Where the Heart is

A 253-day adventure by Geezers in Paradise Read more

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Day 40
Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at 2:58 PM
☀️ 70 °F
Altitude: 23 ft
United States Galveston Island 29.222561, -94.90496129°13’21” N 94°54’18” W
2
Driving into town
December 6, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F
Yesterday on the way to lunch. Surf was pretty choppy. We even saw some surfers. I hope they were wearing wetsuits.
What was the sad look for? Didn't get to go to the amusement park?
12/8/16Reply
Traveler He wanted to see the Iron Shark.
12/9/16Reply
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Day 40
Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at 3:02 PM
☀️ 70 °F
Altitude: 23 ft
United States Holy Rosary Church 29.293101, -94.80013629°17’35” N 94°48’0” W
2
Downtown Galveston
December 6, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F
The houses in downtown were colorful and reminiscent of New Orleans. We loved driving around there.
Annanaomi Sams I think I have a photo of me and my mom standing on the front steps. Bishop' Palace? We took a tour. 1999 or 2000.
12/6/16Reply
Traveler Sweet.
12/7/16Reply
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Day 40
Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at 3:08 PM
☀️ 70 °F
Altitude: 43 ft
United States Port of Galveston 29.306339, -94.81763929°18’23” N 94°49’4” W
Oil rigs galore
December 6, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F
Driving over the causeway into town yesterday we opened the window for a photo. Ahh ... I'd recognize that smell anywhere. Raw crude oil. Since my dad and his dad made their livings in the oil industry, it doesn't really smell bad to me. It smells like industry, and prosperity.

Downtown, all along the bay, there were enormous oil rigs waiting to cast out to sea. A working town. With real people, even in the midst of all the tourists.Read more
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Day 40
Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at 3:11 PM
☀️ 70 °F
Altitude: 10 ft
United States Menard Park 29.289822, -94.7893329°17’23” N 94°47’22” W
Lunch
December 6, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F
Finally a beautiful, sunny day. A date with the washing machines left us starving so we headed into town to scratch Heather's itch for a shrimp basket.

Itch scratched. Photo forgotten. Sunshine enjoyed.Read more
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Day 40
Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at 3:17 PM
☀️ 70 °F
Altitude: 23 ft
United States Maggies Cove 29.162445, -95.01012829°9’45” N 95°0’36” W
Exploring southward
December 6, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F
The scenery south of our campground was gorgeous in the sun.

We tried driving out to some dunes but gave up as the post-torrent lakes were scaresome and our 4-wheel drive untested.
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Day 40
Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at 4:21 PM
☀️ 68 °F
Altitude: 20 ft
United States Jamaica Beach 29.178942, -94.98103329°10’44” N 94°58’52” W
Exploring the campground
December 6, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F
It's not JUST a campground. It's an RV RESORT! We decided to explore on our way to get ice.

We enjoyed the 30 foot hot tub last night when it was raining cats and dogs, but couldn't really see much through the steam. Nice, huh? I especially liked the pirate climbing the rigging overhead.

Wish we could have enjoyed the pool, though lounging beside it still works. But I REALLY wanted to belly up to the tiki bar with the underwater seats. Gordon thinks we need to shimmy on down to Key West as they are SURE to have swimming pool bars.

Then there were the pirates. And the sharks. We might need to stay another day!Read more
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Day 41
Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at 4:19 PM
☁️ 61 °F
Altitude: 20 ft
United States Jamaica Beach 29.178233, -94.97669229°10’42” N 94°58’36” W
Beach walk
December 7, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F
We finally got around to walking across the street to the beach access. We had a grand old time watching the waves, the birds, the birds in the waves, and looking for shells we thought might be nice additions to our chili-pepper wreath.Read more
Bonnie BenedictLove the sound be smell of the surf.
12/7/16Reply
TravelerAnd the birds were especially entertaining today.
12/7/16Reply
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Day 41
Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at 4:22 PM
⛅ 61 °F
Altitude: 20 ft
United States Adoue Park 29.305018, -94.78230929°18’18” N 94°46’56” W
2
Lunch at the Sunflower Bakery and Cafe
December 7, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F
Well how much trouble can it BE to find shrimp and grits in Galveston?

Needless to say, we worked up quite an appetite on the beach (but then we work up an appetite doing laundry ... sometimes I wonder if we are part Hobbit). We had carefully researched the matter of shrimp and grits, and based on reviews and photos, determined that the BEST to be found would be at the Mosquito Cafe. Alas, we may never know. By the time we got there, they had stopped serving breakfast and they ONLY serve said dish at BREAKFAST.

Hmmph. So we walked down the street to the Sunflower Bakery and Cafe whose food had also interested us. No shrimp and grits, but they were still serving breakfast and guess what. They had pecan pancakes. And what could be more Texan than pecans? Was there a choice?

