johnsandywhite
Free Member
:Cool: No apologies for the length of this Tour of the USA. 
Part one starts here:-
The USA Tour
Wednesday 26th October 2005
The day started early. Breakfast over and ready to leave by 8.00am. Our daughter Mandy was running us to Manchester Airport. Arrived there in good time at 10.30am. We said our goodbyes and told Mandy to text us to let us know she got home safely.
We proceeded to the check-in and John was picked out by the Asian Inspector to go through his case with a fine tooth comb. Pulled all his nice and neat folded clothes apart searching for who know what. Finding nothing he said he would take the case and check it through. John jokingly said for him not to forget to put it on the plane. John not trusting him to do this. Escorted the Inspector and the case until it was safely put through the check-in. We walked around the Airport Lounge for a while to kill time and John had to walk to the far end of the Lounge for a smoke. I stopped smoking so I didn’t need to. We watched planes and people coming and going until finally it was our turn.
When our flight was called. I was grinning like a Cheshire cat. We walked down the passage to the plane and guess where we were sitting? The last row at the back of the plane in the middle. Soon everyone was settled down and we were taxiing along the runway borders. It was shaking so much you could almost feel every blade of grass. Then we turned onto the runway and the engines started roaring like a Lion with a 6” nail in it’s paw and off we went gathering speed faster and faster down the runway. A couple sat to our left by the window were holding hands and screwing up their faces with a look of dread. John and I were giggling and I felt loike lifting my feet up to help the plane into the air. But it turned out not to be necessary. I really wished we had got the window seat. But it wasn’t to be. The lady sat next to the window finished up sleeping most the way to Newark, New York.
We left at 1.30pm. We had hardly got into the air when they were coming round with drinks followed by Lunch. There was Chicken Breast in sauce, mashed potatoes, carrots, a small tub of salad, a roll and butter and for desert a fruit slice. Very nice indeed. We were really surprised with the quality. We have often heard that the meals on Aeroplanes were terrible. But honestly. If the Chef had been there? I would have hugged him (easily pleased – editor’s note). I settled down to read my Wilbur Smith book ‘Blue Horizon’. John and I love his books. But they quite often get me into trouble. Once I start reading one I can’t put it down again until it’s finished. Which causes problems when I have work to be done. Drinks came round again and we settled for fresh Orange juice and settled down once more to read our books. The lady by the window had slept through Lunch and was still sleeping. Snacks were then brought round and I asked how much was the Tonic water please. They replied that they are all free. So that’s what I had. We arrived at Newark, New York at 3.30pm USA East Coast time (5 hours behind the UK). So that was around 7 hours in the air. Didn’t feel like it. The landing was a bit like the take off in reverse. The couple by the window were once again holding hands tightly and screwing up their faces. Whereas the lower, steeper and more banked over we were the more John and I both giggled. There was by the way a 25mph side wind. The landing was a good one. Just one bump, and we were rolling again on Terra Firma. We finally came to a stop and were told we were waiting for docking bay. Thirty minutes later we were exiting the plane but a little worried that at 4.15pm we were starting to think about missing our connecting flight at 6.15pm to Orlando, Florida. which we would have to check-in for after clearing Immigration. That is the easy part. We had to get off the plane. Find our luggage. Race to the other end of the airport to Immigration and queue for what seemed like far too long. I’m just glad we had the sense to fill out all the forms beforehand . We were finger printed. Had our photos taken and finally we got our 3 month waiver visa and off we dashed to the next plane.
We put our luggage on and then went straight onto the plane. Guess where our seats were? Yep. Right at the back. But at least we had the window seats this time so I let John have the one next to the window. It was coming up to night time after all. I’m having the window seat next time mate. Flew from Newark at 6.15pm and the flight was just like the first. Lot’s of giggles on take off and feet up. The flight landed at 910pm so it took around 3 hours for a total flying time of 10 hours. Being as we are 5 hours behind the UK I don’t know what day it is never mind what time it is. I feel like I’m meeting myself coming back. We landed at Orlando, Florida airport but this time the landing wasn’t as good as the first. This one made 3 bumps and I was beginning to think it was running on Kangaroo juice but we finally arrived safely at the docking ramp.
Our friend Tommy was picking us up. So we picked up our luggage and waited. No Tommy. We had no US money and not a lot of P-A-Y-G on our UK Mobiles. We stood around in the airport waiting and to make matters worse. There were 4 or 5 floors to the entrance and exit. John was wanting a smoke and you were not allowed to carry a lighter on the Aeroplanes. Luckily John got a light from a passerby. We managed to phone Tommy with the little credit we had on my Mobile and hes said he was on the third floor. We were on the second. Well. For the next 30 minutes we were lugging the luggage up stairs and downstairs all over the airport. In the end. I waited with the luggage while John dashed around like a headless chicken looking for Tommy. Then a miracle happened. Just as John got back, Tommy arrived at the same time. ‘HELLO AMERICA’ we are finally here.
It took around 45 minutes to get to Tommy’s house where we were staying for a while and it was like ‘WOW’ when he opened the front door. The lounge was like a football pitch all done in cream and white. I quietly took off my shoes. The kitchen was open plan and a dream. We had the guest room next to Tommy’s daughters room. Her name is Megan and she is away at College. We had our own Bathroom, shower and toilet. There is also an office/computer room. A washroom with a washing machine and tumble dryer and another toilet or should I say restroom? ‘They don’t call them toilets here’ John said, ‘it’s not nice’. So restroom it is. At the opposite side of the Lounge is Tommy’s bedroom with walk-in closet. A huge bathroom with a corner bath, separate shower, toilet and 2 wash basins. It’s lovely. In the Loungs are Patio doors that lead out onto the Patio and the swimming pool which are both the full width of the house. The pool is surrounded with a framework over which is a netting cover to keep the leaves from the water.Beyond the pool is a short spread of grass followed by the Lake. On the Patio is a large glass topped table surrounded with rocking/lounge chairs and a very large barbeque range. The whole of the Patio is carpeted. The whole house is a beautiful home. We put our luggage into into our bedroom, then went and sat in the rocking chairs with a glass of red wine to catch up with Tommy while viewing the beautiful view over the Lake. During daylight you can sit for hours watching the Heron’s and the Eagles gliding across the tree-tops along with the Ducks and the Moor Hens paddling around. But this is our first night. It is very peaceful and we have had a long and exciting day. Off to bed to wake next morning with the Sun shining through the windows. We didn’t realise there were blinds behind the heavy net curtains. Good job there is an hedge outside the window or the neighbour would have seen a sight to behold. Tommy had bought English Muffins for us for breakfast. So breakfast consisted of Coffee and Toasted Muffins. Later, Tommy took us to the local Frozen Fish shop. It was fantastic. We tried different home-made dishes like Jambalia and New England Clam Chowder. John had always talked about Clam Chowder from his visit in 1969 when he was on tour of the USA with the White Helmets. So he was so pleased for me to be able to try it. It was very morish. In fact we bought a quart for our very first Lunch here.
We have had many and varied meals while we stayed with Tommy for 2 weeks. We had steamed Oyster’s, South Carolina Bar-B-Que with Pork cooked on the spit in the afternoon. Along with Pig’s feet boiled, stripped of meat and then cooked with Spinach in the juices with some Ham bits. Some of the Ham juices were then used to cook some black-eyed beas. When the Pork has finished cooking on the spit. It is chopped up into small pieces and Tommy’s special sauces added. I made some of our Roast potatoes and Tommy is quite taken with them. There was also a side salad for starters. Another time we had Bar-B-Que chicken, whole roast breast of Turkey, dressed whiting. We really enjoyed trying all these new and delicious foods and lazing around. If we had Jet lag? We soon got over it.
John enjoyed himself on the Computer learning how to use our new Wifi card, which would work now and then. We didn’t know if the card was good or faulty as John had bought it off the internet before we left the UK. So while we were out shopping at Wal-mart we bought another new one which cost us $56 after taxes. Never mind. You can’t take your money with you when you’re gone. The new Wifi card worked much better and it was more fun for John. He can expand his knowledge and have fun at the same time while I finish my Wilbur Smith books.
Another time we went to Wal-mart. We bought a headphone/microphone and John learned how to use it with the Laptop as a telephone and we rang my Mum. We chatted for quite some time and she was really excited and I was so thrilled to put my mind at ease that she was OK. I need to know she is happy, okay health wise and is managing. While I know she needs to know we are happy and healthy. So even though that first phone call (via the laptop) was breaking up we managed to let each other know we were fine. Daft we may be. But she means the world to me. We even managed to phone Valerie (my sister). She was over the moon and kept saying have a good time and enjoy yourselves.
On Halloween night. While I cooked the vening meal. John and Tommy got all of the Halloween things out of the garage attic and set them all up. After Dinner and all the washing was done, we took chairs out to the end of the drive and joined all the folk in the street. We each had a bucket of treats for all the trick or treat kid’s when they came calling round. Someon passed Jello-Tots around. Which was Jelly made with Vodka and left to set. Boy!!! They felt good going down and it didn’t feel so cold anymore. Mind you. If you had 2 or more. You didn’t feel the mosquitos biting anymore. Needless to say. I felt every mosquito bite (editor’s note – Oh yeah?). Tommy put on a Gorilla mask and scared the S*** out of me, never mind all the kid’s that came calling. I wore a tall black hat which I didn’t mind wearing as it kept my ears warm and the mosquitos out. While the days are hot and sunny. The nights can and often do get quite cold. But not as cold as England. The children came round with their Mum’s and Dad’s . Some so small they were carried but were dressed up just the same. There were Bumble Bee’s, Pumpkin’s, Fairies, Elves, Witches, Spidermen, Supermen, even a banana. So many of all ages and such good fun. Some really little cuties and all full of the fun of the night. Some carried little Pumpkin buckets to put their treats in while other’s had Halloween goody bags. Some had Halloween sacks or a pillowcase. But there was no greed. They all said ‘Happy Halloween Sir’ or ‘Happy Halloween Maam’. There was no nastiness and no banging on door’s like some do in England. It was all so nicely done with fun for the children but even more fun for the adults. By 9.30pm everyone was safe in their own homes. I have found a lot of the American people are warm, helpful and friendly. I am sure there are baddies out there. But I am sure the goodies outweigh them. So far, anyway. That was the first ever Halloween and if I am ever there again when it’s Halloween. I’m off out with the kid’s and a me with a wheelie bin. I’ll tell you this. Those treats are flipping lovely. Peanut butter and chocolate. MMMMmmmm Morish.
