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Great River Road

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Lon VanOstran

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Apr 8, 2004, 10:11:49 PM4/8/04
to
Carolyn and I have been enjoying the last 10 days on the Mississippi Gulf
coast. Monday, we plan to head _SLOWLY_ up the Mississippi River, along the
Great River Road.

I would like some suggestions of things we should see, places we should visit,
and especially any information you might have about Casinos, parking in Casino
parking lots, and Casino campgrounds. (hey, between us we have gotten 8 royal
flushes on nickle video poker machines since July. We can't aford to stop. <g>)

Vicksburg and Memphis are already on the list, but I would appreciate any
special things we should see in either place, (or other places) especially
anything related to Nathan Bedford Forrest in Memphis.

Oh, if you ever find yourselves in the area, don't miss the drive along 90
between Pass Christian and Biloxi, in MS.

Lon

Mike Hendrix

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Apr 9, 2004, 12:15:34 AM4/9/04
to

Lon, in the travelogues on my web site I have some information on
things to see and do along River Road from New Orleans up to St
Francisville.

http://travellogs.us/

Travelogues #2 & #3 under 2000 Travels cover that portion of River
Road.

mike


Mike Hendrix
Pensacola
http://travellogs.us/

ww...@cwnet.com

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Apr 9, 2004, 12:49:40 AM4/9/04
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On 09 Apr 2004 02:11:49 GMT, rvn...@aol.com (Lon VanOstran) wrote:

Lon,

If you get over on I-55 in MO, Stop at Sikeston and visit Lambert's
Restaurant, "the home of the throwed roll". If you have never been
there, it is quite an experience and the food is not bad either.

In that general area is New Madrid, the site of the strongest
earthquake ever recorded in the US.

George

Mike Simmons

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Apr 9, 2004, 3:24:15 AM4/9/04
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"Lon VanOstran" <rvn...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20040408221149...@mb-m19.aol.com...

If you EVER make it all the way up to St. Loo, I'll buy you a beer!

;^)

Mike


Mike Miller

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Apr 9, 2004, 8:15:53 AM4/9/04
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In article <KdKdndyBQrF...@fidnet.com>, mik...@fidnet.com says...

> > Lon
>
> If you EVER make it all the way up to St. Loo, I'll buy you a beer!
>
> ;^)
>
> Mike
>
>
>
At the TapRoom I hope.
--
Mike Miller
If all else fails - READ THE INSTRUCTIONS!
or if you like
"If all else fails - THROW HARDER" Robert Smith(pro bowler)

Lon VanOstran

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Apr 9, 2004, 8:56:49 AM4/9/04
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In article <KdKdndyBQrF...@fidnet.com>, "Mike Simmons"
<mik...@fidnet.com> writes:

>If you EVER make it all the way up to St. Loo, I'll buy you a beer!
>
>;^)
>
>Mike

Only one? I thought we were gonna spend a whole weekend camping. We'll be there
around the 1st of May. I'll get more specific a couple weeks ahead of when
we'll actually be there.

Lon

Lon VanOstran

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Apr 9, 2004, 8:56:46 AM4/9/04
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In article <2jac70djscsrd65ar...@4ax.com>, ww...@cwnet.com
writes:

>Lon,
>
>If you get over on I-55 in MO, Stop at Sikeston and visit Lambert's
>Restaurant, "the home of the throwed roll". If you have never been
>there, it is quite an experience and the food is not bad either.
>
>In that general area is New Madrid, the site of the strongest
>earthquake ever recorded in the US.
>
>George

We've been to Lambert's in Foley, AL. Food is OK, but you don't go for the
food. You go for the experience. Neat place.

Lon

Ernst Wernli

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Apr 9, 2004, 10:25:48 AM4/9/04
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Dear Mike,

I saw on your homepage that you sometimes stay overnight with Wal-Mart.

Is that safe?

We travel each year 4-5 months by the USA.

Cordial greetings
Ernst Wernli, Switzerland
(excuse my bad English)
http://homepage.hispeed.ch/wernli/menus/haupt_frame.html

Mike Hendrix schrieb:

Tex Houston

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Apr 9, 2004, 10:54:30 AM4/9/04
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"Ernst Wernli" <e...@swissonline.ch> wrote in message
news:c56bpa$8e5$1...@newshispeed.ch...

