Hi Everyone!

Well, the part of our journey designated as "the long drive" is upon us as we head across Texas.  Dave is holding a steady 70 mph (we like cruise control) while I type and Leroy keeps watch--or snooze as the case may be.  We're toying with the idea of bypassing Phoenix and heading directly to Capistrano for the Sanderson Thanksgiving gathering. Leroy's been whining and complaining that he never gets to go, so if our house sitter is able to guard the home front 'till turkey day, we just might go for it.

When we think back to all the places we've been and the many people we visited, it seems like we've been traveling for many more months than just two.  On the other hand, it hardly seems possible that our journey is coming to a close.  Dave and I both find ourselves feeling quite at home on the road.  We rolled out of Bayou La Batre (Buyo-la-batre in the vernacular--about 40 mi. southwest of Mobile), and headed to New Orleans and points west.

The three-and-a-half day visit was quite an experience for us.  It had been 16 years since Dave road off into the sunset on his Yamaha 400.  We were warmly received by the community of friends who decided to make the Gulf their home.  Clinton and Stefania Jones made us feel right at home with some good old Southern hospitality and fine delicacies from Italy, Stefania's homeland.

Saturday morning Clint gave us a royal tour of the Master Marine shrimp processing plant. Clinton's streamling and labor saving innovations turned Master Marine into a state of the art facility.  We watched as thousands of pounds of shrimp were unloaded from a trawler (which we later toured).  Dave marveled at how much their seafood business has grown since his departure.

On Sunday there were further reunions, life stories, fun talk comparing hairlines, salt and pepper content, and changing waistlines.  How wonderful to have timeless friendships that mellow with age.Now, you know if there's a garden in town Lois will sniff it out.  My hiatus from fishing was occupied by a visit to Bellingrath Gardens, the estate of Walter Bellingrath, first Coka-Cola bottler in Mobile.  Sorry, no digital pics on this one;  lots of traditional 35mm's tthough -- it was very beautiful.

Tuesday morning Dave visited the boat building branch of Master Marine.  Brett, Teresa, and Steve manage the shipyard. Their reputation for quality has given them a niche in the business of repair/maintenance of Coast Guard vessels. Fond memories of hand crafting mahogany boat interiors came to mind as Brett described their current projects.

Tuesday afternoon we mozied on down to New Orleans, strolled the French Quarter, paid a visit to Buffett's Marguaritaville, and hit the KOA on the west side of town.  Serendipity brought three champion corgis by our campsite.  For the first time on the trip, Leroy was not the only corgi in town.  He was beside himself with jealousy as "mom" showered affection on this fine young lass:

We're off to Carlsbad Caverns...happy trails to you.