The walk was also a revelation of tropical flowers planted everywhere about, which warmed the cockles of the gardener's soul.Read more
Bonnie Benedict Mmmmmmmmmm!
12/7/16Reply
Traveler It was quite a feast!
12/7/16Reply
Annanaomi SamsMiss the tropical flowers and foliage in that part of Texas. Lovely hibiscus!
12/8/16Reply
TravelerYes. I want one!
12/8/16Reply
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Day 41
Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at 4:28 PM
☁️ 61 °F
Altitude: 20 ft
United States Jamaica Beach 29.178995, -94.98103329°10’44” N 94°58’52” W
More campsite shots
December 7, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F
We truly love this campground, and have been congratulating ourselves on getting the best spot in the park. Just a few miscellaneous shots that have no other home.
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Day 41
Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at 4:58 PM
☁️ 61 °F
Altitude: 20 ft
United States Jamaica Beach 29.178997, -94.98095729°10’44” N 94°58’51” W
The enhanced Christmas chili wreath
December 7, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F
and a new decoration.

While at Home Depot today,Heather spied a small Xmas projector. It is perfect for our small trailer. That is Santa on our ceiling,along with the wreath on the table and the cowgirl boot stocking on the wall.Read more
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Day 42
Thursday, December 8, 2016 at 8:10 AM
☁️ 54 °F
Altitude: 23 ft
United States Jamaica Beach 29.179045, -94.98101829°10’45” N 94°58’52” W
Time to leave
December 8, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F
We are not ready to test that no hurricanes after November 30 idea. It's gotten quite exciting around here and the wind is actually whistling.
Bonnie BenedictPhhhhhhhh!
12/8/16Reply
TravelerIndeed! We are fleeing for our very lives!
12/8/16Reply
Annanaomi SamsBut the trees are still completely upright!!!! Breezy.
12/8/16Reply
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Day 42
Thursday, December 8, 2016 at 9:15 AM
☁️ 50 °F
Altitude: 30 ft
United States Nadeau 29.399296, -94.9513429°23’57” N 94°57’5” W
Refineries of Houston
December 8, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 50 °F
Just a taste. Now we know where the alien installations in all those movies were filmed. Wait. Those were just movies, right?
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Day 42
Thursday, December 8, 2016 at 7:33 PM
⛅ 45 °F
Altitude: 36 ft
United States Industrial Helicopters Inc. Airport 30.245736, -92.10928530°14’45” N 92°6’33” W
Lafayette, LA
December 8, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 45 °F
We were planning on staying in Lafayette for two nights. Lafayette has dancing and a Whole Foods to entertain us. But our blood has become very thin from spending so much time in warm Arizona and it feels bitterly cold. So off to warmer climes tomorrow.Read more
"very thin"? If Louisiana is to cold, then,,, I don't know. Mercury or Venus?
12/8/16Reply
Bonnie BenedictIt's bitter cold here. Not sure where you're going to find warmer weather.
12/8/16Reply
Annanaomi SamsSnow here and 25 at 6:40 am. You mentioned Key West as a possible stop? It's 73 there right now.
12/9/16Reply
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Day 43
Friday, December 9, 2016 at 9:20 PM
🌙 45 °F
Altitude: 43 ft
United States Jessie Owens Park 29.971569, -90.23416129°58’18” N 90°14’3” W
Crossing the mississippi
December 9, 2016 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 45 °F
And yes, that is a house crossing the bridge.
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Day 43
Friday, December 9, 2016 at 9:30 PM
🌙 45 °F
Altitude: 43 ft
United States Jessie Owens Park 29.971588, -90.23418129°58’18” N 90°14’3” W
Never a dull moment...
December 9, 2016 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 45 °F
Last time we were in New Orleans, the KOA was flooded by a storm that dropped 10 inches of rain. This time the KOA was flooded by a burst water main. We had to move our trailer at 8pm to avoid the rising flood. Heather said I needed to say that I almost ran her down while we were moving the trailer, but In my defense, it was dark and I was excited by the flooding.Read more
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Day 44
Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 8:55 AM
☀️ 41 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Gulf of Mexico 30.101555, -90.13991530°6’6” N 90°8’24” W
Crossing Lake Ponchartraine
December 10, 2016, Gulf of Mexico ⋅ ☀️ 41 °F
The longest bridge over continuous water in the world. 24 miles long. We're scared! It's like an amusement ride! With It's It's 1501 Sun City Blvd
Georgetown TX a LOT of police to check for speeders! It's like a video game! The average depth of water is only 12 feet but it's MUDDY. And CHOPPY! Perfect for hiding MONSTERS.Read more
Bonnie BenedictSounds like you're heading away from NOLA, but there's a nice drive that goes right by the lake. And there is, in a neighborhood relatively close, one of my friends (who is from NOLA's) fave places for poboys....Mr. Eds
12/10/16Reply
TravelerDo I recall you had a great muffuletta there?
12/10/16Reply
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Day 44
Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 10:47 AM