> Dear Mike,
>
> I saw on your homepage that you sometimes stay overnight with Wal-Mart.
>
> Is that safe?
>
> We travel each year 4-5 months by the USA.
>
> Cordial greetings
> Ernst Wernli, Switzerland
> (excuse my bad English)
> http://homepage.hispeed.ch/wernli/menus/haupt_frame.html


Nothing wrong with your English. You may have a warped sense of safety in
the USA. Would you park in a bad neighborhood in Europe?

Wal-Mart store parking lots are lighted, patrolled occasionally and in many
cases open all night. They are a little busy for my taste but I would use
them if I needed to do so.

Back in my youth I spent a week skiing in Arosa, two weeks skiing in Wengen.
I loved your country.

Regards,

Tex Houston


MTV

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Apr 9, 2004, 11:41:20 AM4/9/04
to
Lon VanOstran wrote:
> Carolyn and I have been enjoying the last 10 days on the Mississippi Gulf
> coast. Monday, we plan to head _SLOWLY_ up the Mississippi River, along the
> Great River Road.
>
> I would like some suggestions of things we should see, places we should visit,
> and especially any information you might have about Casinos, parking in Casino
> parking lots, and Casino campgrounds. (hey, between us we have gotten 8 royal
> flushes on nickle video poker machines since July. We can't aford to stop. <g>)
>
> Vicksburg and Memphis are already on the list, but I would appreciate any
> special things we should see in either place, (or other places) especially
> anything related to Nathan Bedford Forrest in Memphis.
>

The battlefield tour in Vicksburg - self-guiding driving.
Harrah's has an RV park adjacent to the casino.
Memphis: BBQ and walking in the evening on Beale St. to take in the Blues.
Peacocks in the Peabody Hotel & Mud Island, Graceland. We stayed at the
Miss. River RV Park right downtown next to the interstate - owner a very
delightful French lady. Even missed the sound of trains when when we left.
Lots of places to walk nearby & the Metalurgy Museum on the river.

Marv

Ron Recer

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Apr 9, 2004, 12:47:10 PM4/9/04
to
>Lon VanOstran wrote:
>> Carolyn and I have been enjoying the last 10 days on the Mississippi Gulf
>> coast. Monday, we plan to head _SLOWLY_ up the Mississippi River, along the
>> Great River Road.
>> I would like some suggestions of things we should see, places we should
>visit,
>> and especially any information you might have about Casinos, parking in
>Casino
>> parking lots, and Casino campgrounds.

Natchez is great if you like pre Civil War southern mansions. There are a
number of them open for tours. Most if not all charge a fee. The local
tourist info center has information on all of them. There used to be one
casino there. Our experience is that casino competition makes the return
greater and we stay away from isolated casinos.

Tunica, MS is the place to go if you want to visit the casinos. The Grand
Casino, Sam's Town Casino and Hollywood Casino all have RV parks. The Grand
Casino's RV park was $17 last year. Shuttle service is provided and you can
connect to shuttles for all casinos. If I remember right there are 9 casinos
in the area. All are along the river.

Enjoy your trip.

Ron
Edmond, OK

Lone Haranguer

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Apr 9, 2004, 12:49:02 PM4/9/04
to
Ernst Wernli wrote:

> Dear Mike,
>
> I saw on your homepage that you sometimes stay overnight with Wal-Mart.
>
> Is that safe?
>
> We travel each year 4-5 months by the USA.
>
> Cordial greetings
> Ernst Wernli, Switzerland
> (excuse my bad English)
> http://homepage.hispeed.ch/wernli/menus/haupt_frame.html
>

It depends on which cities and where they are located in those cities.

Most small-town WalMarts would be safe, especially in the west and midwest.

You might also check out a book called Free Campgrounds of the West.

http://www.freecampgrounds.com/guide.html

Gute Reise!

Feel free to write with questions.

LZ

RK

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Apr 9, 2004, 1:31:56 PM4/9/04
to

"Lon VanOstran" <rvn...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20040408221149...@mb-m19.aol.com...

Lon, are you planning to come a far North as Minnesota?

