Oct 2008

Awoke to a very cold morning in Red Bay, ALA, only 38, brrrr. Had to be at the main office of Tiffin at 945 for a 1000 tour of the factory. Tiffin started coach building in 1972, during the peak they were producing 13 coaches per day. Now in the slow down they are doing 3 coaches per day and have a slight back order. The over all experience of the factory was not nearly as good as some of the other plants we have been thru. However the product is a good one and priced for purchase. Bob Tiffin oversees the operation daily and is always available to talk with you.

After the tour and lunch we departed Red Bay and headed west towards Memphis. Our campsite for the night was at Tom Sawyers RV Park. This is very unique as it is right on the Mississippi River. From the sight you can see the river barges going up and down stream. During the flood season it is under water.

On the road again, this time a long one. Left the Perdido Key of Pensacola and headed North in Alabama. Took the interstate as it was much shorter in time but longer in distance. We are heading to the town of RED BAY, home of Tiffin Motor Coach. The trip along the way was uneventful, miles and miles of miles and miles. Arrived in Red Bay, made contact with our friends, Norm and Lee DeShon. They are here for service on their coach. It was COLD, only reached a high of 55 today and forcast to dip to 25 tonight.

Up early to be at Pensacola Naval Air Station to watch the BLUE ANGELS practice. Pensacola is the home of the Blue Angels where they practice for the season of shows. BUMMER, it was too windy so the practice was canceled. We were able to go to the Naval Air Museum early because fo the cancellation. It is a great display of Nave, Marine and Coast Guard aircraft and equipment. Pensacola is also the training base for all pilots in the afore mentioned services.

After the Museum we drove to Pensacola Key and scouted the area. Lots of condos, homes and hotels are on the Key. We also met with the Convention Bureau concerning a possible RNPA convention here.

On the road again, but short, only from Panama City Beach to Pensacola. Drove along the coast but could not see much because of the trees. It is surprising to see to many tall pines along the coast, especially after the hurricanes.
Our campsite is actually on Perdido Key, about 12 miles from Pensacola. Right on the water and combined with a marina. The weather has changed, COLD, WINDY, not nice. However the skies are clear and the water beautiful.
Drove along the key and discovered that Alabama is only 5 miles to the west.

Not much happening, too windy and cold for the beach. Did some catchup at the coach. One big job done was going thru all the brochures and pamphlets we have collected over the last 4 months. It iniatially took up three plastic bins. Sorted them out, threw out the duplicates and got it all down to one bin, yeh!

On the road again, continuing on to our Panama City destination. We arrived at the Emerald Coast RV Resort and got all check in after driving thru much rain and heavy traffic. We had to pass thru Tallehasse, home of FSU and they were having a home football game against VT. So everyone was heading there. We also had another surprise, the time zone change from EDT to CDT. Did not expect it that soon in Florida. Drove around Panama Beach and it looked like a deserted city. Partly from the summer tourist season being over and some from the reminants of a hurricane several years ago and not being rebuilt. We did stumble on and International Street Festival in downtown. Several booths of food and crafts were set up along with music from many country.

Started the day at Lazy Days RV Dealership in Seffner, FL. Wanted to look at several coaches, get some ideas and who know. Anyway the salesman picked us up, took us to about 3 coaches and then back to our campsite. Real bummer. So, we then looked on our own, finished early and decided to proceed down the road. We ended up at Lake City, about 170 miles north and on our way to Panama City.

As you can see, Barbara has added some pictures to the blog. In the large house picture, look at the railings on the secont floor. They are curved thus allowing the ladies with HOOP skirts to stand outside and not tilt the skirts,

The South most point in Key West compliments the East most point in Maine we visited.

The campground in Key West was awesome along with the area, which is why we stayed an extra day. The water at high tide was only 12 feet from the coach.

The EL BO ROOM in Fort Lauderdale was the hang out and meeting place for thousands of students on their spring break during college. It was made famous by the movie: WHERE THE BOYS ARE, the story of spring break. It is still there, even though the rest of the beach front has been remodeled.

On the road for a short drive to Seffner, home of Lazy Days RV. They are the largest RV dealer in the US and probably the best at the moment. Will LOOK at new coaches, just to get ideas.
Saw a unique sign on the drive over from Madeira Beach. It said: CHECK YOU GAS, LONG BRIDGE AHEAD. The bridge was over the northern end of Tampa Bay and was very long. Guess they don't want you running out on the bridge.

Another beautiful day in Paradise. If we were to live in Florida, it would be on the west or Gulf side. The sunsets are spectacular! Every day time would stop as the sun nears the horizon (good time for happy hour) just to watch it set. Today Barbara was able get her ring fixed as it had broken. We all went to Ft DeSoto to see the fortifications that defended the Tampa harbor or bay. Also drove my several of the 'small' homes along the waterfront.