It's been a busy day...

[tiggerdad]

Well, got up this morning to just another day. As the day progressed it turned out to be a big one.

First big news is that I am very jealous of my 9 y/o. We got a call today from my wife's parents and they are leaving in the morning heading to Glacier National Park.... It is on my list of top 5 places I want to see before I die and she is going to beat me to it. Who knows, maybe this will get her started on a love for our Nation's national parks and encourage her to go see more of them.

In a prior post Ed commented on how we should always take every opportunity to meet our fellow Disers whenever we can. I do believe that this is true and I take every chance to make these meetings whenever possible. Today was one of those days! Just about 2 miles north of me is a Corps of Engineers flood control lake called Okatibbee. It has some really nice camping for us locals. Well, one of our Disers decided to make a trip from down around Mobile to come up and take a look. So, today I was able to meet up with SouthAlabama5er (Randy) and his wife. They are staying a few days so me and my wife and kids went by to pay them a visit. Oh, sorry Randy, I forgot we met the little dog too! The kids really liked her.

We talked about Fort Wilderness, golf carts, squirrels, and future camping trips. We even talked about Ed and his Aliner (which I was very impressed with Ed ) We even found out that his wife and my kids were wanting to go see the new Disney movie "Inside Out" so we decided to make a trip out of it and loaded up and went to see it. I highly recommend it for you guys. My favorite character was Anger, he reminds me a lot of myself...

Anyhow, it was a really good opportunity and my wife commented that "You know, we haven't me a single person from off the Disboards that wasn't really nice and great to be around". I agree with her on this. Over the last few years I have had the pleasure of meeting several of you and intend to keep it going.

So, Randy, it was great to meet you and your family, but I really wish you hadn't given my wife the tour of the camper as she is still talking about moving up to a 5th wheel like yours....thanks man...

 

[Flametamr]

Sounds like it was a great day.

 

[bama_ed]

Good for you guys. Bama Ed

 

[KristinU]

Fun!

 

[SouthAlabama5er]

Yeah, my wife and I are always up for check new campgrounds, so we decided to make the 3 hour drive north and cover some new ground. We had a easy drive up until we started getting close to Meridian. Using the Google Maps app on my phone was interesting to say the least, it took us down the smallest and twisted back streets, through a subdivision with low hanging tree limbs and through a business district with warehouses and a saw mill, not much fun towing a 43 ft fifthwheel, (in fact driving through the subdivision I was wishing I had Ed's Aliner in tow). That's twice I've let the Google Maps app get me on back roads with the camper, the first was in Fort Payne, Alabama, I should've learned my lesson then, but they say half the fun is getting there right?

My wife and I enjoyed meeting Michael and his family, it's always good to put a face with the name. All the talk about the Fort and seeing the new Disney movie Inside Out has us ready to load up and go.

I agree with you, I wish I was going to Glacier National Park, it to is on my list of places I want to see.

The Twiltley Branch Campground we're at is nice, but its no Fort Wilderness, haha wife and I compare every place to Fort, I think we all do that. But I am happy just to be camping, we have a good view of the lake and pently of shade.

Michael, I'm sorry about the tour and getting your wife thinking about upgrading, haha! I like I said my wife picked out our camper so you gotta keep the wife happy... even if it means upgrading haha

 

[North of Mouse]

Yeah, my wife and I are always up for check new campgrounds, so we decided to make the 3 hour drive north and cover some new ground. We had a easy drive up until we started getting close to Meridian. Using the Google Maps app on my phone was interesting to say the least, it took us down the smallest and twisted back streets, through a subdivision with low hanging tree limbs and through a business district with warehouses and a saw mill, not much fun towing a 43 ft fifthwheel, (in fact driving through the subdivision I was wishing I had Ed's Aliner in tow). That's twice I've let the Google Maps app get me on back roads with the camper, the first was in Fort Payne, Alabama, I should've learned my lesson then, but they say half the fun is getting there right?

My wife and I enjoyed meeting Michael and his family, it's always good to put a face with the name. All the talk about the Fort and seeing the new Disney movie Inside Out has us ready to load up and go.

I agree with you, I wish I was going to Glacier National Park, it to is on my list of places I want to see.

The Twiltley Branch Campground we're at is nice, but its no Fort Wilderness, haha wife and I compare every place to Fort, I think we all do that. But I am happy just to be camping, we have a good view of the lake and pently of shade.

