Naples, FL

We finally made it to Naples and this is what was waiting for us! Beautiful white beaches, calm blue water, sunny skies, more than I could have asked. It was just beautiful! Of course my family was there and that just made things so much better. We had a great time. John got to fish from the pier and he went out on a boat Sunday to go fishing. Of course the seas were too rough so he did not get to fish but he had a great time out at sea. I spent a couple of days with my family. Got to take some great pictures and off we went back home. Every time I go to Florida I want to move back. I know it will never happen, but I sure would love it!

Alabama, Take it or Leave it!

I do not mean to be so harsh on the state of Alabama, but OMG I thought I would die of boredom. We drove from the Northwesterly tip to the Southeasterly tip of Alabama and there was nothing worth stopping to see accept this. This is at the Pioneer Village in Troy Alabama. We did not stop to go in although it only cost $6.00 per adult (if I remember correctly). We had already been in the car for about 5 or  6 hours and knew we had another 5 or 6 to go so we really didn't want to spend too much time. It looked interesting. There were a lot of buildings inside the gated area. Aside from this, I did not take any pictures. Nothing. There really is nothing from corner to corner. I must say I was a bit disappointed. I didn't even see a barn worth stopping to shoot. I can assure you this trip will not be made again.

Don't write Alabama off your list because of this. I can assure you there are some pretty sights to see, they just aren't from the Northwest to the Southeast. Remember Alabama has Talladega. That in itself is worth seeing. Cheaha State Park is a nice place to visit as is Talladega National Forest. And down South Alabama is Fairhope along the Gulf Coast--definite place to visit.

Alabama is my neighbor so I will continue to visit and find treasures, just not that one route.

Memphis

We just visited Memphis, TN for the first time. What can I say. For starters let me assure you pictures will follow. Can you believe I forgot my card reader so I could not download my pictures.
The trip there was quite uneventful, more like boring. From our house to Birmingham there is very little. From Birmingham to Tupelo, MS there is nothing. Really there is nothing. An occasional gas station, no food, no stores, no nothing. For two hours after passing through Birmingham we just hoped and prayed for  something interesting. All we got was construction.
What can I say about Memphis? Hmm, not much. I only took about 40 pictures. Of course we went there for a concert and I could not bring my camera in so we had to pack it away in the car most of the time. We could not find any clear advantage points to take a night shot.
Memphis is a cool city. It has lots of neat architecture and I would imagine a lot to do if you are staying awhile. We walked the entire length of Beale Street which is a bunch of shops and bars and restaurants. There is a lot of history in town. Lots of history about the Blues. I think I would like to visit again some day, but I surely do not want to go through Alabama. Of course that is the most direct so I will probably have to go that way if I go back.

Silly me, John got some pictures so you are going to get one.