Winter destinations...

We are going to a couple different places this year for our winter holiday. I thought we would try going a bit further east on the Florida Panhandle for a change, but still not make that turn south. So our first stop is to be The Carabelle Beach RV Resort in (imagine this) Carrabelle Beach. Just east of Apalachicola and in a area we have been told has great seafood. Spending a month there. I think we'll also hit Topsail and maybe a new RV park near Topsail called Live Oak Landing. It's owned by the same people that own the Carrablle Beach park. Looks nice. Then we are planning on starting our way up the eastern seaboard to DC. The TRVN Spring rally is in the DC area, so it should be fun. Should be lots to see and do by late March. Not planning to go to Red Bay unless something happens to force us to go there. I would like to go to Bay Dieseel for our annual service, but then again, it's not worth going that way just for that.
If anything changes, I'll make a update. Oh, hate not to go to Bella Terra, may just stop there on the way down.

End of fall and plans for the winter.

Well, we had a great last couple of trip to end our RVing season for 2010. First we went to a small campground right on the Mississippi, across the river from Red Wing, MN. It was quite nice if a bit small, but the water was good, power pedestals were new and easy to get hookup to. No sewer because it is on a flood plain, but that wasn't a issue and they do have a pumper and dump station on site if you were staying longer. We were only about 12-15 feet from the water and it was great fun to watch the commerical river traffic and the recreational traffic as well. Some nice boats out there... Attached are a few pics that show how we were parked. The park is called Island Marina and Campground. Here is a link:

http://www.islandcampingandmarina.com/

I would suggest you read the history. The area has quite a checkered past and is quite interesting to read about.







After that, we drove to Apple Valley, MN and stayed at the Lebanon Hills CG. Really nice large sites and right in the city close to everything in the metro area. Spend 5 days there getting caught up on Dr visits etc in the city, some shopping etc. Then it was off to the Grand Casino RV Park in Hinckley. We went there for two reasons. It is near home and a good place to stop to get things settled and cleaned before going home and also to attend event. This time we saw Chef Taylor Forence and a week later saw Alan Jackson. Both ere good fun but AJ is really a great act to watch and listen to. We just left the RV there between events and went home to take care of some business, Mary went to Toronto on business, between events as well. Had a lot of rain that week and there was plently of flooding the SE part on MN and SW part of WI once again.



Last trip was to our Wisconsin Allegro club Rally in Wausau. Had a great time with our fellow Allegro owners and were hosted by Kings Campers. Nice fish dinner on Friday evening and a chili dump on Saturday even followed by some fellowship with the other memebers. We left our RV at Kings to have some minor service completed and they will store it for us until we head south.

That's it folks...Unil next year, or....

We have been all over the place!

Sorry I have been so slow in making updates. We have been to Duluth, Two harbors, Brainerd, Red Wing, Apple Vally and hinckley in our RV. I got to meet lots of other pups, had boat rides, lots of stuff. Mama and papa hosted two RV rallys which they liked. First the Wisconsin Allegro Group and the the TRVN group. First was in Duluth out on the water. Lots of fun stuff to see and bark at. I met some old puppy friends again, got lots of fun stuff to eat and put my feet in Lake Superior. Didn't go swiming though, water was to cold..burrrrrr. Then we went to Two Harbors to relax a bit, but Papa didn't like driving through something called a construction zone. He was nervous and the road was small... It was cold as well. And I got rained on, don't like that. Then we went to the Brainerd TRVN (??) Rally and a nice place. A small lake I could play in a bit and ducks to bark at...Really nice thick grass to play on. It was fun. Then we went home again for a few weeks.

From BeBe....

See some pictures.

TRVN Rally in Brainerd - Aug 2010

We finally had a TRVN get together in 2010. 7 coaches got together at the RV Resort Village. We had a nice few days with lots of new friends being made. More details can be read on TRVN. search for my posts. Here are some photos:

August RVing adventures Duluth.

We spent another 10 days or so, out and about in Duluth and the Brainerd lakes area. In Duluth we hosted the WAW Allegro club at the lakehead Boat Basin. Very interesting spot to stay a few days. Right on the water, well, the harbor side of Minnesota Point. Just a short drive over the lift bridge. Gives wonderful views of the bridge and all the incoming and outgoing boat traffic. Our group had a good Friday evening meal at Grandmas. Everyone got to spend some time touring the area and some even took the steam engine ride up to Two Harbors. We had a couple days with heavy fog in the mornings, but other than that and some overnight rain, the weather was good. We cooked burgers and brats and everyone else brought something to share. We'll be doing it again next year,just have to sort out where. I'm thinking of somewhere along the Mississippi. Have to check it out.

have a look at the photos below.

