Mon., 18 Mar - Sun., 24 Mar 13

Apologies for huge delay in the blog. I guess the "Luck of the Irish" on St. Patrick's Day was not with us. We had to return home unexpectedly. Our winter south came to an end a month sooner than expected. All is well and the blog will continue if their are any notable summer trips. It will be up next winter as usual.

We planned on being another month at Wales West Train & RV Resort in Silverhill, AL. It was certainly a unique place to stay. Although it does not have all the glitz of the huge corporate resorts it also does not have the high prices and stuffiness. It is a family owned operation that provides all the necessities for a very reasonable price. The staff goes beyond the usual southern friendly hospitality to actually personally care that you have a great time. The parks proximity to Fairhope, AL means that you will be able to adopt your own southern town to enjoy. Fairhope is a gem of a town that has numerous family oriented activities for residents and visitors alike. We had a great time at their annual Mardi Gras and Art Fair during our stay. We also made a number of visits to shop or eat. Other towns close by (Foley, Daphne, Roberstdale, Gulf Shores and Spanish Fort) provide anything you may need from a Camping World to Big Box Stores, Factory Outlets and a huge variety of restaurants. Their are also many major attractions from opera and ballet to anything in between within an easy drive to either Mobile, AL or Pensacola, FL.

Mon., 18 Mar 13

We packed and prepared on Monday.

Tue., 19 Mar 13

We then delayed on Tuesday. We check the weather network on the internet using the Interstate Travel Forecasts. We enter the Interstate and it shows the weather expected along the length of the Interstate (Major Cities only) for the day chosen. This allows us to plan and avoid expected storms along the way. A day delay would allow us to avoid major weather problems on the way home.

Wed., 20 Mar 13

Our destination today would be the KOA in Anderson, SC. The route would be to connect to I-26 at Bay Minette, AL, switch to I-85 at Montgomery, AL and continue on through Atlanta, GA to the KOA.
Despite wall-to-wall traffic in Atlanta the flow was steady which was surprising. This was the easiest major city we have ever driven through during rush hour. Of course, this could have changed quickly with an accident. Note: certain HOV lanes require a "Peach Pass" to allow use so we stayed in one of the "middle" lanes - usually one lane inside the outside left "fast lane". Sometimes the Interstate by-pass is worth taking around major cities; however, we have been through Atlanta 3 times in the past month and staying on I-85 vs the by-pass has worked fine and saved mileage.

We tend to plan stops at Flying J's along the route. They have a dedicated RV fueling area which makes life a lot easier. Our Flying J loyalty card gives discounts for gas, propane and the waste dump as well as some store purchases. Flying J's now feature Denny's restaurants since being taken over by Pilot. We often use Denny's as a breakfast or supper stop (especially if we plan to overnight at the Flying J). We also stop at Cracker Barrel restaurants along our route as many have RV parking (check website).

Flying J's on this portion include Hope Hull, AL and Commerce and Carnesville, GA. We had fueled when we arrived at West Wales (a good practice as prices always increase) so we were good to go all the way through to Carnesville. We stopped to eat at the Cracker Barrel in Opelika, AL which has good RV parking and easy Interstate access. We fueled at Carnesville (also filled with propane) and stopped at the KOA in Anderson, SC for the night.

Travelling is a learning experience. We made a note for the next time we come this way. Fuel prices are the cheapest in South Carolina. The Marathon gas station (I-85 Exit 14) where we get off for the Anderson, KOA is accessible. (My fault - I often check ahead using Google Street View to see if a gas station is accessible) Filling here rather than at Carnesville would have saved about $20. There are a number of Internet sites that give the current gas prices and these are worth checking. In an RV it is only worth comparing sites at the exits. The low mileage achieved compared to an auto means even going a few extra miles and returning to the travel route can eat up the savings. This also doesn't include driving time and aggravation if you have to enter town traffic. Stopping and starting at traffic lights can eat up a lot of fuel = good-by savings.

This is also true when deciding on a stop for the night. If the RV park is $10 cheaper the savings, at the price of fuel, can disappear in a low mileage vehicle if you are driving as little as 10 miles off your route. (e.g. extra distance = 10 mi x return = 20 mi @ 6.5 mpg = 3 gal x $3.75 = $11.25 - $10 savings = loss of $1.25).

