Shrimp Festival in Fernandina Beach & Travel Prep

As we reached the end of April, there were two activities for yours truly. First, the annual Shrimp Festival in Fernandina Beach. A small town of 15,000 (roughly) is host to a hundred thousand (plus?) visitors once a year (this year, the first weekend in May). The central part of downtown is closed for 2 days and vendors, artisans, and antique(?) dealers set up shop in the streets. This year they came almost to our doorstep (see photo above) across the street.

It is a sight to see but as this was our 7th year, we'd seen enough. We made two short walks down Centre Street to see a few friends and old acquaintences but didn't buy anything. Glad it only happens once a year.

The parade, like most small town parades, was fun. Lots of folks in cars, walking, mini-floats, and two bands. The politicians and local businesses provide most of the entries. As this year's theme was cooking (with shrimp, naturally), the cleverest entry was a life-size mannequin of Barbie with a giant shrimp draped over her head - titled (obviously) "Shimp on a barbie."

Meanwhile, we have begun seriously preparations for this year's trek in the motorhome. Unless something comes up, we will be moving out of the house / into the motorhome on May 21st. We are trying to get most stuff / packed in the motorhome to allow us an early exit from the area. Last year, being the first time, took a little over a week to get everthing stowed and the house prepped for our house-sitter. I think we're more ready than last - fewer unknowns. We've had maintenance done on the motorhome so we should be in good shape. One thing left to do is we are in the process of replacing the old big (heavy) TV and with an small LCD HDTV. In addition to being 50 pounds lighter, I'm hoping to cut off several inches in the old cabinet and avoid hitting my head every time I get in / get out of the unit. I'm taking the rig to a cabinet maker next Monday a.m. - wish me luck!