2026, July 19, Day Trip on the Hiwassee Train Delano, TN with Backroads Tours LLC

 We rode to Athens, stopping at Cracker Barrel for breakfast. I ordered two biscuits with sausage and fried apples. Hubby ordered pancakes and fried eggs. We both ordered iced tea. 

I gave Hubby one of my biscuits and a piece of sausage.

We rode to Gabe's in Scottsboro, and everyone had loaded onto the bus except 5 more people and us.

We left Scottsboro around 10 A.M.  on bus 3006 with driver Kathy.

Our first rest stop was at Pilot in Cleveland, TN. Our bus air conditioner wasn't working, so when we got to Delano, TN, the driver dropped us off and called the bus company, which sent another bus, 3006.

We boarded the Hiwassee Train, where we were given green wristbands, a train ticket, and a snackbox. 

Snackbox contained candy, nuts, Little Debbie, hand wipes, and water. 

Our guide had purchased Premium seating for cars 4 & 5. It included a boxed lunch: ham on a croissant, lettuce, tomato, pickle, a chocolate chip cookie, and a bag of chips. We also had a cooler full of different sodas.

After the train had begun, a young conductor came calling, "Tickets, please," and he punched them.

We began our journey by eating lunch as we traveled a scenic 50-mile round-trip on the Hiwassee River Gorge Railroad. 

Outside our windows, we could see people tubing, canoeing, and kayaking as we traveled through the forest up the mountain slopes. We crossed the famous Hiwassee Loop at Delano and Forner. We stopped at the top and began our trip back.

We rode past the TVA Apalachi Powerhouse, which comprises two generators and generated 103.8 GWh during Sep-Dec. It is located in Polk County, TN. During the day, people can enjoy fishing, tubing, kayaking, and canoeing, but at night, the generators are turned off, so the river becomes a creek.

Apalachia Facts:

https://www.tva.com/energy/our-power-system/hydroelectric/apalachia

Everyone swapped sides so the people on the right could sit on the left to see the Hiwassee River.

I walked through the train, stopping to visit other passengers. The trip took 4 1/2 hours. We loaded onto our new bus and began our journey to Scottsboro.

On our way home, we stopped at Krystal in Scottsboro, where I ordered 3 double Krystals, fries, and Cokes.

We arrived home around 10 P.M. Another wonderful trip with friends. 

The Louisville & Nashville train car with the words " Memory of PW Jones" in the Blue Car and the Chesapeake and Ohio on the Gray Car. 

2024 Christmas Journal Activies

 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 

To all my friends and family

Hope this year brought you lots of health and happiness. 

Just a recap of our adventures this year. 

In January, we took our first cruise on the NCL Cruise Ship from New Orleans, where we visited Cozumel, Roatan Bay Island, Honduras, Harvest Caye, Belize, and Costa Maya, Mexico. 

In February, we took a cruise on Carnival Spirit from New Orleans to Cozumel and Progresso, Mexico.

In April, we did several Walking Tours: the Huntsville Walking Tour, the Walking Tour of Courtland, and the Museum Tour. 

We also attended our great-grandson's T-Ball game. 

I took Ava to several museums and bought a new computer.

In May, we went to the Cullman and Moulton Strawberry Festivals. 

We went to Atlas Tee-Ball Games.

We took Ava to several museums, including the Space and Rocket Center, the Train Depot, and the Muscle Shoals Municipal Art Display.

Attended Ava's School Program.

Went to a baby shower.

Attended the Front Porch Story Telling Festival.

Hubby and I took our third cruise to Alaska on the Norwegian Encore in June. 

We flew into the State of Washington, boarding the NCL Cruise Ship for seven days.

We visited Juno, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, and Victoria, BC.

We attended Atlas's fourth birthday Party and Hazel's third birthday party. 

At the end of June, we took a seven-day bus trip with Diamonds in the Rough to Niagara Falls, Canada. 

In July, we took several day trips with AVA: to Pulaski and Lynville, TN (to see the train depot), and Corinth, MS (including the Corinth Museum & Depot, Welcome Center, Civil War Museum, and Coke Museum). We ate lunch at the old Borrums Drug Store. 

We also took AVA to the Jesse Owens and Oakville Indian Mount Museums. 

My Husband and I rode to Granville, TN, to tour several museums dedicated to Andy Griffith and Lucille Ball. 

In August,  we took AVA to the Savannah Museum, then to the Battle of Shiloh and Museum; from there, we rode to Iuka, MS.

We attended the Killen's Founder's Day in Killen Park. 

We rode to Lutts, TN, to see the sunflowers and zinnia fields. 

