Paul

These were once pine trees!

I love kudzu! Of course I don't have to battle it creeping over my house. It looks so cool blanketing entire valleys along the trail. Got to feel sorry for the trees that get caught up in it's path though. If you can't run, there is no escaping kudzu. It grows so fast you can…

The Appalachian Trail is showing the first hints of fall in north Georgia. The trail begins with great views of Amicalola Falls and stunning vistas with the Blue Ridge mountains in the mist.

Dodging the remnants of Gustav, we drove a northeast track to Atlanta, and spent the night near Dahlonega GA for an early morning hike on the Appalachian Trail. Although we have not the time or supplies for a proper AT adventure, Starbucks had the essentials for a 10 mile hike.

Whenever we come to Pensacola, the last stop on our way out of town is at Joe Patti's. We either load the van with seafood on ice or ship a supply home. Either way, somebody better clean out the freezer! On this rare occasion, I got to bump into the legendary Frank Patti! It didn't…

My evacuation to the east wasn't just to watch the hurricane from a safe perspective. It was also a "you gotta see the baby" mission. Kennedy was born to my best good friends, Scott & Kristina Miller while I was in China. She's adorable!

The winds haven't let up since yesterday, but the water dropped two feet. The rain is intermitent and very strong. My friends in Louisiana did not fare as well. I'm hearing reports of power out and cell towers down. Y'all be safe! Check in when you can!

The high tide brought the bay up into the parking lots and over the road in a few places. We aren't getting much rain at the moment. It's sunny and hot now, with humidity thick enough to drown small animals. The wind is still pushing westward, bending the palm trees and irritating the pelicans. A…

Big wind drove big waves onto Pensacola Beach this morning. The eye of Gustav hit southern Louisiana this morning as a category 2 hurricane. We are out of the eye, but definitely feel the power of the storm.