2010 USA Tour : March 17th, St. Patrick's Day in Alabama

Leaving North Carolina

This morning was a cloudy, cool and drizzling day, but did not wipe out the visibility of the North Carolina mountains. It was a beautiful drive into Georgia and on our way to Alabama. We had become used to our short time in NC, so it was a little sad to drive out of the state.

For lunch I had a yearning for a big plate in a Cracker Barrel, a southern food restaurant chain, and Claire agreed that this was a good idea. I thoroughly enjoyed a wonderful plate of catfish, hush puppies, okra and turnip greens, with lots of iced tea of course. Claire chose chicken livers.

Into Alabama

Our destination was Cheaha National Park, the highest part of Alabama. Last year when we was here it was misty and we could not see any view. So far, with this visit, not much difference yet. We arrived in mist but it was still daylight so a walk in these beautiful woods on arrival was essential. We were greeted by a couple of curious white tailed deer.

When evening fell, we have this evening off, no concerts, so Claire prepared a meal while I caught up on notes. Then, for the first time in this RV, we tried out the TV, a surprisingly large screen pull out TV. On every TV channel, programs about Ireland, visiting Ireland and touring around Ireland. It was interesting and absorbing to view a USA expression of what Ireland is visioned as by people here. Most stunning for Claire was turning on the TV to be welcomed by Maureen O’Hara singing “The Lake Isle Of Innisfree” from The Quiet Man movie, which Claire is performing at many gigs on this tour.

Nice to see North West Ireland was well featured on one channel.

Early night for sleep tonight as we have a big drive to Louisiana tomorrow. Before we go we hope to have a wee hike around this beautiful mountain park before we leave. At least moving into a new time zone has giving us back the extra hour we recently lost by the summer time shift last weekend.