RK


Mike Hendrix

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Apr 9, 2004, 2:03:25 PM4/9/04
to
On Fri, 09 Apr 2004 16:25:48 +0200, Ernst Wernli <e...@swissonline.ch>
wrote:

>Dear Mike,
>
>I saw on your homepage that you sometimes stay overnight with Wal-Mart.
>
>Is that safe?
>
>We travel each year 4-5 months by the USA.

-----------------------------------------
If Overnighting/Boondocking at Wal-Mart was the least bit unsafe you
can bet we would not be staying there. Most if not all have 24/7
security cameras on the parking lots (our motorhome) plus most if not
all have security men in golf carts patroling the parking lot all
night.

In my opinion it is as safe as most RV-Parks. How many RV-Parks have
a security patrol all night?

GBinNC

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Apr 9, 2004, 3:08:45 PM4/9/04
to
On Fri, 09 Apr 2004 13:03:25 -0500, Mike Hendrix
<nospam.mi...@rimonline.com> wrote:

>>I saw on your homepage that you sometimes stay overnight with Wal-Mart.
>>
>>Is that safe?

>In my opinion it is as safe as most RV-Parks. How many RV-Parks have


>a security patrol all night?

Agreed. My wife and I have overnighted probably half a dozen times in
our Class B at various Wal-Marts. Some were open all night and some
weren't. Sometimes we were the only RV in the lot and sometimes we
weren't.

Regardless, we've never had even the slightest reason to feel anything
less than perfectly safe there. Our usual stay is from around midnight
to 8 a.m.

GB in NC

Ron Recer

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Apr 9, 2004, 5:23:12 PM4/9/04
to
>Lon VanOstran wrote:

> I would like some suggestions of things we should see, places we should
>visit

If you will be spending some time in Memphis consider staying at the Tom Sawyer
RV Park in West Memphis, AR. It is on the river near the I-55 bridge into
Memphis. Great view of the river.

You might also enjoy Mud Island near the I-40 bridge in Memphis.

Ron
Edmond, OK

John Bell

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Apr 9, 2004, 9:02:21 PM4/9/04
to
Lon,
Be sure to visit the U.S.S. Cairo, which is located in the Vicksburg
National Military Park. It has to rank up there as one of the best
displays on Civil War history you will ever see.
jtb

Lon VanOstran

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Apr 9, 2004, 10:04:10 PM4/9/04
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In article <obpd70d4807b1vqe4...@4ax.com>, Will Sill
<wi...@epix.net> writes:

>Be sure to shed your cheapskate attitude
>for a few hours and take Carolyn to at least one of them.

No problem. She'll dig up some coupons. <g>

Lon

Lon VanOstran

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Apr 9, 2004, 10:04:10 PM4/9/04
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In article <g6Bdc.413$cD2.16856@attbi_s51>, "RK" <R...@noattbi.net> writes:

>Lon, are you planning to come a far North as Minnesota?
>
>RK

Yes, but not this trip. Moline, IL is where we leave the river this time and
head to Michigan and the Grand kids. We'll be coming through Minnesota in
August, most likely on 2 as we slowly work our way toward the west coast.

Lon

Sky

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Apr 9, 2004, 10:36:32 PM4/9/04
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"Lon VanOstran" <rvn...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20040409085646...@mb-m12.aol.com...

IMNSHO, Lambert's is just another franchized chain restaurant (like TGIF or
Olive Garden), and not really worth its claim to fame! I know Foley, AL
(Baldwin County) intimately, and never once have I been to the Lambert's
there! Why go to Lambert's when there are all those local fresh seafood
places available (OK, I'm located in land-locked central Illinois so I miss
the seafood!)! I'd rather drive about 25+ miles farther east on the Beach
Road and have freshly shucked oysters ala "cajun style" at the Flora-Bama
<http://www.florabama.com>, but that's an acquired taste, er the Florabama
that is (VBG!). But then, I've been going to the Flora-bama for more than
30 years now (GROAN!) so I've seen its evolution first-hand (not to mention
the destruction of the beach front road - meaning one can hardly see the
beach for the buildings - frown). Oh well, that's another lament.

