Week 9 in sunny Florida — and home again

On our final week on the road, we were back to St. Petersburg to see Joan’s friend, Barrie. What a great place to watch the waterfowl swimming in the canal and coming into her yard, looking for handouts. There were three storks hanging out on the front lawn. When they eat, their beaks make a clacking sound, and they love hot dogs! It is interesting that they will eat bread, but it is a difficult food item for their beaks. It seems if they manage to get the bread down, fine; it not, they do seem to lose interest fast. And, while they are ugly up close and personal, they are beautiful in flight. Just wondering where the old tale came from that says they deliver babies!
Barrie is a docent at the Florida Holocaust Museum, which is one of the largest in the country. We spent a few hours there with her, looking at the exhibits. Included in the first floor exhibit is an actual railroad boxcar that was used to transport Jewish people to the camps. Very cruelly, the Nazis crowded more than a 100 people into these cars where 10 to 15 would seem crowded to us. And, all this without sanitation measures!
In Florida, all school children must study the Holocaust, and the museum has trunks of materials that they send to the schools for the teachers to use before touring the museum. The trunks contain literature, videos, curriculum guides and posters that are age appropriate for students from first grade to twelfth grade. One group of children from Virginia made a colorful quilt with their thoughts about the exhibit that toured their area.
One of the exhibits, "Beyond Swastika and Jim Crow" compares the Nazi propaganda with the Jim Crow laws that existed in the United States. The exhibit encourages thought and discussion of the consequences of bullying. Survivors of the Holocaust speak to groups, and we were pleased to be able to sit in and listen to a gentleman tell the story of his family. The greatest impression to James is the wonderful will we all possess when we are challenged.
On Wednesday, while we were traveling to the gym, we noticed a sign for a Friday night dance at the Bradenton Women’s Club. We called for tickets and planned to attend the dance after exercising on Friday. This took a little planning as we had to figure in time for changing into our dance clothes and having dinner. We dressed at the gym after exercising, and ate at a little Greek restaurant across the street. Then we headed for the dance.
Just before we got there, we could see flashing lights and that traffic was being diverted. Traveling narrow side streets in the dark, not knowing where we were going, we followed the traffic and ended up at the parking lot for the dance! We had been worried that the detour would bypass the hall. We were told that a house fire was the cause of the traffic congestion.
We never know when we go to a new dance venue what we will find for music and dancers. This was a very nice group of people, and a 13-piece dance band. Our tablemates were "snowbirds" from Quebec, and we had some interesting conversations between dances. They with their Canadian accents, and we with our Yankee accents — how wonderful!
The next morning, we said good-bye to Barrie, and headed across Florida to visit Joan’s cousin, Bruce. On Sunday morning, we went to an open-air vegetable and flea market. The vegetables looked fresh and colorful and imagine — fresh strawberries in January for $2 a pint!
When we travel, and stop at rest areas, truck stops, or Wal-Mart for the night, mornings are always a little confusing at first. When we wake up, the inside of the van is certainly familiar, but then we have to stop and think about where we are: What state we are in? Where we are parked?
At one Welcome Center and rest area in Mississippi, we saw a training model of the Lunar Landing Module. This was located near Stennis Space Center. Some states make a great effort to welcome travelers and show interesting exhibits of their area and culture.
Another difficult moment comes when one of us asks, "What day is this?" While we are traveling, we frequently lose a day just because they days seem to be no different from each other. Joan tries to write a journal entry for every day, with the day of the week and date just to keep track. James, also preoccupied with his driving duties, always asks what day it is and what time it is.
In previous blogs, James has talked about his safe driving habits. This week James would like to comment on others.
When he puts the cruise control at the speed limit, invariably we are the slowest vehicle on the highway. The state troopers cannot stop all the speeding, and it seems the roads are too often marked with crosses — most probably drivers and perhaps their passengers were killed. How sad! Life is too precious to waste for a lead foot.
