BACK ON THE ROAD WITH OUR NOSE POINTED WEST

FLORIDA AND ALABAMA,   JAN. 2015


After a wonderful time with family over Christmas, we picked up the Airstream and headed for our first stop on the Gulf coast.  Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Destin, Florida was the destination for the CAN OPENER AIRSTREAM RALLY where we found old friends and established some new relationships. Santa Rosa Island offers beautiful white sand, bike paths along the Gulf and a variety of villages along the gulf shore.

Seaside, Florida was a "perfect" little community.  No wonder this was the setting for the movie The Truman Show staring Jim Carry.

An unusual Airstream motorhome,

with a gorgeous interior.

Over 100 Airstreams in the park.

Gathering for a potluck.  There were over 100 Airstreams from as far away as Houghton, MI and Ontario, Canada.

MOBILE, ALABAMA

After a week at Topsail State Park, we drove to Mobile to see the USS ALABAMA battleship and the USS DRUM submarine.  Since we were having a perfect Mobile winter day, we took our time exploring the two exhibits.  We were exposed to cramped living conditions for sailors and somewhat less so for officers on the ship.  Pictures tell the story.

USS Drum submarine at Battleship Park,  Mobile

USS Alabama WW ll battleship

Many sailors who performed a trade sometimes had a bunk right where they worked.

Officers were a bit better off.

You still need a hair cut.

The 60 Marine landing force which the Alabama carried had their own spacious living area.

The submarine Drum was equally as exciting and the command area is nearly identical to any sub movie set.

This pass through is for small agile bodies.

When the sub was silent running, sandles were worn to cancel any foot noise.

We  were treated to Southern hospitality by Allen and Vicky, fellow Airstreamers, who invited us to their Mobile, Alabama home for dinner the night before we left for New Orleans.  What a wonderful treat! We are blessed to be a part of such a community.

FRENCH QUARTER, NEW ORLEANS

Staying in Buccaneer State Park, Mississippi, we drove west to New Orleans for a quick trip into the city.  Everyone warned us not to overstay our welcome there into the evening hours, however the most challenging part of that excursion was driving the truck down narrow, bumpy streets seeking a parking place.  We actually felt very safe walking around, eating muffuletta sandwiches and beignets with coffee.

Every street makes an interesting picture.

Talented musicians everywhere.

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Ok, so I couldn't wait for the picture before I took a bite.

Market along the Mississippi River.

I think my "sugar daddy" took some of my beignets!

We saw the French Quarter in an afternoon not wanting to linger. One more location off the bucket list.

NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI

This was not part of our original plan, but what a fun detour north.  Natchez is at one end of the Natchez Trace, a 444 mile trip from Nashville.  As one of the riches communities in the South, the city was spared the destruction of Vicksburg, but felt the economic downfall of the Civil War.   Located 2 hours north of New Orleans alone the River, it still showcases the life style of an Antebellum town with numerous period homes.

Pushing cargo up the Mississippi against the current.

Each home has a name and a unique family history,  however their demise was for the same reasons.  The cotton plantations were out of town and the homes were for social purposes.  But to prevent the lucrative cotton crop from falling into Union hands, the Confederate forces burned 2 years of product.  Sadly the move bankrupted the wealthy plantation families.  

Every year, numerous private homes are opened for touring in addition to the 12 which are open year round.   A town to see if you are in the area.

This family lived in the basement while the next 2 floors were being finished.  But the war changed their plans.  The 10,000 sq. foot basement was indeed beautiful however.

TEXAS, HERE WE COME.  WE ARE ON OUR WAY TO SAN ANTONIO AND THE HILL COUNTRY VIA TEXAS AIRSTREAM HARBOR IN ZAVALLA.

Zavalla, TX has an Airstream Park,  Looking forward to the visit.