USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park

Mobile, Alabama - 27th April - 2019

We drove the 150 miles from New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama. In Mobile, we visited the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, situated on the western shore of Mobile Bay. 

Yesterday was a very adventurous day exploring THE BIG ‘A’ as they call the retired WWII battleship, USS Alabama. The 100-acre Memorial Park also features the full size WWII Submarine, the USS Drum and the Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion with 27+ rare and historic aircraft on static display.

Both ships are open for self-guided or pre-organised guided tours and both vessels are US National Historic Landmarks.

USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park on the
shores of Mobile Bay, Mobile, Alabama

We clambered all over both vessels from top to bottom, the USS Alabama has 12-decks open for inspection, we went from deck to deck, up and down steep ladders and exploring all the spaces. I have never been on a Battleship or Submarine previously, so I was like a kid in a lolly shop.

These Americans sure know how to put a sensational Museum together, nothing like it any where else in the world. And you don't have to look very far to find heroes, the spirit of military pride is alive and well here. Not only did they exhibit the Battleship & Submarine they also had in addition, 27+ various aircraft on display including a B-52 Bomber and an SR-71 Blackbird aircraft parked in the car park.

The view from the flying bridge of the USS Alabama
towards the bow and over her two forward 16"/45 cal gun turrets

I really do not think these accompanying photos need too much explanation, however check out the thickness of the door that protects the ‘BIG BRASS’ on the Battle Bridge.

David doing a size comparison test on the 16" thick watertight doors
that protect the 'Big Brass' on the ship's battle bridge

I wonder how the Korean ‘Rocket man’ feels when he looks at the armament on this vessel that was commissioned in August of 1942. These days this is only a toy compared to what the Americans have floating around the world.

David is standing beside one of the 16”/45 caliber projectiles
Each turret's three barrels were 66ft long
each projectile weighed anything from 850kgs to 1,200kgs

Nine 16”/45 caliber guns (mounted in 3 main turrets) accurate to 21 miles. Technically called 'three gun' turrets and not 'triple' because each barrel could be elevated and fired independently. Additional armament were twenty 5”/38 caliber guns (5 twin mounts per side). Forty-eight 40mm guns (12 mounts), fifty-two 20mm guns. Absolutely ‘AWESOME’ total firepower.

[above] David is standing beside one of the 16”/45 caliber projectiles, here you can actually see how ‘BIG’ the rounds are and they were extremely accurate at down range enemy targets up to 21 miles away.

The WWII-era Submarine USS Drum

The USS Drum was deployed into the Pacific theatre of WWII, sinking several Japanese warships and providing vital reconnaissance for the assaults on Iwo Jima and Okinawa. She is the oldest US Navy submarine on open display to the public. There is no way that I would be a sub-mariner, those guys had real BIG BALLS to sign up for the silent service onboard a Submarine.

During her war service in the South Pacific, the USS Drum visited Australia on several occasions with Brisbane, Queensland being the liberty port and the Brisbane Submarine Base at New Farm, being the replenishment & refitting station. 

Forward torpedo room, makes you appreciate
what tight working and living quarters the brave crews had

The USS Drum was commissioned in November of 1941. She is 311’ 4” long with a beam of 27’4”. Her crew consisted of 7 officers & 65 enlisted men. She earned 12 Battle Stars during World War II.

She completed 14 war patrols and is credited with sinking 15 enemy vessels. The total tonnage sank ranks the USS Drum as the eight highest scoring US submarine of WWII. 

USS Drum's enlisted crew's berthing quarters. Definitely not as luxurious as the
Qantas crew rest on the Boeing 747 that I had the pleasure of during my flying days

Leaving Alabama behind, we entered the state of Florida today on our way south to Fort Myers, located on the Gulf of Mexico Coast of Florida. I am sitting here at the moment in a roadside rest area not far from Tallahassee, the capitol of Florida. 

We are headed down south to see how American icon Industrialists, Henry Ford & Thomas Edison used to spend their winters at their winter estates in Florida. Back in 1916, Henry Ford bought land in downtown Fort Myers, next door to Edison, his mentor. Now, both estates serve as museums that honor their founders and remind all of us about what they overcame and what they accomplished.

That’s all for now until we explore the Ford/Edison winter estates in Fort Myers, Florida. 

Cheers for now.

Warbo.