July

Well, we had a great couple weeks out in the motorhome. We spent a long weekend in the NE Wisconsin area previously mentioned. Nice meeting up with the Wisconsin Allegro Waunderers. Can't say much about the park we were at, it was the most expensive park we had ever been in - anywhere in the country. It wasn't even close to being worth it. Had to haul garbage for a mile, no lighting, I could go on...But just check out RV park reviews.

Then we drove back to Shakopee to spend a week in the cities. Catching up on some Dr visits etc. Still really like that park at Mystic Lake. Clean and well kept.

Stopped at Grand Casino Hinckley on the way home. Mary won a bit of cash, which always is nice.

Now we are getting ready for our WAW rally at Lakehead boat basin in Duluth. Followed by the TRVN Rally in Brainerd. Busy for us since we are the wagonmasters for both meets. It's been very hot and wet here at home, but the garden is growing great. Water on the river is really highj. So high, that I had to take the windshield off the boat in order to get it off the lift. Now it's raining at a rate a .7" per hour. Good news is that the motorhome is staying dry inside...Might float away, but will not leak anyway..

Also, have mostly gotten the bathroom remodel finished. Whew...Didn't like that job at all. It would be a cold day in you know where before I did that again.

Bebe is still her wonderful little self. What a sweet little girl..We were so lucky to have her join our little family.

Photos on the way..

Gettin Itchy

We have been home for two months and have about had enough of the stationary lifestyle. Heading out to NE Wisconsin for a Allegro Club Rally just after the 4Th. Should be fun. Then going to Minneapolis for a week before returning home. It was a good time to be home though, got lots of stuff updated on the motorhome and some minor maintance completed. Got the yard sorted out so it doesn't look like a desert anymore, the garden planted, a watering system working etc..
Mary has been in the UK and Qatar for business, gathering up frequent flyer miles for our next trip to New Zealand. Now she'll be home for a while.
Build a elevated garden in a effort to get some better soil from growing tomatoes etc. The ground here contains to much sand and no significant organic matter, so it is almost impossible to get anything other than weeds to grow. This worked out quite well. Have a bit of landscaping to finish and get some grass reestablished, but that'll come with a bit of time. Photo attached.

Already starting to plan our winter 2011 getaway. We were going to go to New Mexico, but have since decided to go back to the Florida Panhandle and Alabama. We really like it there and have gotten used to the lifestyle and knnow the country well. It does seem like a second home when we are there.

Back Home

Well, we had a great time in Gulf shores. Caught up with many friends, especally JB & Bev and Fred and Judy. RVing really is fun. We had great food, lots of fun and our dogs all got along good. That really is fun, The pups are great to have around and we all take a interest in them. It's quite amazing. BeBe has grown up into a wonderful little friend, spoiled as possible, but who's fault is that? hah

After Gulf Shores we went to Bay St. Louis, MS for a couple of days. Mary got to play some games for fun and I got to go to the buffet for lunch. Went for a long ride along the coast road and saw much devastation from katrina still present. I'm not sure I understand why things are not being rebuilt. maybe lack of Insurance. Very sad that area should be a popular as Florida, beautufl beaches, etc. But no places to eat, pubs nothing to draw anyone to the aera. I'm not even sure if there was anything there before Kartina. Not a lot that's for sure. Attached a few pics for you viewing. Met up with friends Fred and Judy there, spent some quality time.. great folks.

Then we went to, where else, Red Bay to have a bit of work done on our motorhome. Nothing serious. We were to have front end protection film added, but couldn't get it done due to time. We did add power shades in the front end. Best thing we could have done. They are great. no more curtains. Had that done at Tiffin. Couldn't get brannon H. to respond at all. Done with him, if you can't do something, just tell me, do not ignore me. Very dispeased with him ands will not go back. No reason to.
Having it done by Tiffin, we have some warranty and someone to fall back on.
We did have the M2 service done on the engine and chassis at Bay Diesel in Red Bay. Very good service and reasonably priced.
Headed home from there, about a 1000 mile drive. Spent on night on route in south ILL at a very nice spot called Wittington woods. The drive between there and madison, WI waas pure he*l, it was so windy we had to stop a number of times since we felt like we were going to get blown off the road. Stopped at a KOA just past madison. Itr was ok, nothing more. A typical KOA, clean and well kept, but a bit expensive. Made it home the next day. trip went with no problems other than a dead toad battery.

