Terry & Linda Chapman

2011-09-11T09:51:00.000-07:00

2011-09-11T09:46:00.000-07:00

One of our very first stops after arriving home on May 19, was a visit to our daughter Ann who was expecting her 4th child at any time.

I went upstairs and took this picture of the baby's room, so lovingly prepared by the expectant parents. They believe strongly that it will be a girl - can you tell?

2011-09-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

Thursday, May 19, as we drove on from St. Johns toward Snowflake we were pleased to see storm clouds gathering and indications of rain for our thirsty ranch and forest lands.

It has been a long road to and from Virginia. It was good to be back in Arizona, the state we love so well. We have seen many wonderful sights and been blessed along the way with safety, friendship and protection. This land of America is such a choice and favored land. What a wonderful experience it has been to travel across it and experience its beauty and treasures, large and small.

2011-09-11T09:28:00.000-07:00

In St. Johns we stopped long enough for me to take a picture of a building bearing Linda's maiden name: "Burnham." She says she is unaware of any connection of her family with this St. John's funeral home.

2011-09-11T09:19:00.000-07:00

Thursday, May 19, we left the snow covered mountains and valleys near Ramah, New Mexico and continued west , through the Indian community of Zuni, crossing the Arizona border and taking US 191 to St. Johns, getting ever closer to our Snowflake home, our journey's end!

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We stopped in the village of Ramah long enough for a picture of the old Bond home, now standing vacant. This was the residence of my mother's oldest sister, Esther Burk and her husband, Marius Bond. While Marius cared for the cattle and horses and the other responsibilities of ranch life, Esther looked to the needs of her children and taught school. She was fluent in Navajo and the native tongue of the Zuni Indian children that attended school in Ramah. She was a dear Aunt for whom I had a deep love and regard. Her son Laverl, my same age, still resides in this community with his wife Mary. In this modern age of so much change it is good to know that some people stay where they were born and raised, happy and fulfilled.

2011-09-09T08:58:00.000-07:00

At Grant's, on a whim, we turned south from the Interstate and took the road toward El Moro National Monument and Mormon pioneer community of Ramah. To our surprise and pleasure we found ourselves in a winter wonderland in the middle of May! A late Spring snowstorm had passed over this mountain range the night before.

What a pleasure us as we drove through this historic landscape with all its history for us and our pioneer heritage, covered with a fresh blanket of snow!

2011-09-09T08:47:00.000-07:00

Thursday, May 19, was the final day of our Virginia Trip. After a overnight stay in Albuquerque we took I-40 toward Gallup.

New Mexico very properly calls itself the Land of Enchantment. It remains largely unchanged by man's mark.

This picture was taken as we drove west along I-40, east of Grant's.

2011-09-09T08:34:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, May 18, we passed through dry and dusty Clovis, New Mexico at the Texas border and continued on toward Albuquerque.

We were back in the land of our nativity!

What a contrast these dry, wild and wide open spaces were to the wet, green and deeply forested environment of the southeastern States we had been experiencing just days ago.

2011-09-09T08:19:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, May 18, after a night's stay in Lubbock, we made our way toward Clovis, New Mexico on US 84, saying our goodbyes to the Texas Panhandle.

This photo was taken as we traveled northwest from Lubbock, toward the New Mexico border.

We found east central New Mexico in equal need for moisture. It was dry, dry, dry!

2011-09-09T08:09:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, May 17, we continued northwest from Lampasas, heading toward Lubbock, using the state highways. We drove through one small farming and ranching town after another.

This photo, taken as we drove through a small town north of Lampasas, is typical of what we saw mile after mile; a land suffering from lack of rain.

2011-09-09T07:34:00.000-07:00

May 15, we stopped for the night in Beaumont, Texas. This was our last stop on US 90 as we wanted to avoid the congestion of the Houston area, directly to the west.

The next morning, Monday, May 16, we struck off along Texas highway 105 for Lampasas, some 300 plus miles to the north and west. The route we would be traveling would take us through the heartland of this great state. We didn't know it then, but we would be driving through a drought-ridden land, so starved for rain, the further we got from the gulf.