We took a bus trip with Diamonds in the Rough to South Dakota at the end of August.

We visited Mount Rushmore, the Journey Museum, Wall Drugs, the Corn Palace, the High Plains Heritage Center, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and the World War II Museum in South Dakota. 

We toured Deadwood and the Black Hills.

We took a train trip from Chattanooga to Chickamauga, Ga, in September. 

In October, we attended the Oktoberfest Festival in Cullman and St Florine.

We participated in the Banana Pudding Festival in Centerville, TN. 

We did our fourth cruise on NCL Gem out of Quebec.

We flew into Montreal, and the next day, we took a three 1/2-hour bus ride to Quebec, where we boarded the NCL Gem for a seven-day cruise. 

We visited Prince Edward Island, Sydney, Nova Scotia; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Bar Harbor, Maine; and Portland, Maine. We took a bus from Portland to Conway, New Hampshire, to ride the train. 

We flew home from Boston, Massachusetts. 

We took AVA to the Renaissance Faire, the Fall Festival, and the Trunk-or-Treat event at Shiloh Church of Christ.

In November, my friend and I rode the AM Track Train from Tuscaloosa, AL, to New Orleans.

We took the trolley to Audubon Park and the WWII Museum in New Orleans.

We took a taxi to the Cruise Terminal and boarded the Carnival Liberty for a seven-day cruise. (This was my fifth cruise this year.) 

We visited Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel. 

We rode the AM Track Train back to Tuscaloosa, where Hubby picked us up.

Hubby and I rode to Decatur the next day and bought a new car. (A Hyundai Sonata Hybrid)

That Friday, I woke up with Bronchitis, but did not go to the doctor until Monday.

She gave me a Steroid shot and several bottles of Medicine. 

I went back to the doctor a week later, still coughing, and got another shot and another round of Medicine. 

We celebrated Thanksgiving with family at our house, and everyone had a great time.

In December, I attended a Christmas party with new and old friends at Zoey Bells, and my Hubby and I attended Haynes's fifth Birthday party at the Launch Pad. 

I attended our CBS Christmas Party at the Church. 

Attended our Wednesday Night Zoom Bible Class on December 13. 

My daughter and her Husband are coming home for a week for Christmas, and we will celebrate Christmas with the whole family.

And on New Year's Eve, I will be celebrating with my sisters.

Another year has come and gone. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my friends and family

2024 Nov 8-17 Carnival Liberty Crusie Trip (7 Cruise Days)(Train Ride) & (New Orleans) Montego Bay, Jamaica, Cozumel, Grand Cayman Islands, 3 Sea Days

AM-Train traveling from Tuscaloosa, AL, to New Orleans, LA. 

 Day 1: Friday, November 8, AM-Track ride from Tuscaloosa to New Orleans 

Hubby took me to Wanda's. 

Buck took us to Tuscaloosa. 

We ate lunch at Moe's Original BBQ in Tuscaloosa.

I ordered a BBQ sandwich with chips and a Diet Coke and spent $13.20

He took us to the depot and dropped us off. 

He headed back home while we waited for the train. 

It arrived around 2:22 P.M.

We rode the AM track and arrived in New Orleans around 9 P.M.

Two cars were full of Atlanta football fans heading to the New Orleans game on Sunday. 

We arrived at the depot, disembarked from the train, and had to wait for our luggage. 

I bought a Diet Coke and finished my BBQ and chips on the train. 

We sat in someone else's seats when we boarded the train, so we had to move to another one. 

We had to sit in different seats, not next to one another. 

I sat next to Bernard. 

He was going to visit his daughter in New Orleans. 

We talked for hours. 

The train stopped in Laurel, MS.

A family got off, so we got their seats and rode the rest of the way to New Orleans. 

We took a taxi from the depot to our hotel, which cost $25 in cash.

Hotel Blue Green Club LA.

Pension 115 Decatur Street, New Orleans, room 413.

We stayed in the French Quarter. 

Audubon New Orleans 

World War II Museum

Day 2: Saturday, November 8, New Orleans 

We ate a Chocolate Beignet for breakfast. 

We took the trolley to Audubon Park on St Charles Street.

We walked around, taking in the sights of all the birds and flowers. 

We saw tricolor Herons, American White Ibis, Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, and some Mallards. 

We boarded the trolley again and rode to the World War II Museum, spending $33.42.

We ate lunch at the Soda Shop.

I ordered chicken, sausage gumbo, and orange mango water for $14.04.

The all-day trolley was $1.

We took the trolley back to Canal Street and then walked to Decatur Street. 

It began to rain, so we stayed at the hotel.