Michael, I'm sorry about the tour and getting your wife thinking about upgrading, haha! I like I said my wife picked out our camper so you gotta keep the wife happy... even if it means upgrading haha

 

[North of Mouse]

Yeah, my wife and I are always up for check new campgrounds, so we decided to make the 3 hour drive north and cover some new ground. We had a easy drive up until we started getting close to Meridian. Using the Google Maps app on my phone was interesting to say the least, it took us down the smallest and twisted back streets, through a subdivision with low hanging tree limbs and through a business district with warehouses and a saw mill, not much fun towing a 43 ft fifthwheel, (in fact driving through the subdivision I was wishing I had Ed's Aliner in tow). That's twice I've let the Google Maps app get me on back roads with the camper, the first was in Fort Payne, Alabama, I should've learned my lesson then, but they say half the fun is getting there right?

My wife and I enjoyed meeting Michael and his family, it's always good to put a face with the name. All the talk about the Fort and seeing the new Disney movie Inside Out has us ready to load up and go.

I agree with you, I wish I was going to Glacier National Park, it to is on my list of places I want to see.

The Twiltley Branch Campground we're at is nice, but its no Fort Wilderness, haha wife and I compare every place to Fort, I think we all do that. But I am happy just to be camping, we have a good view of the lake and pently of shade.

Michael, I'm sorry about the tour and getting your wife thinking about upgrading, haha! I like I said my wife picked out our camper so you gotta keep the wife happy... even if it means upgrading haha

 

[North of Mouse]

Sorry for the triple posts folks, but something weird is going on with my computer (or me)

OK, will try this again 'without' trying to quote!!

SouthAlabama5er, understand the feeling of your phone app sending you through some of the worst places towing your trailer. We were directed once on a road that had a bridge out was a narrow road - we were in our mh towing a vehicle - had to unhook, 'very' carefully and slowly, turn around, then re hook, and go back. We've actually had to do this a few times when the GPS told us 'very' wrong info - not fun!!!

 

[tiggerdad]

[QUOTE="SouthAlabama5er, post: 53888145, member: 529786] Using the Google Maps app on my phone was interesting to say the least, it took us down the smallest and twisted back streets, through a subdivision with low hanging tree limbs and through a business district with warehouses and a saw mill, not much fun towing a 43 ft fifthwheel,[/QUOTE]

Ahhhh...Meridian! Glad you got the downtown tour

 

[SinceDay1]

Nothing better then meeting a fellow DISer!

Richard

 

[SouthAlabama5er]

Yeah NoM, it's always an adventure following the phone GPS towing a camper or in a MH. I told Tiggerdad (Michael) which roads we came in on he couldn't believe it, but no worries he lined me on how to head out of town when we leave.

With that being said, if yall ever pass through Meridian, Mississippi or if you are camping around Tiggerdad (Michael) take the time to stop and visit him and his Mrs Tiggerdad (Stacy), they are wonderful people with out a doubt! My wife and I are wanted say thanks again for the hospitality today and yesterday, we enjoyed dinner and visiting With you at your home. Looking forward to camping with yall in the future were ever it maybe, the Fort or GSP or Twiltley. And if your ever in our neck of the wood's we are looking forward to returning the hospitality!

 

[tiggerdad]

You got that right Richard.

We were able to meet up again this evening and the 4 of us (My children are either exploring the West or being spoiled by the grandparents) went out for dinner at a local restaurant. Spent some time talking camping and some funny stories from past camping trips (some of them disasters...)

Oh, and on SouthAlabama5er's last trip report he noted that there were some Mickey University of Alabama pins at the Meadows. I had made the comment that there were only some Michigan and Auburn pins when I was there and the man did post that he had me covered. Well, today he delivered that pin to me. Thanks a bunch Randy, your a true gentleman and a scholar (and all that other stuff).

We sill definitely be seeing you guys again. Currently we have booked next Memorial Day week at GSP again but maybe we'll be able to line something else between now and then.

P.S.
Let it be known that this time I did not blow my horn or run any bicyclists off the road as I was previously accused of by another poster. (Hey, Ed, how's Europe?)

 

[Flametamr]

We're heading to GSP next Sunday for two weeks. Having a tiny meet and greet with Tiggerdad July 6 or 7. Y'all come on down. I burn a mean hot dog. Plus I will throw in a tour of the new mansion on wheels.

