Coffee /  by Dave Hileman

by Cadillac Moose, PhD, CoFe

The people I travel with have been seeking out the occasional coffee - other than the pot or two they make each day, of course. Two outstanding places were the Kingsville Coffee Cup and Pleasant Perk in Pleasanton both in Texas. On this trip I have been latte deprived for days at a time so when they get near a place that is good and knows lattes, well, extra large for this Moose. Now, the Kingsville Coffee Cup was reviewed last year but not by me, so here is a good review. The thing to note is that it begins with the barista and the coffee and the water and the cup. Kingsville hits the grand slam on all of these, Bruce being the Coffee Artist. The Perk was also well done and had the added benefit of pastry, at Kingsville you had to go next door for fresh pastry. Oh the challenges of this life. One of the most special things about the coffee shop is that really neat, cool people get to meet me. Just think how their day improves with on cool, culinary Cadillac Moose encounter.

The Great British Baking Show will have to give me the nod here cause Paul Hollywood is English and they drink tea, egad. No contest here Paul.

This super family at the Perk just loved meeting me, Note the excitement. Really nice kids and they were having a fun day starting with some coffee. Way to go!

Bruce and the PrettyOne in deep philosophic discussion about the brew.

Park #326, Amistad National Recreation Area /  by Dave Hileman

Of all the categories of National Parks like Monuments, Historic Sites, Battlefields etc. the National Recreation Areas are my least favorite. They are usually manmade reservoirs and most of the activity is on the water or fishing. I don’t have a boat and I only fish at places where it comes filleted and broiled on a plate. The ANRA is really no exception however we did two short trails covering a little more than a mile. It was through a high desert environment with lots of cacti along side this massive lake. However nearly three years of severe drought has left the lake levels very low it it was less impressive than it would have been a few years ago. We did stop at the VC, got a stamp and brochure and the two short hikes, so number 326 is in the books.

                                   Amistad National Recreation Area, Texas

Spring bloom for Prickly Pear Cactus

The railroad bridge over the Pecos River

Yacht Club, Disney /  by Dave Hileman

Breakfast, I never knew this could be breakfast. The PhotoManiac eats a bowl of dried grains pounded into unnatural shapes and covered with milk. Everyday and twice on Sunday. The NiceOne varies, yogurt, fruit, oatmeal but really not too much. If Paul Hollywood had to eat this whatever taste buds he might have would just quit. (GBBS please call soon!) Then we go to the Yacht Club at Disney. THIS IS BREAKFAST. Why don’t we have this everyday. I mean, wow. Three dark CHOCOLATE waffles with cherry compote & mascarpone cheese and even the Driver got pancakes laden with blueberries and real maple syrup. For breakfast. I did not want to leave. In fact you can get a room right in the place and you don’t have to stay in a mobile pill. Why do we live like this? Where is the National Moose League when you need them to advocate for better breakfast. And at the Yacht Club for a couple of dollars you could also get all the pastry you could eat to go with your breakfast. Of course, we did not - no miracles on the Boardwalk for me. I think I will go and ruminate a bit. Dark Chocolate Waffles, Cherries, Cheese, Maple Syrup…..

Glow /  by Dave Hileman

I did enhance this a bit but after several tries to catch the late afternoon sun lighting up this already golden grass, well I could not help myself. This is at Ochlochonee River State Park. This is also where our neighbor RVer almost stepped on a pygmy rattle snake.Eek.

The Critter /  by Dave Hileman

At Ochlockonee River State Park they had three interesting animals, white squirrels - not albino but a large population of variant grey squirrels. The had a pied bald deer and Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. The squirrels were as pests as the ones at home and everywhere, we saw the deer, it was interesting but it was at night so no photo. The bird was my main target so I did not see one. I did see lots or other woodpeckers and spent time in the right habitat but no luck.

No I will not toss you some food.

Not a R-C

Not a R -C

Boardwalk Deli at Disney's Boardwalk. /  by Dave Hileman

By Cadillac Moose, PhD, RyE

A luscious key lime piette was enjoyed along the boardwalk sitting in the shade at Disney. Being Disney, it was not inexpensive but also being Disney, it was pretty good. I realize that “pretty good” is not the detailed and sensory review you have come to expect from me but I am a bit depressed right now. It as been 7 long weeks and the Great British Baking Show has not even texted me. I cannot believe with my talent on tap they are still going to shoot next season with Paul Hollywood. Besides, I use my real name not some glamorous appellation like say, Cadillac Las Vegas or Cadillac Miami Beach. Hmmm, maybe that is the issue. Anyway, 7 weeks, I blame the PhotoCentric human, I need more spectacular baked goods. Now. Maybe I can get Dennis to send me some really good baked goods. Wait, anyone could! I know that it might be hard so send cash, i will buy my own. Dennis, send me $50 so I can buy scores of great baked goods and I’ll talk to Rusty and get some from him, he will want to keep up with you for sure.

