During one of our most memorable events, Smiley Kylie and I had the opportunity to interact with several children from Courageous Kidz.  This organization in Charleston serves as a resource for families with kids who have various forms of cancer, or are currently in remission. We brought the Wienermobile to a local park where we had a picnic with several children and their families.  Several of the kids quickly warmed up to us and took part in playing the games we had set up for them.

Several of the children looked up to us.  Some of their parents told us that it was amazing how we raised the spirits of so many of the children. Some of them even viewed us as a big brother or sister there to spend time with them and make their day special.

Christopher (8) of Courageous Kidz and I in front of YUMMY

Austin getting acquainted with the Wiener Jingle and having fun with the afternoon's activities.

We spent time in the park, played a few games with the children, and listend to stories from the kids. This was a very humbling event and one that we were glad to be a part of.  It is amazing to see how so many of these children have high hopes, despite what they have been through.  This was definitely a day that Smiley Kylie and I will never forget!

Arrr! Shiver me timbers!  It’s not everyday ye spot a band o’ pirates on the road.  While voyagin’ through Tampa, Florida, Kylie and I had a good ole time makin’ new friends and learnin’ how to speak pirate. We’ve now learned two new languages on the road: Hotdogger-ish and ye ole language o’ the pirates. 

Blimey! We crossed paths with a band o' pirates who call themselves the Peg Leg Crewe.

Once the Peg Leg Crewe felt we had mastered their language, they presented us with our very own pirate garb to join their group.  While donned in our new pirate apparel, we headed towards our crow’s nest to see what our surroundings had in store.

Kylie and I atop our lookout point...the bun roof!

When it was time for our new friends to set sail across the Seven Seas, Kylie and I jumped ship in order to take the helm of the Wienermobile and continue our very own adventures.  While cruisin’ away, we couldn’t help but join in the tune of the fading pirate song…. “Yo-ho-ho…”

While traveling through Charleston, South Carolina, Smiley Kylie and I decided to go sight-seeing and came across the Angel Oak, the largest and oldest remaining oak tree in the area.  And of course, with YUMMY being the the largest hot dog around, a closer glimpse of this enormous tree was in order. 

YUMMY gets a close view of the massive Angel Oak

The Angel Oak is estimated to be 300-400 years old and stands about 65 feet tall with a trunk diameter of over 8 feet!  What better way to relax than spending some time beneath this wonderous sight, which casts shade over 17,000 square feet, enough for both the Wienermobile and us.  The size of the Angel Oak is enough to make anyone standing next to it look small.

Standing next to the Angel Oak in Charleston, SC

If venturing through Charleston I recommend stopping to relax under such a tree-mendous sight!

Southeast Team enjoying a southern family-style meal at Mrs. Wilkes restaurant.

Getting close to the NASCAR action, taking a picture with Steve Wallace's race car.

Immersing ourselves in southern culture has been an incredible experience. We’ve travelled through scenic mountainous states, tourist hot spots, and the open plains.  With everything Smiley Kylie and I have had the chance to do, one thing is for certain… We’ve had a Doggone good time!

During our visit to Atlanta, Georgia, Smiley Kylie and I decided to pay a visit to the Georgia Aquarium.  As drivers of the largest hot dog on wheels, it was destined that we visit the largest aquarium with over 8 million gallons of water and aquatic life. 

OUR DOG visits the Georgia Aquarium

 While there was enough water for several sharks, beluga whales, and other large animals, OUR DOG was unable to join us in our deep sea adventure.  As such, we brought a special friend to partake in the fun and excitement that the aquarium offered, which included settling in amongst the brightly colored coral and the sea horses in their habitat.

Smiley Kylie and I were glad we came across the Georgia Aquarium while fishin’ around for something to do.  We now have our own shark tales to share with everyone and can’t wait for the new fun adventures that await us.

We all remember the fun and excitement of taking field trips in place of having to sit in classes…riding on the bus, singing songs, and not worrying about class work.  While driving YUMMY down the hot dog highways of America in the middle of the afternoon, one lucky class of children had the opportunity to cruise along side the world famous Oscar Mayer WIENERMOBILE.  The joy it brought to the students made us smile as they all waved, smiled and took pictures.  It’s not everyday that you get to drive along side a 27-foot-long hot dog on wheels.  It goes to show, that no matter how old you are or where you are from, everyone enjoys seeing the Wienermobile. 

So as the song goes, so has OH I WISH seen it all.  While driving the famed Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, Smiley Kylie and I have encounted several new, fun and interesting places ranging from the mountains of Tennessee, to the plains of Kentucky, to the beaches of Virginia and Florida.  No matter where we find ourselves, everyone’s reaction is the same…they can’t get enough of the 27-foot-long hot dog on wheels.  OH I WISH has brought smiles to the faces of people from big cities to small towns all throughout the Southeast region.  Wherever our travels bring us from here on out, we’re sure to continue spreading good moods throughout America!

From the Mountains...

...to the prairies...

...to the oceans, white with foam! Since OH I WISH was not fortunate enough to get close to the water, we made a little improvisation!

…there was a Wienermobile cruising through the open roads of Versailles, Kentucky. While traveling through the foreign land, OH I WISH came across a magestic castle resting in the nearby hills.  It was discovered that the construction of CastlePost began in 1969, but then sat idle for nearly 30 years before more work was done leading to its completion in 2005.  This medieval castle was a blast from the past just like the way many people remember the Wienermobile. Smiley Kylie and I had to park OH I WISH in front of the renaissance building for a photo. 

OH I WISH outside the castle gates.

What do this castle and OH I WISH have in common? Both are fit for royalty!

After posing for the fairy tale picture, OH I WISH once again began its journey through the hills of Kentucky, bound to live happily ever after.

Now that college football season has begun, several people in the Southeast have been sporting their hometown team’s jersey on gameday.  While traveling just outside Atlanta in Calhoun, GA, I met some University of Missouri fans (my Alma Mater) who still bleed black and gold.

Red is a Tiger alumni who attended Mizzou in 1972 and then again in 1976 after serving in the military to study veterinary medicine.  I never thought I’d see my Alma Mater’s and true Tiger fans while in the southeast. Red and his wife Vickie came out with various Mizzou memorabilia and posed in front of OH I WISH.

After three years of being the University mascot at Mizzou, and never missing a home football or basketball game, I had to rely on occasional updates as football season got underway.  Here’s to new experiences and having the opportunity to see other fans cheer on their favorite teams.

While staying in Garden City, Georgia, Smiley Kylie and I had the chance to participate in National Night Out Against Crime, a community event which focuses on fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and community members.  There were several police, firefighters, army, national guard… you name it!  We even had the unique opportunity to capture a photo of a helicopter hovering over our Wienermobile.

The firefighters of the Garden City Fire Department were also anxious to get their photo taken and were excited to hang their group photo up in their station.

Smiley Kylie and I were glad we could participate in such a fun event that focused on bringing the community together.  We had a franktastic time!