The other concern is drivers distraction with cell phones. Many states like Connecticut have laws against the use of cell phones when driving; yet, drivers all across the country ignore the safety and logic of this type of law designed to protect drivers from themselves. Perhaps their lunacy is reflected in one of the many crosses around the country.
Safe driving is not a guarantee for safety; but it is a safe bet!
We traveled south to Florida, west across the country to California, and east back to Florida again, and north back to Connecticut. We went through small towns and big cities. Met old friends, relatives, and made new friends. The mileage for this years’ journey is 9,237 miles (plus or minus a few) and are looking forward to a new adventure — -possibly the northern states during the summer months. Who knows?
We are ending this third tour of our great country. It has been an honor to know that many of the readers of this blog were right there beside us in our van as miles, days and weeks and states passed by. It is our fondest hope you will share our love of this country and get out and see it.
James and Joan, the American Vagabonds

Back in Florida, the Sunshine State

Back in Florida, the Sunshine State
We have to start out correcting a statement in our last blog. Heading east, we went from Arizona into Texas — not the other way around as we had written. So much for proofreading! And many thanks to exacting readers!
San Antonio is a lovely city, with the River Walk meandering through the city. We could see the new construction to extend the canal further and when finished, it will be even more enticing than it is now.
On a warm afternoon, we explored the San Jose` mission. This is part of the San Antonio Missions National Park. It was interesting to see how the Indians and missionaries lived. The mission has been renovated, and the stonework is intricate — the artisians had to have been extremely talented.
We saw a sign for Bill Miller’s Bar B Q with good prices advertised, so we stopped for dinner. This is a unique restuarant with an "open" kitchen and fast service. Joan got a kick out of the pictures on the wall near our table. They were of pigs, cattle, goats and horses that had won ribbons in a fair.
We usually see pictures of local scenery or classic cars, so this was definitely different. Bill Miller is a chain of 70 resturants in the Texas hill country, and judging by the local patronage, it’s a well known place for good food at reasonable prices.
Beautiful, warm weather turned cold overnight, so we headed east again. We stopped at a rest area on I-10 and were disgrunted to see that they only displayed a state of Texas flag. We have seen this frequently in Texas where either no U.S.A. flag is flying, or the Texan flag is larger than the U.S.A. flag. For all our travels, this is a unique observation to Texas and quite disheartening.
We are proud of Connecticut but reserve no higher pride than being Americans.
Louisiana is a pretty state, with bridges that travel through marshes and swamps. One of the Louisiana welcome centers had a display of Mardi Gras costumes. They were made beautifully with colorful sequins. The woman attendant told Joan that after they are worn, the owners donate the costumes. I’m sure they are extremely expensive and heavy, but their shine and beauty are well worth it. Who can ever think that America does not possess the magic of art in its citizens.
While we travel, Joan uses her iPhone to look for activities in the cities and communities ahead of us. We also use the iPhone for Mapquest, weather, email, news and so much more.
She found a Sunday night ballroom dance with a buffet in Mobile, Alabama. During the week, the ballroom is a dance studio and on Saturday and Sunday evenings, they have dances to "show off" what they learned. We called ahead to be sure we would be welcome, got the address, and arrived in our best dance clothes. We were greeted with southern hospitality at every turn.
As soon as the attendees heard that we were visiting from Connecticut, they came over to welcome us and make us feel at home. Southern hospitality is real and most charming. Sometimes, we wish New Englanders could take a hint from the charm and welcoming of this region of the country.
We arrived back in Florida and stopped back at Joan’s friend Barrie’s house. Here we had traveled across the country, without seeing a serious accident and on this day, we saw two! One was a van on its roof on the side of the road, and the other was a huge 5th wheeler RV on its side that took up three of the four lanes. Traffic was backed up for miles, and delayed our arrival at Barrie’s. James, as the driver, does not like standing traffic, especially on the highways .
This week James would like to discuss how we travel or more exactly drive the highways and byways of this great country.