The Shotgun Jazz Band

US Friday 26th April - 2019 - New Orleans

We have just spent a wonderful evening in and about the French Quarter of New Orleans Jazz clubs tonight. Even the most experienced traveler knows that having a local friend with inside knowledge of a destination makes a trip all the more special.

My newest Uber driving friend (Paul) is just that person, you can see him in one of the photos with his drink in his hand. When my RV broke down on our arrival here into New Orleans, by chance I met him at the workshop while I was waiting for my RV's gear lever to be welded.

Outside the Spotted Cat Music Club
on Frenchmen Street in New Orleans

He gave me all the good oil of where to go & what Jazz clubs to frequent. So this evening we met him and his friend at one of the Jazz clubs he suggested we attend. You can see David & myself listening to a band called the Shotgun Jazz Band at this fabulous Jazz club called The Maison on Frenchmen Street. 

Please look closely at David’s cap, he is a staunch Donald Trump supporter, and also carries a gun with him at all times. There is no road rage when you are traveling with David, I wonder why !!!

Forget about the Jazz clubs on the touristy and over-priced Bourbon Street, Frenchmen Street is where it is all happening & what’s more these Jazz clubs are not a rip off as many of them are on Bourbon Street.

David [left] and my good self. Please look closely at David’s cap, he is a
staunch Donald Trump supporter, and also carries a gun with him at all times

I fell in love with Marla Dixon (Trumpet & Vocals) of the Shotgun Jazz Band, she is a young Hillary Clinton look alike, don’t hold that against her. Her presence on stage was amazing, & boy oh! boy could she sing. Not only that she made her Trumpet actually talk, that is how good she is.

I was so impressed that I purchased two of the bands CDs, as a matter of fact I am listening to one of their CDs sitting here in the Mobile Home typing up this report.

Paul my New Orleans Uber driver friend also recommended that we also visit another Jazz Club called The Spotted Cat Music Club just a short walk up Frenchmen Street from the Maison Jazz club.

At The Maison Jazz Club the Shotgun Jazz Band playing traditional
New Orleans Jazz in the spirit of the great revivalists

Let me tell you that once being entertained by the amazing Shotgun Jazz Band for 3-hours... the following act, the Spotted Cat Music Club had no chance, not even close.

The time here in New Orleans is just on midnight, so I must finish up now as we need to hit the road again in the morning heading for Mobile, Alabama. As I have mentioned previously, this is the third time I have visited New Orleans, the first occasion was way back in the late '60s, then again a few years ago when I came over here in 2013 to watch the Australian V8 Super Cars racing at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. 

David has never been here before, so it has been an ideal opportunity to show him the ropes.

Our New Orlean's Uber driving friend, Paul on the left
enjoying the live music

Walking around the streets this evening the smell of marijuana you could cut with a knife, as Bill Clinton once said that he did not inhale, well let me tell you, I did, one should never give up a free high, and I don’t mind anything for nothing. As you know many States over here have legalised Marijuana & here in Mississippi, it's one such State.

Cheers for now until the next story from Ken’s ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ 2019.

Warbo.

The Maison Jazz Bar

26th April - 2019 - New Orleans

Dave and myself are holed up in this Jazz Bar, The Maison, a three-level restaurant and bar located on Frenchman Street in New Orleans waiting for 7:00pm and the Shot Gun Jazz Band to strut their stuff.

Situated in the French Quarter, Frenchmen Street is an off-the-beaten-track gem, it's considered a ‘local’s Bourbon Street’ where real New Orleanians gather to listen to live music and grab a drink.

The Maison is just one of many Jazz Clubs and bars
along several blocks of Frenchman Street

The Maison is one of the major centers of gravity for local live music. Jazz acts take over the large front area, where you can order excellent imbued spirits from behind the bar.

When I had chance meeting with a local Uber driver the other day he highly recommended this place to me - so here we are for the evening. 

Dave and I are here to check out the
Shotgun Jazz Club band.

We have hit the jackpot because there is the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on here in New Orleans this week.

Foodwise, apparently the Cochin De Lait Po-Boy sandwich is to die for. It consists of Cajun style slow pulled Pork, dressed with cold slaw & drizzled with BBQ sauce, served with fries.

The very intimate front stage area at The Maison

On Frenchmen Street, certain things are just guaranteed: proximity to good music, good food, interesting culture, and an unbeatable street scene. It's only a couple of hundred metres from the shoreline of the Mississippi River. 

