Thomas Hamilton | Water Dog Site

New Orleans

February 5^th, Monday through Friday February 9^th

New Orleans

Left Fair Hope AL fairly early ie 9:30am ish. Plan to get to Anne and Herschel’s house and they had afternoon appointment so wanted to get there by noon. Just took I-10 to be fastest. Arrived around 12 at their house on Camp Street in the Garden district. Herchel has his 2011 King of Rex Crue flag flying out front.

Had a visit from Graden District Security guy where Parking restrictions and even more so because its Mardigras so we had to trim bushes in the back alley and the pulled up against their back alley access fence.

Good thing they had this. If we go again with ANYTHING bigger should stay at Macon’s or local state park. We planned to stay one or two days but ended up staying 3 nights.

Monday we walked around neighborhood/garden district with dogs. Had Po Boy’s for lunch (oyster for alex, beef for me…good!). Then red beans and rice for dinner very Louisianian! Had king cake for desert and also many pettifores during the stay.

The oak trees are amazing on the streets here.

Tuesday Cathryn picked us up at the house and we picked up lunch then went to Macon’s house. Cool place on the Batture referred to by Jefferson Parish as “camps” — atop pilings over the water and at its edge. (Macon has one of 13 remaining houses on outside curve of MI on wrong side of levee). Then back to the house around 3pm.

After that we went to the Fly/Avengers park on the outside edge (riverfront) of Audubon park. Played with dogs and walked around the park. Got back around 4pm and hung with Anne and Herschel.

That night we went to Mardi Gras parade on St Charles street/uptown (just 4 blocks from their house). It was rainy and cold so no pictures but we did see the Druids parade and got some booty from the throws. We wanted to see the Nyx a female Krew but they got held up and we had waited and been in cold rain for awhile so we aborted.

Wednesday we went to the WWII Museum which was cool. Anne had bought some Salmon and alex cooked this for dinner. Highly recommend a visit to the museum.

Casey Key Nokomis

Jan 10-12 th

After Fort Desoto Park we carried on to a rental we got on VRBO for three nights at the southern end of Casey Key in Nokomis. We had the top floor at the back. Jerry a long time friend from college lives near by. The rental is across the road from the beach that goes up/down the key and backed up to a small canal adjacent to the intracoastal with small boat dock. Great location if you have a small boat or kayaks.

Rental Second Floor (Red Towel On Railing)

Officially no dog’s are allowed on the beach but if you are past the public beach where the rentals and private houses start dog’s you should have no problems. Beach access was between the rentals across from us so no problem.

We took dog’s for quick swim in intracoastal at the park to the south of us before going over to the beach for a walk. The water here in the intracoastal and canals is very clear since close to Venice Inlet.

Wed nights they have the drum circle at Nokomis Beach and we walked over from rental house to take a look before sunset. All the hippy type folks bring their drums and some how coordinate the drumming. Very cool and had a good time watching the dancing as the sun set.

After sunset we all walked over to Pop’s Sunset Grill for dinner. Twas nice. I have never seen a heron beg but there was a Louisiana Night Heron that was absolutely begging. I am not one to feed birds but was intrigued. He took Mahi right out of hand! Owners were feeding french fries, he declined dropped sweet potato fry. Funny.

On Thursday we rented a boat and cruised up to the North end of Casey Key and let the dog’s swim at Blackburn Park. We then picked up Jerry and Malena at the rental dock on our way back south and went down to Stump pass where we beached the boat and swam the boats.

Patty, Jerry and Malena On Boat to Stump Pass

We then stopped at Stump Pass Marina for lunch at the Lighthouse Grill before heading back to rental.

Dec 12-15th

On Friday we stopped by Jerry’s house as we had not been to the new house. He is renovating the place himself! Lots of good work done and its starting to take shape. After this visit we stopped by Casey Key Fish House with Jerry for lunch on our way back to Largo. Jerry’s house is going to be real nice when done.

Alex developed a head cold. Marcia and Gary kindly invited back for a couple days with Alex in quarantine. We hung out, guys watched football, went to nearby nature park, another beach walk and some libations over puzzle assembling. Fun times with good friends is the best!

Sampling Siesta Key Rum, a gift from Jerry. Twas good!

Largo To Nokomis Stop At Fort Desoto

January 9 th

Got out of Gary and Marsha’s at around 10 am and started drive down the barrier island route. Went through Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, Redington Beach, Treasure Island, Madiera Beach, St Pete Beach down to Fort Desoto County park. The park is well known for having a dog park where you can take dog’s on beach.

