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.