RV Life Daily Blog – 12/14/23

December 15, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

Another day in paradise —

We spent the morning deep-cleaning the RV. We swept and dusted everything well, used Pledge and Windex, opened windows, and cleaned the screens. It was a warm sunny day. It was so refreshing to open the windows and get fresh air flowing in and out of the windows.

I have a shark vacuum but I would rather use the shop vac for the edges and furniture.

After lunch, we went for a drive over to Mobile Bay and explored a little bit along the bay coast.

The first place we stopped at was Mary Ann Nelson Park. There were several pelicans on the piers in the photos below.

This is a wonderful small park with a picnic table and a tiny public beach area.

Located clear down on the eastern point of Mobile Bay and Bon Secaur Bay, this is a nice place not to be missed.

From here we headed up Highway 1 north to Mullet Point Park closer to Fairhope, Alabama.

There isn’t much here except a boat ramp and dock. The views of the bay today were gorgeous.

Highway 1 turns into Scenic Highway 98 and continues up the bay to Point Clear and Battles Wharf. There are a couple of spots where you can stop and see the bay, but mostly this drive is filled with private residences.

From here, I took Rich on a side trip to the Point Clear Confederate Rest Cemetery.

The sign says that the Grand Hotel and the Gunnison House served as a hospital for wounded Confederate soldiers from the Battle of Vicksburg during the Civil War.

More than 300 Confederate soldiers who died in the hospital are buried here.

The identities of these soldiers were kept in the hospital records until a fire in 1869 destroyed all the records and the names of the soldiers buried here were lost forever.

We finished our scenic drive for the day at the Fairhope Municipal Pier. This is a well-known fishing pier in the area that boasts great fishing, lots of pelicans, scenic views, and a seafood restaurant.

North Beach, which is right beside the pier, was closed and we weren’t able to drive to North Beach Park. We didn’t feel like going any further north so we headed back home from the pier.

The evening was spent watching Christmas movies on one of the free LG internet channels we get on our LG TV. We saw Scrooged, The Christmas Story, Jack Frost, and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

What did you do today?

Thanks for reading and being interested in our travels.

RV Life Daily Blog 12/13/23

December 14, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

It was another day in paradise —

We stayed inside and slept late this morning and then had a delicious brunch of eggs, sausage, and fried potatoes. It was a beautiful, sunny day, high of 65, mild and warm. Too nice to stay inside. So after late morning showers we headed out the door to get out of the RV.

The first stop of the day was a billboard just down the road. I had to get a photo of the Wacked Out Weiner billboard for a writing prompt about restaurants and stores with naughty names on medium.com.

After that, we found a small wetland park to visit.

The entrance to this walking/hiking park is located at the base of the water tower at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex. The Sports area has playing fields for soccer, baseball, tennis, and even pickleball.

This loop gravel path travels around a fishing pond, benches, gazebos, and a fishing pier for a quiet way to enjoy these natural wetlands.

It was a nice day for a short walk. Not too windy and no jacket was required. We didn’t see any birds or fish or turtles or anything here, but it was a beautiful and peaceful area to explore.

All of the photos in my posts are taken by me on my iPhone.

I am always intrigued by the Spanish Moss in the huge oak trees in the southern part of the United States. There is something beautiful, yet eerie about it.

We drove around and explored Oyster Bay and found this flock of pelicans in the water as we passed over a bridge.

I also saw a great blue heron along the side of the road but I wasn’t quick enough to zoom in and get a good picture of it at 55 mph. This one is a little blurry.

Next, we headed to the Orange Beach Waterfront Park. Open to the public year-round, this beautiful family park is located on scenic Wolf Bay. I always look for these public areas to visit. Most of the time they are beautiful and well worth the time.

And we were not disappointed with this park. The 400-foot fishing pier in the photo above was completely rebuilt after being destroyed by Hurricane Sally in 2020. It just reopened last December.

