See the USA with the AVA July 2011

[David (N. Alabama)]

I decided to really exercise my GPS on this ride home from the Gulf Coast. I programmed in 40 Historic Markers and then let the GPS find the best route between them and home. The route worked out to 440 miles with only about 30 miles total on the interstate. I had to wake up early to get this ride done. I knew this was going to be an interesting day.

Sunrise from my hotel room.


The first 3 hours of my ride were in light but steady rain. I wore all of my rain gear so I was glad that it was in the low 70s when I started out.
Within a few miles my GPS started flaking out and losing the power connection. I would jiggle the wires and get it back for a time but eventually I was on battery only and I knew it wouldn't make the trip. I had spent at least an hour programming the waypoints into the GPS so I was not very happy. I am so glad the GPS also has a mini-USB connection. I pulled into a Dollar General Store and $10 later I had power back to the GPS. Crisis averted.

My first stop was the historic district of Prattville, AL. Daniel Pratt settled here in the 1800s and built Cotton Gins that he sold around the globe. His factory was powered with the waters of a fast moving stream.




Heritage Park overlooks the Dam and factory area.

This Historic cottage turned museum was downtown as well


The bike is parked on what was once a road made from planks that is across the water from the historic downtown area.

[David (N. Alabama)]

Of course the GPS did guide me down some nice dirt roads. I'm glad the rain had not reached this section of the state that day.


This school was built in the 1930s in a spanish style. It was one of 35 southern schools chosen to develop new educational methods


This is about as big of a town that I like to travel through during my rides. Typical small city in Alabama.


I took a shortcut through Oak Mountain State park on my way north. If you are ever travelling down I-65 Oak Mountain is just south of Birmingham, AL. It is a beautiful park.


School built in 1915 along the Ashville - Montevello Hwy.

[David (N. Alabama)]

Historic Farmhouse along the Ashville - Montevallo Hwy


A park in Leeds established to honor our troops.






Another Historic home / museum along the Ashville - Montevallo Hwy.

[David (N. Alabama)]

There are a lot of ridges and hollows around the birmingham area which makes for some very interesting riding. This farmer sure does have a nice view.


Gabriel Hanby Homesite. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention or 1819


The sign above pointed in this direction and I just couldn't pass up a historic gas station.


The last time this station was active fuel was 75 cents.

[David (N. Alabama)]

The next stop on my trip was the historic district of Cullman, AL. There are many historic landmarks in Cullman. Or at least there were. Cullman was in the path of one of the tornados during the April 27, 2011 outbreak that devastated a lot of Alabama.
Here is the oldest home in Cullman. Not too much damage here.


This historic church did not fare so well.




Only the trees in front of this historic church were damaged.



Looking back towards the path of the tornado from this church.

[David (N. Alabama)]

Definitely having a hard time finding the Historic Markers since they were no longer there. The GPS would route me to the coordinates and then I would circle around trying to locate the marker only to realize that it was no longer there.




I didn't see any damage at the Ave Maria Grotto, but I did read that there was some on the property.




There were supposed to be 3 historic landmarks at this location.



It is always sad to see the damage wrought by tornados, but expecially sad to see our history wiped off the face of the earth.

This churched faired well compared to many of the other locations in Cullman.

[David (N. Alabama)]

I wanted to finish this up with a couple of photos of an unspoiled area of Cullman. I love the flag and what it stands for and love to see communities displaying it proudly.



The historic train depot.

[jre258 in SoDak]

David, thanks for the pictures. Someday, I would like to get out of South Dakota and see a little more of what other states have to offer in scenery.
Jim