Wednesday 2nd November 2005
We finally got to go to the Lakeland Auctions. We have been in America for 1 week today. Enjoyed ourselves so much already and fingers crossed we may find the Motorhome of our dreams at a price we can afford. So we were up early. Dressed and breakfasted by 7am. Tommy’s friend Steve picked the 3 of us up and we were off to Lakeland. Ít’s over 100 miles away but there was plenty of wonderful views to see so it didn’t seem that long before we arrived. There ws signs for Disnyland and Film studios and all sorts of attractions to visit. There are just so many to see and visit. Some have family vist prices but some are over priced. To be honest. I would love to go and visit everyone of them. But time is ticking by and I will be grateful for anything we do get to visit and see. We got to the auction around 8.30am and Tommy went off to register along with Steve. John and I went to have a look around the Motorhomes.
There were over 50 to look at. So we started at one end and went through every one. Being what the American’s call Full-Timer’s (that’s what they call people who live mostly in their Motorhomes) we know better what we need. We wanted Basement storage, space inside, well finished, not closed in, light and warm, plus a nice lay-out. Shades over outside windows with covers to protect them. Indoor day/night shades. Plus the usual Fridge Freezer, Microwave all preferably in good working order. So many things to look for and the age factor too. So we made notes on the likely ones and then start all over again going through the likely ones and cross out those with faults, ie, holes in the roof, cracked windscreens, soft floors, broken showers, or anything that is difficult to repair or replace. Then once again, make another short list and we keep going through them until we are down to 2 or 3. We can’t bid on them. But Tommy can. Once we have our short list and the amount we are prepared to pay, we go away and leave it to Tommy.
The first one sold for more than we were prepared to pay for it. We changed our minds on the second one as John found quite a lot of rot inside which left the last one. The 1996 Newmar Mountain Aire 38ft with one large slide-out. Estimated between $xxxxxx and $xxxxxx. Tommy Asked us what to bid to and John said ‘$xxxxxx’. I said to John ‘It’s our’s, it’s got Mum’s ‘6’ and your ‘843’ on it’s number above the windscreen ‘6843’. When we were in Singapore. A Chinese man had told Mum here lucky number was ‘6’ and ‘843’ ‘was John’s Pit check number. We all make silly things come together when we’re hoping. We walked away looking at other Motorhomes trying not to look, but deep down wanting to know, hoping, wishing. Telling myself there’s other’s, but not listening. Knowing we are scraping the barrel if it is for $xxxxxx.
Then the auctioneer arrives at your Motorhome-to-be and Tommy’s there bidding and other’s bid too. The auctioneer talks so fast, my brain can’t keep up with my ear’s. There’s a 10 second delay from hearing to understanding. I really must get an hearing aid, or a new brain, or something. Then I realise that Tommy’s (our’s ) is the last bid. Once? Going Twice? Done. Yes! Yes! Yes! We got it. Our dream home. The nearest Motorhome, that has most of the things we’d like. We can’t help grinning at each other. Oh! Boy! We did it. How much did we get it for? $xxxxxx plus taxes and commission it came to just over $xxxxxx. Tommy can’t believe the price. Nor can we!
So now, finger’s crossed there is nothing wrong with the Engine, Cooker, Fridge/Freezer, Hot water, Heating or Air cool. Tommy went and paid for it and Tommy, John and I rode back to Tommy’s compound with it. All seems well. Tommy tells John it handles very nice. We got to Tommy’s lock-up around lunch time. Tommy gives John the keys to lock up if needs be and he goes off with Steve.
It’s strange being left alone in your new Motorhome. It’s beautiful, perfect. The slide-out makes the lounge and dining area and around the kitchen so much bigger. The bathroom is a walk through type, not a little box room, but open and nice. I love it. The bedroom is just perfect. We find a toaster and coffee maker in the corner slide-up.The freezer has an Ice-maker which will automatically fill the ice-bowl up and auto shut off when full up. Cupboards everywhere. A clean frosted glass corner shower. Load’s of storage. We can’t find any faults yet? We don’t want to! But we’d rather find them now, not on the road. John starts checking outside and I start cleaing inside. But it’s not dirty. There’s a few things to wipe or polish. But otherwise it’s beautiful. The carpet is cream and needs a good clean, but it’s not really bad.
We decide to take it to Wal-mart and get some things we needed. We have a throw-over, so we only need sheets, pillowcases, 2 pillow saver cover’s, 4 pillows, 2 bath towels, 3 tea towels. There is already 2 mugs, some foam plates, plastic beakers, plastic knives, forks, spoons. Also 3 sharp cutting knives. So we got a non-stick pan as well. We don’t want to get to many things as we have it all back in England. So really we simply want to get only what we need.. We got 6 knives for $1, 6 forks for $1 and 6 spoons for $1. We bought tomatoes, cheese, ham, potatoes, bread roll’s, sugar, milk (dried), coffee, teabags, coffee filter’s. ‘Old Bay’ seasoning. I really love that one. 1 gallon of Orange Juice, Beef and Chicken noodles and some cracker biscuits. Washing up liquid and greased lightening cleaner. We loaded it all into the Motorhome and drove back to Tommy’s lock-up. I put the shopping away and made noodles for lunch and with a good, good shake of ‘Old Bays’ in it. WOW. It’s so good. I love noddles to doodles. I put the new sheets on the bed and then the throw-over plus the pillows and wow. It looks almost perfect. I put all the other things away, then change my mind and move them until I am happy where they are. We also bought 2 100ah batteries because the ones that are in are on their last legs. Bit like me and John.
Tommy came back for us around 5.30pm and had another friend with him called Barrie who is from Liverpool. He’s bought a storm damaged 24ft diesel motorhome from New Orleans. But he’s one of the lucky ones. His has very little damage. We stayed at Tommy’s for another week. We were waiting for our Tags and Titles (Registration plates and Log book). Once they arrive we can start our tour.
Wednesday 9th November
Tommy loaned us his dealer tags and insurance so we could tour around Florida. So we set off to travel down the East Coast of Florida. We set off around 3.30pm and arrived at Titusville and parked in Wal-marts which is a supermarket. They own Asda in England. Wal-marts allow RV’s to park overnight or for several nights at most stores and as most of the stores have security in the car parks, it’s a highly recommended place.
Next morning we were up and on the road again and in next to no time we could see the sea. As usual. John and I sanf out ‘I see the sea, the sea sees me’. We follow the coast road for nearly a hundred miles before we found a praking area. We parked up and went for a closer look. It was beautiful. We watched the little birds chase the tide and getting any tidbits and when the tide came in they ran away from it. Their little legs were going so fast, they looked all knock knees and knickers. You could well imagine what the birds were thinking, ‘you can’t catch me’. We went back to the Motorhome and had lunch then put our ‘cossies’ on. Bath towels, sun-glasses, reading glasses, reading books, drinks and ground sheet. It would be quicker to pack a case. We struggled over the beach, got sorted and flopped out on our towels. It was heaven. We don’t know what we’ve done to deserve this. But we aint complaining. We had around 2 hours playing dead on the beach (probably looking like it too). But dead people don’t snore and we do. We decide not to have too much sun until we have got used to it. Otherwise all you do is burn and peel. So we got sorted and back on the road again and drove to Flying ‘J’s at Fort Pierce.
Flying ‘J’s is a travel plaza. Trucks stop and stay overnight. RV’s too park for the night. The have a dump, which is a special drain to empty out all the waste and yes, it’s where you say bye-bye to your pee-pee etc too. There is fresh water to fill up your fresh water tanks and a bin for rubbish. They have 5 restuaraunts, a convenience store, petrol and diesel, They have a Wifi high speed internet access which we joined for a month then the end of the month you can renew it for another month. The nicest thing is you can pay for a day, a week, or a month. It also means you can email your loved one’s to put their minds at ease and they can email back putting our minds at ease. Flying ‘J’s have places all over America, 405 altogether. So we park overnight, it costs nothing and it’s safe. These people cater for Truck’s, RV’s and well everyone really. We like them and everything is done in one place. So after a good nights sleep and a quick check in the mirror to see if you’ve caught the sun (in other words, have I got any white bits). Can’t tell. So, we get dressed, had our breakfast and we are on the road again.
The sun is shining and life is looking good. We’re travelling south on the east coast I1A road beside the sea. We passed Port St Lucie, Palm city, Port Salero, Hebe sound, Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Boynton beach, Boca Baton, Pompona beach, Oakland park and Fort Lauderdale. Again, around a 100 miles and there was nowhere to park near the sea. Most of the coast is bought by Hotels and the rest is private homes. So by the time the Hotels and private buyer’s have built onto the beach. There is no room for car parks. So at Fort Lauderdale we headed west. If we had gone south for another 25 miles, we’d have been in Miami. But we’d still have to drive back to Fort Lauderdale to cross to the west. Plus, we’d seen quite a lot of damage to quite a lot of propery caused by the recent Hurricanes. Some had fences gone. Quite a few had roof tiles missing. Small wooden buildings had no chance. They were smashed to splinter’s. Power cables were still down and trees uprooted and moved. It makes you realise the force and the power of the Hurricanes. You see what’s left behind it and think, poor bugger’s, and do you know what? These people pull together. Help each other. Getting things back to normal.
There are piles and piles of debris along the road edge, waiting for the state truck to remove it. I helped. One road we went down had 3 coconuts blown down. I said to John ‘Stop the Bus’. Which he did and I got a green one. The other 2 were smashed. So we were now proud parents of a green coconut. When you shake it, you can hear the milk inside. I was really pleased with myself. John had a grin on his face.
