Yogurt Mountain

Still in Spartanburg, SC. We took two of the grand kids to Yogurt Mountain. Great place. You go it, choose the yogurt ice cream flavor you want. There were about 12 flavors and you serve yourself. Then you put on any toppings you want. A very large selection. Candies, crumbled cookies, hot fudge, fruits, etc. Then you pay. You pay per ounce. $.49 per ounce. It came out the same prices if you went to a better ice cream shop and ordered sundaes. Everything was fresh and all tasted great. Big hit with everyone.
I tried to go fishing today. No luck. I had my camera with me just in case I caught that big one. Need proof for bragging rights.

2011 Headin South

December 6, 2011. We have finally started our southern meanderings for this winter. Our first stop is Spartanburg, SC. Michael has a daughter and some grandkiddies here. So we arrived at our RV campground and decided to do some grocery shopping to fill our refrigerator and cabinets before calling Mike's daughter to let her know we finally made it. Anyway, we are at the grocery store and guess who we run into. Yup, Mike's daughter. It was so bizarre. So we made plans for the evening and finished our shopping. So that evening we made Christmas cookies and taught one granddaughter how to play poker.

Our house is still not ready to be put on the market, so we will be returning to NY this spring. I've pretty well emptied it (sales and storage). Just have to finish up a bathroom and finishing touches around the rest of the house.

RED BAY, AL

Well, it may not be the end of the world but, you sure can see it from Red Bay, AL. The company that made our RV is in Red Bay, Al. We needed to get some work done and this was our best time frame to get it done. We ended up staying nine full days. There were at least 50 other RVs waiting for work to get done. We were all parked in what used to be an airstrip, full hookups and that's it. Literally a parking lot now. I can't say anything negative about the service we received. Tiffin is A+++. The folks that work for them are all A+++. Don't leave your RV. The town of Red Bay is another story. This is one of those middle American towns that have no civic pride and is just run down. If it wasn't for Tiffin Motors, it would be one of those towns that you don't want to close your eyes as passing through because you would miss the whole town. I know I sound a bit tough but, I would think that with all the business Tiffin creates, they would cater to the clientele. Instead we got Swamp John's. OMG. This place was actually recommended to us and I have to say they did say it wasn't fancy. It was formerly a gas station. That's what it looked like inside. I think there was still some saw dust on the floor to clean up and oil spills. They offered typical low end southern fried foods. Do not go there. I do not recommend the place.

So what do you do in Red Bay, AL. Nothing. We drove across the border to Tupelo, MS. Yeah that's right, the birthplace of Elvis. There was his home and his car that he bought his momma, along with the usual store full of stuff to buy. I've been to Graceland in Memphis, loved it so I thought it ws important to see his birthplace. I'm actually not a huge fan, don't get me wrong, I love many of his songs but, he contributed so much to rock n' roll. The city of Tupelo has the hardware store were Elvis' momma bought him his first guitar. It was a great hardware store. It is the original building and is just jammed pack with everything one would ever need. Tupelo was fun.

FINAL DAYS IN FLORIDA

Our final days in Florida we swung down to West Palm area. This area is the best spot in Florida. We drove around Jupiter Island, the Tiger had or has a place. If I live in Florida, that is where I want to be. (Keep buying those lottery ticket). We met up with our friends from Grand Island down for some rays. We went to dinner at this fun place. All the following pictures are from the restaurant. Good Stuff hanging from any empty place possible.

A wizard to give you your fortune, Santa obviously had too much yule punch and Jack always with his hand out.

From sharks to deer heads and pirates, this restaurant had everything. Oh and the food was pretty good. So this was our last day in Florida, definitely loved the weather and the beach. Next stop to Red Bay, AL.

MERRITT ISLAND WILDLIFE REFUGE

We went driving through the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. It was a nice Sunday drive but, I found it boring. Hiking trails are much more enjoyable but, I would not hike through Florida. Another reason I don't like Florida.

Snakes, turtles and bobcats are plentiful. These are actually stuffed sitting inside the visitors center in the park.

Look close you can see a manatee. We stayed awhile here to look for these things. They look like a fresh water walrus without the tusks. No need to get in the water with these things.

Again, look close to see the Fire ants. At least that's what I was told they are. They are everywhere.

I know I sound a bit gloomy about this wildlife adventure. This part of Florida is a bit depressing. There is a great deal of scrub trees and shrubs. One can't walk around through the woods or wade in any water for fear of gators. I just don't find that pleasant.

FINAL LAUNCH PICTURES

Sitting watching and waiting for lift off was this boat. It was sitting just off the shore from where we were. We all agreed it looked like something from a James Bond movie.



We were actually no more than 6 miles away from the launch pad. Awesome just to be near it and able to actually see it with your own eyes, I still would like one day to be much closer to be able to feel the power. Have you ever been to a pro drag race? Sitting in the bleachers when the dragsters take off is a must experience to feel. The bleachers shake and vibrate so strongly you feel it in every muscle as you sit there. There is actually a "ride" at Kennedy Center you can go in that simulates the launch enabling you to "feel" it as the astronauts do. I didn't go because I thought being enclosed I might get motion sickness. The slightest thing triggers it for me. Next time I'll risk it and try out the "ride". Now all I can do is recommend it for your future visit.



So, we were running in and out; watching tv down to the last few seconds and then outside to see the lift off.

Our friend Jean was wonderful to let us join them to watch this event. She has lived at this location for the past 20 years or more so has witnessed most of the launches since then. One of her walls is filled with photos, memorabilia and newspaper clippings of all the past launches she has witnessed. This is a major event for the folks who live in this area. Thousands of cars are parked along the highways hours before hoping to get the best spot to witness it and within 20 minutes after are stuck in bumper to bumper traffic heading home.