Remember to factor savings vs driving distances when choosing places to fuel up as well. Even stopping at a Walmart where you can stay free may end up costing more than a RV park at an exit if the distance off the route is more than fuel factor.

Note on KOA's, like McD's, you know what to expect. Most have long pull-thru's (check availability on website) which are easier than unhooking for a short stay and many are right off a major highway exit. This KOA was great. They guided us to our site and we were set up before dark.

Thu., 21 Mar 13

We pumped out (sewage and waste tanks) and emptied our water lines as the weather would be below freezing as we went north.

We continued on I-85 and made our next stop at the Flying J in Blacksburg, SC. I was not low on fuel; however, since we were stopping here to eat I took advantage of the cheapest prices on the east coast. As I fueled Charlotte went in to Denny's and ordered our usual breakfast. As usual, breakfast arrived at the table just before I did. This routine saves us time.

We then continued on I-85 towards Charlotte, NC where we caught I-77 which would take us to I-81. Taking the by-pass (I-485) here saves both time and mileage. The I-81 to I-77 to I-95 connection is used by some RVing south to Florida. Going to Florida the best RV route is I-81 to I-66 then US-17 through Warrenton, VA to I-95. The reason for this (when in an RV) is that the route is flat - not mountainous. This is easier on the equipment, fuel and driving. The route we are taking, especially I-77, is hilly. Our reason is that we are coming from Alabama, not Florida, and the extra day and distance to get to I-95 to head north was not worth the effort.

I-77 has good truck lanes making the transition over the Blue Ridge mountains a little easier. We had planned to stay at a KOA along I-81 later today; however, since the weather was fine and we were making good time, we modified our plans and decide to continue north to our usual Walmart stop at I-81 Exit 313 (2350 S Pleasant Valley Rd) in Winchester, VA.

This is a usual stop when heading south in December. Being a 24 hr SuperCenter we have access to washrooms and any needed supplies. They have a huge parking lot with easy access. There are often 25 or more RV's stopped here for the night during high travel times. We had supper at the Walmart McD's and picked up a few items. Luckily, I found 2 gallons of RV waterline antifreeze. This was all they had and, not unusual for Walmart, each gallon was in a different area of the store. The washrooms also came in handy when we stopped, through the night and in the morning.

Fri., 22 Mar 13

We were up a 6 a.m. I winterized the RV and we were on the road by 7 a.m.

We stopped at our usual Flying J stop at the Flying J - Clear Brook, VA just 10 minutes north (just for fuel).  The McD's at Walmar was not open that early so we purchased a box of Apple Fritters to eat for breakfast while we were on the road. We could have had breakfast at the Denny's at this Flying J; however, we preferred to save the time.

I-81 travel was good with the usual slow down (Speed Limit 55 mph) when we approached Carlisle, PA. This is a huge transport switching area because the E-W and N-S Interstates that serve the Northeast USA intersect here. It was slow until we were past Harrisburg, PA and the Speed Limit returned to 65 mph.

Snow (lake affect), as usual, when we approached the Syracuse, NY area. We took I-481 around Syracuse to avoid the downtown congestion. The weather cleared when we connected to I-81 and headed towards Watertown, NY.

I-81 was closed yesterday  (Thursday) morning near Watertown for a few hours after a series of vehicle crashes brought on by heavy snowfall that created whiteout conditions. I expected bad weather in this area on Thursday; but not that bad. We also came through the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre area in Pennsylvania after the road was cleared from an earlier closure today. We got past Harrisburg, PA before it was closed later in the day. This was the reason we delayed a day before coming north. It pays to check the Interstate weather guide on Weather.com before travelling.

The fritters kept us going; however, it was now time to eat. We decided to stop at one of our favourites - Texas Roadhouse, in Watertown. We parked at the Lowe's parking lot next to the restaurant. We were a half hour early (opens at 4 p.m.) so we walked to Lowe's to do a little last minute shopping. We found a few items then returned. We arrived at 4:05 and the restaurant was half-full. They have a large local Friday following. We don't blame them - the food and service is great at any Texas Roadhouse. We discovered them in Texas (of course) and all have been great from AZ to FL to NY state. We had our usual 8 oz Dallas Filet - Charlotte cooked medium - mine medium rare.

