Still in AL but this time on the Gulf Coast at Gulf State Park. There are signs all over the place saying not the feed or aggravate the alligators. Wouldn't think of it. Have not seen one yet but one was spotted in another camp loop closer to the water. 

Our camp site

Enjoying morning coffee with Steve, Donna and Parker

We received the French Press from friends in PA before the trip

 and the mugs from friends in TN at one of our stops, 

This is Middle Lake, one of three lakes in the campground.

On the other side of that slip of land is the Gulf

All types of vegetation from Palm Trees to Pine Trees

A day the beach on the Gulf Coast

Some beautiful cloud formations and halo around the sun 

Love God's creativity

 Wind Creek State Park in AL was our next stop. Beautiful camp ground with lots of large spots on Lake Martin. Lots to do but we didn't have a lot of time here. Hope to come back with the family. 

The park had tight security with password changing every day

Our campsite

Steve, Donna and Parker at the Beach

One of the bridges to the beach

The Zip Line was one of the many activities in the park

 Our next stop was in GA where we visited my twin Lee. She was a wonderful hostess and we had some great meals and sweet desserts. Met her cat Pepper and I even had a chance to make a card. She shared some of her stash with me. It was a wonderful visit and so glad that we finally got to meet. 

The Three Amigos

Pepper

Making Brownies

Crafting

First camp fire of the trip

Steve, Donna, and Parker enjoying our first camp fire together

I see a full moon rising

 Getting behind in posting.  Our next stop was at some really great friends, didn’t want to say old, in Sevierville, TN. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen each other and it was a wonderful visit. 

This is Sandy and Dave

And their children Stacy and Bill

They took us for a car tour of the area and this is us looking over Gatlinburg

The next day we took a ride into The Great Smokey Mountain National Park and got our passport stamp then drove to Cade’s Cove and did the car tour. We want to bring our family here soon. 

 One night stop at Smith Mountain Lake State Park in VA. Lovely small campground with nice large campsites. Took a walk down Beechnut Trail. The weather was quite chilly and very windy. 

Jim on one of the bridges on the trail

Start of the trail

Our campsite

Steve, Donna and Parker on the picnic table

 Arrived at our first destination and what a wonderful welcome we received! 

They had room for our truck and camper 

The bedroom was beautiful and comfortable 

And the food was delicious. We enjoyed crab soup and salad and we were introduced to fish tacos. AND

The company and conversation was the best part. Thank you Mark and Linda for a wonderful time! We will be back!

 Today is the day that we are taking off. It's very exciting but scary at the same time. We have lots of people praying for us that we have a good and safe trip. I am missing my family already but thanks to technology we can stay in touch. And so the adventure begins. 

 

                                                     ONE WEEK  BEFORE TAKE-OFF

We leave in exactly one week and we are feverishly getting everything ready. Looking forward to meeting with friends and family, making new friends,  and seeing the wonders of God's creation. 

                                Here is our trip all wrapped up in a three ring binder!