Later, we walked to Willie's to buy some chicken fingers and fries. 

Spent $20.

We returned our food to the hotel and didn't leave until the next day.

I watched some TV and went to bed early.

The chicken upset my tummy, and I had gas all night. 

I took a pill and was somewhat better the next day.

Breakfast Omelet and French Toast 

Cruise Director with Cat n Hat, Thing One, and Thing Two 

Day 3: Sunday, November 10: Boarding the Carnival Liberty Cruise Ship to Sail from November 10-17.

Today it rained. 

We called a taxi, and he came at 9:30 A.M.

We checked out of our hotel. 

Rode to the port. 

Boarded the Carnival Library. 

Went to the muster station D. 

Then we ate lunch. 

I ate Mongolian shrimp chicken, 

Peas, mushrooms, cabbage, and noodles.

I ate a bowl of vanilla yogurt with a couple of cake slices; one tasted like cheesecake, and the other had chocolate and peanut butter. 

We went to Deck 3 to wait until the room, specifically room 2314, was ready.

Went to our room at 1:30.

Came back to deck 4 for the sailaway party. 

It was raining, so everyone stayed inside or under the covering outside. 

We ate dinner in the dining room. 

I ordered Cornish hen with potatoes, carrots, and something crunchy 

Ice water and cheesecake for dessert. 

Bought a pink Lanyard. 

Went to bed early because we were both exhausted. 

Day 4: Monday, November 11, Sea Day

Today, Monday, is Veterans Day. 

We went to the lido deck. 

Got a glass of juice and a pastry.

We walked around on the inside of Deck 5 because the outside areas were closed due to the wind. 

We sat for a few minutes on deck 5 indoors. 

We ate sea day brunch in the Silver Dining Room. 

Many people were waiting to dine.

I ordered an omelet and French toast, accompanied by cranberry juice.

We made a beaded necklace on deck 3.

We went to the Venetian Palace for the Fun Ashore giveaway 

Of course, we didn't win anything. 

We walked around on deck 10, looking for a nice, quiet spot. 

Walked down to deck 9 for some yogurt. 

Now, sitting on deck 10.

Went back to cabin 2314, walking down the eight floors of steps. 

Washed out a couple of tops. 

Tea time was from 3:00 to 4:00 in the Silver Dining Room. 

We were served hot tea, a couple of tiny pastries, and smoked salmon on tiny biscuits.

Dinner in the Silver Dining Room.

I ordered linguini Alfredo with mushrooms, Parmesan cheese, and grilled chicken.

Grilled Jumbo shrimp with fish cake,

Cauliflower, roasted Broccoli, and mashed peas.

Dessert: chocolate malt cake with vanilla ice cream.

We went to the photo area, where I got a gold Carnival pen.

We watched the show Flick.

The singing was good, but the show was a darkened performance.

After the show, we went to bed.

Day 5: Tuesday, November 12, Sea Day

I woke up early, dressed, and headed to Deck 9, also known as the Lido Deck.

I got some pastries and juice and found a window seat. There, I sat, working on this journal.

It is a beautiful day. The beginning of our cruise was questionable. 

The wind from the hurricane was near.

I ate breakfast on deck 9.

French toast and chocolate milk. 

Played Tavria on deck 3. 

We sat on the inside deck of deck 3 and talked to two couples from Mobile.

For lunch, we had a Guy's Burger and fries, accompanied by ice cream and cookies.s 

Booked two excursions to Rose Hall Great House and shopping 

Manteo Bay, Jamaica $59.99.

Amazing Turtle and Wildlife Adventure in Grand Caymans: $64.99.

Played games on deck 3.

Bought a bag for $12 and a bracelet for $10-$22.

Walked on decks 10 and 4.

Played games on deck 3.

Dinner in the Silver Dining Room. 

I ordered fish and shrimp cake with pork chops, gravy, and green beans. 

Key lime pie.

Went to a comedy show. 

I went to bed early. 

Set next to a couple from Indiana. 

We talked for a long time. 

Montego Bay

Day 6: Wednesday, November 13, Montego Bay, Jamaica 

I ate a pastry and chocolate milk. 

We disembarked around 8:30 A.M. 

Loaded onto bus # 1. 

Our tour guide was fascinating. 

We were given the history of the Great Rose Hall House upon our arrival. 

The most interesting part was about the White Witch, Rose. 

We walked through the two stories of the house, then down to the basement, also known as the dungeon. 

We were given refreshments. 

Then, loaded back onto the bus.

We stopped for some shopping. 

I rode through downtown, then back to the ship.

Loaded back onto the ship.

I dropped off my bag, which contained my camera. 

