Day 8 We're Home

Day 8 Three Elated Kitties, originally uploaded by Gail S.

I think you can see that The Puss, Pinky and Tuxedo are just thrilled to have us home. My, that just warms my heart!

We are reliving our Space Geek Day in Huntsville by watching the 1995 movie Apollo 13.

Apollo 13 was intended to be the third manned lunar-landing mission, part of Project Apollo under NASA in the United States. The crew members were Commander James A. Lovell, Command Module pilot John L. "Jack" Swigert, and Lunar Module pilot Fred W. Haise.

It launched on April 11, 1970 at 13:13 CST. Two days after the launch, an electrical fault caused an explosion in a Service Module oxygen tank. The explosion also damaged the other oxygen tank or its plumbing, resulting in a complete loss of the 2 oxygen tanks, as well as electrical power. The command module remained fully functional on its own batteries and oxygen tank - but they were sufficient only for the last hours of the mission during re-entry and landing. The crew shut down the Command Module and used the Lunar Module as a "lifeboat" for the return to earth. Despite great hardship caused by severely limited power, cabin heat, and potable water, the crew successfully returned to Earth and the mission eventually became known as a "successful failure", meaning that, although the crew failed to meet their objective, they had survived the trip and returned to Earth. A radio transmission from Lovell during the mission, "Houston, we've had a problem," spawned the misquoted phrase in popular culture, "Houston, we have a problem."

It was a blessing that we had no problems on this fine trip these last 8 days. As my nephew said to us on our first motorcycle trip, "There's nothing like exploring our country on two wheels!" I said that to myself many times this trip...during rain, sleet and fog...it was a wonderful ride.

Day 7 Reflection of a Serious Rider

Day 7 Reflection of a Serious Rider, originally uploaded by Gail S.

We woke to rain, it's predicted for the next three days all over the state. We decided to get an early start and try to get through most of it soon. Imagine how thrilled we were to discover it was sleeting as we packed the trailer! We've been so lucky on all of our previous trips to avoid this kind of weather. Guess it's our time...

By the time we reached Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, the rain had stopped, but the sky was still cloudy. We stopped to visit David Crockett State Park. It's really nice: camping, tennis courts, swimming pool, lake, hiking, picnicking. It has everything including a creek and covered bridge.

Day 7 Success at Last!, originally uploaded by Gail S.

I've passed this Rock City barn just outside of New Prospect, in Giles County, Tennessee, two times and missed getting a photo. On this third attempt, I was ready with my camera in hand. The problem is that the barn is in a curve and the sign is painted on the side facing west. Since we are always going west when we pass by, I can't see it until after we have passed it. On this third try in three years I actually managed to shoot it over my left shoulder! I am fascinated with these old barns that used to be on every highway in the South. Unfortunately, the interstate system coupled with the Highway Beautification Act sponsored by Lady Bird Johnson, wife of President Lyndon Baines Johnson, resulted in the loss of most of these landmarks. I suspect this barn was last painted in 1967. Highway 64 is being widened to a four-lane in this area and will bypass this barn by the end of the year. I felt this would be my last chance to capture this photo.

Day 7 Selmer, Tennessee, originally uploaded by Gail S.

We stopped in Selmer, Tennessee for lunch at a cafe on the road through downtown. We met Tommy Turner, owner of Turner Tomato Company, who has been riding motorcycles since 1960. He had some great stories to share about some of his trips. Very interesting fellow who invited us to go on a ride with him. If you travel through Selmer, don't take the Hwy 64 bypass, go through the old downtown section. It was a pleasant surprise to see this old Rexall sign and store bringing back memories of my childhood. Notice the sun is shining!

Day 7 Bolivar, Tennessee, originally uploaded by Gail S.

