Exploring Civil War Battlefields and "Nooga"

Sun Aug 8-10  (3 nights)- Holiday Travel Park, Chattanooga, TN-

(Note to self, if we return try to get 88, 89 or 90 for more shade)

We couldn’t believe how busy I-75 was both North and South, as we traveled to Chattanooga. Dad was semi-frustrated because he likes to use Pilots and their computers seemed to be messed up or down adding more time to our travels. Otherwise, it was a bittersweet and uneventful journey. Mom was already missing Bek and her friends.

We were returning to a campground we used before. It’s outside Chattanooga, but still close to the interstate. This time we are staying longer to see some of the sites. Dad said we will see Lookout Mountain for the Civil War battlefields, but not the heights like the Incline or the depths, like Ruby Falls. Mom has terrible vertigo and she’s claustrophobic, so that leaves out those sites. She told dad she was fine with him going, but he’s not enthused either. We went by them and they were very busy, even with timed tickets.

“Lookout Mountain is a mountain ridge located at the northwest corner of the U.S. state of Georgia, the northeast corner of Alabama, and along the southeastern Tennessee state line in Chattanooga.”Wikipedia...

The whole Chickamauga Battle line runs along Lafayette Road. as you head South on the left is Union lines and on the right are Confederates. It was a three day September 1863 Battle that is considered a Confederate win.  A large part of their success was thanks to the Union's bad communication. 

Many of the grave sites and monuments are hidden within this thick, hardwood forests and out in vast fields. 

The monuments are incredibly beautiful and some are bas reliefs depicting the battle as the survivors remembered it. (There are no photographs of this battle.) This battleground has the most cannons that we ever remember seeing. Mom loves history, but she struggles going through battlefields. She feels if anywhere is haunted; it has to be here… it makes her so sad to remember; so many lives lost. 

This particular battlefield is one of the first to be honored, even before Gettysburg. 

The Wilder Monument looks like a medieval tower and is located where the last battle occurred. It was the first time the Union army used Spencer Repeating rifles. This battleground has an automobile tour that you can listen to on your phone as you travel the route. My favorite site was the momma doe and her babies eating among the monuments/cannons.

It was a gorgeous drive along Battlefield Parkway to the Chattanooga Battlefield on Lookout Mountain. Can’t imagine how difficult this terrain was when the battles were being fought here and soldiers had to walk it or ride if they were luckier. By the time the two sides fought this battle and the Union winning control of the Lookout Mountain and Chattanooga, one Confederate soldier said, "This...is the death-knell of the Confederacy." 

General Grant had his army climb this multiple switchbacks, winding, dense forest road to encounter the entrenched Confederates. As dad said, “a pretty ballsy thing to do!” This battle is also called the “Battle Above the Clouds.” After driving this road we can see why. Mom’s ears started popping. 

In our search for Point Park Visitors Center we went through some beautiful neighborhoods, which we realized were some of the beautiful homes we could see from the valley below. Above you see some of the lookouts M & D chose not to go to but found these photos online.

In our travels yesterday we had seen the Tennessee River from afar, but today seeing it up close was even more impressive; especially, when you see their downtown Riverfront...

       Wish it was a cooler day for walking outside...

Besides the Aquarium, the Children's Discovery Museum and their minor league baseball park was located within a couple blocks of the river as well...

Our last day here M & D left me to go to the Tennessee Aquarium. They told me it was every bit as good as advertised. 

Coming upon the lemars over the top of a water exhibit was a really cool surprise in the Ocean Building. We both love otters and these river otters were having a good time playing with each other...(Mike and I were shocked by the number of parents that brought their unmasked children inside the exhibit. (Call us overcautious, but we had our N-95 masks on thanks to Bekka)) 

The location of this museum on the waterfront was exceptional; especially with the wonderful open park space around it to enjoy and the fake river for the kids to play in... the view in any direction was an aesthetic feast for your eyes. 

                 How gorgeous are these chameleons that Mike shot?

    Mike's underwater shots reminded us of our scuba diving days...so sublime!!!

"The Passage is a pedestrian link between downtown Chattanooga and the Tennessee River at Ross’s Landing (the city’s original settlement, named for the Cherokee Chief John Ross). 

The project is the nation’s largest public art project celebrating Cherokee history and culture. The piece, created by Cherokee Artists Gadugi (Cherokee Artists Working Together) of Oklahoma, was opened to the public in May 2005 as part of an overall effort to redevelop the Chattanooga riverfront." It's a significant point on the Trail of Tears. (In Cherokee, NC, this outdoor theatre production tells their story, "Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama Retells the Trail of Tears") It was so hot and humid with bad storms in the forecast; that we didn't attempt to walk down to Passages, so I borrowed photos off the Internet once again...