Another good local restaurant is Wintzell's on Fairhope Avenue in downtown
Fairhope. This restaurant has a most excellent "West Indies Salad" (a crab
salad to die for!!!!), along with its sister restaurant, the "original"
Wintzell's Oyster House, in downtown Mobile on Dauphin Street, which is a
famous landmark. The atmosphere at both is unique and well worth the
experience. Anytime I am in the region (I have relatives there), I always
make it a point to go to Wintzell's, whether Mobile or Fairhope, or both!

Gambino's in Fairhope is also well known. It's an italian restaurant with a
seafood flair. I love their crab au gratin :) It's a very popular
restaurant and gets very busy with a long wait line.

The Original Oyster House on the Causeway (just east of the USS Alabama)
right on Mobile Bay between Mobile & Spanish Fort is good too! Excellent
fried crab claws and other seafood dishes. It actually comprises of two
restaurants with different (albeit similar) menus -- a formal one upstairs
and one less former on the lower level (more bar like). The Original Oyster
House also has a sister restuarant located in Gulf Shores on the Bayou (not
all the way to the Beach Road on the west side of Hwy 59). It's fun to
watch the pelicans dive into the bayou at this restaurant.

Then there's the "shack" that's behind the "shark" souvenir shop in Gulf
Shores (east of Hwy 59) -- I can never remember this restaurant's name.
They serve really good boiled shrimp (reds), but some may be squeamish --
these shrimp include heads and all! This eatery is very informal and quite
small.

The Nautilus Restaurant in Spanish Fort (just south of I-10 on the right
(west) side of Hwy 98) is OK. It's not my favorite, but it does good
business, but that's mostly due to location, I'm sure. I prefer the
restaurants I mentioned already, but Nautilus is still good.

As I understand it, Jimmy Buffet's sister (?) operates a bait shop/grill on
Highway 98 at the Fish River Bridge (west side) off of Weeks Bay. But, I've
never eaten there; I've only purchased gas for the boat from the wharf!
I've countlessly traveled that road (Hwy 98) between Fairhope & Foley, not
to mention have taken a sailboat under the Fish River Bridge (oh what fond
memories!)! No wonder I can't remember its name.

Oh, then there's a restaurant at Mullet Point out of Point Clear (again, I
can't remember its name) which is located all the way to the south end on
the Old Bay Road (Scenic Hwy 98 -- don't curve left to head east to Foley --
keep going south). One has to know about this restaurant because it's
definitely out of the typical route (it's located on a long dead end route).

I miss the Baldwin County Gulf Coast area (hey, I used to live there!), but
certainly not during the summer -- it's way too hot & humid for my comfort!
If y'all can't tell, I love to eat out at restaurants! I love to cook & all
that, but by the time the meal is ready, I'm already full!

Skyhooks
hmardis "aht" uiuc "daught" edu

"reply to" address munged -- read line above for correct addy.


Lon VanOstran

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Apr 9, 2004, 10:53:22 PM4/9/04
to
In article <14859-407...@storefull-3272.bay.webtv.net>,
ss1a...@webtv.net (John Bell) writes:

Thanks. I don't plan to miss anything related to the Civil War.

Lon

Sky

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Apr 9, 2004, 11:04:22 PM4/9/04
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"Lon VanOstran" <rvn...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20040409220410...@mb-m28.aol.com...


Last November just before the Thanksgiving weekend, we stayed at the COE
"Fisherman's Corner" in Hampton IL (basically East Moline??)
<http://www.reserveusa.com/jsp/commonpage.jsp?goto=/nrrs/il/fico/newindex.ht
ml> - and it was great (but the Asian beetles were awful!!!)!!!!!! It's
located right on the Mississippi River and has wonderful facilities! Spouse
and I were truly impressed with it. Not to mention, it was hardly crowded
because of the time of year (the CG was due to close for the season after
the following weekend). This COE CG is located within a couple of miles
just south of I-80 along the Great River Road. The bicycle path is adjacent
to the CG and runs right along this 2- & 4-lane highway.

Oh, just farther south along the GRR from "Fisherman's Corner", is a county
park CG that's just as impressive as the COE CG! And it's no farther than a
mile or two past the COE CG! Both CGs are very impressive. As always, MWV
(milage will vary).