Below; Dave and yours truly take the opportunity to have a close look at the GREAT MISSISSIPPI near the Latin Quarter this afternoon.

Dave and I beside the mighty Mississippi River
in downtown New Orleans, behind us are the
Crescent City Connection twin cantilever bridges.

NB: I have just been informed that the Shotgun Jazz Band play 3x1 hour time slots, how good is that.

Gotta go, the band has just started to play.

Warbo

New Orleans arrival

Thursday 25th April - 2016

This morning we departed from our overnight parking in the Walmart Car Park in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with an easy 84-mile drive to New Orleans... so we thought. It was raining like cats & dogs, and I mean raining. I have never driven through such treacherous conditions in all my 71-years on this planet. Visibility on the Interstate Hwy was down to 50 metres, (Very, very scary with this big rig of a Motor Home).

When we finally arrived here at this beautiful Saint Bernard State Park camping ground in Braithwaite, Louisiana, as you can see by the photographs. On arrival, the Park Ranger informed us that we had just driven through 4” of torrential rain in the 2-hour drive from Baton Rouge.

My RV and my Toyota Echo tow car in the gorgeous
Saint Bernard State Park camping ground in Braithwaite, Louisiana

Now the fun part of the story begins... I pulled up outside the Park's reception office to register for a couple of days. When I went to engage the transmission into PARK in the RV, the park brake lever broke clean off in my right hand. Not impressed as you can imagine, because if I turned the engine off I would not be able to start the engine again because vehicles do not start unless you engage PARK. What’s more I could not engage reverse gear. It is not any fun without reverse as you can well imagine.

Anyway to cut to the chase, I had just happened to notice an auto repair shop along the road, for some unknown reason not very far from the St Bernard State Park. I told David to register and l will drive back to the repair shop to see if they could help me. I walked into the Wuertz Brothers Tire Services workshop and explained to the owner of the business what had happened. 

I would need to remove what was left of the lever in the steering column so that we could weld the broken lever to that small piece still in the steering column. He was very helpful & told me that he has a MIG welder. So I pulled out the tool kit, and I removed the broken part & this guy welded up the broken lever and I would be on my way again. He charged me only $30.00.

Wuertz Brothers Tire Services workshop
where they assisted me with my snapped transmission lever

While I was waiting for him to weld the part I got a chat on with another gentleman that was also having his car serviced, he just happened to be a local Uber driver so he was just the person I should be talking to out the local area. I asked him many questions about distance from Bourbon Street & the French Quarter, (14 miles) he told me where to park the Toyota tow car only one block from the French Quarter cheaply ($12.00 for ten hours) which is only one block from where it all happens.

He also told me the best Jazz Bars & Restaurants to go to plus another couple of things to see while we are here. So tomorrow morning we are off to the Chalmette Battlefield not too far from here on the way into New Orleans. 

My RV and my Toyota Echo tow car and to the right, David's
5th wheel rig parked next to me in the Saint Bernard 
State Park camping ground in Braithwaite, Louisiana

This is the battlefield that Andrew Jackson who would later become the 7th President of the United States, stopped the British in the Battle of New Orleans on Jan 8th, 1815 killing many thousands of Poms with very few casualties on their side.

He also advised us to go to Frenchmen Street where all the night clubs are. In particular, he pointed out that ‘The Maison’ is a jazz club and bar where we will see local artists called ‘Shotgun Jazz Band’ for a few hours where we could enjoy listening to various jazz bands for the evening and indulge in some real Southern cuisine, especially the Pulled Pork sandwiches.

As you can see by the photographs here that I shot in the State Park this arvo the weather has cleared up nicely, so hopefully tomorrow will be a good day for our sightseeing. Nothing else to report right now, we will leave New Orleans on Friday morning and head on over to Mobile, Alabama, to see the Battleship USS Alabama & the Submarine USS Drum plus more than 25 aircraft.

This morning (US time) my thoughts were very much at home with you all because of the Anzac Day commemorations, usually a HUGE day to be remembered.

Cheers for now.
Warbo

Waco, Texas

Howdy Partners,

Texas is my sort of State. This is real Donald Trump and Republican Country and you all know how much I love the Donald.

I just looove Texas, the Texan Cowgirls in their blue Levi’s jeans and riding boots are absolutely ‘Scrumptious’ I might add.

