The Journey Begins...

Natchez Trace State Park Thanksgiving Morning

Our journey officially began Weds., November 22^nd when we packed up and headed to Natchez Trace State Park in Lexington, TN to spend the Thanksgiving holiday.    The weather was just beautiful (sunny, crisp, fall days & fire pit nights).    The highlight of our trip was the after Thanksgiving hike where we were able to reacquaint with several hikers we had met the year before.   More Pictures of Natchez State Park  

McFarland Park, Florence, AL

From Lexington we headed toward Florence, AL so that I could go back to “RV driving school” to learn to drive our new rig (now officially named “Beauty & the Beast”).     We learned two valuable points - Keith’s a better navigator and I’m a better listener (so when in a crunch, I drive and he navigates :)

We arrived in Florence in time for the Alabama vs. Auburn football game.  Lots of campers with their outdoor TV’s and barbeque rigs all set up for the big game.  Molly and I took full advantage of the welcome balmy, “spring like” days (including ladybugs out in full force). See more pics

It was great to reconnect with friends we had met several years before on our first trip to Florence.  (Thank you Johnny Howlett for our outbound RV picture and Jimmy Johnson for your calm, patient driving lessons.)

We also had the opportunity to attend church in Florence with longtime, family friend Molly Pratt Daily.   That's one of the many benefits of life on the road...the opportunity to meet and worship with different church families as we go.   Thank you Molly for reaching out and inviting us.  The church in Florence was very welcoming and we immediately felt connected.

Santa Rosa Beach, FL

   

We pulled across the Florida stateline on Nov. 29th.   Florida is just one of those states you immediately know when you have arrived.   Flat roads, beautiful, white sand beaches and lots of sunshine & warm weather!   After breaking camp daily for a week straight, it was nice to finally settle into Homosassa Springs on Friday, December 1st.   (It was nice to finally leave the coffee pot in it's rightful place on the counter top and to hang up our Christmas stockings over the fireplace).

While I knew Florida had Manatees, Dolphins and Alligators (all of which we have seen in abundance) what I did not realize is that Florida also has black bear.   And apparently a lot of them... as everywhere we've stayed we've been warned not to feed the bears.   Although we have not run up on any bears, we did find this guy in the nearby creek ...

This has certainly been a time of resting, seeing the sites, and getting used to our new rig and RV lifestyle.   We have also been able to stay connected with our family and friends back home, which has been so important.

Before we left Southaven, our church family presented us with a Treasure Chest filled with note cards of warm wishes from all of our church family.   These note cards have meant so much to us - and have been the highlight of our evenings.   We have read one card each night since we set out.

We are already planning and looking forward to our upcoming trips scheduled for January 1, 2018.   Be sure and check the sidebar of the blog for places we've been, where we are currently, and where we are headed next.   More Florida pics