The Verdict; 3. 75 Antlers. (Would have been 4 but plastic spoons and flimsy napkins.)

Ordinary /  by Dave Hileman

Every bird photo does not need to be a rare, white spotted arctic curlew, Dave. These two mockingbirds arranged themselves nicely on a dead branch. They were at St. George Island State Park along a trail on the bayside of the island. I liked the pose, the angles and the dead branch that matched their coloration.

Medgar and Myrlie Evers National Memorial, Jackson, MS /  by Dave Hileman

We spent an extra night at Lake Pontchartrain at Fountainebleau State Park in order to take a day trip to our 325th park. It is the Medgar and Myrlie Evers home in Jackson, MS. We were in Jackson in 2020 but the park was not officially announced until a week or two after we had left the area. We thought we had finished the Southeast but no, one more park.

Medgar Evers was murdered while unloading boxes of shirts in his carport after midnight on June 13, 1963 just hours after a speech by President Kennedy on Civil Rights. Medgar was working with the NAACP and had been prominent in several efforts in the South. The man who shot him, arrested at the scene with the weapon, was acquitted twice. 31 years after the fact he was convicted of murder.

The home is a modest ranch that was similar to the one I grew up in: three small bedrooms living room, kitchen and one bath. The difference, this one had a small dinning room, ours did not but we had a laundry room. The Evers’ house also had a carport. We parked on the street.  I think ours may have been a tad smaller but this one brought back memories to me.

We were very fortunate to have been able to go inside, not usual on the day we were there but a ranger allowed us a few minutes. They have work yet to do on the site, a ramp was being built and more original furniture being located. It is furnished now in period pieces but they are looking for some that belonged to the Evers. They are also supposed to get a small parking lot this summer. Parking is very limited now in this tight neighborhood.

Medgar and Myrlie Evers National Memorial, Jackson, Mississippi

Camping Recap - Week Seven /  by Dave Hileman

Headed West after 6 weeks in Florida. Should be in Texas tomorrow. New post everyday at Two Lane Touring - the only internet site with a Moose who reviews restaurants!

We were again at three parks over the week, a Harvest Host and two state parks, one in Florida and one in Louisiana.

We booked our Monday night gap between two parks for an overnight stay at Southern Grace Lavender Farm in the panhandle of Florida. Good grassy, almost level parking spot was nice. We also did a quick tour of the lavender painted store. Cindy found a couple of needed items.

Emerging lavender at Southern Grace

We then went to Top Sail Hill Preserve State Park. It was once a resort that the state of Florida took over so it has amenities most parks do not. A nice coffee shop, full hookups for the RV, cable TV (I got to watch a Virginia BB game!). They also offer tram service to the beach, seven tenths of a mile away and a nice laundry. We were in site 115 and really liked it for both its shade and its convenient location. Plus we had a Great Horned Owl one evening.

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

Our third location is at Fountainebleau State Park located on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. This park is ok but needs som TLC. We have power, electric and a concrete pad at site 81 but it has a lot of minor blemishes - it could be great. The sites are decent size and two of the bathhouses have been rebuilt. Plus lots of shade. We were here two nights not to take advantage of its proximity to New Orleans which we have done in the past but to travel to Jackson, MS on a day trip to see Medgar Edgars National Monument. We were in Jackson in 2020 but the park was not open yet so we made this trip for our 325th National Park Service unit.

Almost to New Orleans

Number 325 we are now under 100 Parks to go. /  by Dave Hileman

We celebrated our 325th park, the Medgar and Myrlie Evers National Memorial, Jackson, Mississippi, with a bit of ice cream with Rusty and Janet Harman who were with us for both 300 and 325. The ice cream was excellent and Cadillac played host for us all. The story and photos of the park will be posted on Thursday along with a new review by Cadillac later in the morning.

Yes, 3 - 2 - 5.

It was a chilly day so C Moose dressed appropriately.

