Tag: travel

Welcome To Our Campsite

November 22, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

It always feels more like home when we set up our stuff outside and put the yard flags up.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of pulling into a new campground, unhitching the car from the RV, and setting up our new home for the next month.

The excitement builds as we pull into a new place. The anticipation of exploring new surroundings, the excitement of creating new memories, and the satisfaction of transforming an empty lot space into a haven of comfort and relaxation — it’s truly a unique experience.

For us, setting up our RV has become more than just a practical task; it’s an act of love and a way of making each new place feel like our own. It’s a testament to our adventurous spirit and our deep appreciation for the simple joys of life.

RV camping is more than just a way to see the world; it’s a way of life for us, a philosophy that embraces change, celebrates diversity, and cherishes moments of connection with both nature and new friends. It’s a reminder that home is not a place, but a feeling, a sense of belonging that we carry within us, ready to bloom wherever we lay our heads.

Thanks for coming along with us on the journey

 

A Drive Through the Talladega Mountains

November 12, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

On the Talladega Scenic Byway in Central Alabama

Nearly everything we do and all the places we see are free. We park the RV in a cheap or reasonably priced campground for a month at a time and drive around and explore everything we can see for free in the area.

All it costs us is gas in the car. Most of the time we pack sandwiches, drinks, and snacks for the day. We rarely eat out, and if we do it is at a small-town diner.

We prefer picnicking by a lake like this one in the middle of the forest. Coleman Lake Day Use Recreation Area is in the Choccolocco Wildlife Management Area in the Talladega Forest.

Today was a 50-mile drive south to the Talladega Mountains and National Forest.

Then a long slow drive on the Skyway Mountainway Scenic Road. The speed limit is only 35 on this road.

The first half was a nice paved road through the southern part of the forest. Then we came back up north, crossed the main highway, and entered the northern part of the forest which is the Choccolocco Wildlife Management Area.

But the second half was a one-lane muddy trail. This part of Alabama has been in a severe drought and today it was cloudy and sprinkly. The tiniest bit of rain made the dirt road slippery.

We drove slowly and looked for wildlife right and left. We didn’t see anything except hunter tents and vehicles, and we didn’t hear anything except gunshots. I think it is hunting season in Alabama.

It was a peaceful day driving slowly through a magnificent landscape of mountains and forests and small hidden lakes. I just love it when I look over at Rich and catch him grinning at the view.

There were several scenic overlook views to pull into and stop at.

I may not have gotten any photos of wildlife but I got some great shots of nature.

I will always take the time to photograph yellow ferns, green mossy rocks and trees, and red leaves.

When we set out on an adventure, we never know what we will find but we are never disappointed.

Nature always amazes us and revitalizes us.

It started getting dark by 4:30, and I noticed darkness at 5:07 p.m.

Thank you so much for coming along on our adventures and reading about the places we see. I hope you enjoyed the trip.

 

We Found a Fun Roadside Attraction

November 11, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

Driving down a back road in rural Alabama, we came upon a bunch of huge rocks built and painted like zoo animals. I love finding street art in the middle of nowhere.

I told Rich to stop and back up and looked it up on Google Maps. Yep, it is there. It’s called “Rock Zoo.”

The website https://alabamarockzoo.com/ says that Leonard Dawson, the original zoo keeper, started the rock zoo in the 1970s when roadcrews left two huge boulders behind.

The animals are made of stone and painted with love! They have cemented some rocks together to form a shape. What a fun idea. This is something I would love to do as a creative person.

I’m not sure what some of the animals are but I do see a penguin in the photo above.

See if you can tell what some of them are. I see a rooster, a bull, cows, a turtle, a shark, a frog, and a giraffe.

If climate change keeps up and more animal species become extinct, this might become the only kind of zoo left in existence.

Since the 1970s, the zoo has grown to include turtles, a bear, a flag, a cross, a watermelon, a deer, a giraffe, an elephant, sea creatures, and many more!

If you have rocks that look like animals, you are welcome to paint them and bring them to the Rock Zoo where they will have a home for many years to come.

Drive way out into the country, pull off to the side of the two-lane county road, and walk this 100 yards of painted rocks! There is no parking area or any kind of facilities.

I can tell what the turtle and frog are. The green color helps. If you have read many of our travel articles, you know I am going to be the first one to make Rich go to all these crazy, weird attractions.

We see a lot of cows everywhere we go. Even rock cows.

All are welcome to pull off the road during daylight hours and explore these cute painted creatures.

If you are ever in northern Alabama, be sure to look up this Rock Zoo roadside attraction and take the time to drive by it. Be prepared though because it is down backroads in the middle of nowhere.

Thanks for coming along with us on our crazy adventures as we travel across America.

