Grayton Beach, Florida

The Emerald Coast! 

If I could create my most perfect beach it would likely compare closely to Grayton Beach. The sugar white sand and clear emerald green waters make for one of the most beautiful beaches in the continental U.S.  The bicycle friendly beach town of Grayton Beach is so quaint, and nearby Western Lake offered all the usual water activities.

Hidden beyond what appear to be snow covered sand dunes and marshes is this incredibly pristine beach. 

Cedar Waxwings making their plans
to migrate north.

Blackwater River State Park

Blackwater River State Park was the first of many Florida state parks we planned to visit. Designated a Florida Canoe Trail, Blackwater River is known as one of our nation's most pristine rivers with it's sandy bottom and white beaches in contrast to the dark tannic water.

Jim chillin' after a days drive.

Jester waiting with anticipation
 to see his new campsite.

We could not have had more fun paddling this lovely river. No alligators to be seen yet!

f

New Orleans

An important side trip along our way to New Orleans was a stop at Johnson's Boucanier in Lafayette, Louisiana to buy some of our favorite boudin sausage. We know this because more than twenty years ago my parents discovered Johnson's along their way to visit us in Arizona, often sharing with us this uniquely delicious sausage. 




On to New Orleans...

Posing White Ibis

Snowy Egret



Camping at the Bayou Segnette State Park in Westwego, Louisiana, we started off our visit with a little birding before setting off to explore the "Big Easy".

We ferried across the Mississippi River to the
French Quarter to be greeted by this friendly jester.



What better way to start our day in
New Orleans than a plate of beignets.



Andrew Jackson

St Louis Cathedral

 The French Quarter

Heavy rains and flooding waters during our stay in New Orleans limited our touroptions. This did not, however, keep us from enjoying the gastronomic pleasures known for this area.

Tasty Muffulettas at DiMartino's 

Crayfish for two!

Galveston Island

We are excited to be meeting up with family in Galveston Island State Park for a four night stay. Jim's brother and his wife are driving down from Pennsylvania to join us for part of our travels. Perfectly timed, Mike and Kate are there as we arrive on the island.

Daily walks are enjoyed by Jester on this beautiful Texas coast.  

Galveston Island
 Pleasure Pier

Great fresh seafood and service
at Katie's Market 

Sacred Heart Church

The Bishop's Palace

Guadalupe River State Park

Our over-night stay at the Guadalupe River State Park near San Antonio was a lovely change of scenery. 

Limestone bluffs along the
Guadalupe River

          Bald cypress-lined banks                       

Destination Florida Keys!

Traveling by rv to the Florida Keys in the spring requires advance planning. Florida's popularity this time of year creates limited availability in both the state and national parks.  Nearly one year after formulating our plan to visit Jeannie and George while they winter in Fort Myers, we are on our way. 

Along the way we are welcomed to Fort Stockton by 
"Paisano Pete".

Wrought iron silhouettes tell the story.

Comanche Indians 
on the west side of town. 

The United States Cavalry
 on the east side of town.

Show Low, AZ via New Mexico!

We had such plans to explore New Mexico's State Parks and lakes...

Our travels to northern New Mexico take us through the White Mountains of Arizona. This scenic drive never disappoints and we are looking forward to our first over night in Show Low, Arizona. 

Off to a great start at Fool's Hollow Lake, Show Low,AZ

Navajo Lake State Park is our first stay of New Mexico's state parks. The roads were rough and our campsite tight, but we are rewarded to find beautiful Navajo Lake. The second largest lake in New Mexico and fed by the San Juan River, Navajo Lake is known for it's world class fishing. Apparently we were not quite ready for that - no fish to be caught this time!

Crystal clear waters

Gorgeous sunset!

...and then, things changed.  Jim has discovered a plumbing leak in the fifth wheel's storage compartment. Unable to repair the leak ourselves or find anyone willing to do the work with Labor Day approaching, we are forced to switch gears and head back home. Returning to Show Low we are happy to find someone that is able to repair our leak. The weather was perfect and our refrigerator full, so we decide to stay - reserving a week at Juniper Ridge, an rv resort near Show Low. It was quite nostalgic spending time in this area that had been frequented so often when the boys were young, and we visit several of the many lakes to be found in the White Mountains.

White Mountain Lake, one of the many amenities
available to us at Juniper Ridge.

Our visit to Big Lake was surreal! Practically had the
place to ourselves.

At weeks end, we return home, happy to have renewed our memories of the White Mountains and promise to visit more often.