The old Western Mental Health Institute in Bolivar is a creepy-looking place. Upon completion of construction in 1889 it was called Western Hospital for the Insane, later changed to Western State Psychiatric Hospital and then to Western Mental Health Institute. From its original one building, presently used as the administration building, WMHI grew to 1140 acres with seven buildings housing patients. Its census on June 30, 1950 was 2330 patients, compared to the average of 260 today. A new facility is under construction just to the right in the photo. It should be finished in a couple years. Hopefully, the design won't be reminiscent of an old horror movie... When I was a camper at Girl Scout Kamp Kiwani in nearby Middleton, the counselors used to scare us with stories of escapees from "Bolivar Insane Asylum." Yes, that helped create a few sleepless nights for a young camper!

Day 7 We're Home, originally uploaded by Gail S.

It was a fun trip, although shorter than usual. We experienced many memorable times including visits to some well-known Southern features. But, it's always great to return home. How nice to see the dogwoods and redbud trees in bloom on our property. I stopped in the driveway to catch this photo. Of course, Sid is already planning our next bike trip! Many thanks for your interest in our travels.

Day 6 Part 2 Heading to Middle Tennessee

I was too sleepy to finish my posting of Day 6, so here's the rest.

Day 6 Tennessee Valley, originally uploaded by Gail S.

We had just descended from Cumberland Mountain into a gorgeous valley on Sewanee Highway (Hwy 41 N) on the way to Cowan, Tennessee.

Day 6 Part 2, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Just before Winchester, we pick up Highway 64 which takes us through Fayetteville Tennessee. Located in Southern Middle Tennessee, Fayetteville is a charming community with a number of attractive qualities. It has one of the most beautiful and economically vibrant downtown courthouse squares in Tennessee. This area is certified by the state as an official Main Street District and is anchored by the largest fabric store in the Southeast, SIR'S Fabrics, along with a classic sidewalk theatre featuring the newest movie releases. Just off the square is historic Washington Street and Mulberry Avenue, which feature many historic homes. This is a bustling and charming town, you really should visit it.

I even had the opportunity to capture a self-potrait of us in a storefront just past the movie theatre. Take a look.

Day 6 Reflection in an Empty Storefront, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Day 6 Our Ride in the Setting Sun, originally uploaded by Gail S.

It's the golden hour just outside of Frankewing, Tennessee, where we have stopped for the night. Our bike and trailer look pretty great after traveling for three days in the rain.

Two things we didn't do because of the strange weather: visit Monteagle Winery and/or Jack Daniels Distillery. Oh well, we have talked about a future bike trip to visit the wineries in Tennessee or maybe the May 16 A Toast to Tennessee Wine Festival.

Day 6 Good Morning, Signal Mountain!

Day 6 Good Morning, Signal Mountain!, originally uploaded by Gail S.

As soon as I woke up, I grabbed my camera to capture a shot of the spectacular view from the deck of Dave and Beth Harris's home located on the east brow of Signal Mountain, Tennessee! If you focus really hard, you can see the Tennessee River Gorge and parts of Chattanooga. Okay, that's on a clear day...this is the second day that Signal Mountain is socked in with pea soup fog.

Day 6 Pea Soup Fog Doesn't Stop "Real Bikers", originally uploaded by Gail S.

A little rain and a lot of fog won't deter "hardcore bikers" like Sid and Gail Spragins! We don our rain gear and wrap up the bike back pack. Sid shows his best side in this photo as he hooks up the trailer in preparation for our day on the road.

Day 6 Sid Says, "Look out for vampires and werewolves!", originally uploaded by Gail S.

I shot this as we were moving down Sawyer Cemetery Road toward Highway 127. We were going about 15 mph because the fog was so thick. This could be a very long day...

Day 6 Sequatchie Valley, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Less than 20 miles from foggy Signal Mountain, we emerge into the sun overlooking Sequatchie Valley as we head down the mountain toward Dunlap, Tennessee. Sequatchie Valley was named for the Cherokee Chief, Sequachee, who signed a treaty with the colonial government of South Carolina. Historians who have studied the language and lore of the Cherokee differ over the exact meaning of the word, but the general consensus is "opossum, he grins or runs."

