Magnolia Plantation, Charleston South Carolina, March 19, 2012

Visited the only remaining beautiful plantation in the US (The Magnolia Plantation) that is still owned by the same family for 13 generations. The present owner actually rode his bicycle with his dog right by us, and we would have loved to talk with him, he did say hi, but was out for a ride. It is also one of the oldest plantations in the US as well. The British occupied it during the Revolutionary War and later it was occupied and burned during the Civil War. If you ever desire to see an Amazing Southern Plantation, I would definitely recommend this one. Here is the web site with many pictures and the history: http://www.magnoliaplantation.com/ As you can see, the flowers were in peak bloom. Of course plantations were possible because of slavery, a dark part of our history. However, one consolation at least with regard to this particular estate, history points out that the 100 slaves or so on this plantation were said to be very content because the owners had been very respectful and kind to them, and many stayed with the place even after slavery was abolished. But, as you can see the owners home was quite different than the houses provided for the slaves..

March 17, 2012 Headed to Savannah Georgia

After visiting in Woodstock Ga we moved on to Savannah Ga to see this very old port city, the moss hanging on the trees, the flowers, the churches etc. A very old and beautiful Southern City.

Cross Country Travel to Georgia - March 14, 2012

Flew out to beautiful warm Georgia to pick up a slightly different used motorhome. This one had a few new features that our other one did not have. Purchased it from a Baptist Minister and his wife. They are getting up in years and have finished this stage of their journey in life. In any case, we are grateful for this newer little

rig. The vehicle is sitting here at Marilyn and Glens in Woodstock GA. We visited with them Cindy and Dave and the kids, and had a wonderful time. After visiting with these relatives we proceeded to Savannah Ga to see some Civil War history, churches, plantations, flowers and of course the 'Tall Tall Trees of Georgia'. Georgia is stunningly beautiful in the Spring and the stories about Southern hospitality and friendly people are absolutely true. In no other part of this great country have we found people more friendly or hospitable than in the Southern States.

Arizona Trip - Feb 11 - Feb 27 - Colorado River

We headed from Tombstone back up to the Colorado River on the Arizona side - Lake Havasu, Bullhead City and finally found a wonderful campground on the river below the Havasu Dam by the name of La Paz County Campground/ http://www.co.la-paz.az.us/CoLaPazAzUs/Main_Pages/Dept_County_Parks/parkListings/laPazCounty/index.htm, also at the same location on the river : The Pirates Den: http://www.piratesdenresort.com/ This is a great destination park just outside of Parker Arizona especially during the winter months, but very hot of course in the summer. This campground was $15.00 per/night. Great place for boating, swimming or bicycling along the Colorado river. This area offered some of the cleanest atmosphere you will ever find, clear air and sunshine, doesn't get much better at least for the winter time. In the picture above you can see multiple mountain ranges in an almost 3D atmosphere. Unfortunately places like this get noticed by the snowbirds from Canada. There were more Canadians here than Americans absorbing the rays.

Arizona Trip - Feb 11 - Feb 27 - Tombstone

After leaving the beautiful Superstitions and Canyon Lake, we headed on down to Tucson and then to Kartchner Caverns. Again, there was another beautiful Arizona State campground right next to the Caverns. The caves are primarily limestone and the temperature inside was 80 degrees and very humid. We had to go through many chambers where we were blown off and misted so that our dry clothes would not disturb the environment. Once inside the mountain we looked at areas where no human has ever laid foot. Also, we viewed a Sloth that had become trapped supposedly about 80,000 years ago, all very fascinating. Since Kartchner Caverns are close to Tombstone, we headed there next. Lot of fun viewing the Wyatt Earp and Clantons gun fight, the Bird Cage Saloon etc. The Wild West was truly wild and one cannot really appreciate this fact unless you have visited Tombstone Arizona. Both the Caves (which they would not let us take pictures of) and Tombstone are fascinating destinations in Arizona.

Arizona Trip - Feb 11 - Feb 27

Headed down with our friends, Blaine and Anita to Superstition Mountains. Stayed at the Lost Dutchman Mine State Park in Apache Junction Arizona. Had a great time at the mine, with many artifacts, and rust is considered great here. After staying one night we toured the mine. They have done a great job restoring it so the public can enjoy it. Next we moved up the highway to Canyon Lake on the Salt River. Further up is Apache Lake and then next is the Roosevelt Dam and Lake. We stayed a great State campground called Tortilla Flats. No electricity, so it was dry camping, but they had water and sewer. We rented a boat and went into the canyon. It was just beautiful scenery in true Apache country.

Last Day of 2011

We arrived home in Soquel just in time to view a beautiful sunset on the very last day of 2011 - Dec 31st - We said adieu to you, tough ole year, but thank you for such a beautiful ending ! - Now looking forward to 2012 !