Idyllic Ride /  by Dave Hileman

I was on the beach to take a sunrise shot. It was a lovely morning. We had a gentle breeze, light surf and little mist so the sunrise was more dramatic than other mornings. I was set up and just about 4 minutes before official sunrise - you can see the red glow just over the center horizon. Then I noticed the two riders moving into my frame and my first reaction was, “Oh no, people.” But they added a lot to the photo. I am trying to incorporate more people in my photos, at least more than in the past where I waited impatiently for people to clear out of anywhere I was attempting a landscape or monument photo. People add interest, scale and often implied movement to what may otherwise be a static photo. So I am trying to figure out how to use the folks in the photo. Still, not too many!

Not Charlie Brown /  by Dave Hileman

The Kite Guy was on the beach at the appropriately named Top Sail Hill Preserve State Park. He was flying his two string kite but he also had a four string kite to try out. He was able to perform impressive maneuvers with this kite that had a surprisingly long tail. It was all nylon, very light. I enjoyed watching him for 15 minutes. It looked like fun but I expect that I would end up more like Charlie than Kite Guy.

Apalachicola Chocolate and Coffee Company /  by Dave Hileman

by Cadillac Moose, PhD, ChO

Before we begin I must point out that I discovered this hidden gem by the traffic out front of the store. I ascertained the number of people and the smiles coming out meant something good inside. This is not something Paul Hollywood could do cause all of his “discoveries” are delivered to his tent.

But on with the review. Wow. What a great place. “Everything is made in-house” is an oft heard refrain yet more than once I wished they sent out for something decent. NOT HERE. It was excellent. I could go on about the coffee, the cakes, or the chocolates. The young lady behind the counter was very knowledgeable, personable and if she was selling houses I would not have to live in the Big Pill with the PhotoCentric Human. She offered us informed opinions, a sample and as a testimony to her skill got me, yes me, to buy $22 worth of chocolate. Her employer needs to give her a raise. Today! The chocolate was more than good. Fabulous is accurate.

But all that said I want to talk about the cinnamon roll. It is the Great British Baking Show I need to impress and they only use chocolate in stuff. So I will focus on baked goods. Many cinnamon rolls are just not edible. Some are slathered with cream cheese - an affront to mankind, others have hidden raisins - counterfeiters have more decency, some hide nuts - sure, let’s put something hard in a cushion of goodness, or promise cinnamon but deliver aroma. And, please, do not get me started on the place in the mall. Is there even a bun under all that goop?

None of these shenanigans at the Apalachicola Chocolate and Coffee Company. They define cinnamon rolls: yeasty, full of cinnamon, sugar glazed and perfectly raised and baked. This is a roll that you cannot even touch without having to lick your hoof. In other words, flawless. All other cinnamon rolls ought to be judged by this one.

Promise /  by Dave Hileman

Where does the road go, what is over the horizon and what adventures await the traveler? The exciting promise of places you have not seen.

The joy of the road before you and the promise of people to meet, things to see, hikes to take and parks to photograph is more than enticing it is compelling. We have left Florida and heading west. A stop in Louisiana and a couple of days along the Gulf coast of Texas and then we strike out for Big Bend National Park and Guadeloupe Mountains National Park with a couple of smaller sites along the way. Then on to parks in New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado before going back to the northern half of New Mexico. Our trailer seems to be OK after a couple of small repairs. We have enjoyed Florida - great parks and great friends (some of those friends are traveling to Texas as well), but I am ready to strike out on more roads that I have not traveled, see the amazing beauty of this country and learn yet more of the history.

Whee /  by Dave Hileman

Slinky Dog Dash at Disney, a “first” coaster. By that they mean small kids and large get to learn how to wait patiently in line for a hour or more for a 2 minute 30 second ride. It is cute, it is fun, but…

Eye of the Storm /  by Dave Hileman

This osprey cast a watchful eye on the bay for both food and threats to the nest 1/4 mile up the river. I saw two heads just barely over the nest. They are a vigilant bird but they, like nearly all wild things, need to be to survive. The more I watch osprey the more I enjoy them.

Northern Parula /  by Dave Hileman

This is a delightful find. I have seen this a couple of times but not for many years. It winters in the West Indies and Mexico and it is on the annual migration now. It likes wet area like swamps and ponds so it is not an easy bird to spot. They also are one of the few birds that will nest in Spanish moss. All warblers are small but this is one of the smallest, well under five inches with a soft trill for a call. This male was a visitor to our trailer at St George Island State Park. Note the split eye ring - an interesting feature.