HORSESHOE BEND - MY "TARA"

SATURDAY - PLAY DAY! Harley and I are notorious for putting off our "honey do's" till Sunday. After working all week, we are not wanting to postpone our ride any longer than we have to. I really enjoy, and look forward to these long relaxing Saturday rides! Harley rides his motorcycle to work often, but it's not like getting out on the open road and letting it go. It's time for some "therapy for the soul".
Today we decided to go up toward Mt. Cheaha State Park and Horseshoe Bend National Military Park. We probably logged about 270 miles altogether as we, made our way north, up Hwy. 9 to Ashland, then Hwy. 77 to Talladega. We stopped and had lunch with the Colonel and stretched our legs a bit before we began our ascent up the curvy, twisty road that takes you to the top of Mt. Cheaha. (we stopped for pics, but I will save them for another post). Coming down from the mountain, we took Hwy. 49 and rode south, until we stopped at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, which is about 12 miles north of Dadeville.

This historic site, where the "Creek War", 1813 - 14 took place, is a nice park with restrooms and picnic areas. As you meander around on a 3 mile loop road, through the battlefield grounds, you can see trails and markers designed to inform you of the Creek Indians and the events that took place here. The Tallapoosa River curls around severely to make a horseshoe shape, which gives you a sense of being on an island. Riding through a gauntlet of overhanging trees provide a tunnel of refreshing shade on a hot summer day. This Park is the backdrop, of what I think one of the most beautiful places in Alabama.

I remember the first time I saw Horseshoe Bend, I thought to myself..., this is my "Tara." You see, I fell in love with the South and many things Southern when I saw "Gone With the Wind." (I was a very hopelessly, romantic adolescent!) I like to daydream a little when I'm riding back in this cool shady part of the park. I imagine a modest, but comfortable Colonial Style home, verandas and all, nestled in a lush forest of Oaks and Pines, sprinkled with Dogwoods and Crepe Myrtles, all surrounded on three sides by the beautiful Tallapoosa River! This is where I say Ahhhh! Home Sweet Home!

Alabama has many pretty highways and parks within its borders, and we are having a good time finding them, one country road at a time. Every time we find ourselves here for a pit stop, I always want to take that little ride through the park. Sometimes, Harley would just as soon go on about our way, but I can usually talk him into riding once around the loop. So, as I'm meandering through, enjoying the coolness of the shade, looking into the center of the forest to see my imaginary house, and glancing around to the river to see my imaginary little boat tied to my imaginary dock, I'm reminded at how nice and serene life can be if we just keep a balance between work and play.

We eventually found our way home again, and some of the time today was spent on capturing some great pics for future posts. Harley humors me when he knows I'm stocking up for my blog file. Sometimes, he even see a good place to stop before me! What can I say. Today was a great play day! Ride on. Lady R