The next stop was our usual fill-up and the Parkway Express Valero in Morristown, NY. This is the closest fuel stop to the Ogdensburg, NY border crossing that is easily accessible for the RV when it is towing. Filled the RV, then the car and headed to the Duty Free store at the border. We phoned family at home to get requests then made our purchase accordingly. Two bottles of Southern Comfort later (bought not drank) and we crossed the border into Canada at Prescott, ON.

It was now only a 35 mile drive on Hwy 401 to Ingleside, ON. We phone our daughter and Nick cleared a spot in the driveway at their place to park the RV for a few day. I would have to arrange for storage on Monday as we are arriving home a month early. We unhooked the Del Sol and parked the RV. Liz, Nick and Marty had to head out. I left the Fridge and heat on (low) in the RV so things would not freeze. Five miles later we were at our house saying hello to the cats - Jessie and Max.

Sat., 23 Mar 13

We returned to Liz's after noon time (borrowed Kat's CRV) to unpack the RV. Still 3 foot snowbanks at home; but, the driveway is clear (Thanks to Nick's snowplow). We tease people down south when they ask what the towbar is on the front of the Del Sol. We tell them it is for our driveway snowplow when at home in Canada, eh (or ay).

EH = pronounced AY (similar, but not the same as huh)

Eh is a useful word that is very important and is the basis of all Canadian communications. It is used in conjunction with other words, or simply by itself. The tone or the slight differences in exclamation also changes the meaning:

Eh? = what did you say?
Eh? = what do you think?
EH? = something to say just to end a sentence.
Ehhhh!! = WOW!!
EH!? = what do you mean?
Eh?? = your joking!!!??
EH!! = Hello..(you off in the distance!!!)
Eh? want a doughnut or some Tim Bits?
Eh! = sure!!
Eh!Eh! = coffee double-cream too please!
Eh? = what you say when you realize you have no money to pay for it.
Eh..cmon, eh? = asking them to let you pay for it next time.
hey..eh! = want to go to the drive-in movie??
Eh...uhuh = yes sure!
Eh..y'know = I'll pick you up at 8:00 (8:30 in Newfoundland).
Eh..cmon!! = well that's early..but ok.
Eh..wanna? eh? = lets fool around ...
EHHHHHHH = sounds coming from the car.
hey..um..er eh... = I'm pregnant!
EH????????? = how did that happen?
EHHehhEHHehhEHHH = sounds from the delivery room.
EHHH-ehh, EHHH-ehh = baby's first cry.
Ehh..whadya think eh? = marry me.

Bonus: A family supper. Pizza...mmmmm. We have the best compared to most of the USA and Canada (Spiritus in Provincetown, MA and Mystic Pizza in Mystic, CT excepted). Our Italians (mostly Greeks) know how to make a pizza .

Sun., 24 Mar 13

Bonus: We get to watch our grandson's hockey game at 12:30. He is a goalie and his team is in the playoff finals.

SHUTOUT and WIN --- Way to Go Martin! If they win on Tuesday they are the champions.

Even if early - it is always good to be home.

Sun., 17 Mar 13

Headed to Walmart for a few items. Charlotte picked up a tri-pack of novels by an author she is currently reading. We gave in to temptation and had lunch at the in-store McD's.

Today and tomorrow threatens rain and thunderstorm activity so we decided to re-charge our batteries and rest. Charlotte worked on finishing the current novel so she can start on the tri-pack.

Things cleared up by the afternoon so we decided to head to the Wales West Light Railway train station on the other side of the parking area near our RV.

Today we would take the small scale diesel engine ride around the park.

The current theme for the Wales West Light Railway is the "Easter Express". Dozens of large inflated Easter decorations fill the train and walking route. You can even meet the Easter Bunny!

The park is pretty by day and evening more whimsical when lit up at night. The best plan is to arrive (opens at 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday) and stay to enjoy the lights at night.