We headed west on Alligator alley. It’s a toll road. It cost $3 and it’s over 100 miles long. The first 25 miles is the everglades. Beautiful, peaceful and lush green glades. There are many kinds of birds. Heron, Pelican, Eagles. So many kinds. There is a 3 foot fence to keep folk out, but it’s all in the water. One wonders why anyone in their right mind would want to go in there? Then the fence is put up to 6 to 8 feet and it’s electric fencing. Then you see them. Big one’s, small one’s. They ain’t Cocomuts. Alligator’s. Little surprse it’s called Alligator Alley. Water everywhere. By now, even the birds were up the trees. Needless to say. To take photos. One has to open the window. Yelling to John each time I saw one. We stopped at a rest area about half way over. Sometimes one has to do what one has to do. I was hungry starving dead. So I had to feed us, but door’s and windows stay shut as I was not feeding them as well.
After our lunch (not theirs) we travelled on. John driving, me with my nose stuck to the window giving my report each time one was spotted. Then the electric fence was down to 3-4 foot and I didn’t see anymore after that. The end of the Alley is called ‘Golden Gates’. I wonder why?
We travelled north on the west side for around 50 miles and parked in Flying ‘J’s for the night. We’ve travelled 250 miles today. Helped clean up the east side ie: one coconut, defended John from Alligators for a good 60 miles and mad it safely through the Golden Gates. Then navigated through another 50/60 miles (by now my fingers are crossed) and cooked dinner. I should be crawling to bed. But I’m happy we made it across with all our bits intact.
Rise and shine. It’s another beautiful day. Tummies happy as we have had breakfast and the sun is shining. So, back on the road again. We left Fort Myers about 9.15am and travelled north on the west side. There is still a lot of damage from the Hurricanes and cables are still needing putting up . We passed Fort Charlotte, Laurel, Osprey and finally finally found somewhere near the beach at Seista Keys. A Hugh parking area and beautiful white beaches with Baywatch towers and patorls on the beaches. I told John to be careful, he may be mistaken for a lifeguard and have hundreds of females chasing him. The exercise would do him good. We got our towels etc and off we went. Played dead on the beach for an hour then went back to the motorhome for Lunch. Noodles!!! Yippee!!! Then back to the beach to play dead again. After our evening meal we played Rummy and off to bed. It’s very tiring work, playing dead on the beach.
Another beautiful day. Happy tummy and lovely sunshine, we decided walk along the beach. There were quite a few doing the same. So we walked in the sea. It was more fun too. Splashing like two teenager’s.
We’d walked about half a mile when about 500 yards up the beach from us. Something was happening. Sea birds were going crazy and the sea looked like it was bubbling. Then suddenly. There were thousands of very tiny fish crashing into our ankles. They were being chased by hundreds of 2 to 3 lb Jack Tuna, who too were banging into our ankles. John even kicked one out of the water and onto the beach. It must have been 2 to 3 lbs. A lovely meal!! Until some do-gooder yelled ‘You’re drowning it – how would you like to be drowned?’ and as there were lot’s of people watching. We put it back in the sea. John had a small nip on his finger and I got a bite on my foot. The do-gooder was with his girlfriend. Both in their 40’s, both wearing thongs and holding hand in hand walking up the beach. I felt like yelling ‘Hey, where’s the rest of your cossies?’. Oh, well! We nearly had fresh Tuna for tea. Well! John got a ***** on his finger, I got a bite on my foot and the Tuna got to live another day.
We’d hardly gone another 500 yards when we could see things or shapes moving further out to sea. Hundreds of them. I know. Because John can count. We moved deeper into the sea and into the middle of them. There was a huge shoal of Ray’s swimming up the coast and we were walking through them. They seemed to sense you are there and swam around you. Unless you stumble, like I did. Then they belt you one on the leg and I flew up John’s back. They are very solid fish and a swipe by one of them is like being kicked. Also as we were walking through them we were getting deeper and deeper. Which is fine if one is wearing a cossie. But not if one is wearing shorts and a Tee shirt. Guess what we were wearing? Yep. Wet knickers and wet shorts. So we gently made our up to the beach looking out to sea.
There were other shoals of fish moving up the coast. But to me it just looked like the sea was bubbling in patches and the birds and Pelicans were going crazy catching as many of them as they can and moving along with the shoal. The Pelicans are really big birds, but they are so graceful when they fly. They look to be just hovering or gliding above the sea. Not like the seagulls. Who are flap flap and grab but don’t wet me hair. What an experience. All this happened in about 20 minutes, but it will stay with me for the rest of my life. By the time we had got to the end of the beach and back our shorts and knickers were dry. You could tell, because we didn’t walk funny anymore and there were salt marks on our shorts. So we went to the beach showers and washed the salt off our feet and Yes! The salt off our knickers and shorts which left us wet again but we only had to walk across the car park. I must admit. We got some funny looks. But we didn’t care. We’d just been run over by Jack Tuna and walked through big Ray’s. An experience that may happen only once in our lifetime. We’ll always remember Jack and Ray.
We got in the motorhome, got dried and changed and John went to put the Generator on. We do that by starting the main motor (Editor’s note – sometimes when the batteries are low) and then the generator. But the main motor wouldn’t even turn over. Oh! Dear! Stuck! Luckily there was another motorhome parked next to us and John went and asked if he would be running his generator and if so? Could we plug into his and put some charge into our batteries? Isn’t it marvelous? We buy 2 new Leisure batteries and it’s the motor battery that let us down. Anyway. Kurt, the motorhome man fom next door came round to have a look. John gave him $3 for fuel that would run his generator. Then John had an idea. Why not run jumper leads from the Leisure batteries to the Motor battery? So Kurt went to see if he had any jump leads and yes he did. So we tried it and it worked.
We set off straight away to find a Wal-mart. The nearest one was 25 miles away. We went in and got a new motor battery a good set of jumper leads and John got to work on it there and then in the car park. There is one thing I do not like about shopping nor buying anything in America. You pay anything from 6% to 9% tax on top. So when my shopping comes to $30, it’s not, as I have to pay taxes and at 6%\I end up paying $31.80. I had the girl behind the counter in stitches laughing. I said ‘the shopping I want, but the 6% I don’t want, so do I still hve to pay for it?’. Why can’t they just put the taxes on and then price things. That way the taxes still get paid and you don’t think you are paying for nothing? Or something like that? Anyway. Back to John fixing the motorhome.
After changing the battery the engine starts great. Only thing is. We are 22 miles further up the coast and we are using 1 gallon of petrol to go 6 miles. We had learned from Kurt that we are not to park in that car park overnight. Ooops! Sorry! There was no sign saying no over-night parking and there normally is? Oh! Well! Never mind!
We got back on the road again. Past Sarasota along Longboat Key to Bradenton beach. A lovely forest setting with the beach and sea. What more could one want? We parked up, changed into our cossies and off we went to the beach. Got our towels down and in for a lovely swim. Our third swim if you count walking with the Ray’s. Who would believe it? It’s the middle of November and we are swimming in the sea. Lovely. Jaw’s, eat your heart out. This is great and the water’s warm and clear. Back to the beach and got half an hour practice of playing dead on the beach. Then it’s feed me time again. Must be all that swimming? There is no overnight parking allowed here. So once more, it’s back on the road again.
We pass Palmetto, Petersburg, Tampa and stop at Bradenton at the Flying ‘J’s. Play a few games of Rummy and off to the blanket show. The suns hines through the shades and you know you won’t get anymore sleep. So, It’s up, breakfast and on the road again.
We arrive back at Tommy’s lock-up around 3pm. John says we have a problem with the batteries not charging up. So he gets on with sorting the problem out, while I give our home a wash, polish and cook a meal. Barrie calls in. He’s staying here at the lock-up too. He has a fifth wheeler (which is a pick-up truck and a trailer). A big one. He’s seen his new storm damaged motorhome, paid for it and now sorting the shipping. Tommy comes down later in his ‘E’ type and one of his many girlfriends. Barrie has dinner with us and all being well we should get our Tag’s (number plates) tomorrow. Another day over and night-night time.
17th of November 2005
We’ve just got our Tag’s, it’s 2pm and we’re off up north.
But before I start. I forgot to mention. When we went to the east coast. We passed Kennedy Space centre. We saw a Space Shuttle and a Rocket. The Space Shuttle was a nit smaller than I thought. Very interesting though.
Right. We’re off to ‘Nashville’ in Tennessee and to get there we go north on the I95 (Interstate 95). We stopped over-night at Flying ‘J’s in Valdosta in Georgia. The next night in Rosaca in Georgia.
The views are priceless. Very much like Spain with it’s vast areas. But there is so much I want to see. The animals are different. The homes are mostly bungalows. Not a lot of 2 storey houses here but there is so much land there’s little need to have an upstairs. When they can, they do build huge lovely Bungalows. Most buildings here are made from wood. We haven’t seen a lot of brick built buildings.
We crossed the border into Tennessee at Chattanooga. I quite like that name once I’d mastered the art of pronouncing it. Which is Chat-ta-noo-ga. Got it? Great.
I’ve seen quite a lot of Herons, Horses and Racoons. In fact quite a lot of Racoons get killed as we see lot’s by the road-side, and Deer’s too. It’s bad enough seeing Cats and Rabbits and awful to see dead Racoons and Deer.
The further north we go? The colder it seems to get. Another thing I forgot to mention. John found the problem with the batteries not charging was a Solenoid from the Alternator. When the engine is running, it sends a signal to the Solenoid which then closes to make a circuit to the Leisure batteries. So, when we are travelling the Alternator is not only charging the Motor battery but the Leisure batteries too. When the Solenoid doesn’t work. The Leisure batteries do not get charged up. So we got another Solenoid and fitted it. I held the torch. I’m the chief Gofer. I’ll soon be a mechanic at this rate.
Right. Back to Tennessee.
We arrived at the Gaylord Hotel. Our German Friends Ed and Edie said for us to call and see it. There was plenty of parking for everyone and one could stay as long as one wanted (editors note - unofficialy). We were in ‘E’ parking which was for RV’s (that’s us) and Buses. We parked up. Got changed. Put more clothes on because it’s flipping cold (I wish I’d got my hat and gloves, scarf as well). It’s getting so cold and we’ve only one suitcase of clothes each so we couldn’t fetch everything. Never mind. Stop moaning. Off we walked over to Gaylord’s Hotel.
