Day 937- Keys to Canada- Georgia into Tennessee

 We successfully crossed from Georgia into Tennessee—no casualties, just snacks.  Been having a blast exploring Civil War battlefields… including quite a few that had us saying, “Wait, how did we *not* know about this one?” Turns out history has a pretty deep bench. Nashville did not disappoint, and yes, the Grand Ole Opry was a sight. But the real highlight? Reuniting with great friends who generously let us turn their driveway into our home base. Five-star parking, unbeatable company.

The Trail of Tears National Historic Trail commemorates the forced removal of over 60,0000 Native Americans, including Cherokee, Muskogee, Seminole, Chickasaw, and Choctaw nations, between 1830 and 1850. Administered by the National Park Service (NPS), the 5,000-mile trail spans water and land routes across nine states (AL, AR, GA, IL, KY, MO, NC, OK, TN)

Missionary Ridge

On November 25, 1863, Union troops under Ulysses S. Grant launched a, in part, spontaneous charge up the ridge, shattering the Confederate Army of Tennessee’s position and forcing their retreat into Georgia.

‎⁨Orchard Knob Resv⁩, ⁨Chattanooga⁩, ⁨Tennessee Valley⁩, ⁨United States⁩

Chattanooga National Cemetery 

The Great Locomotive Chase (April 12, 1862) was a daring Union mission where civilian James Andrews and 21 soldiers stole the Confederate train, The General, in Kennesaw, Georgia, aiming to destroy rail lines to Chattanooga. Pursued by conductor William Fuller for 87 miles, the raiders ran out of fuel near Ringgold, GA. Here is the monument for the raiders is located at the Chattanooga National Cemetery, where several are buried. 

Nashville, TN

Broadway in Nashville

Can't go to Nashville with out a tour of the Grand Ole Opry. 

The Battle of Franklin was one of the last great battles of the American Civil War. Fate and circumstance placed the small town of Franklin in the path of two great armies in late November 1864.

Visiting friend like Dave and Joanne makes life travels great. Dave teaching Tom how to play SINGO was full of laughters all around. Yes Tom did win. 

Fall Creek Falls, at 256 feet, is generally recognized as the highest single vertical drop waterfall in Tennessee and in the eastern United States

Driveway Surfing at the Libby's

Happy Easter

Day 926 - Keys to Canada- Savannah, GA

 

Savannah, GA to South Carolina with a quick visit to Cali. We've been able to explore the sacred grounds of many Civil War and Revolutionary War historical sites. Time with family and friends has been truly rejuvenating, filling my heart with joy.

Savannah, a coastal Georgia city, is separated from South Carolina by the Savannah River. It’s known for manicured parks, horse-drawn carriages and antebellum architecture. Its historic district is filled with cobblestoned squares and parks such as Forsyth Park shaded by oak trees covered with Spanish moss. At the center of this picturesque district is the landmark, Gothic-Revival Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist.

Chippewa Square is one of the 22 squares of Savannah, Georgia, This is the park where forest Gump sat at the bench. 

Tybee Island, a barrier island near Savannah, GA, has a rich history spanning over 400 years, characterized by its role in coastal defense, maritime trade, and tourism. Originally used by the Euchee Indians, it became a strategic location for Spanish, French, and British explorers, eventually hosting a historic lighthouse since 1736. Today, it is a popular coastal destination known for its preserved forts and beaches

Fort Pulaski National Monument is located on Cockspur Island between Savannah and Tybee Island, Georgia. It preserves Fort Pulaski, the place where the Union Army successfully tested rifled cannons in 1862, the success of which rendered brick fortifications obsolete. The fort was also used as a prisoner-of-war camp

Lieutenant Henry S. Farley, under the command of P.G.T. Beauregard, fired a 10-inch mortar shot from Fort Johnson, which exploded over Fort Sumter, serving as the signal to commence the general bombardment.

The first shots of the American Civil War were fired by Confederate forces on the Union-held Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, on April 12, 1861, at 4:30 a.m.. This initiated a 34-hour bombardment, leading to the fort's surrender and marking the official start of the armed conflict

Historic Charleston, SC

Myrtle Beach, SC

True friends are those who stick by you, no matter how much time or distance separates you, making you feel understood.

Day 924 - Great RV Repair 2026

 

Who needs a freezer repair man? Not us! When the freezer stopped, Tom jumped into action—diagnosed the problem, found the part, and got us back up and running in no time.

Day 903- Keys to Canada- St. Augustine, Florida

 

St. Augustine, Florida the oldest town in the continental US.  This cool old fort started protecting this town and waterways under the Spanish in 1565. Changing hands to the British then finally becoming part of the US in 1821. The old buildings hold a style from the 1800’s that held their beauty overtime.

St. Augustine is a city on the northeast coast of Florida. It lays claim to being the oldest city in the U.S., and is known for its Spanish colonial architecture as well as Atlantic Ocean beaches like sandy St. Augustine Beach and tranquil Crescent Beach. Anastasia State Park is a protected wildlife sanctuary. The Castillo de San Marcos is a 17th-century Spanish stone fortress with views of the St. Augustine Inlet. 

Now one of my favorite places we have visited.

The St. Augustine Light Station is a privately maintained aid to navigation and an active, working lighthouse in St. Augustine, Florida. The current lighthouse stands at the north end of Anastasia Island and was built between 1871 and 1874. This site is one of the oldest in the US.