Monday, August 11, 2008

On the Road Again

We left Wednesday for Beaumont. There were no signs that a storm had gone through other than a little standing water on the concrete pads in the campground. Our drive across 105 didn’t show any signs of tree damage. I think Eduoard was a non-event as far as Tropical Storms go.

Ted left to have dinner with the fellow from the Wall Street Journal and to attend the press run. He was home about 10 o’clock. I had a bite to eat, watched TV and read a book.

Thursday morning we had breakfast in the rally room at the campground. They provide a decent breakfast that includes waffles shaped like Texas. Ted had those but I had a half bagel and glass of apple juice. We were on the road by 8:30 a.m.

It was about a 5 hour drive to Slidell. After showering, we went to Bloss’ and Pam, Olivia and Luke were there but Timmy was golfing so the six of us went to Ruby Tuesday’s for dinner. It was new and they chose to try it.

Afterwards Pam took the kids home because school was starting the next day and we went back to the house. Ted watched the Saints/Colt game while we visited. In the fourth quarter the electric went off. We got Bloss settled with a flashlight and candles and left to see if we had electric at the park. There were police and utility workers at the end of her street so we knew she would have electric shortly.

Our ride to Destin was a bit more interesting. Just as we entered the tunnel of I-10 in Mobile the light turned to a Red X in our lane. Up ahead, traffic had come to a stop. There was a wreck and only people with small cars could get through. Eventually there was a semi and us side by side and neither of us could go. Finally police on motorcycles got through and they pushed the pick-up out of our lane and we were able to pass. We spent about a half hour in that tunnel and I didn’t like that feeling at all.

We decided to take 98 out of Pensacola instead of staying on I-10 and dropping down later. That was too slow going and I don’t think we would do it again. Then to make it worse there was another accident. We were slowed but never really stopped.

Finally we made it to Topsail and it is a lovely park. We have a beautiful fountain next to us instead of another camper. I think this may be the nicest park we have ever stayed at. We were both starving and hot so we turned on the A/C and left to find a place to eat.



First we continued east on 30A to find the Pineapple Palace where the family is staying. It looks very nice outside with its own pool and sits right on the white sand beach. We all will need to be careful with the sun. The reflection from the water and white sand can give one heck of a burn.

We drove west again on 98 and came to a shopping area. We ate at Johnny Rocket’s and bought a few things at Publix. Both have “resort pricing.” There aren’t many restaurants around the Pineapple Palace and I think we’ll be eating at home a lot. Taking 15 people to dinner could be a problem anyway.

The RV was cooled down when we got back and we settled in to watch the Olympic Opening Ceremony. It was quite impressive and they set the bar high for Vancouver in 2010. We finally called it a night and turned in. We have 10 nights here so we can kick back and relax. The family is due in Sunday. Karen & Ron will not be coming because of her broken shoulder. We will miss them.

On Saturday we walked the 7/10 of a mile to the beach. The beautiful white sand and crystal clear blue water creates the prettiest beach I’ve ever seen in Florida. We stayed less than two hours and I got burned on the front of me. It doesn’t hurt but really is red. Ted had on sunscreen and was OK. We dressed for church which we located just two miles east of us. Afterwards we drove to Wal-Mart in Destin for a few things we needed.





I fixed a big breakfast on Sunday and we waited for Eddie and Vicki and the boys to arrive. They got in about 2 o’clock but the house wasn’t ready until 4:00. So we walked to the beach again for about a half hour and then rode the tram back. After some drinks they left to find the Pineapple Palace and await the arrival of the others. After dinner they called and said everyone was in. Panama City Beach was two miles closer to them than Destin so they were all headed that way to grocery shop. Ted and Eddie are golfing tomorrow.

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