Off Roading... Anyone?

Evening on the Pacific side of the Baja, around Ensenada

Miles of desert and Cactus

Well the weather was still chilly so we decided to head further South. Besides Sensei and Brenda were in San Jose Del Cabo…just outside of Cabo San Lucas, Baja…so we thought we would go for a drive, meet up with them and see some familiar faces. The drive down the Baja took about 5 days with a two-day stop over in Loreto…it was both scenic and bumpy. They are doing major road construction in many areas but the worst area is just outside of Ensenada, puts most off road 4x4ing to shame…. Go Olive Go! This little village of Loreto was great…wonderful little restaurant that a young Mexican couple run…all food cooked from scratch…wonderful homemade bread too. There is a lot of joy in the people down here but the poverty is so very evident too. Our Spanish is limited but it doesn’t seem to be a problem, it is amazing how you can still communicate…most of the time. You also can pick up the most important words pretty quick…like bathrooms, honey (for tea), no nuts. It keeps expanding the longer you are here. 

Highway out of Ensenada...miles of mud!

The Bay of Conception...met beach dog and couple from Vancouver.

The Bay of Conception

Town square in Loreto

Olive in front of the Best Little Cafe in Loreto

Only Friendly People at Friendly Acres

Winners of the FA Christmas Parade

As the nights started to warm up a bit we decided to find  less expensive accommodations. We did a search online and found a few RV parks but one stood out “Friendly Acres”, that sounds nice we thought. Off we go with the “Tom Tom” programed for a happy place! We pull in and notice that is says 55+… oh dear maybe we won’t be able to stay as we are both not there yet. But the lady at the front desk smiled and let it slide…turns out that if you are only staying for a few nights you don’t have to be of age. 


Well we settled in and that night they had a dance going on at their local activity centre. We decided to join in the fun and walked up that evening to where the country music filled the park roadways…. Also we just headed to where all of the golf carts were parked…seems to be the mode of transportation around the park! We were surprised to see the mostly 73+ crowd sipping on margaritas and doing jello shooters…yup! These seniors can party! And can they dance! It was a joy to watch the couples twirling around the dance floor not missing a beat. They had a fifty-fifty draw for the “Wounded Warriors” so we bought a few tickets. They also had a few “ladies only dances” which I got up and participated in…what a great bunch of gals! One lady reminded Mark of his Aunt Betty from Ontario…when we asked what her name was, she turned and said Betty…Mark and I just laughed. 

FA's Mr and Mrs Claus

Then it came time for the fifty-fifty draw and the first numbers where called and no one came up to claim the prize money, so they dipped in again and pulled out Mark’s numbers. Cheers went out and Mark had to go up and claim the prize of $64.00 they other half going to the “Wounded Warriors.” Mark decided to give the whole thing to the Vets. Now I say this not to pat him on the back for this gesture but to show how this one small act touched these seniors. The lady running the draw was so appreciative for the gift and we had senior men coming up and shaking Mark’s hand with deep emotion in their eyes. We then got invited to join the table that Betty was at and I got to dance with a few of the older gentlemen…my “two stepping” needs some work though! They asked about our journey and we told them of the request that God had asked of us and what had happened since we said “Yes”. It was a wonderful evening full of laughter and warmth… they even sent us a “Thank-you” card the next morning! They truly hold up the name “Friendly Acres”. They also had a wonderful golf cart Christmas parade and an ice cream social after to give out awards! Blessings to you all from the young'ins.

Yuma and God's Provisions

Round Desert Rocks

Yuma has the best Holiday Inn we have stayed at!