There is plenty to do for the kids. There are activities as well as a petting zoo and horseback rides available.

You can stop and talk with the "Time Keeper" who keeps everything running on schedule.

You can listen to the "Sunny the Organ Grinder" as it plays circus style tunes.

A favourite with the kids (big and small) is the Peep Blaster where you can try your aim at hitting targets using the "cannon".

At 7 p.m. we headed over to the Rec Hall for a park activity for the RVers staying in the Resort part of the facility. Tonight's event was an Ice Cream Social. Charlotte had a Root Beer Float and I made a Sundae complete with nuts, strawberries, pineapple, chocolate topping with whipped cream and a cherry on top....sinful; but, so good.

During the "Social" part of the event, as usual, we met interesting folks (snowbirds) from different parts of the country. To our surprise we met a delightful couple from Brockville, ON. This is the second couple from Brockville that we have met in the park. Sometimes you have to travel 1,500 miles to meet people who's home is an hour from where we live in Canada.

We walked with these folks back to the train station. They were going to catch the "Evening Easter Express" to enjoy all the attractions that are lit up at night.

This is certainly a unique park that is worth a visit - better still, a stay.

As usual, a little TV before bed.

Sat., 16 Mar 13

Up and out by 8:30 a.m. Our destination this morning was the Fairhope, AL Arts & Crafts show about 20 minutes away.

It doesn`t open until 10 a.m. We are going early for two reasons. The first reason is to get a parking spot reasonably close to the streets that are closed for the show (several downtown blocks) since they get 350,000 visitors for this event annually.

The second reason was to have breakfast. Our choice today was Sandra`s Place.

We shared a sausage and egg biscuit and a Sticky Bun which were both above the ordinary.

We finished eating by nine and set out - most vendors were ready an hour early in anticipation of the crowds.

Charlotte found a hat right next to where we ate. We could have left at this point as this was our only purchase. We contemplated several other items; but decided not to buy.

We spent more than two hours walking the fair and enjoy the many high quality offerings.

Another perfect day to enjoy. We took the top off and took AL-98 (Scenic) down the coast. We have done this drive a few times already - it is relaxing (mostly 35 mph) and - of course, scenic. We took it down to AL-1 which dead ends at the water.

We then looped back and headed east to Foley, AL then down to Gulf Shores. This time we chose to turn east. This section is more high rise condos than individual beach houses like the west end. We enjoyed the drive all the way to the Pensacola, FL area were we turned around at the Naval Aviation Museum and worked our way back.

Lunch was at Wintzell`s Oyster House - a Gulf Shores tradition since 1938.

We ate on the outside veranda.

We shared Fried Green Tomotoes, a Chilled Seafood Platter and Red Beans and Rice (with chicken and sausage). Just the right size - the first time that we didn`t take home leftovers.

Charlotte looked over the railing and took a picture (Grey Heron)

We enjoyed the ride all the way back to the RV.

We had planned on going to the St. Patrick`s Day dance at the recreational center; however, all that fresh air did us in.

That was it for today.

Fri., 15 Mar 13

The clear weather this week has now warmed up into the 70`s F. A perfect day for a trip to Bellingrath Gardens and Home.

Bellingrath Gardens and Home (Theodore, AL)  was the creation of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Bellingrath (mostly Mrs.).  Mr. Bellingrath was one of the original10 Coca-Cola franchisees (1903) . He was also a workaholic. Originally purchased as a fishing camp on doctor`s orders which dictated that Mr. Bellingrath needed to learn how to have fun Mrs. Bellingrath gradually transformed the grounds into gardens that changes with the season.

Mrs. Bellingrath's love of gardens developed quickly and the couple's South Ann Street home was long admired for its extensive gardens and became the basis for Mobile's famous Azalea Trail in 1929. It was her idea to start planting azaleas at "Belle Camp" an otherwise rustic fishing camp, and her husband always credited her genius for the creation of Bellingrath Gardens.
  

The Gardens first opened to the public in 1932 while a national garden club meeting was taking place in Mobile. AL. Mr. Bellingrath placed an ad in the Mobile paper, announcing that anyone who would like to see the spring garden could do so free of charge.  After an overwhelming response (several thousand visitors), the couple decided to keep the gardens open year-round, beginning in 1934.