Mom miscalculated; the Hunter Museum of Art was closed on Tuesday,not Monday; as she had thought. She was looking forward to seeing it's collection. The museum started in the red brick mansion and expanded into the contemporary building. We were able to enjoy the sculpture on the grounds around it. Like so many cities we have enjoyed, we will have to return to see it, the Zoo and catch a minor league baseball game. 

From the Hunter we drove further into the Bluff View Art District. In addition to their Sculpture Fields in Montague Park, (a former dump and brownfield turned International Art Display) "Nooga" had this River Gallery Sculpture Garden in the Bluff View Art District, a few gorgeous sculptures we could see from our truck. Mike and I had a delightful lunch at Rembrandt's Roasting Company Cafe while we were up there.

Knowing we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow driving to Valdosta, we headed back to Pippi & SA to start packing up. Mom likes to organize SA to make unpacking her at our PG airport hanger much faster. 

This blog is the last unless something out of the ordinary happens in the next two travel days home...It's been a wonderful four month journey; but as always, we are looking forward to home...despite returning in time for a tropical storm. 

It's Florida, you all! 

Stay Well and Happy, Safe Trails to All...

Pippi, Deby and MikePS 

Butcher Bill

9689 miles driven

291 hrs 17 min of driving 

13.6 miles per gallon on our Ford 150 Larait 

Horsing Around...Along the Bourbon Trail...

 Thurs Aug. 5-8 (3 nights) Ky Horse Park, Lexington, KY

We took off from Cincinnati on Mom’s birthday, so dad told me he was taking her out to dinner once they got cleaned up. Fortunately, they found a place where I could be included. They were so nice to me there!!! The Old Vine waitress gave me water and a BIG dog biscuit! WOW! As usual mom shared a few bites of her delicious meal. At the end of our meal, our waitress brought mom one piece of honey, sea salt pie with a candle in it. Mom had to make a wish and blow out her candle. (I hadn’t seen that tradition before.) Our entire meal was excellent; and as usual, mom and dad have another meal out of it.

Our campsite is so fabulous!!! We are going to have to remember if we return to book, C140 or C141. It had so much space, shade and our own road leading to both sites. The only downside is no sewage, but they do have sanitation services for a price. We came back to our camp and enjoyed the quiet until our Texas neighbor came over for a chat. It’s always interesting to meet new people; especially if they like me! They were traveling in a monster RV and had come up to watch their ten year old granddaughter & daughter at the Equine Show this weekend. Her mom had driven up nine horses in a massive horse trailer. Their two grooms came in another truck/travel trailer. Definitely, an expensive lifestyle. Once here, they rented another travel trailer to stay in. Her mom had traded her law practice for horse raising, boarding and training. Obviously, it paid well in Texas.

By ten or so the next morning, Jo, Lori and Ed had shown up. I was so excited to see them all, but then, they took off for the Bourbon Trail leaving me behind. Shucks! Mom said they ended up at the Midway Cafe & Bakery in Midway, KY. It was a really cute town. The cafe was located in a former three story Elementary School cafeteria with the school turned into apartments. Very Hip!

They started at Woodford Reserve for their first tasting. Mom said the grounds and place were very elegant. They all loved Woodford, so it was a good stop for them. However, after checking prices, they discovered that Total Wine or the Party Source prices were less for the same items, so they bought souvenirs, but not much liquor there. 

Ed had done his Bourbon Trail Homework, their next stop was Buffalo Trace. It wasn’t as fancy and they had stringent Covid-19 rules in place. Temperature check, and checking our vaccination card; if we had it with us, then we could go without a mask. Mom and Dad didn’t have their card with them, so they wore masks. However, with the Delta variant rampaging the country again; the entire party felt better wearing masks inside anyway. They were going to have to wait too long for a tasting; they opted to purchase bourbon there, since it’s so hard to find.

Our last stop was Castle and Key. Since there was a detour, our GPS took us down some seriously winding, narrow back country roads to get there. As soon as we saw this place,  we all decided we had to come back here for a tour, so we could go in the castle and sunken gardens. However, we were warned to book the tour at least two months ahead. 

The distillery itself had been abandoned for approximately 44 years. A female distiller decided to take on this place and bring it back to life… She has since moved on and is a consultant now.