So after a long drive across the desert…which was partially white from the snow, we found ourselves in Yuma. The weather was still very cold at night just below or at freezing so Mark and I decided a couple of nights in a hotel or motel was still in order. We also needed to get the carbs adjusted a bit before we headed further south so we were praying that we would meet someone who could help out in this area. Mark and I pulled into a local starbucks and a man in an older VW bus pulled up to wash the windows of Starbucks. Mark started chatting with him about his VW and it turns out that he is a local pastor and cleans windows on the side! He also told us of a guy that does all his engine work so problem solved…don’t ever doubt that God doesn’t look out for you all you have to do is ask! To prove this further we saw a Holiday Inn on the hill above the starbucks we were working at and decided that would be a good place to stay to get out of the cold. We headed up the hill and went inside. Well it turned out that they had no rooms, it was a very busy holiday season for them. The young man behind the desk also let us know that as far as he knew there were no rooms available at any of the local hotels or motels…everything was fully booked. He offered to start phoning around but everywhere he tried the outcome was the same…no room at the inn! Mark and I were hanging at the front desk discussing the chilly possibility of spending the night in Olive, when a lady came in to check in for the night. We jokingly said to her “we hope you reserved” she replied that she always did as she was travelling on business and never wanted to risk it. The young lady behind the desk pulled up her reservation and said to the lady… ok I have your two rooms here. Oh said the lady I don’t need two rooms just one. I must have double booked. Mark and I looked at each other then at the young man behind the desk…He smiled at us and said well I guess you have a room after all…Thank you God we said! Every need…it has been amazing.

A Night on the River Walk

We have to back track a bit here as we missed blogging about San Antonio. There have been a few places along the way that we would recommend if you have never been and the River Walk in San Antonio is one. We stayed for a few nights in the local Walmart Motel (ok the parking lot! lol)  and walked around the downtown core in the late afternoon into the evening. The River Walk is full of shops and unique restaurants and the whole area is lite-up with small lights…. you can also take a boat ride where you will get all the history of the area. Mark got the Mariachi band to play us a tune…it was a wonderful evening.

Snowy New Mexico

Driving up from the chilly Texas plains, we arrived in New Mexico with the anticipation of sunny and warm weather. Instead, we found it colder than we have experienced since leaving BC. So naturally it was a night for hotels. We woke in the morning to find it blowing and snowy! Yes, SNOW! Needless to say, we got a move on and drove for many miles through the dim morning light and blustery snow. Memories of Ontario white-outs springing to mind.  We out drove the snow storm and made it into Arizona where the sun was shining and things started looking up.

The Winds of South Padre Island

Olive on the beach with the Kite Boarders

The wharf at sunset

Some turtles are rescued from fishing nets and loose a flipper

Good for Captain Phil!

Corpus Christi didn’t look that great so we took out our trusty KOA book and looked for near by campsite locations. We found one in the very southern tip of Texas at South Padre Island… 3 hours later we were in our site and enjoying the Gulf of Mexico. The next 2 days a wild wind whipped up with gusts at 50 to 60mph….just a bit breezy. The local and tourist kit boarders were not complaining though. Mark and I checked them out and also stopped in at the local sea turtle rescue center… the turtles are so amazing. After a few days we were off to San Antonio.

WHATABURGER : WHATAGOD

Marty and Joe in front of "Olive"

Our wonderful Thanksgiving Feast with new friends

The next day we had said our sad goodbyes to Azle and the Abbey and hit the road for Corpus Christi…we were hoping to find some warmer weather. We had been driving a few hours and it was nearing lunch time and Mark and I started keeping our eye our for some where to grab a bite to eat, when there in the distance we saw a tall WHATABURGER sign. Never ever having a WHATABURGER we thought we would give it a try. Now our story parallels with a spirit filled, warm hearted women, Marty and her quiet spoken  lovely husband, Joe. They were deciding what to have for lunch that day and for some strange reason Marty decided she would like a WHATABURGER, bit out of the ordinary for her as she is quite health conscience but nevertheless there it was. Now they had a choice of two places to go and decided on…you guessed it, to go to the one that Mark and I pulled into.  When we showed up we ordered our burgers and having received them proceeded to leave. That is when Marty put down her burger, looked at Joe and said “I’ll be right back”. She ran out the door, led by the Holy Spirit and proceeded to ask us about “Olive” where we were heading, where we were from and what were we doing for Thanksgiving, which was the next day…. There is no moss on this rolling stone! She was wonderful! She invited us out with her and her husband to some friends and gave us her contact info if we would like to come. Mark and I drove off and were smiling all the way….Wow God is good to us and put us on the path that intersects with his most precious people. We drove down the road to eat our lunch (sorry but we have both had better burgers) and to see if we felt led to accept.  Yes! was the word back. We called Marty and she invited us to spend the night in her home. She let Joe know that company was coming and he asked who and she said the couple she met at the WHATABURGER! I think he just smiles at her wonderful outgoing nature. Well their home is something to behold…it is modest in size but all designed right down to the smallest detail by Marty. Joe said she spent 3 years putting together all the design layouts and placement of everything in their home. It is really beautiful, so unique (in a good way) and very inviting. We enjoyed an evening with them…shared some stories and laughter. The next day at noon we went off to their friends for the most delicious Turkey dinner…All the fixin’s! Our hosts, their two amazing little girls and their guests were so very gracious. We really appreciated our time with them and the fact that God brought us all together. Funny thing to all of this was God had told me weeks before that He had a special family that we would spend this time of Thanksgiving with. Thank-you.

