Driving along the road you see many things. Mostly these things are either billboards or gas stations. Sometimes however, we find really interesting...and unique...attractions.
Especially when they stand 36ft tall into the sky (like this replica of the Statue of Liberty!).
"I wake up everyday so I can go outside and enjoy nature."
"I wake up everyday to care for the animal collection at my job & it is a joy because they are my kiddos!"
"I wake up everyday to see what's next!"
Ruffner Mountain is a secluded oasis of nature's beauty and wonders.
All you have to do to get there is follow the signs for the Behavorial Health Center, drive up the steep hill that says 'Dead End', and of course, like all legs of our journey, pack a lot of snacks.
Our goal was to hike to the tippy-top of overlook point at the third largest urban nature preserve in the U.S..
But like when we're driving on the road, we see signs for exciting things...and end up taking an hour long detour. (Like the Giant Peanut of Georgia! )
This time our wandering led us to an old rock crusher from the ruins of irons mining that began in the 19th century!
An 1896 newspaper reported that at one point, over 200 tons of raw ore were produced per day & then shipped to Sloss Furnaces for processing.
When you think you've climbed far enough of the trail...
...keep climbing to see an even better view!
The way that the dry rocks are beveled and formed practically swallow the sight of anything that is against them. And that's kind of what happened to Jennifer.
Can you find her?
Of all the days to wear her camouflage jeans, Jennifer chose "Hiking in the Woods among the Trees Day."
It wouldn't have been that bad...
...Except it got a little chilly......
So she put on her camouflage jacket (because it's so fuzzy & warm!)...
...and consequently disappeared into the woods...
...a lot...
She became our very own personal Where's Waldo? :)
It wouldn't have been that bad...
...Except it got a little chilly......
So she put on her camouflage jacket (because it's so fuzzy & warm!)...
...and consequently disappeared into the woods...
...a lot...
She became our very own personal Where's Waldo? :)
In betwixt the bustling of the city, you can find the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, another beautiful escape to nature. If you make your way past the calm pond of giant coy fish, over the little red bridge, and through the tall grasses of the Japanese gardens, you will find tree knees like the ones we first saw in the Congaree Forest of South Carolina.
"Because I have responsibilities."
Thank you to our Alabama family for introducing us to Alabama, mouthwatering cheesy biscuits, and hysterically funny movies! You both are amazing people and we are so glad to have met you! :)
"To learn new things."
"I wake up everyday to let my sweet dog, Daphne, outside. Providing for her is a way I can reciprocate her unconditional love."
To mountains, botanical gardens, and finding Wald---ahem, Jennifer,
Love,
The Crew + Stephanie
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