There is a huge lawn chair on the deck which is perfect for photo opportunities. It is large and spacious, so you can easily fit multiple people in it for a group photo. The chair is heavy and sturdy, so you don’t have to worry about it tipping over. The best part is that you can get some great background scenery in your photos.

We find these large chairs all around the country. I wonder if that is just a United States thing or do other countries have tourist spots like this too?

We saw some pelicans flying around as we enjoyed the park. They flew by us once, turned around, and passed by us again so I took their picture. Then we headed to the ocean side of Orange Beach which is only two miles from the bay side. We pulled into the Cotton Bayou parking lot.

Even though the flags were red for rip currents today, the wind was mild and warm and it was nice walking along the beach.

The two birds we saw at this beach included a sanderling and a willet.

I am always searching for seashells but have been quite disappointed so far. 

I just haven’t found anything very special yet besides the small common clam shells.

The beach was so calm and relaxing that we stayed for a while. I did some research on why the beach is so calm and relaxing and decided to put that in a whole separate article.

I don’t know what the price of gas is where you are, but here in southern Alabama, it is down to $2.52. We are thankful for falling gas prices.

After dark we decided to search for some Christmas light displays.

The only thing we found close by and free of charge was the lights at The Wharf and a small housing edition on Fort Morgan Road where every single house was fully decorated.

After we got home I found out that maybe there is a laser light show at 7:00 pm timed to music. We may have to go back and find out.

The tree was pretty and elegant. There is an ice skating rink here too with skating until 10:00 pm.

Today was a great day. Thanks for allowing me to share it with you. See you tomorrow.

Why is the Beach so Calm and Relaxing?

December 13, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

I had to find out what it is about the beach that is so calm and relaxing so I did some research and this is what I discovered.

The beach’s calming and relaxing effect is a combination of several factors, both physical and psychological.

Physical sensory experience:

The rhythmic crashing of the waves is a form of white noise, which masks distracting sounds and promotes relaxation. Studies have shown that listening to these sounds activates the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” response.

The vastness of the ocean, the gentle sway of nearby trees and tall grasses, and the sun’s warm glow create a calming and peaceful scene. Nature has a restorative effect on the mind and body, which reduces stress and anxiety.

Walking barefoot on the warm sand is grounding and stimulating. The pressure on the feet releases tension and improves mood.

The scent of the salty air, with its negative ions, improves mood and well-being. Additionally, the ocean breeze is refreshing and cleansing.

Physiological effects:

Sunlight exposure increases the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes happiness and well-being. Additionally, vitamin D from the sun strengthens the immune system.

The warm sand and air promotes muscle relaxation and reduces stress.

The beach offers an escape from pollution and allergens, providing cleaner air that improves breathing and energy levels.

Psychological factors:

Many people associate the beach with positive memories and experiences, creating a sense of nostalgia and happiness.

The beach environment is often less demanding and stimulating than everyday life, allowing for mental rest and relaxation.

The natural environment encourages mindfulness and appreciation for the present moment, reducing worries and anxieties about the future.

The vastness and power of the ocean instill a sense of awe and wonder, leading to a feeling of peace and insignificance.

Overall, the beach offers a multi-sensory experience that engages our physical and psychological senses, creating a calming and relaxing effect. This escape from the stresses of everyday life allows us to recharge, rejuvenate, and appreciate the beauty of nature.

No wonder I like the beach so much.

 

 

RV Life Daily Blog 12/12/23

December 13, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

I woke up this morning with more energy than normal and decided to do some baking. I haven’t done much in recent months and listening to old-fashioned Christmas songs like “Frosty the Snowman” reminded me of my childhood and put me in the mood. My mom and I always did a lot of baking when I was young and lived at home. Especially during the holidays.

I got out my homemade recipe book filled with family recipes and picked out a few things to bake.

First on the list was one of Rich’s favorites, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies.

I love having these recipes. This is a photo of the original written in my mom’s handwriting. I never get as many cookies out of a recipe as it says I should. I guess I make them too large.