Went to Deck 9 for some Magnolia stir-fry.

Then, I made carrot and coconut cake with chocolate and strawberry yogurt. 

I took a few pictures, and then it started raining.

I came back to our cabin and worked on this journal. 

For dinner, I ate Steak with potatoes and Broccoli. For dessert, I ate Banana Cream Pie. 

Amazing Turtle and Wildlife Center 

Day 7: Wednesday, November 14, the Grand Cayman Islands

I got up early and took a few pictures of the hopefully sunrise. 

I ate pastries and juice for breakfast. 

Got ready for the shore excursion. 

We had to take a water shuttle to shore.

It poured rain on our trip over and at the port; needless to say, I got wet.

I loaded onto the bus and headed to see the Amazing Turtles and Wildlife Adventure. There was a busload of us. Bus one, Boss.

On bus 2, they were getting a meal and snorkeling. 

We were given the turtle's history. 

There were several large tanks filled with breaded turtles. 

We got to pet the small turtle after we washed our hands with soap and water. 

Several people got inside the water to pet the smaller turtles.

I walked through the aviary and saw a few birds. 

The butterfly house was closed. 

I saw at least three sharks swimming with the turtles and larger fish.

Walked around the area at least two times.

I ate a bowl of Macaroni and cheese and drank a Diet Pepsi at the park.

I didn't see anything else on the menu that was not greasy. 

I walked through the gift shop but didn't buy anything. 

I walked across the highway to the dolphin area.

I walked to the wall of the Caribbean Sea.

Headed back to the ship at 12:30.

I took a shower and rested. 

I ate some yogurt and cake.

I worked on this journal and coded my pictures. 

For dinner, I ordered 

Spinach salad, lobster tails, creamed potatoes, and crème brûlée. 

Went to a show. 

It's Be: er O'Clock at Amicos Cozumel 

Day 9: Thursday, November 15, Cozumel, Mexico 

Breakfast pastries and juice.

Lunch was at Mr. Sancha's, Featuring Coconut shrimp, chips, cheese dip, Diet Coke, and three additional drinks.

We sat under an umbrella and rested.

We saw a couple of macaws. 

An iguana and several prominent blackbirds. 

We took several pictures in Cozumel. 

For dinner, I ordered stuffed mushrooms and Mississippi catfish.

Mac & cheese, greens. 

Chocolate melt cake with ice cream. 

I went to bed early. 

My stomach was not happy all night. 

The light on my Fitbit stopped working, and it will not turn on, but the stats still appear on my cell phone. 

While I was on the beach, a young man approached me. He was selling a bracelet. 

I was busy on my phone, and he scared me.

He apologized several times. 

A young woman approached us and asked if we were friends and how long we had known each other.

I told her we met several years ago in a writing class and had been friends since.

She said she had a childhood friend who had cancer and hoped she lived a long life, and they could do things together like us.

Went to a show.

Cat n Hat 

Green Eggs and Ham 

Day 9: Saturday, November 16, Sea Day

Breakfast with the Cat &The Hat is at 9:30 A.M. in the Golden Dining Room.

I went to the Lido deck, got some juice, and wrote in this journal. 

We were going out on deck 3, but it was too windy, so we returned to our cabin to wait for our meal, which included green eggs and ham, served with a cat and a hat.

No lunch. 

We went to the VIP show at 5. Tried to drink a Marigretta. 

I ate Caesar salad and brisket for dinner and Baked Alaska for dessert. 

No show tonight. 

Day 10: Sunday, November 17, Docking and Traveling Home

We were up early, finished our packing, and headed to the Lido deck for breakfast.

I got a couple of pastries and some juice. We went to the Theater with other VIP members to wait to disembark.

We disembarked around 7:30 A.M., called our taxi driver, and waited for him to arrive. He took us to the AM-Track Train Station.

We checked in and waited for our train to arrive. I bought a Diet Coke and some chips. We were due to leave around 9:15.

We were called by our destination; first was Birmingham, with a large number of people, and next was Tuscaloosa. 

The other destinations were Laurel, Meridian, and  Hattiesburg. 

We sat in seats 7 & 8. I sat next to the window so I could take pictures.

We traveled from 9:15 to 3:30 P.M.

Hubby picked us up after we got our luggage.

We stopped at Jack's just outside of Tuscaloosa. We all got the special. 

Chicken fingers, fries, fried Coke, and apple pie.

We saw a beautiful moon in the sky as we traveled home. 

It was dark when we dropped off Wanda. 

Finally, we arrived home and took my luggage inside.

Took a shower and went to bed. Everything else can wait until morning. 

Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge, New Orleans