We were heading for Dunlap, Tennessee, hang gliding capital of the East. The Tennessee Tree Toppers Hang Gliding group has two launching areas in the valley: the Henson's Gap ramp where their clubhouse and camping sites are located, and the more challenging Whitwell site. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see any hang gliding due to the threatening weather.

Day 6 Black Cloud Over Sequatchie Valley, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Day 6 Sequatchie Valley Waterfalls, originally uploaded by Gail S.

The drive through the valley was fantastic. The road was good, not much traffic and the views were incredible. I captured this photo of a farm with a waterfall in the background. We noticed countless waterfalls from the Cumberland Plateau as we passed through Dunlap, Whitwell and Jasper. If it hadn't been for the recent rains, we wouldn't have noticed the creeks coursing down the escarpment from the plateau. It was truly a sight to behold. If only I could have taken a good photo of them...but one is limited when riding on the back of a motorcycle at 55 mph...

We stopped for lunch in Jasper at Carol's Southern Cooking Cafe, a small place with only 6 tables serving delicious fare. We had a chat with Benny, a fellow diner who lives in Whitwell. He used to work in the coal mine in Whitwell until it closed after an explosion that killed 13 miners in 1981. He started working there when he was quite young and has arthritis as a result of many years in the damp environment. (I think Benny is in his late fifties.) He said there wasn't much industry in the valley and that most folks travel 33 miles in to Chattanooga to find work. He was very excited about 650 good-paying jobs that will be brought in to South Pittsburg in the near future. He explained that a school is being built to educate the workers for the jobs. He also shared that many retirees from Chicago and Florida have moved to the valley...it's a gorgeous place to live with a low cost of living and a slow-paced environment. Benny seemed very happy with his life in Marion County. I've posted photos of a couple of churches we passed in Jasper before taking Hwy. 41 N and heading up to the Cumberland Plateau toward Tracy City, Monteagle and Sewanee.

We passed Monteagle Winery, but didn't stop to visit because it was chilly and the sky had turned dark. We were a bit worried about being caught in the rain again. We also passed The University of the South, a gorgeous university in Sewanee that we have visited on a previous trip through the area. We descended from the Cumberland Plateau toward Cowan, a picturesque little town in a lovely valley in the midst of spring. Forsythia and redbuds were everywhere. I think I could live here! Finally, we hit Hwy 64 and stopped for the night just past Frankewing, formerly the largest shipping station on the L&N Railroad line. It was a good day.

Day 6 Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Jasper, TN, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Day 6 United Methodist Church, Jasper, TN, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Day 5 Tennessee Aquarium

Day 5 Tennessee Aquarium, originally uploaded by Gail S.

After a restful night at the Chattanoogan Hotel, we awoke to a steady rain. Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain were covered in fog. It's a great day to leave the bike in the hotel garage and visit the Tennessee Aquarium at the Chattanooga Downtown Riverfront. We borrowed an umbrella from the hotel and walked a few blocks to the City Cafe Diner for a couple of scrumptious omelets with toast and grits. We managed to find the Downtown Electric Shuttle bus that took us to our destination.

The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga has been a centerpiece to America’s Scenic City in more ways than one. The original building, a freshwater and saltwater aquarium known as River Journey, debuted on May 1, 1992. It was the focus of the ongoing revitalization effort in downtown Chattanooga and capped a 20-year effort to bring tourists back to what was once a blighted downtown area. The attraction anchored the creation of Ross’s Landing as a destination within the city, garnering support from other businesspeople who showed faith in a “build it and they will come” philosophy.

When all was said and done, everybody did come, to the tune of 1 million visitors a year. More than a 100 new businesses were added in the multi-block area. Ross’s Landing, the original site of Chattanooga was expanded, adding a pedestrian walkway known as RiverPark. A second building, a saltwater aquarium known as Ocean Journey, was added in 2005 in an effort to keep the Aquarium on a competitive level with the planned Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. The Tennessee Aquarium boasts more than 12,000 species of living animals and holds more than a million gallons of water between the two complexes.

