AUGUST 7th & 8th - Alabama, DeFuniak Springs, Fl.,Paynes Prairie

Friday, August 7th, we all were up early. Denny and the grandchildren were leaving at 7am. With tears in our eyes we said our goodbyes and watched as they drove away. Sharon, Linda, Don & I went back into the house and talked about our good time with Denny and the grandchildren.
Don had written and copyrighted a couple of songs which he played for them. Patrick asked Don for a copy of the songs and Don gave them to him.

When families are spread out around the country it is so hard to get everyone together. We were all thankful that our trips worked out that we could get together even for a short time.

We finally said our goodbye to Don (brother) & Linda (sister-in-law)and left for Jim & Betty's (friends)home in De Funiak Springs, Florida. This is where we left the TOAD (Honda CRV) on the first day of our trip.
When we crossed the Florida state line around 3:30, Sharon was just receiving some good news on the phone and saw the Welcome to Florida sign.. I don't know if the tears in her eyes was from the good news or making it back to Florida or both but she was excited!!!

We arrived at Jim & Betty's home right on time. Betty had fixed a great supper of fried pork chops, okra, peas, & fried cornbread. Dessert was homemade lemon pie. You know I have to be blessed because regardless where I go there is always a wonderful cook in the house. It is no wonder that I have the shape that I have! (round)
We enjoyed and talked the evening away - finally hitting the bed around 10pm.

Saturday, August 8th, we were ready at 9am this morning and went to a country style breakfast north of DeFuniak Springs. Too much food!!
Jim gave us a tour of the old homes situated around the lake in town. They were gorgeous and some were quite large, too.

Around 11:30, we said our goodbyes to Jim and Betty, hooked up the TOAD, and away we went. It was kind of strange to look at the monitor and see the Honda tagging along back there. I had to keep reminding myself that she goes where she is towed but I need to make room when necessary!

Our next stop was south of Gainesville at 5:30 EST. Paynes Prairie State Preserve. Full hook up camping for less than $10. This place is beautiful with a herd of buffalo and a herd of wild horses roaming free not to mention the deer and turkey that shares this habitat.

While Sharon was fixing cabbage rolls for dinner, I ran out and snap a few pictures. Enjoy them..........


Young Buck in velvet with a Doe.








He was curious, especially when I opened the door and got out of the Honda in hopes of a better picture of him.







The Does kept looking up to see where I was and then would go back to browsing.







Finally the Spike walked away and the Does soon followed.







I climbed back in the car and went to the MH for another fine meal prepared by Sharon. I wasn't disappointed either!
Tomorrow, we will make the final leg of our journey and home. Instead of driving straight in today and being tired from the trip, we decided to spend the night here at Paynes Prairie and drive the 3 hours home after breakfast tomorrow. That way, we will be rested and ready for those grandchildren, as well as other friends and family that will be dropping by.
So this time, I wishing that our last leg of the trip to be uneventful, safe, but still one of the HAPPY TRAILS!!