Gulf Shores area info

Hi all;
Mary and I have been in the Gulf Shores general area now for almost 6 weeks, so I thought I make a few comments about things to do in the area. I know quite a few of you are likely familiar with the area, so you can add additonal comments or just ignore. I don’t profess to be any expert, just relating our experiences.

In no particular order:

FYI, I am assuming most folks know about Battleship Park in Mobile and the Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola.
You can find out about the Blue Angles practice schedule here.

So;

Pirates Cove:
Great place for a pizza or cheeseburger. Right on the water (Wolf Bay). Boats can beach or moor up right at the place. Go across the intercoastal waterway bridge and up to county 20. See web site for further info. Oh, live music starting midafternoon on weekends. If you don’t like dogs, don’t go. They are everywhere, people bring them and they just run free. Very entertaining place. Link below:
Abandon Hope all Ye who enter

Cohiba Dunes Wine and cigar bar.
Located up 59 in the same shopping center as Target. Monday and Thursdays are $2.00 wine nights. All night, not 4 to 6 or some such time. Seems to include some premium tap beer as well. Beautiful surroundings, very nice seating, live music. Yes, smoking is allowed, but their extraction system is state of the art and smoke is barely noticeable. Oh, a walk in humidor to select your cigar, and a good selection of scotch as well as most all other libations. No food, none, nada, zero, not even a bag of chips. So factor that in if you are thinking about going. Amazingly reasonable on those two nights. Highly recommended.

Some shrimp on the barbie? Try Blaylock Seafood.
Not a restaurant, just fresh seafood, wine, oils etc. Was recommended to us by a local and it lives up to what we were told. Left side of 59 just before the Intercoastal waterway bridge if heading north. There are lots of seafood places around, can’t say about any others, other than as noted below. Nice selection of wines, very different than whats at the local Walmart.

Joe Patti’s
Another option for a seafood market is Joe Patti’s in Pensacola. It’s huge and must have everything known to man – seafood & fishwise. A bit of a drive, but not really all that far. Take 182 (Perdido Key Road) all the way and see the entire waterfront area at the same time. Nice drive.
http://joepattis.com/


How about a beautiful Drive?
Here’s one: Take 59 north to 98, go left on 98 until it splits into 98 and scenic 98. Just follow it down to Mobile Bay. It winds its way up along the Bay until Fairhope, maybe further; we didn’t go beyond that point. There is a nice place to stop called Punta Clara Kitchen (lunch and pecan treats) in Point Clear and a Marriot Grand Hotel and Golf Resort right on the water that’s worth a walk around.

If you go off to Visit the Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, a good stop after for lunch or dinner is McGuire’s Irish Pub in Pensacola. Basically right downtown. They also have have an location in Destin in case you to want a longer drive.
Web site:
http://www.mcguiresirishpub.com/


There is always the outlet mall on 59 North. The only thing of interest to me was what appeared to be a Home Depot tool store. Not called that, but only had brands they sell. Power tools, outdoors stuff. Your mileage will vary.

Tin Top Restaurant and Oyster Bar.
Wonderful spot for a dinner, or what we do is just go and sit at the bar and eat our fill of fresh oysters. Tends to be busy for dinner seating in the restaurant, so don’t be in a hurry. To the left off 59 on CR 10. In Bon Secour.
www.tintoprestaurant.com

Lulu’s.
Apparently this place is owned by Jimmy Buffet’s sister. Have not been there yet, but it always appears packed on weekends anyway. On your right on the intercoastal as you go over the hwy 59 bridge north bound. Look down and there it is. We plan on checking it out this weekend.

http://lulusathomeport.com/index-live.php


Camping goodies.
A bit further up 59 on the right side is a Coleman Outlet store. All the stuff they are known for including their grills, lanterns and accessories for them.
There is a Camping World up 59 maybe 12-14 miles or so if you need anything. Seems to be about the only option in the area other than wally world. Opps, there is a Tiffin dealer in Pensacola we visited last year that had a good selection of accessories etc. About a 28 mile drive from Gulf Shores.
Carpenter’s Campers
8450 Pensacola Blvd, Pensacola

Avoid (our opinion)
CiCi’s Pizza. The worst of everything food related in one place. Free would be to expensive.
O’Charly’s. Didn’t get far enough to try the food, service was terrible. We just left.