Next on the list was one of my favorites, the buttery snickerdoodles.

The recipe below is written by me when I was maybe ten years old and took a baking project in 4-H. I had to write out every step. I think I remember getting a blue ribbon for my cookies.

They turned out great. I stuck most of the cookies in the freezer so we don’t eat them all at once. I’m so happy with the new stove and oven we put in the RV. It cooks and bakes perfectly.

Third, I made some chocolate syrup brownies.

These are heavenly delicious. You simply must try them. I would recommend Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup but today I had Clover Valley from Dollar General on hand. They tasted just as good.

While I was baking, Rich walked the laundry down to the free facility provided here at the campground and washed two loads of laundry.

We have never found free laundry anywhere else. This is a wonderful service and we are thankful for having it. There are only two washers and two dryers but it has not been very busy when we wanted to use them.

After all that work it was nap time for Rich and Medium time for me. I still want to make one more kind of cookie, but it can wait until he wakes up.

While Rich was sleeping I went ahead and stirred up a batch of Chocolate Crinkles and a batch of easy peanut butter fudge and put them both in the refrigerator.

The cookie dough needs to be refrigerated for a couple of hours before baking it.

The easy fudge recipe I use is just one 18 oz. jar of creamy peanut butter and one container of Cream Cheese Frosting. Whipped or Regular both work fine. Put them both in a bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir together well. Microwave another 30 seconds. Stir and put in a 9×9 square pan lined with wax paper. Then refrigerate for a couple of hours.

I just can’t get real fudge to set up right when I try to cook it on the stove, but this one is fool proof.

After all that I sat down in the recliner and put my feet up and closed my own eyes for a while.

Overtop of the extremely loud ringing sound that is constantly in my ears, I listened and heard large jets taking off and landing, the small aircraft pilot was giving flying lessons again today but it wasn’t as steady as yesterday was. A few vehicles pulled in and out of the campground and the manager was mowing the grass in several of the empty lots. A bird was chirping incessantly and I wish I knew what it was. I need to download an app that can identify bird sounds. And one of the neighbor’s little dogs was barking at something.

After an early supper, we drove to Gulf Shores Beach and watched the sunset with a great blue heron.

The Great Blue Heron is a large wading bird common near the shores. They are beautiful birds.

He wasn’t bothered a bit by us and allowed us to watch the sunset with him.

It was another great day in paradise. Thanks for coming along with us as we see America and photograph gorgeous sunsets like these.

Thanks for reading. See you tomorrow.

RV Life Daily Blog 12/11/23

December 12, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

Another day in paradise —

It was quite chilly in the RV this morning when we woke up. The temperature dropped to 34 degrees overnight. Sometimes it seems like we just can’t go far enough south to get away from the cold weather anymore.

The sun is shining and there isn’t a cloud in the sky. I remember learning once that clouds at night act like a blanket and when the skies are clear it gets colder at night.

We went for a walk around the campground this morning and I took a picture of the Satsuma Orange tree by the pavilion. The sign says not to pick the oranges until February. We are only here until the end of January and you can bet I am going to pick at least two of them before we leave.

Our campground is near a small airport and nearly every day several small planes fly around in circles for hours. I can only think that these are students learning to fly and need to get in hours of flight time.

It gets annoying before it gets funny. Around and around and around they go. When they will stop nobody knows. We can’t quite figure out why they insist on just circling for several hours. Can’t they fly in a figure-eight or a straight line and then turn around and come back? Neither one of us has ever taken flying lessons so we wouldn’t know.

As we were walking we met some neighbors a few spots down who are also from Ohio. A small town not far from where we call home. No matter where we go we meet new people and make new friends.

(I took this photo the other day when there were some clouds in the sky.)

Then a 2017 diesel Newmar coach from Minnesota pulled in and we met them. Talking to them confirmed our contentment with an older RV. They went into debt to buy it and now wish they hadn’t. It is expensive to drive and he can’t work on it himself. He regrets buying new and going into debt.

