We went to Chattanooga because it has such a catchy name and Susan's mother would sing the tune as a lullaby.
There was a major storm system moving through the area during our visit, so we opted to extend our stay hoping to catch some sun. It was a good decision. Chattanooga has a lot to offer and in the fall sunshine it is radiant.
On our first day rain was threatening but we braved the weather to visit the Civil War
Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park. It was inconceivable that in the fall of 1863 a ferocious two-day battle resulting in 34,000 casualties erupted in these peaceful woods. We drove through the Park trying to understand how the battle evolved, and imagining the cannon, shouts and cries. We then walked 4 - 5 miles along the wooded paths encountering memorials, monuments and plaques at every turn. We came upon many deer and squirrels along the way - but no other people, just ghosts of Rebs and Yanks.
On our second day in Chattanooga it was pouring. We decided to go to the Tennessee Aquarium and empathize with the amphibians and fish. We both think Monterey Aquarium in California is fabulous and we are hard to please; so when we say the Tennessee Aquarium is very impressive it is high praise indeed. In 2005, the Aquarium added a new ocean exhibit space to its extensive fresh water installations. It was a great way to spend a very wet day.
The sun came out on Sunday - how appropriate - so we loaded up our bikes and headed for the city. We started our ride at Coolidge Park on the north side of the river. The park, with its animal fountains and carousel, is quite pretty and is bordered by an interesting funky neighborhood. We rode across the Walnut Street pedestrian bridge to the Bluff View Art District, and then followed the path along the river. The Bluff has a wonderful sculpture garden and the Hunter Museum of American Art housed in an antebellum mansion with a new ultra-modern addition that juts out over the river. There is a steep path snaking up to the museum from the bridge that reminded us of San Francisco's Lombard Street. The 12-mile Riverwalk and bike path was adorned with the occasional sculpture as it passed through several marshes, nature preserves and parks.
After our ride we drove up to Lookout Mountain that soars about 2,000 feet above Chattanooga Valley. There is a one-mile long, 72% grade Incline Railway to the top that is supposed to offer some fabulous views through its glass ceiling - but we chose to drive up. After admiring the views and homes, we finished the day with a scenic drive through some of the most spectacular fall foliage we have seen so far. It was truly a stellar day.
On October 30 we hitched up and headed south through Georgia, via Oak Mountain State Park outside Birmingham - destination Gulf Shores, Alabama.
