Another trip to North Alabama is in the books. This year our annual road trip took us to Madison, Alabama. Folks wanted to see the Space & Rocket Center as well as the Jack Daniel’s Distillery. This was our first trip into a more urban area with higher traffic exposures than normal. I am happy to say we survived.
Twenty three people made the trip this year. Our route was simple as we followed Hwy 231 most of the way. The colors seemed more subdued to me, even though this was to be the peak fall color weekend. The trees were turning and there was lots of beauty, but not as much as in previous years. We lunched at Charlie B’s in Oneonta. These folks have hosted our group several times. The food is good and the desserts even better.
Leaving Oneonta, we visited Palisades Park. This is a well maintained Blount county park and boasts some very scenic views and historical buildings. New was the chapel for weddings and a small meditation building with a glass wall overlooking the valley. Pictures were taken and rocks climbed on until it was time to press on.
We arrived in Madison with no issues and checked into the Best Western Plus. Tiffany Caudill handled our group and everything was ready for a very organized and quick check in. The rooms and staff were really good here. Dinner found us going separate ways. Most of our crew went to Ol Heidelburg for a fantastic German meal. The rest were off to Big Bob Gibson’s in Decatur to see if the award winning BBQ was as good as the hype. It was.
Saturday found us following Don & Verna’s route into Tennessee to Lynchburg. Don & Jeremy led the way, Verna rode with me in the MGA, and the rest caravanned behind. Here is where the increased traffic became an issue as we could not keep together. After a scenic drive we arrived in Lynchburg.
The Jack Daniel’s Distillery, for me, was the highlight of the trip. The tour is very interesting, the guides entertaining, and the cost is free. It was amazing to see four “stills” running 24/7 after visiting Alabama’s first legal distillery since prohibition which made its product one batch at a time. The stories of Jack were really entertaining. Maybe the best was taste testing various Jack Daniel’s whiskeys side by side. There really is a huge difference.
Blitz and Amanda blazed their own trail and journeyed to Chattanooga for the annual British Car Show located at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. Dressed as fighter pilots, they drew lots of attention, but alas as Blitz says, when the fourth Spitfire showed up there would be no trophy. They made it back full of smiles and stories of their day.
Rain had now set in and seemed to dampen the spirits of those wishing to see the Space & Rocket Center. The decision was made to tour on Sunday instead. What to do? Socialize of course. Folks gathered in various places with beverages and snacks. Saturday being Halloween, several of us dressed in costume and decided to go out on the town. The hotel graciously hauled us to and from our destination which was fantastic. No drinking and driving in the rain for us! The bar had many patrons and workers in costume. We had our fighter pilots, Little Red Riding Hood & the Big Bad Wolf, and Satan himself. Upon our return four more joined in. Two Top Guns and two witches. I still laugh at Ed’s and Scott’s outfits. We gathered and told tall tales into the night.
Sunday was again rainy. Everyone went their separate ways. Some by interstate and some back down 231. It rained all day, but was not a bad weather day. Those of us in the older Brits had our towels and garbage bags handy and stayed relatively dry.
Mileage varied from 540 to 709 this year with Blitz and Amanda logging the most miles. The MGA said we did @ 580. It was another fun trip and great to see everyone again. I started receiving suggestions Sunday morning for next year – with only one condition – make it less urban, more back roads, and most important – where we can all eat together.
See you next year!
David