This picture was taken as we drove west along Texas 105 out of Beaumont, toward Lampasas, where we would find another lodging for the night.

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This is a view of the catwalk that extended out from the Visitor's Center at the Louisiana/Texas border on US 90, giving visitors opportunity for close-up looks at the birds, reptiles and other wildlife that make this interesting place their home.

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Yes, there just below us is a friendly Texas alligator, awaiting his breakfast. We took this picture as we walked along the elevated walkway that extends out into this swampland from the Texas Visitor's Center located east of Beaumont on US90 at the Louisiana border. We also saw some turtles moving about and a number of water fowl.

2011-09-07T09:14:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 14, we stopped at a very nice Visitor's Center as we crossed the border into Texas on US 90. This Visitor's Center is built on the edge of a large swamp. Walkways extend out into the swamp for considerable distance to give visitors the opportunity of getting a close-up view of the habitat and wild creatures that dwell in these plant-filled waters.

Just to make it clear, the fellow in the white T-shirt is a tourist, not a swamp creature.

2011-09-07T09:06:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning, May 14, traveling west along US 90 from Morgan City, Louisiana, we noticed we were more and more in open farming country as we approached the Texas border. In fact, I remarked to Linda as we drove along that it seemed like we were on one of the farm roads outside Chandler, Arizona, it looked so similar.

2011-09-07T08:59:00.000-07:00

Friday, May 13, we stopped for the night in Morgan City, Louisiana. Before our arrival in Morgan City, we stopped at one of the many cemeteries to take this picture. Here, in this part of the country the ground water is so close to the surface that the dead are buried above ground.

2011-09-07T08:48:00.000-07:00

While driving about in the lovely town of Thibodaux, Louisiana, Linda asked if I would inquire at a famous Bed and Breakfast inn to find out what it cost and get a look inside. I was warmly greeted by the owner and his wife. They were happy to escort me about the rooms, even taking me upstairs for a look at the Presidential Suite. It was sort of overwhelming, like being in a palace. One night's stay in this place can run well over $500. We thanked them kindly and continued on our way.

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On Friday, May 13, as we continued west across Louisiana, we took a short side trip through historic Thibodaux. This is typical of the homes you see in this lovely community.

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The old neighborhoods of these Southern communities are lined with magnificent trees, lives oaks and other varieties we cannot identify but only admire. This was taken as we were trying to find our way out of New Orleans. Perhaps you can see the old trolley car approaching on the far side of the median.

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Friday, May 13, we also missed another turn-off as we traveled near the gulf, but it gave us the opportunity of stopping at Visitor's Center near a freeway interchange to re-chart our course. While there, Linda walked among the flowering plants and foliage that surround the center. She loved seeing another Magnolia tree up close and wanted to smell the blossoms.

2011-08-06T13:20:00.000-07:00

After losing our way for a time in New Orleans we finally came upon the side of a huge levy and following it for a time we came to the old Huey Long Memorial Bridge that spans the Mississippi River. Finally! I was much relieved for us to be able to cross this bridge and to find to my surprise and relief that we were back on highway 90 and continuing on our way along the beautiful gulf area of Louisiana. This is the afternoon of Friday the 13th - no wonder I had bad luck! But, then too, we finally had good luck to find our way across and back on our preferred roadway.

2011-08-06T13:15:00.000-07:00

While trying to find our way to a bridge that would take us across the Mississippi at New Orleans we noticed this old street car, still in operation. We think we were in the western part of the city at this point, pretty much lost!

2011-08-06T13:05:00.000-07:00

Because of my concern for the flood of water coming down the Mississippi, threatening New Orleans and other cities along the lower river, we did not pause at all in this very unique and interesting city. I wanted to get across the river. We did take a couple of pictures as we passed through the city. We lost our way, missing US 90, and we wandered through some of the French Quarter, looking for our highway.

Here is a typical place of entertainment we noted as we drove along. This is Friday, May 13.

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When we crossed over the bridge on Friday morning, May 13 onto this narrow stretch of land that extends east from the City of New Orleans between Lake Ponchartrain and the Gulf, we found the homes are all built up on stilts, giving visual testimony to the threat of high water that can so easily overwhelm this beautiful but insecure bit of sand.