 

Throughout the year, this 65 acre Garden Estate (2004 Top Public Rose Garden in the U.S.) is in full bloom with camellias in the winter, azaleas in the spring, roses in the summer, chrysanthemums in autumn and Magic Christmas in Lights during the holiday season. 

On your self-guided walking tour we experienced the Bayou Boardwalk, Mirror Lake, the Great Lawn, the Asian-American Gardens, the formal garden terraces and more!

The Bellingrath Home (10,500 square foot) was designed in the “English Renaissance”  style by prominent Mobile, AL architect, George B. Rogers. The tour, complete with its original furnishings and Mrs. Bellingrath’s extensive collection of decorative arts and porcelains was a great glimpse into the era. Compared to the many mansions we have seen (San Simeon, Newport, Hyde Park, Asheville, etc.) this conveyed the feeling of a home; although it certainly became an era showplace. 

Mr. & Mrs. Bellingrath were childless. In 1955, at his death at the age of 86, his estate had been converted to a Foundation to oversee the operation of his wife`s beloved Gardens and to open his home to the public. Profits benefit two area churches and provide scholarships to three Alabama colleges.

At noon we took a cruise that lasted almost and hour. The Southern Belle departs daily between March and November. This was both very relaxing and informative along the Fowl River. We learned about  birding habits, ecological systems and Spanish, French and Civil War history of the area. Amazingly the estuaries (Mobile Bay area) are responsible for 75% of the commercial fishery and 80% of the recreational fishery in the whole (contiguous) U.S.A.

We continued to enjoy the great weather as we drove (top off) back through Mobile to Spanish Fort, AL where we ate (mid-afternoon) at Logan`s Roadhouse. This (intentional) stop was our first at Logan`s. Without realizing we arrived in time for the special. We did not realize that the items we chose were part of the `2 For`menu.`Great value and good food for a reasonable price. 

We rested in the RV until 7 p.m. then headed to the park`s rec facility for `Bluegrass`. We have been so busy doing things in the area for more than a month it is hard to believe that this was our first `ìn-park`event. The twice weekly concert event (high season) was well attended and fun. $5 admission included a drink (non-alcoholic) and popcorn and a cookie (gingerbread) at break. An audience member was introduced as one of the few remaining Pearl Harbor survivors of the Japanese surprise attack (December 7, 1941). Amazingly spry, he joined the group for a song. 

Although we had a great day so far - it was about to get even better. Those at the Bluegrass event were invited for a trip on the Wales West narrow gauge railroad. 

A short walk up to the Victorian Style train station and we were soon seated. Everyone received a blanket to keep them cozy during the trip around the park perimeter. The cars are pulled by a wood-burning steam engine at a gentle pace. 

The scenery is magical - a mini-Disney like landscape - that changes throughout the year with appropriate seasonal themes. March features the Easter Bunny and the `Cottontail Express`. 

We had the pleasure of sitting with the park owners, Ann and Ken, who took our picture. They started this unique attraction over 11 years ago. They were a joy to meet. They filled us in on the history of Wales West and told us of future plans. 

It is easy to see why the past few weeks have been so busy with several area school buses arriving each day during the week. Family groups also arrive by car during the week.  On the weekend it opens at 3 pm until 9 (Sat) and 8 (Sun). 

Night time is even more magical with the lights.

Numerous whimsical characters and buildings line the route.

Wales West Light Railway is for big kids too!

We just had to walk across the parking field to arrive back at the RV.

Thu., 14 Mar 13

A clear blue sunny day; but cool (mid-60's F).

Yes - we finished the Krispy Kreme today - shame on us (They were soooo good!)

I set up the Bear Extender (Wi-Fi booster antenna) on the second laptop. I'm impressed with the improvement in Wi-Fi reception and speed.

Excitement for the day was watching one of our neighbours take their parrot for a walk.

We both had afternoon naps - being busy caught up with us. We both had a touch of a sore throat. I guess we needed the rest. We didn't even go outside.

TV tonight - I made popcorn using the Wabash Valley Farms "Whirley-Pop" and Orville Redenbacher's Original popcorn.