David and I departed Phoenix on Friday afternoon to drive east on Interstate 10. First night out we spent the evening in a Truck stop just near Lordsburg after we crossed the state border of New Mexico. Last night we parked in a Walmart car park at Odessa in Texas. Tonight we are here in Waco, Texas in a very nice trailer park, the I-35 RV Park and Resort.

Great deal and set-up at where we are staying in 
Waco, TX - at the I-35 RV Park & Resort

Wait for this... it costs US$22.00 per night, for that you have an electrical hook up, town water and a dump where all your waste goes into an outlet, not too shabby. Also included in the $22.00 is a fully cooked breakfast no extra charge.

I also included a photo of the inside of my 33’ Surf Side Motor home [below] just to let you know that I am definitely not slumming it.

An inside view of my 33’ Surf Side Motor home

We drove 1,000 miles from Phoenix to Dallas, Fort Worth Texas and visited David’s brother and family this afternoon. David's brother Curtis gave us some really good information today regarding things to do and places to see while we are here in Waco.

So tomorrow morning we head 34-miles north to Hillsboro to check out the Roadside American Museum, half way there we will stop in at the town of West to sample the delights at the Czech Stop Bakery for brekko, we've heard that their specialised pastries are to die for.

Texans are very proud of their state
and the Lone Star State flag flies everywhere

There are so many places and things to see here in Waco we have decided to stay for a few days.

Here is a sample of what we want to see here in Waco which is 100-miles north of the Texas capital of Austin. A few years ago I visited the Circuit of the Americas Raceway in Austin to see the Australian V/8 Super Cars strut their stuff to the Americans.

*Chip & Joanna’s Magnolia Market at the Silos
*Texas Rangers Hall of Fame
*Dr. Peppers Factory & Museum
*Waco Suspension Bridge
*Dominos factory - the last one left to produce board game dominos in the entire US.
*David Koresh’s Compound where all those Davidian Cult people were so tragically burnt to death in 1993.
Plus many other places too numerous to mention here.

Our setup: David's 5th wheeler parked next to my RV
at the I-35 RV Park and Resort in Waco, TX

Spring time here in Texas is such a magnificent time of year to visit. As you can see by the photograph below. For many hundreds of miles along the Interstate Highways the wild flowers are in full bloom on all the median strips and beside the road, sure makes it very pleasurable driving. Definitely not boring.

Texas Indian Paintbrush wildflowers in gorgeous spring time 
full bloom right outside our trailer park

The photo [below] of the all climate Motor Home cover I bought off the guy I am parked next to here in the Park. We got a chat on when I arrived, he mentioned that he used to own a Motor Home exactly the same as mine. Then he mentioned that he has a brand new cover (still in the box) in the boot of his car that will fit my vehicle. So as the Donald would say; ‘The Art of the Deal’

I am now the proud owner of a brand new cover for my
Motor Home saving about $200.00 in the process.

I asked him how much he wanted for it, he said $200.00, I immediately came back at him with an offer of $100.00, he thought about it for a while, I said that I would pay him cash. I then asked him if he had a wife in his Motor Home to which he said yes. I then said why don’t you go and ask your wife and see what she says. He came back to me in 5 mins & said you have a deal of which I am very pleased about (a bargain) as you can imagine. 

So now I am the proud owner of a brand new cover for my Motor Home saving about $200.00 in the process. Not a bad day I thought to myself, very productive. 

That’s about all from ‘Ken’s Magical Mystery Tour’ for today. So until the next episode, I hope that you are all well. Lastly, remember where you heard it from first. Sco Mo and the Liberals to win the Election on May 18th.

Cheers from the Lone Star State.

Warbo.

Departing Phoenix, Arizona

Along with my road trip travelling companion, David in his 5th wheel rig, we departed the San Tan Mobile Village in Phoenix today. Below our rigs, ready to start rolling this afternoon at 1400.

Closest to the camera, my RV; my 33ft Surfside mobile home,
towing my Toyota Echo sedan. Here we are ready to leave
my Phoenix home in the San Tan Mobile Village.

We hit the road from the Phoenix suburbs running and now after a leisurely 250-mile drive from Phoenix, Arizona heading East on Interstate Highway 10. We are now in the state of New Mexico, and we are settled in for the evening at a Truck Stop in Lordsburg, New Mexico.

Lordsburg, NM was put on the map back in 1927 when famous aviator Charles Lindbergh stopped at their airport during his Spirit of St Louis Air Tour.