Folks, you MUST visit this place. It's fascinating for all ages. We spent 3 hours there beginning with petting a stingray and following butterflies to a face-to-face encounter with a 10 foot shark. We would have spent more time touring the fabulous grounds, but the steady rain and chilly wind kept us indoors. Take a look at some of the photos I took in the complex.

Day 5 Starfish, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Day 5 West Coast Sea Nettle, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Day 5 Sand Tiger Shark, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Reminds me of a classic movie...

Day 5 Blue Channel Catfish, originally uploaded by Gail S.

This honkin' fish is about 5 and a half feet tall. Who knew a
Blue Channel Catfish had such a white belly?

We were pretty worn out when we headed back to the hotel to meet our old friend, Beth Harris, who had invited us to spend the night at her home.

Day 5 Dave & Beth Harris, originally uploaded by Gail S.

(Note: I didn't take this photo of our friends who live at Harris Haven Farm atop Signal Mountain. It's a slice of heaven, isn't it?)

It's a good thing Beth led us up the mountain road because it was still raining and the fog on top of the mountain was so thick we couldn't see a car length in front of us! I had been bragging to Sid about the incredible views from Dave's back deck...and he still hasn't seen them! Maybe it will clear up a bit tomorrow. We had a lovely evening with Dave and Beth sharing motorcycling stories and discussing the weather and its impact on our travels tomorrow. Thank you so much for sharing your home with us!

Day 4 Touring Chattanooga

Day 4 Rock City Barn in Alabama, originally uploaded by Gail S.

We left Huntsville heading for Chattanooga. The wind on Hwy 72 was really strong, but Sid persisted in our quest to See Rock City! Captured this shot of a Rock City Barn on Hwy 72 in North Alabama. We plan to see Rock City today!!!

Day 4 Ruby Falls Barn in Alabama, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Well, this is a first for me. I've never seen a
Ruby Falls barn before. We passed this on Hwy 72 in North Alabama.

Day 4 Overlooking Chattanooga, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Here's Sid at the overlook in Rock City just below Lover's Leap. The view was breathtaking.

Day 4 Rock City Barn as Seen from Rock City, originally uploaded by Gail S.

I think the only place you can see this barn is from Rock City itself. I shot this from Lover's Leap. Not sure what state this is in...you can actually see 7 states from Rock City. I suspect this barn is in Georgia or Tennessee. Note: one of my flickr contacts tells me this is in Georgia on land owned by Rock City. It is primarily viewable from Rock City, but can be seen through the trees from the nearby road.

Day 4 In a Crack?, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Sid makes his way through one of the many rocky passages at Rock City.

Day 4 Emily & Adam at The Terminal, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Our nephew, Adam, and his girlfriend, Emily. Adam owns a home in trendy North Chattanooga and is attending University of Tennessee in Chattanooga. We were so glad they were able to take us to visit Adam's home and then have dinner with us at the Terminal Brewhouse, a yummy place just across from the Chattanooga Choo Choo.

Day 4 Sid Squared, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Sid and our other nephew, Sid, are kinda goofy, aren't they? After dinner we went to Adam's house so the two Sids could have a quick jam session - nephew on bass, uncle on drums. Fun. Nephew Sid is also a student at the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga.

Day 4 Night Out in Chattanooga, originally uploaded by Gail S.

We had dinner at the Terminal Brewhouse. This was just across the street from our table on the second floor deck.

Day 4 Chattanoogan Hotel, originally uploaded by Gail S.

We checked in to The Chattanoogan Hotel for the night. After a brief dance at the outdoor fireplace, we made our way in to the hotel for the night.

Day 3 Space Geek Day!!!