The buildings were castle like and they added a new building to serve as a bar and bathroom facility. There was an old key shaped stone Springhouse; where they still get the water for their liqueurs today. There was a sluice gate on the creek behind the place, with gorgeous gardens on both side of the castle, along with plenty of Adirondack chairs, picnic tables and benches. Each day they had a different food truck or you could get a cheese plate or a Caprese salad to snack on… Mom, Lori and Jo thought it would be such a cool place for a wedding…

I was so happy to see everyone when they returned. Lori and Ed left to check into their downtown hotel and bring us back pizzas from Pies and Pints. While they were gone, mom served snacks and made a salad to go with the pizzas. When they returned, mom had the picnic table ready for us to eat outside. It was such a great night to be outside enjoying the outdoors. 

Bek arrived before it got dark. She had her tent set up in no time. For mom’s birthday Bek treated us to Kir Royales and some scrumptious desserts from an Indianapolis bakery, Leviathan Bakehouse. What an ending to the evening!!! Sadly, we never got a photo of the hysterical llamas Birthday Banner she put up…nor the funny gifts from Bek and Milena. She had even thought to bring mom new champagne glasses. I enjoyed licking the dessert plates...

The next morning much to my dismay, they took off again. This time for breakfast at Doodles in downtown Lexington. They told me that they drove through some lovely neighborhoods to get there. They had a wonderful brunch there before saying goodbye to Lori and Ed, they had to return home. Mom, dad, Jo and Bek took off for Bardstown, KY and more bourbon distilleries. It was a bit longer trip than expected. We stopped at the Basilica of Saint Joseph Proto-Cathedral,  It was the first (proto) basilica west of the Alleghenies. Dad told them about the valuable paintings that had been stolen from it. Eventually those paintings were found in Europe and returned. They couldn’t stay long there since there was a wedding that afternoon.

They checked out this cute town before heading to the Barton Distillery there, where 1792 is produced, one of their favorites. At their tasting there was our very enthusiastic tasting guide, Doris. They discovered they liked their Very Old Barton’s and Barton’s Chocolate Bourbon Creme. They bought as many bottles, as they could... Mom wanted them for gifts since they aren't selling it outside the distillery yet. So very good!!! With all the bourbon and wine they have acquired along the way, their trailer, Sleeping Around is getting heavy!!! LOL 

Since Castle and Key was on their way home they decided to take Bek back there. That distillery sells a wonderful gin and, an elderberry flavor that made the most delightful summer cocktail. Their special cocktail that day was a vodka, peach ice tea which was also delicious and refreshing. They spent a relaxing hour there before heading back. We had more cheese, crackers and snacks before eating the rest of our pizzas and finishing Bek’s champagne. I was in doggie heaven playing with everyone. The night went by too fast!!!

When they got up the next morning, dad took me for a walk while Bek dressed and packed her tent and supplies. Mom made egg, cheese breakfast sandwiches for those interested. Jo took off for home, so she could take here sister Beth for brunch. Bek stayed and helped us clean/pack and entertain ME. It’s always hard to say goodbye to my Big Sister. I don’t see her nearly enough! With Bek’s help were shoving off for Chattanooga around 9:30.

Home Again in Cincinnati

July 29-Aug. 5 (week) Reunion  Winton Woods, Cincy, OH

Mom said this week is all about catching up with family and friends. I met Mike’s youngest sister Laura last night when we arrived. She brought M & D Skyline Chili for dinner which they loved. She was really nice to me too. It was a pleasant visit catching up on what's happening here with her and her family.

It turns out dad's mom and dad use to bring their RV here to Winton Woods Park in Hamilton County and spoil their grandkids...now, we know why! It's not big, but it is quite lovely...

Today M and D had to concentrate on laundry and groceries. Once again they left me behind to watch the Olympics alone. They enjoyed seeing the latest changes Jim had done to his massive, unusual grocery store, Jungle JIm's in Fairfield, OH, five minutes from where M & D use to live. According to my folks, they claim Jim is always coming up with new ideas. He’s enlarged the store again, even adding a bourbon bar in his Oscar Station on Thursday nights from 4-10 PM. Above you can see Jim on his Segway, but he was busy, so they didn’t bother him.In the bottom photo, they made it to their favorite First Watch Cafe for a late brunch...

This Jungle Jim's supermarket started out with Jim selling bananas out of the trunk of his car; while he was in college...he eventually quit college and started a fruit stand. It's grown into this gigantic place with another one across town. His two boys are now working with him. This market has been written up in so many national publications that mom has lost count. Jim is another successful immigrant story. He and his family are delightful, caring, intelligent individuals who have had a very positive impact on Fairfield, OH...Providing jobs and supporting Lord, only knows, how many sport teams and other non profits...

As is so typical of Jungle JIm's, we see this parking lot sign as we pull in. In Maine we were paying $29.99 for a lobster roll. His lobsters are in a large tank, still alive for that price...Incredible!

