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1/2/2019: Happy 2019! ….and Welcome to Alabama!
1/2/2019: Happy 2019! ….and Welcome to Alabama!
1/2/2019: Our eventual destination on this day is Birmingham, but directly in-between Nashville and Birmingham is Huntsville. If you’re a Space Nerd at all or if you ever dreamed of going to Space Camp (Raises hand), then you know that the US Space and Rocket Center is in Huntsville. There was NO WAY that I wasn’t going to stop here!
1/2/2019: Our eventual destination on this day is Birmingham, but directly in-between Nashville and Birmingham is Huntsville. If you’re a Space Nerd at all or if you ever dreamed of going to Space Camp (Raises hand), then you know that the US Space and Rocket Center is in Huntsville. There was NO WAY that I wasn’t going to stop here!
This one building houses a complete Atlas 5 rocket under its roof! The size and scale of an Atlas 5 have to be seen to be appreciated. It’s like going to the Grand Canyon; you can see pictures or video of it all you want, but actually seeing it will forever change your perspective.
This one building houses a complete Atlas 5 rocket under its roof! The size and scale of an Atlas 5 have to be seen to be appreciated. It’s like going to the Grand Canyon; you can see pictures or video of it all you want, but actually seeing it will forever change your perspective.
I’m really into aviation “stuff” and the top level of that world is the “Blackbird”. No longer in operation, they are only viewable at museums and I ALWAYS get a kick out of seeing one in person. This is the fourth one I’ve seen in person, but my first time seeing the A-12 version, which was operated by the CIA, not the Air Force. Easily identifiable by the fact that it has a single seat for the pilot and the Air Force version (The SR-71) has the rear seat for the Reconnaissance Systems Officer (RSO).
I’m really into aviation “stuff” and the top level of that world is the “Blackbird”. No longer in operation, they are only viewable at museums and I ALWAYS get a kick out of seeing one in person. This is the fourth one I’ve seen in person, but my first time seeing the A-12 version, which was operated by the CIA, not the Air Force. Easily identifiable by the fact that it has a single seat for the pilot and the Air Force version (The SR-71) has the rear seat for the Reconnaissance Systems Officer (RSO).
I’ve seen a Space Shuttle in person before and they are amazing vehicles to view up close. However, this maybe the only place you can see a shuttle in what is called “Full Stack” configuration. This is the fully assembled flight vehicle with the center fuel tank and the booster rockets. The shuttle itself here is not a “real” shuttle, but a full scale model that NASA built for mock-up purposes.
I’ve seen a Space Shuttle in person before and they are amazing vehicles to view up close. However, this maybe the only place you can see a shuttle in what is called “Full Stack” configuration. This is the fully assembled flight vehicle with the center fuel tank and the booster rockets. The shuttle itself here is not a “real” shuttle, but a full scale model that NASA built for mock-up purposes.
Another fun aspect to this place is that they have a few space-themed amusement rides and the place was a ghost town, so it was VERY easy to get on the rides. In fact, at one point in time, we were the ONLY people that wanted to ride and collectively we didn’t weigh enough for the ride to work properly, so they wouldn’t let us on! That ride just so happened to be one of the launch-you-into-the-air-and-then-free-fall-back-down type of rides. Think of it like a REALLY angry elevator. Dylan and I got a kick out of it. I think Grace enjoyed it once she realized that it wasn’t going to kill her. Val? Well, I wish I had a better camera for her facial expression, but you’ll get a pretty good idea from the grainy shot below.
Another fun aspect to this place is that they have a few space-themed amusement rides and the place was a ghost town, so it was VERY easy to get on the rides. In fact, at one point in time, we were the ONLY people that wanted to ride and collectively we didn’t weigh enough for the ride to work properly, so they wouldn’t let us on! That ride just so happened to be one of the launch-you-into-the-air-and-then-free-fall-back-down type of rides. Think of it like a REALLY angry elevator. Dylan and I got a kick out of it. I think Grace enjoyed it once she realized that it wasn’t going to kill her. Val? Well, I wish I had a better camera for her facial expression, but you’ll get a pretty good idea from the grainy shot below.
Normally, I’d just walk right by these “souvenir” type of pictures, but sometimes they are just _that_ good that it’s hard to pass up. Dylan and Grant make this picture absolutely priceless.