There were canopies over the footpaths with heat reflecting lights. John said it would be warmer to sleep inside these canopies tonight and it would be. Our heatings not working. But we’ve bought a good RV maintenance book and also we’re on the Flying ‘J’ internet which is so handy, We’ll get it sorted. We walked into the entrance. There was Valet parking, though I can’t see them parking our’s. A car could be 12 feet long our motorhome is 38 feet long.
We walked into the ‘Cascades Lobby’ and it was like ‘WOW’. It was out of this world and huge. Log fires here and there. Three piece suites with coffee tables all around. It was beautiful. Made one stand tall. You know? Tummy in. Shoulders back.TOT table (private joke with friend) Maureen.
Then we walk through into ‘Cascades’. It was magic. There were fountains everywhere with all kinds of Palm trees, overheaed walkway’s, a Seafood restauraunt, Cyber café, Wasibi’s, Cascades terrace, Lounge, Jack Daniels saloon, a Video games arcade plus Java Coast coffee café. All these in a Tropical setting with fountains and waterfalls. It was magic.
We walked through into the ‘Garden Conservatory’. Again, it was wonder-land, all beautifully done. With a river running all the way around and river boats to take you round. They had put all the Christmas decorations in here. Christmas scenery and emails to Santa. I hope he gets mine. It will be a first if he does. There are huge Carp in the river, plus Ducks. It’s like a wonderland. Also in here is Ristorante Volare, Consevatory café and Sweet Surrender that is very much like our Thornton’s but more expensive and to a chocolate well worth it.
We then went into the ‘Delta’ which had an overhead which had an overhead walkway. The river was in here not the Garden Conservatory. They have the Lakes and more Waterfalls. There is an island with shops and a court yard on it. Also ‘Old Hickory Steakhouse’, ‘Delta Food Court’, ‘Delta Party Lounge’, ‘The Green Leaf Florist’ and the ‘Delta Boat House’.
From there we walked through into the ‘Magnolia’. It was breathtaking. There were white statues all around a lovely pool and garden and of course the statues were Angels and Christmas things. Jesus in a Manger. Joseph, Mary, the Donkey, Camels, the 3 wise men and lot’s more plus a swimming pool. Retache Boutique, Retache indoor pool, Retache Spa and Salon, fitness center and pools and shops like Rachael’s Gifts, Findlay’s Irish Pad, Sports Bar & Grill and many other sundry shops.
There are gardens outside and swimming pools outside. There must be four or five swimming pools here. It has around 400 rooms for guests plus it has five Ballrooms which are all huge. Five Boardrooms, 35 Meeting rooms, four Exhibit Halls and so much more. ATM machines (hole in the wall cash machines). Bus pick up points, car rental, restrooms (not toilets here), taxi pick up point and a shuttle bus service.
All night the outside gardens are lit up with thousands of fairy lights. It’s fantastic. The Garden Conservatory which has all the Christmas decorations is fantastic. You look through the eyes of a child again. You float from one to the next not wanting to leave that one but wanting to see the next and the next until you come to the Christmas Village. You can see every light in every window in every house. The children playing in the snow and throwing snow balls. Santa’s there with his Sledge and Rheindeer. Carol singers on the corner of the street while couples linking arms and going round the shops and buying presents. Laughing and happy and yes, you think and feel ‘What a Wonderful World’, and you float off back to the motorhome.
You stop floating as soon as you leave the heated Canopy. The wind and icy cold hit’s you. You’ve gone half a mile,or that’s what it feels like to get home. You’re frozen. It’s around or not far off freezing point. Not like Florida where you’re too hot in shorts and Tee shirts/ You’re please to get in out of the icy winds. John puts all 3 Gas rings on to get some heat in the motorhome while cursing himself for not for not knowing what’s wrong with Heating. We have a Hot drink and want to go to bed. It’s been a long day and you want to go to bed. But don’t want to take your warm clothes off to put cold Jim Jams on and get in the cold bed. John says ‘Race you’. Well. That’s it. Isn’t it? Colds forgotten and he’s not beating me take over. Both in bed in 2 ½ minutes. Not bad for two Old Un’s.
We woke up early but didn’t want to get out of bed. Too cold. I’m a coward remember? But then again. I’m an hungry one. So up and out of bed, dressed and tucking into Branflakes with Sultanas. Thank goodness for Hot milk or the Sultanas would have been like bullets. We walked over to the Gaylord Opryland and from there to the Opry Mills and the Grand Ole Opry. It was a little disapointing as the original Grand Ole Opry has been moved into the Ryman Auditiorium in Nashville. So, we had a good look round the New Grand Ole Opry and then walked over to Opry Mills which is a big shopping centre. We popped into the big music shop and one of the shop assistants asked if we’d come to see John Carter Cash, Johnny Cash’s son? So we decided to stay and see him and suddently ‘Channel 5 TV’ were asking us if we were there to see John Carter Cash and had we seen the film ‘Walk the Line’ which is all about Johnny Cash and June Carter. Where are we from? How long are we staying? It was very exciting. I will be on Channel 5 tonight. We didn’t have Channel 5 to watch and I’m pleased as I’d have walked around with a brown paper bag over my head.
Then John Carter Cash arrived. Talked about his dad and this new film that’s just out. He sang a few songs and then we all queued up for an autograph . I was third in line. The first two had boxed editions of Johnn Cash CD’s. Me? I had a sheet of paper advertising John Carter Cash here at 4pm. Well. I told him I already had all his dads songs back home (Liar) so he signed it and off I went.
We went back to the Gaylord Opryland and found out we could get a bus at the pick-up point to go into Nashville. So the next morning we paid $40. It’s $16 return trip or $20 each for 3 days and we can go as many times as we want in those 3 days. We’d seen everything there was to see here.
The Grand Ole Opry Musuem was really good. Lot’s of singers we know and their history and some singers we didn’t know but do now. You learn quite a lot in your journies in life and always learn more. We got the bus to Nashville which was great as it’s been a long time since John’s been on a bus. I showed him where the seats were.
The reason we didn’t go to Nashville in the motorhome was parking it. Being 38ft long, it takes up quite a bit of room. So, the bus it was.
The first thing we notice about Nashville was a six to seven foot high Guitar on every corner of every street off ‘Broadway’. Every colour and every shade.
First we went to the ‘Ryman Auditorium’ to see the original ‘Grand Ole Opry’. Which is actually inside the ‘Ryman Auditorium’, and it was so dark in there, that we couldn’t see much. But, we’ve been and seen it. So we’re pleased about that.
John took my photo with most of the Guitars on most of the corners. We walked down one side of ‘Broadway’ and up the other side. Every Pub had Country singers on and every other shop on ‘Broadway’ was a Pub. All the other’s were Gift shops, Guitar shops, Music shops, Museums and Café’s. We listened to singers in ‘Cotton Eyes Joe’s’, ‘Tootsie’s Bar’, ‘Wildhorse Saloon’, ‘The Trap Saloon’, ‘Station Inn’, ‘B.B. King’s Blues Club’ and many more.
I learned in Nashville that it’s not Country ‘n’ Western. Nah! It’s Country and Bluegrass and I don’t mean Waccy Baccy.. Bluegrass is very much like Country but more beat to it like the song ‘Cotton Eyed Joe’. Really feet tapping stuff and in Nashville, no matter what the time of day or night you go. There are always singers singing in every bar, club or saloon.
I had to buy us two plastic mugs with Nashville on as it’s not a good idea having breakables in a motorhome and I wanted something to make our Noodles in.
We used our 3 day bus pass well. We went in to Nashville 3 times in 3 days. We even called in the ‘Country Hall of Fame’ and the ‘Hard Rock Café’. But only to have a look. We walked down to ‘Cumberland River’, and on the other side was the ‘General Jackson Showboat’, an old Mississippi river boat. It’s magic. All fancy and lit up lovely. I said to John. ‘If we ever get to the Mississippi river? I’d soak my feet in it, ice and all’.
At the ‘Coliseum’ which was on the other side of the river. People were flooding in. It was unbelieveable. I said to John ‘there are thousands over there’. It was amazing! I’ve never seen so many people going to one place and the commentators were really getting the people going.
We walked back to North on 2nd street (what a name?) and went into another Blues Museum. Again, it’s amazing how things were 60 to 90 years ago and how wonderful to hear them again today.
Since John and I were helping ourselves to the free samples Chocolate Pecans, we bought 12 dollars worth of Walnut Chocolate and Pecan Chocolate .Oh! So n i c e! By the way. $12 is about £8. I thought, ‘Well! I’ve got a cupboard full of Chocolate in England plus 2 big tins all from friends and family, and what do we do in America? Buy Chocolate. Oh! Well! It is morish.
We loved Nashville. Even though it was so cold. But tomorrow, we’re on the road again. We will always remember what we have seen. What we have heard, and what we have learned. Oops! I almost forgot the ‘Aquarium Café’ which is breathtaking. You are literally in the middle of the high Aquarium. The fish are all around the café and the ceiling too. To be honest. You’re too busy looking at the fish and Coral to eat your meal or drink your drink. But it’s amazing how they’ve built this Aquarium with a huge Café in the center. The Aquarium holds 200,000 gallons of water. With over 100 species of Tropical fish and the kids and me love it.
At the Tennessee Aquarium at Chattanooga. They have Sharks. But after watching ‘Jaws’. I like to keep my distance. I’m a live coward remember?
We did see Nashville ‘Jellystone Park’ with Yogi Bear and BooBoo. Honestly. It’s now an RV camping site. Took a photo to show you. But Rock City is fantastic. You can walk the ‘Enchanted Trail’ through the Grand corridors and follow the stone path that winds through massive Rock Boulders. There are so many beautiful flowers as you crawl through the ‘Needles Eye’ and walk shoulder to shoulder with Boulders bigger than you, and while you tgry to cross the swing-a-long bridge you dare not look down. Listen to the Cardinals and the Finches. They may be recordings, but it’s better than looking down there. But don’t worry. You don’t have to cross the swing bridge if you don’t want to? There’s a a rock solid stone bridge, followed by a lovely 190 foot waterfall, which a lot of people think, that by throwing their money in it? Their wish will come true. If you look at the rock face long enough you will see a face. Or so they say. Mind you. If I look at a rock face long enough? I’ll see anything you say is there. But at the end of the trip, you hold more memories, and more smiles.
