Sylvia's RV Journey

Seriously, I flew through the rest of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. I drove the rv. Not that I needed to pass by these states, but I am on a mission to get to Florida. I spent a little time at the Gulf Islands National Park, in Mississippi, then again near Pensacola Florida. I layed on the beach for about an hour, and enjoyed the white sands and beautiful blue teal waters. I wanted to spend more time here, but still needed to figure out my overnight options. I spent the most unrefined, unglamorous night at Walmart. It was my best option, and here it was safe and quiet enough. Then........Sylver’s car keys were stuck in the ignition, a weird twist of fate. Have I angered the god’s? I feared that I would spend the night unlocked, and unsecured, as the key fab and electrical system all work in sync. The Facebook “Travato owners and wannabee” site has proved to be an valuable support. Roadside Assisance wanted to come tow me to a garage, but on the Sunday evening, I just needed ...

I had a very full day. I got an early start, at Housma Plantation, a southern mansion that was first built in the late 1700's. The house  is right on the Mississippi River. There is a levy along the river, so you have to park, and climb to the top of the levy to see the water. I found a nice piece of souvenir driftwood. The tour was an interesting glimpse of life on the river, and the generations of sugar cane farming, complete with ornate furniture and art. Even a solid 68 pound sterling silver sculpture of Abraham Lincoln by the artist that did Mt. Rushmore. Cool. Google maps drove me right to the French Quarter in New Orleans. By 1:00 pm it was already crowded. I hogged the narrow roads straight down the beaten path, with Sylver in command, as many yielded me with the right of way. I was the biggest thing there. And for an rv, I am not that big. Dang, I am just glad that I wasn't hit. I located an rv friendly parking place, and commenced on miles of french quarter walking. ...

When the billboard signs says this way to "gator encounter," where you can hold a baby aligator, well heck why not? When in Rome, right? So I stopped over and talked to a young woman who let me hold T-Bone, a 6-month year old alligator baby. He was pretty cold and clammy, and kind of a rubbery consistency. An American alligator, black, white, and cream. Beautiful markings. His eyes jolted back and forth, and I asked if he could bite. She said yes, of course, but his body language looked pretty comfortable. I made my way through Baton Rouge but the traffic was really ridiculous. I spent the night at Cabela's, and now I'm on the great Louisiana River Roadway stopping to see my first Plantation. Eventually I will get to New Orleans.

I left Corpus Cristi with a real urge to leave... I am ready to move on. As soon as I landed a flood of emotions and dejavue crept in, since my beaching fiasco. Spending the night at the Cracker Barrel was fine, and I really enjoyed listening to the gentle rain, which was a welcome change in weather. It has not rained in the Phoenix area in over a month. I drove through farmlands, and several abandoned farm houses. (One of them reminded me of the house in the movie "Forest Gump") I stopped at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, as I headed east. It was a nice quiet place where I got to see the whooping crane and aligators, along with many wild flowers. I continued my drive feeling better and better about how Sylver Gypsy was driving. So far, so good. My goal was to reach Louisiana, and indeed, I did make it here! Am I officially in the deep south now? I am already seeing signs for crawdaddies. I don't eat seafood, but I thought of my Dad (and Mom) who would be in their gl...

After a month, I am back on the road with Sylver Gypsy. You may recall that I got her stuck on N.Padre Island in Texas. She was repaired by a Dodge, Winnebago, and Auto Nation body/collision shop. It took a while to navigate 3 dealers with the insurance process. And I went home in the meantime to wait it out. One very long story short, I have her in my care now, she is all good, and am heading east towards Florida. The moral of the story is: dont drive on any beach....ever. Even though Texas law says it's ok to do so, and their beaches are considered public highways, it will be a logistical hell when you get stuck. The NPS welcomes you to drive with no clear warnings either way. And I will add, that the towing industry in Texas, is not regulated. What that means is that THEY CAN LITERALLY CHARGE YOU WHATEVER THEY WANT $$$$$ TO TOW YOU OUT. So, consider this a public service announcement, and my learning gift to you all. Be safe, have fun, and enjoy your Travato!!!

Hello All! Just an update to my rv event: At noon (4-5-2018) I arrived home to Cave Creek! I drove the rental car nearly 1200 miles since mid afternoon yesterday (4-4-2018). My on-the-job training driving to many art shows kicked in to keep the pace. Just me and the truckers. After a week in hotels, and a lot of waiting, calling, and emailing, I decided to go home. Sylver Gypsy will be fine. Thankfully, she is not totaled. But several and separate inspections, and adjustments, and repairs are  needed. Dodge, Winnebago, and a body shop all need to be involved. So it takes time. I was given an $ allowance to use for a rental car, and hotel in the meantime, but that can be eaten up easily and quickly. I will fly back to Corpus Christi once things are wrapped up. In the meantime, I'll be catching up at home, and resting up too. Thank you all for your support, and encouragement. I hope to resume my travels very soon!!!!!  On my way home I stopped in to Oasis hospital (Phoenix) to...