While in Florence, we visited the Frank Lloyd Wright designed home. It was beautiful and quite unique as all his homes are. The complimentary wood work, brick work and floor to ceiling windows with beautiful garden views from each room were all awe inspiring.
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT HOME
Dining Room |
Den |
Boys Bedroom with Four Bunks, Built in Drawers and Bench Seats |
Living Room |
In addition we spent some time at the Helen Keller Home. It was interesting to hear her story which I can remember reading about years ago and see where she lived as a child and later with her teacher in the cottage next to the home. It was interesting to see the history of slaves quarters in a building with the kitchen separate from the home. The room for the cook was actually a nice room, but I'm sure heat in the summer kitchens were overpowering. We were there in October and it was quite warm then.
Marv at the Helen Keller Home |
The Cottage Where Helen Lived with her Tutor |
The Alabama Music Hall of Fame was very interesting. However, we were running out of time with the courtesy car, so we had to cut this tour short. I think Marv could have lost himself in this museum for an entire day.
The next day we departed for the rendezvous at Joe Wheeler State Park in Northern Alabama. It was fun to arrive early and anticipate the new arrivals each day. We spent the day traveling with Jim and Moe on Gemini. Their home port is not far from where we live in Michigan, and for years we drove by Moe's place of work almost daily. They are delightful companions.
Arriving early at the rendezvous and watching as the other loopers arrived was fun. Loopers are fun people. As I've said before if you want a happy hour party, you sit your chair on the dock with something to drink and a snack, and before you know it, there will be two to twenty more people with drinks, chairs and snacks ready to share the travel stories of the day. We all help each other with mechanics, food, pets, tie ups, departures and what ever arises. The rendezvous was so much fun. We had three straight days of classes, wonderful meals, and incredible fellowship. Our brains are on overload. Most of the classes involved sections of the travel we had ahead of us. We will attend another in Norfolk in the spring.
One day while at the rendezvous, the city sent a school bus to take us to shop and dine. Marv and I went to lunch in a place that had overly slow service. Several of our friends left without eating, because they had to get to a concert which Marv and I opted not to attend. Across the table from us was a couple from Louisiana who had closed on their boat purchase that day, and they came to the rendezvous to learn about looping. Marv and I suddenly realized that we had missed the last bus back to the marina, so Roger said to not worry; he had us covered. He went to get his car while Marv and his wife paid for the meals. We all climbed into the car and off to the concert he drove. When he and his wife got out of the car, he handed Marv his keys, and told him to just park at the hotel by the marina. Now this wasn't just a car. It was a brand new, gold BMW convertible, and they barely knew our names. Trust me, we drove very carefully back to the marina. Then we were challenged in trying to figure out how to remove the key from the ignition. Everyone in the boating world is so nice, but this was over the top. The next day Roger said he wasn't worried; he knew our boat and our dog. Poor Sadie; held at ransom once again.
The rendezvous was wonderful and so much fun, but we are tired and ready to move on. Tomorrow is an early rise--5:30 am. With 80 boats at the rendezvous, we are leaving in shifts in order to ease traffic on the locks. Our group will leave port at 7:30 with 14 boats in our lock group.
14 Boats in a Huge and Deep Lock on the Tennessee River |
We went back to Florence where we once again had a stranger offer us the use of his truck. I'm so surprised by this offering. We just never cease to be amazed by the kindness of people. We chose not to hook up to water this time, as our water line was hanging in the water and had some growths attached. Purified tank water is just fine. Rather than taking advantage of someone, we used the infamous courtesy car again.
Our next stop is Aqua Marine on the Tenn-Thom River where we will reunite with our friends, Panda Bear, and continue our journey south. As we pulled in, there were no dock hands to catch lines, but there was the man from Florence who offered us his truck. He and his friends came and grabbed our lines. It's always nice to see smiling faces and friends, new and old.
We're loving this, Connie! Your Uncle Bruce is envious - you make this adventure sound so attractive!
ReplyDeleteWatching the floods on the news, we often wonder if you are being affected? You make this adventure sound very attractive and fun.
Take care and know that we think of you often. God bless and keep you safe!
Love and hugs, Bruce & MJ
HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM BOTH OF US!!!!
ReplyDeleteI just made the time to get caught up on your Great adventure. It appears that you, Marv and Sadie are having a Wonderfully Journey. Love the Pictures and Stories. Wishing you safe travels, Great health and a New convertible BMW.
ReplyDelete