Chattanooga
Sunday, October 8. Arrived at the Erwin City Dock in the late afternoon. There were 4 other looper boats when we arrived. One of them arrived specifically to attend the University of Tennessee football game. He said it was great fun even though they lost—oh well. We walked up the steps above the dock to find many restaurant choices, and a very inviting park along the river.
Monday, October 9. Friends Don and Sue are coming from Georgia later today, so its clean the boat morning. D&S arrived and we took them on a boat ride up the river a couple of miles and back. So nice to see them and have a few days ahead to visit and explore.
Tuesday, October 10. Don treated us with tickets to the Tennesee River and Ocean Aquariums beginning at 10:00AM. The two aquariums are huge and the exhibits are from all over the world. Such an interesting and amazing aquarium. The Ocean Aquarium is in another building, the top floor is a tropical cove with lemurs, and a butterfly exhibit. So cool!
Sue and I —and a few fish. : )
Yes, I am a fish.
Butterflies were all over and all different colors. Darth got a nice close-up of this one.
After the aquarium we drove up to Lookout Mountain. The scenery was gorgeous. Sue showed us where she hang glided beginning at 3,000 feet with an instructor. Unfortunately, it was too windy so we didn’t get to see people hang gliding while we were up there—but it was fun to hear about Sue’s experience and enjoyed the view.
Sue and Don Lookout Mountain
Lookout Mountain—I think my hair is one with the wind.
Hang gliders assessing the wind. And they determined it was a no-day.
Wednesday, October 11. D&S picked us up and we went to the Chickamauga Battlefield National Park. The park visitor center shows a 26 minute film that recaps the Battle of Chickamauga and the defeat of Confederacy at Chattanooga Sept-Nov, 1863. Again, I’m amazed at how much I really didn’t know about the Civil War. We explored the Chickamauga monuments, and found it hard to comprehend the land the soldiers covered while in battle.
Darth and Don on top of the Wilder Brigade Monument.
We then made our way to Feed Table Tavern for lunch/dinner—it was delicous. Then to the north side of Chattanooga for gelato at the Squirrel Rabbit Coffee Bar and Creamery because of the name. : ) Sue and I walked across the Walnut Street walking bridge and the guys picked us up on the other side.
Thursday, October 12. Time to say good-bye to Don and Sue. They sent us off with a delicious breakfast from Cracker Barrel, (we don’t have these in Washington). We had a great time and look forward to exploring with them again.