Huntsville, AL (USA)

[probably Huntsville - trainer]

Tennessee Trip - Day 7

It was tough to leave the hotel this morning - we've had a great trip! Used I-75. Stopped for lunch at KFC in Dalton, Georgia (1055L). Home by 1500L.

Tennessee Trip - Day 6

Today's highlight was a trip to Rock City. We'd seen the signs on barns around the South but had never visited... On the way there, we had a late breakfast (AKA early lunch) at Krystal. Rock City was definitely geared for kids - lots of fairy tale dioramas in little caves along mountain ledge walkways. Nicky picked up some great souvenirs (1125L) while I explored with the kids. The girls were excited to see Cinderella and Snow White (along with many other storybook characters). The weather was great all day. We returned to the city around 1700L. Walked over for dinner at a place call Cheeburger Cheeburger - near the river. They had a challenge that if anyone could eat a one pound (!!!) burger, it would be free - you even got your picture on the wall. Nicky actually bit at this (yikes...). My quarter pound burger looked frighteningly small next to her monstrous entree... Of course, she couldn't finish it - but it will worth some humorous jibes for many years to come... Afterwards, we walked off some of the calories on a footbridge across the Tennessee River to Coolidge Park. Spent several hours there - as the sun was setting - playing ball, enjoying the ambiance. Kids even got to ride the pretty carousel there. The walk back to our hotel was sad - we have to leave tomorrow...

Tennessee Trip - Day 5

Breakfast at the hotel. Spent most of the day at the Chattanooga Creative Discovery Museum - kids had a great time. Ate a very light lunch in the museum (1400L). Finished our fun there around [1600L) and then explored the city for a while in the late afternoon. Bought souvenirs at the Carousel Christmas Shoppe (1730L). Later, went to the big event of the day: a minor league baseball game! The Chattanooga Lookouts were playing an evening game and we arrived around 0645L after a short walk from our hotel (another co-worker of mine, Ray, had recommended taking in the game while we were in town). We bought team shirts and foam "We're Number One" fingers and cheered for the team. They even hit a homerun - and it brought out the Chattanooga Choo-Choo! At the end of the game, there was a huge fireworks show - and we watched if from the grass on the outfield. Everyone was tired afterwards, but it was a great night! Luckily, our hotel was within walking distance...

Tennessee Trip - Day 4

Said a sad farewell to the cabin this morning - we shifted our trip south today. Ate breakfast at Cracker Barrel in Sweetwater (1000L). Drove towards Chattanooga and made it into town around 1230L. Checked into our hotel - the Marriott Courtyard downtown. After getting unpacked, our first stop was the Tennesee Aquarium. We've visited before, but it is a very enjoyable place - with a relaxing downward walkway from top to bottom. Spent most of the afternoon there. Dinner was at Altruda's restaurant (1800L).

Tennessee Trip - Day 3

One last day in Tellico Plains! Decided to explore on the east side of town. On the way, stopped to buy some jam and honey produced by local hill folks (Seven Sisters, 1215L) - they were very nice. Drove a little ways up the Cherohala Scenic Skyway - into the fog. Saw lots of motorcycles... Had a picnic lunch near the top of the pass but didn't go into North Carolina. On the way back into town, stopped again at the Tennesee Valley Winery in Loudon and bought a few bottles (1455L). Had dinner at a Chinese Restaurant. Got gas in Madisonville (1915L), then went back for more games and fun at the cabin. What a great opportunity this turned out to be!

Tennessee Trip - Day 2

Woke up to a beautiful sunrise - and evidence of even higher hills across a huge canyon in front of the cabin (didn't see that with the fog...). Since everyone was awake early, we drove over to visit a place called the Lost Sea in Sweetwater, Tennessee (1115L). It was pretty cool - we rode in flat bottom boats on a lake in an underground cave. We saw blind fish swimming in the pool. The kids seemed happy. Had lunch at the cafeteria and bought a few souvenirs. Drove back towards the cabin - stopped at a junk yard on the way to pick up a hub-cap for Nicky's car (we lost it yesterday). Also visited a local winery - although they don't even grow their own grapes here... Explored town a little - found some pretty sites. Had dinner at the Town Square Cafe (1900L). Played more games (video volleyball and cards) before heading to bed.

Tennessee Trip - Day 1

Started a short vacation today. We left the house in the morning and took the scenic way (through the North Georgia mountains). Arrived in Tellico Plains (our second trip here) around lunchtime - ate at the Town Square Cafe. Gas fillup (1300L). After that, we headed out of town to locate our accomodations. A co-worker of mine, Jeff, was gracious enough to let us borrow his mountain cabin for a few days. We didn't have any trouble finding it - WOW! It was nestled in some trees at the top of a hill, shrouded in fog. There was a fun rope swing for the kids, some old video games. Overall, it was perfect for getting away... Drove into town for dinner at Tellico Pizza. Also picked up some supplies at Save-A-Lot (1915L). Back at the cabin, we played games after dark - everyone in good spirits.

Mayport, FL (USA)

[flight with Mike B. - Atlanta to Mayport to Norfolk to Atlanta]