Part Two Follows:-
Part one starts here:-
The USA Tour
Wednesday 26th October 2005
The day started early. Breakfast over and ready to leave by 8.00am. Our daughter Mandy was running us to Manchester Airport. Arrived there in good time at 10.30am. We said our goodbyes and told Mandy to text us to let us know she got home safely.
We proceeded to the check-in and John was picked out by the Asian Inspector to go through his case with a fine tooth comb. Pulled all his nice and neat folded clothes apart searching for who know what. Finding nothing he said he would take the case and check it through. John jokingly said for him not to forget to put it on the plane. John not trusting him to do this. Escorted the Inspector and the case until it was safely put through the check-in. We walked around the Airport Lounge for a while to kill time and John had to walk to the far end of the Lounge for a smoke. I stopped smoking so I didn’t need to. We watched planes and people coming and going until finally it was our turn.
When our flight was called. I was grinning like a Cheshire cat. We walked down the passage to the plane and guess where we were sitting? The last row at the back of the plane in the middle. Soon everyone was settled down and we were taxiing along the runway borders. It was shaking so much you could almost feel every blade of grass. Then we turned onto the runway and the engines started roaring like a Lion with a 6” nail in it’s paw and off we went gathering speed faster and faster down the runway. A couple sat to our left by the window were holding hands and screwing up their faces with a look of dread. John and I were giggling and I felt loike lifting my feet up to help the plane into the air. But it turned out not to be necessary. I really wished we had got the window seat. But it wasn’t to be. The lady sat next to the window finished up sleeping most the way to Newark, New York.
We left at 1.30pm. We had hardly got into the air when they were coming round with drinks followed by Lunch. There was Chicken Breast in sauce, mashed potatoes, carrots, a small tub of salad, a roll and butter and for desert a fruit slice. Very nice indeed. We were really surprised with the quality. We have often heard that the meals on Aeroplanes were terrible. But honestly. If the Chef had been there? I would have hugged him (easily pleased – editor’s note). I settled down to read my Wilbur Smith book ‘Blue Horizon’. John and I love his books. But they quite often get me into trouble. Once I start reading one I can’t put it down again until it’s finished. Which causes problems when I have work to be done. Drinks came round again and we settled for fresh Orange juice and settled down once more to read our books. The lady by the window had slept through Lunch and was still sleeping. Snacks were then brought round and I asked how much was the Tonic water please. They replied that they are all free. So that’s what I had. We arrived at Newark, New York at 3.30pm USA East Coast time (5 hours behind the UK). So that was around 7 hours in the air. Didn’t feel like it. The landing was a bit like the take off in reverse. The couple by the window were once again holding hands tightly and screwing up their faces. Whereas the lower, steeper and more banked over we were the more John and I both giggled. There was by the way a 25mph side wind. The landing was a good one. Just one bump, and we were rolling again on Terra Firma. We finally came to a stop and were told we were waiting for docking bay. Thirty minutes later we were exiting the plane but a little worried that at 4.15pm we were starting to think about missing our connecting flight at 6.15pm to Orlando, Florida. which we would have to check-in for after clearing Immigration. That is the easy part. We had to get off the plane. Find our luggage. Race to the other end of the airport to Immigration and queue for what seemed like far too long. I’m just glad we had the sense to fill out all the forms beforehand . We were finger printed. Had our photos taken and finally we got our 3 month waiver visa and off we dashed to the next plane.
We put our luggage on and then went straight onto the plane. Guess where our seats were? Yep. Right at the back. But at least we had the window seats this time so I let John have the one next to the window. It was coming up to night time after all. I’m having the window seat next time mate. Flew from Newark at 6.15pm and the flight was just like the first. Lot’s of giggles on take off and feet up. The flight landed at 910pm so it took around 3 hours for a total flying time of 10 hours. Being as we are 5 hours behind the UK I don’t know what day it is never mind what time it is. I feel like I’m meeting myself coming back. We landed at Orlando, Florida airport but this time the landing wasn’t as good as the first. This one made 3 bumps and I was beginning to think it was running on Kangaroo juice but we finally arrived safely at the docking ramp.
Our friend Tommy was picking us up. So we picked up our luggage and waited. No Tommy. We had no US money and not a lot of P-A-Y-G on our UK Mobiles. We stood around in the airport waiting and to make matters worse. There were 4 or 5 floors to the entrance and exit. John was wanting a smoke and you were not allowed to carry a lighter on the Aeroplanes. Luckily John got a light from a passerby. We managed to phone Tommy with the little credit we had on my Mobile and hes said he was on the third floor. We were on the second. Well. For the next 30 minutes we were lugging the luggage up stairs and downstairs all over the airport. In the end. I waited with the luggage while John dashed around like a headless chicken looking for Tommy. Then a miracle happened. Just as John got back, Tommy arrived at the same time. ‘HELLO AMERICA’ we are finally here.
It took around 45 minutes to get to Tommy’s house where we were staying for a while and it was like ‘WOW’ when he opened the front door. The lounge was like a football pitch all done in cream and white. I quietly took off my shoes. The kitchen was open plan and a dream. We had the guest room next to Tommy’s daughters room. Her name is Megan and she is away at College. We had our own Bathroom, shower and toilet. There is also an office/computer room. A washroom with a washing machine and tumble dryer and another toilet or should I say restroom? ‘They don’t call them toilets here’ John said, ‘it’s not nice’. So restroom it is. At the opposite side of the Lounge is Tommy’s bedroom with walk-in closet. A huge bathroom with a corner bath, separate shower, toilet and 2 wash basins. It’s lovely. In the Loungs are Patio doors that lead out onto the Patio and the swimming pool which are both the full width of the house. The pool is surrounded with a framework over which is a netting cover to keep the leaves from the water.Beyond the pool is a short spread of grass followed by the Lake. On the Patio is a large glass topped table surrounded with rocking/lounge chairs and a very large barbeque range. The whole of the Patio is carpeted. The whole house is a beautiful home. We put our luggage into into our bedroom, then went and sat in the rocking chairs with a glass of red wine to catch up with Tommy while viewing the beautiful view over the Lake. During daylight you can sit for hours watching the Heron’s and the Eagles gliding across the tree-tops along with the Ducks and the Moor Hens paddling around. But this is our first night. It is very peaceful and we have had a long and exciting day. Off to bed to wake next morning with the Sun shining through the windows. We didn’t realise there were blinds behind the heavy net curtains. Good job there is an hedge outside the window or the neighbour would have seen a sight to behold. Tommy had bought English Muffins for us for breakfast. So breakfast consisted of Coffee and Toasted Muffins. Later, Tommy took us to the local Frozen Fish shop. It was fantastic. We tried different home-made dishes like Jambalia and New England Clam Chowder. John had always talked about Clam Chowder from his visit in 1969 when he was on tour of the USA with the White Helmets. So he was so pleased for me to be able to try it. It was very morish. In fact we bought a quart for our very first Lunch here.
We have had many and varied meals while we stayed with Tommy for 2 weeks. We had steamed Oyster’s, South Carolina Bar-B-Que with Pork cooked on the spit in the afternoon. Along with Pig’s feet boiled, stripped of meat and then cooked with Spinach in the juices with some Ham bits. Some of the Ham juices were then used to cook some black-eyed beas. When the Pork has finished cooking on the spit. It is chopped up into small pieces and Tommy’s special sauces added. I made some of our Roast potatoes and Tommy is quite taken with them. There was also a side salad for starters. Another time we had Bar-B-Que chicken, whole roast breast of Turkey, dressed whiting. We really enjoyed trying all these new and delicious foods and lazing around. If we had Jet lag? We soon got over it.
John enjoyed himself on the Computer learning how to use our new Wifi card, which would work now and then. We didn’t know if the card was good or faulty as John had bought it off the internet before we left the UK. So while we were out shopping at Wal-mart we bought another new one which cost us $56 after taxes. Never mind. You can’t take your money with you when you’re gone. The new Wifi card worked much better and it was more fun for John. He can expand his knowledge and have fun at the same time while I finish my Wilbur Smith books.
Another time we went to Wal-mart. We bought a headphone/microphone and John learned how to use it with the Laptop as a telephone and we rang my Mum. We chatted for quite some time and she was really excited and I was so thrilled to put my mind at ease that she was OK. I need to know she is happy, okay health wise and is managing. While I know she needs to know we are happy and healthy. So even though that first phone call (via the laptop) was breaking up we managed to let each other know we were fine. Daft we may be. But she means the world to me. We even managed to phone Valerie (my sister). She was over the moon and kept saying have a good time and enjoy yourselves.
On Halloween night. While I cooked the vening meal. John and Tommy got all of the Halloween things out of the garage attic and set them all up. After Dinner and all the washing was done, we took chairs out to the end of the drive and joined all the folk in the street. We each had a bucket of treats for all the trick or treat kid’s when they came calling round. Someon passed Jello-Tots around. Which was Jelly made with Vodka and left to set. Boy!!! They felt good going down and it didn’t feel so cold anymore. Mind you. If you had 2 or more. You didn’t feel the mosquitos biting anymore. Needless to say. I felt every mosquito bite (editor’s note – Oh yeah?). Tommy put on a Gorilla mask and scared the S*** out of me, never mind all the kid’s that came calling. I wore a tall black hat which I didn’t mind wearing as it kept my ears warm and the mosquitos out. While the days are hot and sunny. The nights can and often do get quite cold. But not as cold as England. The children came round with their Mum’s and Dad’s . Some so small they were carried but were dressed up just the same. There were Bumble Bee’s, Pumpkin’s, Fairies, Elves, Witches, Spidermen, Supermen, even a banana. So many of all ages and such good fun. Some really little cuties and all full of the fun of the night. Some carried little Pumpkin buckets to put their treats in while other’s had Halloween goody bags. Some had Halloween sacks or a pillowcase. But there was no greed. They all said ‘Happy Halloween Sir’ or ‘Happy Halloween Maam’. There was no nastiness and no banging on door’s like some do in England. It was all so nicely done with fun for the children but even more fun for the adults. By 9.30pm everyone was safe in their own homes. I have found a lot of the American people are warm, helpful and friendly. I am sure there are baddies out there. But I am sure the goodies outweigh them. So far, anyway. That was the first ever Halloween and if I am ever there again when it’s Halloween. I’m off out with the kid’s and a me with a wheelie bin. I’ll tell you this. Those treats are flipping lovely. Peanut butter and chocolate. MMMMmmmm Morish.
