After getting over the flu, we drove north through Alabama. The southeast is gorgeous in mid-November. We planned to stop at a small rv park in Montgomery, but quickly changed tactics when we paused at a gas station near the park entrance. There was a definite run-down vibe to the area! You gotta worry when an rv park has the word "clean" in the title. Onward north on 65--we stopped for the night at Cherokee Campground near Birmingham. It was a nice overnight, many trees on the property, although difficult to find the park in the dark. Driving north today we visited the Ave Maria Grotto. I think it's worth seeing art attractions that are not the result of corporate sales tactics--the story behind the grotto is sincere and heartwarming. It's a little pricey if you are on a budget--Be sure to ask for the AAA discount (we were given the Good Sam discount upon request, although they do not advertise this). With that discount it was 5$ for dh and I, and about 4$ for ds.

Our stay tonight is at a lovely little park near the Alabama/Tennessee border. The scenery is breathtaking. Driving down a country rode at dusk, green rolling hills bordered with autumn trees surrounded us. This corner of the country is beautiful right now. Aliveness!-the experience of being out here, in beauty and nature and the freedom to enjoy it! Happy Thanksgiving to everyone~