Olive on the beach in Corpus Christi...

It was sad to leave Marty and Joe. In our very short time together we felt like family and I have gained another sister…how blessed am I.

I feel I have met some very special women on this journey so far….women of strength, beauty, courage, faith, humor, kindness and vitality. From Toronto, Nova Scotia, PEI, North Carolina, Azle and Salado… you are my women warriors. I admire and respect you all. May His glory shine upon you.

The Biggest Thing it Texas? The Heart of it's People

Just outside of Marshall Texas...moon rise

So there we were hanging at Starbucks (our travelling office], getting a bit of work done and wondering why God led us to this state? Mark had come back from washing Olive and as he walked in a couple, who were sitting at another table, commented on the bus. Mark let the couple know that it was a “God thing” and that was all it took! “Sit down!” they said….”we need to talk!” We told Chris and Lisa our story and about not being sure why we felt led to be in Texas. “To meet us, of course!” responded Lisa. This is a very warm and dynamic couple, full of energy and love for our Lord. We talked for over an hour and they invited us to park “Olive” at their place overnight and come to a pot luck get together with some of their friends from their church. “Why, yes!” we replied. We got over to their place later that afternoon and had the pleasure of meeting four of their wonderful children, bright, intelligent and warm hearted, like their parents. That evening we spent a great time in fellowship and laughter. The next day was Sunday and Mark and I have planned to go to Kenneth Copeland’s Church “Eagle Mountain” but we got “hijacked” by Lisa and Chris. They said we really needed to come and spend the day with then at “The Abbey.” We agreed and it was a great decision. 

The Abbey set up for Thanksgiving dinner

Pastor Paul in the middle singing at Abbey's Got Talent

We walked into the Abbey and instantly felt the warmth envelope us, there is a peace that invites you to let down any walls and just be yourself. We met many exceptional people and were introduced to James and Jennifer another great couple who head up the street ministry. James introduced us to his parents Ray and Mary who we fell in love with. They invited us over to their place for dinner the next night…Ray would make his famous spaghetti and meatballs. It was a wonderful night….the food was fantastic, yummy Ray….very yummy, and we had a chance to all sit and fellowship. We also got to watch a video by Pastor Prince on the message of Grace…thank you, thank you, thank you, for sharing this! It has stayed with me and I know the Lord wants more of us out there teaching this message and what Grace means to us and how it impacts our lives! We have watched the copy you gave us James and will continue to watch it. Now we had thought about moving on but didn’t feel the urging of the Lord to do so and everyone kept telling us that we really needed to stay and meet their Pastors who were coming back from South Africa the next weekend. . Joe, Pastor Paul and Perrianne’s son, another exceptional young man, even said we could park in the Church parking lot and gave us 2 books that Perrianne had written…bravo! So we became the church parking lot squatters! Even had a phone call and raised eye brows over who these VW corporate drop-out gypsies were that had taken up residence The next Sunday came by quickly….sorry Kenneth….still didn’t make it over to his church. And we had the real pleasure of meeting two individuals who are preaching the right message! Wow is all we can say….we love them too! That night was the Church Thanksgiving supper and talent show “The Abbey’s Got Talent”. We laughed and shared, yet another wonderful time with our new friends. On Tuesday we were able to have lunch with Perrianne and Paul, we are so impressed by this couple, truly inspiring. Perrianne reminded me of Heidi Baker….you go girl! The Lord has big things planned for this couple.  Both Mark and I feel revived and lifted up by spending time in the presence of those who inhabit “The Abbey”. As I said to Perrianne, I see a golden river of life flowing out of the doors and everything it touches blooms and where there was once dry ground now it is fertile. There is a true anointing on the people and the church that will touch many lives. We are blessed and honoured to have been led to your doors.

