Gulf Shores with the Dixie Camperz

I spent Wednesday at Pep Boys trying to find out what a loud "metal grinding" noise coming from near the left rear wheel of the truck was all about. The mechanic said that I had a wheel bearing that "was going." But when I took the truck back, the noise occurred while I was stopped at a red light. So it's not drive train related. Must be something loose that vibrates badly at certain times.

Then Vince called me and said, "Hey man. You're missing the party. Just get in your *^&*^% truck and hook up that Airstream and get your sorry @&& over here. If you break down we'll come get you and your trailer."

So I did nothing to the truck and headed for Gulf Shores, AL for a week long party with the "Dixie Camperz". I'll talk with the mechanic when I get back to Irish Bayou and ask him, "If I had not mentioned any noise at all, would you still have recommended replacing the bearings?"

I made it to Gulf Shores Thursday, Dec 27th with no problems. The truck didn't quit on me and I solved the noise problem by turning the radio up louder. What an incredible setting. Ft. Morgan RV Park is right on Mobile Bay. Here's a map.

And some sunset pictures





But enough about the beautiful place - the REAL reason for the meeting was the beautiful people. Ya see, two years ago, shortly after Katrina took most everything most everybody had down here, a group of Airstreamers were buoyed up by their Airstream friends. But they had several RV'ing friends that they loved camping with who didn't own Airstreams so they couldn't share the Airstream events.

So they formed The Dixie Camperz and invited their friends to a week long rally at Gulf Shores, AL. I've partied with the Airstream members several times but had not met the non-Airstream ones. Against some of the members better judgment it had been suggested that I might be considered for membership. Their initiation ceremony takes place only once a year, on New Year's Eve, at Gulf Shores.

Lesly was able to get a few days off, so she arrived Thursday a couple of hours after I did. Although it was chilly and windy and a little rainy, we had a great time.



I've already described the food that Vince prepares at these events, so I'll just say, "He did it again." Jambalaya, catfish, white beans and rice, seafood gumbo, and breakfasts so big, nobody ate lunch for five days.

"The Kitchen"



I've tried for two weeks to figure out how to explain the atmosphere at the Initiation. For four days we heard things like, "We'll have to hold it early, the goat doesn't like cold water." They blocked one couple's trailer with a truck because they had threatened to chicken out and leave early. I am happy that I finally have found a way to describe it that the participants agree will help you understand. Please picture in your mind - - - - a five day party on M*A*S*H, The 4077th.

To make it clearer, I'll start with some quotations and then a picture.

YOU decide which are from M*A*S*H and which are from the Dixie Camperz -

"If we don't go crazy once in a while, we'll all go crazy."

"Insanity is just a state of mind."



OK - the quotes are from M*A*S*H. The PICTURE is of the Dixie Chix. I'll add a picture of the Dixie Dix as soon as Lonnie emails me one. But I think this gives you some idea about my new friends. And please remember, this is a picture of the PRETTY ones in the group.