Wednesday 2nd November 2005
We finally got to go to the Lakeland Auctions. We have been in America for 1 week today. Enjoyed ourselves so much already and fingers crossed we may find the Motorhome of our dreams at a price we can afford. So we were up early. Dressed and breakfasted by 7am. Tommy’s friend Steve picked the 3 of us up and we were off to Lakeland. Ít’s over 100 miles away but there was plenty of wonderful views to see so it didn’t seem that long before we arrived. There ws signs for Disnyland and Film studios and all sorts of attractions to visit. There are just so many to see and visit. Some have family vist prices but some are over priced. To be honest. I would love to go and visit everyone of them. But time is ticking by and I will be grateful for anything we do get to visit and see. We got to the auction around 8.30am and Tommy went off to register along with Steve. John and I went to have a look around the Motorhomes.
There were over 50 to look at. So we started at one end and went through every one. Being what the American’s call Full-Timer’s (that’s what they call people who live mostly in their Motorhomes) we know better what we need. We wanted Basement storage, space inside, well finished, not closed in, light and warm, plus a nice lay-out. Shades over outside windows with covers to protect them. Indoor day/night shades. Plus the usual Fridge Freezer, Microwave all preferably in good working order. So many things to look for and the age factor too. So we made notes on the likely ones and then start all over again going through the likely ones and cross out those with faults, ie, holes in the roof, cracked windscreens, soft floors, broken showers, or anything that is difficult to repair or replace. Then once again, make another short list and we keep going through them until we are down to 2 or 3. We can’t bid on them. But Tommy can. Once we have our short list and the amount we are prepared to pay, we go away and leave it to Tommy.
The first one sold for more than we were prepared to pay for it. We changed our minds on the second one as John found quite a lot of rot inside which left the last one. The 1996 Newmar Mountain Aire 38ft with one large slide-out. Estimated between $xxxxxx and $xxxxxx. Tommy Asked us what to bid to and John said ‘$xxxxxx’. I said to John ‘It’s our’s, it’s got Mum’s ‘6’ and your ‘843’ on it’s number above the windscreen ‘6843’. When we were in Singapore. A Chinese man had told Mum here lucky number was ‘6’ and ‘843’ ‘was John’s Pit check number. We all make silly things come together when we’re hoping. We walked away looking at other Motorhomes trying not to look, but deep down wanting to know, hoping, wishing. Telling myself there’s other’s, but not listening. Knowing we are scraping the barrel if it is for $xxxxxx.
Then the auctioneer arrives at your Motorhome-to-be and Tommy’s there bidding and other’s bid too. The auctioneer talks so fast, my brain can’t keep up with my ear’s. There’s a 10 second delay from hearing to understanding. I really must get an hearing aid, or a new brain, or something. Then I realise that Tommy’s (our’s ) is the last bid. Once? Going Twice? Done. Yes! Yes! Yes! We got it. Our dream home. The nearest Motorhome, that has most of the things we’d like. We can’t help grinning at each other. Oh! Boy! We did it. How much did we get it for? $xxxxxx plus taxes and commission it came to just over $xxxxxx. Tommy can’t believe the price. Nor can we!
So now, finger’s crossed there is nothing wrong with the Engine, Cooker, Fridge/Freezer, Hot water, Heating or Air cool. Tommy went and paid for it and Tommy, John and I rode back to Tommy’s compound with it. All seems well. Tommy tells John it handles very nice. We got to Tommy’s lock-up around lunch time. Tommy gives John the keys to lock up if needs be and he goes off with Steve.
It’s strange being left alone in your new Motorhome. It’s beautiful, perfect. The slide-out makes the lounge and dining area and around the kitchen so much bigger. The bathroom is a walk through type, not a little box room, but open and nice. I love it. The bedroom is just perfect. We find a toaster and coffee maker in the corner slide-up.The freezer has an Ice-maker which will automatically fill the ice-bowl up and auto shut off when full up. Cupboards everywhere. A clean frosted glass corner shower. Load’s of storage. We can’t find any faults yet? We don’t want to! But we’d rather find them now, not on the road. John starts checking outside and I start cleaing inside. But it’s not dirty. There’s a few things to wipe or polish. But otherwise it’s beautiful. The carpet is cream and needs a good clean, but it’s not really bad.
We decide to take it to Wal-mart and get some things we needed. We have a throw-over, so we only need sheets, pillowcases, 2 pillow saver cover’s, 4 pillows, 2 bath towels, 3 tea towels. There is already 2 mugs, some foam plates, plastic beakers, plastic knives, forks, spoons. Also 3 sharp cutting knives. So we got a non-stick pan as well. We don’t want to get to many things as we have it all back in England. So really we simply want to get only what we need.. We got 6 knives for $1, 6 forks for $1 and 6 spoons for $1. We bought tomatoes, cheese, ham, potatoes, bread roll’s, sugar, milk (dried), coffee, teabags, coffee filter’s. ‘Old Bay’ seasoning. I really love that one. 1 gallon of Orange Juice, Beef and Chicken noodles and some cracker biscuits. Washing up liquid and greased lightening cleaner. We loaded it all into the Motorhome and drove back to Tommy’s lock-up. I put the shopping away and made noodles for lunch and with a good, good shake of ‘Old Bays’ in it. WOW. It’s so good. I love noddles to doodles. I put the new sheets on the bed and then the throw-over plus the pillows and wow. It looks almost perfect. I put all the other things away, then change my mind and move them until I am happy where they are. We also bought 2 100ah batteries because the ones that are in are on their last legs. Bit like me and John.
Tommy came back for us around 5.30pm and had another friend with him called Barrie who is from Liverpool. He’s bought a storm damaged 24ft diesel motorhome from New Orleans. But he’s one of the lucky ones. His has very little damage. We stayed at Tommy’s for another week. We were waiting for our Tags and Titles (Registration plates and Log book). Once they arrive we can start our tour.
Wednesday 9th November
Tommy loaned us his dealer tags and insurance so we could tour around Florida. So we set off to travel down the East Coast of Florida. We set off around 3.30pm and arrived at Titusville and parked in Wal-marts which is a supermarket. They own Asda in England. Wal-marts allow RV’s to park overnight or for several nights at most stores and as most of the stores have security in the car parks, it’s a highly recommended place.
Next morning we were up and on the road again and in next to no time we could see the sea. As usual. John and I sanf out ‘I see the sea, the sea sees me’. We follow the coast road for nearly a hundred miles before we found a praking area. We parked up and went for a closer look. It was beautiful. We watched the little birds chase the tide and getting any tidbits and when the tide came in they ran away from it. Their little legs were going so fast, they looked all knock knees and knickers. You could well imagine what the birds were thinking, ‘you can’t catch me’. We went back to the Motorhome and had lunch then put our ‘cossies’ on. Bath towels, sun-glasses, reading glasses, reading books, drinks and ground sheet. It would be quicker to pack a case. We struggled over the beach, got sorted and flopped out on our towels. It was heaven. We don’t know what we’ve done to deserve this. But we aint complaining. We had around 2 hours playing dead on the beach (probably looking like it too). But dead people don’t snore and we do. We decide not to have too much sun until we have got used to it. Otherwise all you do is burn and peel. So we got sorted and back on the road again and drove to Flying ‘J’s at Fort Pierce.
Flying ‘J’s is a travel plaza. Trucks stop and stay overnight. RV’s too park for the night. The have a dump, which is a special drain to empty out all the waste and yes, it’s where you say bye-bye to your pee-pee etc too. There is fresh water to fill up your fresh water tanks and a bin for rubbish. They have 5 restuaraunts, a convenience store, petrol and diesel, They have a Wifi high speed internet access which we joined for a month then the end of the month you can renew it for another month. The nicest thing is you can pay for a day, a week, or a month. It also means you can email your loved one’s to put their minds at ease and they can email back putting our minds at ease. Flying ‘J’s have places all over America, 405 altogether. So we park overnight, it costs nothing and it’s safe. These people cater for Truck’s, RV’s and well everyone really. We like them and everything is done in one place. So after a good nights sleep and a quick check in the mirror to see if you’ve caught the sun (in other words, have I got any white bits). Can’t tell. So, we get dressed, had our breakfast and we are on the road again.
The sun is shining and life is looking good. We’re travelling south on the east coast I1A road beside the sea. We passed Port St Lucie, Palm city, Port Salero, Hebe sound, Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Boynton beach, Boca Baton, Pompona beach, Oakland park and Fort Lauderdale. Again, around a 100 miles and there was nowhere to park near the sea. Most of the coast is bought by Hotels and the rest is private homes. So by the time the Hotels and private buyer’s have built onto the beach. There is no room for car parks. So at Fort Lauderdale we headed west. If we had gone south for another 25 miles, we’d have been in Miami. But we’d still have to drive back to Fort Lauderdale to cross to the west. Plus, we’d seen quite a lot of damage to quite a lot of propery caused by the recent Hurricanes. Some had fences gone. Quite a few had roof tiles missing. Small wooden buildings had no chance. They were smashed to splinter’s. Power cables were still down and trees uprooted and moved. It makes you realise the force and the power of the Hurricanes. You see what’s left behind it and think, poor bugger’s, and do you know what? These people pull together. Help each other. Getting things back to normal.
There are piles and piles of debris along the road edge, waiting for the state truck to remove it. I helped. One road we went down had 3 coconuts blown down. I said to John ‘Stop the Bus’. Which he did and I got a green one. The other 2 were smashed. So we were now proud parents of a green coconut. When you shake it, you can hear the milk inside. I was really pleased with myself. John had a grin on his face.