☀️ 45 °F
Altitude: Sea level
United States Henderson Point 30.304743, -89.27846530°18’17” N 89°16’42” W
Scenic drive on Mississippi's Gulf Coast
December 10, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 45 °F
Bonnie BenedictLooks like Biloxi !
12/10/16Reply
Annanaomi SamsDitto!
12/10/16Reply
Rosemary EngleWow! Gorgeous sun and sand. Couldn't be better.
12/11/16Reply
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Day 44
Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 11:30 AM
☀️ 46 °F
Altitude: 7 ft
United States Long Beach 30.350893, -89.13498730°21’3” N 89°8’6” W
Lunch near Gulfport
December 10, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 46 °F
This lasted about 2 minutes til we retreated to the car due to a frigid breeze. Lunch was good. The view was great. The car was warm.
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Day 44
Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 12:36 PM
☀️ 50 °F
Altitude: 23 ft
United States Crooked Bayou 30.438501, -88.57923930°26’19” N 88°34’45” W
Near Pascagoula MS
December 10, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 50 °F
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Day 44
Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 12:44 PM
☀️ 50 °F
Altitude: 36 ft
United States Reedy Branch 30.477251, -88.39319630°28’38” N 88°23’36” W
Alabama
December 10, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 50 °F
After driving 5 days to get through Texas, it seems wierd to drive from one state into a fourth in one day.
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Day 44
Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 5:26 PM
🌙 46 °F
Altitude: 23 ft
United States Santa Rosa Sound 30.4032, -86.85082230°24’12” N 86°51’3” W
Not yet ...
December 10, 2016 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 46 °F
We are a but disappointed in the Emerald Beach RV Park, despite the good sunset. We'll make a final push tomorrow to St Augustine which promises to be both interesting and warm.
Bonnie BenedictDidn't care for St Augustine myself. Will be interested in what your opinion is.
12/10/16Reply
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Day 45
Sunday, December 11, 2016 at 11:32 AM
⛅ 55 °F
Altitude: 200 ft
United States Bridle Path Acres 30.49826, -84.2458330°29’54” N 84°14’45” W
Someone to watch over me ...
December 11, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 55 °F
Ted's Montana Grill outside of Tallahassee. Already it's MUCH warmer.
Rosemary EngleOh my Florida.... Are you going to rest a bit there? You have been tearing through the south with nary a bit of respite. All great photos by the way - I am enjoying your journey very much.
12/11/16Reply
TravelerDid you think we wouldn't make it? We were on a mission to find warmer weather. And we HAVE! We are happy. Sorry about your snow. And rain. And gloom. I am enjoying palm trees and hibiscus decorated for Christmas.
12/11/16Reply
Annanaomi SamsOhhh! Pics of decorated palms and hibiscus, please?
12/11/16Reply
TravelerThe most lights were on non-palms, but they are fun anyway. See next post.
12/11/16Reply
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Day 45
Sunday, December 11, 2016 at 5:14 PM
☁️ 70 °F
Altitude: 43 ft
United States Fishers Island 29.858562, -81.28263129°51’31” N 81°16’57” W
2
1
St Augustine KOA
December 11, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F
It was a long drive, and it's on the pricey side, but it was worth it. About 80 miles ago the temperature got into the 70s. At dusk it's still 74. And ONE of us is wearing SANDALS WITHOUT socks.
Annanaomi SamsI almost expected a sneak shot of Gordon w/o socks! Ha!
12/11/16Reply
Annanaomi Sams Your hair is getting "long"!
12/11/16Reply
TravelerGosh, I've never seen it!
12/11/16Reply
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Day 46
Monday, December 12, 2016 at 11:17 AM
☁️ 72 °F
Altitude: 36 ft
United States Bird Island 29.860392, -81.28076929°51’37” N 81°16’51” W
2
Honest! We're changing the oil
December 12, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F
This French bakery is right next door to the lube shop. And the car will be a half hour. And we're hungry (having done laundry including sheets which are big and require WRANGLING.)

Interesting fact. The bakery is also a 3 minute walk from the campground.Read more
Rosemary EngleWell, while I was checking out yesterday's entry, all of a sudden today's photos appeared! ....Of all that special bakery and restaurant goodness. Now that is what I call a great meal - quiche and salad.
12/12/16Reply
TravelerYeah and don't forget the peach Danish to die for. It was a package deal. We were FORCED to get it!
12/12/16Reply
Bonnie BenedictHow very convenient and delicious!
12/12/16Reply
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Day 46
Monday, December 12, 2016 at 3:01 PM
⛅ 77 °F
Altitude: 43 ft
United States Fishers Island 29.858599, -81.28253929°51’31” N 81°16’57” W
Sandals AND short pants!
December 12, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 77 °F
Our thermometer measured 80 degrees this morning. Having a great time. Wish you were here. 🌞
Grr. We keep getting snow. Margaret
12/13/16Reply
TravelerWe feel your pain but are not missing the cold at all.
12/13/16Reply
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