First we try to avoid the interstates if at all possible. To digress a bit, the interstates are the road link system for the country. They are fast (some states permit 80 mph) and boring. Originally, we took I-40 across the country, but for the last two tours we have taken the more Southly I-10 we have discussed.
It is impossible to avoid cold but it is the snow we are attempting to avoid. One interesting note on Interstates: I am sure readers do not know that there is a requirement that for every five miles of Interstate, there will be a one mile straightaway. This feature allows for the Defense mandate in the act authorizing the construction of the Interstate network to allow for runways for aircraft if needed in an emergency situation. Hats off to President Dwight D. Eisenhower, a great leader in peace and in war.
Cruise control is essential for long distance traveling. One thing James, as the designated driver, has to be careful of, though, is not to get his feet tangled so he can hit the brakes quickly. Also, he sets the cruise control a few miles per hour lower than the speed limit. This ensures that he does not have an expensive meeting with a state trooper and it offers better gas mileage. When it comes to better mileage, James checks the air pressure in the tires every day, and checks the oil levels and add synthtic oil as needed.
A long time ago, he learned to accelerate as if there was an egg under his gas foot. (Doesn’t every father tell his teenage son this as he teaches him to drive?) This accomplishes two things: 1. better gas mileage and 2. it is easier on the engine.
The down side is that drivers behind us have a tendency for "jack rabbit" starts and do not like our slow and gradual acceleration. These good driving practices have allowed us to enjoy from 23 to as high as 28 miles per gallon. More importantly, than money saved, is the enjoyment of seeing things that fast drivers will never see — too bad.
We are off to the gym and some lunch.
From lovely weather and blue skies in St. Petersburg, Florida,
Joan and James, the American Vagabonds

Heading east — by way of San Diego

We started our trip east by first going to San Diego. This coastal city is long known for its great weather, and this visit was no exception. It was sunny, blue skies, high 70s and low 80s.
However, it was not for the weather that we went to San Diego. It was to visit James’ aunt, the youngest of his mom’s siblings, who now enjoys 90 years of age. Although a bit frail, she is as witty, sharp, and interesting as she has ever been. I’ll bet the reader knows a relative like this and feel as priviledged that he does. She is the only one that can use the diminutive form of James, calling him Jimmy — and what can he say except "Yes Mam," and "No Mam," feeling a trilfe uncomfortable.
It feels great if not uncomfortable that this retired man is still a child in his aunt’s eyes.
Aunt Frances’ husband goes to Tijuana, Mexico frequently, as it is only a short drive south, but since James has been there a number of times, we decided to pass.
After a nice, interesting and rewarding visit with James’ Aunt in San Diego, we decided to go to the San Diego Zoo. The zoo, is of course, world renowned. Even if you have visited other zoos, this one is a must if you are in southern California.
It was a beautiful, warm, Friday, but no crowds and with an affordable entry fee, it made a nice addition to our trip. On the advice of a gentleman guide, we took a double-decker tour bus (included in the price) for the first 45 minutes. This orients visitors with the park, and gives you ideas of what areas you might want to visit. Once we returned to our starting point, James wanted to take the aerial Skyfari gondola ride to the "Polar Plunge" on the other side of the park.
Off we went, high above the lush vegetation and animals. Arriving on the other side of the zoo, we started to walk back, checking out the exhibits as we went. The first animals we visited were the polar bears. They were swimming in their pool, and their impressive size made us happy that they were happy on their side of the enclosure!
The other animals in this section were elk and and a cute, very fat Arctic Fox!
As we proceeded through the zoo, we could see how well the animals were taken care of. The enclosures and pens were scrupulously clean, and the animals appeared to be content. The habitats were natural to where they live in the wild, with vegetation that even in winter is beautiful.