* * * * *
Have you ever seen chestnut brown pigeons? I hadn’t until today. Usually, pigeons look like the first two photos, but there was one brown one in the mix. He looked all fluffy and young but I searched Google Image and it said it is a pigeon. I believe it might be a Rock Pigeon instead of a normal domestic feral pigeon.
I am not sure though because it was the only one in the whole flock of pigeons. I just love driving around new areas and finding different birds and wildlife.
I made a large pot of what we call goulash for supper. It is simply ground beef and onion cooked. Then I add a few cups of beef broth, one can of diced tomatoes, and two cups of macaroni. Add some salt and pepper and let it cook until the macaroni is done.
We played some card games and Rich was a sore loser.
Other than that it was a pretty normal boring day at the RV. Thanks for traveling along with us. See you tomorrow.

RV Life Daily Blog 12/10/23

December 11, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

Another day in paradise…

Storms rolling through the area during the night were fierce. The bright lightning followed by loud thunder woke us both up around 2:00 am. The wind was strong. We lay in bed hoping the lawn chairs sitting outside would still be there when we got up in the morning.

And yes, everything was still there. The much-needed rain did no damage here in the campground. But I saw on the news that there were tornadoes in Georgia. Thank goodness we were spared from that.

It was a boring yet relaxing morning drinking coffee and listening to the radio. I did some writing and reading on Medium.

About lunchtime, Rich started his usual rummaging through the cupboards, the refrigerator, and the freezer, and said, “Let’s go grocery shopping.”

We drove to the nearest Dollar General and loaded up on some goodies. When we came back home we settled for toasted cheese sandwiches and tomato soup.

Do you call it toasted cheese? I know a lot of people don’t. Everyone calls it something different. I blame my mother because that’s what she called it so that’s what I learned.

The only interesting thing that happened today was when we were sitting outside. The neighbor’s camper started rocking and pretty soon we heard a female voice begin to ooo and aaa. We could only assume one thing was going on inside that camper and listened as we pretended not to. After about 15 minutes the air conditioner turned on. I guess they were too hot. Then we heard some more ooo’s and aaa’s and just smiled at each other.

We spent the rest of the afternoon inside playing cards and games. It might seem boring to some people but we had fun. Maybe not as much fun as the neighbors did, but fun just the same.

The temperature is dropping and is supposed to get as low as 34 overnight.

Thanks for following along with us. See you tomorrow.

 

RV Life Daily Blog 12/09/23

December 10, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

Another day in paradise –

Today was a beautiful warm day in Foley, Alabama. The temperature was 79 and humid. We turned on the air conditioning for the first time this month.

We stayed home today for the most part and relaxed outside. We are parked at Alabama Coast Campground and as of now plan to stay put until the end of January.

We played a few games of Sequence this afternoon. It has become one of our favorite games. We have quite the competition and always play at least the best out of five games. And I painted my fingernails a pretty coral green.

The neighbors across the way put up some Christmas decorations today. It was fun watching him put the Santa up.

We left home at 4:00 pm and headed to the Portage Creek Canal and parked the car on E. Canal Drive with tons of other vehicles to watch the annual Christmas Boat Parade.

With a perfect view of the canal, we set up the lawn chairs and relaxed until dusk. The boat parade begins at Lulu’s Gulf Shores and ends at The Wharf in Orange Beach.

The neighbors sitting beside us were extremely nice and conversational. We visited with them and listened to Christmas music together. They informed us that there will be fireworks on the beach on New Year’s Eve.

The first Christmas boat parade we ever saw was last year in Florida. Having lived in Ohio our whole lives we didn’t know there was such a thing.

Fog started to roll in just around dusk as the parade started due to the warm temperature of the air and colder water temperatures.

It was a wonderful parade with a lot of fun decorated boats playing loud Christmas songs. The boats here were much larger than the ones we saw last year in Florida.

We were back home by 6:00 pm and it was already dark. We aren’t allowed to have fires here, mostly due to the statewide burn ban. It would have been a nice night to sit outside around a fire.