Day 3 Rocket Park, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Our first morning in Huntsville, Alabama (aka "Rocket City") was overcast and cool...perfect for a trip to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center (USSRC). After breakfast at an historic Shoney's, we found our way to I-565. In a matter of minutes we could see a rocket in the distance and knew we were heading in the right direction! The rocket, a full size replica of a Saturn V, is over 360 feet high and towers over everything in Rocket Park (see the photo above). Note: the Saturn V replica is not in the photo, it stands at the entrance of the Davidson Center for Space Exploration (see the awesome rocket below), the newest addition to the USSRC.

Day 3 Saturn V Rocket Replica, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Day 3 Shuttle Park, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Adjacent to Rocket Park is Shuttle Park where they have the only full Shuttle stack of Orbiter, External Tank and Solid Rocket Boosters on display in the world. This photo does not do justice to the sheer size of the display. Here's another view with Sid in the foreground for a little perspective. (Note: Sid is holding a bag from the Space Gear Shop. We secured a cap, t-shirt and souvenir guide to proclaim our official status as Space Geeks!)

Day 3 Shuttle Park & Sid, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Day 3 Shuttle for Kids, originally uploaded by Gail S.

This little shuttle replica was located in the Energy Depletion Zone, a cute play area for children under age 9. What a perfect idea for families with kids of all ages!

Day 3 Saturn V, originally uploaded by Gail S.

The pride of the USSRC, however, is the awesome Saturn V. The center has one of the remaining three production versions (others are at Kennedy Space Center and the Johnson Space Center). This one was used at the Saturn facilities in Huntsville for dynamic testing. This Saturn V is so important it is a National Heritage Monument and has been the focus of a restoration project since 2005.

At the beginning of the Saturn V Restoration Project, USSRC officials initially thought the corrosion on the rocket was due to sitting outdoors for more than 30 years. While the weather probably did accelerate the deterioration, the primary cause was wildlife - birds and raccoons that built nests inside the Saturn V and, in so doing, changed the PH and created chemical reactions that literally turned isolated sections of the rocket into latticework.

Conservation Solutions, Inc., the company in charge of the preservation treatment for both the Saturn V rockets at Johnson Space Center and here in Huntsville, finished repairs on the damaged sections and painted the Huntsville rocket in December 2006. They returned in October 2007 to do the final painting and to apply the custom made decals.

Now the Saturn V has a new home in the most recent addition to the facility, the Davidson Center for Space Exploration, a 68,200-square-foot building that houses the restored Saturn V rocket. Opened in January 2008, the Davidson Center has become the new front door for the USSRC museum complex. This grand opening celebration was held in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of the launch of Explorer I - the satellite that put America in the space race.

Fundraising efforts for this addition continue. While we were visiting, there were lots of people setting up tables for a banquet to be held this evening. This space is available for corporate events, receptions and even weddings! There are lots of plans for interactive displays around the floor of this building.

Day 3 The Brains of the Saturn V Rocket, originally uploaded by Gail S.

While in the main museum building, Sid found this display that he described as a stargate. Later, we saw it in place in the Davidson Center as the Instrument Ring of the Saturn V...so disappointed that we couldn't leap through it into a place where no man has gone before.

Needless to say, the USSRC is a wonderful place filled with thousands of displays depicting the history of space exploration and, particularly, the role played by the folks in Huntsville, Alabama, at the Marshall Space Flight Center. Put this one down as a "must see" for anyone with even the mildest interest in science and space.

Day 3 Instrument Ring of the Saturn V Rocket, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Day 2 Natchez Trace Parkway

Day 2 Natchez Trace Parkway, originally uploaded by Gail S.

The day was chilly, but not cold enough for our leathers. We took some back roads to Hohenwald, Tennessee. (If you recognize the name of this small town, it's probably because it is home of the Elephant Sanctuary.)

