ORIGINAL RVER'S - "TIN CAN" TOURIST PAVE THE WAY...
Tin Can Tourists organized in 1919 at DeSoto Park in Tampa.
It seems Florida has always beckoned adventuresome Amercians, looking to explore the unknown by combining their transportation vehicle with their living space. And, we can see why. We throughly enjoyed the state of Florida during our time there - especially the warmer weather.
We left Homosassa on the first day of the year and headed west for St. Augustine. It was a rare cold, wet and windy day (for Florida) which seemed to follow us from east to west. Even so, we bravely ventured out, wrapped up head-to-toe, along with all the other tourist to see this fabulous historical city. If you have never been to St. Ausgustine it is defintely a must to add to your wish list.
Plans were to travel on to Savannah, Hilton Head and Charleston, but since snow was headed their way we decided to stay put and explore more of this interesting city. By the time we left St. Augustine it was sunny and 70 degree weather. The flip side was we were headed home to ice, snow and extremely cold temps.
On the way home, the weather was perfect - although we were rushing to beat the winter storm soon to be descending on Desota County. As we drove through Alabama, we passed this awesome place that had traffic slowing down to a near stand still. This is exactly why we try to skip the Interstates, otherwise we would have never witnessed this wonderfully amusing and delightful display.
On the way home, the weather was perfect - although we were rushing to beat the winter storm soon to be descending on Desota County. As we drove through Alabama, we passed this awesome place that had traffic slowing down to a near stand still. This is exactly why we try to skip the Interstates, otherwise we would have never witnessed this wonderfully amusing and delightful display.
Forkland, Alabama: Jim Bird’s Hay Bale Art and Tin Man
On a rural stretch of Alabama highway 43, there is an open field with a collection of sculptures made of haystacks. Round hay bales made into Betty Boop, a helicopter, statue of Liberty, Snoopy and Woodstock, and all sorts of fascinating eye-catchers. This field of art stretches about a half-mile along the west side of US Hwy 43 in Alabama. Since 1993, 90 year old rancher Jim Bird has been populating a field along the Hwy with creatures and vehicles made of hay bales and farm junk - including a 32-foot-tall Tin Man. Check out this youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuEO9EikObc&feature=share
We have enjoyed our time at home catching up with family and dear friends. But believe me, the weather has definitely been a learning experience for full-time RVer's. (Let's just say the song "We shall overcome" comes to mind lately).
We have enjoyed our time at home catching up with family and dear friends. But believe me, the weather has definitely been a learning experience for full-time RVer's. (Let's just say the song "We shall overcome" comes to mind lately).
Nevertheless, there is so much to keep us busy here in our own backyard. Grandkids have volleyball, football and basketball games to see (isn't retirement great!). Keith has a wedding to perform for someone very near and dear to our hearts and our home church has embarked on some very exciting evangelism plans.
Still dear friends, we haven't quite "unpacked" everything, for the sound of the distant whistle continues to blow...
Want you to know that I am following your blog. Love the photos and the stories! So happy for you and Keith to embark on this journey. I will enjoy sharing in your adventures (for as long as you continue to blog - which I know can become a burden in and of itself). Love from the Weavers!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Doug! And thank you for all the great Disney World tips :)
Delete