CHILLAXIN' TIME!!

Our trip to have the leveling jacks replaced at Tiffin Motorhomes in Red Bay, AL, was hardly a blip in the interruption of our fun.  In fact, we arrived on Wednesday afternoon and after a few days we were back on the road again.

Tiffin Motorhomes Service Center 2014

Replacing Atwood Jacks on Allegro Bus 2014

Fortunately, we were able to enjoy the Annual Founder's Day festivities in downtown Red Bay all day Saturday.  Founder's Day is much like other small town festivals with a few exceptions.  

Red Bay, AL Founder's Day 2014

Red Bay Historical Marker - Continued 2014

Because we were at Dr. Jim Nabors' Downtown RV Campground we were able to walk over to the senior center (across from the police station) and enjoy a fantastic rib eye steak sandwich with all the trimmings which was presented by the Alabama Cattlemen's Association.  

Franklin County, AL Cattleman's Association Steak Sandwich Sale

 Along with a classic car show there were local arts and crafts, quilters, bands, storytelling, a fiddler's contest, bbq cook off, etc.  You could even get a puppy if you wanted (we didn't).

Founder's Day Classic Car Show - 2014

Founder's Day Classic Car Show - 2014

When Monday arrived we departed early to spend the next couple of days in Montgomery, the Capitol of Alabama.  Our new home/campground, Capitol City RV,  was a very neat and convenient campground owned by avid Auburn fans, and we spent the next couple of days exploring and getting to know as much as we could about the town known as the home of the Confederacy and the birthplace of the civil rights movement.

State Capitol, Montgomery, AL - 2014

Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, Montgomery, AL

We spent some time exploring the beautiful State Museum (next to the first White House and home of Jefferson Davis) and home of the impressive State Archives to research some family genealogy.

Department of Archives & History, Montgomery, AL

Not only did we learn a lot about Alabama history but we went to pay our respects to Hank Williams, Sr. at his gravesite at the Oakwood Cemetery.   By the way, have you ever listened to the lyrics of the song Alan Jackson sings about "Midnight In Montgomery"?

Gravesite and Memorial - Hank Williams, Sr. - Montgomery, AL 2014

After leaving Montgomery we traveled to the Gulf of Mexico beaches known as the Emerald Coast -  Miramar Beach, Destin, Santa Rosa Beach and one of our favorite campgrounds, Topsail Hill, off famous Highway 30A.  We met with several friends (about 6 couples) who also had reservations and we shared many delicious meals, lots of laughter, and good times.  

RV and MH - 2014

First Florida Grande Rally - Topsail - 2014

If we weren't at the beach, enjoying local restaurants, we were shopping, or just "chillaxin".  One coach after another has left until we are one of the last coaches in our group.    We're on the way to Pensacola NAS for one week and will be guests of our Michigan and Florida Grande friends, Gary and Mim Van Horn.

DUNES AND 'COONS

If what they say is true, time flies when you're having fun, and we've had a great time visiting one of our favorite campgrounds in Florida, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.  As is the case in all Florida state parks we are allowed to stay 14 days and then we have to leave.

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park - Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Lake at Topsail Hill State Park

Outside Theatre at Topsail Hill State Park

Flowers growing in Sand Dunes at Topsail Hill

Santa Rosa Beach, FL

We met a pesky little rascal that had become a permanent resident of our site at Topsail before we arrived.    His apartment resembled a squirrel nest but the difference is that every time he turned over in his bed a shower of leaves and debris fell on us.

Raccoon resting 

Raccoon peering out of nest

Raccoon getting ready for a night on the town

We alerted the park rangers who said to keep our eyes on him and if he becomes a nuisance or exhibits strange behavior to call.   We were warned upon registering to beware of the Florida black bears in the campground, however, we never encountered them.  They will enjoy the campground as long as people continue providing nourishment.

Tucker Bayou off Chocktawhatchee Bay

Pier at Eden Gardens State Park

Kayaking on the Gulf at Sundown

Surf Fishing at Santa Rosa Beach at Sundown

There are several State parks within about a 20 mile radius of Topsail that are definitely worth visiting.  Admission is minimal, and if you're in the area of Topsail it is worth noting that each park has its own personality and appeal.  We decided to visit Eden Gardens State Park one afternoon, and now we understand why this park is such a treasure to the State park system.  There is quite a history to the Wesley House, an antebellum home in the park, as well as the fact that the house still contains the second largest collection of Louis XVI furniture in the country.   The property is on the Tucker Bayou which flows out of the Choctawhatchee Bay.

The Wedding Tree at Eden Gardens State Park

Wesley House at Eden Gardens State Park

Wesley House at Eden Gardens State Park

The Emerald Coast still has miles of natural unspoiled beauty.  What appears to be indiscriminate zoning and disrespect for the beauty of the area is an issue now.  There are times of the day when traffic is a challenge traveling east or west on US Highway 98.  Big box stores, tourist traps, high rise condominiums and McMansions threaten what once was a scenic and tranquil setting.   Commercial and residential development is alive and well and sometimes it isn't a pretty picture.

Sundown at Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Leaving Topsail we are headed east toward Apalachicola and will go from one extreme to the other - St. George Island State Park, a barrier island off the coast.  All we hope to leave until next year are our footprints.

Footprints in the Sand