From there we entered the Natchez Trace Parkway, a roadway that is managed by the National Park Service. The 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway commemorates an ancient trail used by animals and people that connected southern portions of the Mississippi River, through Alabama, to salt licks in today's central Tennessee. Today, visitors can experience this National Scenic Byway and All-American Road through driving, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping. After riding along this smooth, pleasant road, it is hard to imagine that the "Kaintucks," or boatmen from the Ohio River Valley, would walk approximately 500 miles from Natchez to Nashville along the Natchez Trace in about 30 days.

Day 2 "Melancholy" Death of Meriwether Lewis, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Here's Sid at our first stop on the parkway. This monument, erected in 1848 over Meriwether Lewis' remains, is located just off the Natchez Trace Parkway and is maintained by the National Park Service. The etchings refer to the melancholy death of Mr. Lewis who died mysteriously at the age of 35 while traveling on the Natchez Trace to Washington, DC. We learned more from visitors who had studied Mr. Lewis' life and told us he had suffered from depression and, possibly, bipolar disorder.

Day 2 Meriwether Lewis Monument, originally uploaded by Gail S.

This marker at the monument tells much of the story of Meriwether Lewis, Senior Commander of the Lewis and Clark Expedition who later became governor of Louisiana and died at the age of 35 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. (I just previewed this post on the blog and realized that the right edge of the photo has been cut off. Just click the photo to see the entire marker.)

Day 2 - The Parkway in Front of Us, originally uploaded by Gail S.

I shot this over Sid's shoulder to show you how it looks ahead of us. As Sid puts it, "We own the road!"

Day 2 - The Parkway Behind Us, originally uploaded by Gail S.

I shot this over my left shoulder showing our trailer and the road just traveled. Peaceful...

Day 2 - Collinwood Welcome Center, originally uploaded by Gail S.

We exited the parkway to visit the Welcome Center in Collinwood, Tennessee. This place was absolutely delightful! It is really spacious inside and houses a museum about the area. The volunteer we met offered brochures, magazines, homemade cookies and hot coffee. She exuded southern hospitality. We stayed in Collinwood for lunch at Chad's buffet where the townsfolk had gathered to share a meal after Sunday church services. Sid and I certainly stood out among the rest of the diners wearing their Sunday clothes.

It was another 30 miles down the parkway before we exited just outside of Florence, Alabama. We hated to get on busy Hwy 72 to make our way to Huntsville, our destination for the day. If you have followed our travels in the past, you know that we prefer to stick to "Blue Highways," a term coined by author, William Least Heat-Moon, to refer to small, forgotten, out of the way roads connecting rural America (which were drawn in blue on the old style Rand McNally road atlas). Well, our geekiness has emerged, and we are venturing into the big city of Huntsville, Alabama, to see the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, the largest space museum IN THE WORLD! Yes, that's enough to get these two space camp wannabes to fight the traffic and the crowds on our vacation.

Our trip from the Natchez Trace to Huntsville was uneventful. The sun finally came out, the dogwoods are in bloom in the state of Alabama, and the local folks were fishing on the Tennessee River in and around Joe Wheeler State Park. It was a lovely Sunday afternoon in the spring. Tomorrow, look for photos and updates from our space adventure!

Day 1 Part 2- Lobelville, TN, Springfest

Day 1 - Lobelville, TN, Springfest, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Lobelville, the tiny town near our place on the Buffalo River, held the first ever Buffalo River Springfest. Organized by our neighbor, Hugh Waddell, along with the owner of the liquor store, it drew people from all around. It started with a pancake breakfast, then a girl's softball tournament, and wrapped up with a concert and street dance. I thought it was a grand success.

Day 1 - Lobelville, TN, Springfest, originally uploaded by Gail S.

People arrived in cars, trucks, and golf carts; on motorcycles, on horseback and on foot. This little girl was enthralled with two horses who were tethered near our bike.

Day 1 - Lobelville, TN, Springfest, originally uploaded by Gail S.

We arrived in time to see the concert. These entainers came from Nashville to perform for the town. There were 10 acts in total performing for nearly 5 hours. It was fantastic. Hugh did a marvelous job organizing this great day for our community.