Tonight we are having a Dewey Pizza Party at Jo’s which means I get to play with her furry girls, Phoebe and Ella. Jo’s house is the most dog friendly house ever!!! I was so excited to see Jo, Bekka, and Lori! I love them so!!! I even got to meet longtime Bekka friends, Jeremy and Debbie. (Mom said dad married them a few years back.) It was such a good time that it went by way too fast!!!.

Bek and Houdini came back with us! I was thrilled to have more company!!!

We were scrambling to get ready for the the family reunion Sat morning. With three people and two dogs, none of us were moving fast. 

We weren’t able to visit the Red Wolf Sanctuary that was located close to dad’s sister Barb and her husband Bob's house in Rising Sun, IN. (Kevin, dad’s cousin had set up our private tour and a number of our relatives went there in the morning.) Everyone is coming back afterwards for the Sage’s reunion lunch and get together...which usually means a dinner too, before everyone takes off...YUM...more treats for me and Houdini!!!

On Sunday afternoon, Troy and Kim Marwehe came for a short visit. Troy was mom's NWSH student whom she loves...He was a wonderful art student and individual and is now a fabulous person, husband, father and grandfather...Wow! How the years have flown by...They have been able to keep up thanks to Facebook.

Mom so enjoyed their visit! The last time he had seen Bekka, she was a small baby.

Our next stop was Brian and Kathleen Judkin's house in Mariemont for a Sunday night dinner. M & D really enjoyed Brian's fantastic Creole? shrimp and sausage dinner with salad and bread. Stephanie and Dean (Brian's mom and dad) were C. Mike's other parents when he and Brian were at St Xavier HS. (Dad's HS alma mater too!) The St X men have been besties ever since! Annabelle, Brian and Kathleen's daughter made us a delicious chocolate chip cookie cake and demonstrated her impressive gymnastics skills on their outdoor trampoline. Their son, Davis was enthralled by his latest book series that both sets of grandparents had given him for his birthday last week. I loved exploring their backyard and meeting Maisie, their rescue dog...She was less than impressed with me...Sorry...

Tim and Maryann were kind enough to invite us over for Monday brunch with some of our other mutual friends, Hope and Ron Stetler and Bob and Sue Riebel. Tim has the most incredible green thumb! Everytime we come there, we are blown away by their backyard! We couldn't have asked for a nicer summer day to hang out with all of them. I really loved them all and their yard! While M & D got caught up with them... I spent the majority of the time just running around the yard... Everyone had a wonderful time!!! I was so exhausted by the time I got home, I could hardly move!

On Monday evening, Mom and dad had their friends, Pat Bruns and Rodney over since they were golfing close by at Glendale Golf Course. Mom surprised them with a simple chicken fajita dinner, courtesy of Trader Joe's and Penzey Taco spices...Then, they just talked the evening away while playing ball with me... We all loved it! 

The next day dad took a break to read, but mom caught up with more of her arty women friends, Marge Lebrecht, Moya Jones, and Lynn Elzey for a Century Inn lunch...Sounded yummy! Mom said it was great catching up with them and knowing they are busy and doing well! 

After playing ball and feeding me, M & D left to see their old 'work' stomping grounds, Hamilton, OH...The top right photo was mom's art center, The Fitton Center for Creative Arts and the lower right was dad's courthouse. Dad helped restore it, before they built the modern one, dad was in at the end of his career. 

Dad had the honor of overseeing the building of the new courthouse too. It turned out so well, and still looks good today. His chambers can be seen in this shot. He had a view of the downtown and river from his corner office on the third floor.

Downtown Hamilton has this beautiful, new Marcum Park down in German Village with lovely old Victorian homes overlooking it on one side and new apartments and businesses overlooking it on the other... M & D ate at Tano Bistro with our dear friends Greg and Robin Beane. They told me it was good and they loved Robin's dessert at their Fairfield house following...I wouldn't know since they didn't include me...UGH!

Our final day here, the morning/afternoon was spent at dad's sister Jackie and  Jan's home. Jan, dad's brother in law made us all, delicious shrimp, beef or chicken fajitas. Barb and Bob were there to enjoy it too...Mom was thrilled to have Graeter's for dessert, her favorite hometown ice cream. Everyone played ball with me, so I was happy! Once again the time went by way too fast. In the above photo, Jackie is pointing to Laura in their last sibling photo; they had taken, so she could be included in this latest one. She had to work...Boo! She keeps retiring and going back to work...

We packed a lot into our home visit, not knowing when we will be able to return again. Mom and dad have lots of travel plans in the next year...I'm nervous because I'm not sure how much of those plans will include me? 

We are off to Lexington to the Kentucky Horse Park Campground for the next couple of days...I'm excited because I'm told Bek, Jo, Ed and Lori are joining us here. More friends to play with me!!!