Huggin' Molly

We received the repair part for the awning topper on the long slideout.  Before we leave, it is necessary to install this part.  It helps keep the awning topper from billowing up like a giant sail on a boat when the wind gets under it.  So to keep from tearing up the awning fabric and/or potentially causing an accident, we make these repairs before leaving Gulf Shores.

One additional item of interest, at least we think so, is how humans interact.  When in a campground, such as Gulf Shores State Park; that is mainly used for recreational campers and weekenders, we have noticed there is not as much neighborly introductions and conversations.  You might wave and have a friendly hello but it usually stops there instead of proceeding to the point of where are you from, how long  are you here, where are you headed to next, etc., etc.  That is until you get out a ladder and tools.  Then all of a sudden you have created a ‘human interaction magnet.’  There is something about working on a RV that peaks the curiosity in folks.  As one guy said when he nonchalantly wandered over to inquire about what we were doing, ‘I thought I better see what you are doing in case I have to do the same thing someday.’  So if you are ever lonely, needing some human conversation, etc. just drag out the ladder and tools.  Presto, change-o; you have created a ‘human interaction magnet.’  Of course, do not expect any assistance other than verbal, jus’ sayin’.  ;) :) ;)

We primarily have relaxed and enjoyed the sights, smells and ambience of the beach during our stay in Gulf Shores.  We will definitely come back to the State Park Campground when in the area.  While here there were numerous activities and events we chose not to attend such as the annual Mullett Throw, a hot air balloon festival, the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championships, Pensacola’s Crawfish Cookoff, etc.  There is just too much to do and folks could tire themselves out without much trouble at all.  We chose to relax and that is what we did.

Sights, sounds and smells of the ocean and beach - very relaxing

We have come to look forward to the local weather forecasts.  In particular, there is one Mobile, AL station that has several weather folks we enjoy.  They are certainly frustrated poets, stand-up comedians and chef wannabes.  It is extremely entertaining to watch and listen to the forecast.  You will hear things like, ‘here’s the number while you slumber’ referring to the nightly low temperature.  Or one of our favorites, ‘you will hear the boom, boom while in your room, room’ talking about the thunderstorms coming through the area or ‘drippy in Mississippi.’  Not to mention, ‘there will be a rumble that will make you grumble’ talking about possible stormy weather on the weekend.  It really keeps you on your toes when listening for these little gems.  Then the daytime guy can barely contain himself when giving the forecast.  He gets faster and faster to get it over with so he can don his apron and participate in the cooking segment.  It is not hard to see where his passion really is and I mean literally can see the shape of things under the apron as well as the glint in the eye.  Sure is fun to watch.

It is now time to move on from the beach.  We are headed inland to do some genealogical research and discovery.  One of Beverly’s favorite pastimes is to wind around long dusty roads looking for obscure cemeteries and then once found, tromping through it to locate headstones of deceased ancestors.

See the excitement as she peruses the cemetery indexes?

Moving on to our genealogical destinations, we stop for the weekend in Dothan, AL.  We use the first day to inspect the area and to keep an eye out for another RV Park closer to the actual location in Abbeville, AL where we will be researching.  As we approach Abbeville, this sign greets us and fires our curiosity.  What in the world is this Huggin’ Molly all about?  Pressing on with that question lingering in our mind, we travel throughout the area checking out other parks.  There are no RV parks in Abbeville, which is where the county records are kept.  We finally decide the best course of action is to keep our current location in Dothan our base from which to operate.

This sign created a huge question for us.

Interestingly, we discover the area we traveled in Henry County, AL is very similar in terrain and flora to East Texas.  If you had closed your eyes in East Texas and somehow was transported to this area in AL when you opened your eyes again, you would not be able to distinguish between the two places.  No wonder so many people from Henry County, AL chose to stop in the Judson area in Gregg County, TX.  It just felt like ‘home’ to them.  In fact, we have seen a number of names that are similar as well; such as Judson, Lawrenceville (if you know your Gregg County history) and many others; which tells me they brought ‘home’ to Texas when settling in the area.

Our researching landed us in Abbeville at the courthouse and library.  A local restaurant, named “Huggin’ Mollys”, between them was our choice location to eat.  The food is very good and you cannot beat the atmosphere or the story behind the name.  The location is on a main street in town just off the square in an old building that still retains its old time look and feel.  Particularly interesting is the Huggin’ Molly Hamburger with Vidalia Onion Marmalade as the main spread.  Mmmm, mmm good!

The name Huggin’ Molly comes from the legend around these parts.  Seems there was a woman named Molly that was 7’ tall and big around as a bale of cotton.  If you (especially the kids) are out late at night , Molly walks the streets sweeping her black skirt as she wanders up and down.  If she sees you, she will chase you down, give you a big hug and scream in your ear.  Well, you get the picture or do you?  Double dog dare you to try venturing out at night in Abbeville just to see for yourself if the legend is true or not.  Check out the story in the attached detail from a lifelong resident of Abbeville.

After literally wearing our bodies and minds out perusing through old records, copying selected items, climbing up and down ladders, lifting heavy record books, we abandon plans to go to the next genealogical stop.  Our brains and bodies need some recuperation time to heal.  There is a huge amount of information that needs to be absorbed and assimilated to see what relevance there is to the family tree and story.  So we decide to move to a quieter and slower paced stop.  We discovered White Oak Creek Campground located on Lake Eufaula, halfway between Dothan, AL and Columbus, GA when looking for a base camp to use for genealogical research.  Here is what the view outside the RV and our patio (front yard) looks like.  Hard to beat, isn’t it?  We literally have shade around 90% of the day.  There will be more to come after we rest awhile or two or longer – be safe until next time.

View of our patio area

View of part of our 'front' yard