Day 72, May 13, 2023, Saturday. Rossville, GA (Chattanooga, TN) 

We spent the morning walking around downtown Chattanooga. We walked across the Walker Bridge over the Tennessee River. The bridge is pedestrian only. We ate lunch at Puckett’s Restaurant which is a BBQ joint. After lunch we drove to Lookout Mountain with an elevation of 2,126. About half way up we stopped for a hike to the Glen Falls. The 1.2 round trip hike was of moderate difficulty and included a stone staircase that takes you to “fat man’s squeeze”, an opening in the rocks a bit shorter than I am and which I had to turn slightly sideways to get through. Next we continued our drive up the mountain to the Point Park.  The park’s 16 acres is home to the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park and provides overlooks, monuments and cannon positions interpreting the Battle of Lookout Mountain. A small museum and video which demonstrated the importance of the Union taking Chattanooga which was the gateway to the south with its railroad system. The museum included the James Walker’s painting, The Battle of Lookout Mountain. Walker spent 4 years painting the 13 foot by 30 foot masterpiece. We attended a park ranger presentation about the history of the Chickamauga Battle in which the Confederacy prevailed in September, 1863, and in which 34,000 casualties were incurred. In November, 1863, the Union prevailed in the Chattanooga Battle but another 12,000 casualties. Next we drove to Sunset Point which had a short but difficult hike to the edge of a cliff on the west side of the mountain. There were great views at all of the areas we visited. 

Day 73, May 14, 2023, Sunday. Rossville, GA (Chattanooga, TN) 

We spent about an hour at the Sunday Chattanooga Market.  The place was mobbed and there were numerous vendors of crafts and food. Next we visited the Chattanooga Choo Choo Depot which is now a restaurant and hotel and not really worth getting out of the car. We drove to the North Side and drank our boba teas purchased at Kung Fu Boba Tea while walking around the shopping district. Next we drove to Signal Mountain and saw the Flying Saucer House on the way to the Julia Falls Overlook, a part of the National Military Park. Mother’s day dinner at Osaka Japanese Restaurant was very good. 

Day 74, May 15, 2023, Monday. Hendersonville, NC (236 miles)

An easy drive along all Interstate Highways to Hendersonville and parked in front of my sister’s (Staci) and brother-in-law’s (Jon) house. Chinese take out for dinner in Rosemary’s honor! My niece Avery joined us. After dinner much conversation and some cribbage - Avery won as usual.

May 75, May 16, 2023, Tuesday. Hendersonville, NC 

Lunch was bento boxes at Umi Japanese Restaurant. We then walked around downtown where I came upon banana moon pies in a general store. A favorite from my childhood I bought a box of six for dessert after dinner. Jon and I enjoyed an afternoon stout at Dry Falls Brewing.  After dinner we had banana moon pies. Delicious! Brought back a good memory.  Avery won again at cribbage.