2011-08-06T12:44:00.000-07:00

This Friday the 13th we could see the storm rolling off the Gulf inland as we left the area of Biloxi, Mississippi and made our entry into Louisiana, still on highway 90. Before crossing Lake Ponchartrain on this wonderful bridge we had to stop and take a picture. These are scenes that are very unusual for us, so much water! Oh, my!

2011-08-06T12:34:00.000-07:00

Friday, May 13, we departed Ocean Springs and crossed a beautiful bridge that took us over Biloxi Bay and then drove west on US 90 for several miles along an extended beachfront that allowed to look out upon the Gulf of Mexico. There was little or no activity on this public beach, perhaps due to some repairs being in made in places along the highway. A storm was rolling in, across the Gulf and the sky and sea were spectacular for these two desert dwellers.

2011-08-06T12:22:00.000-07:00

Thursday night, May 12, we stopped for the night in the city of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, just east across the bay from Biloxi. Acting on a recommendation from our hotel clerk we drove to a restaurant near the water and had a nice meal, and then drove about this seaside town, looking at the sights.

Here are some of the many small fishing boats that can be seen as we drove along the waterfront.

2011-08-06T12:14:00.000-07:00

Thursday, May 12, we departed northern Florida, staying near the gulf coast on highway 90. As we passed through Mobile, Alabama we saw what we believed to be the battleship, USS Alabama, docked in the harbor at Mobile Bay.

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Wednesday, May 11, we continued south from Brunswick, Georgia on US 17, into Jacksonville, Florida. We did not stop in Jacksonville, but turned west onto US 90, stopping for the night, west of Tallahassee,in the small community of Quincy, FL.

This photo was taken of one of the many lovely homes we drove past as we traveled through this part of the Florida panhandle.

2011-08-06T11:36:00.000-07:00

Tuesday evening, May 10, having passed through Savannah, its bridges and harbor, we found lodging in the coastal city of Brunswick, Georgia. A beautiful bridge allowed us to drive out to an Island where we ate our dinner at one of the many seafood places near the water. Afterward, we walked out onto a public wharf where we could get a better view of Brunswick Bay and the Lighthouse that graces this beautiful Island community. Linda wouldn't allow me to take her picture but she was happy to take mine!

2011-08-06T11:27:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, May 10, somewhere south of Charleston on US 17 we stopped at this old country store. We had seen one like it earlier and decided to stop and take a look. The young female proprietor was very pleasant to talk with. She said she had been very active in women's softball in the past, but was now tied to this store. We were her only customers while we were there, so it seemed like days could get long, waiting for passing motorists to stop in. We bought some Black Cherry cider. It was very good. She consented to let us take her picture in front of the store as we departed.

2011-08-06T11:18:00.000-07:00

This is one of the many Magnolia trees on the grounds of the Magnolia Plantation outside Charleston, SC. After taking a number of photos on these beautiful grounds and gardens we returned to US 17 and continued on this Tuesday morning, May 10, on our journey on down the South Carolina coast towards Savannah, Georgia.

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This is the entrance to one of the oldest plantations in South Carolina, the "Magnolia Plantation," located about 10 miles west of Charleston. We drove in and then out, not stopping. We did have our first close look at a Magnolia tree.

2011-08-06T10:54:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, May 10, before leaving the area of Charleston, SC, after departing our hotel that morning we followed some road signs directing us to some historic, old plantations that are open to the public. We drove through the grounds of two of these lovely places, but decided not to stop and pay for a tour. It really was a brief look into the type of life experienced by pre-civil war Southern aristocracy. We wish we could have taken more time to see it.

2011-08-06T10:36:00.000-07:00

Monday, May 9, after a short visit to the beach at Wilmington, NC we continued our journey, south, on US 17, crossing into South Carolina. We drove through the famous summer resort city of Myrtle Beach with its miles of ocean front hotels, restaurants and other attractions, but didn't stop until we were on the outskirts and found this seafood restaurant called "Saltwater Oak," with its great oak tree covered with our first sight of Spanish moss. A group of women were gathered in the establishment for lunch and board games (Cribbage? - we didn't know). We had a nice meal and then continued on down the beautiful coastline of South Carolina, finally stopping for the night in Charleston.