Russell Cave National Monument

November 10, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

A prehistoric cave in northern Alabama

Today we drove north to the Russell Cave National Monument in Bridgeport, Alabama.

The Visitor Center is being renovated so there is a temporary one off to the side. The worker inside was friendly and helpful.

He shared a lot of information about the prehistoric cave shelter and some of the long spears they used as weapons thousands of years ago.

The walkway to the huge prehistoric cave in the woods is in great condition and accessible for wheelchairs all the way. It was an easy short walk.

The walk through the woods was beautiful. We saw several squirrels digging around in the leaves. We were warned to stay on the path due to venomous snakes in the area. 😮

We gasped in amazement as soon as we saw the cave. It was cool to see.

The first cave dwellers who lived here were from about 11,000 years ago. According to NPS.gov —

“Russell Cave is an archeological site with one of the most complete records of prehistoric cultures in the Southeast.”

Animal bones, primitive tools, and broken pottery found in the cave date back to at least 9,000 years ago.

The boardwalk goes clear inside the cave.

The monument was established on May 11, 1961, when 310 acres of land were donated by the National Geographic Society to the American people. -Wikipedia

What a beautiful view from the inside of the cave looking out.

I’m so glad we took the time to drive to this national park in Alabama.

We thoroughly enjoy walking through the woods to find places like this.

Thanks for coming along. I hope you enjoyed seeing Russell Cave National Monument in northern Alabama.

 

 

Traveling the Covered Bridge Trail

November 8, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

A photo story of four covered bridges in Alabama

There are currently eleven historic covered bridges remaining in the state of Alabama. Of those, six remain at their original locations. We found four of them today.

Clarkson Covered Bridge

The Clarkson Covered Bridge was constructed in 1904 and was used by farmers and travelers to cross Crooked Creek. Today it is closed to vehicle traffic.

It was destroyed by a flood in 1921 and rebuilt the next year. It is located in Cullman, Alabama. It was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

Horton Mill Covered Bridge

The Horton Mill Covered Bridge was built in 1934. It is 220 feet long and spans the Little Warrior River. It is also closed to vehicle traffic.

It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

You can walk across the bridge, or drive the road around to the backside.

I’m so glad we found these bridges while we were out exploring.

The Horton Mill Covered Bridge is located in Oneonta, Alabama.

Easley Covered Bridge

The Easley Covered Bridge was built in 1927. It is a wood and metal combination-style covered bridge that spans the Dub Branch of the Calvert Prong of the Little Warrior River in Blount County, Alabama.

After being closed for repairs in 2009, it was reopened to single-lane traffic in 2012. We drove across it to continue on to the last bridge on the list. It creaked a little, but we made it safe and sound.

It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

Swann Covered Bridge

The Swann Covered Bridge was built in 1933 over a scenic gorge of the Locust Fork of the Black Warrior River.

It is 324 feet long making it the longest covered bridge existing in Alabama.

The Swann Covered Bridge is currently closed to vehicle traffic. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

The metal bridge structures built today do not need protection from the elements, so they no longer need to be covered. Wooden covered bridges became obsolete because most were single-lane, had low width and height clearances, and could not support the heavy loads of modern traffic.

Old wooden covered bridges are a thing of the past.

You Gotta Get Outta the RV

November 7, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut, especially when I’m working from the RV. Most people go to work, come home, and then stay in all night. Especially in the wintertime when it gets dark before 5:00 p.m. For me, I get up and walk out to the recliner and sit and write all day. It’s comfortable, but it’s not good for me. It’s important to make time to get out of the house and do stuff, even if it’s just for a short walk or to run errands.

It’s good for our physical health.

Getting out of the house means moving our body, which is essential for good health. Even a little bit of exercise can make a big difference, so don’t be afraid to get creative. If you don’t like going to the gym, try walking, biking, swimming, or playing sports. Of course, I can’t do hardly any of those things. For me, spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels. We go for drives to see places, get out of the car, and walk around a bit. Even just sitting in a park or taking a short walk in the woods can make a big difference.

It’s good for our mental health.

Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It improves our mood and boosts our creativity. If you can’t get outside, even sitting by a window and looking at nature can be beneficial. Open those curtains and blinds, especially in the wintertime. Living in the RV, I am surrounded by nature. The view out my window constantly changes and puts me in a good mood.

It’s good for our social health.

Getting out of the house and interacting with other people is important for our mental and emotional well-being. We like to walk around the campgrounds and meet new people. It helps us feel more connected to our RVing community and helps us make new friends. You can try joining a club or group, taking a class, or volunteering. We need other people in our lives.

It’s good for our overall well-being.

