Sat., 9 Mar 13

Feeling well enough today to venture out. We both still have the sniffles - just not coughing so much.

Today we headed to Mobile, AL around 8:30 a.m. Could not believe how little traffic there was on the way in. On the way in we could see the Carnival Triumph cruise ship that was in the news a few weeks ago when it lost it's motor (fire) and power, toilets, perishable food and A/C. It was stranded in the Gulf of Mexico for days. It was towed to Mobile where the passengers disembarked and is now being refitted and de-pooped in a Mobile drydock - cost estimated at $15 million.

First stop was the Harbor Freight Tools store. We arrived around 9:15 a.m. They had a "click" torque wrench on special $9.99. Found a few other things I didn't know we needed.

We then went to the Mobile Flea Market. It is a good size and there was a steady stream of cars when we arrived about 10:00 a.m. The planting season is starting down here and there was quite a large selection of landscaping items.  It took almost and hour to walk the many covered booth aisles. Surprisingly - we didn't buy anything.

Next stop was our prime destination - the 12th Annual United Cerebral Palsy's BBQ Championship and Hog Wild Festival at the Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds in Mobile, AL.

The Professional BBQ Competitors were "off-limits" as they cooked and brought each selection to the judges tents as set out by a schedule. Portions of this competition were being filmed for specialty TV (Pitmasters?).

Over 50 Backyard (Local) teams competed for the People's Favourite title. The $12 admission allowed one to receive samples from each of the teams and vote for their choice. There were long lines at all the booths. The offerings varied: ribs, pulled pork, chicken, sausage or a combination of any of these which was served on paper plates or in small plastic condiment cups. Some had dry rub, others BBQ sauce and still others allowed you to add your choice of sauces from mild to hot.

There were tables and chairs; however, most nibbled on their serving while waiting in line for the next offering. We only managed about 10% of the booths - we were full! Our choice was the Big Dogs offering which was not only tasty; but unbelievably moist! Only one other booth came close.

There were also other attractions. The stage had a number of local bands performing through the day. There was a large kids play area with everything from inflatable slides and climbing walls to face painting and carnival style games. There was a neat antique tractor (mostly John Deere, Farmall (IH - International Harvestor) and Ford) display, a motorcycle show/contest and a car show/contest.

I could have entered our 1995 Del Sol. It would have qualified (1999 or older category) for the furthest distance award (1500 mi); however, I thought it would have been an unfair advantage for those that drove a few hundred miles to enter - maybe next year (grin). A blue Chevy Malibu SS brought back memories. Our wedding car was similar; but a convertible.

I had the pleasure to meet the legendary Jim Groves - the original ShedHed! His Competition Team was here for the professional BBQ event. The Shed BBQ and Blues Joint has national acclaim and 6 locations. At the original location (Ocean Springs, MS) they pump out a ton of meat a day, everyday!

Leaving the BBQ Festival we headed to Robert Moore's Christmas Town & Village a few miles south and west. Christmas Town, with over 30 + years of merchandising experience, is over 35,000+ sq. ft. and contains multi-millions of dollars of the finest quality, fashionable merchandise available. The only larger Christmas store we have ever seen is Bronner's Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, MI (billed as the world's largest). We found a Boyd's 1st edition resin to add to our collection (and other items).

Going back to the RV was not as fast as coming in this morning. There was a slow down to stop-and-go on I-10 at the tunnel as 4 lanes narrowed to 2 for the tunnel. Perhaps part of this was due to another tunnel nearby being closed for the weekend for maintenance. After the tunnel it was stop-and-go on the bridge due to a disabled vehicle which slowed the traffic flow again. Once past this slow-down everything was back to normal.

The only problem with the BBQ was that there were no "fixins". Charlotte would have liked coleslaw or a bun at some point. I was craving something sweet - i.e. dessert! A recent TV ad feature Publix (grocery store chain) Key Lime Pie. I saw a store, turned in and made the purchase. We are still stuffed - it will be for supper later this evening.

Back and unpacked by 4 p.m. Charlotte is having a nap as I write this. The Wi-fi seems better - I can actually get on! This was an interesting "potpourri" kind of day. Tomorrow will be a good day to sleep in with daylight savings time starting at 2 a.m. The hour less sleep (moot point - we will sleep in) is a fair trade for the extra hour of daylight in the evening.