Home Sweet Home

After a day of relaxing at Okatoma RV Resort,  we headed southeast through Hattiesburg, MS, across Alabama and into Florida.  We stayed at Bass Haven RV Park (another Passport America campground) in DeFuniak Springs.  We weren't sure if the GPS was giving the correct arrival time for Thursday's travel as we would be crossing from Central Time to Eastern Time, so we were up at 6:00 to make sure we were on time for lunch with my sister Faith, and husband Len.  It had taken the time change into consideration and we were there in plenty of time.  It was so good to be able to spend time with them.

Our next stop was at Newberry, FL to visit with friends Nate and Mary.  We've been friends for over 30 years and enjoy remembering times together and sharing what the Lord has been doing in our lives.

We pulled into our yard at 6:30 and began unloading the essentials.  Today we unloaded everything else so we can give the RV a thorough cleaning before putting some things back in.  We're now looking forward to the Escapees Chapter 57 rally at Harbor Lakes Resort in November.

We hope to take a trip to North and South Dakota next year as we haven't been there yet.  So, until our next trip, God's blessings to all our friends and family.

From Duck Commander to Real Ducks

Sunset Arkansas River North Little Rock, AR

We left Cloud 9 Ranch Saturday morning with mixed feelings.  We hate to leave, but also excited to be on the road.  We stopped at Hardy, AR on the way south to browse the shops and have lunch at Bojangles.  It was then on to Downtown Riverside RV Park in North Little Rock, AR.  The park is right on the Arkansas River.  An old railroad bridge was transformed to a walking/biking bridge that takes you to Clinton Presidential Library and Park.  Gene walked over to the park and took this beautiful sunset picture.
The next morning I walked part of the bridge with him.  There were a lot of bicyclists, a few joggers and a couple of kayaks in the river.  A very enjoyable stroll.                                             

Gene in front of Duck Commander Store W. Monroe,  LA

Duck Dynasty Truck W. Monroe, LA

 On Sunday, we traveled to West Monroe, LA.  That is once we got out of North Little Rock.  For some reason, I had difficulty reconciling what the GPS was saying with the signs I was reading.  We backtracked and circled around a few times before we got headed in the right direction.  It was most frustrating.  I can't imagine trying it with just a map!  When we checked into Pavilion RV Park Sunday afternoon, we discovered it was only a few miles to Duck Commander.  Shirley had printed out directions as there have been a lot of requests for the information.  I have only seen a few episodes of Duck Dynasty on A & E - some of which were hilarious - and know they always end the show  with the family gathered around the table giving thanks to the Lord for the food He has provided.  Well, since we were that close, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to visit.  Monday morning we headed over there, took pictures, browsed the store and bought two postcards and a duck call. 

Glenna with cutout Duck Dynasty family

Gene feeding boiled peanuts shells to ducks at Okatoma Resort

We were on our way again headed southeast, over the Mississippi River and down to Donna's #6 Produce just south of Jackson, MS in Florence.  We have stopped there before so Gene can buy boiled peaunts.  They also have the most delicious homemade ice cream!  I love the cookies and cream.  On our way again to another of our favorite places - Okatoma RV Resort just north of Hattiesburg, MS.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

After Gene had us set up, he sat outside to enjoy his peanuts.  It wasn't long before the ducks began to gather.  They came from every corner of the park - waddling, flying, running, scrambling to get the shells Gene was throwing to them.  I had a great time watching them and taking pictures.  Later I took a long, refreshing swim in the pool  and Gene was able to watch the Men's Finals of the U.S. Open.                    Tomorrow we'll be on our way again into Florida and then visit with my sister and brother-in-law on Thursday.   We're definitely enjoying a day of rest in this beautiful place.

So, until my next post - and probably last one for this trip - God's blessings to all our friends and family.

                       

Cloud 9 Visit Almost Over

Cloud 9 Chapel 

Pond at Melody Lane Campground

Our little home

Our time here at Cloud 9 is almost over.  I'm
really going to miss being here.  Sunday we walked down to the Chapel for a concert by Marty and Patty Elmore.  They sang a wide variety of songs, some of which they had written themselves.  It was a wonderful time of worship.

One of the advantages of being in the Melody Lane Campground is that we are close to the clubhouse and chapel and I can walk to either one.  It's about 1/2 mile, so I get my exercise.  Gene has been able to watch the U.S. Open Tennis 2013 and I have put together a couple puzzles.  It's also quieter during the weekends, especially holiday weekends.  All the campgrounds here were almost full to capacity, but now there are very few folks left. 

We went to the Flea Market on Saturday and Gene spoke with a fellow knowledgeable about arrowheads.  It is a Jefferson City Cherts - Adenda or Etly.  We haven't researched it on the internet yet, but at least we know what it is. 

I have enjoyed watching the fireflies in the evening, seeing an occasional hummingbird and even saw a groundhog while we were at Wilder Springs.  At first I thought it was a muskrat, but a neighbor told Gene it was a groundhog.  The next time I saw him, I recognized the family resemblance to Punxsutawney Phil (the groundhog in the movie "Groundhog Day"), so I named him Cloud 9 Charlie (or Claudette).  We have seen a few deer and, of course, the ever present squirrel.  It is a delight to sit under our awning, crochet or read and listen to the birds. 

Tomorrow will be laundry day and get ready to leave on Saturday.  We'll mosey on home via North Little Rock, AR and West Monroe, LA - maybe we'll see some of the Duck Dynasty folks.

So, until my next post, God's blessings to all our friends and family.