SUN AND SAND ON MUSTANG ISLAND, TEXAS
Sunshine! Glorious sunshine!
I got up before dawn this morning. Temperature in Kerrville: 19 degrees. Because we have been using our wonderful Kozy World propane heater, we had condensation on the inside of our windshield… and it was FROZEN! Yes, ice on the INSIDE of the window. Sheesh.
After goodbye hugs with Gloria, we were on our way around 9:30 am. By then, the temperature was one degree above freezing, and we were dressed in double layers of fleece (our new “usual”).
We arrived at Mustang Island State Park around 2:30 this afternoon, a 246 mile trip from Kerrville (average speed 55.3 miles per hour, mostly on deserted, two-lane roads). The sun was out, the wind was calm, and it was 62 degrees, the warmest we’ve been in many weeks. As soon as we checked in (for a 5 night stay) and set up, we hit the beach. Yes, I am wearing my sweatshirt, but that sunshine felt SO GOOD! See, I have the sleeves pushed up. :)
After the weekend, we’ll be heading on to Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and northern Florida. If any of you have suggestions for favorite camping spots, restaurants, or attractions, please let us know. We’ve been to New Orleans before – not sure if we will visit again – but haven’t traveled farther east along the I-10 corridor. Advice welcome!
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We loved Bay Breeze resort in Gulf Shores AL. Very small, on the mobile bay, and 5 miles from town on the peninsula. There is a nice ferry you can take to dophine island and the gulf islnad national seashore is not so far away (In Pensacola, FL)
ReplyDeleteGreat to see you got some sun! you should have stayed here in the west.
We are really jealous now - 29 in Austin this morning.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the warm beach of the coast.
Mac & Dianna
We have had to scrape ice from inside the windows too a few times.... brrrrrr Nice small quiet state park in northern Florida is called Three Rivers State Park, 20 miles east of Marianna, FL $12 for 50amp and water. 30.74734N 84.93306W
ReplyDeleteKaren and Steve
(Blog) http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com/
You *must* stop at Betty's RV Park in Abbeville Louisiana. It's a very small park, so best to phone ahead. The park itself is nothing to write home about, but Betty makes up for it with her hospitality, humor, and social activities. Please don't miss falling into "Betty's Web". 8^)
ReplyDelete-- jc&bev
Thanks, JC. You reminded me: I should have said that we have stayed with Betty in Abbeville before! I don't think we will be visiting again on this trip. Betty's would be top of the list if we were looking for socializing, but after visiting with friends all over Texas, we're feeling a little more introverted. :) More interested in larger spaces, nearby hiking, maybe even a view of the Gulf... and lots of boudain, po-boys, and seafood!
ReplyDeleteToo bad your not going to be near Edwards Mississippi. There is a little secluded campground there called Askew's Landing approx.4 miles northeast of Interstate 20 on
ReplyDeleteAskew Ferry Road. I think you would like it. We have stayed there quite a few times on our way to Florida.
It is very quiet and peaceful and it's fun to watch the morning mist rise from the lake and see the ducks fly over. Also it is very, very reasonable. Lots of trees but has open spaces for big rigs. I hope you get there sometime.
Another place we stayed at was the Pineglen Motor Coach Campground in Panama City, FL. Beautiful place, quiet, secluded, very clean and well kept. Beautiful suroundings. Just minutes away from white sandy beaches.
ReplyDeleteSt. George Island State Park is so quiet, isolated, and beautiful. The campground is nestled in the dunes, a walk through the dunes takes you to miles of isolated beach. The campground is four miles from the park entrance - the bay on one side and the gulf on the other. The park is located near Appalachacola and requires a four mile crossing to the island on a cool bridge. Half the island is commercial (no high rises) the other half is the state park. We will definitely go back there again.
ReplyDeleteHope you bring better weather and fishing -- we've been camped just up the road near Port Aransas. Hopefully with you around, the cold, windy weather that we've been experiencing will go away and the fishing will get better. Enjoy your visit to the beach.
ReplyDeleteGive a thought to Tickfaw State Park outside of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, particularly if you like antiquing. Easy drive into NOLA if so inclined. Canoe and kayak rentals available for paddling on the river. Alligators, swamp tours and more nearby. Decent shopping available in Hammond.
ReplyDeleteI really liked staying at the Ocean Springs, Mississippi Gulf Shores National Seashore campground, too. But, my all-time favorite Gulf camping experience is at Grand Isle State Park. It has taken some really severe hits from the last few hurricanes and I can't guarantee what you'll find besides lots of sand, fishing and beachcombing.
In any event, safe travels.
Hello Laurie and Odel, We're just up the road from you at Pioneer RV Beach Resort. Live music at Bernie's Beach House tonight (and Sunday) in Port Aransas -no cover charge, lots of fun...come up if you can and we'll look for you! Mary Ann and William
ReplyDeleteI recommend that once you reach Florida you drop down to the gulf coast and take US 98 east. There are many RV parks along this route. One of our favorites is in Carrabelle at HoHum RV Park right on the Gulf shore.
ReplyDeleteWe have been full timers since 2005. Our last stick house was 25 miles east of Pensacola. There are several good RV parks in the Gulf Shores area - be sure to check Gulf State Park which is nearest the beach (W&E only). Another good option is Florida’s Big Lagoon State Park. No beach access but lots of good nature trails. When you are in this area be sure to visit Joe Patti Seafood www.joepattis.com. This is a well known local seafood market located on Pensacola Bay. The shrimp boats offload at their back door daily.
ReplyDeleteSome of Florida’s best state parks are in the panhandle. Be sure to spend at least a couple of days at Topsail State Park in Destin. It’s pricy at $42 but worth it. All paved roads and sites, all FHU, and beautifully landscaped. It’s about a ½ mile from the beach - an easy walk or you can take the tram that runs every hour or so. Also, stop at the previously mentioned St. George Island State Park. Remote but close enough to the mainland for good TV and Verizon. If you are going as far East as I-75 stay at Stephen Foster State Park at White Springs. Very beautiful, big rig friendly, and there is a carillon that plays Stephen Foster tunes every few hours.
If you REALLY want to get away from civilization and get up close and personal with alligators, go about 50 miles north to Georgia’s Stephen Foster State Park. It is big rig friendly with 50 amp E and W but is very remote. Be sure you have plenty of food and fuel. No TV. No cell phone. Just nature and a million stars. This is one of our favorite campgrounds in the entire country.