Lake Bistineau, Lousiana

We loaded up and got moving on April 6th. We did our research on our trip route and headed out. Our directions sometime seemed confusing but as we got closer there were lots of signs so it was really pretty easy.

We arrived at our destination Lake Bistineau in Louisiana, and it was quite a spot. Very scenic with lots of trees, hills, and curves. It was a tight area but Jeff took his time and went slow. We didn't have reservations so we went to find a site and then Jeff went back to pay.

We had a real nice site, #17 it wasn't on the water but across from it, up on a hill. It also had a really big deck to enjoy the view. The weather was great in the 70's. Only gonna be here 2 nights so no plans to do much. We walked some and relaxed some. Getting really good at those. It's nice to take time and enjoy what each park has to offer.  We enjoyed looking at the lake, and just taking in the views. The lake had lots of trees standing in it giving you that swampy feel. There were also more dragonflys here than I've ever seen. The park wasn't crowded at all and everyone here was more than friendly. We could see the water from our spot and a couple of times we could hear the roar of an airboat. We didn't mind actually and we giggled when he started it up. We really liked the feel of this park but boy it wasn't designed for big rigs. That's whats neat about this, if you get somewhere that you are challenged a bit when you drive away you feel like you've accomplished something or at least you come away with a little more knowledge.

Now its onward to the Crater of Diamonds State Park diamond mine!!

Poverty Point State Park

We arrived here at Poverty Point Reservoir State Park in Louisiana on Thursday April 4th. It was a longer trip this time with  a little over 240 miles traveled. The drive was good, but temperature now that was something different. It broke a record (cold), it was in the 40's yikes! I had on flip flops my feet were freezing.

This park was really nice and clean and well taken care of. We had site 38 and it was a huge pull through and we were the only RV in this loop. I'm not sure why they named the park Poverty Point but it definitely doesn't describe what we are seeing. We are only staying 2 nights so we didn't get much stuff out. Didn't have to the site was all concrete and nice grass. Very clean.

The weather warmed up the next day so we took advantage and did some cleaning on the truck and the HOW. Jeff washed them both while I did some cleaning, laundry and vacuuming. Next it was time to groom, Jeff and Belle got haircuts. (different clippers). I made some homemade cinnamon rolls for breakfast and we had a nice supper too. We also walked around the park to see what it had to offer. They have lots of hiking paths, fishing across the road and even a little water area for kids. The shower house was clean and the laundry facilities were clean and inexpensive. We didn't really have time to do to much but we really like what we saw. It was are first time to visit and would return to this one.

New Week New State

Goodbye Florida, hello Louisiana! We left Fort Pickens around 9:45am and got on the interstate this time so our driving was so much easier. It started out just kinda misting and cloudy. We had  a little over 200 miles to drive and the traffic wasn't bad and  no bad weather to speak of.


We stopped at the Welcome Center to get some info on New Orleans and they informed us to take a different exit because of road construction. When we arrived at Fontainebleau State Park it looked like a wonderful place. Lots of trees. As we were driving to get to our site at #76 it was really tight getting around the campground and at one point Jeff climbed up on the HOW and did some tree trimming. When we got to our site we backed her in without any problems and got everything plugged in and set up. The park is very pretty and the facility's are clean. We drove around the park and found the lake and WOW is it big!

 Jeff spent the evening researching New Orleans. We decided to make the trip into New Orleans on Tuesday as the the weather looked good. We drove over that huge lake and over a huge causeway bridge. It was over 20 miles long. Thought we had figured out where the parking was but we couldn't find it. It's so confusing with all the one way roads and traffic. Finally decided to park on Canal Street . We just pumped in quarters every 2 hours.We got our bearings and made our way down Bourbon Street. That was something...we got to see some really neat buildings, restaurants, shops and people. Went into a really nice church. Saw a different view of the Mighty Mississippi. I'm really glad we went during the day I have a feeling it would have been a bit more wild at night. It was nice to see but I was ready to go home at the end of the afternoon.. I'm happy we went cause there was a lot to see and it was definitely a unique place...one of a kind.

The next day it rained, well it rained all night. When we got up our site was completely underwater except for the pad. We decided to go into town to catch a movie. It's been awhile since we'd been to a show. The popcorn was so good, and the movie Olympus Has Fallen was good as well. We hit Steak and Shake before heading back. The milkshake was fabulous.

We packed up on Thursday to move on down the road.  It was a bit messy cause everything was still wet.

