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On the road again, this time from Carthage towards the west. Ended up for the night at Shamrock, TX. In case you didn't know it, there are 2 towns in Texas named Shamrock, so initially the GPS goes berserk. Anyway, no entrys were made the last couple days as we were parked in Carthage and visiting Barbara's neice and her new identical triplets, some 6 weeks old. It was a fun stop. At times even the parents can't tell them apart. The toe nails are painted different for each child. Barbara tried to download some pictures last night but the signal at Shamrock is too weak.

Crossing Oklahoma was exciting as there were threatening storms, high winds and lots of traffic. Made for a grueling day. We were lucky and only had some large sprinkles and no hail.

We are nearing the end of the trip and it seams strange to be heading home instead of some exotic destination.

Pictures will be posted as soon as we can for the last few days.

On the road again, this time from Memphis to Carthage, MO. Took I-40 west across the state and the 540 north to Joplin. Boy have has the road improved. Last time it was a total washboard, couldn't even drive the speed limit then. Now, smooth as silk and much better. The road 540 is a strange one, it is divided highway, new, very nice going from nowhere to nowhere. Not a single service area or rest stop along the way.

Arrived in Joplin, need fuel and was pleasantly surprised to see the diesel price of $2.92 a gallon and gas was
$1.92. By the time we had set up camp and gone to get supplies gas was down to $1.86, great day.

We are at the Red Barn RV Park in Carthage. This is the nearest park to Barbara's neice, Brianna. She had identical triplet girls some 6 weeks ago, so we will be visiting.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Today started out very interesting. I am an early riser, so I was up and had just turned the thermstat up and brewing my coffee. All of a sudden there was a loud bang, like a tire or air bag blowing, or the hydronic furnance back firing. I looked out side with the flashlight and could see nothing. Later I was ready to wash the front window and smelled something by the battery bay. I opened the door and to my surprise one of the house batteries had blown the top off of it cell. WOW, I got the hose and washed the area out good, then arranged to have new batteries installed while we toured Memphis.

Memphis, home of the BLUES, ROCK AND ROLL AND GOSPEL. It all happened on BEALE Street, downtown Memphis. The history of music is portrayed all over Memphis, from Graceland to Beale Street. We took the bus tour, which was narrated by Memphis Jones. He sang and gave the history of all the famous singers, writers and musicians that got their start in Memphis. Like Johnny Cash doing the opening for Elvis, how Elvis learned that people wanted movement with their singer.

Onc can't go to Memphis and not eat the local food, RIBS, PULLED PORK and several others. Each restuarant is better than the last. And of course you have to visit the PEABODY HOTEL to watch the ducks exit the fountain in the lobby, walk the red carpet to the elevator and go up to their 'suite' for the night, only to return the next morning.
At our watching there must have been a hundred people.

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.