2011-05-15T11:54:00.000-07:00

Friday morning, May 6, we loaded our car with those things stored with Sue and Elmer last June, and said our goodbyes to this dear couple who have become such close friends. They have treated us with such kindness. Our visit to Virginia was much more than we could have hoped. We made last minute visits to Gloria Craig at her home in Bedford, and to Floyd Hille at the rest home. We couldn't get around to see others who we missed on Sunday. We had to make some phone calls.

Our first day's journey took us back to the Atlantic sea coast, staying the night in Chesapeake. We wanted to make our way down the coast and through the deep south before returning home.

This picture was taken of the beach front at Wilmington, North Carolina where we stayed Saturday and Sunday nights. We were blessed to attend Sacrament meeting in the Wilmington 2nd Ward Sunday morning.

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The Raleigh Temple is one of the smaller, but most beautiful of the newer temples built by the church; bringing the blessings of the temple closer to the members.

It takes a full day for church members in the Roanoke Virginia Stake to attend either the Raleigh or the Washington DC temple.

2011-05-15T11:43:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, the day following our return from Williamsburg and Jamestown, a group from the Bedford Branch journied down to the Raliegh North Carolina Temple and participated in performing baptisms for the dead. Several of these were brand new members making their first visit to the temple.

It was a delight to be with them on this special day.

2011-05-15T11:39:00.000-07:00

Elmer and Sue visit with the Jamestown blacksmith, who was busy, making a knifeblade for use in skinning and cutting up wild game.

2011-05-15T11:33:00.000-07:00

At Jamestown, the visitor gets to walk about this re-creation of the original Jamestown settlement with its houses, church, shops and fortress. Here, as in Colonial Williamsburg, persons dressed in period costume, going about their various tasks, give a feeling of actually being back in time with these courageous, earliest colonists.

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Part of the Jamestown experience for visitors is to see and climb about on these replicas of the sea going vessels that carried Jamestown settlers from England to these shores of the new world.

2011-05-15T11:21:00.000-07:00

From Colonial Williamsburg and the William and Mary campus, we visited America's first colonial settlement, Jamestown, located on the shores of the James River where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean.

This is a representation of the type of dwellings of the native Indians of that time and place (1600's).

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Fast friends, Jefferson and Chapman, taking a break from their studies

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Elmer and Sue escorted us from Colonial Williamsburg onto the nearby campus of William & Mary University. We were able to enter several of the buildings, like this one, where they labored over their sudies so many years ago.

2011-05-10T04:13:00.000-07:00

This is the historic capitol building of colonial Virginia, located here in Williamsburg. It was here in this very building that Patrick Henry arose and denounced the British Stamp Act, uttering those famous words, "give me liberty, or give me death!"

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This young man etertained and the other guests as we had lunch in one of the famous old taverns in Colonial Williamsburg. He had a very sharp wit, inquiring into the origins of those in the room and then making clever commentary, as if from the perspective of the time, whether from Pennsylvania, the land of Franklin ("keep'em there!"), or when Linda responded, "Arizona." He looked at her in mock surprise, then said, "Ah, yes, the Spanish!" We enjoyed him, as we did all the costumed persons we encountered.

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This is just one of the many carriages and other horse drawn conveyances we saw as we walked about Colonial Williamsburg.

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Two of Williamsburg's unruly citizen's, found guilty of some petty crime and placed in the stocks in the public square as punishment. One appears to be trying to break out!

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Yes, as you can see, there are some individuals walking the streets of Colonial Williamsburg who are not in proper dress for the period. These two look very much like tourists!

2011-05-05T05:49:00.000-07:00

While walking toward the Governor's palace, we noticed this gentleman, seated on a bench on the breezeway of a house. We engaged him in conversation. He said his name was Carter. He was a member of the House of Burgesses of Colonial Virginia, a plantation owner with 300 or so slaves working his fields and caring for his holdings. He was so entirely convincing in his manner that you felt you were actually talking to a man of distinction in the Williamsburg of 1776.