Skyhooks
(sig left out on purpose - not using usually connection)


Lon VanOstran

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Apr 9, 2004, 11:34:42 PM4/9/04
to
In article <WuJdc.5207$i74.1...@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net>, "Sky"
<skyh...@att.net> writes:

>Last November just before the Thanksgiving weekend, we stayed at the COE
>"Fisherman's Corner" in Hampton IL (basically East Moline??)

We stayed there in September of 2002 on our way to Sioux Falls, SD. Great
campground, and we really enjoyed the river trail. If you get that way again,
don't miss the Rock Island Arsenal, and spend some extra time at the lock on
the base. We watched a tug boat captain push 10 barges through the lock. He had
to take 6 of them through, come back for the other 4, then lash them all back
together and head upriver with them. What a treat. As a second treat standing
on the same spot, there is a combination (over/under) railroad/highway bridge
that pivots out of the way for river traffic, just South of the lock, and we
got to watch that happen as well. Pretty neat stuff.

Lon

Sky

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Apr 10, 2004, 1:49:58 AM4/10/04
to
"Lon VanOstran" <rvn...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20040409233442...@mb-m15.aol.com...

Oh yes, the MS River Trail (for bicycles and whatnots) is truly fantastic,
as I learn with each passing season :) Spouse and I rode the trail from
Fisherman's Corner COE CG heading south into town somewhat (read about 10+
miles ???), but due to time constraints, we didn't have nearly the time we
needed to fully explore the "Arsenal" Island!

On the "River Trail", we didn't like the part about 4 miles south of Pere
Marquette SP, especially since that part of the bike trail was adjacent to
the GRR!!!! Talk about scarey - but it's awful to see "bouquets" that
memorialize the passing of folk(s) due to accident(s) at that particular
location (know what I mean????). Spouse and I will not compete with
motorized vehicles for the roadpath - we settle for paths NOT located
adjacent to roadways/highways (read the path between Alton IL & Pere
Marquette - or portions thereof!). I hope I make sense?

A visit this upcoming season is definitely planned for that COE CG again,
although we now know there is an option between the two CGs of that area :)
Watching the water traffic on the river is truly fascinating and very
dynamic, no matter the location! I look forward to reading about the Lewis
& Clark reinactment.

BTW, I had some of the best ever BBQ ribs from some "shack" that was about 4
miles south of the COE CG - sorry I can't remember the name - but it was at
a major "Y" intersection. Looks like a "hole in the wall" convenience
store - sort of --- but then - don't most "best" eateries boast of such
appearances???? As always, MWV :)

Sky (usual sig omitted)

P.S. The I&M Canal Path is a wonderful resource/asset, too :)
<http://www.about-bicycles.com/i-m-canal-bike-trail-pics2.htm> &
<http://www.nps.gov/ilmi/> &
<http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/PARKS/I&M/Main.htm> It's practically
my favorite because I can somewhat easily access it with a day trip -- other
paths are located too far :(! OK, so I'll drive 200 miles (round trip) to
ride 20+ miles on a bike in a day!!!! Hey - the I&M is worth it! :) What
can I say, I especially like it when I see snakes on the path! Yes, I said
snakes (just use respect!!!)! I don't like mice, so what better than snakes
to take care of mice??? Eagles and hawks are kewl, too!


Green...@bellsouth.net

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Apr 10, 2004, 8:09:11 AM4/10/04
to

>
> The Nautilus Restaurant in Spanish Fort (just south of I-10 on the right
> (west) side of Hwy 98) is OK. It's not my favorite, but it does good
> business, but that's mostly due to location, I'm sure. I prefer the
> restaurants I mentioned already, but Nautilus is still good.
>
> As I understand it, Jimmy Buffet's sister (?) operates a bait shop/grill on
> Highway 98 at the Fish River Bridge (west side) off of Weeks Bay. But, I've
> never eaten there; I've only purchased gas for the boat from the wharf!
> I've countlessly traveled that road (Hwy 98) between Fairhope & Foley, not
> to mention have taken a sailboat under the Fish River Bridge (oh what fond
> memories!)! No wonder I can't remember its name.
>

'Lulus'(loo-loos') has been re-located to a new Gulf Shores/Orange
Beach location,via barge. JB pops in on occasion.

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