This site was a lot different from Graceland, there were fewer tourists and a calmer more peaceful feel to the park that now surrounds his families house, their local church and a chapel. We didn't pay to go into the house, church or chapel, it wasn't a lot of money to do these but there just wasn't an interest from us to go inside. They weren't completely original, the house was repaired and refitted and the church was moved from another site where it had been re-purposed and returned to its original look. Instead, we walked for free around the grounds, visiting the two statues (Elvis at 13 and Becoming) and seeing the outside of these building and reading the information stations about their history.
Next stop for us was Hamilton in Alabama, a town named after my maiden name! There wasn't much in this town but we did manage to get a picture with the town sign and a picture of the largest, most complicated road sign we've seen so far!
You may see from some of our videos that there is a horrible red bug splat on the window! This happened just before Hamilton whilst I was driving, the horrible thing flew right at me and left his guts everywhere!
We were now heading for our campsite for the night in Lake Guntersville State Park. The drive was a nice easy 2.5 hours drive through the Bank Head National Forest on state highway 278. On our way, we spotted a place called Natural Bridge on the map and on the road signs so decided to stop and take a look. I am so glad we did, a short walk through the woods of this little park and you reach a huge natural bridge, the largest east of the Rockies! It was 60 ft high and 148 ft long and whilst it wasn't safe enough for people to walk across it, you could walk underneath it and around it. Entry to this park was only $3.50pp and completely worth it! There was also a 1-mile nature trail through the woods that also took you to a rock called Indian Face, it is supposed to look like the Indian face on a Nickel. I could see it but Lee wasn't sure.
Our campsite in Lake Guntersville was lovely, right on the edge of the lake. (Lee has mentioned the less favourable elements of this stay in another post!) For dinner we had left overs from the BBQ the night before (we're getting better at asking for a take out box in restaurants) which Lee heated up in the fire using some foil.
Rather than photos, we have created a short video for Natural Bridge and Lake Guntersville:
I love the look of the forrest walk guys and the lakeside drive. Brilliant. Poor little insect.
ReplyDeleteThink we might be nearly there 😃
ReplyDeleteHehehe the Town of Hamilton was cool and nice pic of Sam with the sign. The busy road signed was a good spot too - lots to take in and to work out where you need to go!
ReplyDeleteI loved the natural bridge although I was laughing to watch Lee pick his way up the path. Some cool looking pics of it all too.
The pitch for the campsite was right by the waters edge, hope you didn't wander off in the wrong direction at night - leftovers were good too - man make fire!!!