When we went in we saw signs for Fort so stopped for quick look at the fort.

After a short stroll through fort went to the dog park.

Start of dog park are the dog park enclosures which you can go in gate at front and then exit over near beach if you want to run the dog’s a bit before going to the beach. The dog beach sign had ZERO No’s, i.e. zero no this/that etc, which is our highest rating. You can go through fenced in dog park front gate and exit at back gate at beach but we decided to come back from beach through fenced area to use the dog wash station to rinse dog’s off.

We walked past sign’s to beach and let the dog’s run. Nice dog beach but pretty short, only about 1/4 mile long. You have to wonder why so short when there are many miles in each direction with NO dog’s.

We then exited through the fenced in dog park and rinsed off the dog’s in the dog wash station located in the fenced in area and let the dog’s air dry a bit behind camper.

Fenced In Dog Area Fort De Soto Dog Park

Dog Wash Station Fenced In Dog Area Fort De Soto

Tampa and Largo/Indian Rocks

Friday December 29^th

Packing up and leaving the house at Stuart on our way to Tampa to visit Dan and Jenny for their New Years party which also happens to be their Wedding anniversary also. Lia has started working at a Vegan restaurant and provided use some great Vegan meals, yummy! We need to learn to use raw cashews soaked in water and pureed for cream sauces like Lia.

We had a great camp site with electric in front of the detached garage at their tampa house.

Thursday Jan 4^th

Left Tamp to drive over to Largo/Indian Rocks Beach to stay at our next camp ground next to Gary and Marsha’s house where we had electricity by plugging in to their house via extension cord. Dallas the 12 year old yellow lab rules the roost at this place from her tempurpedic dog throne!

Alex And Gary Try Jerry’s Siesta Key Rum

Next day went to take a walk at Walsingham County Park, the county here has done a great job in providing many very nice parks scattered across the county.

On the way back across the street stopped at the Florida Botanical Gardens where in the same park they have the Heritage Village where 20 or so historical houses and stores etc have been moved and put on display. The store was staffed with period correct dressed gentlemen whom described how the country store worked back in the day. Staff needed 6 cents per day pay!

Next day went to one of our favorite dog beaches North Clear Water Beach with Gary, Patty and Dallas.

Gary and Dallas, North Clear Water Beach

Apalachicola To Stuart

Tuesday December 12^th:

Moved to Phipps park in Stuart. Nice county park with camping. Also checked out core of engineer park which is often booked. The park borders the Okechobee canal which we took the trawler Water Dog over and back from Stuart to Clear Water Beach marina back in 2014 across lake Okechobee. When we ran the lake water level was at 12′ and we had plenty of water back then.

We went to early dinner at a fish place which was good then said our good buys.

Okeechobee Canal At Phipps Park County Campground

Wednesday December 13^tH: walked around park in AM then left and checked into rental house: Shady Oak 662 Cleveland Ave Stuart

16 nights in house: nice place, not too swanky but spaceous. Kitchen not super well equipped. AC worked well and we did use. Did rent center console boat one day which as very fun as we explored and allowed dogs to play.

James visited last week for Christmas and then Anthony came for our last night and we had dinner out at Bangkhok Thai restaurant.

Spent Christmas morning at Patty’s Mom’s and had Christmass dinner at our rental.

One of the best things about Stuart is that dog’s are allowed on most all beaches. Terra and Holly had daily walks on beach and had a great time.

Alabama To Indian Pass Camp Ground Then Apalachicola

Friday December 8th

Left dads around 9:45 AM, rainy and cold due to cold front. May snow in Alabama! Did snow in Atlanta per Frances Picture. Headed east on 98. Stopped in Fort Walton Beach at a Taco shack (james knew of it) and had fish tacos and tempeh tacos: very good. Drove on and stopped to get some liquor then along peninsula to the Forgotton coast of FL. Not much water driving but some. Went through Pt Saint Joe, checked out a couple potential overnight spots: one an “rv site” in a row of beach houses. We called number but after five and got emergency service who hung up on us. Looked at Presnell’s RV park and Marina: ok, on waterfront but mostly parking lot.
Went on to Indian Pass campground, very nice: small sites except we stayed on “tent island” site 5 so it was big. No electric. In middle of tent island is site that is not advertised but is RV site. If we go back should request that.

