Las Cruces NM 1/3 - 1/5/2010

Enjoying the game and some refreshment

After a three day boogie across the giganic state of Texas we settled for two days at the KOA campground in Las Cruces NM. The campground was on a hill above the city and the people in the office were very nice. We visited a small historic square in the neighboring town of Mesilla, NM. There is a small Basicilla there and some nice shops. The second night we were going for mexican food but I came down with the stomach flu that was going around the family at Christmas. Eileen ended up eating alone while I visited the facilities. This is a college town and other than the dust it is a nice place for a stop.

We then moved on to Tucson Az where we stayed at a campground that we stayed in in 2008. I spent the first day washing a filthy bus and relaxing. In the afternoon we went to Mesa RV a nearby Tiffin dealer and the Camping World store across the street. I got a new light for my entry handle and proceeded that night to blow a bunch of fuses that required us to visit Mesa the next day to get it fixed. Once again I proved my vast electrical skills with DC wiring on the bus. All is well and we are on the Way to visit Corey in Casa Grande on 1/7/2010.

We had a great visit and a nice meal at Mimi's and then we returned to the bus to watch Alabama deal with the Longhorns. Corey is a busy dude with all he is involved in around school. He looked great and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit. The next day we are in the bus heading for Desert Hot Springs, CA and Joshua Tree NP.

Mexican for One!

Las Cruces Historic Square

The Basilica

Mountains at sunset from the KOA campground

New Orleans 12/30 - 1/1

We arrived in New Orleans on Eileen's Birthday. The campground is right downtown and although it is not in the best section it was super nice and we felt safe. It might have been the ten foot French with razor wire on top that helped us feel safe. New Years night was the Sugar Bowl between University of Cincinnati and the Florida Gators. Needless to say the campground was full of fans from both. We had a nice dinner at a place called TuJagues for Eileen's birthday. It was OK but I would look for something else if you visit.

On the 31st we walked around in the French Quarter and sampled the mufuletta which is a local sandwich special. We walked back to the campground in time for happy hour and to get ready for dinner at a place called Arnauds. We ate in the bistro and had a lovely dinner. French food with reasonable size helpings. Alligator sausage was my appetizer. We then spent some time on Bourbon Street watching to medicated crowds and the people in the balconies throwing beads to everyone waiting below.

This was a great couple of days. We really didn't get to see much of the town and will probably return to tour and see the surrounding areas. When we drove into the city we could see many signs of Katrina. There are many houses, even downtown, that have never been reoccupied.

We left 1/1 to boogie across La. and Texas and we are now in Las Cruces NM. We are going to the city right now so I will report on that later.

Lovin Life and Can't wait to see the baby!!!

Bill and Eileen

New Orleans For New Years

Update

Today is Tuesday 12/29/2009. It has been quite a while since I have posted anything. I never finished our trip in the Spring because I was feeling ill when we left Cape Kennedy and just never returned to the blog even though we went out again in September. We went to Red Bay to get windows in the bus and to have other work done. The highlight was probably our visit to The Coon Dog Cemetery north of Red Bay. It don't get no better than that.

Tonight we are in the second night of our trip to California for the debut of our first grandson. This is probably our best trip ever. We are very happy for Jen and Magnus and can't wait to welcome this young man into the world.

Our first night was spent in Fort Chiswell, Virginia in a night that had winds of 20 to 30mph with temperatures below 20 degrees. In the middle of my dewintertization the hose froze solid and I wasn't able to finish. Needless to say we were unable to shower this morning so the first order of business after today's 508 mile ride was to get the water going.

We are now in Knoxville, Alabama. Tomorrow we head for New Orleans where we plan to celebrate Eileen's 63rd and New Years Eve the nbext night.

Happy New Year to everyone! We will let you know where we are from time to time. We plan to take our time to California and expect to be very close to Jen and Magnus by 1/13/2010.

Campground & Kennedy Space Center

Want-a-be Astronaut!

Pretty Moon!

House with RV!

Our site!

American Eagle overhead!

Saturn Rocket! Gigondo!!!!

July 20, 1969

What a great day that was!!

Stage three of the rocket. This stage held the command module.

Rover! Training model.

It is hard to get the size because you can't get all of it in the picture.

Command Module!! Apollo!

Toilet in the Space Station!

House with RV!

Apollo Command center. Actual screens and set up.

East Launch Pad Complex 39-Pad A

The building where the space shuttle is readied for launch. It is then taken to the launch pad via the crawler that is on the right side of the picture.

Crawler! Actually carries the shuttle to the launch pad.

Kennedy Space Center

4/4/2009 - 4/7/2009

On Saturday 4/4 we drove across Florida to Titusville which is very close to the Kennedy Space Center. The campground here is really a resort. It is another equity deal where the sites belong to someone and are rented to the roaming people like Eileen and I . This is a very nice resort with a nice restaurant, golf course, and all the amenities you need. The neatest thing here is that they have a number of large homes the are build around a large RV garage. You can't even buy the home if you don't own an RV. We looked at a number of homes and it is really a neat concept for those of us that enjoy the lifestyle. Some of the homes were as big as 3000 square feet.

On Monday 4/6 we toured the Space Center. We weren't able to get the best tour because it was sold out, but we did get and opportunity to see the launch pads, the Apollo program, and the staging building for the space station. It was a long day with a number of very interesting things to see. A Saturn Rocket is Gigondo. Really Really Biggggg!!

We had planned on staying at this site longer but the weather was changing and I wasn't feeling well, so we decided to head for Emerald Isle, which is were we are now. We will be leaving here in time to get to Quakertown in time for Sarah's first communion. The time really goes quickly when your having a good time. Hopefully our final week here in EI will bring some good weather.
Our hope is also that the cold weather up North will be gone by the time we get back. We will try to bring the warmer stuff back with us.

I will report in when we are home with pics for Quakertown.

Life is Great!!

Bill and Eileen