In today’s world, it’s easier than ever to stay home and avoid the outside world. We can work from home, order groceries online, and even watch movies and TV shows without having to leave our living rooms. But while it’s tempting to stay home and cocoon, it’s important to get out of the house and do stuff on a regular basis.

Getting out of the house and doing stuff helps us relax, have fun, and learn new things. It helps us break out of our comfort zone and try new things. Getting out of the house leads to a more fulfilling and well-rounded life.

I am a homebody and I have to constantly remind myself to get up and get outta the RV on the days that we don’t go sightseeing.

So the next time you’re feeling stuck in a rut, make a plan to get out of the house (or the RV) and do something fun. It’s good for you!

 

Where Has All the Water Gone?

November 6, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

Noccalula Falls

Today we headed south to see beautiful Noccalula Falls. We have been told by several people that this area has not had rain for over four months. Needless to say, the water coming down the falls was nothing more than a trickle.

The stream below that bridge is usually full and flowing. You can see the rocky river bed and easily walk across it.

We were hoping to see several waterfalls in Alabama. None of the ones we have driven to have any water flowing.

The grass is brown and dead, the stream beds and small river beds are basically dry, and we saw our second brush fire today.

A fire truck showed up just as we were passing by this fire. Makes you wonder how these get started. All I can think of is that some stupid inconsiderate person threw a lit cigarette out the window.

Pray for rain in Alabama, and thanks for coming along with us on our adventures and travels.

Cotton Fields: A Snapshot of Rural Alabama

November 4, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

I have never seen cotton fields before, especially so many with the cotton balls opened and ready for harvest. The cotton balls open in the fall.

The state of Alabama ranks ninth in the nation for producing cotton, and cotton is the primary row crop now grown in Alabama. Cotton is what made Alabama. Cotton is grown in 59 of the 67 counties in Alabama.

I wondered if people still pick cotton in Alabama. I discovered that cotton is picked by machines called cotton pickers. These machines can cover six to eight rows at a time and can harvest up to 190,000 pounds of cottonseed per day.

It reminded me of when we saw so many sunflower fields in North Dakota. I love driving around America and seeing things like this.

Have you ever seen the cotton fields of Alabama? Thanks for seeing them with us.

Valley View Awe at Cherokee Rock Village

November 3, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

Leesburg, Alabama

I am so glad we found this gorgeous gem of a park on Lookout Mountain just outside of Leesburg, Alabama. My pictures don’t do it justice because I couldn’t get out and climb or hike through the rocks. You can get a better view of it on the park website.

This is a beautiful nature park with well-maintained parking areas, camping areas, picnic areas, and hiking paths.

The park ranger did not charge us to enter the park. We told her that we were just planning on driving through and right back out. She told us to go ahead and enjoy the park. A normal day pass is $7 per vehicle.

This park is a rock climber’s dream. It features crags, cliffs, and tall rock formations for climbing. Definitely not something Rich or I can do. Some of the sandstone boulders are as high as 200 feet.

Hiking trails for all levels from easy to moderate to steep, tent and RV camping sites, modern restrooms, and a new playground make this park the perfect destination for a day trip or a longer stay. And what a beautiful day it was for a drive!

All photos are taken with my iPhone. It does a great job don’t you think?

The view of the valley below encompassing nearby Weiss Lake is a view worth staring at for quite a while. I felt so small in comparison to this vast and beautiful landscape.

I was impressed with how nice the wooden viewing platform is.

We stood in silence for the longest time just enjoying the view. The valley below was breathtaking. It stretched out for miles. The sky was a brilliant blue.

We travel around the country from place to place and are always amazed at how beautiful each place is. When we are surrounded by such beauty, we are so grateful to be alive and healthy enough to see places like this.

The drive up Lookout Mountain to the Cherokee Rock Village Park in Leesburg, Alabama was time well spent.

I hope you enjoyed seeing it with us.

 

 

 

Moving to the Ville

November 2, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

Sweet Home Alabama

We finally made it home to the state of Alabama for two months. This campground will be home for the month of November. We are close to the town of Guntersville on Guntersville Lake. The plan is then to move down to the Gulf Coast for the month of December.

It’s been a bit windy so we haven’t put out the awning or anything yet. We are located halfway between Guntersville and Albertville. We are living in the ‘Ville.

Alabama is a southeastern state that’s home to significant landmarks from the American Civil Rights Movement. I can’t wait to go sightseeing! I plan to see mountains and pine trees and white sandy beaches. I wonder what kind of wildlife we will find.

The first two days of November have been spent just relaxing and living. Sometimes we get tired of constantly going someplace.

Living in an RV is truly a rewarding experience. We have simplified our lives and found a great way to see the country and connect with nature.

Stay tuned as we explore the state of Alabama.

Thanks for coming along on the journey.