TALLADEGA SCENIC HIGHWAY ON MT. CHEAHA ~ ALABAMA ~ photo taken by Dianna Stover
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Sunday, April 20, 2008

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

14 comments:

Ronman said...

Incredible post LadyR. I too fell in love with the South long ago. Then again I was born and raised here. I could see your "Tara" in my minds eye. I even saw you sipping on a tall glass of ice tea with one of those fancy Ladies hats on and a fan in one hand. There is a replica of Tara built just outside of Nashville. From now on I'll think of you as I pass by.

Ronman

DND said...

Horseshoe Bend is a great place to ride. Looks like ya'll had a great day.

"Joker" said...

Looks like you had a perfect day Lady R. The scenery looks just beautiful and I'm sure the photos don't do it justice. I spent what was the best weekend weather-wise we've had around here in over 6 months couped up in the house with my kids. My wife's in FL whooping it up with her folks and her brothers, and I missed two great rides with my club. Oh well, here's hoping next weekend is nice too so I can FINALLY get out with the gang!

Lady R (Di) said...

Ronman...your right about sipping tea (or some other beverage of choice!)on my veranda, enjoying a lazy summer afternoon. When I'm not riding that is!

Yes D...it was a nice ride. Couldn't you just live there? It's so pretty!

Joker...sorry you got stuck with the kiddos. But, it's like you said, there is always next week. I'll be in Holt next weekend, so I'll be sure and toast one to you! Lady R

Anonymous said...

Lady R,
I am so happy for you. You have a great hobby, and a great man to share it with. Tell "Harley" Hi for me and I Love you both. I hope soon, Lee and I will be able to join you. She has 1 year of school left, then maybe we can play more too.

Bucky

Lady R (Di) said...

Bucky...Awww, your so sweet. Thanks, Harley and I do have a great time riding together. We love you too, and give Lee and all the kiddo's a hug from me! Are you still in Africa, or home now?

Maggie said...

Beautiful Lady R!! Looks like an outstanding ride and day!

FLHX_Dave said...

Lucky skunk! I always love the picts you post. I just sit and look at them and think to myself, "We live in a great place." I'm going to plan a trip down south.

Lady R (Di) said...

Thanks Maggie!

Dave, you and Bec need to come down sometime. We have a lot of places we can go. My pics of this place don't do it justice. I wonder if I could get Swag down here to ride through this park with his Road-Cam. I swear, this place could be my heaven on earth!

-Connie said...

Great post LadyR! It sounds like a wonderful ride! I love the pictures, and I agree with Joker. I bet they don't do it justice!

Lady R (Di) said...

Connie...are you still planning to travel through my area this summer? Be sure and let me know! I would love to show you and Josh around!

Anonymous said...

Hey Lady,
Still in Africa (click-click-pop) oops, my Bushman clicking dialect kicked in again. Guess I've been here too long. Going on 6 weeks now. I should be coming home later next week. (Thurs I think) If I can get out of the country. Only a few flights a week and my Visa has expired (oops). Not the credit card, but my travel visa... Yikes! Chat with ya later.

Love Ya,

Bucky

Lady R (Di) said...

Bucky...Let me if you can't get out. Me and "the boys" will come and get ya! LOL!

Allen Madding said...

did someone say "Talladega"? *PERK*