We headed west on Alligator alley. It’s a toll road. It cost $3 and it’s over 100 miles long. The first 25 miles is the everglades. Beautiful, peaceful and lush green glades. There are many kinds of birds. Heron, Pelican, Eagles. So many kinds. There is a 3 foot fence to keep folk out, but it’s all in the water. One wonders why anyone in their right mind would want to go in there? Then the fence is put up to 6 to 8 feet and it’s electric fencing. Then you see them. Big one’s, small one’s. They ain’t Cocomuts. Alligator’s. Little surprse it’s called Alligator Alley. Water everywhere. By now, even the birds were up the trees. Needless to say. To take photos. One has to open the window. Yelling to John each time I saw one. We stopped at a rest area about half way over. Sometimes one has to do what one has to do. I was hungry starving dead. So I had to feed us, but door’s and windows stay shut as I was not feeding them as well.
After our lunch (not theirs) we travelled on. John driving, me with my nose stuck to the window giving my report each time one was spotted. Then the electric fence was down to 3-4 foot and I didn’t see anymore after that. The end of the Alley is called ‘Golden Gates’. I wonder why?
We travelled north on the west side for around 50 miles and parked in Flying ‘J’s for the night. We’ve travelled 250 miles today. Helped clean up the east side ie: one coconut, defended John from Alligators for a good 60 miles and mad it safely through the Golden Gates. Then navigated through another 50/60 miles (by now my fingers are crossed) and cooked dinner. I should be crawling to bed. But I’m happy we made it across with all our bits intact.
Rise and shine. It’s another beautiful day. Tummies happy as we have had breakfast and the sun is shining. So, back on the road again. We left Fort Myers about 9.15am and travelled north on the west side. There is still a lot of damage from the Hurricanes and cables are still needing putting up . We passed Fort Charlotte, Laurel, Osprey and finally finally found somewhere near the beach at Seista Keys. A Hugh parking area and beautiful white beaches with Baywatch towers and patorls on the beaches. I told John to be careful, he may be mistaken for a lifeguard and have hundreds of females chasing him. The exercise would do him good. We got our towels etc and off we went. Played dead on the beach for an hour then went back to the motorhome for Lunch. Noodles!!! Yippee!!! Then back to the beach to play dead again. After our evening meal we played Rummy and off to bed. It’s very tiring work, playing dead on the beach.
Another beautiful day. Happy tummy and lovely sunshine, we decided walk along the beach. There were quite a few doing the same. So we walked in the sea. It was more fun too. Splashing like two teenager’s.
We’d walked about half a mile when about 500 yards up the beach from us. Something was happening. Sea birds were going crazy and the sea looked like it was bubbling. Then suddenly. There were thousands of very tiny fish crashing into our ankles. They were being chased by hundreds of 2 to 3 lb Jack Tuna, who too were banging into our ankles. John even kicked one out of the water and onto the beach. It must have been 2 to 3 lbs. A lovely meal!! Until some do-gooder yelled ‘You’re drowning it – how would you like to be drowned?’ and as there were lot’s of people watching. We put it back in the sea. John had a small nip on his finger and I got a bite on my foot. The do-gooder was with his girlfriend. Both in their 40’s, both wearing thongs and holding hand in hand walking up the beach. I felt like yelling ‘Hey, where’s the rest of your cossies?’. Oh, well! We nearly had fresh Tuna for tea. Well! John got a ***** on his finger, I got a bite on my foot and the Tuna got to live another day.
We’d hardly gone another 500 yards when we could see things or shapes moving further out to sea. Hundreds of them. I know. Because John can count. We moved deeper into the sea and into the middle of them. There was a huge shoal of Ray’s swimming up the coast and we were walking through them. They seemed to sense you are there and swam around you. Unless you stumble, like I did. Then they belt you one on the leg and I flew up John’s back. They are very solid fish and a swipe by one of them is like being kicked. Also as we were walking through them we were getting deeper and deeper. Which is fine if one is wearing a cossie. But not if one is wearing shorts and a Tee shirt. Guess what we were wearing? Yep. Wet knickers and wet shorts. So we gently made our up to the beach looking out to sea.
There were other shoals of fish moving up the coast. But to me it just looked like the sea was bubbling in patches and the birds and Pelicans were going crazy catching as many of them as they can and moving along with the shoal. The Pelicans are really big birds, but they are so graceful when they fly. They look to be just hovering or gliding above the sea. Not like the seagulls. Who are flap flap and grab but don’t wet me hair. What an experience. All this happened in about 20 minutes, but it will stay with me for the rest of my life. By the time we had got to the end of the beach and back our shorts and knickers were dry. You could tell, because we didn’t walk funny anymore and there were salt marks on our shorts. So we went to the beach showers and washed the salt off our feet and Yes! The salt off our knickers and shorts which left us wet again but we only had to walk across the car park. I must admit. We got some funny looks. But we didn’t care. We’d just been run over by Jack Tuna and walked through big Ray’s. An experience that may happen only once in our lifetime. We’ll always remember Jack and Ray.
We got in the motorhome, got dried and changed and John went to put the Generator on. We do that by starting the main motor (Editor’s note – sometimes when the batteries are low) and then the generator. But the main motor wouldn’t even turn over. Oh! Dear! Stuck! Luckily there was another motorhome parked next to us and John went and asked if he would be running his generator and if so? Could we plug into his and put some charge into our batteries? Isn’t it marvelous? We buy 2 new Leisure batteries and it’s the motor battery that let us down. Anyway. Kurt, the motorhome man fom next door came round to have a look. John gave him $3 for fuel that would run his generator. Then John had an idea. Why not run jumper leads from the Leisure batteries to the Motor battery? So Kurt went to see if he had any jump leads and yes he did. So we tried it and it worked.
We set off straight away to find a Wal-mart. The nearest one was 25 miles away. We went in and got a new motor battery a good set of jumper leads and John got to work on it there and then in the car park. There is one thing I do not like about shopping nor buying anything in America. You pay anything from 6% to 9% tax on top. So when my shopping comes to $30, it’s not, as I have to pay taxes and at 6%\I end up paying $31.80. I had the girl behind the counter in stitches laughing. I said ‘the shopping I want, but the 6% I don’t want, so do I still hve to pay for it?’. Why can’t they just put the taxes on and then price things. That way the taxes still get paid and you don’t think you are paying for nothing? Or something like that? Anyway. Back to John fixing the motorhome.
After changing the battery the engine starts great. Only thing is. We are 22 miles further up the coast and we are using 1 gallon of petrol to go 6 miles. We had learned from Kurt that we are not to park in that car park overnight. Ooops! Sorry! There was no sign saying no over-night parking and there normally is? Oh! Well! Never mind!
We got back on the road again. Past Sarasota along Longboat Key to Bradenton beach. A lovely forest setting with the beach and sea. What more could one want? We parked up, changed into our cossies and off we went to the beach. Got our towels down and in for a lovely swim. Our third swim if you count walking with the Ray’s. Who would believe it? It’s the middle of November and we are swimming in the sea. Lovely. Jaw’s, eat your heart out. This is great and the water’s warm and clear. Back to the beach and got half an hour practice of playing dead on the beach. Then it’s feed me time again. Must be all that swimming? There is no overnight parking allowed here. So once more, it’s back on the road again.
We pass Palmetto, Petersburg, Tampa and stop at Bradenton at the Flying ‘J’s. Play a few games of Rummy and off to the blanket show. The suns hines through the shades and you know you won’t get anymore sleep. So, It’s up, breakfast and on the road again.
We arrive back at Tommy’s lock-up around 3pm. John says we have a problem with the batteries not charging up. So he gets on with sorting the problem out, while I give our home a wash, polish and cook a meal. Barrie calls in. He’s staying here at the lock-up too. He has a fifth wheeler (which is a pick-up truck and a trailer). A big one. He’s seen his new storm damaged motorhome, paid for it and now sorting the shipping. Tommy comes down later in his ‘E’ type and one of his many girlfriends. Barrie has dinner with us and all being well we should get our Tag’s (number plates) tomorrow. Another day over and night-night time.
17th of November 2005
We’ve just got our Tag’s, it’s 2pm and we’re off up north.
But before I start. I forgot to mention. When we went to the east coast. We passed Kennedy Space centre. We saw a Space Shuttle and a Rocket. The Space Shuttle was a nit smaller than I thought. Very interesting though.
Right. We’re off to ‘Nashville’ in Tennessee and to get there we go north on the I95 (Interstate 95). We stopped over-night at Flying ‘J’s in Valdosta in Georgia. The next night in Rosaca in Georgia.
The views are priceless. Very much like Spain with it’s vast areas. But there is so much I want to see. The animals are different. The homes are mostly bungalows. Not a lot of 2 storey houses here but there is so much land there’s little need to have an upstairs. When they can, they do build huge lovely Bungalows. Most buildings here are made from wood. We haven’t seen a lot of brick built buildings.
We crossed the border into Tennessee at Chattanooga. I quite like that name once I’d mastered the art of pronouncing it. Which is Chat-ta-noo-ga. Got it? Great.
I’ve seen quite a lot of Herons, Horses and Racoons. In fact quite a lot of Racoons get killed as we see lot’s by the road-side, and Deer’s too. It’s bad enough seeing Cats and Rabbits and awful to see dead Racoons and Deer.
The further north we go? The colder it seems to get. Another thing I forgot to mention. John found the problem with the batteries not charging was a Solenoid from the Alternator. When the engine is running, it sends a signal to the Solenoid which then closes to make a circuit to the Leisure batteries. So, when we are travelling the Alternator is not only charging the Motor battery but the Leisure batteries too. When the Solenoid doesn’t work. The Leisure batteries do not get charged up. So we got another Solenoid and fitted it. I held the torch. I’m the chief Gofer. I’ll soon be a mechanic at this rate.
Right. Back to Tennessee.
We arrived at the Gaylord Hotel. Our German Friends Ed and Edie said for us to call and see it. There was plenty of parking for everyone and one could stay as long as one wanted (editors note - unofficialy). We were in ‘E’ parking which was for RV’s (that’s us) and Buses. We parked up. Got changed. Put more clothes on because it’s flipping cold (I wish I’d got my hat and gloves, scarf as well). It’s getting so cold and we’ve only one suitcase of clothes each so we couldn’t fetch everything. Never mind. Stop moaning. Off we walked over to Gaylord’s Hotel.
