Snowy Range Pass

Snowy Range Pass

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Tornado warnings




We left Resaca and headed back to the hills of Al and our motorhome. We had watched all the weather reports as they came in and observed the radar images showing the heavy storms rolling over the motorhome and the NWS tornado warning for the area. I admit we were glad to not be riding out the storm with the motorhome. We took the view better the coach than us.

We knew from the weather reports that it could not be near as bad as the terrible loss in Mississippi, but we were a bit anxious. When we got to within about ten miles of the campground, we found the main highway closed and police vehicles everywhere.

After following the GPS around some back roads we ended up at another police barricade, only after driving thru some areas of heavy damage to homes, roads, and power lines. They took the time to help us find a way back to the RV Park. We later learned that at least 23 folks were injured when at least two tornadoes came thru the towns of Geraldine and Albertville.

As we came closer to the park, the sight of damage disappeared and it seems the park and the immediate surrounding area was spared as damage. We were lucky not to be in the area as there were no official shelters within many miles of the RV Park.

We definitely dodged a bullet this time.


http://blog.al.com/breaking/2010/04/tornado_that_hit_downtown_albe.html

http://blog.al.com/breaking/2010/04/long_path_of_destruction_left.html

Birthday party
















Yesterday we left our RV Resort outside of Langston, Al very early to head to our grandson’s third birthday in Resaca, Ga. We left early because it had been raining heavily all night before and the local forecast could only be called grim with almost guaranteed tornadoes expected sometime during the late part of the day.

It was a good trip over some remote roads and we arrived in plenty of time for the party. Aleister was excited and the party was a big success. The only sour note was the bad weather and heavy rain that followed us all the way there.

A good time was had by all and Aleister certainly enjoyed his day.

Today, the weather was much better and we were able to enjoy some time outside before we had to head back to Al and hopefully find the RV in one piece. The weather radar and warnings indicated tornadoes in the area we were staying.

We are very happy that we were able to be there for Aleister’s big day.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Alabama















The next stop along the way was Decatur, AL to visit Anneke’s aunt and several generations of cousins. We had a nice visit and caught up on what has been going on here and of course had a lot of food. The youngest member of the family-Maddie- is getting a lot of face time with the grandparents and great grandmother, as well.

We then moved to the mountains west of Decatur and are camped at a very nice campground called Mountain Lake Resort near Langston. We are indeed along a very large lake, which is one of many in the area. Fishing appears to be a big pastime here. If only we could drag a boat along with us.

We also drove to Scottsboro to check out a well known unclaimed Baggage establishment that has made it to the tourist list. Anneke did find a few items, but in general they are a bit pricey for used stuff.

It has been great weather, but heavy storms are predicted for tomorrow, just in time for our drive to Resaca, GA for our grandson’s third birthday-WOW.

Friday, April 16, 2010

Family visit

















We are moving on to our next stop in Decatur, Al. The two weeks in the panhandle were great. We had an extended celebration of Anneke’s birthday including a lunch out for two in Pensacola, an all hands dinner out in Destin, a day at the beach with lots of shells collected, and a family gathering at home for gifts with an excellent meal prepared by son in law Ryan. In the end, the best gift was the fact that we could have everyone there for a few days of family time.

There were some interesting gifts including customized M&Ms and wine
.
The visit was not without some stress, as we had a number of doctor visits to attend too. All was okay, but not without what is apparently going to be a norm of repeat visits to discuss issues that apparently center around the fact that we are not getting any younger.

Next we will be visiting Anneke’s Aunt and other family members in Decatur and hopefully get a little sightseeing in, as well.

Wednesday, April 07, 2010

Happy Birthday-Anneke



Anneke has turned 60 and will be having an extended celebration this week as all the children come to celebrate with her.