Winter Excursion 2, Day 100

DAY 100! Temps finally made it into the 70s!
Did a few errands early this morning, came back to camp, and we left for another day trip. We headed to the other Talladega National Forest (the one to the northeast).
On the way we stopped at the Coosa River Project (hydro dam).
View of the dam.

Another view.

Yep...one more. It was really impressive. Notice the guy in the boat fishing.

Here's the sign with all the rules.

Here a pic from the truck looking at the lake on the back of the dam.

We stopped a a Mexican joint for lunch. It was some of the best Mex food we've had on this trip so far (except what we make ourselves).
As usual we took the "backroads" on this trip so we can "see America". However this trip was unique. Google Maps (Android auto) keep putting us on smaller and smaller roads. It finally said we were 12 miles from our destination, but it would take 33 minutes to get there. When we turned off of County Route 55 to County Route 500 I knew why. County Route 500 was 7 miles of dirt road winding through small mountains.
Here's a pic of County Route 500. We had a fun time and were laughing the whole time that the GPS would take us this way.

Finally arrived at Coleman Lake Recreation Area and the entrance to the campground.

This is what we found! Campground closed! SO we took a walk (about a mile).

We were impressed by yesterday's campground, but this one is much nicer. Electric and water at all the sites and the bath houses are very modern.

Even Kaylee liked the place.

Got back to camp about 1600. Super Bowl leftovers for dinner, a movie, then off to bed.

Winter Excursion 2, Day 99

Up early and took Jacob to school. Back at the camper we had a quick breakfast and then headed for Talladega National Forest. The NF is actually divided into two parts. One part is southwest of our location and the other half is northeast. We headed to the southwest and visited Payne Lake Recreation Area.

We were really impressed with the campground. It is on a beautiful lake. The campground was not crowded, actually there was only three campers there.

Campsites all have power and water with paved pads and most are right on the lake.

Back at camp, leftovers for dinner, a movie, and then off to bed.

Winter Excursion 2, Day 98

Super Bowl Sunday!
Jacob had us up early (what else is new). Waffles for breakfast and then cleaned up the camper. It rained like crazy last night and into this morning, so not much outdoor activity. The rain stopped mid morning and the entire campground is like a sponge with small lakes all over the place. It's actually one big mud hole.
Early afternoon we started getting the Super Bowl food ready. Cath made her Mexican dip and we did chicken wings on the egg.
Here's the wings (at least some of them).

We deep fried the wings on the egg using a cast iron dutch oven. The wings came out nice....three different flavors.

Here's Kaylee getting ready for the big game.

Here's the Wacko in his Eagles jersey. I guess he wore the right shirt!

Before the game I taught him how to "dump" the camper. He thought this was really funny.

Dumping.

Here we are watching the game after we stuffed ourselves with wings and dip.

After the game off to bed. We have to get up at 0530 to get Jacob to school. It's been a fun weekend with him. I just wish the weather would warm up a little.

Winter Excursion 2, Day 97

Cool day after a cold night. It was below freezing again. This winter has been really different. The temps this year have been much colder than our trip last year. I'm sure it will warm up soon.
Jacob and I had a nice walk on the "Light Trail". Actually he rode his bike, I walked.
We all went to the store for a few supplies and some Super Bowl food for tomorrow.
Back at camp we had an early fire as the temps never got above 45.
Here's Jacob doing his famous fire stick routine.

 Cath enjoyed the fire also.

Dinner and then a movie (Grownups). We are having a great time with Jacob.

Winter Excursion 2, Day 96

Up at 0500 to get Jacob to school. Left the camper at 0600. Even at that hour the traffic here is a mess.

Picked him up from school at 1500. Back at camp he made himself at home.

I kicked him outside and we built a nice campfire.

 Pork Chops for dinner, a little TV, then off to bed as 0500 is a little early even for me.

Winter Excursion 2, Day 95

Left Ft Rucker at 0830. Had an easy drive to our new campsite in Birmingham, AL. The new campground is called Oak Mountain State Park. We were here last year in the same campsite.
Here's a pic of the site.

And one more of our campsite.

Here's the Wacko and his Mom. The Wacko's real name is Jacob.

And here's Grandma and Jacob, better know as the Wacko.

Jacob gets to spend the night tonight. Granddad will take him to school in the morning.
Jacob helped with this blog post, but he does not know anything else to say. So I guess it's off to bed for Jacob as he has school in the morning.
All is well in the Boss camper.

Winter Excursion 2, Day 94

Another lazy morning. I ran in to post and washed the truck. Came back to camp, picked up Cath, and headed to Ronnie and Carol's. The four of us went to lunch in Dothan. It was tough to say goodbye, but we will see them as they are coming up to Birmingham.
Did a few errands on post and then headed to the camper.
We got all packed up and ready to move tomorrow. We are off to Oak Mountain State Park near Birmingham and the best part is we see Jacob tomorrow.😍
I'll do pics tomorrow of our new digs.
A little TV and off to bed.