Okieatheart

Absolutely beautiful! A great big, huge thank you to the people who make this such a special place for those children.

Gwen, those pictures are gorgeous! They make me feel as if I'm right there with you. Good job!!

I just returned home after being at the Fort with Gwen and David for a week. Let me tell you, Gwen was in terrible pain, but - like the trooper she is - she didn't let that stop her. She and David were such wonderful hosts, going with me to the parks, fancy restaurants, and sharing a memorable evening at Crockett's Tavern. I have never seen such gracious hospitality under such dire conditions - and I so appreciate the efforts they made to make my visit so special. Gwen and David are wonderful people - the "salt of the earth" kind - and if you're at the Fort now, try to meet them. They are

I hope they're gone when I get there. I don't want them stealing my parking place when I'm visiting at your site!

I couldn't imagine why Bristol, England was on this list - and after reading why I still can't imagine that city on this list. As for the Bristol Old Vic, why go to Bristol for theatre when there are so many other wonderful theatres in London and its environs. And train service is a reason to go to Bristol? I think not. Bristol is quaint and an old seaport that is no longer functioning, but IMHO, at best it's a comfortable overnight stop to someplace more interesting.

I'm enjoying this TR! However, I could have done without that cinnamon roll picture. Started my diet today. Oh, well, I'll start it after my run to the donut shop! Looking forward to your adventures!

I love all these wonderful kudos I'm getting, but it's time to 'fess up! I was going anyway, and because I was renting a cabin, there was room. Gwen and I are both Southern girls; we know there's always room for one more. Plus her situation fit the theme of the trip which was "I need to get the heck outta Dodge right now before I do something that isn't going to be pretty!" Gwen, you were a perfect roommate, and I'm so glad you were able to make the trip! It wouldn't have been nearly as much fun without you!

Gwen, your pictures are fabulous! Seeing those inside the cabin made me think I was still there. . . oh, how I wish! You may have used the wrong lens for the fireworks shots, but they are beautiful!!! And we were so far away! You are a masterful photographer!

Hey, hold on a minute there, Bucko! I think I was pretty good company, except that I about froze Gwen out for three nights! Ok. Well, maybe I wasn't such good company. . . Missed seeing you all so much at the Fort! Hope all is well with you!

What Gwen is not telling y'all is that it was she who saved MY sanity! This trip was a much needed escape for all four of us!

I personally think Samaritans Purse is a wonderful organization, and they would probably help Corpus Christi, Rockport, and Port Aransas, too. If you are so inclined, the J. J. Watt Foundation is spearheading a local campaign to raise funds for the flood victims in Houston. YouCaring.com/JJWatt But honestly, Ray, I have found that donating to a special fund at my church has always been the way to go for me. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your caring. People are hurting so badly down here.

LONE STAR, if there is anything I can do for you, please let me know. I understand the roads are passable now out your way, and we have plenty of supplies. If you'll let me know what you need, I'll be glad to bring those things out to you.

I live in Houston and there are several RV parks - in or near the city. Depending on where you are meeting your friends, there is a really nice RV park at the corner of 288 and Beltway 8 (Sam Houston Tollway). We take the tollway to I-10 when leaving for Florida. (I think the Dallas tollway pass is reciprocal with Houston. I know we can use our pass in Dallas.) There is another RV park south on I-45 near Clear Lake. There is a Cracker Barrel very near. I've stayed at Rayford Crossing and would certainly recommend it, also. That's the only one I'm familiar with in north Houston.

I'm in, too, Gwen! Great report, so far!

I love . . . not having to drive to get to really nice restaurants the cleanliness the feeling of not camping when we really are being able to smoke at my site - sitting in a chair - with my own ashtray - and nobody giving me any cr*p about it the boat horn watching Wishes from the beach - every night, if I want to seeing Lou and Gail, Grumpy and Grandma, Gwen and David, and any other fiends we may run upon the Segway tour browsing at the Meadow and Settlement Trading Posts sitting at my site, late at night, looking at the stars watching a Disney movie at the campfire with no roof over my hea

I'm so disappointed! They've done away with the walnuts on the cheese plate, and there seems to be no potted shrimp (which I loved but I'm sure I'm in the minority). And since I don't eat cucumbers, egg salad, or beets, looks like I'm out of luck with the sandwiches. Bummer! Might as well go to the bar, order a cup of tea and a glass of champagne, and save some money to spend somewhere else. Thanks for the report!

Oh, wow! What gorgeous pictures! Was it warm there? I guess they are somewhere near or south of the equator so probably it was. Post more pictures!

These are wonderful pictures. Thanks so much for posting them. I'm sure y'all had lots of fun!

We have a gasser and we tow a Jeep. We haven't had any trouble going to Ft. Wilderness or to Oklahoma or pretty much anywhere in Texas. However, there is a pretty steep hill over by Jacksboro/Decatur and as we were climbing that hill, slowly, both of us could tell the engine didn't like it. We pretty much decided right then that Colorado was out of the question for us. I certainly am glad that the highway to Florida is flat!

This is really good news! I love TCM and those old movies.

Really beautiful new 5th wheel - and so big! Congratulations! I know you both are going to enjoy it.

Your pictures and commentary are fabulous! The entire trip report is so interesting! I feel as if I'm right there with you wondering what we're going to be doing, riding, eating the next day. You are such an astute photographer - always aware of what is around you and shooting it in a way that makes that element come alive. That takes real talent, and you've got it! Where are we going tomorrow?

We went to DTD on Thursday around noon and it was a direct bus. Same for back to the Fort.

I guess I've been really lucky because every "old-timer" I've encountered has been pleasant, friendly, and attentive both during the daytime and in the evening. I've had "old-timers" offer to go to the back to try to find a size for me, visit with me about Texas, ask me about Ft. Wilderness, and so on. The only times - two, to be exact - I've been treated rudely came from young people. One was reading an obviously riveting e-mail on his phone and couldn't be bothered to check out my bag of popcorn at the Confectionary. The other one - in response to my question - rolled his eyes and pointe

The Bike Barn one is by Larry Dotson.