We followed trails that led through jungle terrain, along the Monkey Trail, to the Gorilla Tropics and Absolutely Apes. Here we met an orangutan that wanted nothing but to socialize. He left his mates swinging on ropes and in the trees, and came to the 110 foot long viewing window to stare out at us, as we humans stared back at him. I got the feeling that if he could, he would climb into a lap to be rocked like a baby.
James wanted another ride on the Skyfari, so up we went again, sailing smoothly across the park. We went to the Elephant Odyssey, where a Fossil Portal (a bit of brackish water) slowly drained to reveal bones that had been found in tar pits in the Los Angeles area. The elephants were busy eating and ignored those who wanted a close-up look, so we proceeded on to the rhinoceros pen where two brother rhinos live and play. The guide told us that when they get pushing and shoving, the ground trembles and you can feel it through the fence!
There were some lions lying around — sorry — and one pacing along the fence. We then rode the Skifari back to the entry and left the park. Unfortunately, the Panda Bear exhibit was closed, so we didn’t have a chance to see these famous inhabitants of the zoo.
Food at the zoo is very expensive — $4 for a hot dog — so we went to the van to eat some sandwiches before leaving San Diego.
Heading east on I-10, we could see a change in the scenery. Hills and canyons, and lots of rocks. We watched the elevation rise from 1,000 feet above sea level to 4,000 feet.
We were in the Cleveland National Forest — a forest with no trees! Once at the summit, there were signs warning of a steep 6 percent downgrade and falling rock zones. And, a runaway truck ramp! As it was getting dark, we went down the switchbacks that snaked down the mountain with our ears popping, but couldn’t see the scenery.
There were areas where piles of rock sat along the road — having indeed fallen from the mountains above. This was the southern tip of the Vallectto Mountain Range. Suddenly, there was a sign that said "Sea Level" and the land around us was flat, flat, flat!
Leaving Texas and traveling into Arizona, the terrain changed again into desert. The Imperial Dunes Recreation Area draws dune buggy buffs from all over. We could see RVs parked out in the desert; and buggies, ATVs, and motorcycles on the dunes. Joan loves looking at the cactus and all the various shapes they grow into.
At a Border Patrol check, we slowly drove by as a dog sniffed around the van — obviously trained to smell for drugs. We went through several more checkpoints, and the agents only asked if we were U.S. citizens. This was the only one with a drug sniffing dog!
The Border Patrol also deploys what James thinks to be infrared heat senses to see how many occupants are in vehicles. One morning in the distance, we saw a small, low flying plane that we thought might be a drone flying over the border with cameras. It is clear the Border Patrol uses as many unintrusive measures to do their job. These law enforcement professionals are a credit to their profession — plus James likes their uniforms, too.
Passing over the Continental Divide, we continued east. We could see snow on the mountains in the distance and they were quite beatuiful. We decided to stop for the night in Fort Stockton, Texas. We had been through this little town two weeks before on our trip west. This time we noticed a motel that had been badly burned in a fire. This had happened during the two weeks since we were there last! Fort Stockton is a little town off of I-10, but since it is the only town of any size for miles, they get lots of tourist traffic. That night there were at least 8 RVs in the Wal Mart parking lot. Word does get around to where the parking is free and inviting!
This Wal Mart put our purchases in paper bags. When we asked the clerk about no plastic, he said that in all of Fort Stockton, NO store is allowed to use plastic bags. This keeps the area free of blowing bags. We like this idea! We wish large retailers would adapt this policy without government intervention at any level. We are not tree huggers, but it saddens us as we pass through pristine deserts with discarded platic bags blowing, scarring sacred land created by Mother Nature for all of us to enjoy, free of man’s trash.
And, that night it SNOWED in Southern Texas!
This week James would like to comment on what he describes as the "underbelly" of the large urban cosmopolitan cities.
The American Vagabonds live a lifestle among all the people. In every city we see modest homes providing the workers who clean the rooms, cook and serve the food and the countless other services that tourists enjoy. Most of these workers can never and will never be able to afford an expensive trip that someone else just like them will take care of their needs and wants.
