Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Charlottsville Courthouse, temporary capital of the South!

Me in Charlottsville at the county courthouse, which boasts an impressive history here.

After Jefferson retired from the Presidency to Monticello in 1809, he visited this courthouse many times, as did his neighbors and presidential successors Madison and Monroe. As the only large public building in the village, it served not only for court b ut also for meetings of the University's first Board of Visitors, for associations such as the Albemarle Agricultural Society, and for religious services. Today's front was built just before the Civil War.

Charlotsville is home to the University of Virginia (founded by Thomas Jefferson) which boasts a good English department!
Bookmark and Share

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Charlie at Natural Bridge, TN (name of a town)

Voila Natural Bridge, Tennessee, a small town hosting a magnificant natural geological formation - an arch to you and me. The rock formation is 215 feet tall and 90 feet wide. As you continue on the trail, you'll pass through the small Monacan Indian Village, where they have reenactments and you can ask them questions. Farther along the trail you'll follow Cedar Creek and pass Saltpeter Cave, where they mined for nitrates to make gunpowder during the Civil War.

Charlie kicking back with Natural Bridge - much larger than it looks! - in the background.

There is also The Lost River, visible through a low arch in the side of the mountain, its sparkling waters flowing from an unseen cavern above to one below the creek.

And at the end of the hike is Lace Falls, with small cascades along the 50-foot drop.

Bookmark and Share

Grand Ol' Opry, Nashville

Dear England, here's the original site of the famous Grand Ol' Opry, home of country music! Today the Opry is a weekly country music radio program and concert broadcast live on WSM radio in Nashville, Tennessee, every Friday and Saturday night
Bookmark and Share

Monday, June 23, 2008

Memphis, Tennessee!

Me and the Mississippi in Memphis, Tennessee!Downtown Memphis, still with working streetcars! And out on Beale Street, with the Big Ass Beers bar - where outdoor blues music was unbeatable!

Bookmark and Share

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Clingman's Dome, Highest Point in the Smoky Mountains!

Clingman's Dome is the highest point in Tennessee along the Appalachian Trail!

Here's a fact for you, England. Reputedly known as "Kuwahi" (the mulberry place) by the Cherokee Indians, the mountain was originally dubbed "Smoky Dome" by local Scots-Irish inhabitants.

Me with the Danger, Falling Deaths sign - such a lovely warning to go climbing the mountain!
Bookmark and Share