2011-05-05T05:26:00.000-07:00

This is the Governor's mansion, where, in colonial times, the British Governor of Virginia lived and wielded his power over the rights and privileges of the American colonists.

Sue, because of her extensive knowlege of the place and time, told us the last British governor, Lord Dunsmore, was roundly dispised by the colonists for his arrogant superiority. We were pleased to have her for our guide.

2011-05-05T05:15:00.000-07:00

Elmer and Sue Hodge met while attending William & Mary University in Williamsburg as students. That is why they picked this famous old church as the place for their wedding.

We were happy we could be with them to take this picture.

After their conversion to the restored gospel, some years later, they would travel to Utah to be endowed and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple.

Their student days at William & Mary and their time in Williamsburg remains a very happy memory for them. We could see why. It is such a beautiful place.

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The gentleman who was conducting tours of the chapel, when he learned Elmer and Sue had been married there, escorted them to the front of the sanctuary and permitted us to take a photo of them where the marriage ceremony took place.

We saw pews with the names of Washington and Jefferson afixed, as their designated places to sit during religious service.

2011-05-05T04:55:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, May 3, was such an enjoyable, educational day! After a comfortable night in a local hotel we spent the day walking the streets of Colonial Williamsburg, where so much of early American colonial history took place. Through the handsome financial gifts of men like John D. Rockafeller, this historic community has been preserved and maintained as it would have appeared in those early colonial days. Three thousand employees, actors, interpretors, workers and tradespeople, all in period costume, help to create an atmosphere that transports the visitor back in time. They speak, dress and act their parts as if they were really living in the Williamsburg of Washington and Jefferson's day. It is such worthwhile thing to be here and see this place in our history.

This is the ancient Anglican church in Williamsburg, where Washington, Jefferson and others of our founding fathers attended. It also happens to be the place where Elmer and Sue Hodge were first married! How special for us to be with them on this return visit, after many years.

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From the Chesapeake Bridge we could see numerous cargo vessels, well off, out in the great expanse of ocean, approaching Chesapeake Bay area.

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Here we are, driving through one of these two-mile long tunnels, under the Chesapeake Bay. Very impressive!

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If you look carefully, you will see the far-off cause-way where the tunnel re-amirges from under the Chesapeake channel. That is how far each of these tunnels take the vehicular traffic underwater, so the big ships can cross in and out of the bay.

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The Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel connects Cape Henry with the North Hampton Peninsula, across the 20 mile wide mouth of the bay. It has two tunnels under the channel, each two miles long, to allow vehicle traffic (one lane each way) proceed at normal speeds while large ships sail to and fro.

This is one of the two locations in mid-channel where the vehicles enter and exit from these long tunnels. A long pier extends out to one side, over the water for fishermen and sightseers. There is a restaurant and gift shop, restrooms, etc. It is quite a piece of engineering.

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At Fort Story, north of Virginia Beach, on the shores of Cape Henry, stands America's first federally commissioned lighthouse. George Washington commissioned this lighthouse in 1792. It has stood watch at the entrance to Chesapeake Bay for over 200 years,

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We had such fun with Elmer and Sue that day; first, at Virginia Beach, then to Fort and the first lighthouses to be commissioned by George Washington; then over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel; and the ending the day and finding a room for the night in historic Williamsburg.

This picture was taken near the beach front as we walked over to find a place to eat.

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Of course, as she did at Oceanside, California last year, Linda had to go wading in the surf! She is still a kid!

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Sunday afternoon, after our meetings at the branch, Elmer and Sue drove us to Richmond where we stayed the night in their son, Jamie's nice condo.

Monday, May 2, they took us to Virginia Beach.

Here are Sue and Linda, looking about for sea shells as they walk along this long, long stretch of public beach; a favorite summer place for tourists from all over the eastern seaboard.

2011-05-04T17:08:00.000-07:00

May 1, was Fast Sunday at the Bedford Branch chapel. We looked forward to this opportunity to see the members and be with them in Testimony meeting. We were not disappointed. The LaPrades were seated on the back row as we came in. Danny helped with the passing of the Sacrament. We got big hugs and warm smiles and greetings from everyone after the meeting. We loved hearing all the testimonies, singing the hymns, and seeing the new converts and the investigators.

