On to Chattanooga

Wednesday dawned beautifully. It was a clear blue day for the entire trip along Rt. 72, which took us through Corinth in northern Mississippi and onto Huntsville, AL before merging with I-25 to take us north back into Tennessee. August slept until we stopped for gas. So far we have been able to avoid doing this, only making stops when he is awake, but the gas was going for $3.06 a gallon.

We drove for another 20 minutes until we saw the Old Rocking Chair Restaurant and pulled in for lunch. This restaurant very well could be the inspiration for the Cracker Barrel chain. It had a little country store and great southern food that Gus stuffed in his face by the handfuls. Before we left we asked the blonde waitress that Gus flirted with throughout lunch if there was a park nearby that we could layout a blanket and play for a while. She kindly directed us to Spring Park in Tuscumbia, AL. This turned out to be the perfect spot.

Spring Park has a duck pond, a waterfall, a carousel, a small roller coaster, a splash and play zone, and a train that winds through the entire park. We set up shop under a large oak-like tree with a full canopy close to the train tracks, just below a hill where a new public library was being built, and within sight of a tank marking the Armory. Gus marveled at the dump trucks, cement mixers and bobcats at the work site and hopped happily on his knees as the train passed. After an hour, Gus began yawning so we strapped him in for the remaining three hours to Chattanooga.

Quality (Suites) also only offers studio style suites. After checking in and setting up, which now includes spreading the bedding of the extra bed on the floor, we ventured out to Acropolis for a Greek dinner. We were rather pleased with our meal and Gus appears to be willing to eat anything we give him.