An FYI;
Highway 59 Expressway. The Toll is just for the bridge, you can drive it all the way from the north start to just before the bridge then turn off at Country road 8 (or any intersection with a light) over to regular 59. The Bella Terra intersection is (look to the right) about the last one before it turns a bit east and becomes more difficult to get off. If you do cross it, it puts you on the same road that goes to Island Retreat, 180, but it has a few tight turns. Cars are $3.50 both ways.
You can get a pass of varing types if you wish. Here;
http://www.beachexpress.com/Content.aspx?p=freedom-pass

Still at Bella Terra in Foley, AL

We have been here a month so far with not quite two weeks to go. It has been wonderful. By far the nicest park we have been to in our journeys to date. The staff are great, very helpful and always friendly. They make a real effort to have activities for everyone. The place is clean as a whistle and well, I could just go on...A few more photos to follow.

The general area of Gulf Shores and surrounding cities, is great to visit. We really like it and will be returning many times in the future.

At Bella terra

After leaving Topsail, we headed to bella Terra RV Resort in Foley, AL. Actually is right next to Gulf Shores on the Gulf or Mexico. Only about a 5 mile drive to the beaches. We had alwaays heard about this Park and wanted to see it and find out if staying at these types of parks are worth it. So, it is a very nice RV Park, the landscaping, while immature will be great in a few years. The clubhouse, pool entrance and exits are very well done. The staff is very helpful, always friendly, etc. Plus, everything works, the WIFI, cable TV, power and water hookups and the like are in perfect working order. About half the final plan is completed and I'm told that it is over 90% sold out. The sites are very big, with limited landscaping included. Many folks have added cabanas, outdoor kitchens, signifinact landscaping upgrades and the like. The premium lots are on the water and of course cost more to buy or rent.
My only critisum would be that at a minimum a picnic table or outdoor seating of some sort should be included. If we come again, I wouldn't accept a lot without that.
That said, out stay was very reasonably priced and I doubt we could have found a better value anywhere in the southeast.
I would encourage anyone to check it out.

The Gulf Shores area of Alabama is wonderful, the beaches are beautiful, very accessable and the entire area is freindly and very well kept. Lots of places to spend money, eat and just visit or go sightseeing.

A few photos of Bella Terra are attached.

2010 winter trip started

So, it was the end of Feb and we had enough winter. We did get some snowmobiling in and had a great time of it. But, warmth will be nice. So we loaded up the Jeep and headed off to Knoxville to pick up the motorhome. From there we headed to Birimgham, AL to de-winterize and get everything settled. That done, we headed to one of our favorite destinations, Topsail State Park near Destin, FL. We arrived on on a cold, overcast day, that was just plain nasty. We had needed the heat on in Alabama, but thought that would pass as we got further south. Nope. But, by the weekend we has turned very nice, still cool mornings but the afternoons are beautiful. Topsail is still a great place to stop, we have a wonderful site with tons of room. BeBe is having a wonderful time meeting new dogs and exploring everywhere. It’s her first birthday, so she can get even more spoiled. See pics. Tomorrow we head off to Bella Terra, only about a 90 mile drive so we can take our time and enjoy the sights.
FYI, we had a great site at Topsail, a few photos aare attched. Enjoy.

2010, off we go, enough winter!

Ok, lousy winter so far, not enough snow for fun sledding, so enough. Time to get ready to head south. Plans this year are to head to Knoxville to pick up Cecilia and then go to Topsail for a week, then head to Gulf shores until we start heading back north in May. Ok, a stop in Red Bay in between to get our front end refinished and the Diamond shield installed. made a smart choice leaving the motorhome in Knoxville. Tennessee RV has been very good about taking care of it for us and their pricing is reasonable. A weeks notice and it'll be ready to pick up.

Updates as we get on the road.

Breeze

Photo modified by Ross, Original photo from Cruzer as posted in the TRVN forum.