So, the end of the 'official' winter found us still in Florida, enjoying the panhandle area, which the locals refer to as 'southern Alabama' - - same food, same southern hospitality and same thick southern accents.  After spending time in all the areas of this state, it was quite different in the northern region.  Yes, they do have beautiful beaches.  Some would even say the 'best' beaches can be found in the north - - far less touristy, for sure! 

Same birds though . . .










 
We did find that weather drama can certainly be an issue all over the south.  We dodged no less than SEVEN(!) tornadoes during the winter months in Florida, as well as all manner of severe weather.  Jeeesh, El Nino, enough all ready!
  
Alabama showed off some amazing gardens, and after visiting these show places, I even found a new 'ride' on which to explore any number of back roads!!

 

  




Helmet required . . .

Our final gulf coast stop was New Orleans!  We were finally blessed with some great weather for our very brief time there, but never knew sooo many people could visit one city during a non-vacation time.  Whew - - that gave 'crowds' a new definition for us!  Wonderful historic city. . .

Heading toward the Ozarks in Arkansas, we raced to Vicksburg, Mississippi in an attempt to outrun yet another severe weather system.  This time, we were stranded for eight days waiting for clearing.  We stayed safe, but were surrounded by flooding, severe thunder storms and more tornadoes.  Yikes!  At least Vicksburg provided much history to entertain (when we could get out.)  The Civil War-era structures and battle fields are really amazing!!

When the floods receded and we got to the Ozarks, we were blessed with some beautiful scenery.  Would like to see this area during the fall color season, but loved what we saw in the spring time.
   

Since we're slowly headed to the northwest for the summer, and we couldn't really identify any scenic back roads across the high plains, we took to the interstate and joined the truck parade across Oklahoma and the Texas panhandle.  Then, surprise, surprise - - more weather drama!  After being towed off the freeway due to a broken transmission (ugh!), we found ourselves in a 60-mph wind storm - - for three days, followed by a brief snowstorm.  I think all the dust in Oklahoma found its way into our trailer!  I'm still picking grit out of my teeth - - a problem when one smiles a lot.

The Texas panhandle helped us get over the weather and transportation drama with some spectacular park lands.  Of course, I have no words to describe what I see when visiting New Mexico!  The colors - - just 'WOW'.   And, in Arizona, the Painted Desert left me speechless as well; hard to do, as those who know me will attest to . . .

We'll be spending several months in Washington while we volunteer as docents at a museum near Olympic National Park.  Looking forward to some family celebrations and reconnecting with our northwest buddies, before getting back on the road for some snow birding during the upcoming winter months. 

When we get back on the road, you'll hear from us once again!  In the meantime, happy and healthy days to each and every one . . . and I hope you have enjoyed following my 'ramblings' so far.