My good friend Sammy also runs his vintage car business from
the San Tan Mobile Village

Tomorrow we will head towards Waco, Texas, because David wants to visit the famous US Soft Drink manufacturer, Dr. Pepper Factory & Museum. I want to see where all those people from the Branch Davidian Cult perished many years ago in that horrible fire during the Waco Seige in 1993.

So we will hit the road early tomorrow to get some miles under our belts in the early part of the day.

It is great to be back ‘On the road again’. I need to hit the sack for my beauty sleep. So until the next report I will sign off for now.

Cheers

Warbo

Off to the US for a 3-month visit

Just 72-hours after our 2019 Sylvanvale Pre-WWII Vintage Car Show was over, I was aboard a Qantas Airbus A-380 and headed for Los Angeles, California.

After the 12hr 35min flight from Sydney to LAX, I transferred straight onto Southwest Airlines at Terminal One and flew another 358 miles from Los Angeles to Phoenix, Arizona.

My total 6,830 mile journey from Sydney to Phoenix, Arizona

I'm now here in the US for a 3-month stay and I have a stack of travel adventures ahead of me. My first being a 3-week road trip out of my Phoenix base is to visit the southern States in my RV.

Then to return to Phoenix in mid-May and pick up my mate Steve Core, and we are going to drive the 1,700 miles from Phoenix, Arizona to Indianapolis, Indiana for the 103rd running of the Indianapolis 500. On that mid-May trip, we will be checking out a lot of old Route 66 along the way.

Like I said, plenty of adventures and exploring coming up. So stay tuned.

Warbo

5th Annual Sylvanvale Pre-WWII Vintage Car Show

Greetings all,

It is with great pleasure that I can report to you that our 5th Sylvanvale Pre-WWII Vintage Car Show held in Cronulla Mall yesterday was a HUGE success.

From the moment that I opened my eyes at 0430 early on Sunday morning & looked out my bedroom window to check on what the weather was like, we were under severe threat that it would once again rain & spoil all of the hard work that goes into organising an event like this in an open air environment.

Four Sutherland Shire residents & leading dignitaries; From LtoR.
MP for Cronulla and the NSW Attorney General, Mark Speakman,
Mayor of the Sutherland Shire, Carmelo Pesce, CEO of Sylvanvale, Leanne Fretton
and Cronulla Rotarian and Car Show Curator, Ken Warburton
Photo: Steve Core  

However the GODS were with us, apart from a few very light spots of rain during the day we managed to enjoy the fruits of all our hard work to present to the public an absolutely magnificent free Community Event. For all those 30,000 PLUS Vintage Car enthusiasts that strolled through the Cronulla Mall & Peryman Square to drool over the 68 Classic Vintage vehicles that were on display on the tiles in Cronulla.

May I take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers that worked tirelessly all day to make our event such a success.

A BIG thank you also goes to all those proud Vintage Car owners that devoted their time & effort to show off their PRIDE & Joy of yesterday to the swarming, enthusiastic crowds.

It gives me so much pleasure to organise an event such as this BECAUSE it raises money for a very good cause 'The Sylvanvale Foundation'. As my parents were the foundation members of this wonderful organisation 70-years ago.

Today, in 2019, the Sylvanvale Foundation cares for 750 people with disabilities to help those that are less fortunate than ourselves to reach their potential in life, and I am so proud & delighted to be part of that organisation.

Cars on display in Peryman Square, North Cronulla Beach
close by the ocean makes for a unique backdrop.
Photo: Steve Core  

I must also thank the Sutherland Shire Council, Cronulla Rotary, the Sylvanvale Foundation & their staff, all the volunteers & every one else that helped make this day such a success.

A special 'BIG THANKS' to our wonderful Sponsors that selflessly donated their hard earn't cash to support this event, I am forever thankful.

A gaggle of pristine Model A Fords lined up with military
precision in front of the Cronulla Post Office in Cronulla Mall
Photo: Steve Core  

My colleague, Steve Core who helps me tirelessly with support & looks after all of our social media business will write a more in depth report on yesterday's event, because my job has not finished as yet.

I must hit the roads & intersections of the Sutherland Shire to remove all the 100 Corflute signs that I placed around the 'SHIRE' to promote this GREAT event.

Stay safe, thanks for supporting this unique free community family event once again for such a worthy cause.

Cheers

Ken Warburton
Event Founder & Curator