Saturday December 9^th: Got up to clearing skies and sun peeking out. By 10 am or so beautiful clear! Went for nice beach walk. Dogs off leash, had fun. This area has boat ramp and also ferry to a large island which is a national wildlife refuge: St Vincent Island

Drove back to 98 towards Apalachicola. Looked at the free site at Battery Park but ended up at Gibson Inn in town. They gave us dog friendly room and we walked about town and then went out for dinner.

Apalachicola is a very cool layed back town.

Went to local recommended hole in the wall restaurant at 6:20 and they were closed LOL so ended up at tap room which was ok.

Went to Bowery Station bar in afternoon and chatted with couple who had moved from the keys (which became too crowded for them)

Natchez Trace Parkway To Alabama

Friday November 17^th

Plan to go somewhere in Mississippi. Left around 9:45am. Headed south on 82 by Lake Village then south on 65 to Tallulah LA then east on I-20 to Vicksburg. Crossed the Misssisssippi. At Vicksburg (now in Mississippi) took 27 south (got fuel at corner) to the Natchez Trace Parkway and then headed southeast.

Great open green fields to run dog’s with chuck it and ball.

Stopped at a few of the historic markers. Natchez parkway is a 441 mile trail from somewhere in TN to Natchez MI. People used to float goods down MI river to Natchez and then walk back. Also used by Indians. Natchez the town sounds like a good place to visit for a couple days. During its heyday ½ of all millionaires in US lived there and there are many mansions left that survived the war. We went by Natchez state park on this little cut off road (Maybe 353) then picked up 84 east. Looking for Clear Springs recreation area. It was off Providence then Clear Springs road(county road 104 but never saw it named that). There was a brown sign indicating turn through. Four miles south on Clear springs road to the campground. Another national forest campground with electric and water again. ½ of camp closed but we got a great site (#2) on the edge of the lake created by damming the creek. Unfortunately the lake has silted in so not clear aka not good for swimming dog or people. We walked around the lake, camp host said 1 mile hike but it twas 2miles. A bit much for me leg but I made it. We chilled, had asparagus for dinner. I showered and then we crashed.

Saturday November 18^th

Heading to Point Clear, Alex’s dads place. Got up at 6am. Left around 9am. Out to the highway 98 and headed east. Stopped at a little donut shop along the way in Summit to get breakfast biscuit. A stop at CVS to pick pick up Advil then diesel just outside of Mobile. Arrived at Dads around 2:45pm. Emptied camper and had nice dinner out at supper club

Sunday November 19th

Day 3 dinner at Wash house, the next day discovered dad left credit card and went back next day to recover

Frances, Dad and Alex Fairhope Inn Lunch

Natural Falls State Park to Hot Springs National Park Ending At Chicot Lake State Park

Wednesday November 15^th

Left Natural Falls state park and heading for Queen Wilhelmena state park in SE Arkansas. Backtracked 7 miles or so on 412 alternate (412 was pay turnipike) to scenic Hwy10 south. It followed the Illinois river. We stopped at the Peavine Hollow river access point which had camping and was where we presumed rafts are launched and picked up by river operators. Played a bit with dogs and some swimming then on south.

Stopped to stretch legs at a gas station near Tahlequah and alex got a BBQ sandwich which was good. On south on 82 by Tenkiller lake to Vian. Then on 64 to Salisaw where we got fuel and then headed south on 59 to 270 through the Ouachita National Forest. Nasty weather. A rain front had hit us at natural falls and we were following it so very foggy with drizzle…supposed to be scenic but not much view. Tried to takd HWY 1 in Ok/88 in ARK but so nasty we aborted and backtracked 4 miles to 270. Took 270 east into Ark then up to Queen Wilhelmina State park.

Solid fog and nasty. We checked out lodge (Ok not too grand and maybe no bar). We would have gotten one of their dog friendly rooms but they were booked. Checked out campground but decided to leave (later found out this was bad decision as alex was mad the rest of the day cause we left). Headed east on 270 thorough Mena then HWY 88 towards Hot Springs (61 miles). Rejoined with 270 at Pencil Bluff. Pulled off to check out a few spots ie Shirley creek but no camping. Were resigned to hotel or Treasure Isle RV park but then saw NF campground Charlton! Pulled in there and spent the night. Nice creek and even a waterfall (man made). Nice empty camp though. Half the campsites were closed near the water and this is due to potential flooding! They had signs all over park saying this is high water mark and it was about up to my neck. It was nice. Had weak cell service.