In this political system we just hope that the American Dream is still alive for all Americans, and all politicians to be truly committed to all the Americans of modest means with hopes, dreams, and aspirations for themselves and their children.
From one of our favorite cities, San Antonio,
James and Joan the American Vagabonds
You can e-mail James and Joan at american_vagabonds@yahoo.com. Follow them online at www.registercitizen.com’s home page, then click on the blog link. Stay tuned for the next post!

Pasadena, California, right on time

We made it! We're in Pasadena!
New Mexico is a mixture of rocks, mountains, and cactus along I-10. After purchasing a new battery for the VW, and crossing New Mexico in one day, we entered California and Pacific Coast Time on Thursday, Dec. 29. We were right on schedule for the New Year’s Eve camp-out on Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena.
Our only specific goal for our cross-country trip was to be in Pasadena for the 123rd Annual Tournament of Roses Parade. Everything we have done to date either compliments or has not been in conflict with that goal. After driving 4,964 miles, we arrived on Bonnie Avenue, and a specific parking spot — our destination in Pasadena.
This was our third trip to see the parade and we had been looking forward to our stay.
The first thing we discovered on arrival in Pasadena was that the parade was going to be held on Monday, Jan. 2, instead of New Year’s Day.
SO, that meant we were a a day early — it was December 30th! We checked with some other RVs in the area, and they said it was OK to park on the street. Generally, you can only park one day before the parade, but Pasadena is a very welcoming city. The entire system is welcoming to include the police department. The smiles abound, people are polite, and the San Gabriel Mountains are breathtaking.
Three years ago when we first went out to the parade, we scouted the streets and decided the best place to park was on Bonnie Avenue, contiguous to Pasadena City College. It is also next to Burger King, a terrific "99 cent" store, (the "99 cent" store has EVERYTHING for 99 cents — including fresh fruit and vegetables, cold cuts, soda, bread — the list goes on) and the all important porta-potties along with all the usual smaller retailers found in every city. We parked in our usual place — for free — which makes us laugh because some people reserve space in the Burger King lot for $40. We are right next to them! $40 for 10 feet closer and 10 feet further. Go figure!
We spent the next day walking on Colorado Boulevard. Bleachers and fences were already in place all along the street. Any business with a grassy area puts up bleachers — and charges up to $90 a seat, possibly more. (And, just in case someone doesn’t like sitting on a cold, hard metal bench, you can purchase a thin cushion for $15.) Every parking lot has signs selling space along the route and on some of the side streets. The side streets are also where the large RVs park, free, as we do. And there are hundreds of them!
The next morning at 6 a.m. Pacific Coast Time (9 a.m. EST) we got out dressed for cold and established our space for the parade. We discovered remnants of our red masking tape from last year were still on the road! Some people mark off their space with chalk, some use tape, but unless they stay there and "maintain residence" they may lose their camping spot.
We stayed all day, sharing ‘guarding’ duties with a friend we met there three years ago. She is a wonderful, generous woman who ‘showed us the ropes’ when we first went to watch the parade. No chairs or tables are allowed on the sidewalk during the day, so we stack them against the fence.
It is kind of funny to watch the police try to keep people from sitting in their chairs. They drive up and down the street stopping and making everyone stand up and fold up their chairs. In a little while, everyone is sitting down again! The officers who tell people to stand really do not have their heart in telling people to stand. They are professional and do their job.
We and all the others play a game and sit as we need, and stand when we are told, and resume our seats when the officer passes. It is one of the joys that bind the people who have the goal of being right on the Blue (Honarary) Line.
At noon, we are allowed to move out to the curb, sit and relax. Some start their BBQs, and begin The Party while classic cars cruise up and down the boulevard. We have seen just about every year, make and model ever produced — plus a few unidentifiable models! As it gets dark, the classic cars disappear and other later models cruise the street.
