"The Great Southern Tour" ~ April 23-29, 2022

[silver_bullet]

2023 is a long time away

*this message has been approved by the Ministry of Truth*

C'mon Mike! We are hoping to see you and Suzie again sooner than our last stretch of being apart! Once every few years is too damned long Brother!

[173rdherd]

2023 is a long time away

*this message has been approved by the Ministry of Truth*

[Monster]

Thanks for the pictorial trip report.

[silver_bullet]

OK, so officially jealous! Looks like great fun! I hear that Michigan in July could be a great trip.............and I might be on the planning committee! I've done that before and think I am up to it! We've done a couple of Old 27 cruises in Michigan, and think we might know some fun things to do! Keep tuned for 2023!

Please keep us posted!

[dianeokie]

OK, so officially jealous! Looks like great fun! I hear that Michigan in July could be a great trip.............and I might be on the planning committee! I've done that before and think I am up to it! We've done a couple of Old 27 cruises in Michigan, and think we might know some fun things to do! Keep tuned for 2023!

[67 Malibu]

Great pics! Damn George, I hope that you didn't have to pay for that shirt.

[oletrux4evr]

Thanks for the reports and photos. "Next year"...........LOL.

[BluLightning]

Just a few more pics.

[BluLightning]

Random pics from the Southern Tour. Some of Vicksburg and others.

[silver_bullet]

Thanks George for the photos, Tammy and I wish that we could of completed the tour with you all as I'm sure Ed and Mary would have as well.... We contacted them, checking on their status after the storms in Wichita and found that they had to seek shelter under a couple of overpasses as they were in the area on the road.... They and their house are OK.... Tammy is pushing to improve every day and walking a bit better today... Hoping that all have made it home safely... see you next BS tour! (if not sooner)

[200WINS]

Day five started with a Waffle House Breakfast before touring the Vicksburg National Military Park. This Civil War battlefield area is much larger than I had thought. It is set up with many memorials and historical signs explaining troop locations. This park is filled with so much information it would take days to read and study it all. Those of us with National Park Passport books got some cancellation stamps at the two visitor centers. I can't begin to explain or highlight the various displays, you need to go to this place and experience it for yourselves. We made our way to the historical downtown and walked around a little bit. We found we were either too early or too late for most of the local watering holes or restaurants so we went back to the hotel for social hour at the pool. Dave made reservations at Beechwood restaurant that was near our hotel. Most everyone settled in for the night to prepare for Friday departures. Dave has raised the bar during this Forum Freaks Road Trip, thank you everyone that came to play along and a HUGE thank you to Big Dave for hosting this amazing fun trip. See you next year in Michigan........ Stay Tuned for more info. (guess what? pictures are not in chronological order..... again)

[200WINS]

Day four was a travel day, we checked out and hit the road towards Vicksburg, MS. Dave took us on a mostly two-lane excursion through some beautiful country. We stopped at the Dinner Bell Restaurant in McComb. This is a one of a kind experience that Dave set up for us. It's a buffet style meal at a large table that would rotate the food around. I have to say this is one of the most fun dinning experiences with friends ever. After lunch we drove a portion of the Natchez Trace as we made our way to Vicksburg. We had a nice evening meal at Rusty's Riverfront Grill. Afterwards we had some "round table" (because the table was round) discussion before calling it a night. Great drive Dave, great day for a drive! (pictures are not in chronological order)

[200WINS]

Day three, we cruised the River Road along the Mississippi,
River to visit a couple Plantations. We set out for the San Francisco Plantation, along the way we saw some of the hurricane damage from last September when Ida came through the area. The San Francisco Plantation in St. John Parish is located next to the Mississippi River, It's a beautiful house with gardens and some display buildings. At this time it's not open to the public. Dave drove us along the River Road through an industrial area that relies on the river for transportation. We drove across the Sunshine Bridge over the Mississippi River on our way to Oak Alley Plantation. Oak Alley is a well preserved plantation with rich history. The home is beautiful inside and out. The name Oak Alley comes from the Oak Tree Canopy that covered the driveway entrance from the river. The hurricane last September gave the trees a trim on top, resulting in a thinner effect at this time. Still cool. We then made out way to Hahnville to see one of our favorite Power Tour people, Anna Brady. We had a nice visit and she baked Banana Bread for everyone. On our way we stopped a fun steak place called the Sante Fe Cattle Company in Hammond, Louisianna. After this great day of fun, Brent, Bruce and I went out to Dave's shop to help him get an engine out of his pickup. (pictures are not in chronological order)

[200WINS]

Day two we set out for Chalmette National Historical Site where the 1812 Battle of New Orleans took place. Dave had set up a Black Powder demonstration that came with lots of history and stories. We then drove through the Battle Field loop and made our way east along the Gulf Coast. Dave took us on an awesome drive along the Gulf Coast, seeing some of the newer constructed homes and remnants of damage from hurricanes past. We met up with boB and Donna at The Blind Tiger in Gulf Port for lunch, then resumed our Gulf Coast Crise to Ocean Springs, MS. We took a break at a local establishment with good food and drinks, the atmosphere was fun and relaxing. Dave was monitoring a rain storm west of us near the hotel, which provided a great time for dinning and dancing. We all made the trip back to Covington with good weather in the dark. (Sorry pictures are not in chronological order)

[200WINS]

Day one, Nawlins. It was decided to trailer Mike's El Camino back to Houston and pick up Susie's Challenger. Bruce provided the truck and Dave the trailer. Bruce and Mike spent the day driving to Houston and back arriving late with the Challenger. Dave had provided directions and lead the way into New Orleans, it was so much easier than I would have ever imagined. Dave led us into a parking lot with enough spaces we could all park together. After paying the parking fees, we ascended onto the French Quarter. The group split up some getting beignets and coffee while others had a mission of finding an authentic New Orleans Muffuletta, which Willow and I did find. Everyone seemed to find something to do, something to witness, and something to drink. We all met up at Pat O'Breins and then found a place for dinner before making our way back to the hotel. (sorry, pictures are not in chronological order)