Having left the pristine forests of southern Alabama I now find myself in a sea of RVs and travel trailers at Gulf Shores State Park. From my campsite I can see off in the distance a high rise condo building.

Everybody has their own version of camping. Prior to buying my pop up, my version was always in a tent, no power, and water out of pumps that you had to walk to. This is another whole new experience for me.

The people that surround me now have Christmas lights strung, satelite dishes, big screen TVs, and outdoor living rooms with carpets, chairs and end tables.  And everywhere fly the flags of their sports allegiance.  Hawkeyes, Spartans, Vikings, Wolverines, Tigers, Bulldogs, and of course the ever present Crimson Tide.

Now before I sound just completely disparaging, this place has an energy to it that draws you in. Just because it doesn’t follow my historic path of camping doesn’t mean it has no appeal for me. I’m living for the next handful of days in a little village, actually it’s a big village, of people doing their version of small space living.  It’s kinda fascinating really.

This morning I went to church at St Thomas of the Sea.  And lo and behold I ran into my friends Donna and Tom Mahowald.  My Cursillo friends will know who they are.  Will wonders never cease.  Little doses of home make a heart sing.

After church I experienced my very first Waffle House. It was more like Mad House but well organized chaos. The man running the cooking was a giant who must have played tackle somewhere.  He was shouting instructions, laughing and encouraging his charges.  It was fun to watch and I think he made working there fun.  I don’t know, maybe this isn’t all that interesting to people, but I’m just taking it all in.  The world in front of me is my new favorite movie.

Right now I’m going to take in a bike ride.

I am well and hope y’all are too. 🙂