Stalled in Georgia

To say this has been an interesting week, and one of ups and downs, is an understatement!

On Monday we headed for Augusta and, of course, the Augusta National Golf Club. Now I know Augusta National prides itself on its exclusive status but really.... we had to stand on the side of the road just to take a picture! Not even a little tourist kiosk could be found to buy a trinket that said "I was at Augusta National".

We proceeded from the golf course to the downtown area. While they have a nice river walk along the banks of the Savannah River, it's nothing like the one in San Antonio. We couldn't even find a nice restaurant to have lunch while downtown; had to head back uptown for that.

I'm glad we went to Augusta but it was definitely a one-time only place to visit!

While at Lake Oconee, we learned of a state park located just outside of Atlanta called Stone Mountain Park. The park has two golf courses designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. Given our disappointment in Augusta, we decided to treat ourselves to a round of golf on an RTJ course. On Wednesday we "pulled up stakes" and headed to Atlanta. Stone Mountain Park is fantastic! An oasis of recreational pleasure located only minutes outside of Atlanta. You can bike, hike, fish, golf, walk, run, have a campfore - you get the picture!

The 'piece de resistance" at the park is a stone carving of Robert E Lee, Stonewall Jackson and Jefferson Davis. The carving is larger than the one at Mt Rushmore, measuring more than three acres in size, and has been dedicated as a memorial to the three leaders of the Confederate States. You can take a tram ride up the mountain which gives you a great view of the carving.....

as well as the surrounding area below. (Campground and golf course as seen from the top of the mountain)

As many of you know, I like Coke and seeing as Atlanta is the home of the Coca-Cola Company, we took a tour through the factory and museum.

And I got my picture taken with the Coke bear. Notice the unusual Coke bottles in the background, depicting regions of the world where coke is bottled and sold.

From there it was on to supper and the game! The visit to arena #7, the Phillips Arena, found the hometown Thrashers in a race for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. I finally got to wear my Leafs jersey as they were hosting the Leafs. Now, while my Leafs are not in playoff contention, they put up a good fight and won the contest in overtime by a score of 2-1. Yeah!!

Friday we headed for Langston, Alabama. That being said, you may have noticed on our map that we're still in Georgia, and you've heard the saying that a picture is worth a thousand words, well.....

We got ourselves a convoy!!!!

And the verdict is a cracked coolant reservoir and a blown head gasket!!

So, we get to enjoy the hospitality of Rome, Georgia for the next few days. RV buddies, don't ever leave home with your rig in tow without the benefit of Good Sam Emergencey Road Service. Here we were stuck on the side of the road, about seven miles east of Rome, in an area we knew nothing about. We made one phone call and Good Sam ERS took it from there, finding us a tow service, a mechanic that could look at the truck late on a Friday afternoon and a campground to park our RV in.

The park is quite nice, albeit short on some amenities as it is designed for weekend camping. The people of Rome have been very supportive, going above and beyond what you would expect to receive as customer.

Guess there's not much left to do except kick back, enjoy the river view and a campfire of two.

See ya next week.

The "Sunshine State" is in our rearview mirror and now we have Georgia on our Mind. Before departing for points north we got in a round of golf at MacDill AFB and another spring training baseball game. See the scoreboard.....Happy Fans! Jays went on to win 13-3!

After scrounging a couple of meals off my aunt and uncle, it was out turn to play host. On Tuesday, Aunt Anne and Uncle Randall made the trek from Gulfport to our campsite in Largo. They got to meet our puppies and we had a nice lunch. We'll see them again when we're in Newfoundland this summer. Perhaps a steak at the cabin (hint, hint).

The campground in Georgia ia very picturesque. We're situated on the shores of Lake Oconee, one of the largest lakes in Georgia. The park has a train theme; the cabooses have been configured into cabins that can be rented. Great place if you have a boat as there are piers adjacent to the indiviaul campsites. Last night we went to a fish fry, followed by a dance with a live band.

Today we celebrated our 29th wedding anniversary. After 29 years, the only thing that can get between us is a BBQ! (LOL)

Have a great week!

Still Lounging in Largo

"Take me out to the ball game, take me out with the crowd, buy me some peanuts and crackerjacks" - okay I'll settle for a hot dog and a Coors Light!

The sounds of spring! Bats smacking balls, balls smacking gloves - YES, baseball season is back! On the hottest day of our trip thus far, we headed out to the ballpark in Dunedin to watch the Blue Jays take on the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Blue Jays took to the field first and Hill was in fine form, making some excellent grabs, picking right up from where he left off last season.

Then it was time to go on offense. And unfortunately, just like Hill, Vernon Wells picked up where he left off last season, going 0 for 3. The Jays did take the lead first, thanks to Jose Bauttista but were not able to hang on as the Phillies went on the win the game.

The rest of the week was spent golfing, checking out the local Flea Market where we ran into Rex Pitcher and his wife, and visiting with family in the area. Sunday we travelled across Tampa Bay to Riverview to spend the afternoon with Jim's niece, Shannon and her husband Chris. We had a great time catching up, followed by a great meal - all in all a relaxing and enjoyable day.

Lounging in Largo

It's been a quiet week after our adventures in the greater Miami area. Spent the weekend in Moore Haven before heading back to central Florida and four days in Wauchula. There we got in a round of golf and took a day trip to Venice to visit with Jan and Dave Thomas. We spent a pleasant afternoon catching up as we had not seen each other in several years. Great food and great company - can't beat that!

On Friday we continued west, settling in at Rainbow Village RV Resort in Largo. We've spent the last couple of days finding our way around town. Last night we took in NHL game #6 at the St Pete Times Forum where the home town Lightning trashed the Thrashers. What a loud and rowdy arena!

The Lightning are in the middle of a race for one of the final playoff positions (unlike my beloved Leafs). There was a party atmosphere everywhere, with a live band playing on the concourse. At times like this you never know who you're going to meet....

In Jim's case, a couple of Lightning cheerleaders...

In my case, a couple of cute camera crashers!