Chattanooga, TN June 16-27, 2013

Chattanooga.  It’s been a song, a name, a mystery for many years.  And here we are!  Whodathunkit?

We stayed in Chattanooga for 12 days. Lucky for you, I just deleted a 5- paragraph rant about why.  Suffice it to say that we expect to pick up a new, unbroken, fully operational Lehr 9.9 HP propane motor when we return to Chattanooga on the ‘downbound’ leg of the Tennessee River tour next week.

One of the first great things that occurred  here was that we discovered, and were able to make arrangements with Mike, owner of a fabulous boat cleaning company.  Mike’s team of cleaners came and spent a day removing YOUNG AMERICA’s moustache and grimy stripes and taking lock residue off the fenders. 

3 waxers.  Wax on, Wax off!

They were followed by 3 waxers who spent two days returning her coat to a glistening like-new look!  Happiness!

Chattanooga is an interesting city and has done--and is doing-- a lot to make the waterfront appealing to folks.  The Tennessee Aquarium (we may get inside on our return trip) anchors the waterfront, and restaurants, craft shops and museums abound.   Architecturally, there are very few pre Civil War (antebellum) homes, as they were nearly all destroyed in the fierce fighting that took place here.  Lookout Mountain, the tallest peak in the area, was the scene of one such bloody battle. 

It's roughly a mile up the incline

An incline railway took us to the top of the mountain, where a short walk through ‘town’ brought us to the battleground diorama. 

Missionary Ridge to the left of Lookout mountain

The battle of nearby Chickamauga Creek was a muddy, bloody event, second only to Gettysburg in number of casualties.   Unlike Gettysburg, the hard fought battle resulted in a Confederate victory.  (Two months later, the Union forces soundly defeated the Rebels in the Battle of Chattanooga, and then joined Sherman’s forces to advance across Alabama to Atlanta, Georgia, and complete the famous march to the sea.)

There ARE two guys up there!

Further along atop Lookout Mountain we found the only known monument that has both a Union and Rebel soldier---they are shaking hands.   We were pleased to see that the monument was donated by New Yorkers.

In a rental car, we drove to the top of the mountain and spent a day wandering around Rock City.   Using the same advertising method as the Wall Drug in South Dakota, signs are posted from Michigan to Florida suggesting that you “See Rock City”.  

The 'Enchanted Trail' wends its way around natural rock formations, with appropriate names such as “Needles Eye” and “Fat Man Squeeze” that only Mother Nature could have created.  The man-made Swing-a-Long Bridge evoked 

memories of Harrison Ford and Indiana Jones!   At the lookout site, we’re told that seven states  (AL, GA, KY, NC, SC, VA, and of course, TN) , are visible. 

As the black lines provided by maps were not available, we’ll simply say it is so.   Rock City was the product of dedication by Garnet and Frieda Carter, who built a house on the promentary, and then devoted their lives to embellishing and sharing the magnificent wonders and vistas there.

Barn sign used to advertise Rock City

That's Fred in the little tow truck

Near the foot of the incline railway, we spent several hours at the National Towing Museum.  What fun to see the evolution of and variety of uses for tow trucks and equipment.  Who knew there were races?  130 mph in a tow truck???   Our local guy, Mickey Biggs, who has been the go-to tow company (oops—they would be the ‘we’ll come to you’ company) in Newburgh for years, was proudly represented.  Nice.

The Choo Choo

Pardon me, boys, is that the Chattanooga Choo-Choo?  Track 29! It sure is!  And a fun spot to visit.   Could actually be a good place for a meeting or family reunion as the Railway Station is a hotel. 

Lobby of the Station

The multi-arch building design is open, airy, interesting and delightful.  Guest rooms can be found either in the Station, or in the rail cars outside on the track.  Neat.

Ladies Room in the Station

On the weekend, we went to the Chattanooga UU service.  The minister was away at the denomination’s General Assembly meeting in Louisville, KY, so there was a lay speaker.  His discussion of Christianity, Atheism and associated behaviors was very thought provoking……From there we went to the Market. 

If there's I.C. We'll find it!

Lots of crafts, fresh food and, a special bonus, homemade ice cream!

As soon as our outboard motor (broken case, but the motor goes putt-putt) was back aboard Chucky, we headed up the River once more. 

Next post:  Knoxville.

Until then, be well, and remember to breathe.....