Thanks for traveling with us and reading about our adventures. I hope you had an enjoyable day today like we did.

10 Creative Ways to Decorate Your RV for the Holidays

December 10, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

And spread some Christmas cheer

You don’t have to miss out on the winter holidays just because you live in an RV full-time and travel south to warmer weather. There are many creative ways you can spread Christmas cheer and feel cozy at home while on the road. Here are ten ways we have found to spread holiday cheer while living in our RV.

1 Place a huge Christmas wreath on the windshield

Most RVs boast huge spacious windshields, providing an ideal canvas for showcasing your holiday spirit. A vibrant and cheerful holiday wreath will serve as a warm welcome to guests and passersby, instantly infusing your RV with the essence of the season. Craft stores offer an extensive selection of wreaths to suit every taste and style. From classic evergreen wreaths to more contemporary designs featuring twinkling lights and intricate ornaments, you’re sure to find the perfect wreath to complement your RV’s exterior.

For those seeking a more hands-on approach, embarking on a DIY wreath-making project offers an opportunity to unleash creativity and personalize your RV’s holiday décor. You can gather an assortment of natural materials like fragrant pinecones, glistening berries, and colorful bows, and let your imagination guide you as you weave them together to create a unique and cherished wreath. Whether you opt for store-bought convenience or embrace the DIY spirit, hanging a festive wreath on your RV’s front windshield is a simple way to spread holiday cheer and transform your mobile abode into a beacon of warmth and welcoming spirit.

2 Hang an additional wreath on the RV door

Extend the festive cheer to your RV’s entryway by adorning the door with an additional wreath, adding another layer of warmth and welcoming spirit to your mobile abode. Wreaths specifically crafted for RV doors offer a convenient and secure solution, ensuring that your holiday decoration remains in place even during blustery winds. These specialized wreaths often feature sturdy wire frames and durable attachments that can withstand the rigors of RV travel.

Alternatively, you can breathe new life into a traditional wreath by adapting it for use on your RV door. Employ suction cups or wreath hangers designed for exterior surfaces to affix the wreath securely to the door, transforming it into a charming focal point that will greet guests with festive cheer. Whether you choose a specialized RV door wreath or adapt a traditional wreath using suction cups or hangers, the addition of this item will undoubtedly enhance your RV’s curb appeal and spread holiday cheer throughout your campsite and the entire campground.

3 Hang strings of Christmas lights inside and out

Transform your RV into a mesmerizing spectacle of light and color by draping strings of twinkling lights both inside and outside your RV.

Indoors, you can let the warm glow of string lights illuminate your RV’s interior, casting a cozy and inviting ambiance. Most RV slides feature a convenient lip around the edge providing an ideal perch for string lights to gracefully cascade down. Draping the lights along the slide’s edge creates a harmonious blend of festive cheer. You can even wrap string lights and garland together to hang them on the slides.

Next, venture outdoors and continue the enchanting display of lights by strategically placing them around your RV’s exterior. Let the lights trace the RV’s awning, or slides, outlining the shape with a luminous embrace. Or playfully trail the lights along the ground, creating a mesmerizing pathway that guides guests to your RV’s entrance. For an extra touch of creativity, consider wrapping strings of lights around the trunk of a nearby tree and up the lower branches. As the lights intertwine with the tree’s branches, they’ll transform the foliage into a shimmering beacon of holiday cheer, adding a touch of magic to your campsite.

You can select from a captivating array of light options to suit your festive preferences. Multi-colored lights offer a vibrant and playful touch, while white lights exude a classic and elegant glow. Alternatively, you can embrace a monochromatic theme by opting for strings of single-colored lights such as blue or red, adding a bold and impactful accent to your RV’s exterior.

