January 16-17 - Gulf Shores State Park

Since we left a day earlier than we expected, we arrived a day earlier. Blue skies and sun, 60 degrees. Alabama is in the Central time zone which has Lenny all messed up for feeding times and bedtimes. 

Lew and Denise came over to greet us as we were setting up. Huge campground with 500 sites. 

We bought the “Clam” easy up to keep our bikes in when it rains. 

Friday, our first full day here dawned sunny and in the 60s so Lew took us on a walk on one of the many trails that are in our campground. 

Love the Palmetto trees 

Some of the longer term residents had trees decorated. 

This one has Mardi Gras beads hanging from it. 

It’s so nice that Bill and I decided to take the bike ride around and through the park. We wanted to see where Drew a d Erin will be staying- the Hilton Lodge, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. 

Still too nice of a day to stay inside so Lew took us on another bike ride to see if we would see an alligator. Yep, he found one for us. Hard to see but he or she is laying in the bushes. 


Back home at the RV so Bill can make smash burgers. 

Tomorrow we’ll spend some time with Drew and Erin. It’s supposed to rain so we are going to Pensacola to see where Erin’s grandparents lived. 

Night. 

January 15 - Alabaster, AL

We’ve been so fortunate with weather. Even though it’s still unusually cold, we had dry roads, blue skies and sunshine. 

When we reached Oak mountain Campground, it was about 50 degrees. After setting up, we decided to take a hike on the light trail. Lenny was excited. Banjo said he’d ride in the pet bag. 

Very nice campground. Would definitely stay here again. Several lakes we could kayak. 

After the hike, we drove into the town of Pelham to pick up a few items and to check out the Beer hog. Lots of craft beers to choose from, at least 20-30. 

Tomorrow we hope to be at Gulf  Shores where we will spend 12 days. 

January 14 - Lenoir City, TN

Today our trip took us to Lenoir City, TN. Still cold but blue skies and sunshine. 

Uneventful trip which we are thankful. Stayed in another hotel for the night. Should be our last hotel for now. 

Picture of the sun from our hotel as we arrived. 

Plan to be in Alabaster, AL Wednesday night. Left early as the sun was rising. 

January 13, 2025 - Alabama Here We Come

Since we aren’t going to any Lehigh matches while Nate rehabs from his surgery, we decided (well maybe just me decided) it would be a good time to visit Lew and Denise at Gulf Shores, Alabama. 

As we were getting the RV ready, the weather turned VERY cold, in the teens. So we decided to leave a day earlier than we had planned. Other than being windy and snow in the fields, we had a nice drive with dry roads. 

We decided since it was going to be cold even in Virginia that we would stay in a hotel. So for the first time, we have the RV parked outside of a Best Western in Lexington VA. As we drove, the sun was shining so brightly with blue skies. Too bad it’s so cold. 

Tomorrow we should make it to the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. 

December 8-10 - Stay with Drew and Erin’s

Sunday we all went to  Sacramento Kings game  Fina (Lorena and Boye’s daughter) was dancing at half time. Fun night 

Fina was one of them down there. 

Since the Kings won, the traditional beam was lit. 

Arlo had fun at the game, lots of people, lights and music. A fun evening. 

For my last full day in Sacramento, I took a couple walks around their neighborhood and Drew and I went to the Sac Yard for a few brews. 

Then while Drew smoked salmon for a seafood soup, we took a walk around their neighborhood to see the lights. It’s quite festive in their neighborhood. 

Before Erin drove me to the airport, we took Winnie on her morning walk. 

Dec 7-8 - Nevada City and Arlo

First stop was to show me their new house. Such a great spot on the hill and so much more space for them. 

Shan, Arlo and I had lunch in Grass Valley, all set up for Cornish Christmas on Friday. 

After dropping Arlo at Gigi’s daycare for a few hours, we went to the new house to clean. 

Then Wednesday night was Miracle Bar for Shan, Donna and I. Glitz and glamour abounded. 

 After a few cocktails, it was on to the Miner’s Foundry for a Christmas Sing Along. 

Friday was the traditional drive into the forest to cut down their Christmas tree. 

Up and decorated. Shimmering in the dark. 

Friday night was Cornish Christmas in Grass Valley. Weather was perfect and the downtown was booming with vendors and lots of people milling around. 

Had my first pastie, I’m in love. 

Saturday was another night with Arlo. He’s so much fun. We read, and read and played with cars and trucks. 

A drive downtown Nevada City to look at the big vrooms vrooms. 


Then it was time to drive down the hill to Sacramento to stay with Erin and Drew before I fly home. 

Dec 1-6 - Sac Zoo and time in Nevada City

Shan and Arlo met me at the Sacramento Zoo. Arlo loved looking at the animals. 

Drove up to Nevada City to spend the next week with this guy. 

Started off my time with a visit to the new house. It has so much more sunshine and natural light. 

And they have cell reception which is a big deal out here. Before they had to use WiFi calling to place calls. 

Sunsets here are beautiful, right outside the back of their house. 

Shan and I spent some time cleaning at the new house’s guest house. Nice space for family and friends to stay. 

Downtown Grass Valley is all ready for Christmas. 

Yes, that’s sun and blue skies. While I’m here, temps will be I. The high 60s. 

Tuesday Shan, Arlo and I drove to Roseville looking for furniture for the new place. 

Wednesday night Donna, Shan and I went to the Holbrook’s Miracle Mile for drinks. Very festive, lots of red so it’s hard to get good photos. 

Then a rousing Christmas Carolling time at the Miner’s Foundry. 

Busy week and it’s only Thursday. Here’s our little man in his Christmas hat Donna made him. 

Arlo’s music class at the library was fun. Lots of kids and fun things to do while listening to music. 

Friday was the day for the traditional hunt for a Christmas tree in the forest. Successful trip. 

Bandit wasn’t sure the ride back was going to be very much fun in the back of the truck 

A few more days left with the Alsups. Who knows what all will happen.