Recipe: 1/3 cup of popcorn
              2 tbsp vegetable oil

Crank the handle when popping begins - until popping stops = perfect popcorn.

It would hold double the recipe; but, we find this amount works perfectly with no burnt or unpopped kernals..

That's it for today.

Wed., 13 Mar 13

Slept in until 8 a.m.

Charlotte made smoothies for breakfast using the frozen strawberries from the batch we picked up before leaving Florida. A treat! There are enough left for about 3 more each.

Charlotte was reading LuLu's "Crazy Sista Cookbook" - the result was "Toad -n-a-Hole" for lunch. A circle is cut out of the center of a piece of bread and an egg is fried in the hole - easy over . This toasts both sides of the bread. The cut out circle is also toasted on both sides and then used for dipping. Toasting by frying makes the break tastier than using a toaster. Mmmmm good!

We watched the Papal Elections. "Habemus Papum - We have a pope!" - with a few surprises - the Pope is from Buenos Aires, Argentina and a Jesuit - both firsts. Another surprise is that Cardinal Jorge Mario Cardinal Bergoglio - Pope Francis I - is also 76 years old. Speculation were that they would choose a younger Pope.

A lovely clear sunny (coolish - mid-60's) day.  We set out  with the top off on the car. I wanted to check out Direct TV info as I found another address for the Sunshine Satellite, Inc. in Foley, AL. I couldn't find the other day. They had moved and are still trying to get there address changed on the satellite company website.

We then went further south on AL-59 to Old Time Pottery. This place is huge the size of a Walmart. The name is a bit of a misnomer - it is like a cross between Michael's (for flowers and frames), Bed, Bath and Beyond (for linens, towels, chair cushions) and a kitchen and household store. We bought 4 outdoor cushions for our wicker chair set and a few bags of wooden clothespins.

Then we were bad.

We stopped at Five Guys for supper. At least now we have learned to only order a single bacon cheese burger (w/black print fixins) and a regular fry and share. Next time we will only get the smallest fry order. There is a reason they are rated as the best $5 burger by GQ magazine.

Then we got even "badder".

We (at least) walked to the end of the corner mall area to pick up a dozen (variety pack) of Krispy Kreme. We each choose 6. We are stuffed from the shared burger at Five Guys - maybe a donut before bed tonight. We got back at the RV at dusk - still with the top off.

We picked up my mail at the office before we left. I ordered a "Bear Extender" and a higher gain antenna for the laptop's Wi-Fi. My previous Wi-Fi antenna booster would not work for Windows 8. Once installed it appeared to have significantly increased my range (they claim up to 4 times improvement). Most of the Wi-Fi in the park has increased from 2 bars to a full 5. The downloads also appear to be much faster.

The usual TV evening - the last hour watching from the bed.

Tues., 12 Mar 13

Relaxed until after dinner then set out to find a DISH TV satellite dealer. The address given as the closest dealer by the DISH TV website was a non-existent address on the GPS and the computer (Streets and Trips).

Down the road I found "The DISH Doctor" - Donnie's. I talked to Wally and he will call tomorrow with options and prices. The problem, as he explained with DISH, is that their HD satellites coverage in the NorthEast USA is limited due to a low satellite angle.

Continued on to Foley, AL where we checked out a liquidation warehouse - nothing we needed. We continued on to the Tanger Outlet Mall. Charlotte found a few items including a double spoon rest for the countertop that matched our dish set at home.

We then continued on to Gulf Shores with top off on the Del Sol to enjoy the sunshine. We drove (35 mph speed limit) to the west (dead) end. The beach houses are pretty - most painted in pastel shades. The east end is mostly high rise condos - not as pretty.

College "Spring Break" groups have begun arriving. Several groups of boys, girls or both were walking along the roadside - all going somewhere. The unisex groups were mostly in 3's for some reason while the boy/girl groups were usually 2 pairs.

Several beach houses (built for the purpose) with up to a dozen bedrooms. Many had a dozen vehicles parked underneath. The beach houses are built on "stilts" to protect from the storm surge - cars (and boats) park underneath. College kids here are not deprived - 9 out of 10 were new SUV's. Beach house rental prices range from $1200 to $5200 dollars a week - and summer prices are double the Spring Break prices (info courtesy "Beach Guide" rental magazine).

