Fielder's Choice
I got really close to being in three states at once.
Thursday morning of last week, I tagged along with daughters Emma and Erin on a hike from where we were vacationing in the northeast corner of Alabama. The destination was a marker where the states of Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia meet.
Tri-State Corner Trail was pretty much downhill all the way. That part was tough, but all along, I knew the trek back up would be even tougher on myself, soon to be 59 and out of shape.
As we reached what looked to be the last two or three very steep slopes, I either wimped out or wised up, whichever way you want to translate it. I told Emma and Erin to proceed, while yours truly would slowly start the walk back up.
They made it to the marker and took photos.
I walked a little while, rested and walked some more.
They rejoined me near the top, and we called my wife Pam to come down to the roadway to pick us up.
It was my only hike of the week. That afternoon I got in the jacuzzi instead. My feet needed it.
It was the Burlesons' firstever vacation at Paradise Pointe, a gated community of cabins overlooking Nickajack Lake. The lake is the reservoir created by Nickajack Dam as part of the Tennessee Valley Authority. The lake stretches from Nickajack Dam to Chickamauga Dam, passing through the City of Chattanooga. The stretch of the Tennessee River commonly referred to as the "Grand Canyon of Tennessee" is also a part of Nickajack Lake.
I spent the bulk of my time on the front porch of the cabin, which overlooked the beautiful lake. It was really peaceful, watching the sunset, the boats, trains which came through regularly, the sunrise, eagles soaring, the early morning fog and much more.
Son Andy and daughter-inlaw Brooke joined us later in the week.
We enjoyed visiting downtown South Pittsburg, Tenn. Our favorites in the small town were Hammer's Department Store and Dixie Freeze. They were like stepping back in time. Hammer's reminded me of a store my grandfather used to own in downtown Hackleburg, Ala. The ice cream at Dixie Freeze was simply the best. A couple of other stops there were the Lodge Factory Store and Stevarino's Italian Eatery.
We drove to Scottsboro, Ala., and browsed through the Unclaimed Baggage Center. Afterwards, we enjoyed lunch at a Taqueria Costa Chica Grocery. It wasn't the best looking building on the outside or inside, but as typically the case, those type places provide some of the best dining experiences. There were only a few tables in the small building. It was some of the best, most authentic Mexican food we'd ever tasted.
Pam and I also spent a few hours one day at some antique stores in downtown Trenton, Ga., while the others rented a paddle boat and kayaks to experience the lake firsthand. So I actually visited all three states, even though I didn't stand in all three at one time. For me, on any road trip, I enjoy experiencing other small towns. We also made a quick trip to Kimball, Tenn.
Hopefully, we will be able to go back to Paradise Pointe. It was one of the best and most relaxing vacations ever.