Living Like a Vagabond

We’re on a roadtrip, my daughter and me. She’s on her annual trek to Space Camp and I’m basically along for the ride. Or, better said, I’m along for her ride. In the past I’ve sent her on a plane, but this year we decided to try a different means of transportation. A quick trip to the library for more audio books than we could listen to on this trip (and several others), some fresh oil in the car, and we were ready to go.

Don’t you just love the ease and flexibility of a roadtrip? And let me say this – what did we do before GPS? Not to say that shes infallible, but our GPS is pretty close. I know I won’t go on a trip without her. We named our GPS Sam. I think a  lot of people do this, name their GPS. Have you named yours?

After dropping my daughter off at Space Camp on Sunday, I had time on my hands and the open road before me, so I headed to Birmingham. The Birmingham Botanical Garden is definitely worth a visit:

There’s a lovely rose garden…

…and trained butterflies that pose for pictures. I don’t know how they get them to do that.

Then I headed on to Chattanooga. Did you know the name Chattanooga comes from an Indian name, Chatanuga? It means, “rock coming to a point.” I think that point would be referred to as Lookout Mountain. Here’s the view from the top.

Yes, that sign says, “See Rock City.” Advertising is more effective at higher elevations.

There’s a famous civil war battle memorialized here.

This plaque commemorated one particular battle. I loved this phrase, “smartly engaged.” Don’t you think that’s how we should all be?

I have a thing for moss on a fence post. It’s just so rustic looking!

Next I moved on to Raccoon Mountain. Earlier today I saw a bald eagle here, but I wasn’t fast enough to catch a picture of it.

Isn’t it so peaceful?

As much as I’ve enjoyed this week to explore, one thing I’ve learned about myself is I don’t have a vagabond spirit. I need roots. Stability. But in the meantime, I’m committed to enjoying living like a vagabond!