Captain Ryan and Sarah

New Orleans was an eventful stay. Our starter had died again... and so we were doing the push start to get going. We had to stay somewhere long enough to allow for shipping of a new starter that I'd put in. So we stayed at a KOA in New Orleans. As God would have it... we pulled in beside a white panel van that was completely restored to allow for a kitchen and cozy pop top bed. It was quite the set-up. Captain Ryan had spent 5 years in Afghanistan and served his country as a Marine. It was a real honor to meet him and his 'princess' Sarah. Everytime I hear that name I ask if they know what it means. Such a nice name.

Well it seems that God knew what He was doing locking us down for three days while we waited for our part. Ryan and Sarah were not planning on coming to New Orleans either... but here we were. We had three days of great company and cool conversation, right up my alley. They had questions on bible history and what God is all about. Sweet. My favorite.

After a farewell breakfast at this cool 50's style diner we bid a farewell and promised to keep in touch via email. Which we have. I am so tardy at this blog thing... I am filling this in finally and it's Dec. 2nd.!!!

Shameful.

Anyhow. We'll do better. Funny though how we felt to leave the Turks and Cacios islands with the white sands and beautiful shores... and get to Texas. Funny how we happened to breakdown just then... and meet our new friends. God is so cool.

New Orleans Baby!

French Quarter

That is the common term here in New Orleans' French Quarter "how you doin baby!" And apparently if my career as a designer ever goes south I have been offered a job as a dancer at an undisclosed establishment...when asked if I was local and if I danced...I replied NOT LOCAL AND DON'T DANCE!...Oh my....this place needs some out reach!!

We stopped in at a recommended spot and had a great breakfast... Joey was our entertaining host...gold tooth glistening, he served up laughter and smiles! Time for a stroll. The streets were fairly quiet on an early Monday...the broken sidewalks were getting watered down from the weekend festivities so the smell of Lysol, stale booze and urine wafted in the air...mmmm.... just what one needs on a sunny morning to wake the senses! The architecture was quite remarkable, colourful Creole Cottages, American Townhouses, Raised Center-Hall Villas, Shotgun Houses (no shotguns on the walls..it comes from the saying that if one fired a shotgun through the front door the pellets would fly cleanly through the house and out the back door, just long narrow homes. As you are taxed on the width of your home as well as the height, in New Orleans, these type of homes keep the taxes down) and Double-Gallery Houses.

We spent the afternoon in a great coffee shop, Antoine's Annex, catching up on some work. Later in the afternoon we headed out to find some authentic Cajun style cookin'. We met a couple that had spent their honeymoon in New Orleans 40 years ago and come back every year to celebrate...nice people. They recommended that we try The Pralines...a local restaurant just outside of the French Quarter that is more local inhabited than tourists. I had the Jambalaya and greens (first time with the greens...not bad tasted like something my great Nan would boil up) and Mark had the Fried Chicken with Okra and cornbread. All in all pretty good. So ended our day in the Mardi Gras town...not really somewhere that Mark and I would visit again but nice to have experienced.