Thursday November 16^th

Left around 9am. Drove to Hot Springs National Park and checked it out. Developed in late 1800 and preserved by US government before National parks were a thing. Went to”bath house Row” and checked out the visitor center which was in one called the Fordyce Bath House named after the colonel who built it. Nice museum and old architecture.

Fordyce Bath House Medieval Looking Instruments

Then left there around 11am and drove to Chicot Lake State Park which is in very southeast Arkansas. East on 270 to Pine bluff then SE on 65 towards Lake Village. Before lake village headed east to the big 22 mile long 1 mile wide oxbow lake (natural from Mississippi river). Small state park. Had nice lake front spot with cypress. We were in site number 114. Marina where you can rent fishing boat or kayaks. Took a short walk to nature trail then early to bed (fish taco dinner). Still pretty lame due to knee injury but can do easy walks.

Guymon (OK) to Natural Falls State Park (OK)

Monday November 13^th

Late start as we did internet and had breakfast in hotel. Left Guymon continued east on 412. Ended up at Lake McMurty Park/recreation area. Has east and west side areas. I researched at OK state park site and determined best sites were on West side so we went there. Hwy 412 east to I-35 south, jigged over to Hwy 77 then Bronco road (E0580 road) to the lake. We had site number 5. Nice view of lake, Utilities and free wi fi. Had campground all to ourselves. (site 4 at lake McMurtry west). There are trails but we did not walk any due to me being Gimpy from knee sprain.

Tuesday Nov 14^th

Woke up and slow start. Left around 10:30 or so. About 200 miles to drive. Headed out from Lake McMurtry east to get to highway 177 south to highway 51 east. Stopped in Stillwater for fuel. 51 runs into 412 at Tulsa so there we transferred to 412 east. Then for lunch at Flo’s burgers in Catoosa. Continued on 412 East, past Flint to our stop at Natural Falls State Park Camp Ground.

Had site 21 which was nice as was on a bluff. PJS took her first walk wihtout crutches. Had picked up a brace at Walmart. We walked Dripping springs trail. Saw the natural falls, walked to bottom then along creek over bridge and back up…may have been too much. Iced leg and Ibuprofen for dessert after dinner of broccoli and soup. Alex had broccoli and left over pizza.

Taos to Cimarron Via Johnson Mesa highway

Saturday November 11^th

Got off 9 am or so. Drove into Taos. Had breakfast then walked the town square which had a farmers market. It was Veterans Day so they were having some ceremonies for veterans. Then drove the Cimarron Canyon highway. Through Angel fire and Eagles nest. Eagles nest lake area beautiful but after fall colors quite brown. Would be awesome if green or fall colors. Then down the canyon. Many hikes to do along canyon but me still on crutches so no hiking.

Cimarron Canyon highway

Checked out the campgrounds which were ok but with plan to meet Kara and Christoff for dinner decided to stay at Ponil Campground in bustling town of Cimarron (not really :)). Explored Cimarron, very small and much of the businesses closed. Bought a knife for Calvin at the trading post.

Had dinner with Kara and Christoff at the St James Hotel and then back to camp.

Got a kick out of this for some reason. Noticed small yard with Deer inside fence, thought it was weird some one would keep Deer in such small area. Then had Deer jump out of Deer fence and exit. Effective electric fence eh?

Sunday November 12^th

Left around 9:45am. Drove north on 64 to Raton then right turn. Had choice to go low at base of mesa or high. We took the high road: Johnson Mesa highway up and over mesa (8200 feet). Wanted to take the Cimarron high scenic highway but 25 miles is dirt so aborted. Ultimately ended up on on Highway 412 in Oklahoma panhandle. Was trying to get to Boiling springs state park but became apparent not going to make that, so then picked Beaver Dunes state park. However when we hit Guyman we stopped at Walmart for a brace and supplies and then it was nearly 5pm and getting towards dark. Got fuel and decided to stay in hotel. Stayed at Quality Inn. Had leftovers and ordered pizza (from Mazzio’s, not good) and then bedtime. Holly’s first night in a hotel, annoying pup as usual. Terra had a spa night. Please note our protective dog sheet on bed…we do try to do stealth dog in bed at dog friendly hotels.