Scarecrows in the Park

It keeps getting better and better!  This outing was our longest and best so far --- three nights, great company, a beautiful park, delicious food, and "Scarecrows in the Park".  We loaded up Archie and headed out on a cool fall morning to Frank Jackson State Park in Opp, Alabama.  We chose this park mainly because we have family in the area and were hoping to get to see them.  It also looked good on their web page and advertised WIFI, cable tv, and sewer hookups.  That is a winning combination when you want to "rough it".  The little bonus that we had not paid much attention to was the Scarecrows in the Park that was advertised for October and November.

On Friday, Bubba and I set out to see the sights of the park which included some of the most creative displays of scarecrows that you could imagine.  Civic organizations, schools, churches, and senior citizen groups compete during the months of October and November each year hoping to win the trophy for the best scarecrows.  We walked the nicest trail and crossed two board walks going across the lake to a man made island.  All along the way were scarecrows.

Bubba and his fishing buddy, Charles.

This one was called "Shall We Gather at the River".  In addition to the "preacher" fixing to baptize the convert, there was a "choir" of scarecrows on the bank "singing" from their hymnals.

Bubba wanted his picture taken with this lovely scarecrow because he said that she reminded him of his favorite cousin in Atlanta.  Note:  As far as scarecrows go, she was the most attractive.

This one is "Flapper Flo and Dapper Dan".

Mary, Mary Quite Contrary, how does your garden grow?

This entry was created by a nursing home.  The "Senior Citizens" are playing bingo and enjoying a nice cup of diced peaches while they watch tv.

We also had the opportunity to dine out on this trip.  On Thursday evening, Bubba's brother and his wife took us to the Old Barn Restaurant in Goshen, AL.  The Thursday night special was quail, fried or grilled, which was what Bubba and his brother ordered.  They had one of each and couldn't decide which they liked best since both were so good.  My sister-in-law and I ordered Chicken Fingers which were delicious also.  Everything we saw being served around us looked yummy as well.

On Friday night, after sitting by the lake and visiting with our family for a while we headed to Andalusia, AL to eat at David's Catfish House. We had fried dill pickles and fried green tomatoes as an appetizer.  We each ordered something different and we all agreed that everything was superb.  (Note:  I'm starting to feel really stuffed and we still have one more day to go.)

Here we are in a giant rocking chair in front of David's Catfish House.  It's not a very flattering picture, but the chair was so hard to climb into that I had to post it so that effort was not in vain.


Saturday was spent with our family.  Bubba helped his brother some with work on his boat trailer and my sister-in-law and I checked out some interesting shopping sites.  They grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for lunch accompanied by homemade dill pickles, and the best onion rings I've ever eaten.  Then if that wasn't enough, we had a slice of coconut cake!


We vowed not to eat another bite for the rest of the day and returned to our camp site to play Scrabble leaving them to watch the Auburn/Arkansas game.  (I think they would have been happier if they had played Scrabble that evening.)  We only ate some chips and dip while we played Scrabble so we sort of kept our vow since we did not eat a full meal.


We were joined by our Alabama family on Sunday morning for a simple breakfast of sausage and biscuits in the camper.  They stayed with us until we pulled out and headed home.

This was the view we enjoyed from our bed each morning as we drank our coffee and hot chocolate.  This state park was definitely one that we will visit again; however, I have to give them a bad grade for their WIFI and cable tv.  When I asked about the WIFI, the ranger said that if I would go over by the tool shed next to the bath house, I could probably get a signal. (I never tried that to see.)  Cable tv consisted of three public television stations and NBC which drifted in and out of view.  I don't mind doing without my computer and television, but I think if you say you have it, you should have it.  If you ever plan to visit this park, don't try to come in late on Friday evening.  The spots next to the lake are very nice and there are a lot of them, but by Friday evening campers were parking in the spots at a different level that did not even have a view of the lake or any trees AND the WIFI did not work there either.  I would recommend going in October and November to visitors of all ages.  The scarecrows were great.

There is something "spiritual" about being out and enjoying the wonders of nature.  I guess when I was younger, I took all of this for granted.  As I get older, I've come to appreciate the beauty in some of the simplest of God's creation.
I've also come to appreciate time spent with family more than ever.  I really think that special time we had with family this weekend is what made this trip the best one of all.  Love y'all!