Our daughter, Ari, discovered several months back that one of our favorite bands was playing in Atlanta. Fortunately, this coincided with a break in school for her. So, I decided to meet her in Atlanta, catch the concert, then whisk her away to North Georgia for a quick hike on the Appalachian Trail.
I left home on Wednesday, January 24th, and meandered my way to Atlanta. I stopped at the Conecuh Sausage Company Store in Alabama on my way there for a “light snack” and a T-shirt, of course. On Friday, we had a blast at the concert jamming to Neck Deep and Bearings. Ari even scored a set list and a guitar pick to top off her night. Then we headed north on Saturday morning to clock in some miles on the AT. While the weather was a bit wet and cold, the snow flurries helped to put a pep in our step and we made light work of the seven mile trek. It was just enough fun and fresh air to put her in the mood to hit the books again at school.
I had to stop at the Mecca of sausage on my way through Evergreen County, Alabama. Being from Louisiana, I am never at a loss for great smoked sausage, but I still love me some Conecuh! #GrilloutwithConecuhAfter spending a night in the parking lot of the nearby Hampton Inn, I spent the workday parked at the Opelika Municipal “Monkey” Park where I found an available outlet to charge the house battery in Nigel (our van). On overcast days like today, solar isn’t able to keep up with the draw from the fridge, fans, devices, etc. Spotted these tracks at the Opelika Municipal Park – the home of the Rocky Brook Rocket! Heard it’s a pretty cool mini train ride with some serious history. Anyone ridden it before? #opelikaalabama #municipalpark #rockybrookrocket #minitraintracksStepping back in time under the Salem-Shotwell bridge in Opelika! The overcast sky adds a touch of mystery to this historic gem, originally built in 1900. Fun fact: it wasn’t always here! After surviving over a century, it got rebuilt in 2007 at the park after a close call with a fallen tree. Now it’s a charming spot for strolls and soaking up some history, rain or shine. #salemshotwellbridge #opelikaalabama #coveredbridgesThe bands Higher Power, Bearings, and Drain, opened for Neck Deep at the Eastern in Atlanta. Ari and I have been big fans of Neck Deep for a while and enjoyed the energy of the opening bands as well. Seven glorious miles along the Appalachian Trail near Neel’s Gap with Ari by my side! Sure, the sky wasn’t sunshine and rainbows (more like misty mountains and cool breezes), but that just added to the adventure. ️The Appalachian Trail: A footpath for those who seek fellowship with the wilderness. After our hike, Ari and I stayed in the town of Dawsonville Georgia. Here, we’re parked behind a shopping center which houses a Planet Fitness. Being Black Card members, we often stay near Planet Fitness locations which offer 24 hour access to restrooms and a warm shower each morning.Eight nights including Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia.
