Time for a spring break road trip and Savannah, Georgia was calling. Roadtrip’s first stop though, at a national park along the way.
Mammoth Cave National Park sign.
Not a big fan of caves but this one is, well, mammoth in size and worth a visit. I signed up for the history tour, which featured two of the 400+ miles of the cave that has been explored and told the story of how its features have been gradually discovered over the years.
Mammoth Cave entrance
It was a large group that ventured behind out guide into the main entrance.
The Rotunda
Some spaces within the cave are huge.
Fat man’s misery
Some spaces are very tight.
We went down 310 feet below the earth’s surface before rising back into fresh air.
Hermitage – home to Andrew Jackson
There was time in the afternoon for a stop at the home of America’s 7th president, located on the east side of Nashville. Interesting insights into the political history and lifestyles of the early 19th century.
Ranger Jeremy Carroll
In Nashville I stopped to pick up granddaughter Eden and the next day we took a history break with a visit to the Chickamauga Civil War battlefield. Ranger talks always provide an extra dimension to every national or state park visit and this one was exceptional. Three stops across the field of battle with clear explanations provided great understanding of this battle that changed the course of the Civil War in the south.
Brotherton cabin at the Chickamauga battlefield.
It was a beautiful day but a sobering history lesson.
Downtown Atlanta
Interstate traffic in Georgia, especially through Atlanta, was heavy with delays. We were glad to get onto I-16 and head east from Macon, where the traffic was lighter.
Forsyth Park fountain
Several mornings I took a long walk to Savannah’s famous Forsyth Park, and enjoyed the beautiful architecture of the early 20th century homes.
Homes,
homes,
and more homes. Actually the lower right view is up the coast in Charleston, South Carolina.
Another fountain in Columbia Square.
We walked around town and visited several museums and restaurants. And we took a scouting expedition to Charleston on our last day there.
Carriage tours in Charleston
Lots more to see in Charleston, for which we had too little time.
Angel Oak on St. John’s island, south of Charleston
Son Drew and granddaughter Eden were dwarfed by the 400-year old oak tree.
Angel Oak on black and white
An impressive natural resource, no matter how you look at it.
A Wisconsin treasure in South Carolina
A waitress tipped us off to this little shop where we wrapped up the day in cheesy delight.
It was a beautiful way to end the stay. Savannah River sunset.
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