Normally, I’d just walk right by these “souvenir” type of pictures, but sometimes they are just _that_ good that it’s hard to pass up. Dylan and Grant make this picture absolutely priceless.
….and this one was pretty impressive from the stand point that we are ALL looking directly at the camera. That’s no easy feat!
….and this one was pretty impressive from the stand point that we are ALL looking directly at the camera. That’s no easy feat!
1/3/2019: An Alabama food staple is Golden Flake Potato chips. They operate out of a facility in Birmingham and guess what? They offer free tours to the public! Yay!!! ……they don’t allow photography inside! Boo! Here we are back in the car with Grace wearing her hair net on her face and Dylan suggesting that they are finger licking good!
1/3/2019: An Alabama food staple is Golden Flake Potato chips. They operate out of a facility in Birmingham and guess what? They offer free tours to the public! Yay!!! ……they don’t allow photography inside! Boo! Here we are back in the car with Grace wearing her hair net on her face and Dylan suggesting that they are finger licking good!
1/3/2019: This was one of those surprise treats that sneaks up on you when you aren’t expecting it. This is the Sloss Furnaces and was once one of the biggest producers of iron in the country. It’s now a decaying Skelton of its former self that has been turned into a historical site with a visitor center and a self-guided tour. When I read about it, I thought, “that’ll be neat for an hour or so”. Boy was I wrong! It was a wonderful place, that was packed full of neat artifacts and astonishing ingenuity for its day. We all learned A LOT at this place and enjoyed the heck out of it for HOURS!
1/3/2019: This was one of those surprise treats that sneaks up on you when you aren’t expecting it. This is the Sloss Furnaces and was once one of the biggest producers of iron in the country. It’s now a decaying Skelton of its former self that has been turned into a historical site with a visitor center and a self-guided tour. When I read about it, I thought, “that’ll be neat for an hour or so”. Boy was I wrong! It was a wonderful place, that was packed full of neat artifacts and astonishing ingenuity for its day. We all learned A LOT at this place and enjoyed the heck out of it for HOURS!
Val and I joked multiple times about just how “open” it was. Tons of places where it would be super easy to get hurt or fall into a pit or even some tunnels and pits that were flooded with 10-12 feet of water. Back in Colorado, there would have been warning signs, gates, barriers, more warning signs, security cameras, more warning signs and everyone would have had to sign a waiver of some sort. Yeah, not here! Enjoy at your own risk. Honestly, it was a breath of fresh air!
Val and I joked multiple times about just how “open” it was. Tons of places where it would be super easy to get hurt or fall into a pit or even some tunnels and pits that were flooded with 10-12 feet of water. Back in Colorado, there would have been warning signs, gates, barriers, more warning signs, security cameras, more warning signs and everyone would have had to sign a waiver of some sort. Yeah, not here! Enjoy at your own risk. Honestly, it was a breath of fresh air!
1/5/2019: Grace and Dylan have been using Walmart fishing poles for a while now and when I say Walmart fishing poles, I mean they had Disney characters on them. They both wanted a new one for a while and finally some Christmas money came their way and I trucked them up to Bass Pro Shops for some help……because I know exactly NOTHING about the subject of fishing poles. We all walked away happy campers and Dylan got up super early the next day so he could try it out. Funny where kids can find motivation to get out of bed.
1/5/2019: Grace and Dylan have been using Walmart fishing poles for a while now and when I say Walmart fishing poles, I mean they had Disney characters on them. They both wanted a new one for a while and finally some Christmas money came their way and I trucked them up to Bass Pro Shops for some help……because I know exactly NOTHING about the subject of fishing poles. We all walked away happy campers and Dylan got up super early the next day so he could try it out. Funny where kids can find motivation to get out of bed.
Later in the day the sun came out and Grace joined in the fun.
Later in the day the sun came out and Grace joined in the fun.
1/5/2019: Grant’s gift from mom and dad for Christmas was tickets to the Monster Jam event in Birmingham. Believe me when I tell you that this is Grant’s happy place! …..and yes, this is the only decent picture I managed to take the whole night.
