Friday and Saturday were lovely and blessed days, and we are so grateful. After we backed into our campsite in Gadsden, Alabama our neighbors, Pam and Margaret Ann, long-time partners from Birmingham, started a conversation with us – we have common values and outlooks on life – and we became instant friends. After dinner we sat in our camp chairs and talked for over an hour. We are so thankful for loving hearts and good neighbors.
On Saturday, we drove two hours to Atlanta to visit the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and dove deeper into many of the cultural and world issues of 1977-81 that he had to face. We are inspired by the life and convictions of President Carter.
Afterwards, we hopped on our bicycles and rode nine miles on the Atlanta BeltLine Trail which runs through many neighborhoods in downtown Atlanta on a robust trail that used to be four abandoned freight train lines. There was such a positive vibe and spirit in the city and we loved being there.
Here is a link to Sue’s ‘Relive’ video of the Atlanta BeltLine Trail:
After having lunch at a fun restaurant there, we drove northwest of Atlanta to got back on our bicycles and biked eight miles of the Silver Comet Trail, another Hall of Fame trail. It was built over the roadbed used by the shiny Silver Comet luxury passenger train between New York, Atlanta, and Birmingham during 1947 to 1969. This 12’ wide smooth concrete trail, which goes from Smyrna all the way to the border of Alabama, is now our favorite trail so far!
We crossed the famous Pumpkinvine Creek Trestle at mile marker 23, which stands 100 feet high and 700 feet long. This Silver Comet Trail should make all other states envious of what recreational trails are all about!
Check out Sue’s ReLive video on our time in George:
When we returned to our campsite, we immediately enjoyed more time and conversations with our neighbors Pam and Margaret Ann. With kindred hearts, we shared views on culture, politics, religion, and family.
We asked them what they would like us to tell our family and friends:
- Pam: “Alabama is a red state but with a lot of blue hearts.”
- Margaret Ann: “Alabama is a beautiful state. I’ve traveled the world but Alabama is the most beautiful.”
We ended the day watching the Warriors beat Memphis in game three of the NBA playoffs. What a glorious day!
We loved meeting y’all and sharing our time together. It was the highlight of our trip! Safe travels! Pam and Margaret Ann