This trip is over...

but we've already started talking about possible routes for the next one. Thanks for following along with us on this amazing adventure. And to Wendy, thanks for being such a great friend and traveling partner. Enjoy being back with your grandchildren.

Zip Lining

What was I thinking? Me, jump off a platform hanging on this metal cable strung to another platform? I was scared to death as I stepped up to take my turn. It didn't help that Wendy appeared not to be fazed by all this at all. Later I found out she was as scared as I was. We had some great guides who were with us all the way and really helped us to feel ok about what we were about to do. The first one was the worst because you don't know what to expect but the five lines were much easier and so thrilling. Now I can't say we'll be doing it again but it was an awesome experience. Picture reference - Zip.

Change of Plans

The one great thing about going on a road trip is if you see something interesting or think of some you want to do you can deviate from the orignal plan. We were talking early in the week about other things we want to do, other Bucket List items. Wendy said she wanted to go Zip Lining. For those of you who don't know what that is, you get hooked into a bunch of straps, tethered to a metal wire rope that is strung out to a wooden platform (the landing zone) and then you jump off a perfectly nice platform. Since we were headed for Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains I got on my smartphone and found that we could Zipline in the Great Smoky Mountains. So, we elimated the trip to Charleston and headed for Tennessee. Now, I'm the route planner and so I will admit I didn't check to see how long it would take to cross over the mountains. Looking at the map it looked like about an hour, no problem we had plenty of time to get there for our appointed time. WRONG! Do you know why they call them "Smoky" mountains? I think they should call them "Dewey" mountains as you go so high you are in the clouds. In addition it was raining part of the the time and the route is switch back curves and up and down hills, etc. We had to reschedule our Zip Lining time but we finally got there. Picture Reference - GSM.

Sorry for the delay

I apologize for the lapse of time since the last update. The last couple of days we're busy ones and my neck has been bothering me all week but the last couple of days have been close to unbearable. I will finish the posting of this trip very soon. Needless to say it was a boas, I'm home and Wendy is on a plane home.

Savannah, GA

This morning we took a carriage ride through old town Savannah. The architecture and history is very interesting. The parks/gardens were pretty and our guide was really funny. It was funny to that the draft horses names were Sonny & Char because my cats names are based off the same famous couple - Sonny & Cher'rie. Picture reference - SAV

Now headed to the Great Smoky Mtns.

Travel Day & Weather

Wednesday was mainly a travel day and checking on the weather in Overland Park where Darlene lives. There was a tornado warning which RARELY happens. Also once we arrived at our hotel (just outside Savannah) we learned a tornado was spotted in Popular Bluff where her dad lives bug all is well.

Time to get ready to go into Savannah. More later. D

Florida

We arrived at Wendy's uncles in Crestview, Florida Monday evening. Had a great visit wihim and he'd cousin. This morning we visited the cemetery to see where Granny is and drove by different houses where Wendy, her parents and her grandparents had lived. Then we went to the beach. Florida beaches are sure different from what I grew up around in California. Besides the sand being white it's much finer. And the water, so beautiful and different colors. It was awesome standing in the water. Picture reference - "FL".
We're just hanging out now but may go out again later and tomorrow we head for Savannah. It's hard to believe it's only Tuesday with all we've already done.

New Orleans

New Orleans - we spent our time in the French Quarter. It was unique and we enjoyed it but I have to say it doesn't smell very good. Pictures have "NO" for reference.

The mighty Mississippi

We crossed over the Mississippi river several times. It was high but where we were wasn't the baddies area.

Oak Alley Plantation

This morning we toured this beautiful plantation and grounds.Words to describe are difficult so see the pictures. OAP will be noted for reference.

Pray for Joplin, MO

Oh, the devastation from the tornado. Broke my heart. Praying without ceasing.

Tour of Graceland

Ok, so sue me. I don't know how to turn the flash off on my phone or our cameras so our pictures from Graceland are few. We enjoyed the tour until we went from building to building with no rain gear. But we aren't sugar so we didn't melt but got a good laugh. D. See
pictures

Breakfast with friends in Poplar Bluff, MO

We started Sunday off with breakfast with friends and Darlene's dad Louis. Pic below. Then as ws headed for Memphis Wendy was talking to her daughter who mentioned Graceland and then we saw signs and decided to take our first detour. So we toured Graceland and came out to pouring rain and had to buy ponchos because the umbrellas were in the car. : )
On the road again with sun shining and it's 91.

Arrived at first stop

We arrived Dad's ahead of schedule. No I wasn't speeding.
Having a nice visit. See picture of dad. D. 8:30pm

Time To Go

This is the day the Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms 118:24
That was the first thought I had this morning when I woke up and realized the day had finally arrived for our trip. Wendy is on the plane and I'm packing the SUV and very soon away we go...D

The Count Down has Begun

This week is the last minute errands and appointments, deciding which clothes to take and making sure we haven't forgotten anything. Of course that is besides working all day and trying to keep it from my cats that "mom" is going away. That meants the suitcase can't come out till the last minute...    D

It won't be long now...

Until Wendy arrives it's errands, packing and watching the weather to see if we have to modify our route due to the flooding headed for New Orleans.  D