4 Hang oversized Christmas ornaments outside

Transform your RV campsite into a captivating winter wonderland by adorning it with an array of oversized Christmas ornaments, suspended gracefully from the RV’s awning or nearby tree branches. These enchanting orbs, available in a myriad of designs, can be readily found at most department stores, offering a plethora of options to suit every taste and style. From classic glass bulbs to whimsical plastic round ornaments featuring playful characters and patterns, you’re sure to discover the perfect oversized designs to complement your RV’s exterior and infuse your campsite with holiday cheer.

Zip ties provide an ingenious and convenient solution for temporarily securing them to the awning. Their durable construction and simple application make them ideal for this task, ensuring that the ornaments remain securely in place. If placing them on nearby tree branches, select sturdy enough tree branches to ensure they can safely support the weight of the ornaments if they are heavy.

5 Use strands of Christmas garland

Transform your RV into a festive wonderland by adorning it with vibrant garlands. These decorative touches will infuse your RV with warmth and cheer, making it a cozy haven during the holidays or any special occasion. Drape garlands gracefully over windows, doorways, and cabinets, allowing their vibrant hues and intricate designs to enhance your RV’s interior.

Extend the festive spirit outdoors by wrapping garlands specifically made for the outdoors around the awning and along the exterior of your RV. Let the twinkling lights and cheerful ornaments interwoven within the garlands illuminate your RV, creating a mesmerizing display that will surely delight and captivate. With a touch of creativity and a dash of holiday spirit, you can transform your RV into a festive masterpiece that will bring joy to all who pass by.

6 Decorate a mini-Christmas tree

Put up a mini-Christmas tree inside. This is a fun way to add a festive touch to your RV. You can find small artificial trees at most stores as well as many types of mini ornaments. Even if you don’t have a lot of space in your RV, you can still enjoy the tradition of having a Christmas tree inside. If there is a window near the table, set it on the table and open the window for others to see the lights and enjoy your mini tree too.

7 Adorn the windows with Christmas window clings

Deck out your RV windows with an array of festive Christmas window clings. These delightful adornments, readily available at most retail stores, come in a captivating assortment of designs, featuring jolly Santas, playful snowmen, and prancing reindeer. The application process is delightfully simple and requires no special tools or adhesives. Simply peel each cling from its backing and gently press it onto your RV window. The static cling will securely adhere to the glass, allowing you to easily reposition or remove the clings as desired. With their effortless application and temporary nature, Christmas window clings are an ideal choice for adding a touch of holiday magic to your RV without any fuss or commitment.

8 Utilize holiday yard flags

Let your RV campsite radiate holiday cheer with a vibrant display of Christmas-themed yard flags. These cheerful banners, designed to withstand the elements and proudly proclaim your festive spirit, are an easy and fun way to enhance the curb appeal of your RV retreat. Yard flags offer a versatile and adaptable approach to seasonal decoration. With each holiday and season bringing its own unique charm, you can effortlessly swap out your yard flags to reflect the changing seasons and holidays.

From the whimsical charm of Easter bunnies and vibrant hues of spring to the splendor of fall foliage and the heartwarming glow of Christmas lights, your yard flags can seamlessly transition to match the spirit of the season. You can choose from classic designs featuring Santa Claus, reindeer, and snowmen, or opt for more modern interpretations that capture the essence of the holiday season. With a plethora of designs and sizes available, you’re sure to find the perfect yard flags to complement your RV’s exterior and spread holiday cheer throughout your campsite.

9 Use Christmas pillows, blankets, and knick-knacks

Decorate the inside of your RV with Christmas pillows and throws. These personal touches add comfort and style to your RV. You can find pillows and throws in a variety of Christmas designs, such as snowflakes, reindeer, and Santa Claus. This will make your RV cozy and inviting for the holidays. You can also set a few small decorations around if you have extra counter space.

10 Play Christmas music

Fill the air with Christmas music and let the joyful strains drift through your RV and beyond, inviting neighbors to share in the holiday spirit. You can open the windows if weather permits, to allow the harmonious notes to warm the hearts of all within earshot. Whether you prefer the timeless classics or embrace contemporary renditions, Christmas music can transport you to a realm of joy and anticipation, evoking cherished memories and igniting the holiday spirit within.

