As per our usual, we headed out of FL and TX was our long-term destination. Granted, it was about 5 weeks later than usual due to our Ecuador trip. We stopped three times, each at an Elks Lodge, before landing in Lake Charles at our friends house. I’m sure you remember Cindy and James – as we’ve stayed with them before. Generally we only have a day or two with them, but this time we had a longer stay planned.
Our first Elks Lodge was a new one to us in Tallahassee FL. We got parked and went in for a drink at the bar. Unfortunately, I unintentionally over-indulged. Bill helped get me home. It was not pretty. I’ll spare you all the ugly details. Suffice it to say, I haven’t drank since. ‘Nuff said.
Further down the road the next day we, for the second time, parked up at Fort Walton Elks. We went inside, Bill had a drink (I declined), and afterwards we took a walk on the beach and were treated to a beautiful sunset.
The end of day three we were met by Lee, the camphost at Slidell Elks Lodge, and he helped get us settled. I think this was our third or fourth visit to this great lodge!
Finally, on day four, James and Cindy greeted us with hugs. James helped Bill get while Cindy and I started catching up on their front porch. We had 5 nights planned with these two – and it was happening during Mardi Gras! Gumbo tasting, parades, and a distillery tour were on the to-do list!
Usually when we leave out of their yard, we don’t have a plan for a next visit. This time, we had dates in our calendar and they are coming to PA! It will be so nice to show them around!
Thank you so much to Cindy and James for their hospitality! Safe travels!
Our final night on the road before our winter stay with Cori & Greg was in Katy at (guess where?) the Elks Lodge there.
On February 15, ten days after pulling out of Zephyrhills, we drove up the driveway at the Center for Mental Wellness. It was so nice to get parked and see our friends! There was a lot going on, which I talked about in a previous post. You can click HERE to read all about Greg retiring RV Solar Solutions, while Bill and I started RV Energy Solutions.
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I wish I knew you were only 6 miles from me in Ft. Walton. I would have come out to say hello.
Sorry we missed you! It would have been great to catch up!
Mardi Gras in Texas … who knew ??? Guess it has a presence everywhere – like Cinco de Mayo.
Great meeting up withs such wonderful friends!
We had a great time!
(p.s. we were in Lake Charles LA for Mardi Gras!)
Nice!
Agreed!
You guys definitely get good use of your Elks’ membership! Something we always meant to do, but never did. How fun to celebrate Mardi Gras in LA with all the music and festivities – and food!! Wonderful friend time – and more for the summer :-))))
We sure do love being Elks! Mardi Gras with James and Cindy was an awesome experience!