Ellis Family Road Trip 2016: Part 2

and the story continues...

Tuesday June 28, 2016:

After breakfast we left Ringgold GA and headed toward Alabama. We crossed over a time zone line and had to set all our clocks back one hour. We decided to stop at The US Space and Rocket Museum in Huntsville. I never knew the interesting history behind this place.  During WWII Germany was already developing a rocket, so our government brought several German scientists to our country when the war ended. Huntsville played a very vital and  important role in the development of our space science and exploration. I never expected the museum to be so interesting.   I would definitely recommend this as a stop if you are ever in the Huntsville Alabama area.

Moon Rock

After leaving Huntsville we headed toward Hartselle to surprise some old friends with a visit. I had been in contact with their daughter and the two of us had kept everything a secret. To say the family was surprised would be an understatement.  The fellowship and hospitality were wonderful and the meal that Ms.Kerri and her girls prepared was excellent.  We spent about 5 hours just visiting and reminiscing. My girls loved the stop as they made new friends. In fact they didn't want to leave, but sadly we did have to continue our travels.  As we left my heart was full of joy from seeing them and empty at having to leave them.  Bro. Patrick and his family are wonderful people and I consider it an honor to call them friends.

We drove a couple of hours after we left their house and ended up spending the night in Fulton Mississippi at the Holiday Inn Express.  It was around 11:30 when we arrived at the hotel and we were exhausted.


Wednesday June 29,2016:

Today we headed toward Tupelo Mississippi and stopped at the Birthplace of Elvis Presley. It was interesting to see the humble beginnings of Elvis and learn about his early life.

After Tupelo we headed north to Memphis and stopped by to visit Graceland. I guess you could say Wednesday was our Elvis day. It was sad to tour his home and know that he passed away in that very house just a few feet from where you were touring.  Elvis was a very talented and giving man. I wonder how happy he really was?

After leaving Memphis we crossed over the Mississippi and headed for Arkansas.

We ended up spending the night in West Memphis at the Days Inn. I have to say I was not super happy with the choice. The room was perfect for spending the night and letting the kids play in the pool.  Unfortunately it was not the quietest place, perhaps due to being right next door to the Dog Track and Casino.  We got what sleep we could and looked forward to the following morning. 

to be continued.....

"That's my 'two-cents worth', whats yours?"

Ellis Family Road Trip 2016: Part 1

I have decided to write a series of posts about our family road trip. It was indeed a true road trip. We had no stops planned or even hotels booked. We just traveled and stopped when we wanted to.  It was in fact a true adventure that we will never forget.  I hope that y'all enjoy reading along as I put the memories into words.

Sunday June 26, 2016:

2:00 PM

We set off on what would be one of our greatest adventures. Our first stop was in Taylors SC where we went to church with our good friends the Parham's. After church we all went to McDonalds for supper before hitting the road again.  We decided to stop in Anderson SC for the night. We stayed at the Microtel Inn and Suites. The hotel was everything we needed. The staff was friendly, the room was clean and the breakfast was good.  Unfortunately I never sleep that great in hotels, so I was awake before 6 the following morning.

Monday June 27, 2016:

After everyone was up and dressed we went down to breakfast. We checked out and headed for our first stop, Stone Mountain State Park in Georgia.  We had a great time exploring the park, museum and going up to the top of the mountain. We learned all about the history surrounding the mountain and of how the carving was created.  The images are of, Jefferson Davis President of the Confederacy, Robert E. Lee Commander of the Confederate forces and Stonewall Jackson, General in the Confederate Army.  The carving was funded and commissioned by the Daughters of the Confederacy. It is bigger in size than the Presidents on Mt. Rushmore. In fact you could park two full size school buses on the rump of General Lee's horse, Traveler. I recommend anyone who enjoys history or has a link to the Confederacy to visit this monument.  Who knows how much longer it will be there to enjoy. In this politically correct world in which we live, this monument may be destroyed to appease certain groups.  Of course, that is just my opinion.

Atlanta Georgia 

After leaving Stone Mountain we headed north toward Chattanooga TN. We had to skirt around Atlanta and got stuck in traffic for about an hour due to a stalled truck in the road.  We stopped in Ringgold Georgia at the Holiday Inn Express to spend the night and let the kids play in the hotel pool.  Again, we had a great nights stay and I actually slept a little more than the night before.

To be continued......

"That's my 'two-cents worth', what's yours?"