Off to the Fort

March 27th we packed up to move on to Fort Pickens National Seashore. We didn't want to leave St. Joe but had to because our two weeks were up . We had checked out our route the night before and know better than to hurry the process of packing up the HOW. As we were getting ready to go the water pump wouldn't work. Jeff tried a few things but couldn't get it to pump. We decided we would work on it when we got to our next stop. Jeff knew there was a Camping World close by if he needed parts. This little glitch made us a bit behind schedule if we had one. We got on the road around 10:30. We jumped on 98 West thinking that would be a good pick. Jeff's GPS and my iPhone agreed on the route. We don't know if the traffic was because of spring breakers or if its just gotten really busy here but It was a horrible trip, the traffic was nonstop. You couldn't get away from all the vehicles. Then because of the traffic, people just get more anxious and do stupid things.The one thing we had going for us was the weather, it was a beautiful day.

We arrived at Fort Pickens and the drive thru the park was awesome. The sand was as white as I've seen it and the water so blue and pretty. Another thing we had to do was move after one night because when Jeff made the reservation he had a day with no camp site. He was able to find another site but it was in another loop. When we arrived we both were concerned about getting into this site but really didn't have any other option as this was the only spot available. After much maneuvering, We did it!!!! YEAH!!  We didn't unload everything cause we are moving again tomorrow so our set up was quick.

Thursday we loaded up to make our move from loop C to loop A. What kinda upset us was we found out this new spot was empty last night....yikes! We wanted to get everything set up because the ranger told us the Blue Angels are practicing this morning at 11:30. So we got the HOW moved and everything set up. These loops are pretty tight to get around in. We did really well both times backing into our sites.                    

We got in the truck and drove up to the fort cause some neighbors said that's where you can see really well. The Blue Angels started right on time and it was a site to see. We have see them before but it doesn't matter how many times you see them they never disappoint. It's amazing how precise they can fly . They practiced about 45 minutes and the time flew by.After the Blue Angels we decided to make a trip into town to go to the store and again the traffic was ridiculous.  On Friday I walked and noticed all the osprey that are here. We also took our bikes and rode up to the fort and looked around. There is a lot of history here. It's not my favorite thing but Jeff loves it. We stopped at many different points of interest and looked and took pictures. I decided to go to the beach which is located right across the street while Jeff went on the tour of the Fort. The lady that did the tour has been doing it for over 30 years and today was her last day so I think she probably was able to give lots if details. We did make a couple trips out of the park...one just into town for dinner, then we went in Easter morning for church and Jeff made a trip across town early to get the water pump and fill the truck on Saturday. The rest of our time here was spent walking, riding bikes and sitting on the beach. Oh and Jeff did get the water pump changed out and we now have a working water pump!

This will be our last spot in the state of Florida as we are starting our slow journey back to Iowa next. Getting excited to see our kids and grand kids. We will go slow though, so it should take us til the end of April.

St. Joe Week 2

The weather this week has kept us on our toes. Not complaining I'm just happy that we are able to spend more time in one place. When we would come down here on vacations we only had a certain amount of time to rush around and try to do everything. Now we watch the weather and pick the days we like to do what we want. If its cloudy or windy we ride our bikes or take a walk. When the wind lays down we get the kayaks out. So lucky to have the time to pick and choose.

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Wednesday we took another bike ride to town and of course we got another doughnut. We also stopped at the Maritime Hammock Nature trail and walked that path. It was really pretty and we were protected from he high winds. The water on the bay was wicked so it was nice to look at but glad I wasn't on it.


Thursday the wind died down a bit and the sun came out but it was cooler. So we decided it would be a good day for our hike into the preserve. We rode our bikes over to the entrance of the trail and away we went. The whole path was sand so that made it interesting. We decided to take the path to the beach and had to climb over a huge sand dune to get there. It was a very unique trail and the views were so pretty we both enjoyed it.

Friday it's windy again but coming from the north so the bay side was crazy wild but the ocean side was as calm as we've seen it. Jeff decided to get the kayak out and do some fishing. It was a bit cool for me so I just watched him from the beach. Saw some dolphins come in real close to feed everyone on the beach was excited. Jeff didn't stay at it to long the fish weren't biting. When he came in he was missing a fishing pole....oops. He'll get them next time.

 Saturday was so hazy and foggy. It rained on and off most of the day so we went to town. Then I started on a new quilt and we watched lots of movies. That's one good thing about the weather it always changes and  that's what it did. On Sunday it cleared and we kayaked and fished in the bay. Jeff caught a couple really nice trout. So I guess we'll be having fish for supper.

We can't change the weather and complaining doesn't do anything so we just plan accordingly. How can you complain about living like this. The worst weather here is nothing like the snow storms we've missed. Jeff has said many times we aren't on vacation, it's a lifestyle. So well just take the weather we get sunny, windy, cool or wet and count our blessings because we are blessed.