MS Sandhill Cranes & Rainbow Plantation 2/13-17/2015

On the road again Friday Feb. 13

Mississsippi Crane Wildlife Refuge, near Gautier, MS.  These cranes do not migrate.  We watched the video about this Wildlife Refuge and toured the exhibits.

A crane will hatch two eggs but usually only one will survive.  Beginning in 1965 the second egg was removed to be part of a captive flock.

The crane would interact with this puppet not with a human being.

Hiked the nature trail 

Learned of this (to me) most unusual plant.

Before leaving the area we had to go one more time to get some really good BBQ.  We ate at The Shed.  Oh, so finger licking good.

We plan to stay one week at Rainbow Plantation Escapees Park, Summerdale, AL

Friday dinner was their kick off of Mardi Gras celebration.  We joined 200 others for a delicious dinner of baked spaghetti.  The theme is Wild West.  So Western dress as well as Mardi Gras.

On the road again Saturday Feb. 14.  After I finished the laundry we went to a local church that was having a Gumbo luncheon.  But we got there too late.  They were sold out.  Oh, it smelled good.  They insisted we take some home baked cakes.  We couldn't say no.  They were delicious.

On the road Sunday Feb. 15

Mass at St. Patrick's Church in Robetsdale.

This Escapee Park is know for their caners.  They have caning classes weekly.  Once a year the chairs are auctioned.  The money is given to Escapee CARE in Livingston, TX.  CARE is Continuing Assistance for Retired Escapees.  Over $4300 was raised through the auction.

Sunday evening we attended the Ice Cream Social.  

On the road again Monday Feb. 16

As we are waiting for the Mardi Gras parade we meet this charming fellow, Neil.  He's from da UP.  Upper Michigan where we lived for two years.  Somehow we learned he did woodworking & he showed us his work.

What great talent.  He's 85 and continues to do this incredible work.

 Several days earlier the prediction was for rain the day of the parade but it didn't.  Temperatures got up to 70.  It was overcast but not rain and with a strong wind we didn't feel any humidity.  We are 20 miles from the Gulf of Mexico.

 Beads were being thrown my way so I didn't focus the camera very good.

 There were more golf carts in the parade but...I was picking up beads and candy.

 We kept hearing the horse would bring up the rear of the parade.  Here they are!

 After the parade we joined others in the club house for Pulled Pork Sandwiches and the trimmings.  They serve over 200 guests in a quick and orderly fashion.  And great food and great company.

We invited some new friends to join us for a campfire.  Kate & Charley from Nashville, Ann & Bob from upstate New York and Helen & Rick from Texas.  A great wrap-up to another fun filled day.

On the road again Tuesday Feb. 17  but going no where.  Wow.  What a difference a day makes.  I went for a 3 mile walk at 10:30 am.  The temperature was 36 and VERY windy.  Weren't we fortunate to have such mild temperatures yesterday for our parade.  I worked on the blog in the afternoon.

Dinner was meatloaf and the trimmings.  The King and Queen parade thru the gathering again.  Each meal has been followed with skits.  What a lot of entertainment.  Some very talented folks.  Lots of good laughs.