If you live in an RV full-time, I hope these ideas help you have a great Christmas season. Even though you may not have a traditional home, you can still make your RV feel festive and cozy for the holidays. With a little creativity, you can transform your RV into a winter wonderland that will be the envy of all your neighbors.

Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy decorating your RV, camper, or motorhome this holiday season.

The Significance of the Butterflies

December 9, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

On the Florida and Alabama Gulf Coast

Exploring the Gulf Coast of Alabama and the Florida Panhandle is exciting. Not only have I been able to photograph the ocean and several water birds, but I have been seeing a lot of butterflies.

I’ve never seen this kind of butterfly before that I remember. The Gulf fritillary, also known as the passion butterfly, is quite common here.

I watched this pair for quite a while and took several photos.

Did you know that seeing a Gulf fritillary butterfly has spiritual significance for many cultures? It carries with it the spiritual significance of transformation and the resilience to overcome obstacles. It reminds us to have faith and focus on our dreams instead of our fears.

Gulf Fritillary Butterfly Spiritual Meaning: Transformation!

It is a beautiful creature with its bright orange color and black markings. I was mesmerized watching them flutter around.

The article above says that seeing this butterfly can be a sign from the universe urging us to welcome changes and evolve.

I wonder what the universe is trying to tell me.

* * * * *

We also saw several monarchs in the same area feeding on the small white daisies. I wasn’t able to get a photo with his wings fully opened.

This beautiful orange and black butterfly symbolizes hope, rebirth, and transformation.

The Monarch is in trouble. Its population has dropped significantly in the past decade. There are many concerns about its future.

“The monarch butterfly is considered to be the king of butterflies and the most beautiful of all butterflies in the world,” says Cristina Panescu, spiritual healer and psychic.

The Symbolic Meaning of Crossing Paths With a Monarch Butterfly

* * * * *

The third species of butterfly we saw today is a Common (or Gray) Buckeye.

I am not a professional so I don’t know for sure if this is a plain common buckeye or a common gray buckeye. I think there is a difference. At first, I thought this was a moth.

Two separate ones were flying around together. The second one appears to be a little darker than the first one. But it could be the lighting. Once again I watched them for a long time. Thank goodness Rich is patient.

This butterfly is also associated with transformation as well as endurance.

In various cultures and spiritual beliefs, the butterfly, including the Buckeye, is considered a powerful symbol of metamorphosis and transition.

Buckeye Butterfly Spiritual Meaning? Transformation!

I feel a change or transition is in my future. I have seen several of these three butterflies in the past week. With the new year just around the corner, I wonder what 2024 is going to bring.

What do you think?

Finding Bamahenge

December 8, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

A partial Stonehenge replica in southern Alabama

Stonehenge is a complex prehistoric stone structure located in Wiltshire, England. It was constructed between the years of 2000 and 3000 BCE. I have never been there but would love to see it in person someday. For now, I will have to be content with visiting a partial fiberglass replica in Alabama.

Today we drove through the town of Elberta and found the tourist attraction known as Bamahenge. Bamahenge is not a complete replica, but only a partial one. It has the same astrological alignment as the original in England, which means that on the first day of summer, one can stand in the center of the circle, looking easterly through the entrance, and see the sunrise.

There are no road signs, only a pull-off area on the side of the road and a trail back to the site. You will easily miss it if you are not looking for it. It might be made of fiberglass but it gives you a sense of what it would be like to see the original stone structure in England.

According to Wikipedia — Bamahenge is a full-scale fiberglass replica of England’s prehistoric Stonehenge monument, located on the grounds of Barber Marina near Josephine, Alabama. It was designed and built by artist Mark Cline, at the request of marina owner George W. Barber.

This is definitely one tourist attraction off the beaten path worth taking the time to visit.

Thanks for coming along with us on our sightseeing adventures.