These are the two sister missionaries presently serving in the Bedford area. Sister Webster on the left (part Indian), and Sister Durham. They are doing such good work! What a pleasure for us to see and be with them all for those few short moments.

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One of the many old church's and graveyards in and around Fincastle, Virginia.

2011-05-03T06:16:00.000-07:00

Saturday, April 30, we accompanied Sue and Elmer to Fincastle, a beautiful little community of historic importance, which is just across the Blue Ridge to the west of Bedford. Sue needed to attend a wedding of a friend. While she was at the wedding, Elmer drove us about the area. We saw many lovely homes.

It was a fun day. We got caught up on our laundry and also got ourselves to the beauty shop for hair cuts, etc.

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this is the view from the Hodge's back yard, looking northwest, toward the famous Peaks of Otter, that form high points along the Blue Ridge Mountains. What a sight!

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After an overnight stop on Thursday, April 28, in Conover, North Carolina, we made our final run through Winston-Salem and Greensboro, NC on Friday morning and then up US 29 into southern Virginia by way of Danville, turning at Lynchburg, west into Bedford, arriving at about 5 p.m.

This is the home of our dear friends, Elmer and Sue Hodge, in Bedford, where we will stay while in Virginia. It was a beautiful drive! And it was great to greet them once again. We look forward to our time in Bedford, to be with the members of the Bedford Branch and spend time with the Hodges.

2011-05-02T05:38:00.000-07:00

These Smoky Mountains are worth seeing, if you ever come this way, into eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, you should take a drive into these beautiful mountains. It was worth our entire trip just to stand on this mountain crest and look off, east, into North Carolina's portion of these wonderful mountains.

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We met this young couple and their 2 yr -old daughter, Cloie. The husband told us he had walked the entire trail (over 2,000 miles, a couple of years ago), but, today, they were going as a family, just a few miles up the trail and camp overnite, and then return. He said this is the highest and roughest portion of the entire trail, here, through this part of the Smoky's.

2011-05-02T05:20:00.000-07:00

At this scenic overlook, high in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee we realized we were looking at a portion of the Applalachian Trail, which extends on into Georgia. It was impressive to note that we were at a point on the trail, 1,972 miles from its starting point at Mount Katahdin in Northern Maine. I was in Northern Maine as a young, 20-yr-old missionary, and took pictures of this famous mountain, as it's upper slopes are the first place each morning where the sun touches the continental United States.

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This is the scenic overlook on US 441, where the highway tops out as it crosses these great Smoky Mountains. The elvation here is something over 5,000 ft.

I was looking off to the southwest when I took this picture.

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this is the beginning of the drive as you enter the Smoky Mountain National Park from Gatlinburg, TN. It is beautiful.

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Gatlinburg is a touristy place, right at the entrance to the Smoky Mountain National Forest. It looked like a place where you park and walk about from shop to shop, but we kept on our way, wanting to find a suitable place in western North Carolina before the day's end, so we would have only one more day for our drive into Bedford, Virginia, our destination.

2011-04-30T08:15:00.000-07:00

We didn't go to the Dollywood theme park, but we did drive by the entrance and up the steep, steep hill above the park to a place that calls itself the Garden of Elen and parrot petting zoo.

These large parrots are supposed to talk, sing and dance for you. They were making their familier shrieking noises when we arrived and took a picture from the parking lot. We didn't see any dancing, or hear any singing or talking. Maybe they were waiting for us to pay some money. We drove on down the hill and headed for Gatlinburg.

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Like Branson, Pidgeon Forge sports its own Titanic show place.

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Wednesday, April 27, we found a comfortable room at one of the many, many hotels tht serve the visitors that flock to Dollywood and the surrounding attractions that exist in the nearby towns of Pidgeon Forge, Sevierville and Gatlinburg.

We drove about, but did not partake of the entertainments that are offered here. The Hatfields and McCoys Dinner Theatre woulld be representative of the many that line the main road through these three towns.