Time for supper - the real reason for being in Gulf Shores. Since we had been to Margaritaville - Jimmy Buffet's restaurant in Key West, FL - we had to visit his sister's place "LuLu's" at Homeport Marina.

Lulu was born and raised in one L.A. (Lower Alabama) found herself living in another L.A. (Los Angeles, California). Lucy Buffett had just about enough of the plastic pace of Hollywood and yearned for the sweet comfort of home and a way of life that is more about living life than "lifestyle." As she reached her 40's, the memories of a childhood scented by magnolias in the spring, crab boils in the summer, tire swings, and the glories of Mobile Bay, were calling her back home.

The first LuLu's was little more than a bait shop, an outdoor burger joint and bar, situated on the edge of a nationally protected bird estuary, in very the same spot Lucy's father used to take her and her sister and brother fishing as children.

In 2003, when the Alabama state government decided not to renew Lucy's lease on Week's Bay, a new home was found for LuLu's on the Intracoastal Waterway in Gulf Shores, AL at the Homeport Marina. It was a bittersweet move, but like any Buffett faced with a difficult decision, she decided to throw a party and move forward. She enlisted the help of a buddy with a barge and, literally, moved the ENTIRE establishment to its new locale by water.

On our arrival the 2 block long parking lot (and an additional overflow area) should have been a clue to the size of the restaurant. We arrived shortly after 6 p.m. We were seated at 8 p.m. They are only open 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. (10 p.m. Fri/Sat) - probably because it takes them 2 or more hours to clear those still on their pager list. They DON'T TAKE RESERVATIONS so arrive early. They cap waiting time at two hours to ensures better service. If you still have that hankering for LuLu's food, though, check out their SUNSET GRILL; it has a small-scale menu for a small-scale wait! Lulu's serves over 750,000 customers a year - wow! At least there were places to sit and things to do while waiting.

Everybody was here - mostly in large groups. "Spring Breakers" were again in similar groups like those walking the roadsides. I counted one group of 24 (all girls) and many family groups of 6 -10 (kids included).

The restaurant seating is mostly "outside" with huge garage doors and plastic windows that disappear in the hot weather.

There were places to sit and sandy play areas for the younger kids. Not too many old folks on the "Mountain of Youth".



Many folks were occupied with the outside "Ring Fling". The idea is to toss the ring (on the end of the rope) so that it stays on the hook on the pole. If it hit just right the ring would swing over the hook. A few were successful - usually resulting in a display of jubilation.

There is an outside band stage; however, today (being cool) the "Blues" musician was playing inside. LuLu's usually features a different musician on weekdays.

The "big kids" had bar areas where they could wait. There was also a non-alcoholic stand for ice cream and smoothies. Not much action there as it was a little cool outside.

The long wait has nothing to do with slow service. Our order arrived only minutes after our drinks were served.

Of course, Charlotte had a Cadillac Margarita - A smooth, top shelf Margarita made with Margaritaville Gold Tequila, Grand Marnier and their special Margarita Mix. It was excellent even if served in a plastic cup.

Virtually everything is served in baskets - at least their waxed-paper type liner is thick enough not to disintegrate like those used in so many "basket" serving restaurants. This style totally fits the atmosphere - and LuLu's has plenty of that.

We shared Fried Green Tomatoes (appetizer) served with LuLu’s Fun Wow Sauce which is a combo of mayo/jalapeno/creole mustard/horseradish sauce and a Crab Melt - A Best Seller! Sweet Claw Meat, Swiss Cheese, Green Onions and Mayo spread open face on French Bread and perfectly toasted. Both were twice the size of what we expected and the prices were very reasonable. We boxed half of the Crab Melt for home.

We stopped in their store which is filled with "Lulu" items. We took the "2 for" special deal which included 2  "Crazy Sista Cooking" cookbooks (identical) and a Lulu's Magazine Premier Edition.

It was less than a half-hour ride back to the RV. It was a busy and fun day - asleep by 10 p.m.