Anne Rice's Home

Old Paddle Wheeler

John Goodman's Home

Little Miss Sunshine

Now we made it down the road and as the sun was setting we pulled into a TA (a truck stop that you can park overnight at, which also has showers for $12, laundry and restaurants).  Oh and our odometer turned over to 100,000 miles…so we are now back to zero miles and counting… they didn’t make the oometers to go over 100K, I wonder if that seemed like so much back then…like 64 megs of space on a hardrive back in the day seemed a huge amount of space to fill. Well we made a nice cuppa’ tea, played a game of crib and snuggled in for the night. In the morning we filled up Olive and filled up our tummies and headed for the state of Alabama. Along the way we pulled into a rest area….to well…rest etc. and when we got back into Olive she obviously hadn’t rested long enough as again no life. We decided to pull a Little Miss Sunshine (which Jody had mentioned back in Perry). So there I am at the wheel with Mark pushing behind and an absconded volunteer helping out. I pop the clutch and life returns to our bus. Now we know we have to replace the starter which means staying somewhere for a bit until the part comes in. We are on our way to New Orleans if she makes it there! Say a prayer!

The Hero of Perry

Jody and Mark after getting Olive going!

We were making our way to Pensacola Florida…has anybody seen the movie “Contact”…just reminded us of that flick. We stopped at a gas station to fill up and attempted to be on our way… emphasis on the word attempted! Olive was tired and would not start. After going through a few the obvious options as to why she didn’t want to move on…she liked it in Perry, she was tired, it was a sunny day and she wanted to suntan…or the starter had given up…we chose the latter. So here we were in the middle of next to nowhere…you know, that place right next to somewhere. But we didn’t panic we know God has our back in all things! I leaned on the side of the bus and said a prayer that He would send us a good man to help out. I was making my way up towards the gas station doors and looked back and Jody had pulled up and was talking to Mark…thanks God! Now Jody was the kindest, most pleasant man…he has an easy manner about him and warm eyes, that make you feel right at home and at ease. He went back to his shop and got his tools and Jody and Mark proceeded to take out the old starter and give it a clean to see if we could get a bit more life out of it. After working on it for a few hours…amidst the laughter and genuine concern, they popped it back in and Olive came to life. We tried to offer a token of our appreciation to Jody for his time and skills but he wouldn’t have it. His mum popped by on her way to a birthday party…a lovely women who raised a wonderful man…good job! Mark and I thought about it later how things seem to be orchestrated. You see…Jody was down that end of town because his buddy had put diesel gas into his gas tank by mistake and only made it a short way down the road before his car died. After helping his friend Jody noticed Mark up to his elbows in the back of Olive and thought to himself that he better see if these folks needed some help. Lucky for us. Thanks again Jody…you really are our Hero of Perry!!

Swamp Creatures

Wonderful Everglades

When we saw the road signs  “watch for alligators” we knew we were on our way through alligator, mosquitos and panther (?) country. There is a very large panther (or what we call mountain lion) reserve down here. So not only did the signs say watch for alligators also…large cat crossing! The everglades are part tundra and marshy swamp. There is a wide variety of birds… 34 types of Swans, ducks and Geese, 15 types of wadding birds, Swifts and Hummingbirds, Goatsuckers (yes that's right...who knew!), Shore birds, Gulls and Turns,  Kingfishers, Flamingos, Owls, Woodpeckers, and too many Passerine birds to mention...of course we only saw a few of the wadding birds but... amazing to watch. We did actually see a few alligators too, one was sunning itself on the grassy banks and a few others swimming in the clear waters…. Looking for some lunch. Hey Mark step back! There are also a variety of snakes, like the cotton mouth viper…thankfully we didn’t get to see any of those. We did see some houses on the outskirts of the main wildlife reserve and wondered what life on the everglades was like…can't say it would be somewhere I would like to retire. There were a few acres along the way for sale and Mark was wondering as a realtor how you would word the ad… Lovely water edge property, teeming with vegetation and wildlife, great for bird watcher…not for the faint of heart! We made it out of the Everglades and off to Spring Hill and our friends at Wally World (aka Walmart). After a suprising restful night…one of the quietest Walmarts we have been too…except for the one in Drumheller Alberta, We got a knock on our door and it was…hey Zack a Jehova  Witness…nice to know they make bus calls too! After listening to the Gospel of Mark…Zack had a few questions to take back to his elders! But all good, just might be a few more than 144,000 getting into heaven is all. 

Everglade Marshlands