2011-04-30T06:57:00.000-07:00

As we traveled toward Knoxville on Wednesday, April 27, we decided to take a look at Dollywood, located in Pidgeon Forge on the edge of the Smoky Mt National Forest. The storm clouds continue to gather as we drove along, but no serious storm overtook us.

We saw many lovely farms and homesteads on this journey toward the Smoky Mountain country.

2011-04-30T06:35:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, April 27, we stayed on the local highways, avoiding the heavy traffic of the Interstate, as we traveled toward the Knoxville area. A yellow flower can be seen on the meadow grasses and fields as we passed through the rural farm lands of this south Tennessee region.

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Wind and heavy rain passed through the Chattanoga area Tuesday night, after we were safe and snug in our hotel. We thought we would visit some of the natural wonders and historic sites the next morning (Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls, Rock City, Missionary Ridge, etc.). We found the exists to these locations blocked on the Interstate, due to damage, downed trees and debris. Reports of more threatening weather and tornado activity prompted us depart Chattanoga and head toward Knoxville instead.

I took this picture Tuesday evening as I stepped out of a small Chinese restaurant with a to-go order to take back to the hotel. The rays of the setting sun illuminated a thunderhead east of this Lookout Mountain community near Chattanoga.

2011-04-29T05:56:00.000-07:00

Tuesday afternoon, April 26, after two very enjoyable days in Franklin, Tennessee, we headed south and east through increasingly more mountainous country, stopping for the night near Lookout Mountain outside Chattanooga. Beautiful, historic country!

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Too much rain can be near-fatal to a boy from the Arizona desert!

"Look, grandma, someboy shrunk grandpa!!"

Actually, this is not trick photography. This is a huge chair inside the mall at a favorite tourist spot in Franklin, called the "Factory at Franklin." It is a collection of specialty shops and eateries, built inside an old stove manufacturing factory and warehouse.

Linda got a huge kick out of taking this picture for some reason.

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Another lovely country home we passed by on the road back into Franklin from Leiper's Fork, Tuesday morning.

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As we drove down these country roads near Franklin we just shook our heads in admiration for the beautiful estates, lovely homes and well-kept farms that exist in this part of Tennessee.

Linda, said, "If that house was for sale, you would have to buy it for me!"

Oh, yeah!

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Here, in historic Leiper's Fork, being old and worn is not considered a negative. This old jalopy sits proudly in front of the town's busiest restaurant, right next to the out-door smoker (not shown).

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An outdoor bowery, next to a Leiper's Fork eatery, vacant at the time we were there on a Tuesday morning, but obviously jammed with patrons in the evenings.

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After a final visit to the Carnton Plantation we drove west and south of Franklin approximately 8 miles to a favorite tourist location, frequented both by out-of-towners and locals. It is a tiny town known as Leiper's Fork. Several of the residences and old business locations have been converted into eateries, antique shops, etc., all in the rustic style; this wood carver's place being an example.

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The tree-lined avenue leading to the Carnton Plantation.

This is one of many lovely residential neighborhoods that exist in the area of Franklin, Tennessee. We regard this community as one of the most beautiful we have visited in our travels, both in the historic downtown and in the surrounding countryside.

If you are in Tennessee, you will find Franklin a very rewarding, refreshing place to tour.

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Another beautiful home near the Carnton Plantation, south of Franklin.

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Before leaving the area of Franklin, TN this morning, Tuesday, April 26, we drove back out to the Carnton Plantation so Linda could see the McGavock home and the nearby Confederate Cemetary.

During that drive down the tree-lined lane leading to the plantation we couldn't help but stop and take pictures of some of the beautiful homes.

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The disaster inflicted upon the McGavock family was repeated over the entire community of Franklin. The shattered armies moved on, leaving their dead and most of their wounded behind them as they engaged in another terrible conflict at Nashville.

