditions of our current surroundings if he were paying the full rate.  

Would you believe we are one exit away from Bu'cee?

How could anyone see that sign and not immediately have visions of Bu'cee's brisket?  I guess that could happen if you have never enjoyed a brisket sandwich from Bu'cee. 

It was well worth mingling with the obnoxious travelers to be able to enjoy a brisket sandwich for dinner.  What do I mean about obnoxious?  Maybe I should say inconsiderate?  What would you call wheeling your cart around the store without a care for anyone else around you?  Or stopping along side a gas pump.  Getting out.  And leaving your car there while you leisurely shop.  

Dad said he thought we made a rather bad decision though.  He knows how great the brisket sandwich is but, decided to venture out and try a brisket burrito wrap.  Not such a great decision.  Too much rice.  Not enough brisket.  And the cardboard tasting, tough wrap didn't help the sandwich at all.  Momma compared it to chewing on leather.  Note to self:  Don't purchase the wrap.  Stick with the delicious sandwich....which luckily is sitting in our refrigerator waiting to be savored and devoured.  Dad says it called planning ahead!

I'm Chloe

Another great day in Alabama with family

 May 16, 2025

Blue Springs State Park site 30

Clio, Alabama

Wow Momma!  You're getting pretty good at juggling the amperage usage and turning out baked goods today.  The cinnamon rolls were ready to devour by the time the kids (Pam's daughter and granddaughters) arrived this morning.  And before that, Dad enjoyed hot biscuits.

Pam's son-in-law and daughter's farm is located fairly close and we scored some of their farm fresh green beans, potatoes and yellow squash as well as a dozen eggs.  Nice trade off:  baked goods for farm produce.

Everyone went in different directions today.  Pam's gang spent the day in the water at the springs while Momma and Dad headed into Troy.  But first I got to spend some time chasing after my ball.  

What a nice grassy area to play in.  It's a good thing that this campground is next to empty, although this evening, being a Friday night, a few campers have arrived. Just enough so it no longer feels like a 'ghost campground'.   It was fun enjoying some off lead - playtime with no one else in sight.

While Momma and Dad were in Troy running some errands, they decided to stop into a restaurant where they had enjoyed good service and a good meal from an interesting menu the last time they were in this area. It was mid afternoon and whoa...the parking lot was full...as was the restaurant.  The hostess said they were experiencing the graduation crowd.  Momma and Dad eased back out the door and decided to rethink their idea of a quiet dinner out.   

So the day is winding down and the banana cake is nearly done baking. Those bananas were just begging to be turned into cake or bread or...  In other words, they were well past the peel and eat stage.  I'll bet Momma serves the banana cake with cream cheese frosting tomorrow.  I'll have to practice my sad look so Aunt Pam won't be able to resist me and she'll just have to share a few bites.

Dad has stowed all the outside chairs and equipment back in their bay locations, ready to travel tomorrow.  We will be heading further west but will still be in Alabama.

I guess the next time you hear from me, we will be all settled into our third campground on this adventure.

I'm Chloe