Day 4 Gulf State Park
Day 4
It got down to 31 degrees during the night – freezing. We did not put on the heater because it was setting off the fire alarm. Found out it was only due to being brand new. We set the dogs up in an electric blanket, I checked on them several times during the night – each time they gave me the “why are you waking me up look”. We woke up around 7:30 and took the dogs for a walk, I wore everything I brought and still Froze – WTF – I am a Floridian. I went back in bed and didn’t get out until about 9
Gina made coffee and a bowl of yogurt. It was cool but nice sitting outside in the sun – it was glorious weather; we fiddled around for an hour or so, finishing up minor set up details like putting away all the tow gear and rearranging the truck bed.
Took the dogs for a nice walk through the park and looked at all the different types of camper trailers, fifth wheels, diesel pushing Class A’s, Class C’s and some tents. It is interesting to see how everyone puts their own little twist on setup.
Lily called and we discussed some Ocean Tec issues. I went down to the entry station to get internet for the first time – gulf state park is an open wifii with no security. So much for checking bank accounts at work. I did log in through team viewer to my office computer emailed myself a few files so I could update piece work that lily needed to complete payroll. Gina stayed back at the RV and did yoga outside, when I got back she was finishing up.
I then wasted a solid hour on the phone with several car dealerships trying to get the truck looked at because of the idiot light. Every dealership told me it would be 2-3 weeks before they could get me in. I called ford motor and asked for help. They said dealerships are independent and there is nothing they could do. Since I was fully covered with warranties, et al. I told them I would continue on my travels and if something happened to the vehicle it was going to be on their tab since I was fully covered under warranties, etc. etc. they gave me a claim # said I would be covered if something happened.
By the time all this was done it was after 3:00. We decided to skip lunch and take the dogs to the dog park. We played with them there for about 45 minutes. The dog park was nice but in need of repair. The field was muddy and several of the obstacles they had built for the dogs to play with were ragged an worn and in some cases unsafe. One in particular was a wooden walkway that was extremely wobbly and had nails actually sticking out of it. The park is also right on a lake with signs – beware of alligators! YIKES! Remi is a water freak so we kept him clear. One old local that was leaving with a lab dripping wet said the alligators are in their holes in this cold weather. Most likely true but still not worth it in my mind.
We then took the dogs in the back of the truck for a ride around Gulf port. We headed down west beach drive. Right at the beginning, intersection with route 59, there are the classic beach stores – all brand new, painted in bright colors, Alvins Island, Souvenir City and Alabama Surf Style, then a series of closed down bars and empty liquor stores. We didn’t make it to the end but after the commercial area on the beach side there is a line of houses that all look the same, wood frames on stilts to protect from storm surges, in need of painting with signs in front “for rent” and not many people around. On the non-beach side it was either the same or in some commercial areas there were more closed down bars and liquor stores. It dawned on us, DUH, we are in winter and this is off season, most likely in the summer the place is packed with beachgoing vacationers and spring breaks here must be a sight. Where we are from in Jupiter FL it used to be the opposite, dead in the summer and packed in the winter. I used to enjoy the “sleepy summers” but we have all but lost those as we are now packed all the time. Wonder if that will eventually happen here?
We went and filled the truck up with gas and found a bar “The Delta Blue Bar and Grill” for a drink. We put the dogs in the cab and some guy on the outside porch said to just tie them up there. We thanked him but said Remi would bark at everyone coming in. The place was small and in an odd spot under a bridge but it got 4 ½ stars. It ended up being ok but , Gina asked for a hot toddy and the barmaid wasn’t sure how to make one so she made her the old fashioned one moms used to make when you were sick – shot of whiskey, honey and lemon. She served it in a coffee cup - Me – I just had a manhattan. On the way back we stopped to check out the sunset on the beach. It was spectacular with the white sand – I actually took a picture of gina bundled up and the sand in the background looked like snow.
Back to the RV we went, Gina had cooked a bolognese sauce all day and I was starving as we skipped lunch yet again. She boiled some gluten free pasta and served me a whopping plate – I easily ate it all. We made our own hot toddy with 1 ½ oz Hendricks gin, 2 oz hot water, ½ oz lemon juice garnished with cinnamon. I washed the dishes while gina showered – when she was done we were out of hot water – I checked the propane and we had plenty so the hot water heater replenished in about 15 minutes. I took my shower and was in bed by 8:30 reading Origin, a book given to me by Charlie. He said it would finally answer the question of how we got here, but better yet, where we were going. Charlie is always been a “Big Woo” guy. I will say though that I have enjoyed the beginning of the book. The lights went out about 9:00. With the heater now set at 60 - sleep for us and the dogs was good.