The victorious Union army returned to Franklin and retrieved their dead and arranged for their burial in military cemetaries. The defeated rebel army was in dissaray

For the remainder of her life, Carrie McGavock would labor to have the confederate dead located and moved from their shallow mass graves on the battlefield and brought to this piece of ground near her home where every attempt was made to identify the remains and make contact with their surviving families. For many it was not possible, but for those she identified it was a great comfort to their families. She became known far and wide as "The Widow of the South." Her's is a story worth reading. What you see here in the picture I took today, April 25, is the largest private cemetary for military dead in these United States. It is located on the Carnton Plantation, just a short distance to the north and west of the McGavock home. It is now hallowed and sacred ground, a beautiful and peaceful setting that helps us to have faith that something good can come from something so bad.

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One of the most compelling stories coming out of the Battle of Franklin centers on the actions taken by John and Carrie McGavock, residents of the home shown here, located on the outskirts of Franklin. Before the battle was over, four of the six Confederate generals who would die from wounds suffered during this conflict were laid side by side on the porch. Every spare inch of floor in every room but one was occupied by the wounded. They were even layed out upon the stairs and landings. The dead were placed in long rows in the yard. Doors were pulled from their hinges and laid on chairs to serve as operating tables. The pile of shattered appendages, amputated arms, legs, hands and feet were piled above the hight of the downstairs windows as the army surgeons did their brutal work with saw and knife. Mrs. McCavock, her husband and servants toiled for endless hours, using all their resources in an attempt to aid the medical staff and attend to the cry's of the dying.

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At the Carter home our guide pointed out the long mound of earth which shows where the Union forces were "dug-in," awaiting the advance of the Confederate soldiers. This line, we were told, was actually a fall-back position with other breast works erected and manned further out to the south. Before the battle was over, late into the night, these very grounds were heaped with dead and wounded, both blue and gray, where they swarmed upon one another in hand-to-hand combat. As one historian has described: "This was a time of utter darkness,where the Devil held total sway upon the minds of men."

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At the Carter house, our guide walked us over to the "battle side" of the home's out buildings. Their exterior walls still show the shell and bullet holes that cut trees in half and riddled every thing in sight on that fatal day.

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Franklin, Tennessee is a lovely community, situated just south of Nashville. A Civil War battle took place here on November 30, 1864. There were tragic losses on both sides, but especially among the men of the Army of Tennessee who advanced en mass across open ground, south of the Union army's breast works.

This is the Carter home. The Carter's sought shelter in their basement as the battle raged all about them for 9 hours. The home shown here and the out buildings that are part of the property have been preserved as an historic site.

This one-day battle ended the great Army of Tennessee as an effective fighting unit, leaving over 15,000 of its brave soldiers dead or wounded. The subsequent battle, later at Nashville completed the destruction.

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When we finally arrived in Franklin, Tennessee Sunday afternoon, I admit to being a little tired, but this guy I sat down beside in a place called the Franklin Factory, well, he was really, really tired!

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We were hoping to have a more leisurely experience, viewing the sights on the trip down the Land Between the Rivers, but a woman who makes and sells her own fudge at a nearby shop, told us the radio was broadcasting a tornado warning and that we best find shelter.

We got back on the road south and made our way toward Clarksville where we found a room for the night, safe and sound as the storms rolled by, dropping heavy rain and setting off the alarm in our car during repeated strikes of lightning close by. All, just made to order for Linda, who enjoys a thunderstorm at least as much as her husband, if not more so.

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While sharing a bbq pork sandwich we were joined by two canadian geese. There was a breeze blowing across the water. It looked a little choppy but it didn't seem to bother the geese or the fishermen, or the boaters.

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Kerry Beyeler told us that as we headed down toward Nashville to be sure and take the time to depart from I-24 outside Paduka, Kentucky and drive down through the federal park known as "The Land Between the Rivers." So, we did. The sky was threatening, but the rain held off long enough for us to stop and have a picnic lunch on the shore of Barkley Lake during our drive down this beautiful federally protected park, which is entirely surrounded with water on three sides, extending from Kentucky into Tennessee, north of Clarksville. It was very enjoyable.

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Only a few feet from the previous picture showing the approach to the bridge across the Mississippi, is this view, looking east towards the bridge that spans the Ohio as it meets the Mississippi here at Cairo, Illinois. We took this bridge, crossing the Ohio River into Kentucky and continuing on toward a place described on the map as the "Land Between the Rivers." Water, water, water!