The kids had their fun shooting silly string, marshmallows, and tortillas at cars, with kids in the cars shooting back! The cars become literally covered with stickly stuff — but it seems to be part of the game! Since this year New Year’s Eve was already past, the partying was a little more subdued. James made score cards and gave 10s to all the classics. If the driver ignored James, they got a 9! As Connecticut Yankees, we are really into this California thing.
At mid-night we pick up again and move out to THE BLUE LINE. This is the point of getting up at 6 in the morning — to secure your place on the blue line. It is literally painted on the roadway, and is the closest anyone can get to the parade. It is a front row seat!
We then hunker down for the night. In the past, we put sleeping bags and mats on the ground and went to sleep. This year we had anti-gravity chairs that we slept in. Some have air mattresses, some don’t go to sleep at all and sit around fire pits and talk and party all night.
In the morning, we are awakened (if you aren’t already awake, you will be!) by 15 - 20 tow trucks, driving down the middle of the street with all their lights flashing and horns blowing. This is the official wake-up call. Soon everyone is up, getting ready for the parade. Get some coffee at Burger King or Starbucks, roll up your blankets, and the excitment builds. Just before the start of the parade at 8, a Stealth bomber glides above the crowd, barely making a sound. It is black, 172 feet wide, and awe-inspiring to see. The crowd looks up and watches spellbound as it passes overhead.
By now, thousands of people have lined the boulevard, jockeying for a place to watch the parade. Those of us who have been out for over 24 hours do not look kindly at someone coming up at the last minute hoping for a front row seat! People with tickets for the bleachers can hardly push through the crowd on the sidewalk to get up to their seats. And once they are there, forget coming down for something to eat, drink, or use the porta potty (which will soon be out of paper, anyway!)
About 8:45 a.m., the parade gets to where we are waiting — led by motorcycle officers riding around in circles and entertaining the crowd. Their goal is not only to entertain; but also, clear people back behind the Blue Line.
Soon we are up close to the most beautiful floats you can imagine. The marching bands from highschools around the country, and some from other countries, march to perfection. It is exciting and impressive being a few feet away from the floats and bands — not like watching TV. All the floats are made with perfect roses, flowers, and other natural materials; and it is worth all the effort to get here and then some. Pick a favorite float — impossible!
James likes to "score" the floats and bands besides the Classic Cars. We make a sign that says "Connecticut Loves the Tournament of Roses" and put it by our chairs. We get a lot of comments from people in the parade like "Welcome to California" or "My sister lives in Enfield" or "What part of Connecticut?". James makes paddles with "9" and "10" as he mentioned, but always waves the "10" as they go by. The band leaders are especially appreciative of the score! The kids marching are terrific!
The parade ends! People are everywhere, trying to corral families, carrying chairs, coolers, and all their equipment back to their cars.
Left behind are piles and piles of trash that the city has to deal with. Happily, we don’t have too far to carry our things. We say good-bye to our good friends Celia and her son Chris, and others we were sitting near. The traffic is horrendous.
Some people stay in hotels — 2 night minimum — at $169 a night or more, (regular price $79, but inflated for the parade) or pay $40+, for parking, or $90+ for a bleacher seat. Some come on charter busses,and we don’t know what they would cost. They buy their meals in restaurants.
We park on the street for free, bring our food or buy it at the "99 cent" store, sleep out in the open air, and have a front row seat for FREE! Can’t beat it!
The Tournament of Roses is a unique American experience and foreign to most of the readers of this blog.
To do what we and many of the locals do, is not for everyone.
It gets cold, it gets hot, we drink a lot of coffee, and eat on the fly and we are proud to bring a mention that two people from the small state of Connecticut love this experience. Now we begin thinking about preparations for the 124th edition of the Tournament of Roses.
James and Joan, the American Vagabonds — now in San Diego on a beautiful, warm day!
You can e-mail James and Joan at american_vagabonds@yahoo.com. Follow them online at www.registercitizen.com’s home page, then click on the blog link. Stay tuned for the next post!