Roll Tide!
This was my first Alabama experience. Like with all ODSS adventures, the trip down was well planned and uneventful. Fortunately there were no mechanical issues with any of the vehicles with the exception of the CB radios having issues throughout the trip.
Upon arrival to HQ we explored the property. What a place. Has a nice pond, rolling hills, and plenty to room to do whatever you wish. We spent the week unpacking goodies, setting things up, and making a few repairs needed. Each time we went out we learned something new. John being the social butterfly he is, would engage in conversation with folks and the first thing anyone would say to us was: "Where y'all from?" since our accents did not match the southern twang of the locals.
We found some places with hidden gems. For instance, Mike was being helpful once we unloaded Peggy's mower. As he mowed for some time John and I noticed he stopped and the hood of the mower was up. We go to see the matter and find the air filter cover had come loose and fallen off onto a hot engine. The cover melted and we needed another. We ride around town and found a farm equipment junkyard! Who would have thought? While they did not have what was needed, it was good to know that place was there for the future.
While on our trip Mike was in search of a signature southern item. Pecan Pie. Everywhere we went, he would look without success. The day before leaving, we took Charlie and the International out to introduce the flagship of Stovebolt.com to the locals. When we made a fuel stop I went into the station to find an entire case of pecan pies! I sent Roache in and to his delight he found what he was looking for. These pies became closely guarded items for the trip back to MD.
While we did quite a bit of work getting John and Peggy settled, there was also a large amount of joking around and laughing at each other. Something I needed. Thanks for having me along for the ride!
