Monday October25: Chattanooga, TN

As we moved up the river the last 30 miles to Chattanooga yesterday, it was like boating in the mountains. This is why everyone says to go to Chattanooga if you have the time. Fortunately the early clouds cleared by 10. We got our first glimpse of Lookout Mountain as we turned the corner about 10 miles from Chattanooga. The River twists and turns so much it seems we really went 20 miles to cover the 10!

Spent part of the afternoon watching the Browns WIN!!!! Beating the New Orleans Saints IN New Orleans! What a feat - great game and Becky and I got to watch the second half together as we both taped it. Really fun.

Fun things around town: they have Ducks here! The camouflaged amphibians were very similar to the Ducks we rode on in Seattle but I didn't hear any quacking at all. I'm sure it's because they didn't have a great driver like Davey Quackett! The waterfront here is wonderful and this fountain dedicated to the Cherokee People is wonderful. The best part is kids can play in it and enjoy it as well as it being a monument. The plaque at the waterfall talks about it. You will have to click on the picture to enlarge it in order to read it.

We spotted a sign for instructions on how to use the back in parking places and thought maybe Wendy could take it to Leucadia to give them some ideas! Carriage rides are available (although we didn't do one). Each carriage has a dalmatian dog riding along (and the only city to do this). We were told the dogs used to be trained to lead the horses through streets filled with livestock. Apparently the horses would not go through but the dalmatian would go ahead and clear a path for the horse! This area has all kinds of fun bridges and things that seemed to really draw the locals out on this nice fall day. Look closely - Steve is on the bridge.

Chattanooga is on both sides of the Tennessee River and has 4 bridges including a pedestrian bridge and a drawbridge. Lots of green space - Steve is sitting with the aquarium in the background. There is a special exhibit with jellyfish and glass and an IMAX theatre - on the list of things to do tomorrow!

More about Chattanooga tomorrow also :-)