1/5/2019: Grant’s gift from mom and dad for Christmas was tickets to the Monster Jam event in Birmingham. Believe me when I tell you that this is Grant’s happy place! …..and yes, this is the only decent picture I managed to take the whole night.
1/5/2019: The Southern Museum of Flight is not a big place, nor is it the greatest flight museum in the whole world, but we really enjoyed it. The “Southern Hospitality” was in full effect here and everyone was really nice and really helpful. They pride themselves on their collection of Blackbird stuff and as you just learn from our visit to the US Space and Rocket Center pictures above, ANYTHING to do with a Blackbird is just fine with me!
1/5/2019: The Southern Museum of Flight is not a big place, nor is it the greatest flight museum in the whole world, but we really enjoyed it. The “Southern Hospitality” was in full effect here and everyone was really nice and really helpful. They pride themselves on their collection of Blackbird stuff and as you just learn from our visit to the US Space and Rocket Center pictures above, ANYTHING to do with a Blackbird is just fine with me!
This is Dylan trying to look “cool”. He’ll get better at it……I hope.
This is Dylan trying to look “cool”. He’ll get better at it……I hope.
They have multiple helicopters as well, so that makes Grant happy!
They have multiple helicopters as well, so that makes Grant happy!
You know, I just said “ANYTHING to do with a Blackbird is just fine with me”, but I may have to retract that statement. This A-12 was in rough shape from sitting outside. It was genuinely a sad sight to see. There is one on display outside the San Diego Air and Space museum and it might be even rougher, but this one cut me a little deeper for some reason.
You know, I just said “ANYTHING to do with a Blackbird is just fine with me”, but I may have to retract that statement. This A-12 was in rough shape from sitting outside. It was genuinely a sad sight to see. There is one on display outside the San Diego Air and Space museum and it might be even rougher, but this one cut me a little deeper for some reason.
1/6/2019: We are at the McWane Science Center in downtown Birmingham. This place redefines “Hands On”. It felt like absolutely EVERYTHING inside their walls encouraged interaction and touching. Really well done science center for sure!
1/6/2019: We are at the McWane Science Center in downtown Birmingham. This place redefines “Hands On”. It felt like absolutely EVERYTHING inside their walls encouraged interaction and touching. Really well done science center for sure!
Here is where you come to pet sharks….
Here is where you come to pet sharks….
……and rays…..
……and rays…..
……and snakes….
……and snakes….
……and ferrets.
……and ferrets.
1/9/2019: Within the State Park that we are staying in, is the Alabama Wildlife Center. One of the things they do is rescue and rehabilitate a variety of birds of prey. Val and the kids went up there to check things out and the lady in charge of the birds basically gave them a private showing and talk about the birds as she brought them inside for their daily weight check. WAAAAAAAAY Cool!
1/9/2019: Within the State Park that we are staying in, is the Alabama Wildlife Center. One of the things they do is rescue and rehabilitate a variety of birds of prey. Val and the kids went up there to check things out and the lady in charge of the birds basically gave them a private showing and talk about the birds as she brought them inside for their daily weight check. WAAAAAAAAY Cool!
Here’s some context to just how big some Alabama’s birds are!
Here’s some context to just how big some Alabama’s birds are!
1/11/2019: We arrived at Cheaha State Park and as usual, one of the first things that needs to happen is Bear needs to go for a walk to do his business. I take him straight up this hill behind our campsite and what do we find? The “Highest Point in Alabama”! A.K.A. the Observation Tower atop Mt. Cheaha. You can see….no, no, you can FEEL the excitement Bear felt as he realized that he was the highest dog in all of Alabama at that moment.
1/11/2019: We arrived at Cheaha State Park and as usual, one of the first things that needs to happen is Bear needs to go for a walk to do his business. I take him straight up this hill behind our campsite and what do we find? The “Highest Point in Alabama”! A.K.A. the Observation Tower atop Mt. Cheaha. You can see….no, no, you can FEEL the excitement Bear felt as he realized that he was the highest dog in all of Alabama at that moment.
There is a radio antenna just outside the frame of this picture and the guy wires for said antenna positively ruin what would have been a spectacular sunset…..It’s pretty, but it could have been so much better.