There were canopies over the footpaths with heat reflecting lights. John said it would be warmer to sleep inside these canopies tonight and it would be. Our heatings not working. But we’ve bought a good RV maintenance book and also we’re on the Flying ‘J’ internet which is so handy, We’ll get it sorted. We walked into the entrance. There was Valet parking, though I can’t see them parking our’s. A car could be 12 feet long our motorhome is 38 feet long.
We walked into the ‘Cascades Lobby’ and it was like ‘WOW’. It was out of this world and huge. Log fires here and there. Three piece suites with coffee tables all around. It was beautiful. Made one stand tall. You know? Tummy in. Shoulders back.TOT table (private joke with friend) Maureen.
Then we walk through into ‘Cascades’. It was magic. There were fountains everywhere with all kinds of Palm trees, overheaed walkway’s, a Seafood restauraunt, Cyber café, Wasibi’s, Cascades terrace, Lounge, Jack Daniels saloon, a Video games arcade plus Java Coast coffee café. All these in a Tropical setting with fountains and waterfalls. It was magic.
We walked through into the ‘Garden Conservatory’. Again, it was wonder-land, all beautifully done. With a river running all the way around and river boats to take you round. They had put all the Christmas decorations in here. Christmas scenery and emails to Santa. I hope he gets mine. It will be a first if he does. There are huge Carp in the river, plus Ducks. It’s like a wonderland. Also in here is Ristorante Volare, Consevatory café and Sweet Surrender that is very much like our Thornton’s but more expensive and to a chocolate well worth it.
We then went into the ‘Delta’ which had an overhead which had an overhead walkway. The river was in here not the Garden Conservatory. They have the Lakes and more Waterfalls. There is an island with shops and a court yard on it. Also ‘Old Hickory Steakhouse’, ‘Delta Food Court’, ‘Delta Party Lounge’, ‘The Green Leaf Florist’ and the ‘Delta Boat House’.
From there we walked through into the ‘Magnolia’. It was breathtaking. There were white statues all around a lovely pool and garden and of course the statues were Angels and Christmas things. Jesus in a Manger. Joseph, Mary, the Donkey, Camels, the 3 wise men and lot’s more plus a swimming pool. Retache Boutique, Retache indoor pool, Retache Spa and Salon, fitness center and pools and shops like Rachael’s Gifts, Findlay’s Irish Pad, Sports Bar & Grill and many other sundry shops.
There are gardens outside and swimming pools outside. There must be four or five swimming pools here. It has around 400 rooms for guests plus it has five Ballrooms which are all huge. Five Boardrooms, 35 Meeting rooms, four Exhibit Halls and so much more. ATM machines (hole in the wall cash machines). Bus pick up points, car rental, restrooms (not toilets here), taxi pick up point and a shuttle bus service.
All night the outside gardens are lit up with thousands of fairy lights. It’s fantastic. The Garden Conservatory which has all the Christmas decorations is fantastic. You look through the eyes of a child again. You float from one to the next not wanting to leave that one but wanting to see the next and the next until you come to the Christmas Village. You can see every light in every window in every house. The children playing in the snow and throwing snow balls. Santa’s there with his Sledge and Rheindeer. Carol singers on the corner of the street while couples linking arms and going round the shops and buying presents. Laughing and happy and yes, you think and feel ‘What a Wonderful World’, and you float off back to the motorhome.
You stop floating as soon as you leave the heated Canopy. The wind and icy cold hit’s you. You’ve gone half a mile,or that’s what it feels like to get home. You’re frozen. It’s around or not far off freezing point. Not like Florida where you’re too hot in shorts and Tee shirts/ You’re please to get in out of the icy winds. John puts all 3 Gas rings on to get some heat in the motorhome while cursing himself for not for not knowing what’s wrong with Heating. We have a Hot drink and want to go to bed. It’s been a long day and you want to go to bed. But don’t want to take your warm clothes off to put cold Jim Jams on and get in the cold bed. John says ‘Race you’. Well. That’s it. Isn’t it? Colds forgotten and he’s not beating me take over. Both in bed in 2 ½ minutes. Not bad for two Old Un’s.
We woke up early but didn’t want to get out of bed. Too cold. I’m a coward remember? But then again. I’m an hungry one. So up and out of bed, dressed and tucking into Branflakes with Sultanas. Thank goodness for Hot milk or the Sultanas would have been like bullets. We walked over to the Gaylord Opryland and from there to the Opry Mills and the Grand Ole Opry. It was a little disapointing as the original Grand Ole Opry has been moved into the Ryman Auditiorium in Nashville. So, we had a good look round the New Grand Ole Opry and then walked over to Opry Mills which is a big shopping centre. We popped into the big music shop and one of the shop assistants asked if we’d come to see John Carter Cash, Johnny Cash’s son? So we decided to stay and see him and suddently ‘Channel 5 TV’ were asking us if we were there to see John Carter Cash and had we seen the film ‘Walk the Line’ which is all about Johnny Cash and June Carter. Where are we from? How long are we staying? It was very exciting. I will be on Channel 5 tonight. We didn’t have Channel 5 to watch and I’m pleased as I’d have walked around with a brown paper bag over my head.
Then John Carter Cash arrived. Talked about his dad and this new film that’s just out. He sang a few songs and then we all queued up for an autograph . I was third in line. The first two had boxed editions of Johnn Cash CD’s. Me? I had a sheet of paper advertising John Carter Cash here at 4pm. Well. I told him I already had all his dads songs back home (Liar) so he signed it and off I went.
We went back to the Gaylord Opryland and found out we could get a bus at the pick-up point to go into Nashville. So the next morning we paid $40. It’s $16 return trip or $20 each for 3 days and we can go as many times as we want in those 3 days. We’d seen everything there was to see here.
The Grand Ole Opry Musuem was really good. Lot’s of singers we know and their history and some singers we didn’t know but do now. You learn quite a lot in your journies in life and always learn more. We got the bus to Nashville which was great as it’s been a long time since John’s been on a bus. I showed him where the seats were.
The reason we didn’t go to Nashville in the motorhome was parking it. Being 38ft long, it takes up quite a bit of room. So, the bus it was.
The first thing we notice about Nashville was a six to seven foot high Guitar on every corner of every street off ‘Broadway’. Every colour and every shade.
First we went to the ‘Ryman Auditorium’ to see the original ‘Grand Ole Opry’. Which is actually inside the ‘Ryman Auditorium’, and it was so dark in there, that we couldn’t see much. But, we’ve been and seen it. So we’re pleased about that.
John took my photo with most of the Guitars on most of the corners. We walked down one side of ‘Broadway’ and up the other side. Every Pub had Country singers on and every other shop on ‘Broadway’ was a Pub. All the other’s were Gift shops, Guitar shops, Music shops, Museums and Café’s. We listened to singers in ‘Cotton Eyes Joe’s’, ‘Tootsie’s Bar’, ‘Wildhorse Saloon’, ‘The Trap Saloon’, ‘Station Inn’, ‘B.B. King’s Blues Club’ and many more.
I learned in Nashville that it’s not Country ‘n’ Western. Nah! It’s Country and Bluegrass and I don’t mean Waccy Baccy.. Bluegrass is very much like Country but more beat to it like the song ‘Cotton Eyed Joe’. Really feet tapping stuff and in Nashville, no matter what the time of day or night you go. There are always singers singing in every bar, club or saloon.
I had to buy us two plastic mugs with Nashville on as it’s not a good idea having breakables in a motorhome and I wanted something to make our Noodles in.
We used our 3 day bus pass well. We went in to Nashville 3 times in 3 days. We even called in the ‘Country Hall of Fame’ and the ‘Hard Rock Café’. But only to have a look. We walked down to ‘Cumberland River’, and on the other side was the ‘General Jackson Showboat’, an old Mississippi river boat. It’s magic. All fancy and lit up lovely. I said to John. ‘If we ever get to the Mississippi river? I’d soak my feet in it, ice and all’.
At the ‘Coliseum’ which was on the other side of the river. People were flooding in. It was unbelieveable. I said to John ‘there are thousands over there’. It was amazing! I’ve never seen so many people going to one place and the commentators were really getting the people going.
We walked back to North on 2nd street (what a name?) and went into another Blues Museum. Again, it’s amazing how things were 60 to 90 years ago and how wonderful to hear them again today.
Since John and I were helping ourselves to the free samples Chocolate Pecans, we bought 12 dollars worth of Walnut Chocolate and Pecan Chocolate .Oh! So n i c e! By the way. $12 is about £8. I thought, ‘Well! I’ve got a cupboard full of Chocolate in England plus 2 big tins all from friends and family, and what do we do in America? Buy Chocolate. Oh! Well! It is morish.
We loved Nashville. Even though it was so cold. But tomorrow, we’re on the road again. We will always remember what we have seen. What we have heard, and what we have learned. Oops! I almost forgot the ‘Aquarium Café’ which is breathtaking. You are literally in the middle of the high Aquarium. The fish are all around the café and the ceiling too. To be honest. You’re too busy looking at the fish and Coral to eat your meal or drink your drink. But it’s amazing how they’ve built this Aquarium with a huge Café in the center. The Aquarium holds 200,000 gallons of water. With over 100 species of Tropical fish and the kids and me love it.
At the Tennessee Aquarium at Chattanooga. They have Sharks. But after watching ‘Jaws’. I like to keep my distance. I’m a live coward remember?
We did see Nashville ‘Jellystone Park’ with Yogi Bear and BooBoo. Honestly. It’s now an RV camping site. Took a photo to show you. But Rock City is fantastic. You can walk the ‘Enchanted Trail’ through the Grand corridors and follow the stone path that winds through massive Rock Boulders. There are so many beautiful flowers as you crawl through the ‘Needles Eye’ and walk shoulder to shoulder with Boulders bigger than you, and while you tgry to cross the swing-a-long bridge you dare not look down. Listen to the Cardinals and the Finches. They may be recordings, but it’s better than looking down there. But don’t worry. You don’t have to cross the swing bridge if you don’t want to? There’s a a rock solid stone bridge, followed by a lovely 190 foot waterfall, which a lot of people think, that by throwing their money in it? Their wish will come true. If you look at the rock face long enough you will see a face. Or so they say. Mind you. If I look at a rock face long enough? I’ll see anything you say is there. But at the end of the trip, you hold more memories, and more smiles.
Part Two Follows:-
Part Two USA Tour:-