I made a "movie" of it but, learned after that a video cannot be turned as a photo can. My bad.

All in all this is an event that will stay in my memory.

RAINY DAYS

So what do you do when it's pouring rain outside....I lay in bed and watch a movie. The tv is in the upper left.
My one big complaint about this RV is that the tv in the "living room" area cannot be watched in a comfortable position. There are two couches. To watch tv you either have to lay down on the couch with your head resting on the arm or sit with your head turned right or left depending on which couch you are sitting on. Neither are comfortable for a long movie. We are actually going to remove one couch to replace with lounge style chairs that will swivel enabling one to watch tv.

SPACE CENTER FINAL NOTE

There was one room set up in 60's decor. All the furniture was original 60's vintage including the television and radio. Playing on the television was news of the 60's relating to the space program. It was in the 60's when the space program we know today started. One item on display was this lunchbox. Since I rummage every estate sale I can and sell these wonderful vintage objects, I especially appreciated this display. It just reminded me of how big this program was and still is and how important it still is. Just the technology developed through all the research and products developed for "space" use. When I hear people put down the space program or research, I cringe. I am taking this opportunity to show my support for the continuing support of our government to do all that is needed to explore space.

I'll post pictures of the launch if it occurs as scheduled.

SCARY ASTRONAUT AND SPACE CENTER CRITTERS

What's scarier? This vulture or this astronaut?

He looks scared of both!

I just thought this bird was cute. We have a smaller version of this bird in NY. The Cowbird.

MORE SPACE CENTER

There were many, many things of interest at the Space Center. Here are a few that really caught my eye. This silver color space suit reminded me of some early Sci-Fi movie character or one of Mike's grandson Andrew's toys. The space suits that they wear today are custom made for each astronaut and cost $400,000 each. I'd only wear that on special occasions. Very special.

Snoopy showed up. Cute astromut. (I just made that up).

This is the famous VAB; Vehicle Assembly Building. This is where the space ships are put together. It is the 4th largest building in the world by volume. We did not get to go into that building. They said the doors take 45 minutes to open completely and 45 minutes to close completely.

The device with the yellow tracks is simply the crawler-transporter used to move the Space Shuttle to the actual launch pad. Each crawler costs $14 million . It burns 125 gallons per mile; so stop complaining about your car or truck.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER

We spent the entire day at the Kennedy Space Center. I've done a lot of touristy stuff and by far this was the best money spent but, I think it is expensive for the average family. It cost us $65 each to get in and do one of the bus tours. The Space Program is funded by our taxes. Without the space program, there would be no visitor center. Supposedly, the Visitors Center is funded by the admissions fees. To help promote the space program, I would think they would make it cheaper enabling for families to visit. The entire tourist program is highly educational, thought provoking, inspiring and just plain awesome. It's not like Disneyland, which is fun but in no comparison as educational as the Space Center. Just my thoughts.

As you approach the entrance to the Space Center you can see various tops of rockets to the left and at the gates at simulated astronauts hanging over the canopies of the main gates. Quite an awe inspiring approach.

MARKING YOUR TERRITORY

We all know that wild and domestic animals will mark their territory. Well, I'm convinced that we humans also mark our territory where ever we are. In all the RV parks, travelers have stuck whirligigs, flags, and plants to name a few in the area near their RV. They are all just saying: Hey, we are here! This is our territory! Take a look at the photos and tell me if you think I'm right.

U.S. flags of all shapes are very popular. They are always a sure thing to hang. These flowers look pretty everyday but I don't know where they store them when traveling.This parrot has a drink in hand and the plaque says: "It's 5 o'clock somewhere." We all know what that means. I'll drink to that!!!

THE PALM TREE

Palm trees are everywhere in Florida. I love trees so these caught my interest. These are called Coconut Palms. They grow about 50 ft tall and 25 ft wide. As the tree grows the old leaves fall off and scars are left.

It does look like the leaves are cut off but, they just rot and break off. I call these scales. They will eventually fall completely off.

You can see here where the leave has broken off and where the "scales" have fallen off leaving still a rough "fuzzy" ring. The "fuzzy" ring eventually falls off. I could easily just rub it off. Anyway, the trunk will finally be smooth.

I know you all wanted to know about palm trees.

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT!!!!

I've been delinquent with my blogging. We are still in Florida. We were in Winter Haven area for the last two weeks. Not much to do there. Our great friends are there and we did a lot with them. You know the dinners, golfing and movie scene. Too far away from the ocean for me. Of course we got together to watch the Super Bowl. Yahoo, the Packers won. Great game. Anyway, it seems everyone has dogs except for Mike and I. They are sweet and cute but, not for us.

THE KILLER DOG!!!

Spike is the Queen of all the dogs!!

Grandpa with the Princess!

Carol and I did go the the casino in Tampa. I actually won just a little.

Our friends own a storage unit business and they let me rummage through a few of the units that the owners left. I felt like I was on the Storage Wars. I only know the Storage Unit auctions take place in California. I have to remember, Florida is filled with seniors who have already downsized when they moved here. The rest are illegal or low income; moving here to cut down on heating bills.

WHIRLIGIGS

Whirligigs have always fascinated me. I guess like a child I get mesmerized watching the motion of the moving parts being set in motion by the wind. I started noticing in each of the RV parks, there is always at least one whirligig. Here are three at the current park we are in. Each unique. I will start making it a point to get photos of these fun contraptions for posting. Enjoy!