There is a radio antenna just outside the frame of this picture and the guy wires for said antenna positively ruin what would have been a spectacular sunset…..It’s pretty, but it could have been so much better.
A tremendous amount of rain fell through the night and the morning walk with Bear was a tad foggy.
A tremendous amount of rain fell through the night and the morning walk with Bear was a tad foggy.
1/11/2019: NASCAR Fan? Well, I’m not, but even _I_ have heard of Talladega Superspeedway. It’s the longest oval track on the circuit (2.66 miles) and has the highest banking (33 degrees). Speeds achievable at this track are so high that the cars are required to restrict the engines power to limit the top speed. A moment of context for you; the track is so fast that the cars were able to hit 199mph…..when it opened in 1969! For just a few dollars, they will throw you into a shuttle bus and give you a tour of the track….but you can’t get out for pictures. The 33 degree banking really can’t be articulated in pictures. It’s just silly when you are actually there!
1/11/2019: NASCAR Fan? Well, I’m not, but even _I_ have heard of Talladega Superspeedway. It’s the longest oval track on the circuit (2.66 miles) and has the highest banking (33 degrees). Speeds achievable at this track are so high that the cars are required to restrict the engines power to limit the top speed. A moment of context for you; the track is so fast that the cars were able to hit 199mph…..when it opened in 1969! For just a few dollars, they will throw you into a shuttle bus and give you a tour of the track….but you can’t get out for pictures. The 33 degree banking really can’t be articulated in pictures. It’s just silly when you are actually there!
Here we are on flat ground in the shuttle and you can see the upper barrier wall out the windows of the shuttle.
Here we are on flat ground in the shuttle and you can see the upper barrier wall out the windows of the shuttle.
Look in the background out the window. We are driving on the flat ground inside the yellow band at the bottom of the banking. Now realize that the track is 3 lanes wide up the banking. So, it’s a 3 lane highway that is banked at 33 degrees. That upper wall TOWERS over your head when you are on the flat ground…..and it goes all the way around that turn and out of the picture. You can’t capture the entire curve in one picture because it’s THAT big. It was pretty impressive.
Look in the background out the window. We are driving on the flat ground inside the yellow band at the bottom of the banking. Now realize that the track is 3 lanes wide up the banking. So, it’s a 3 lane highway that is banked at 33 degrees. That upper wall TOWERS over your head when you are on the flat ground…..and it goes all the way around that turn and out of the picture. You can’t capture the entire curve in one picture because it’s THAT big. It was pretty impressive.
…..and Grace photobombs an entire racetrack! Nice job Grace!
…..and Grace photobombs an entire racetrack! Nice job Grace!
The other attraction to this location you ask? it’s also home to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. Heck yeah, we’re going in there!
The other attraction to this location you ask? it’s also home to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. Heck yeah, we’re going in there!
This is Dylan’s “Race Face”…..I think.....or he needed to find a bathroom.
This is Dylan’s “Race Face”…..I think.....or he needed to find a bathroom.
You betcha’ it’s fast! This is the first land based vehicle to break the sound barrier, but it’s not recognized in any record books because no sanctioning body was present during the run.
You betcha’ it’s fast! This is the first land based vehicle to break the sound barrier, but it’s not recognized in any record books because no sanctioning body was present during the run.
Did you know that Gene Hackman raced a Volkswagen in the 80’s? Yeah, neither did I.
Did you know that Gene Hackman raced a Volkswagen in the 80’s? Yeah, neither did I.
1/12/2019: We have made our way to the Anniston Natural History Museum. It was one seriously well done Museum given the location. Hint: Anniston's population is 21,000.
1/12/2019: We have made our way to the Anniston Natural History Museum. It was one seriously well done Museum given the location. Hint: Anniston's population is 21,000.
Just pondering life I guess.
Just pondering life I guess.
Grant, meet Mr. Alligator Gar. Mr Alligator Gar, meet Grant.
Grant, meet Mr. Alligator Gar. Mr Alligator Gar, meet Grant.
Garmin REALLY believed that this was a real road that would really get us back to our campground......and I really believed it! What it REALLY ended up being was a dead end in the middle of the woods!
Garmin REALLY believed that this was a real road that would really get us back to our campground......and I really believed it! What it REALLY ended up being was a dead end in the middle of the woods!
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