 

[Flametamr]

I have had a couple of hiccups with the gps while bike riding but thankfully never with a camper. But I only go a couple of places and I generally know my route.

 

[SouthAlabama5er]

We are pulling out this morning headed back south towards home, well really Gulf Shores. I have booked us a odyssey, we started off here in Meridian (my idea), tried to book some last minute at GSP but they booked up this week, found a nice campground Off the Foley Beach Express, Sugar Sands (my 7 y/o idea). Headed there today, then Thursday we are back to the great state of Mississippi to meet with my parents and my in laws camping at Paul B. Johnson State Park just south of Hattiesburg, (my wifes idea) so we are coving alot of ground and burning alot diesel these two weeks. It's the only time I'll be home during the summer break from school.

Flametamr, might try run across the bay and meet up with yall next week, I head back offshore to work on the 1st of July.

 

[bama_ed]

Let it be known that this time I did not blow my horn or run any bicyclists off the road as I was previously accused of by another poster. (Hey, Ed, how's Europe?)

Tiggerdad, it's still here.

I was wearing my Bama t-shirt this morning in the Louvre and got a "Roll Tide" in the room that contains the Mona Lisa. Still in Paris for a few more days - doing Disneyland Paris on Tuesday. Paris is 7 hours ahead of the Central Time Zone in the States so it initially took a little getting used to.

London was great. I would highly recommend the pub Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese in the City if one gets a chance to hoist a pint. It's been in the same place since 1667. There was also a nice pub around the corner from the hotel (and a nice one by Kensington Palace, blah blah blah)...

Randy/5er, I want to put something in the official DIS record here. Tiggerdad has explained how he got a big camper to start with while he has kids and plans to downsize over the years rather than start small, upsize, then later downsize. He and the family stopped by my Aliner in Gulf Shores and they all came in and sat down inside and Mrs. Tiggerdad said, "I like this inside" and Tiggerdad's chin almost hit the floor. He said, "You heard her, Ed. You're my witness". His girls and niece approved of it too. So I would be willing to swear that she did say those words. Thus, his plan might eventually work out.

I have seen a few small trailers towed behind small vehicles here in France but nothing the size of the two trailers you guys have.

Glad to hear ya'll had fun.

Bama Ed

PS - Flametamr said, I burn a mean hot dog. Well, isn't that when you know they're ready?

 

[tiggerdad]

Sounds great Ed! Maybe one day I'll get the chance to get there. Right now I'm foaming at the mouth to go out West since my 9 y/o has started sending me some pics of the mountains out there.

P.S.
I am going to make my wife read your post. Thanks for having my back on that one!

Oh yeah, rouler le rouleau de marée!

 

[Napria]

Sorry for the triple posts folks, but something weird is going on with my computer (or me)

OK, will try this again 'without' trying to quote!!

SouthAlabama5er, understand the feeling of your phone app sending you through some of the worst places towing your trailer. We were directed once on a road that had a bridge out was a narrow road - we were in our mh towing a vehicle - had to unhook, 'very' carefully and slowly, turn around, then re hook, and go back. We've actually had to do this a few times when the GPS told us 'very' wrong info - not fun!!!

That's the scary thing about towing a fifth wheel; when you get in a situation like that you don't have the option of un hitching. The only way out is to back out till the whole rig can turn around

We are once again toying with the idea of going to Guntersville, but it would be a spur of the moment trip. Our new puppy is joining our family this Friday and we want to have him with us first to figure out whether we could logistically do this.

If we did go it would be for a few days around July 18. Do you think we could get a site for a 40' fifthwheel? And any of you DISers planning to be that way around then?

 

[SouthAlabama5er]

You can call Guntersville State Park and they can tell you if your 5er can fit, you probably won't have any problems. My 5er is 43 ft and I haven't came across a campground yet I couldn't get in, maybe a little tight which make for good entertainment for folks like Tiggerdad and Bama Ed,

 

[North of Mouse]

That's the scary thing about towing a fifth wheel; when you get in a situation like that you don't have the option of un hitching. The only way out is to back out till the whole rig can turn around

I really hear ya!! We actually got into a predicament when we were towing a trailer once and, like you said, had to carefully back the thing up. Had a 5th wheel for about three years, but never got in a pinch with it - 'loved' all the extra space when parked, but we never enjoyed towing it. 'No' trailer is fun to back up very far!! For the last 12 years it has been class A's for us - much more suitable to our lifestyle as we are empty nesters.