The Graduation

Friday, May 4

We arrived at Black Water River State Park early in the afternoon.

 

This is our second time there.  When I booked this, I didn't know how far we would be from graduation and Delaney, almost an hour. But this is a lovely little park, just 30 sites but nice wooded sites.

Saturday, May 5

The Big Day!  We left early since we were going to meet Janel at her hotel  She had a miserable time getting to Pensacola on Friday.  Her flight out of Phoenix was cancelled and she had to take 3 flights to get to Pensacola.  She flew out at 9AM and arrived in Pensacola 12 hours later. Thank Goodness, she had a great hotel, ideally located across from the graduation site. We were supposed to join her and walk across with her, but as we got to the exit at 12:00, we hit a real mess.  The first graduation of the day had just ended and people were trying to leave as the 1:00 graduation guests were arriving.  What a zoo!  We called and told her to go on and we would meet her there. We finally got parked and made it to our seats at 12:58.  Too much pressure for me. The ceremony was great. I even enjoyed the key note speaker!  It was definitely a Proud Grandparent Moment!

 It was Derby Day

Chris and his family rented a house for the weekend and we all went back there afterwards to celebrate with champagne and trays he brought up from Mazzaro's (Delaney's favorite).  And of course, cake and cake cups.

 

Sunday, May 6
We met  John and Delaney for brunch around 11:30 to celebrate graduation and John's return from deployment.  Delaney found another great place to eat, Boathouse Landing, overlooking a Boggy Bayou.

From there, Big Bob wanted to go to the American Legion.  Well over an hour away but why not only once we got there, it was close.  However, all was not lost, at least for him, because - Boiled Peanut Man.

Then it was back to the campground to get ready for a long ride home as we were going to do it one day, which we did.

All about Black Water River State Park

Homeward Bound
We took 1-10 for a little bit and then 71 (a  beautiful two lane road)  They way we like to travel - the roads less traveled. We picked up 98 and  then 19 and we were home by 4:30 and that was with the time change.

Trip Recap 
What a great trip we had.  Not enough time in several places but we can always go again.  Just a reminder that 4 days is never enough time for us.  All our stops on our big trip this year will be at
least a week long.

Also, I will bring a lap top next time, The internet issues when trying to udate and post this were driving me nuts and eating up my data.  Since I work from an external drive, I can have access to my files on both my computer, which I prefer, and the laptop.  That way I can go to the office and use their WIFI on the laptop.

Next trip - This mothers 'day weekend to Fort Wilderness to camp with Bryan and his family and Janel in a hotel. Although the boys will "rough" with us.  Followed by a local trip with our Camping Buds, a stay at Lazy Days for punch list items on and a course for me on how to drive the big boy.
And then it is NEW ENGLAND BOUND the end of June with our return in mid-October, and as always, God willing and the creek don't rise.  Stay turned.


 

Black Water River State Park

This little park has just 30 sites but all are very private and spacious.  We have been here before so I did not take many pictures, just a few of the Day Use Park Beach. 

This area is a big canoe outlet so if that's your bag, this is your place.

If you would like to see more of the Park, check out my blog from July 2016

Black Water River State Park



 Seen in the campground
  Kids play tunnel? 

Gulf State Park

Friday May 4
We arrived to an awesome park. with probably the most scenic site we have ever had, and we have had some good ones.

Even campground snobs would be impressed with it. They have everything you could want for a great experience - no car needed if you are a good bicyclist (and they are for rent).

The park sits on either side of Highway.

The Gulf of Mexico is just breathtaking.

 

 There is a little restaurant and lots of covered area.

With a large parking lot.



There is a golf course

 

Tennis courts

Enormous swimming pool

With a splash pool

Camp store with bicycles for rent

A boat ramp with plenty of places to  tie ups

 

 Lots of birding trails

Even a fish cleaning table

There are almost 500 sites. A lot of the roads are named for animals and have been embellished by guests.

 

Even Cabins, as they call them.  But I believe my non-camping daughter could be happy here.

 

Seen in the campground
 This little guy who greeted us the steps every morning

Do you think the ponies sleep with them?

Extra wheels for his toys

I wonder whats under the raised deck?

 As you can see, this is one fantastic place!

Next Adventure  - The Graduation

Alabama Gulf Shore

Monday, April 30

We left Rocky Bayou State Park and headed to Alabama. We took I-10 part of the way to our destination of Gulf State Park, located between Orange City and Gulf Shores Alabama.  I-10 was really a pleasant ride; lots of hills and valleys and very little traffic.  We were more than impressed with the campground. (more to follow on that - there was so much to take in there.) Our site was awesome!

Tuesday, May 1
We took a road trip to Fort Morgan via the Alabama scenic by-way.  Again, the roads were beautiful.
However there is a  section (Seaside Salvation) that is vacation rental heaven.

History Lesson: For Morgan was the defense for Mobile Bay battle.  It is where the "Damn the Torpedoes" was said by Captain David Farragut (the Yankee captain, from New Orleans, who secured Mobile Bay from the Confederacy.)   He took his ships through the Bay which was full of torpedoes, believing that the torpedoes were deep enough in the water that his ships' primers would not hit them, and his gamble paid off.  He was later promoted to Admiral and as the first admiral of the US Navy.

It is the most "hands on" forts we have visited.  You can actually climb all over it and through it with very little restrictions.

 

Also located there, is the Battery dating back to 1895.

Unfortunately, an eyesore is located there as well. They do not belong!

Wednesday May 2

 We headed to Mobile, Alabama for the day.  This time to see the USS Alabama. 

 

 

Every time you get this former sailor near a ship, he heads to the engine room. and does a little reminiscing.

 He didn't have one of these, though.

And there was a lot more to see here.

 

 

 

Even a Momma Bird and she was not getting up from her work.

Travelers from California.

Next stop was historic Mobile for a trolley tour of the area.

Along with mascot Oliver.

A beautiful old area, full of different architecture.

We passed by where they are building the new navy ships, the Coastal Patrol Boats, a high speed patrol vessel, in place of destroyers. 

 If you look closely you can see in above the wall.

 

And surrounding the downtown center, statues representing the city's history.

 
Last stop, of course, the Harley Dealer.  Like we don't have enough shirts.

Thursday May 3

We took a ride around the area and went out to the beautiful beaches.

While we were there, the 2018 National Collegiate Girls Beach Volleyball Championships was taking place (Thursday through Sunday). Congratulations to UCLA.

We took a ride into Foley for a step back in history.

Then it was Flora-Bama Time!.  We were only abut 10 minutes away.  They ride was beautiful.

 But as usual, areas of Condos/Hotels

The Flora-Bama
 

 

The Main Room (waiting for Dave McCormick) to play.



The Yacht Club were Bat was playing.  My good friend Robin texted me that he would be there (her favorite) and I can see why.  He never stops singing.  You can add us to his fan list now.  What a blast we had.

After such a busy day, we were glad to get back to the coach and crash, since the next day we were pulling out for Black Water State Park and Delaney's graduation from University of West Florida.